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Seoul Trip Part 1

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You would also probably know that I just came back from Seoul last month!! Would love to thank My Fat Pocket and Herman for giving me this opportunity and Xinyi for being such a wonderful partner (including Herman, who took very good care of us)!!

We attended the opening of Atria Flagship Store in Seoul!! Yes, this also meant that we met one of the girls from Girls Generation and BtoB boy band.

Some of the outfits were sponsored by Shop Lila Mila for the trip. Quote “Maybeline10” when you check out to get 10% off per cart.

Pink lips for that night because Pink is the NEW Red in Korea.

It was shopping and eating after the first day of event. We went back on the second day for some shoot and shopping after that! If I were to visit Korea again, it would be for the food instead of the shopping as the streets there sell stuffs similar to Singapore but pricier. The food there was really nice though!

Atria Day 2.

Starlash eyelashes, 3CE Glass Pink, and curls for a Kpop look. My first attempt to look like a Korean. I know I failed quite a bit because I still look Singaporean. Hahahaha. But at least it is quite different from my usual style.

When you’re overseas, you will tempt to dress up like the people there no?

We were told by many that we looked like sisters and most of the people there spoke to us in Korean. I guess we succeed a little? Hahaha.

Our tops were bought there. Mine was from Dongdaemun. There was a loooooot of stuffs to see but they are really overpriced. Literally out to cheat tourist’s money. There was a store selling a top for 58,000 won which is retailing for nearly $70, but another store, at $30. The aunty at the $70 store was SERIOUSLY pushy!!

Tip: If you really want to shop there, be smart, finish window-shopping at the entire building first and haggle the price after that.

It was really fun to travel with her and Herman with both of them being so considerate and thoughtful. They made me feel like I am a little girl (cause I was the youngest) and they had to take care of me. Actually this Xinyi made me feel that she is much younger than me because of her size and looks! I wish I can look like her too.

My top (jacket) cost $17 and the lacy shorts was sponsored by Shop Lila Mila again. Comfy and sweet looking on?

My favourite shopping street was at Hongdae. No nasty price tags, no pushy aunties there. You can get a nice top at an average of $15-30. Although the beauty junkie street is at Myeongdong, you can also find them in Hongdae! Etude house and other brands were really really cheap. Remember to stock up on the makeup and skincare!

I bought colour-ed cosmetic contact lenses there as well. The average price was between $15-$20 per pair. Well, you know GEO lenses and all are from Korea right?

This shop caught my attention right in the middle of Hongdae.

The churros were made and deep fried on the spot. It was very crispy and fluffy. I can’t get enough!!! I wish they have an outlet in Singapore too.

It was finger-lickin’ good to the last bit.

And I shall end this post with my first meal in Korea. Check back for part 2! 🙂

Summer Party’s Necessities

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Summer is here! Are you ready for it? What is your summer must-have other than beach wear and sun dresses?

Do remember to take care of your hair, skin and body when you’re enjoying yourself at the beach. Apply sunblock, moisturize the skin and the scalp!

Let me introduce you some of the latest products from Tsubaki, Senka and Aqualabel.

Closer friends know that I WILL NEVER step out of my house without sunblock (unless I am supposed to go for some skin related consultation or facial). Sunblock is basically my necessity. It is more important than applying make up on my face.

I use all kind of sunblock, from cream based, to gel based, and to water based. Water based is always my first choice in any facial products.

Senka now has a new water based sunblock! The Mineral Essence UV which is made with 100% mineral water with strong UV protection and anti-aging care.

Yup, you heard me right. it has anti-aging care as it contains Coenzyme Q10 and Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin looking youthful, resilient and firm even when you are protecting your skin from the sun. As it is water based, it does not leave your skin greasy. It leaves a silky smooth finish with no residue and is resistant to sweat and sebum.

My pre-make up base is usually essence followed by sunblock. So this works pretty well as a pre-make up base too. Only retailing at $17.90 at selected Watsons stores.

Next is the Aqualabel Whitening Jelly Essence. The texture is really jelly-liked and has 4 functions.

Lotion, Emulsion, Serum and Astringent.  I like it’s astringent effect as it can minimizes pores that tends to dilate or sad. Open pores is one of the first world problems for all ladies out there.

It firms the skin affected by dilated pores and keeps moisture for many house with the skin protected by the veil of the highly-permeating jelly. This is already available in Watsons at $29.90!

And TSUBAKI has launched another new product in it’s Head Spa range! The Head Spa Sparkling Serum!  Probably my favourite product in the entire event!

It is a leave-in scalp essence that delivers a range of Head Spa effects from moisturizing, softening to stimulation blood circulation for a healthy and moisturized scalp that leaves no sticky feel after application.

I like the product because it is convenient and cheap! Hair tonics or whatsnot are usually costly. This bottle of Serum only cost $18.90. You can have fun while applying it as it will produce the sparkling sound when it comes in contact with your hair and your palm.

It contains ingredients like Natural Essential Oil Blend, Camellia Flower Extract and Camellia oil. They can help to moisturize and soften the scalp while enhancing the hair shine.

What about your summer must-have?! Care for a share? 🙂

Vainpot’s favourites

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I can’t help but feel like a vain pot recently. Not as if I wasn’t one in the past, but at least not this extreme.

I have been diligently trying out the different makeup products that were sent to me for reviews/ bought from stores and I am seriously quite crazy over lip crayons!! The Revlon lip crayons were so good! I like the packaging and the colours.

The application was very smooth as well. The downside is that you have to lightly apply it after a meal for the colour to look even more vibrant (which is quite common for other lipstains as well).

Note: I wasn’t paid to rave about it ok!

I will make sure I have it in my bag before I leave the house. I am fine without bringing the rest of the products out, but for the lips, this lip crayon is a must!!

Went back to Salon B to touch up the roots and treat the fringe again.

I am truly blessed to have Oscar, the man behind my hair for all the treatments and styles!

He touched up my roots and did sprinkled some fairy dust on the fringe. I was so tempted to cut the hair shorter but I have a shoot next month that requires long hair….

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Now the entire head looked so soft, fluffy and bouncy! My friend whatsapped me the moment she saw my hair on instagram

Salon B: 1 Nassim Road #02-03. Singapore 258458.

Tel: (65) 6836 5855

You have to look for Oscar if you want something like mine!

I permed my fringe!

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I always regret it ALOT when I cut bangs. But when I have long fringe, I want it short because they can be quite irritating at times. I always choose to cut bangs because I like one part of the growing phase – the phase where u can comb it to the side nicely.

And my readers would know that I don’t work on Monday, therefore, Monday = pampering, chilling or full of errands day. And yesterday, was the HAIR DAYYY! I delayed the whole appointment for 3 Mondays because I was too busy.

The first thing my hairstylist, Oscar, told me was “You need to colour your roots already“.

I didn’t had the intention to touch up the roots, but oh wells, why not? Since I was free and all. I love how Oscar knows what my hair needs.

After touching up the roots, I told Oscar I wanted bangs. He’s the kind who would prefer girls with long fringe than bangs because bangs would make one look like a kid. Okay, that is what happens to me all the time.

But this time, instead of going for the usual flat bangs, he permed my bangs to look like a doll. And this was something new to me because I never had permed bangs, or rather, I have never tried perming the fringe before.

He snipped it after colouring. Welcome back~ Flat bangs!

I was quite afraid that I would look like some aunty with some “curry puff” fringe with the rollers. I was really afraid of the end result. LOL.

It was a pretty quick process. He added some cream and let the rollers stayed for 15-20 minutes before washing.

And the final result after blow drying…. I don’t think that it is obvious in the picture but the fringe was rather bouncy and curled in, giving me a very dolly look. My friend saw me and asked if I would prefer “Ang Kong Kia” or “Barbie”? LOL

Yes, the hair was shorten by a lot as well. With dry hair like mine, I think it is best to keep it short. I wanted to try shorter length but I have to let it grow until April for a bridal shoot.

That’s Oscar. Okay, he didn’t smile and that made him look fierce. But in actual fact, he is quite a chatty and funny person. One nice guy really. My hair always feel well taken care of  when I am in his hands.

Look for Oscar when you visit SalonB!
And quote “Blogger Maybeline” for 20% off chemical services.

They are located at:
1 Nassim Road #02-03 Singapore 258458
(Directly opposite Tanglin Shopping Mall)

Parking is free when you do your hair there!

Make an appointment at 6863 5855.

On TV again!: Ramen Kagetsu Arashi

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I believed this is not some new news to the readers because you guys might have already seen it before me. Yup, the TVC interview for Ramen Kagetsu Arashi is out on national TV already. If you haven’t watch it, I think you can catch it in the evening on either Channel 8 or 5.

They are ranked third most popular ramen chain in Japan with more than 290 outlets worldwide. And within a short span of 6 months, Ramen Kagetsu Arashi had already opened 3 outlets in Singapore! – Star Vista, Cathay and Tampines 1.

You can customise the flavours and add oomph to your dishes with the add-ons they have. One of it which caught my attention was the garlic where you can crush the garlic yourself with their unique garlic press tool.

The most popular broth is the Garlic Tonkotsu which bought fame to the restaurant. Now, they have done it again.

Two new exclusive dishes were introduced – Ginjiro ramen and Itameshi dry curry rice.

The Ginjiro ramen is a laborious dish but is well worth the effort. Pork bones are simmered over long hours so that their natural sweetness can be extracted, Dried bonito (the flakes that you can find in your Tako Balls), kelp and several ingredients are then tossed to achieve that flavoursome goodness.

Overall, this Kagetsu Ramen original is rich in collagen and a definite must-try.

I like the broth so much that I wouldn’t mind a second bowl. I don’t even care about the calories anymore. I asked about the egg, it wasn’t served with runny egg because it might affect the taste of the broth. For people who love runny eggs, you can order the egg as a side, just like what I did.

You know, I am feeling all hungry again as I type this. Or maybe… I just need to sip a few spoonful of the broth..

Itameshi dry curry rice. Although it says curry, but it is not spicy at all.

A blend of spices lends a moderately spicy punch; even those who cannot take spicy food will relish the perfumed mixture. The rice is slightly scorched to create a crispy texture and smoky aroma.

Resting atop the rice is a wonderfully prepared egg, fragrant and cooked to perfection.

Nic, my partner for the TVC shoot. We loved the food so much that we just had to order everything on the menu.

I ordered 2 bowls of ramen for myself that day. Not kidding yo! Besides that, other side dishes were ordered which the rest of them on the table happily finished them because I could no longer take in anymore food.

T commented that he really love this.

Gyoza, which was mixed with a DIY sauce dip that night.

The gyoza was filled with juicy meat filing on the inside and crispy pastry skin on the outside. The skin is specially imported from Japan and even after frying, it retains its crispiness and chewy texture.

T, Nic and me!

Happy boys and girl with happy tummy.

Good food! New found ramen stall…… added to my list of favourite restaurants.

Lastest addiction – Pandora

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I never thought I would get hooked onto Pandora bracelet and charms because I find them EXPENSIVE! I had always thought I wouldn’t spend a mid 3-digit figure to 4 digit figure on an accessory like necklace or bracelets but Pandora caught me!

I kept complaining on the prices and why would girls spend so much on them until my friend Sophia of Beau Essentials tempted me with them.

She helped me with my bracelet and my first two charms.

I got the 17cm bracelet which was way too big for me. But the sales person told me that it is always better to get a slighter bigger bracelet so that it wouldn’t be tight when you have more charms.

Bracelet – $124
Pandora Charm – $53
Fairytale Book – $71

It was so sad because the price of the Fairytale Book raised. It was initially $53 just few weeks back! Take note: Some of the charms like bow charm which was initially $53 is now $88.

I thought it was pretty plain with just two charms so I got more charms 2 days later. YES, this is extremely crazy! But well, bonus is hereeeee. It’s March! Heh.

Each charm actually serves a different meaning. Some of them have very meaningful meanings. For example, the cruise. My dad’s favorite memory of my sister was the both of the cheering and hugging when we were on the cruise years back (I miss you, Adel).

And 2 days later, another new addition! The Eiffel Tower! My favorite landmark in the entire world has got to be this tower, so how can I not own one?

The charms kept me smiling for days.

Whatever that made me smile is worth every penny spent 🙂

Yes, I have officially fallen into the irresistible trap of Pandora’s.

Marvel heroes & Disney Pixar characters

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Adorable figurines for everyone – featuring the most celebrated characters from 3 bestselling movies is now exclusively available at 7-Eleven in Singapore!

Jazz up work space with miniature versions of Monsters University’s Sulley and Mike as well as Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz Lightyear! Or build up defences with Iron-Man, Captain America, The Hulk and Spider Man as the guardians.

Not only are the figurines adorable, they are functional as well. The Disney Pixar figurines come with markers and the Marvel figurines highlighters.

Simply spend $3* at any 7-Eleven store to get a stamp,

Collect the stamps and:
Get 1 figurine at $3.90 with 8 stamps collected OR
Collect 24 stamps to redeem a FREE figurine.

The promotion period runs from 26 February to 22 April, while stocks last.

You can also get additional stamps when you purchase these products:

26 February – 25 March 2014
– Yeo’s Chrysanthemum Tea (500ml)
– Big Gulp (22 oz)
– Quickbites Butter Chicken Biryani (300g)

26 March – 22 April 2014
– M&M’s Chocolate Assorted (40g)
– Quickbites Macaroni & Cheese (230g)
– 100PLUS Original (500ml)

PSSSST: the Butter Chicken Biryani and Macaroni & Cheese are REALLY GOOD. If you noticed, the 3 items add up to complete a quick meal for lunch!

It is actually very easy to hit $3. Just go for a quick bite during lunch or tea break. The 7-Eleven Quick Bites are fast and good, unlike other convenient food. You can still have chicken rice or beef redang even when you are rushing for time.

For me, I went for Mee Goreng (this option is available at the 7-Eleven at UE Square) with other little sides. The Mee Goreng was prepared served hot to me within 5-6 minutes!

As you can see, a meaty cheeseball was added to my noodles! Yummmmmeh!

Some other Quick Bites which my tastebuds kind of like are:

Mashed potatoes with cocktails.

and Cold Soba. I loveeeeee Japanese food so Soba is definitely one of the many choices that I would go for!

Of course, not missing out snacks. Snacks is probably the easiest way for me to collect all the stamps. Heh…..

Since the figurines are already available, go to 7-Eleven tomorrow!!!!! While stocks last!

Don’t cry when it’s all gone!! Remember, they are limited edition.

My skincare regime

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CNY is over (for me) and Valentines’ Day is next.

How good do you want to look on Valentines’ Day is pretty much dependent on how good the skin is. You need good clear skin to complete the whole look other than just putting make up on. And this starts from the very basic – hydrating your skin, feeding your skin well.

I have very basic skincare routine and this is definitely for people who are as lazy as me!

Morning:
1. Lotion – Hada Labo Super HA Hydrating Lotion
2. Super Hyaluronic Acid – Hada Labo Moist Essence EX
3. Hada Labo UV

I always start my day by cleansing the face. Wash, tone, moisturizer and then sun block! It is very important to apply the lotion in the morning as it helps to balance the pH of your skin and prepares it for moisturizing.

Night:
1. Lotion – Hada Labo Super HA Hydrating Lotion
2. Super Hyaluronic Acid – Hada Labo Moist Essence EX
3. Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Mask (one to two times a week)

This Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Essence is a Winner of COSMO Beauty Grand Prix 2012! It was also awarded in 2013 by her world Beauty.

I always wake up to good skin day after I started using this (not to mention about an allergy outbreak last month. My skin had an allergy reaction to other products because I forgot to bring my skincare products out for a staycation).

You may feel that I am exaggerating or saying good stuffs about these products because I am the ambassador for Hada Labo. I am very proud to be the ambassador for the brand, but I wouldn’t lie and say the products are good just because of that. I am proud to be the ambassador because their products are really good. Tested and proven by yours truly 🙂

You don’t need expensive or many products to achieve good skin.

Try Hada Labo! I am all prepared for Valentines’ Day.

Are you? 🙂

Deep Hydration for the Skin at Astique

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MFP has kindly arranged for a pre-CNY facial for me at Astique Clinic by Dr. Matthew Yap.

Cold weather means flaky skin for the dehyrated skin. Hence, more hydration booster would be needed to keep the skin bouncy and radiant.

My last facial was also probably more than half a year ago, so why not!

Other than their in-house scrub, these were the products used that day – ESTHEMED, which are made in Korea. Well, we all know that Korea is the place for good skincare products!

I enjoy doing facial a lot because it is extremely comfortable, relaxing and at the same time, better skin. The benefits of this facial is to keep the face moisturized and dewy.

The first step is to remove all the makeup by cleansing and scrubbing the face. Scrubbing also remove dead skin cells from the surface, making sure that the skin is absorbing all the nutrients well.

Hydra B3 Spray was sprayed and massaged all over the face before the Hydra B5 Serum.

Following with the Hydra B6 Cream. Okay, I gotta admit, I had this thing for the cream and the masks that came after. They were too goooood! Read on to find out why.

I have read about the mask from Miyake and she commented that the masks actually work like fillers. YES, IT SURE DOES!.

The ASTIQUE Recovery Essence Mask improves elasticity and firmness of the skin, smoothens and softens skin texture, resulting in firmer and younger looking skin.

How?

It locks in moisture, boosting skin cell regeneration and causing skin to glow from within.

The  masks are also retailing at a box of 5 ($155). Definitely worth the money.

It is filled with essence. You can literally see it dripping. So instead of wasting the essence, the beautician rubbed a layer of the essence onto my face before placing the mask on.

Psst: I think I would apply it all over the arms and legs if I were home.

It was left on for a good 20 minutes.

No washing is needed after masking. You can massage the face gently until the essence is absorbed in – as recommended by the nurses/beauticians there 🙂

Take a look at the rest of the photos below at how dewy and bright my skin is! It only took me 60 minutes to see the results. I went out without foundation that day because I was so confident of how my skin was.

You know, whenever I go for facials, I was always told that my skin was rather dull. But not all places promised me results within a visit. But ASTIQUE proved me wrong, anything is possible.

Still rubbing all the good stuffs in….

Close up of the skin… Pictures don’t lie. Neither were they edited. It is as real as the mask and facial.

I was extremely happy with the overall results and this photo was taken right after the facial. Remember, no powder, only eyebrows and eyeliners were drawn.

Big hug for ASTIQUE!

Laneige – The New and The Improved

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I was tied between 2 events but had decided to skip one of it and head over to Laneige because it is one of my favourite makeup/skincare brands! I was filled with awe when I attended the launch of their new makeups: Click here to read

This time, they have came out with new and improved products in addition to their White Plus Renew Line and 6-in-1 BB Cushion!

The technology behind the improved formula is the Melacrusher Technology. To explain it in layman, a cell self-purification systems is accelerated to regulate melanin and waste materials that contribute to dull skin and pigmentation, while inhibiting melanin formation and transfer.

This essential step stimulates a cell to break down melanin and eliminate tri-coloured undertones – red, yellow and dark – resulting in a pure, flawless and radiant-looking skin that is 2 tones brighter.

The technology is formulated with 3 key ingredients:

Truffle Yeast Extract – Anti-oxidant and anti-yellowness care
Green Tea Extract – Whitening agent, inhibits melanin formation and block melanin transfer
Vitamin B3 – Anti-oxidant and helps to restore healthy colour to the skin.

The first product that I wanna talk about is the new Laneige 6-in-1 BB Cushion.

Love how clean the packaging looks.

This little cushion here has 6 amazing benefits:

– Brightening effect
– UV Protection (SPF 50+, PA+++)
– Moisturizing Effect
– Water-resistant
– Make-up Tint
– Soothing Effect

Talk about soothing, it immediately cools, soothes and refreshes skin fatigue by heat! Clinical data has shown that skin temperature drops by 4 degree Celsius after using the new BB Cushion.

It contains bead tree extract that acts as an anti-pollution whitening component that protects the skin from harmful external environment and filter pollutions. Laneige values water, so natural mineral water from Jeju Island can also be found in the ingredients. It is said to absorbed into skin faster than general mineral water.

This little treasure is priced at $59 and will be available in stores from March 2014 onwards.

Next is the best selling White Plus Renew Original Essence (40ml, $78) – the star product in the White Plus Renew line!

It has a safe and mild formula with globally proven trust and recognition. Having won 10 Global Beauty Awards in Asia within the first year of it’s launch made it a true attestation to its effective and quality.

Accordingly to the surveys done, 99% of the women experienced improved skin condition after only two weeks of use!

My first impression of it was that it looked rather creamy.

But as I started to spread it around the hands, I realized that it was more watery than creamy and after weeks of application, your skin will tend to go 2 tones brighter than the natural skin tone.

Lastly, having tried their Sleeping Pack (I bought it myself, it was not sent over for any review purposes at that point of time!), I was quite happy that they came up with another mask! – White Plus Renew Capsule Sleep Pack (A box of 16 capsules, $42).

This is a new addition to the line and it is an innovative combination between a whitening capsule and hydro gel cream.

The hydro gel is a transparent gel-type hydro ample which hydrates the skin and makes brightening capsule more effective. The brightening capsule is a soft and non-sticky cream type ample, which contains the whitening agents of Melacrusher Technology.

2 in 1 – Moisturizing and brightening care can both be delivered when you are asleep!

Thumbs up for the innovative packaging as well. The single-use hygienic packaging makes traveling more friendly and can be easily stored in the fridge!

Tina, the makeup artiste from Laneige also demostrated how we can use the products together with their make up to achieve a natural korean look.

And my whitening resolution for 2014 is…… To go 2 tones brighter! How about you? 🙂