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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Review: Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner

Notice: Any email I received from 14th September 2014 and onwards, I have yet to reply... I will try to reply asap though it may take some time... Deeply apologize for the extremely late response guys! :x

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner
Description: A sebum control toner enriched with volcanic cluster and green complex, from pure jeju island, that have strong sebum absorptive power to keep skin grease-free.

Claims To Do:
- Sebum Control
- Removes impurities and sebum in pores
- Tightens up pores

[4-FREE Formula]:
- NO Paraben
- NO Artificial Colorings
- NO Mineral Oil
- NO Animal Ingredients

Directions: Soak a cotton pad with the toner and gently wipe it all over your face after washing. Make sure to shake it well before use because it contains powder (as seen in the picture below).
Before shake.

After shake.

[Usage Order] Toner - Lotion - Essence

Net Weight: 250ml

Price: 18000 (est. SGD$22) / Retail price in Innisfree SG: SGD$30.

Packaging:
The bottle of toner is packed in a rectangular paper box made of recycled materials.

The bottle itself is made of plastic and comes with an aluminum screw-off cap.

The opening of the bottle is well-sealed with a stopper and the toner can be poured out effortlessly from the small opening.

Consistency and Color:
After shaking the bottle, the toner (being poured out) remains clear even though it contained powder. It has a watery texture, neither drying nor oily, and it does not leave skin feeling sticky after absorption.

Scent:
It has a floral scent, which smells really nice. However, I find it a tad overpowering...

Oil-Control:
The oil control ability of this toner is low-average in my view. For optimum oil-control results, I advise to use together with the rest of Jeju Volcanic products.

Moisture Test:
Before the application of the toner, my skin moisture level is 32.8%.
After application of the toner, my skin moisture level increases to 44.3%.

So there was an increase in my skin moisture.
Therefore, I concluded that this toner isn't drying instead, it hydrates the skin.

Likes:
- the "recycle" concept (save the Earth!)
- not drying; moisturizing instead
- purifies and clarifies skin
- sebum control
- non-oily
- gets absorbed without leaving sticky or greasy layer
- slight cooling sensation upon application
- doesn't break me out
- doesn't irritate my skin
- the floral scent (smells nice!)
- gentle; suits all skin type

Dislikes:
- scent is a bit strong and lingering

Neutral:
- tightens and minimizes the size of pores

Verdict: Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner purifies and clarifies the skin, preventing pores from getting clogged. It leaves skin feeling refreshed without leaving a sticky and greasy layer. It also helps to control and balance the sebum production but it's not too strong that it dries up the skin. With a balanced sebum production means less clogging pores and that helps to reduce pimples occurrence.

I'm not sure if this toner helps to tighten and minimize the pores... maybe it does, but less apparent so I can't tell... But I did realize my pores were minimized after using this toner together with the rest of the Jeju Volcanic products. Therefore, if you want to achieve a significant results in pores size and oil control, I recommend to use this toner with the rest of the products from the Jeju Volcanic line. However, I wouldn't recommend to try this skin care line if you have dry skin.

I have oily and combination skin (oily T-zone, dry and normal in other areas). This Jeju Volcanic line controlled the sebum of my T-zone but it also controlled the sebum of my dry and normal areas, which made my dry and normal areas even drier. Hence, in my opinion, this skin care line works best for people with oily skin and not so much for combination/dry skin.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

[Advertorial/Sponsored] Review: Enhance Your Figure With BottomSlim!

Cellulite... Tummy Fat... Hip Fat... Thunder Thighs...
Having stubborn fat, lumps and bulges? 
Wanna get rid of them? But don't know how?
... ... ...
BottomSlim is your solution!

First and foremost, let me start with a short introduction on... What is "BottomSlim"?
BottomSlim is the pioneer in lower body slimming to effectively solves these common lower body treatments:
- Bulging Tummy
- Wide Hip
- Bulky Thighs
- Chunky Calves
- Stretch-Marks
- Cellulite
- Toxic & Water Retention
- Sagging Buttocks

BottomSlim was also the main presenter of Singapore Star Awards 2013 and 2014.


My first impression on the place:
It was a privilege to get invited to BottomSlim to try out their treatment. I was being invited to the outlet at Ngee Ann City located at Level 5, #05-18. The interior of the outlet is pretty simple and neat. There is some nice music playing softly in the background, creating a calming and relaxing ambience.
The reception area at the main entrance.

There is a seating area in front of the reception area, which I didn't take a picture of... On the right side of the reception area, there are a few consultation rooms and I only captured the room I was assigned to for my consultation.

After walking through the door located at the left side of the reception area, you will enter another section of the outlet which surprisingly, is a "kids corner"!
 I find it's very thoughtful for mummies who bring their kids along.

On the other side, there is some chairs and table. Convenient for friends or family to wait for you comfortably while you do your treatments!

Here is the certificate awards proudly displayed on the desk in the outlet:

Service and Treatment:
When I first stepped into the place, the friendly and courteous staff immediately greeted me. I took a seat and was handed a form to fill up my personal particulars and health conditions (allergies, lifestyle habits etc.) to understand my lifestyle better.

Then, I had a one on one consultation with my specialist, Ting Ting, who identified my problems and recommended on the treatments I should go for that is best to treat my problems.
My specialist, Ting Ting, identifying my problems.
The problems I have are bulging and water retention on my tummy caused by my unhealthy lifestyle habits, poor diet and low physical activity. A sagging muscles on the back thighs, hip and butt caused by prolonged sitting.

I had to change to a comfy robe and took my weight before the start of my treatment.

I was then led to the treatment room. The ambience of the room was great! Dim yellow lights, flower petals scattered on the ground and bed, music playing softly in the background...

And the treatment begins! Please note that the treatment is customized according to individual problems. For my case, I did two treatments...

1. Signature Tummy, Hip and Thighs Trimmer: Detox & Boost Circulation
This treatment utilizes muscular electro-stimulation to activate fat digesting enzymes for tissue lipolysis to tone the loose muscles whilst reducing the circumference of the tummy, hip and thighs.
Basically, this treatment uses an electro muscle stimulator, which has the function to tighten your muscles via electrical currents. The currents are generated by the stimulator and delivered onto the body through the electrode pads.

It may sound like it gives electric shock but no, it doesn't! It's 101% safe!

The benefits of Signature Tummy, Hip and Thighs Trimmer treatment are:
- Shapes and trims away unwanted bulges at difficult to lose areas (tummy, hip, thighs)
- Relieves water retention
- Tones and shapes up body area
- Detoxification
- Improves overall circulation
- Increase metabolism rate

How it feels:
The electrode pads were placed on my tummy, hip and thighs. Although I could feel the tingly sensation from the vibration of the pads, it wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all! I did not get any bruises, marks and swelling after the treatment.

2. Pro-Sonic (Back thighs, hip and butt) for firming
This treatment utilizes the pro-sonic device and firming gel to help to break down stubborn fats into smaller pockets for easier dispersion. It also breaks down bulges accumulated over prolonged sitting poor posture.
Pro-sonic device
The benefits of Pro-Sonic treatment are:
- Improve skin texture
- Smoother and firmer
- Reduces appearance of cellulite
- Lightens stretch marks and scars
- Tones and lifts sagging muscles = perkier butt!
- Promotes overall circulation and boosts metabolism
- Boosts lymphatic drainage, lessens lethargy!

How it feels:
My specialist applied the firming gel on my back thighs, hip and butt then she used the pro-sonic device to massage the areas. The firming gel was cold and cooling and has a minty sensation when applied on my skin. It gets absorbed into the skin without leaving any sticky layer. In my opinion, the whole process wasn't painful at all. There were also no bruises, swelling or anything… In fact, it was super-duper comfortable~!! It totally felt like a massage therapy!

The duration for each treatment I did last for 20 minutes. So the total time taken for both treatments was about 40 minutes.

My specialist was very professional. During the treatment, she informed me every step she was going to do and explained on how each treatment works. She was also very helpful with any queries I had and was very attentive too! She keep checking if I have any discomfort and knowing that I felt cold, she poured a cup of warm water for me right after the treatment.

On the other hand, I had to change appointment at the very last minute and was glad that they were willing to accommodate. Moreover, they were very efficient in their email response as they replied the very next day upon my request.

That and with the service I had on that day, I must say I am very happy with BottomSlim's top-notch customer service. Overall, the service was excellent in my view!

Moving on to the results!
...

Does BottomSlim treatments really work on slimming?

Picture proved it all!
As you can judge from the picture, my back thigh, hip and butt on the right (after) were more toned up, firmer, slimmer and shapelier compared to the one on the left (before). My skin texture has also improved! It definitely felt softer and smoother~! Honestly, I'm blown away by the results!

I was given a tube of Nano X Plus gel and Nano Firm Gel to help further slim and contour the treated areas.

Nano X Plus gel acts on the skin's support to help combat sagging and maintain the body's curves This extra-light, penetrative gel assists in targeting existing fat deposits, while tightening and toning to improve elasticity for younger-looking skin. This gel is also bursting with innovative active ingredients to intensely hydrate and nourish the skin.

Scent: It has a herbal scent that isn't overpowering or lingering.

Consistency: A lightweight gel, serum-like texture that allows fast absorption without leaving any oily or sticky layer. It gives a slight cooling sensation when applied to the skin.

Nano Firm Gel is based on a cocktail of ten slimming ingredients which includes caffeine from Guarana Extract, concentrated and microencapsulated with a special cold activated technology that boost their functionality. Ingredients are selected by virtue of their different reshaping properties, using Skin Tissue reversion technology to target directly at fatty tissues.

Scent: It has a peppermint scent, which I really like! 

Consistency: Compared to Nano X Plus Gel, Nano Firm Gel gives a more cooling sensation when applied to the skin. It has a similar texture as Nano X Plus Gel, although I feel it is slightly thicker, it does not leave any oily or sticky layer once it gets absorbed. So don’t worry about the gel staining your undies!

All in all, it was a great relaxing experience. Now my bottom is firmer, shapelier and slimmer! Wheeeeeee~ Thanks to BottomSlim, their professional services, their friendly staff especially my specialist, Ting Ting.
With my specialist, Ting Ting~

You readers should try out BottomSlim too! WHY?
Firstly, some areas are very difficult to slim down despite the regular exercises, especially the lower part of the body. Secondly, BottomSlim provides a fuss-free, quick and natural method, which is harm-less to our body, yet you will be able to see results just within a session.

Frankly speaking, I was skeptical about the treatment at first; I always felt that slimming centres that claim to have instant slimming effect without needing to exercise existed just to earn a quick bucks without having any visible results after their treatments. I always thought it isn't possible to achieve results without any hard work or effort. Especially when it comes to slimming down, which without exercising or dieting, its not possible to attain that whee yoo whee~ seeeeeexy figure. But boy~, I was wrong!

BottomSlim has proved to me that IT IS POSSIBLE to get a slimmer and shapelier figure without the need for crazy load of exercising, unbalanced diet and/or going under the knife. What's more? The treatment results are immediate — I can see a difference, as shown in the before and after picture, on my first session! Therefore, if you want to enhance your figure, you should go for their treatment too!

Wanna enhance your figure with BottomSlim?
Here's your chance!

Get your THREE Free Sessions of Customized Lower Body Treatment + ONE exclusive of Fat Burning Essence worth $928!
What’s more!?
THREE ladies with the most significant results will be SPONSORED a $6888 treatment package and ONE will be crowned as Miss BottomSlim!
Winner will be entitled to a photoshoot session of your own with wardrobe provided (worth $468)!

Locations:
  • Ngee Ann City391B Orchard Road #05-18 Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238873 
  • City Square Mall 180 Kitchener Road #B2-33, Singapore 208539
  • Square 2 (Novena)10 Sinaran Drive #03-11/19 Novena Square 2, Singapore 307506
  • Parkway Parade80 Marine Parade Road #02-67, Singapore 449269
  • Nex Mall23 Serangoon Central #03-31, Singapore 556083
  • Jurong EastBlk 134 Jurong gateway road #01-311 unit 3, Singapore 600134
For more information you can also visit BOTTOMSLIM or call 6363 2525 to make an enquiry or to book an appointment.

Terms and Conditions apply:
- Females 21 years old and above only with no Ezcema or other skin problems
- Strictly by appointment only.
- Promotion valid for 2 months

Monday, September 29, 2014

2014 August to September Haul

Notice: Any email I received from 14th September 2014 and onwards, I have read all of them but I haven't had enough time to reply to all. I will try to reply asap though it may take some time... Please understand. :x

Just a quick update on the HAUL of the last two months (August to September).

Shall start off with skin care products followed by makeups, nail polishes and other miscellaneous:
Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser
Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot
Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

Miacare Acne Patch (Day and Night)

My Beauty Diary Dark Circle Eye Mask
...and...

My Beauty Diary Rose Brightening and Citrus Firming Aroma Mask

My Beauty Diary Aroma Series is a new line of masks that comes in three types — Rose Brightening, Citrus Firming and Vanilla Moisturizing. Each mask type comes in 10 pieces per box. As my cousin-in-law and I have already tried the Vanilla Moisturizing, we bought the other two types. But to save money, each of us got a box (she bought the Citrus Firming while I bought the Rose Brightening) and we did a 5 for 5 swap. 

Makeup sponge puff

Tory Burch Lipstick (shade: Pas Du Tout)

Dolly Wink Eye Shadow in 01 Brown

Essie Eternal Optimist and Shearling Darling

Essie Forever Yummy and Licorice 

Essie Mint Candy Apple and Madison Ave-Hue
Opi Alpine Snow

Lint Remover device and Nail Buffers

SOD's Lemon Tea and Brown Rice Signature Tea

TenRen Jasmine Green Tea, my favorite tea beverage! :)

Longchamp totes

Longchamp Planetes Large and Le Pliage Small
I bought both in black from Longchamp boutique.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of Longchamp. However, I have heard a lot of raves about their tote bags. Like how lightweight, spacious, strong and durable they are. I heard that they are water-resistant too. Lately, I have been attending events that require to bring my camera along. So I was looking for a good, durable and easy-to-match bag; I opted for Longchamp! And am glad that I never regret buying them~ :) Highly recommend Longchamp tote bag to people who always bring a lot of stuff with you!

Note: Beware of fakes! Initially, I got the bags from an online seller, who claimed that he/she is selling 100% authentic Longchamp in Qoo10 Singapore which then, I realized they were an "A-grade" fakes. I immediately submitted a return request in Qoo10 and demanded for a refund. I was really lucky that I took back my money. With that said, I strongly suggest to get it from the authorized boutique.

As for how to know whether the tote is a fake or not, simply look at the tag stitched to the inner side of the tote. But first, google for an authentic tag picture and then you can start doing the comparison. Usually the letter, font, alignments etc. on the fakes are off. The materials of the real and fake totes are different too but if you don't own a real one, you can't compare. So it's harder to determine the authenticity. FYI, I determined mine by looking at the tag and also the materials with the help from the pictures/information I found online. Having that experience, now I have become a bit of an expert at telling real ones from fakes.

Moving on... I got some...
Bag/Purse Organizer: "Wrap around kind(??)" and transparent/clear pouch

I have the organizer pouch in another design (non-transparent) which I have been using it for years. It is extremely useful as it makes my bag more organized and looks neater. So..., I got a new one for my new bags. If you love carrying a big bag, the organizer pouch is the best way to ensure you always find what you need.

Shoes! (black and white)

I have a love-hate relationship with these shoes. I love how lightweight, simple and pretty they are... Also, the heels height aren't too high, which makes them easy to walk in but gosh, they gave me really bad blisters!   sigh...

Apart from that, I also bought some clothes and accessories which I'm not going to show them here because my friends read my blog! If I show the clothes and accessories here, then there won't be any surprise when I wear them. So yeah~, I'm keeping as a surprise. 

That's all for the haul~