Advertorials: New Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

As we age, our skin loses elasticity. It takes longer for it to bounce back into shape. Sleep marks take longer to disappear in the morning than they did when we were fresh-faced teenagers.

Bounce back to youth with the NEW Drops of Youth™ Bouncy Sleeping Mask, the latest addition to The Body Shop best-selling youth-enhancing range.

The lightweight youth-enhancing mask has a uniquely bouncy, memory-shape texture that moulds itself like a second skin. Designed to be left on overnight without washing off, it seals in other skincare products for smoother, more hydrated and fresher skin.

Packed with powerful Edelweiss stem cells that possess exceptional skin renewal properties, the Drops of Youth™ Bouncy Sleeping Mask protects the skins collagen and Hyaluronic Acid levels which are vital to firm, bouncy, skin. The youth-enhancing mask also contains Community Fair Trade Babassu Oil to help retain the moisture in the skin, and Adenosine, a known pro collagen active and caffeine, to help circulation.

To maximise the efficacy of the Drops of Youth™ Bouncy Sleeping Mask, The Body Shop has engaged its first independent Global Skincare Expert, Dr. Terry Loong, to specially design a unique massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system for better circulation and absorption of the mask.

 Drops of Youth™ Bouncy Sleeping Mask is available at S$44.90.

Song of the Month: November

1) 《模特》by 范竣瑞
Just 2 months in Taiwan, and I realize......there are really many musically talented people in Taiwan.
This is a cover of the song 《模特》done by one of my seniors in Comm studies. He is really talented. He plays the violin, and learns the piano and guitar by himself.
Well, he is really in to music, and his voice is really deep.
I am listening to his songs at like 4am? Great for sleepless nights like today.

2) 《夢一場》by 范竣瑞
The first song I introduced was just released this month.
This song, I think he released it 8 months ago?
I could hear the improvement he made, but this is still a nice rendition of the song.

3) 《如果雲知道》by劉柯 and 陳永馨
I think it is quite easy to tell what kind of voices I like for male singers.
Even though it is not a perfect performance, I think the 2 of them did great in terms of the atmosphere.

 4) I Won't Let Go by Rion Paige
I have been searching for this song ever since I heard Rion's rendition of it!
I think she can express her feelings really well, and it has been quite awhile I cried after hearing a song.

Sponsored: New Essential Moisturising Frizz Free Range

Waking up to a welcome a bad hair day is one of the worst things anyone can face.

To be honest, I have very unmanageable hair. If I ever forget to apply conditioner or serum after a hair wash, my hair will be like

Understanding the needs of us girls and our hair woes, Essential (a popular hair care brand from Japan) offers a wide range of products to help repair and care for our hair.

Ever heard of the term combination hair? You may be more familiar with the term combination skin, however combination hair?

The concept of ‘combination hair’ is similar to that of ‘combination skin’, where hair condition from the same person is not uniform from root to tip. People with combination hair usually have oily roots and dry ends.

Most of us are faced with the dilemma of combination hair type, just like combination skin type that we are all familiar with, where the needs of our hair roots and ends are vastly different. 

I bet most of us do not have one haircare product which can solve both oily roots and dry ends. 
Using a rich moisturizing product to care for dry ends, will usually result in a heavy and oily scalp because of the product buildup on their scalp.
Using a light, clarifying product for oily scalp will cause the ends to be even drier.

Thus, people with combination hair may find themselves having to rotate between using a rich moisturizing product and a light clarifying product to achieve a balance. 

The new Essential haircare range promises to smoothen your locks and helps you achieve healthy and manageable hair! 
The brand new Essential haircare range is specially formulated with the new Microfine All Smooth Essence and variants that contain the Sebum Cleansing Technology.

Essential’s new range comes in four different variants: 

• the Nourishing Breakage Defence (Orange range) for weak and damaged hair

• Moisturising Frizz Free (Pink range) for dull and rough hair

• Light Finishing Volumizing range (Yellow range) for limp and flat hair; and

• Deep Cleansing Care range (Blue range) for with oily scalp and dry ends. 

Before choosing the right range, you may want to ask yourself 2 questions.

1. Do you have oily hair roots/scalp?
2. Do you have dry/damaged hair ends?

And the results~~

I did the 'test' myself too, and I got myself the pink range~

Infused with the new Microfine All Smooth Essence, the new Essential haircare range coats each hair strand evenly with a protective veil, delivering nutrients to repair damaged hair. 
Its uniform veil locks in moisture and repairs the dry, damaged hair ends without causing the hair roots to be sticky and heavy. This new formulation also soothes the damaged hair cuticles from root to tip. 

I can now run my fingers through my hair effortlessly even during shampooing. 
I can now comb my hair without having to use too much force, (you know it's bad to keep having to pull your hair because your comb is stuck in it)
No more knots!

With strong, healthy and tangle-free hair, styling your hair has never been easier! 

With the optimum combination of Smart Cuticle Care & Sebum Cleansing Technology in the Light Finish Volumizing and Deep Cleansing Care variants, you can now achieve moisturised hair ends while maintaining a refreshed, breathable scalp! 

The NEW Essential haircare products are available at leading supermarkets, hypermarkets, western pharmacies & personal care stores at the following prices:
- Shampoo SGD $4.50 (200ml) / SGD $11.50 (750ml)
- Conditioner SGD $4.50 (200ml) / SGD $11.50 (750ml)
- Treatment SGD $0.00 (180g) [Sorry but I do not have the price for this at the moment.]
- Hair Mask SGD $9.90 (200g)

Sounds too good to be true? Try it yourself!

Like Essential on Facebook (www.fb.com/Essential.SG) and follow Essential on Instagram @essentialsingapore for latest news!

Song of the month: October

1）《海上的人》 by灭火器
Was introduced to this song by one of my friend. Well, I did not really pay attention to the song, until I heard them live when I accompanied my friend to their concert tour in my school.

2) Sinten Nunggang Sepur
This is a Javanese folk song, a rendition by NUS's choir. Well, I am in the school choir team, and this is one of the song we will be performing for our competition in December.

3) Believe Me by Font Minor
Another song I heard of recently because of another inter-course competition.

Song of the month: September

Apologies for the lack of updates!

1 month since I started school in Taiwan...
Enjoying my life here, but there are also things that I am not used to yet.
For example, the food, the weather, the traffic etc.
However, I am sure I will enjoy my 4 years here.

I know it's a little late, but here is my song list for September!

1) The One Like You by Girls Generation's Jessica

I am sure most of you must have heard of the news, that Jessica is not part of SNSD anymore.
Here is one of my favourite song by her.
A little tribute, and also in hopes that she will be part of the group again.

2) 《听见下雨的声音》by 魏如昀
I seldom listen to songs like this, but this song is etched in my head.
Reason being, my roommate and friends keep singing it.

3）《你不知道的事》by 陈永馨
Beautiful rendition of Lee Hom's song.
It is a more 'angelic' version of the song.

4）《我知道你很难过》by 刘珂
I like this kind of voice, so yeah~
It is like, I can hear his heartache.

5）《Oh Girl》 by 宇宙人
They are an indie band, I think.
I don't usually listen to indie music. Was introduced to this music through our faculty's camp.
It was the song to our morning dance routine.
The song and the lyrics are suuuuuuper cute!

Advertorials: Sephora Zoom Masques

The face mask is the beauty addict’s number one tool for getting that desired, dewy complexion. 
A mask application is all you need to get that game face on in a jiffy.

It is one of the most important steps in the beauty routine to recharge your skin – and probably the most enjoyable one too! Especially for me, now that I am living in a country with 4 seasons, face masks have become an essential for me!
Why is that so? The effect of masks is instant, thanks to formulas rich in powerful, active ingredients. Face masks are also designed to meet different skin needs.
They can:

• soothe

• moisturise

•  lift

Well you see, Sephora not only has their own in-house mask brands, there is also a variety of masks from different brands to choose from.

• ALGENIST- Algae Brightening Mask (Detoxify)

Application Time: 10min

• SEPHORA – Ginseng Mask (Firming & Toning)

Price: $4 – 1 sheet / $16 – 5 sheets

• BOSCIA – Luminizing Black Mask (Pore-Minimising)

Tip: Avoid the eye area, eyebrows, hair line & lips.
Application Time: 15-20min

• PETER THOMAS ROTH – Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask (Anti-aging)

Cutting-edge plant biotechnology isolates and replicates the perfect rose stem cells for maximum anti-aging benefits.
Application Time: 10min
Price: $83 – 150ml 

• FOR BELOVED ONE – Whitening Bio-Cellulose Mask (Whitening)

Price: $63 – 3sheets 

Face masks can come in a variety of formats as well! Be it fibre, gel, cream or mud,  using them regularly will help in maintaining a great complexion. It’s also great as a last-minute weapon, on an evening you need to look your glamorous best! 

Composed of six sources of both micro and macro algae, this expert formulation visibly brightens, smooth and hydrates skin.The luxurious and professional-grade mask gently exfoliates with leaves of sea kelp while the freshly scented blue-green algae silt delivers powerful antioxidant protection.
Complexion becomes more luminous and even, skin becomes toned and glowing. Tip: Remove the mask with a damp cloth and cool water to boost the product’s clarifying effects.
Price: $83 – 50ml 

A new item in the Made In Sephora range, the Ginseng mask is also one of the best-selling variants in the Sephora Natural Therapy Mask collection. 
A fibre mask rich with ginseng root extract, it tones and revitalises skin, restoring its suppleness. 
Ginseng root extract also provides a tightening effect to energise and “re-plump” the complexion. 
The fibre mask hugs facial contours perfectly ensuring your skin fully absorbs the nutrients from the mask.
Tip: The single-use dosage makes it great to bring along for trips. 
Application Time: 15min

This jet-black, mineral-rich mask has a unique “peel-off” effect. 
It also delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying and brightening results. 
Made with premium quality clay, its deep-cleansing properties draw out dirt and oil, while powerful antioxidants ingredients shrink pores, firm skin and reduce inflammation.
When dry, the mask strips away dead skin, impurities and excess oil to reveal brighter skin and smaller pores.
Price: $52 – 80g 

Breakthrough stem cell technology goes into the making of this mask. 
Rose stem cells are blended with rose extracts to counteract visible signs of aging – including fine lines and wrinkles, dehydration, dullness and sagging.
This cooling and soothing gel mask also strengthens and tones, revealing silky soft, radiant and youthful-looking skin.
Tip: Apply a generous layer & rinse off with cool water after 10min, or apply a thin layer & leave on overnight for an intensive treatment

Widely recommended by dermatologists and celebrities alike, this was the first bio- cellulose mask to appear on the market. 
Made of nano-scale organic fibres, it has the highest possible affinity to the skin, making it possible to achieve essence absorption 30 times higher than other masks. 
The Whitening Bio-Cellulose Mask also contains Lumiskin and Melaclear2, two patented skin-whitening formulas to instantly reveal bright and luminous skin.
Tip: Suitable for skin that has gone through intense treatments such as laser or IPL 
Application Time: 15-20min

SEPHORA IN-STORE PROMOTION
From now till 31 Oct 2014, Sephora Singapore customers can enjoy a direct 10% savings off the ZOOM masks.
Sephora members will be entitled to an additional 5% savings. 

Sponsored Review: Bio-essence Hydra Tri-Action Aqua Droplet Sleeping Mask

I believe it is every girl's dream to want to be pretty, or at least have flawless skin.

So most girls I believe, slap on many various products...

Products from different brands, products aimed at different skin problems.

However, do you realise no matter how many products you apply on your face, they all don't seem to absorb well.

Why is that?

One most important step to skincare is moisturising your skin!

I did an interview with 2 different skincare brands for a beauty story on Lian He Wan Bao. (Read it here!)

They mentioned that if your skin lacks moisture, anything you apply will not be well absorbed. If so, you will just be burning money~

The product that I am reviewing today is the Bio-essence Hydra Tri-Action Aqua Droplet Sleeping Mask. There are many different sleeping masks or night care products out in the market. What makes this particular one different from the rest of them? 

Bio-essence Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask replenishes moisture level, hydrates, nourishes and repairs your skin non-stop while you sleep. Another story that I am currently working with for Lian He Wan Bao, is a night care story.

One of my interviewee mentioned that between 10pm to 2am, is the best time for the absorption for the skin. Read about it by clicking here!

Anyway, back to the product.

Bio-essence Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask's unique formulation is enriched with: 

• 2 types of Hyaluronic acid (Power Nano Hyaluronic Acid & Hyaluronic Acid)

Hyaluronic acid is an important moisturizing "ingredient" used in many beauty products in the market. Hyaluronic acid helps to replenish and lock in moisture, providing skin with non-stop hydration.
With an average nano molecular size of 15-25nm, the Power Nano Hyaluronic Acid absorbs quickly and easily into the skin, making skin instantly hydrated and moisturised.

• Cranberry Extract & Bio Energy Fluid

They help in moisturizing your skin, giving you a radiant smooth complexion.

Bio-essence Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask not only provides long lasting hydration but also protects skin from environmental factors (for example: pollution, weather, etc.)
Bio-essence Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask is also able to brighten dull and tired skin, refine enlarged pores, and regulate oil and moisture levels.

The technology behind all these benefits? The unique Bio Aqua Crystal Technology. 
This technology forms a protective shield over the hydrating ingredients to prevent moisture loss before application. 
Upon application, this shield breaks away and big aqua droplets are formed. This ensures our skin gets hydrated with the freshest and most optimal amount of hydrating activity. The big aqua droplets are made up of superior hydrating ingredients of small molecular sizes which allow moisture and nutrients to be easily delivered to the deepest layers of skin, while the protective emollient film remains on the skin to lock in moisture for non-stop hydration.

How to use?

Step 1: Massage gently till aqua droplets form.
Step 2: Gently pat till fully absorbed into skin.
Step 3: Apply a thin layer over skin as a daily moisturiser. For more intensive treatment, apply a thicker layer to replenish skin’s moisture throughout the night as a sleeping mask.

Too wordy? Watch the videos below!

My verdict:

Sleeping masks, in my opinion are meant for lazy people like me...
Yes, I am not only lazy, but suuuuuuuper lazy.
Which is why, I love sleeping masks!
I have various different brands of sleeping masks at home!

This particular brand, it is of a more watery-gelish like texture, much like many other sleeping masks.
Very suitable, not only for lazy people, but people with sensitive or oily skin because the texture is much much lighter than night creams! 

Some moisturisers or night creams make your face feel oily or sticky after application. Bio-essence Hydra Tri-Action Aqua Droplet Sleeping Mask does not!
Non-sticky, not oily. Which is why, I think I will continue using it and buying it again! (:

ATTENTION!

If you are not convinced by what I said, try it out for yourself!
Bio-essence is conducting a street sampling session on the 6th Sep 2014 (Sat) from 2pm-6pm outside Mandarin Gallery.
Not only do you get to try out this awesome product, but you also get freebies and enjoy attractive discounts!

Also, hurry and go to the Bio-essence Singapore's Facebook page, and "LIKE" the page. You get to redeem free samples.
For your convenience, just click HERE!

Bio-essence Hydra Tri-Action Aqua Droplet Sleeping Mask is retailing at $33.90.

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Songs of the month: August

I must really say, time flies really really fast.
It's already the end of August!
Time for some song introductions again!
I have people asking me why my song recommendations are not new songs.
Well, the songs that I blog about each month are just some of my favourites in the month.
Be it new or old, as long as I enjoy it, I recommend it (:

1) 《会痛的石头》by 萧敬腾
The melody, and Jam's voice really breaks my heart. This song never fails to bring me to the verge of tears every time. For those who understand the lyrics, I am sure it will break your heart even more.

2) 《到不了的地方》 by 萧敬腾
I am listening to Jam's songs a lot recently, because the radio station that I am listening to is always playing his songs. This is one of his newer songs, and another of my favourites this month!

3) 《身不由己》 by 丁当
I don't really follow the drama 《步步惊情》as said earlier on in my June post, but their songs are really quite my type. I really like the lyrics for the chorus.

4) Happiness by Red Velvet
The first 3 songs are quite heart-breaking to hear. Here is one that is more upbeat. Happiness by SMENT's new girl group Red Velvet.
To be honest, I think KPOP songs are successful because of it's catchy rhythm.
The girls are really pretty as well. Try identifying them. (Hint: Their hair colour make it easier)

5) 《一千零一个愿望》by 4 in Love
This song sounds like some children song, which is pleasant to the ears~

Sponsored Review: Bruschette Maretti

I am back to introduce a new snack to you guys, Bruschette Maretti!

    


Product by leading snack manufacturer in Europe, Maretti, these oven-baked bite-size bread circles comes in four distinct flavours: 
Tomato 

Mixed Vegetables

Mushrooms & Cream

and Pizza

Made with authentic ingredients, these snacks are easy-to-carry, suitable as a on-the-go snack or an office companion, or for parties!

For those who know me, they will know that I am a very picky eater, and also not a very adventurous eater.

I don't usually try new food, especially if I have not heard of the brand, or seen it before.

By now, you should be curious, so why did I decide to try this? Because it is sponsored? So I am "forced" to try and say nice things about it? 

All I can say is, when it comes to food, no one can force me to eat anything.

To be honest, I did not want to try it in the first place. So my mum decided to bring one set to her office.

Turns out her colleagues love it! They even called to ask me where can they get these, and went out during their lunch break to buy it.

So, I decided to open 1 and try.

Being the not so adventurous me, I opened what I thought was the safest flavour: Pizza.

Verdict: It is super delicious! It is crispy but not those (oh gosh, it is so hard I think my teeth is going to crack) kind. 

It is flavourful, but not to the extend whereby you will get sick of the taste, and also not the salty type of flavourful. It is hard to fine a snack that is so flavourful. You know, usually these snacks are not evenly "marinated" (its just a term, but I am sure you know what I mean (; )

What's more, it is really healthy. Even though it is crispy, it is non-fried with zero cholesterol. This makes it a healthier alternative as compared to fast food, or chips, ideal for those who possess a sophisticated expectation of quality towards food.

There is also no artificial flavours and colours added.

Bruschette Maretti is available at NTUC Fairprice Extra and Finest stores, selected Giant stores, Isetan supermarkets, selected Buzz kiosks, and SPC stations.

Bruschette Maretti retails at $2.35 each.