2013 November & December Haul + Back-To-School Haul

2013 is bidding it's goodbye in a few days time and 2014 is coming to a beginning, I have to show my last shopping haul of the month year~

As the title goes... "2013 November & December Haul + Back-To-School Haul"~ I will just post all the stuff I got during both of the months without according to when I bought them. Without further ado, let's get started~

Let's start with "Back-To-School Haul" first~~:

School supplies/essentials~! From Popular Bookstore.

10 pockets red clear files, an opaque slip-in file folder, Scream City ring-binder notebook and notepad, Post-it notes (orange and yellow), Uni Promark View Highlighters (yellow), Pental Correction Tape and Correction Pen and lastly, 5 Uni Colored Pens.

These are the stuff(brands and model) I have been using over the years. I never really switch to other brands unless certain model is discontinued. That being said, I will definitely get back the same thing(probably different color) when I need to get a new one. Anyway, the highlighters I have gotten are something new to me. I have been using the Uni Propus Window highlighter for years but I can't find it in Popular Bookstore anymore so I bought it in another version. Here's a quick peek on the Uni Propus Highlighter:

(Picture credit: www.mymaido.com )

This is the one I have been using over the years. It is a double-sided highlighter — wide tip on one end and a fine tip on the other. What's so special about this highlighter is that it has a little window built into the wide tip which allows you to see what and where you are highlighting.

The version I have gotten this time is also from the brand 'Uni' and it works the same:

(Picture credit: www.infmetry.com)

It's called the Uni Promark View highlighter. It is a one-sided highlighter and it comes with a wider window tip. The difference between this and the Uni Propus is that this is much thicker(something I dislike about...). Instead of the pen-like shape like the Uni Propus, this has a thicker body(= a thicker grip) and also has a thicker tip. With that said, I still prefer the Uni Propus. Perhaps I need to try searching at other stores... :x

Another school item I need to rave about is...

the Uni.ball Signo DX pen in 0.38! (Gel-ink pen)

My Uni.ball Signo DX pens collection~!

I have been using these pens for almost 10 years now and I'm still loving them! The pens write smoothly and have a comfortable grip. I love using them to do notes and mind maps~ They make my work look more interesting~

They come in a variety of colors and this time, I only got 4 new colors(minus the navy blue). FYI, I do not own all the colors from the line... There are a few more colors I did not get yet. Not sure if I will get it in the future though... But anyway, the blue and black ones come in separate refill pack. So usually when I finished my ink I will get the refill pack. But this time I got the blue one as well because I dropped mine on the floor and it got a crack on the case. :(

One of the most important things that should not be left out are SCHOOL BAGS! I got two backpacks in different sizes and design — One for 'laptop-days', another one for 'non-laptop days'.

Big backpack

Small backpack

The big backpack is big enough to fit in my 15-inch Macbook Pro so during those days when I need to bring my laptop to school, I will just carry the big backpack and the smaller one I planned to carry it during "no-laptop" days. Days where I only need to bring textbooks... Got both in Navy Blue because Navy Blue is easier to match outfit and the color is not as stiff as black~ And also, for days where I don't have to bring many stuff to school, I will carry handbag/shoulder bag instead.

Moving on...

SGD$145 worth of clothes and pants~ From Taiwan.

These are my back-to-school outfits~ Picked up a lot of sweatshirts, hoodies and checkered blouses. They are good in keeping warm during cold weather or in cold environment. FYI, I don't really well dress up(like a fashionista) for school. In fact, I love wearing simple and casual outfit, such as a simple tee with a pair of jeans/shorts and with a pair of converse sneaker/flats to school. I do wear formal outfit when there's presentation/events going on though. But for most of the time, I wear really simple(dress down) outfits~

On the other hand, I also got a dress for next year's Chinese New Year~(from Taiwan as well..) Too early?...lolol... Actually, I am ready for Chinese New Year (like what outfit to wear, what bag to carry etc. )~ I know I'm a bit 'KIASU'... LOLOL. HAHAHA. I don't like last minute shopping neither do I like to shop with a crowd of people. With that said, I always get well-prepared supeeeeer early before events occur. So if you followed my Twitter, you probably saw the dress. lol. Here's the picture:

So, this is one of my CNY outfits next year~

I worn it out on Christmas eve this year.

So it's not a "new" dress/outfit for CNY anymore but well, who cares... 

A black studded shoes from one of the shoes' shop in Bugis Street.
Got it for SGD$15.

Close-up shot.

Omg, I absolutely love the spike cone studs! Look at how sharp they are!!
Can be use as a weapon FYI~ Like durian huh!? HAHAHAHAHAA~!
I got 'poke/stung' a few times and it does hurts like hell! 

Got another pair of shoes from some online shop; A pair of wedges.

I love the hot pink trim around the shoes!

The last Back-To-School item I got is...:

2014 PLANNER from Korea.

This can't be left out too! It's good to have a planner to keep things organized. I know nowadays Iphone/Android have many kinds of planner app so it's 'lighter' and more convenient than a book. But I still prefer to use handwrite tho...... :)

So next..., "November & December Haul .aka. Misc Haul", things I bought that are not related to school stuff...

2 boxes of Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner

10 pieces of Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet

I ran out of mine so I did a stock up :)

Nail glitter nail art polish in "Gold" and "Silver" and...

Elizavecca nail polish in "Color of Drops"

Hello Kitty Ez-link cards!!

I did not collect all the designs cause it's too expensive. :(

Gonna get one more design tho..! ↓

Available from 30th Dec 2013.

Am waiting for 30th Dec which is tomorrow~ :x

Hello Kitty cups!

Ran out of chocolates in the fridge so did a stock up as well~

Got a mirror from IKEA

and also got a Travalo Perfume Spray bottle. It was on sale~ XD

My new swivel chair(from IKEA) for my bedroom!

Absolutely love the print!

Lastly, I bought many storage boxes from IKEA, for my bedroom too. I received a storage bed frame this Christmas so I got some storage boxes from IKEA to keep my things neatly organized under the bed. Anyway, no pictures yet... Will post the pictures up when my bed frame arrived(a bedroom tour~...maybe...?). The company delivery schedule are fully booked till 15th Jan 2014 so I have to wait till next year 15th Jan to receive my new bed frame... :(

That's all for my haul. Hope you guys enjoyed it.

I'm not going to be online for the next couple of days because I will be very busy doing year end cleaning and also to get ready for school. I start school on 2nd Jan 2014. Supposed to start school on 7th October 2013 but well, I missed the registration so... hahahah...

Anyway, I hereby wish everyone a Happy New Year, in advance!

May each and everyone of you have a great start of the new year ahead! :D

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion (150ml) [Re-updated]

Description(from the box): Formulated with Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress, AC Clinic delivers trouble care. Skin lotion maintains oil and moisture balance to supply trouble care and prevention. Non-comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested.

Directions(from the box): Apply the lotion on skin from the center of the face to the outside, after using toner.

It comes in a sturdy glass bottle with a twist-off plastic cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil.

It gets absorbed into the skin after a few minutes of application.

Consistency & Color:
The lotion is in opaque white color but when applies on skin, it becomes colorless(as seen in picture above). The texture is quite light and kind of runny. Once the lotion got fully absorbed into the skin, it does not leave a very sticky layer or greasiness.

Scent:
Just like other products from the AC Clinic line, it has a medicated/herby scent but to me, it's not overpowering. I love the scent though~

Oil-Control:

It does not seems to control oil because my skin still gets as oily as it would normally gets... However, this does not bothers me because I do like how this AC Clinic Gel Lotion helps to soothe and calm my pimples while at the same time giving enough moisture to my skin.

Moisture Test:

Before applying the gel lotion, my skin moisture level is 32.1%.

After applying the gel lotion, my skin moisture level increases to 62.7%.

*PS: I didn't take a picture of the measurement taken after 10 minutes because my camera ran out of battery lol*

Moisture gained before and after applying the toner is 30.6%.

Comparing the result taken before and after applying the gel lotion

I concluded that this gel lotion is pretty moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of the gel lotion(moisturizer), without prior application of a toner**

Likes:
- non-comedogenic

- contains salicylic acid
- soothe and calm troubled skin

- gets absorbed into the skin without leaving a very sticky layer

- moisturizes the skin

- not drying

- not greasy

- does not aggravate pimples

- does not cause breakout or irritation

- prevents future breakouts

Dislikes:
- does not seems to control oil

Verdict: It is a lotion formulated with acne-fighting ingredients, such as Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress, which helps to deal with acne. In my opinion, this gel lotion does not seems to control oil. However, it does helps to soothe and calm troubled skin without causing any irritation or overly drying problem. It leaves the skin feeling moisturized and it helps to prevent future breakouts. It's also non-comedogenic which is great for acne-prone skin.

Though back then, I find this gel lotion not giving enough moisture to my skin, I don't think that's a problem to me now. Right now, it works perfectly for my skin and I'm loving it! Like other AC Clinic products I have raved and reviewed, this is one of my holy grail skincare product! You can read "My Acne Story" page to know why. I can't stress how much I love the AC Clinic line. Their products had helped to deal with my horrible acne and I'm glad I found them! After trying a bunch of products and wasted hundreds of money, I'm really glad to found products that really work for my skin~! :)

This gel lotion would be a good choice for people who are having trouble with acne/pimples. People who have trouble with acne/pimples, you might want to give this gel lotion and/or other AC Clinic line's products a shot! :)

New Layout, New Look for the coming New Year!

So as the title goes... "NEW LAYOUT, NEW LOOK..."! ...
I revamped this blog with a much simple layout~

It's been 2 years since I last changed the blog layout. And as you readers know, Year 2013 is ending sooooooon(in about 3+ weeks) therefore, I decided to redesign and change the layout. A new look and feel for the coming New Year~ :)

Previous layout

Well, I spent less than 24 hours designing and creating the layout(header/banner and such...) and unlike previous layout ↑, colorful(scrapbook inspired design), this time, I decided to keep it simple by using only white, grey and black.

Since I am very eager to change my blog layout, I changed it earlier than I had planned. lol. so yeahh.., I hope you guys like this new look. :D

xoxo,
Ashley.

Review: The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Green Tea)

The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Green Tea) (20g)

Description: The air pockets within the sheet contain handful of nutritional essence, providing natural moisture and nourishment to skin.

*Green Tea: A hydrating & energizing mask sheet containing green tea extract to fill dry skin with refreshing and hydrating moisture.

Directions: Wash face and apply toner. Pull out the mask and carefully place it on the face. Remove after 10~12 minutes and tap lightly to absorb the remaining essence into the skin.

Mask sheet well soaked with essence~

This is how the mask looks like...

*thanks dad for helping me to hold the mask :P*

This is the amount of excess essence being poured out from the pack.

The essence gets absorbed within 10 minutes and it does leaves a sticky feel on the skin.

Consistency & Color:

Watery, serum-like and colorless.

Scent:

Err...I don't know how to describe the scent of this mask. It doesn't smells like Green Tea at all. To me, it's like the same as the Real Nature Mung Bean Mask(Review: link), this also has a scent like a wet tissue, not too strong or overpowering. It's quite pleasant but it's not refreshing though...

Moisture Test:

Before applying the essence, my skin moisture level measures 31.7%.

After applying the essence, my skin moisture level measure 53.0%.

After 10 minutes later(essence got absorbed), I took the measurement again, it dropped to 52.6%.

Moisture gained before and after applying the essence is 21.3%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes of application is only 0.4%.

which I concluded that this mask is quite moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of a mask, without prior application of a toner.**

With application of a toner and a moisturizer, I believe the skin will be perfectly hydrated!

Likes:

- moisturizes the skin

- gentle on the skin; suits sensitive skin
- calming and soothing effect

- leaves the skin feeling energized, hydrated, soft and smooth

- does not cause breakout or irritation

- mask well soaked with essence

- contains a handful of excess essence

Dislikes:

- leaves skin feeling sticky to the touch -.-

Verdict: This mask suits all skin type including sensitive skin. It leaves the skin feeling energized, hydrated, soft and smooth(and sticky -.-) to the touch. In my opinion, I think this mask is a very gentle sheet mask that well hydrates the skin. If you have inflamed acne, this mask does temporary soothe the redness of the acne however, it does not really heals and treats them.

People who have acne, I would recommend you the Etude House AC Clinic Sheet Mask(Review: link) instead of this. Etude House AC Clinic Sheet Mask does a better job in treating and healing acne. But if you are looking for a basic mask that hydrates the skin I'd say, give this mask a try~ :)

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner (150ml)

Description(from the box): Formulated with Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress. AC Clinic delivers trouble care. Skin toner removes pore clogging residues. Non-Comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested.

Directions(from the box): Dispense toner onto cotton pad and use pad to wipe all areas of the face after washing your face.

It comes in a sturdy glass bottle with a twist-off plastic cap.

The opening is perfectly sealed with a foil and this is how the opening looks like after peeling off the foil.

How to use?

After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad or cotton ball and gently swipe it all over the face.

*For illustration purposes,

I pour the toner directly on the back of my hand instead of a cotton pad or cotton ball.*

It gets absorbed into the skin after a few minutes of application.

Consistency & Color:
The toner is colorless and it's texture is light and watery. It gets absorbed without leaving a very sticky layer(as seen from the picture above).

Scent:
Just like other products from the AC Clinic line, it has a medicated/herby scent but it's not overpowering. I love the scent though~

Oil-Control:
Not very effective in controlling oil... Etude House Skin mal:gem toner(Fresh) does a better job in oil control. However, this does not bothers me because I do like how this AC Clinic toner helps to soothe and calm down my pimples. After all, it contains acne-fighting ingredients, salicylic acid and hinoki cypress, which is better for acne-prone skin/troubled skin.

Moisture Test:

Before applying the toner, my skin moisture level is 30.7%.

After applying the toner, my skin moisture level increases to 57.0%.

10 minutes later, I took the measurement again, it dropped to 50.5%.

Moisture gain before and after applying the toner is 26.3%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes of application is 6.5%.
Quite a lot though... 

But comparing the result taken before applying the toner and taken after 10 minutes,
I concluded that this toner is still pretty moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of a toner.**

With application of a moisturizer, I believe the skin will be perfectly moisturized!

Likes:
- non-comedogenic
- contains salicylic acid
- leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and cooling
- cleanses pores/remove pore clogging residues
- gets absorbed into the skin without leaving a very sticky layer
- moisturizes
- not drying
- not greasy
- does not aggravate pimples
- does not cause breakout or irritation

Dislikes:
- does not tighten pores

Verdict: In my opinion, this toner is not very effective in oil control and also, it does not tighten the pores. However, it does helps to soothe and calm down troubled skin without causing any irritation or overly drying problem. It cleanses the pores, leaving the skin feeling fresh and clean. Plus, it helps to prevent future breakout. It's non-comedogenic~~

Though back then, I find this toner drying, I don't find it drying for my skin now. It works perfectly for my skin and I'm loving it! Like other AC Clinic products I have raved and reviewed, this has been added to my holy grail skincare product list too! You can read "My Acne Story" page to know why. I can't stress how much I love the AC Clinic line. Their products had helped to deal with my horrible acne and I'm glad I found them! After trying a bunch of products and wasted hundreds of money, I'm really glad to found products that really work for my skin~! :)

This toner would be a good choice for people who are having trouble with acne/pimples. People who have trouble with acne/pimples, you might want to give this toner and/or other AC Clinic line's products a shot! :)