SKII: FT Essence 150ml

 Yep, I did my second purchase from HiShop ^^

I have too! because I got the rm25 in my account ;p This time I got myself FT Essence 150ml. As I mentioned earlier, the sale for SKII products has finished already actually and if you click on the link to their website, you can' find any SKII on their site (at the time this blog is written). They might have SKII sale in the near future, so keep watching!

The sale price for this item is rm311 after discount. I have rm25 in my account with HiShop so, I got additional discounted price and I only need to pay rm286. The shipping cost is rm16 and total is RM302, still cheaper than the retail price, right!

SKII Facial Treatment Essence, 150ml @rm286 (RP rm389, discounted and rm25 deducted)

The item was wrapped all over with plastic as a security seal.

Hopefully this FT Essence can last me for 4 months at least, this is the first time I bought a bigger bottle, usually I bought the 75ml. The FT Essence has five sizes of bottles, starting with the smallest one 75ml, 150ml, 215ml, 250ml and 300ml!

SKII: FT Clear Lotion 215ml

My small sample of FT Clear Lotion (the one that I got as a gift here) has finished and I have to get new one. I got this from HiShop with amazing discount! But sorry to say, if you click the link now, the sale for SKII might not be there anymore, because apparently their website sell branded goods in limited time only. Hopefully they will always have a sale for SKII!

How I get to know about their site? Ironically, my hubby introduce them to me ;p Hubby always remind me to not to spend too much money on cosmetics/skincare, well, I do tend to spend above three figures (rmXXX) hehe.. So, when he saw one of his friend tweets on twitter promoting the SKII sale, hubby knows that I use SKII and love them! He immediately sent me a link to his friend message via Whatsapp, really love him for doing that you know ;p

SKII FT Clear Lotion, 215ml @rm175 (RP rm269)

It has security sticker still attached to it.

The good thing about the site (other than the discount), you get rm25 when a friend you introduce registered as a member and make their first purchase! I'm planning to get two items from HiShop, so I introduce my hubby and register his email as a member (of course I do all these steps ;p) and by using his account I bought this FT Clear Lotion, and walla! as promise, HiShop gave me rm25 under my account hehehe...I will utilise the rm25 later when buying my next purchase (using my account this time). 

The shipping is rm15 for this item and after I got their email that the item has been shipped (around 1 week after my purchase), in a day or two my parcel reached me, how happy I am! 

Do always check their website for their amazing discount! I know I'll do ;p

Oh by the way, if you want to use your boyfriend or husband account, do remember that they will also know what item and how much you purchase ;p As for me, of course hubby sent me a message right after he saw HiShop email... "eh when did I purchase SKII products..??" ....hehehehe

Inside My Red Glossy Paper Bag

My splurge on Friday was one of the biggest splurge I made on skin care products. I usually splurge on cosmetics especially when it comes to MAC. Hitting the big-three-o (opps!) this year makes me want to give more attention to my skin care regimen rather than makeup.

Here what I got inside my red glossy bag :)

1) Facial Treatment Essence (FTE), 75ml @rm199

2) Cellumination Essence EX, 30ml @rm499

3) Cellumination Deep Surge EX, 50g @rm499

How much I paid for all of this? rm1197?

Nope, I only paid rm1017. I bought these at Parkson and they have this every rm100 you spend you get rm20 voucher. First, I paid the Cellumination range rm998 and then I got rm180 voucher. I immediately use the rm180 voucher to pay the FTE (cost rm199) and top up only rm19! 

Soo happy with my purchase, also I got these 5 gifts :D

Skin Signature, 15ml

Cellumination Mask-in-Lotion, 30ml

Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (Toner), 20ml

Facial Treatment Repair C, 15ml

Sample size: Skin Signature Eye Cream, 0.5g each

The s/a also taught me how to use these products :

At morning:
1. Cellumination Mask-in-Lotion (gift)
2. FTE
3. Cellumination Essence EX
4. Cellumination Deep Surge EX

At night: 
1. FT Clear Lotion (as toner) (gift - I might need to buy the full size bottle, because the FTE won't work well without it)
2.FTE
3. FT Repair C (gift)
4. Skin Signature Cream (gift)


SKII product is too expensive, I might not be buying the Cellumination range anymore. Technically I only want to buy the FTE and the FT Clear Lotion, but ended up buying Cellumination. This is not the first time I use SKII. I have tried the FTE and FT Clear Lotion before and it works wonder! 

Splurge on SKII

Is it Christmas? Nope.. at least not yet :)

I was desperately trying to find out the price range of SKII in their website and around the net (for the latest price 2012), but couldn't find any. My friend also said retail price in east and west M'sia is different, this I'm not sure. So, I went to SKII counter today and the s/a was really helpful in providing the price for some of the product.

Here they are :-

1. Facial Treatment Essence (75ml rm199, 150ml rm389, 215ml rm489, 250ml rm529 and the biggest size (ml?) rm682)
2. Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (150ml rm179, 215ml rm269)
3. Cellumination Essence EX (30ml rm499, 50ml rm699)
4. Cellumination Deep Surge EX (50g rm499)
5. Cellumination Mask-In-Lotion (100ml rm259)
6. Whitening Spots Specialist (30ml rm399, 50ml rm579)
7. Skin Signature (50g rm?, 80g rm499)
8. Skin Signature Eye Cream (15g rm339)
9. Whitening Source Derm-Brightener (75g rm399)
10. Whitening Source DemDefinition UV Lotion SPF50 (30g rm239)
11. Facial Treatment UV Protection (30g rm218)
12. Facial Treatment Repair C (15ml rm175, 30ml rm349)
13. Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil (250ml rm196)
14. Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel (100g rm149)
15. Facial Treatment Gentle Cleansing Cream (100g rm245)
16. Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser (120g rm209)
17. Whitening Source Clear Lotion (150ml rm207)

And, do you want to know what's inside my red glossy paper bag by SKII? Will upload the pictures later.. :D

DIY: Yogurt + Oat Mask

I bought yogurt at Giant, not your regular size yogurt, but it's 1.4kg of yogurt!

I will use it for skincare purposes because this is plain yogurt and the taste is just yuck!

I wanted to try using this recipe as posted by Viva Woman: type of yogurt, yogurt+others, yogurt+oatmeal, yogurt+potato+rice flour, yogurt+honey+lime. If you want for more info, just read Viva Woman post, she wrote everything in details and clear guidelines of how to make your own facial mask/ cleanser using yogurt :D

Let's go to how I make my DIY Yogurt +Oat mask :D

You need :-

1. Oat (1 tablespoon)
2. Yogurt (I chose non-fat formula for oily skin type) (1 tablespoon)

How to :-

1. Blend the oat.
2. Mix the oat and yogurt together.
3. Put in the fridge at least 15 minutes before using the mask to make it cool. 
4. Apply it on the face except eye area for at least 20 minutes.
5. Rinse with tepid water.
6. Use it twice or thrice weekly.

Oat

Blended oat 

Yogurt

Mix the oat and yogurt together 

The mask is ready! :D
These pictures were taken during my first attempt doing DIY. I use three tablespoons for each
that's why the mask was quite a lot as you see in the picture. 

I only need 1 tablespoon for oat and yogurt because it's enough for my whole face. It's better to keep your mask in the fridge before using it, so that you can feel the cooling effect more effectively. But sometimes, being sucks at waiting, I immediately slather it on my face after mixing it together. I still feel the cooling effect from the cold yogurt actually, so it's okay I guess. hehe..

I don't usually make a large amount of mask for two or three times usage, that's why I only use one tablespoon and use the mask in one go. Everytime I need it, I make one. I use this mask once a week because I have my Magnesium Pack which I use twice a week.

Facial mask shouldn't be used more than thrice a week. It is use to remove dead skin cells but our skin also need time to rejuvenate itself.

So far, I've tried using this mask three times already and it didn't break out my skin, yeppi! After washing it, I noticed my face slightly brighten and fresh. However, I didn't notice any reduce redness on my face as claimed by others using the same recipe mask. emm.. maybe three times is not enough.

Definitely, I will continue using this recipe mask as long as my 1.4kg yogurt occupying my fridge space ^^,

My Sunday Picks

I went to Centre Point this morning to have my passport picture taken. While waiting for it, I went to Watson and Guardian. These are my picks.

Watson & Guardian picks.

Guardian. Fringe Stabiliser, @rm4

I've tried it and it's working just fine.

Watson. I have to have this because it's on PWP @rm6.90, retail price is @rm10++

I think this might be my favourite oil blotter now I've tried it (I have BodyShop & Neutrogena oil blotter)

Watson. Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser, @rm14.90.
It's paraben free!

Guardian. Green Tea & Pomegranate Spa Exfoliating Bath Scrub. Both @rm8++
Retail price for each is rm5.90. I bought the -bath-don't-know-what-it's-called- @rm4++ I think.

Now, this is not from Guardian or Watson obviously. I bought this at Lintas Supermarket.
I want to make DIY eyemask using this. 

February Salary Monthly Treat

I just got my paycheck today, hooray!! One of my bestie said to me that we better rewards our self first before using our monthly salary for other things because it might ended up we don't have any left at the end of the day. This is to avoid feeling discontented, stress accumulation and hate towards our job! which will lead to our brain deducing we are no different from a slave. 

Which is why, I will be posting monthly treat every month right after I got my paycheck! I'll pick at least two items, of course I'll buy something that I really want not just for the sake of buying it. Whatever the item is, the price is not important, expensive or not, as long as I'm satisfied with it, I'll be one happy girl :D

So, this month paycheck, here are my haul :D


L'Occitane:
1) Immortelle Milk Make Up Remover, 200ml @rm99

The s/a applied this makeup remover on my hand and I like the smells of it, it's a flower scents.

sample size products

The s/a gave me two products sample size, Fabulous Serum and Ultra-Matte Face Fluid. I'm not sure what are these for, she did explained it to me but I forgot =__=


The Body Shop:
2) Stawberry Body Polish, 200ml @rm29.70 (after member 10% discount)

I got this the first time for my engagement day gift. I really like the scents and also the scrubbing effect on my skin. It left my skin smooth and fresh.


3) Big Nail Shiner, @rm9.81 (after member 10% discount)

For my nails :)



Sa Sa:
4) Sa Sa Mask Sheet, @rm4.90
5) Tippys Cotton Pads, @rm17.90

I will have to learn how to DIY mask (MP: DIY Cotton Mask).

I love this cotton pads. I use this to wipe my eye makeup remover, it is really strong. I might be using this cotton pads for a DIY eye masks also (MP: DIY Ice Cucumber Pads).

In Search of Eye Makeup (Waterproof Mascara) Remover

My mission was to buy waterproof mascara remover. 

I was planning to get the Holika Holika product because I did buy their Magic Pole Mascara, which was a pain in the a** to remove it. 

I also bought Yves Rocher brands and see if it can remove Holika Holika waterproof mascara, the price is quite cheap considering it's a France product.

Waterproof mascara remover!

1) Yves Rocher: Express Cleanser for sensitive eyes with Cornflower, @rm23.20 (after 29% dis)

Express Cleanser for sensitive eyes with Cornflower, 125ml

2) Holika Holika: Perfect Off Mascara Remover @rm19.55 (after 10% member dis)

Perfect Off Mascara Remover @rm21.70

I'm not sure which one will work the best, I'll try to see if both can remove waterproof mascara. I'm sceptical to use the Holika Holika mascara remover because of the ingredients, they don't have english translation on the bottle.

3) The Body Shop: Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser @rm35.90 (10% member dis)

Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser, 200ml @rm39.90

Eventually, my face also need a clean up. I wanted to try The Body Shop facial cleanser for my face cleanser. 

4) Tony Moly: Milky Tint in Pink @rm37.62 (10% dis)

Milky Tint Pink @rm41.80

Before leaving Suria Sabah, I managed to get my hands on Tony Moly tinted gloss :D This was their last day of 10% sale.

Dangerous Ingredients in Cosmetics & Skin Care

I become interested to know whether products that I apply on my skin is safe for me. I searched online and found tone of them and they all stated the same lists of ingredients that harmful/ dangerous to us. 

Below are some of the ingredients that widely use in cosmetics although they are consider toxic/dangerous to use (Taken from Health Food Emporium, Aurora Group Inc, healthy-communications. Click on the link for more info).

1) Propylene Glycol

Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics. Although exposure to high levels of Propylene Glycol is known to cause serious and potentially irreversible health conditions, the chemical industry tell us that "small" quantities or low level exposure of Propylene Glycol is "safe" to use on the skin and in food. According to the safety data sheets of industrial chemical manufacturers, chemicals such as Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol will cause serious health conditions, including liver and heart damage and damage to the central nervous system if sufficient is absorbed by the body.

2) Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben

Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

3) Parabens (Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben)

Increases a person's risk of breast cancer. These class of chemicals are also endocrine disruptors and have been linked to fertility problems.

4) Titanium Dioxide (MSDS)

Declared a carcinogen, 2001

5) Fragrances

The label of "Fragrances" can mask a multitude of toxic, synthetic chemicals, many of which suppress the immune system, are endocrine disruptors, and cause cancer. When looking for scented products, make sure it's scented by essential oils -- which are expensive; therefore, companies usually list what essential oils are contained in the product without reverting to the generic term "Fragrances".

6) Collagen 

Derived from animal skins and chicken feet, the collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin. They rest on the surface and prevent the skin from breathing comfortably.

7) Glycerin 

Draws moisture from inside the skin and holds it on the surface for a better 'feel'. Dries skin from the inside out. Listed on MSDS as hazardous.

Ooo mmm geee.... I found almost all my cosmetic products contained all the ingredients above except for collagen, hurmmm... Talking about collagen, I was planning to get Holika Holika: Three Seconds Moisturizing Collagen Starter this morning, looks like I won't be needing any *insert-product-name-here*-collagen after this.

My Skin79 BB cream has Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, and it used the term "Fragrances". Wow... It's quite shocking to know what exactly I put on my face every morning. I don't know what to do after this, either continue using it or leave it. I know that they may put just a 'small' dosage of those harmful ingredients thus labeling it 'safe' to use, but if all my cosmetics contained them, it may turn into something else, right? hurmm..

I want to use natural product after this. However the term 'natural' is also not clear. I read in one of the article that every company has the right to call/ claim their products 'natural' because there is no clear term what is the ingredients in 'natural' products. This is hard.

These two websites Environmental Working Group: Cosmetics Database and Safe Cosmetics are quite useful if you want to check whether your cosmetic product contains harmful ingredients.

*still thinking*

Holika Holika: Water March & Magnesium Pack

My second haul at Holika Holika. This time, I concentrated on skin care.

1) HH Water March Moisture Full Cream @rm66.30

Water March Moisture Full Cream, @rm66.30, 120ml

It comes with its own small spoon to scoop out the product.

It's water based products, nice scents.

Description: This high capacity moisturizing cream fills the dry skin on the verge of breaking with rich amount of nutrients and moisture. The cream, which includes pink moisturizing constituent and rare Ximenia Americana seed oil found in cold and dry Finland, presents the skin with moisture and nutrients, grooming it to be resilient and glossy.

How to use: Take out the right amount, apply it softly along the skin texture, and let it be absorbed by lightly tapping on your face.

This was not my first list to buy, I wanted the night mask actually. When I told the s/a that I want something to put on my face every night when I goes to sleep, she told me that the night mask is not for every night use, I must use it once every two days, basically it's three times per week. That's why I didn't buy it. I'll buy it next time of course.

I chose this Water March because I can use it anytime of the day, I mix it with my Skin79 BB cream and put it on my face every morning before going to work. The s/a told me that this product can be mixed with BB cream, because it's a water based product. At night time, after I wash my face, I put just enough amount on my face. 

I like the bottle, it's cute. But to be honest, it's not a convenience application. It will be better if they put it in a squeeze type bottle, I'll buy the bottle later. The small spoon provided is for hygienic reason, so that you won't have to use your hand to scoop the product, but how to keep the spoon clean? Wash it everytime you use it? Now, it is not that bad :D I put the spoon inside the bottle diagonally and  close the lid slowly. It's perfect! 

I will let it in its cute bottle but when I'm travelling, I'll put some in squeeze type bottle, it's easier ;p

2) HH Medi Medi Magnesium Pack @rm42.90

Medi-Medi Magnesium Pack, @rm42.90, 70ml

There is second cover to prevent the product all over the lid which is good.

It's greyish and when you apply it on your face, it's started to get dry within a minute.  The scent is okay,
nothing to worry about.

Description: Enriched with Volcanic Clay. Clean pores and takes care of your skin.

How to use: Apply after washing your face, and leave for 10-15 minutes. Wash off the mask. (1-2 times a week).

My pores especially in the nose areas and below my under eyes is visible more and more each day (getting old huh?) I want something that will treat my large pores and even out my skin tone. The s/a recommended using this Magnesium Pack because this targeted on pores treatment. I'm just starting to use it and hopefully I can see the result within a month or so.

My only qualm is they didn't provide a spoon/ spatula, I use my cotton bud to scoop out the product and put it at the back of my hands before applying it all over my face.