My June Shopping Loots!

Hello my midnight pebbles...

Recently I have been doing a lot of things but seem to have made very little progress in these many lot things that I have been doing recently. For instance, my Juliet garden roses bridal bouquet.

I was sadly informed yesterday that we have just missed the boat by a week or two because winter has set in * big big sigh *

Although I know there are plenty more other beautiful roses out there (like vendela and antique) but... they just don't look or feel the same to me =(

Oh well... never mind it. Let's talk about happy things instead. I did some good shopping lately.

1) Victoria's Secret 围巾

I have always like VS whether it is a summer or winter collection - lingeries or fragrances.
I just find the design very chirpy and bubbly.

It is good to feel young and colourful sometimes ~

2) QSilica for healthy skin, hair and nails

I like healthy skin because healthy skin portrays healthy image.

This product has significantly higher amount of silicon (important for connective tissue repair) than most other brands you can find on the market - which is really really good! 

NEXT... 

3) Clarins Gentle Night Cream

I went for my routine Clarins facial last Saturday and the Clarins expert thought my "acne break out" warrants some serious attention. She feels Gentle Night Cream for sensitive skin is exactly what I need most at this stage. 

4) Clarins Skin Ilusion "Sand" Foundation SPF 10+

I must admit this foundation fits perfectly to my natural skin tone. 

The texture feels nice, smooth and silky; and it smells wonderful too! 

NEXT...

5) Avene Demo-Cleansing Milk

Hmm... I think this product is fairly reasonable.
I am not a big supporter of milk cleanser (because it leaves annoying residues on skin) but the Clarins expert wanted me to use milk cleanser instead of X brand cleanser which I used normally. So I thought maybe I should stick to the expert's advice.

6) Avene Micellar Lotion

If memory serves me correctly, this is one of the top rated products in Avene range.
And I must agree with that because it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily like most other makeup removers do (it is as mild as baby shampoo). And I like just how nice it smells and how smooth my skin feels after using it - highly recommended!

Well... I guess that's all I have for sharing tonight.

I hope you have a wonderful... err... midnight!

Well until next time, Mia OUT!

Double Effect V-Lift Mask 韩国VL面膜

这是我妈最近送给我的面膜。
Double Effect V-Lift Mask - by Guardian

面膜包装很可爱，材料简单但 SENSIBLE，主要包括 MARINE COLLAGEN PEPTIDE、SUPER HA（应该是指 HYLURONIC ACID）、CANOLA HONEY、GREEN TEA、TANGERINE PEEL、CAMELLIA LEAF、ORCHID & CACTUS，都是一些为了收紧皮肤、抗氧、抗皱和保湿的材料。

我想，这应该会适合像小女这种经常有皮肤松垂问题的朋友适用。

使用时，我感觉：

1）面膜的液体超多，多得有点很 MESSY，我在浴室里搞了好久才好不容易把面膜顺利敷上
2）面膜一共有两片，上面那片很服帖，下面那片可以敷下巴，稍微往上一拉会有拉紧的作用

3）面膜敷上以后，马上发现一个很大问题 －为什么眼睛嘴巴孔那么小？ ？

4）面膜鼻子那部位，为什么会那么大一片？呼吸有点小困难。
5）面膜的拉紧功能很好，敷上去皮肤会感觉有点暖暖的。
6）面膜没有下滑现象，一边敷可以一边看电脑或看书，不用担心面膜会掉。
7）面膜拿下后，皮肤很滑嫩，而且拉紧后的效果还不错。

^o^ ⋯⋯

整体来说，面膜用后皮肤感觉不错。

较为让我不满意的地方就是这个十分小小小的 嘴。孔。

我很好奇，谁的嘴巴会那么小哦？？？

我嘟了两分钟的嘴，终于受不了了，就只好把下面那片面膜摘下来。

真遗憾⋯⋯ 这片面摸虽然工效不错，但是真的敷得不是很舒服 <=(

会不会再选购这牌子的面膜呢？

同一个牌子，其实我妈买了好几个不一样成份的面膜给我，试过了两片，两片都是这样嘴巴小小的，所以整体来说，我应该不会再选购这牌子的面膜了。

Oskia London

O S K I A   L O N D O N

A relatively new British skincare brand on the market, yet it managed to receive plenty of rave reviews from beauty magazines like Vogue. Thanks to its patent pending unique dual approach and signature MSM repair and regenerating complex.

Some of its lines won multiple awards in the natural health category in 2012.

We came across Nutri-Active Day Cream during our facial experience at Chuan Spa in Hong Kong last year. The effect was pretty impressive. Skin looked instantly supple and hydrated.
So, despite the hefty price tag, we decided to buy it in the end because of its very impressive mixed of ingredients. We both agree that its formulation is sensible enough to justify the product claims - Hydrates, Revitalises, Repairs and Protects the DNA.

This is our third bottle now and it still remains as one of the best skincare products we have used by far.

Nutri-Active Day Cream

Key ingredients:

A nice blend of organically certified natural ingredients but the two ingredients that really stand out amongst all (in my opinion) are highlighted in BLUE.

• MSM - the most bio-available form of sulphur, aids collagen production and helps keep skin strong and supple.
• Milk peptides - immediately lift, firm and tone the skin leaving a natural sheen and radiance by stimulating collagen synthesis by 40%, increasing Hyaluronic Acid production by 1900%, reducing wrinkle depth by 35%, increasing cell-to-cell communication and boosting key elements of the Dermo-Epidermal junction making nutrients more available to the skin.
• Inula viscosa and Vitamin E - protect against free-radical damage and enhance cell resistance to UV.
• Our elite grade Hyaluronic acid and Omegas-3 and 6 (from Shea Butter, Jojoba, Sesame and Rice Germ Oil) - provide long lasting hydration, plump and restore softness and elasticity.
• Swiss Apple Stem Cells - prolong the life of healthy skin cells, help repair and protect DNA and reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 15% after 4 weeks and stimulate cell proliferation by 80%.
• O3 Stressed Yeast Lysate - increases cell respiration and the skin’s energy to stimulate new tissue growth, repair, regenerate and protect DNA.
• Prebiotic Oligosaccharide - stimulates the skin’s defense barrier to protect its ecosystem.
• Vitamin A from Rosehip Seed Oil rejuvenates and regenerates by encouraging cellular processes.

Who is it for?

It is generally suitable for anyone from twenties onwards, male and female, anyone who wants to look young and wants to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and anyone who has a very sensitive skin (because the ingredients are completely botanical and natural).

How much is it?

One bottle of 30mL costs about £52 in the UK.
In Hong Kong, we paid about HKD800 per bottle.
In Australia, the price swings anywhere between $98 to $129, depending on your luck.

Other Comments:

This product does not contain fragrance or any other artificial scent.
The smell of the Omegas is quite potent. It almost reminds me of Fish Oil capsules.
Some people may not like it but it smells pretty healthy to me anyway (^o^)

MASK ♥ MUST

以前的女生比较避谈的话题除了年龄，还是年龄。
可是现在的女生反而表现开放多了！年龄嘛，是只是个数字而已 ～
现在的女生最担心的问题反而是－－要怎样才能让自己比实际年龄看起来更年轻。
对于现代女性来说，护肤养颜比从前变得更更更加重要！

所谓男人四十一朵花♧，偶们女人三十都未到又怎能先变成烂茶渣呐？

护肤的基本产品 － 洗脸液、精华、润肤霜都很重要。

面膜虽然是 OPTION，冬季的时候却摇身一变突然变成皮肤最要好的朋友！

市面上的面膜多得很，图下这两支偶觉得还蛮不错用的。

左边那一支是 CLARINS 的 HYDRA QUENCH CREAM MASK。

当初会买它的原因 （除了是因为抵挡不住推销员很猛的攻势以外）是因为它保湿工效很好。

偶很多时候涂上它以后就跑去睡觉，隔天一早再清洗都还不迟。

右边那一支是男人的 LABS SERIES MAX LS DAILY CLEANSER。

它其实是一只洗脸霜，不过它也可以被当作面膜用，可是敷脸的话份量要多要厚，敷大概十五分钟左右就可以清洗，较后皮肤会觉得很很很滋润 ～

据男人所提供的 FEEDBACK，这是他用过最好用的洗脸霜，保湿度超佳！

纸面膜在市面上仍然很畅销，因为它真的很方便。

莎莎网站一天内可以卖上上千片纸面膜，夸张么？

不管阁下用的是什么品牌的纸面膜，只要保湿度还不错的就可以放心去买。

SILK WHITIA 常常有打折，所以偶来来去去都在用它的系列。

之前在部落有提及 家里自制面膜。

自制面膜的功夫虽然虽然多了点，不过准备的过程其实可以很 RELAX。

而且材料天然，价钱也很便宜。

乳酪面膜是最正的自制面膜！

不过材料必定要用 NATURAL YOGHURT，偶常常添加蜂蜜和绿茶，抗氧好啊 ～

BASIL 面膜有天然的抗菌和消炎功用，适合给常常长痘痘的朋友使用。

偶甚至还试过了香蕉、绿茶和蛋白合成的面膜⋯⋯

老实说，像这种天然面膜，敷上脸可能会感觉有一点 MESSY。

还是纸面膜比较方便一点咯 ～ 

偶喜欢在出门前敷面膜，皮肤底子打得好的话，不上浓妆都可以出门！

好了⋯⋯ 

今天就分享到这里，偶要赶去潜水看人家部落去！

看标题就知道博友阿敏最近的婚礼很感人！

ARIS，虽然现实中还没遇过你，不过看着你俩由初恋情人一直努力到成为夫妻，我也太太太替你们开心了 ♥ 给你满满的祝福好吗？恭喜恭喜！

♥ July Skincare ♥

O.K.A.Y.

These are personally my two most favourite skincare products since I returned from HK.
Cosme Decorte Moisture Liposome serum (purple bottle) has been strongly recommended by Lane Crawford cosmetic concierge a.k.a. our friend from HK since long ages ago; and he insisted that - - This product is the BEST of the very BEST hydrating product you can ever find on the skincare market! And I believe his claim is very true indeed.

I know the fact that Cosme Decorte is itself as old as Shiseido.
Moisture Liposome has been released on market for over 20 years and surprisingly still tops the selling chart. There must be a reason for this - I am sure of it!

Next, I am a fan of SKII too!
I haven't tried the entire range but the Whitening Spots Specialist seems to have a myriad of good reviews online. I like SKII because it is developed by asian specifically for asian skin like mine.

I am still using Clarins... errr... every now and then.

I tried not to complicate my skincare regimen but these two forms a spotless combination.

SKII was actually a surprise gift from my return trip from HK from Alex ♥

I am a very lucky girl indeed ^^

REN Skincare

REN has been one of our favourite skincare products since we came back from Hong Kong.

If you are located outside UK or HK, you can source REN products quite conveniently from StrawberryNet. I find the prices on this shopping hub generally quite reasonable.

Now. Let's be honest. I only got to know this product from one of the hotels I stayed in HK.

Let's face it. Most of the time the hotel products are pretty crap anyway but these REN products really took us by surprise! The smell of the grapefruit body wash is faint but nice and lingers around for hours  after shower. The body cream is great too (very moisturising)! Alex seems to like the shampoo and conditioner very much but not so much for me because I have lotsa scalp problem so I have to stick to my medicated shampoo instead. The soap is just as great, if not better than the body wash. 

Now the best part of REN products seems to centring around this Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask.

What it does is that the fruit acid complex peels off the dead skin to reveal a smoother layer underneath. Well pretty much just like other "peel" products available on the market but it does it in a lot more gentler way without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

I am not surprised why it quickly became one of the best sellers on the skincare market. Even our skincare consultant spoke highly of it. Love it, absolutely love it!

We haven't really explored other REN range yet but for now I will definitely recommend:

✔ The Neroli and Grapefruit Soap

✔ The Neroli and Grapefruit Zest Body Wash

✔ The Grapeseed, Jojoba and Shea Butter Body Cream

Look forward to trying more new brands! Hopefully will get the chance to share more reviews soon ^^

November + Clarins Retreat

G'day everyone ♥ ♥ ♥

These few days have been pretty hot and muggy down here... what about you over there?
I am so pleased that we have finally booked a late summer escape to Hong Kong next year!
Can't wait for it to come!!!

And this time... it will be one of the coldest times we spend in HK (how excited!)
It is also going to be really special as we will be celebrating VALENTINE'S over there as well.
And of course this trip will also open us a fat chance to go on a shopping spree ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Items currently on my checklist:

1. A nice brown / beige leather jacket
2. A handbag for everyday use (to replace my old Coach bag)
3. G2000 skirts for work
4. A Mont Blanc wallet
5. Ralph Lauren polos
6. Fashion tops and party dresses from local designers
7. Wedges and flats 
8. Armani jeans
9. Skincare products...!!!

Oh dear...
Xmas is coming close! This year sure feels like it has gone too fast!
I was checking myself out in front of the mirror the other day and have only just realised how long it has taken me to accept seeing myself in black again. It has been a good change although I secretly still prefer a lighter colour ^___^

So have you started your X.M.A.S shopping yet?

Last week I was invited to Clarins Signature Facial (yes again!!!) 

It was part of the annual xmas events organised by Clarins for its VIPs.

The package includes a 60 minutes facial plus consultation (which is redeemable on Clarins products).

The beauty therapist who looked after me on that day is much more qualified than the girl I usually see. 

All I can say is that the overall experience was tremendous! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This xmas gift pack came with the Clarins facial.

Each of these baubles contains a miniature skincare product. 

Awww... how cute is that? I think they can come in really handy for travelling~

I bought this HydraQuench range on the same day - hoping that it will help to keep my skin moist especially after a long haul flight.

Now this is what I wanted to focus on...

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift was the STAR products used in my facial that day.
This product (contains caffeine) claims that it can help eliminate excess fat stored in face by improving lymphatic circulation. It has received plenty of good comments online and is very strongly recommended for those who want their face to look more lifted and slimmer... like me!

Before I left, the Clarins expert reminded me for the umpteenth times that I must remember to massage my face everyday (as she showed me) and drink ample water after that. Apparently these will help to drain away excessive toxins from your chubby face...

Packaging wise: the bottle design is still as great as usual... no mess at tip whatsoever!

And I find the nozzle looks a little charming too ♥ I don't remember seeing one quite like this before... wonder how this really works? care to explain... anyone?

This serum has a gel-like texture and smells wonderfully as I smear it on my face.
It is absorbed almost instantly and one pea-size can go a long mile...

I have been using it (with the following regimen) for over a week now...

Step 1 - Cleanser - Neutrogena 

Step 2 - Toner -  SKII Facial Treatment Essence

Step 3 - Pre-Serum - Clarins Shaping Facial Lift

Step 4 - Serum - Clinique Laser Focus (day) / Clarins Multi Active Serum (night) 

Step 5 -Moisturiser - Clarins Multi Active / HydraQuench / Younger Longer (alternate every third day)

I have only just started to notice a slight improvement on my chin area, but the effect is only marginal...

Just like how some people like playing golf and some people like apparel shopping, facial is just my kind of favourite retreat ♥

Oh boy........ didn't realise it is so late now~ 

I guess it is about time to wrap up this post.

Well I hope you guys have enjoyed your weekend... will catch you again soon!

With love. Mia.

Clarins Facial

Hello... ^________________^

I have been so tied up with work + a few other things lately.

Most nights I had racing mind and very restless sleep.

Some nights I didn't get to sleep until after past midnight. 

I began to wonder where has all the time gone??? I know with Xmas drawing closer, stress will soon kick in - but in the meantime I am hoping to maintain my stress level as manageable as it is now.

Fingers crossed everything will flow smoothly until my next holiday is due...

Anyway, today is my day off again ^_^
I finally found time to attend to my facial appointment with Clarins.

I have been looking forward to trying out new products that Clarins brought out lately.

This is the second time I had my facial done by Karena. 

My first experience with her was marvellous. She seems mature and knows what she is doing, although I secretly wish she could spend some time explaining all the products she used on me (so I won't forget!). You know things like how to sequence the application, what do they do, when to apply etc.

But before we started, I am already confident that I will enjoy the session (now that she understands my skin type and areas of concern a bit more). I am glad she gave me the attention I needed. The session took about an hour to finish, including massage on neck and hands - I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep!

The room was sufficient, neat and clean.
It would be lovely though if the light be dimmed down a little bit.

I vaguely remember 7 or 8 Clarins products being used excluding make up remover/facial cleanser. 

One of them being the new Clarins Facial Shaping Lift range which is supposed to shape the face and reduce its roundness. I am glad that I was able to try this.

Whether or not it was this product or the combined effect of everything she applied on me, I did feel my skin a lot tighter and more supple after the facial.

Facial not only improves my skin tone but also relaxes my mind.

The overall experience was great - I wish I could do this more often ^_^

I hope you too have enjoyed your day as much as I did!

Keep blogging

Keep smiling =)

Cheerio!

I ♥ Drug Store Products

Hi hi... It has been more than a week since my disappearance - probably the longest time I have been away since I started on this blog. I have been working like a trojan and barely had time to rest, let alone blogging. So this is going to be just a quick post to share some of my favourite lines at a drug store level.

#1 Schwarkopf Daily Oil Elixir is yet another product on the market with argan oil as an ingredient. I got this as a freebie from the company and some expert told me that it can be used on towel dried, fully dried or freshly styled hair although it seems to go farther on towel dried hair.

#2 Natio Facial and Exfoliating Scrub is fragrance free and carries only a faint hint of almond scent. The micro beads makes deep cleansing especially around contour area a lot easier. It is one of my most favourite products for use during winter time.

#3 Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover remains as my favourite eye make up remover. It dissolves all traces of make up effectively but what distinguishes it from other brands is it leaves no greasy residue on skin. Believe it or not, I actually like this better than Clarins!

#4 Witch Hazel Solution was introduced to me by a friend who is a big fan of this product. I have been using it as a cleanser as well as a toner for almost two years now. A quick wipe down helps removing any remaining makeup residue (after cleaning with a makeup remover) and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed!

#5 Maybelline Gel Liner does not dry out too quickly and I like it better than Shu Uemura gel liner.

#6 Revlon Customeyes Mascara is my favourite mascara at a drug store level. The brush itself features a short but densely packed bristles hence allow me to reach every lash and apply mascara with ease. It is definitely a much much better mascara than Maybelline The Colossal (which I was using before).

#7 Max Factor Masterpiece Colour Precision Eyeshadow provides a subtle illumination and accentuates areas that need a good highlight such as eyelids and nose bridge.

#8 Natio Spa with Organics Heavenly Hand Cream provides just the right balance of moisture without feeling too greasy or heavy. It has a refreshing citrusy aroma - attributed to its blend of aloe vera extract, sweet almond oil, panax ginseng extract, sesame oil, lavender oil and citrus peel oil.

I wish I could show you more but my eyes are so heavy I guess I just have to buzz off early tonight.

I shall be back with more updates soon... 

Until then... Good night people! ♥  ^___________^ ♥

过敏记

其实我没有很期待春天的来临，这阵子因为天气转热了很多，也可能因为我感冒的问题，我的脸上又出现了过敏的症状，尤其是鼻子两侧，脱皮＋发红＋发痒－样样齐全。害得我每一天要洗好多次的脸，涂好多次的药膏，敷好多层的润肤霜才能把它控制下来。

没办法啦⋯⋯ 敏感肌肤就要比一般人更努力打理才行！

季候性过敏几乎每隔两天就需要用上磨砂膏，接下来的春季会尽量用一些比较天然的润肤霜。我觉得Clarins系列挺适合敏感肌肤的人使用，而且我发觉自己其实还蛮依赖SKII的，因为这段过敏时期我发现它能舒暖我肌肤热红的现象。

这阵子我也不太敢把妆化得太浓，粉底液用不上了，脸上只盖薄薄一层BB霜，腮红也是涂得很薄很薄，或者有时候甚至不用，因为过敏的皮肤本来就已经是红的。

前阵子，皮肤专家建议我在发红的地方涂抹少许Nizoral。试用过后发觉效果真的很不错，比一般的Steroid cream更有效，而且副作用也比较少。

我的皮肤问题跟了我已经好久了。

还有什么拯救敏感肌肤的良药可以分享吗？

SKII Facial Treatment Essence Review

Welcome to 1st day of MAY!!!

So... THREE weeks have elapsed since our last chat about SKII ^^

I have never used any product from SKII before, so this is pretty exciting for me!

I bought these products weeks ago during a mega price drop at Sasa website, because I was convinced that the facial treatment essence may help to resolve some of my biggest skincare dilemmata - dry, dull, flaky, red and uneven skin... pretty much everything... You name it!

And because my skin is so sensitive, I can barely tolerate any make up on my face. 

My skin problem has always been an ongoing issue since I was very young. Looking back, it is really bizarre as my two brothers have really good complexion, sometimes it makes me wonder where on earth did I inherit this from? Well... because of my rosy cheek, I find most of the time there isn't even any need to apply blush on my cheek! This is how bad and how sad it is......

Until I get my hands on the miracle water...... and I embark on my first miracle journey with SKII!

Overall, I think this facial treatment essence has helped very little on my dry and flaky skin, although it has significantly calmed and reduced the redness on my cheek. I use it twice daily, morning and night, after washing and/or exfoliating my face.

There are three ways of which you can apply the miracle water on your face:

1. Pour a couple of splashes onto palm and pat it straight onto face 

2. Soak cotton pads with treatment essence and place them onto face

3. Transfer essence to a spray bottle and spray it liberally onto face

Either way you are going to waste some of this miracle water...... unfortunately!

I prefer to pat it straight onto my skin because I can gently massage my face at the same time too.

Also, does anyone notice a mild pungent smell from the water too? 

It reminds me of sushi rice......^^

If you ask me if the price for this product is justified? I think it is worth for its every penny.

However, SKII facial treatment essence should not be used alone in your skincare practice.

At the moment, I am using the following regimen:

Neutrogena cleanser ---> SKII facial treatment essence ---> Clinique laser focus ---> Clarins moisturiser

It is worth noting that the final moisturiser step is crucial as using serum alone does not provide sufficient hydration to the skin. And due to its smaller molecular size, SKII serum should always be applied before the moisturiser but after cleansing the skin.

And because my skin cannot tolerate any harsh chemical, most of the time I only apply tinted moisturiser on my skin. Even so, I can still spot the dermatitis around my nose and minuscule milli under my eyes. 

I am still looking for solutions to these (wish me luck)! 

Please let me know if you have any special trick or remedy to share (^_^)

NB: Dear sweetheart, if you are reading this, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for your endless love and support in helping my skin to recover. He has been compounding cream after cream to help my dry skin to surviving through this winter.

Thank you for reading again.

Have a wonderful day!