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Monday, November 11, 2013

Review: Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#08 Neon Yellow)

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#08 Neon Yellow) (2g)
There are 9 different colors in total. 6 of them are fruity scented and the other 3 are mild, natural scented (pretty much scent-less to me actually...).
And I got mine in #08 Neon Yellow.

More information about the Petite Bunny Gloss Bar~:

Description:

Directions: Twist-up to about 3~5mm and lightly apply to lips.

It comes in a retractable stick. The bottom of the stick is twistable so you can twist the bottom to get more product.
Note: Don't twist up too much product because once the product got twisted out, it can't be twisted back into the stick. You have to push it back instead. -_-

Consistency & Color:
Although it says it's a gloss bar, I find it like more towards a balm, like a tinted lip balm. It's not as balmy as Nivea lip balm though. It leaves a slight glossy look but it's not as glossy as a lip gloss or a lip balm. The color of #08 is pretty interesting! It's yellow in the tube but when apply on lips, it turns into a very lovely shade of pink. The color is pretty sheer(low pigmentation) and can be built up but only slightly.

Here are the swatches:
The color is very sheer however, it is buildable. You can compared the color of 1 swipe with the color of 4 swipes.

Scent:
It's very, very mild and natural scent. Not much fragrance actually...

Moisturizing Power:
I find it not as moisturizing as Nivea lip balm. If you have dried and chapped lips like I do, few hours after application, the color kind of runs into the cracks and makes the dried and chapped lips looks more obvious. That's what happened to me so what I usually do is that I will put on a layer of Nivea lip balm on my lips prior to application of this Petite Bunny Gloss Bar. On a positive note, it's not very drying like a lipstick. The moisturizing level is somewhere in between a lipstick and a lip balm.

Staying Power:
The color does last except if you eat or drink. Yes, it does come off pretty easily when you eat or drink. I usually have to re-apply it after eating or drinking.

Likes:
- 2-in-1, lip balm + tint formula = tinted lip balm
- the color! *gorgeous*
- color is sheer and build-able
- the adorable packaging!
- light, natural scented
- not very drying like a lipstick
- easy to glide on lips
- portable and lightweight
- not sticky

Dislikes:
- lousy twisting function; once the product got twisted-up, it can't be twisted back into the stick!
- not as glossy as Nivea lip balm or a lip gloss
- emphasizes on dried and chapped lips

Neutral:
- moisturizes but not as moisturizing as Nivea lip balm
- color comes off easily when eating or drinking

Verdict: So, I got the #08 Neon Yellow mainly because it doesn't have too much scent. I actually hate sweet fruity scented lips product. I prefer a mild and natural scented or scent-less lips product~~ Currently, this is one of my favorite lips product. The color is not too bold and it gives a soft natural look which is why I like it so much! Even though it's not as moisturizing as I would like it to be, by applying a layer of Nivea lip balm prior to application of this gloss bar will fix the problem.

People who like a soft and sheer natural looking lip color, you might want to give this a try.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Review: The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Mung Bean)

The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Mung Bean) (20g)
Description: The air pockets within the sheet contain handful of nutritional essence, providing natural moisture and nourishment to skin.

*Mung Bean: A clarifying mask sheet containing mung bean extract, effective in purifying pores for a clean and smooth skin texture.

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 the amount of excess essence being poured out from the pack.
The Face Shop is really generous with the essence. :)

This is how the mask looks like...
*thanks dad for helping me to hold the mask :P*

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

Consistency & Color:
Watery, serum-like and colorless.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent of this mask. It doesn't smells like Mung Bean at all. To me, it has a scent like a wet tissue, not too strong or overpowering. It's quite pleasant but it's not refreshing though...

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:
Before applying the essence, my skin moisture level measures 36.6%.
After applying the essence, my skin moisture level measure 54.7%.
After 10 minutes later(essence got absorbed), I took the measurement again, it dropped to 54.0%.

Moisture gained is 18.1%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes is only 0.7%.
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
- gentle on skin; suits sensitive skin
- leave the skin feeling soft, smooth and radiant
- soothing and calming effect
- 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 -.-

Neutral:
- purifies pores
- oil-control

Verdict: I couldn't tell if this mask helps to purify pores. Good thing is that I didn't get breakout after using. It does moisturizes my skin and my skin will look radiant, soft and smooth(and sticky -.-) to the touch after using. On the other hand, I don't know if this mask helps with oil control. Sorry, I didn't really take notice...... However, my brother who also tried this mask the other day, noticed a difference in oiliness before and after using the mask. He actually whatsapped me during his working hours asking about whether this mask helps with oil control because his face isn't as oily as what he would normally gets. So perhaps..., this mask does helps with controlling oil.

People who have oily, combination and sensitive skin might want to give this mask a try. :)

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Versatile Blogger Award

First of all, I would like to thank Mira for nominating me for The Versatile Blogger Award. When Mira first commented about the nomination in one of my blog post I was like 'huh? what?'. I don't really know what is it all about. Anyway, I read her blog for more info and yeah, I will just follow how she do this award thing...
So for this award, there are a few rules and the rules are as follows:
- Thank the person who nominated you.
- Include a link to their blog.
- Nominate 15 bloggers you've recently discovered.
- Write down 7 facts about yourself.

1st, 2nd and the last rules are pretty easy. However, for the 3rd one...Wow, that will be extremely tricky...

Well, okay... Without further ado, let's get started~!

I'm so honored and I do appreciate being nominated for this. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Mira for the nomination. 

Her blog is about beauty-related stuff~♥
Do check out her blog and follow her GFC, Bloglovin' and Google+. :)
---

Nominate 15 bloggers: ... ... ...
Errr... I don't think I will be able to list that many... in fact, I have none actually... because I don't visit nor follow blog unless people leave me a comment with a link and/or follow request in my blog. Well, to be truthful, I just don't really interact much with people in the blogosphere. Therefore, to nominate 15 bloggers...that will be a really difficult task for me.

In addition, those I have in mind had already gotten and did this award thingy... Sorry guys, there's none I can list.

Hmmm..., actually.....there's one~ But I don't know if she's still eligible because she already got nominated by Mira but I guess...she is still eligible? because she has yet to write the response post. So, I will just nominate her again~ XD

1. Mizu at http://fairywater79.blogspot.com

...Moving on to...

7 facts about myself:
1. Ashley is part of my given name.
2. I was born on May 21st, on the cusp of Taurus and Gemini. I have traits of both signs but most of the time, I feel and act more like a Gemini.
3. I am a right-hander.
4. I was once a graphic design student but currently, I am a student majoring in Business Management. Both are at private institutions.
5. I am short-sighted. I wear spectacles/contact lenses and my degree/prescription is extremely high. My right eye has reached -10.00. ><
6. The only social networking account I have are Twitter and this blog. I don't have a Facebook because I don't want to have one. Actually I had it yeeeeeears ago but I decided to deactivate it.
7. I am a fan of Hello Kitty since I was 2 years old. Up to now, I have collected over 400 Hello Kitty stuff.

Alright, that's that.
Once again, a BIG THANK YOU to Mira for the nomination.

CLOSED: Giveaway #4

DISCLAIMER: All giveaway items shown in this blog are purchased using my own money. I was not paid by any companies nor have any affiliation with any of the brand mentioned in here.

Ready for Giveaway #4?~
*3 Lucky Winners will be selected.* :)

Take note that whatever items in the bag are not in their full product size! They are sample sachets and/or trial kit from various brands such as Etude House, The Face Shop, Innisfree, Skinfood, Skin&Lab, Mizon, Tony Moly, My Beauty Diary, Elisacoy etc. Each bag will be packed and sent randomly!~ :)

How to PARTICIPATE & WIN?:
My giveaway rules are always very simple! You just have to email the following details:
- [Your Name]:
- [Your Country]:
- [Your Email Address]:
to bitsdiaries@live.com subject to "WIN Giveaway #4".

* This giveaway is open internationally!~ 
*Multiple entries are NOT allowed. One entry per participant. More than one entry per participant will result in disqualification.
*All prizes will be mailed via SingPost.
*Winners will be announced on my blog on 29th November 2013 and will be notified by email directly. (Dear participants, do check your email inbox and/or junk mail folder on that day!)
*Winners who fail to respond within the next 3 days will be forfeited. New winner will be drawn.
*Prizes not redeemed within a month will be forfeited.

Giveaway #4 Event will
start on 5th November 2013, SGT 05:00PM
and
end on 27th November 2012, SGT 11:00PM.

Good luck to all participants! XOXO~ ;D

-
UPDATE on 27th November 2013:
This event has ENDED. Thanks to all who participated in this event. :D
Winners will be announced on my blog on 29th November 2013 and will be notified by email directly. So be sure to check back and don't forget to check your inbox and/or junk mail folder. :)

Monday, November 4, 2013

Review: Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

Having trouble with pimple marks/scars? Try this! :

Hiruscar Post Acne Gel (10g)
Description: Gel for pimple scars and dark marks. In collaboration with Medinova AG — Switzerland, Hiruscar Post Acne, a scar clear gel, is proven to improve depressed scars arising from pimple and help lighten dark spots and/or red marks. Hiruscar Post Acne contains MPS, Allium Cepa, Pionin (Quaternium-73) and other natural ingredients to improve pimple scars and may help the formation of new pimple scars. It provides fast, easy skin absorption with a pleasant and non-greasy texture. It can be used as a part of treatment regime and also can be used under make-up.

Claims to do:
A Unique Formulation with 3-in-1 Scar Clear Benefits:
1. Lightens dark marks in 12 weeks
2. Improves/smoothens depressed pimple scars
3. May prevent pimple occurrence
* Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Alcohol Free.

Directions: Apply 2-3 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Use regularly after skin treatment and before make-up for continuous and better outcome for scars management. Always wash hands before and after use.

Composition (Ingredients):
Aqua, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Niacinamide, Sorbeth-30, PPG-26-Buteth-26 and PEG-40hydrogenated caster oil, Quaternium-73, Carbomer, Fragrance, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate and DMDM hydantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin and Mucopolysaccharide (MPS).

Below pictures(Source: link) further elaborate... (please take some time to read them~)
  • What is a Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

  • What can Hiruscar Post Acne do and when to use?
  • How to use Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?
  • The effectiveness:

It comes in a squeeze-able tube with a twist-off plastic cap.
It's easy to squeeze out the gel from the tube.

Consistency and Color:
Light clear-yellowish gel texture and it's not greasy at all.
Once applied on the skin, it gets absorbed into the skin without leaving any sticky residue/layer.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent... The scent is kind of "unique" though. I personally find it a little pungent. To be honest, I couldn't accept the scent when I first tried it but after a few use, I'm used to it. It's bearable and will not linger after application.

Likes:
- 100% anti-bacterial
- lighten and improve pimple scars and dark marks
- gets absorbed into the skin
- can be used under makeup
- light gel consistency and not heavy
- non-comedogenic
- alcohol-free
- suits sensitive skin
- doesn't cause breakouts

Dislikes:
- takes time to fully lighten pimple scars/marks

This is not my first time using this product. I first used it back in Year 2010.
This is the one I used last time.(2-in-1 formulation)
*The one I reviewing is Hiruscar Post Acne Gel. I think it's their new product. An upgraded version(3-in-1 formulation) specially for pimple scars/marks.

After some time, I stopped using this product and switched to other lightening/whitening products, such as the Skinfood Tomato Whitening Spot Serum & Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm. It's been quite a few years since I last used this and I decided to use it again because of my allergies and sensitive skin. Well, I got a skin allergic reaction to tea tree oil back in August 2013. Yes, I am allergic to tea tree oil and I know it yet I still used it. Am I stupid or what!? LOL.

Back then, I had an event coming up and I just wanna get rid of about 6 to 8 zits(ranging from small to big) that were on my chin before the event. Despite knowing that I am allergic to tea tree oil, I still took the risk and used it. I actually had a plan in mind... I planned...if an allergic reaction occurs, then I will just don't attend the event. As simple as that. It's not really important anyway. So yeah..., allergic reaction really occurred and I left with even more zits and scars. 

During and After the allergic period, my skin on the chin belonged to the VERY sensitive skin type. Therefore, I decided to get back to this Hiruscar Gel because I know it's sensitive skin friendly~ It's clinically proven, safe to use, non skin irritant, even safe to use on sensitive skin.

By the way, it takes time to notice the results so don't expect an instant miracle from this product. The recommended treatment must be at least 2 weeks to 2 months. But I will recommend to use this for at least 3 months. With continuous usage, you will probably see visible results in 2 weeks on fresh pimple scars/marks. Do take note that the treatment period and results may vary depending on individual's condition, such as the condition of the acne wound and also how fast your skin repairs itself.

Here's my 8 weeks and 3 days of 'experiment'~ 
PS: All the photos were taken on different time so the lighting may vary. NO makeup or editing... errr... actually..., I did edit... — cropped, combined all photos into one and added in watermarks and dates. That's it. NO major editing though.
(Before): I had these patches of redness, bumpy/pimplish skin after using tea tree oil. It was a skin allergic reaction as I've said. Actually, it was much redder than in the photo and it was hell itchy! >< The itchiness and redness took about a week and a half to heal.

PS: I started using the Hiruscar Post Acne Gel on 6th September 2013. So...
Day 1: As you can see, I have a lot of scars/marks left by the allergic reaction...

6 weeks & 2 days: Oops, sorry. Wrong angle. lol. Anyway, you probably still be able to notice the difference huh?

(After) 8 weeks & 3 days: There are still some very faint pimple scars/marks, I don't know if you guys can see... However, the marks are greatly faded! On a side note, please excuse that Nexcare Patch~ lololol. I have a nasty zit there. It popped itself this morning and I just pasted the patch over it to help suck out all the pus. :x

By the way, I apply the gel 2 times a day, in the morning and at night, after my toner and before my moisturizer.

Okay, enough said. Whether the product works in fading scars/marks, you be the judge~ :)

People who have trouble with pimple scars/marks, you might want to give this a try.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

2013 Aug-Oct Skin Care/Beauty/Misc. Haul

~Skin Care/Beauty/Misc. Haul~
Well, it's been quite awhile since I last did a Haul of the Month post. I don't know if anyone likes to read such post... Anyway, I will just continue....................

Over the past few months, I purchased quite a number of stuff. I did not take any pictures of the items and to be honest, I long forgotten what I have bought(most of it) thus, it would be hard for me to post everything up. That being said, in this post I will just sum up what I remember buying for the past 3 months. It's not in order by date/month nor by category by the way. :)

2013 August - October Haul
I got this package yesterday and the box is too small for me to nicely show all the AC Clinic products I've bought. -.- I got almost the whole Etude House AC Clinic products except for the Red Spot Balm and BB Cream(discontinued). :

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser
Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner
Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion
Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot
Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot (comes with 15ml of Pink Powder Water)
Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist
Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet

In fact, I actually got 2 bottles of the mist, 2 bottles of the liquid spot, 2 bottles of the toner and 2 bottles of the gel lotion. If you read my Skin Care Routine page, you will know that I switched back using these products. And I got so many AC Clinic products at one go because they were having a sale~ The manufacture date is quite recent so it was a super good deal~ A STEAL! A STEAL! 

Did you notice that yellow stick on the left of the picture, placed right beside the liquid spot~? That's the...
Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar in #8 Neon Yellow
I'm thinking of getting the #09 Neon Red too..
Will do a review once I have tried it.

Some other skin care/beauty stuff I bought much earlier on...:
Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub
I heard a lot of raves about this product so I got them. 
Review coming soon~(hopefully...)

Hiruscar Post Acne Gel
This is one of my long-lost favorite product for pimple scars & dark marks.
Review coming soon~

Etude House Eraser Show Mascara Cleaner
I have not tried using this yet because I don't wear mascara much these days... :/
Will do a review once I have tried it.

The Face Shop Freshian Big Mascara in #01 Curling
The Face Shop Freshian Big Mascara in #02 Volume
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black
The Face Shop Mascara were having a sale too~ They were having like a 1+1 promotion. I actually picked up 4 and I gave 2 to my friend. I got it at the price of SGD$4.90 for 2. The manufacture date is also quite recent~ A steal, isn't it?

On the other hand, Revlon was also having a sale~ 20% off. So I picked up one of my favorite eyeliner.

Also, I got a cleanser and many facial masks~:
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
The Face Shop Mini Capsule in Seaweed
The Face Shop Mini Capsule in Cucumber
The Face Shop Real Nature Mask in Mung Bean
The Face Shop Real Nature Mask in Bamboo
The Face Shop Real Nature Mask in Rice
The Face Shop Real Nature Mask in Green Tea
Etude House Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam (Review: link)

And I got another ...
5 sheets of Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet
much earlier on...

After trying out The Face Shop Masks, I went back to stock up even more...:
I picked up The Face Shop Real Nature Mask in Kelp to try out~
Besides that, I also got another box of 
Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot..

I grabbed many pieces of The Face Shop mask sheets because they were ALSO having a sale! HAHAHAA I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE SALES!

For Fragrance..., 
I got the Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue perfume
I've been wanting this perfume and I finally got it. yay~

Miscellaneous:
A beige color cap with studs from Korea
p/s: thanks dad for the Hello Kitty. He bought it for me during his business trip. :)


Black Lace-Up Ankle Boots from Korea

Necklace from Coach
Currently, this is my most favorite necklace~♥ :)

hoomia UTWO(U2) Ace Headphone from Taiwan

Lingerie Case/Travel Organizer Bra Bag or whatever it's called...
This hard moulded case keeps your bras out of sight and protects the bras from crimping, crushing and creasing in the luggage/suitcase. Perfect for traveling~

PiGi bags from Taiwan :)
I have a dresser of 6 drawers in my room where I keep all my bags and some misc. stuff and 5 out of the 6 drawers are where I keep my bags. In there, 90% of my bags were purchased from PiGi Mall. I absolutely love their brand and bags!! Visit their site here. PS: It's in Chinese.

As I have said, I won't be able to post up all of the purchased items. I only post up what I could remember and just the ones I have a picture... As for clothing, I bought A LOT(in bulk) from Taiwan and it's too troublesome to show all of them so pardon me for not showing...  And apart from that, some of the pictures were taken using Iphone's camera so please excuse for the bad picture quality. :x

I hope you enjoyed my haul post and...... 

Have a safe and Happy Halloween everyone! 
Trick or Treat? 

xoxo,
Ashley.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Review: Etude House skin mal:gem (Fresh; Oil Control Toner)

Etude House skin mal:gem (Fresh; Oil Control Toner) (250ml)
Description: 맑음[mal:gem] — the Korean word for cleanness, clarity and pureness. Skin Malgeum hypoallergenic toners promote clean, clear and pure complexion with moisturizing and pore cleansing formulas.

*Fresh: Controls excess sebum while providing enough moisture to keep the skin matte. Bamboo extract and sebum control ingredient keeps the skin clean and fresh.

Directions: Dispense solution onto toner pad and use pad to wipe all areas of face and neck.
*can be use as a facial mist or facial mask
(PS: I won't make any comments about the facial mist and mask method since I have not tried it.)

The toner comes in a matte bottle with a plastic twist-off screwed cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil. The fluid can be easily pour out from the opening of the bottle.

I usually moisten a cotton pad and gently swipe it all over my face. It gets absorbed into the skin after a few minutes without leaving any sticky residue.

Consistency & Color:
Light and watery. Colorless.

Scent:
It smells citrusy when sniff directly from the opening of the bottle. But when pour it out on hand and sniff it, there's a mild hint of floral scent to it. I might be wrong though... lol. I'm bad at describing scent. hah. :x It does not smells bad anyway.

Oil-Control:
It DOES control sebum but of course, not to the extend that you will be totally free from oiliness the whole entire day. My skin still feels oily throughout the day and I still need to blot my face with oil blotters however, I noticed that the amount of sebum has been significantly reduced compared to what I would normally get.

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

Before applying the toner, my skin moisture level measures 33.3%
After applying the toner, my skin moisture level measures 41.2%.
After 10 minutes later(toner got fully absorbed), I took the measurement again, it dropped to 40.6%

Moisture gain is 7.9%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes is only 0.6%.
which I concluded that this toner is 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:
- 5 free formula: Free of Paraben, Artifical dye, Benzophenon, Mineral oil, Animal material
- controls sebum
- pore cleansing
- moisturizes
- gets absorbed into the skin
- not sticky at all
- does not cause breakouts
- leaves skin feeling clean, fresh and cooling
- the scent

Dislikes
- does not help to shrink the pores...
Seriously, there's nothing much I dislike about. :)

Verdict?: I have already finished using this toner and it does works as what it claimed to do — "controls sebum yet at the same time provides moisture to the skin". It leaves the skin feeling clean, fresh and cooling upon application. On the downside, I don't think it helps minimizing the pores though...I didn't see a difference in the size of my pores. 

Anyway, this toner is perfect for Summer season, for people who live in hot and humid country and also for people who have oily skin.