Tuesday 29 July 2014

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Hydrating Moisture Emulsion

I first tried this moisturiser out in Europe, via a small travel-sized pack that I was given, and was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked the product. Hence, I decided to go ahead and purchase the full-sized bottle now that I am almost through with my current moisturiser - Sukin Facial Moisturiser (which sadly was not doing much for me, although the ingredients are praise-worthy). There is a slight off-putting smell to the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Hydrating Moisture Emulsion but the scent fades almost instantly post-application. I use a very tiny pump of emulsion for my entire face and that is sufficient, I foresee one bottle lasting me a long time. The product is moisturising enough but I have yet to notice immediate results with skin tone correcting. I am excited to continue using it and will check back if I am impressed.

Skin clarifying emulsion visibly corrects uneven skin tone
Concentrated moisture treatment visibly brightens and illuminates skin
Deters the appearance of new pigmentation irregularities based on in-vitro tests
Infused with Activated C to diminish dark spots
Use after Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution and before sun protection
Paraben-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free, dermatologist-tested

(source: kiehls.com)

Saturday 26 July 2014

#Health&Fitness YouTube Channels

Amanda Russell

Tone It Up

Blogilates

Sarah Fit

Lean Secrets

Fully Raw Kristina

Thursday 24 July 2014

full face make-up routine (July 2014)

1. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer
2. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation + Mac brush 187
3. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer + Mac brush 190
4. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer
5. Benefit High Beam
5. Nars Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder + Sephora kabuki brush
6. Elf Bronzing Powder + Mac brush 168
7. Muji Face Colour Crystal White + Sasa fan brush
8. Elf Contouring Blush + Sephora retractable blush brush
9. Urban Decay Primer Potion
10. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette + Sasa eyeshadow brush + Sasa blending brush
11. DollyWink Liquid Eyeliner
12. Shu Uemura eyelash curler + Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
13. Nivea Caramel Cream Lip Butter
14. H&M mini lipstick

skincare routine (July 2014)

DAY

1. Sensodyne Cool Gel Toothpaste
2. Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Purifying Foaming Cleanser
3. Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
4. Burt's Bees Daisy White Eye Cream
5. Sukin Facial Moisturiser
6. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream
7. Kiehl's Ultra Moisturising Eye Stick SPF30
8. Nivea Caramel Cream Lip Butter
9. Nivea Extra Whitening Anti-Pespirant

NIGHT

1. L'Oreal Gentle Eye & Lip Make-up Remover
2. L'Oreal Gentle Cleansing Milk
3. Essential Nuance Airy Shampoo / Shiseido Tsubaki Head Spa Extra Cleansing Shampoo (once weekly)
4. Essential Nuance Airy Conditioner / Organix Macadamia Oil Hair Mask (once weekly)
5. Soap & Glory Scrub Of Your Life (twice/thrice weekly)
6. Korres Milk Soap
6. Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Purifying Foaming Cleanser + Clarisonic Mia (twice/thrice weekly)
7. Sensodyne Cool Gel Toothpaste
8. My Beauty Diary Smoothness Intensive Care Eye Mask / Silk Whitia Anti-Oxidation Whitening Mask / Glamglow SuperMud Clearing Treatment / Boscia Luminizing Black Mask (once weekly)
9. Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
10. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye
11. Sukin Facial Moisturiser / Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque (twice/thrice weekly)
12. Korres Santorini Vine Body Milk
13. Desert Essence Coconut Hair Defrizzer and Heat Protector
14. Organix Argan Oil
15. Nivea Raspberry Rose Lip Butter
16. Sukin Hand & Nail Cream

Wednesday 23 July 2014

UPDATED: My Perfume Collection

Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Bouquet

This is one of those perfumes that I am sure no one can say they dislike. It has a very feminine scent, without coming across as powdery.

Gucci Flora Eau de Parfum

This was my go-to fragrance when I lived in America so the scent will transport me back to those happy times. I absolutely adore this perfume and do not mind re-purchasing.

Abercrombie & Fitch No.1 Perfume

This is hands-down my FAVOURITE scent! I know it is a hit or miss with a lot of people but I am one major fan of this fragrance. I have always enjoyed the smell of ANF stores anyway. I will definitely want to re-purchase.

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Perfume

To be honest, I only bought this perfume because I loved the unique packaging. I would classify this as a nighttime fragrance because the scent is a little heavy and musky. I will go through this bottle but will not re-purchase. Nonetheless, the beautiful hourglass figure will add a fabulous touch to my perfume bottle collection.

Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette

I bought this perfume as so many YouTubers were raving about it at one point in their beauty videos, so I figured I would give it a go. The scent is very light and refreshing - a daytime fragrance. I am alright with this perfume, would not re-purchase but I do enjoy it once in awhile. I am not a fan of the packaging though.

Love, Chloé Eau de Parfum

This is another of my favourite fragrance. It smells a tad powdery (but nothing off-putting) and very womanly. I used this day and night. The chain on my bottle broke off so I was not too pleased about that. I would be keen to re-purchase since I honestly loved my first bottle a lot.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Again, I was sucked into buying this fragrance because of the gorgeous packaging. I had also heard so many people who raved about Marc Jacobs' Daisy line of perfumes. However, I am not a big fan of its floral scent. The scent does last on me though, and I always wear this on formal occasions in the daytime - e.g. interviews, work. Likewise with D&G Light Blue, I am alright with this and will finish up but not re-purchase.

Anna Sui Secret Wish Perfume

This is my first ever bottle of perfume and I scored it as a birthday present (which I requested for). It has been so many years since I finished up my bottle so I cannot quite recall the scent but I do remember liking it when I had it. Will I re-purchase now? No. I believe the scent is too girly and young for me now.

Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina

This is the newest perfume in my collection. I love this scent and am glad to still have almost 3/4 of product to go through.

Forever21 Love&Beauty Eau de Parfum

I scored a tiny bottle of this free in Seattle after making quite a hefty purchase of F21 stuff. I am okay with the scent - very sweet, girly and young.

DKNY Be Delicious

This is a very fruity scent which I did not like much. I finished my travel-sized bottle long ago and will not re-purchase.

REVIEW: Elf Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder

I love how compact and versatile this blusher/bronzer duo is. The blush complements my skin well and goes with any lipstick colour I apply (I like matching my blusher & lipstick shades.) and the tone of the bronzer is just right for my complexion. I have heard so much previously about how this Elf palette is a dupe for NARS Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer. I have yet to try NARS Laguna bronzer, so I cannot comment on that, but I do own NARS Orgasm blush and I must say I do not see much similarities between the two. Sure, the colour seem quite alike to the naked eye but the Elf version definitely harbours less pigmentation and shimmer. However, for the cheap price point of the Elf line, I must say this palette was a fabulous purchase.

REVIEW: Korres Santorini Vine Shower Gel

This shower gel smells just like wine gums - fruity and yummy but not overpoweringly sweet. The scent does not linger too much on the skin post-shower but I have the body lotion version. I am obsessed with the Santorini Vine scent. The shower gel leaves skin moisturised and silky soft after, which I absolutely adore. Thus far I have been very impressed with all the Korres products I bought in Greece (entry here).

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Monday 14 July 2014

REVIEW: Korres Santorini Vine Body Milk

Korres' body milk soaks into the skin almost instantly, leaving it soft and smooth to the touch. It also leaves a glistening glow on the skin post-application, which I have not seen any other body lotions/creams do. The Santorini Vine scent is also amazing.

Saturday 12 July 2014

HOT YOGA #Health&Fitness

Doing yoga in a super-heated room is similar to sitting in a sauna. Heated environments increase your pulse rate and metabolism and allow your blood vessels to become more flexible. That makes circulation easier and increases blood flow to the limbs. Cold muscles become injured more easily than warmed-up ones, so the heat allows your body to move more freely. Although you will get hot, the act of sweating helps control your internal body temperature.

Flow-style yoga classes involve transitioning from one pose to another through a sequence called vinyasa, in which you move to plank pose, down through high-to-low pushup, and up to cobra pose and downward-facing dog. Vinyasa helps your muscles stay warm and flexible, but some people find the sequence tiring and would rather just do individual poses, one after another, without the transition. Bikram yoga allows this opportunity. Because the room is so warm already, there's no need to flow between poses.

All types of yoga are designed to relieve stress and promote mind-body unity. Practicing hot yoga, though, is a special case of mind over matter. Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is an accomplishment, and you may be surprised to discover that the upper limits of what your body can do under extreme conditions is higher than you thought.

(Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/383592-hot-yoga-benefits/)

yoga mat towel #Health&Fitness

Grip Flex Premium Yoga Mat Towel Grey S

Our Grip Flex premium yoga towel is specially designed to prevent slipping and is especially compact for travel.

sweat absorbent

Highly absorbent, with tiny eco-friendly silicon grip nubs that grip the yoga mat, the Grip Flex premium yoga towel enables you a steady and energetic practice by an increasing slip resistance when damp.

hygienic

For less sweaty practices, the Grip Flex premium yoga mat towel puts a comfortable hygiene barrier between you and the yoga mat. Machine-washable and dryer-safe, start every practice with a fresh and clean surface.

Dimensions: 173 x 61 cm

S$36.00

Buy it here: Fuzzy Flex

P.S. This is the yoga mat towel that I use. In no way am I insinuating that this the best yoga mat towel in the market, or the cheapest, I am merely sharing this item with those seeking a relatively inexpensive but good yoga mat towel.

choosing the right yoga mat #Health&Fitness

Factors to consider when getting a yoga mat:

Thickness

"The thickness of your yoga mat has a lot to do with how comfortable it is — too thin, and your knee may get banged up during crescent lunge. The tradeoff is that thick yoga mats (some as thick as 1/4 inch) can make it harder for you to feel a strong connection to the floor, making you more wobbly in Tree Pose, for example."

Grip

A sticky yoga mat keeps you from sliding all over the place and helps you maintain your alignment as you move from one pose to another, as well as when you hold poses for several seconds.PVC yoga mats have the highest sticky factor."

Material

The material your yoga mat is made of dictates its texture, stickiness, eco-friendliness and sponginess (how much it yields to pressure), and how it wears over time. Most standard yoga mats are made of PVC, otherwise known as vinyl. Newer, more earth-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber, jute, and organic cotton or natural cotton (which means the fabric is not treated with synthetic finishes during manufacturing)."

(Source: http://life.gaiam.com/article/how-choose-right-yoga-mat)

Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner

I am definitely no expert when it comes to liquid eyeliners, especially since I can barely draw a decently straight line on my eyelid. However, out of the few brands of liquid eyeliners that I have tested, Dolly Wink triumphs. The tip is really sharp and not flimsy at all, hence the liner does not drag across your lids. This is essential is creating a smooth, sleek line with no jagged edges or smudging. Having a good eyeliner is important to ensure that the thin, vulnerable skin around the eye area does not get tugged on too hard or too frequently. Dolly Wink is a cheap drugstore product (at least here in Singapore) and I would certainly recommend it!

Friday 11 July 2014

teas I would like to try #Health&Fitness

NYX Butter Glosses

RED VELVET

STRAWBERRY PARFAIT

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

PEACH COBBLER

RASPBERRY TART

Chia Seeds #Health&Fitness

10 reasons to add chia seeds to your diet:

Combat Diabetes
Chia is being studied as a potential natural treatment for type-2 diabetes because of its ability to slow down digestion. The gelatinous coating chia seeds develops when exposed to liquids-can also prevent blood sugar spikes.

Get More Fibre
Just a 28-gram or one-ounce serving of chia has 11 grams of dietary fibre — about a third of the recommended daily intake for adults. Adding some chia to your diet is an easy way to make sure you're getting a good amount of fibre, which is important for digestive health.

Stock Up On Omega-3
Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, with nearly five grams in a one-ounce serving. These fats are important for brain health. "There's better conversion of omega 3s into the plasma or into the food than with flax seed," said researcher Wayne Coates.

Stronger Teeth And Bones
A serving of chia seeds has 18 per cent of the recommended daily intake for calcium, which puts your well on your way to maintaining bone and oral health, and preventing osteoporosis.

Don't Forget Manganese
Manganese isn't a well-known nutrient, but it's important for our health: it's good for your bones and helps your body use other essential nutrients like biotin and thiamin. One serving of chia seeds, or 28 grams, has 30 per cent of your recommended intake of this mineral.

Plenty Of Phosphorus
With 27 per cent of your daily value for phosphorus, chia seeds also helps you maintain healthy bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also used by the body to synthesize protein for cell and tissue growth and repair.

Pack In The Protein
Chia seeds also make a great source of protein for vegetarians and don't have any cholesterol. One 28-gram serving of these super seeds has 4.4 grams of protein, nearly 10 per cent of the daily value.

Fight Belly Fat
Chia's stabilizing effect on blood sugar also fights insulin resistance which can be tied to an increase in belly fat, according to Live Strong. This type of resistance can also be harmful for your overall health.

Get Full. Faster
Tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey, is also found in chia seeds. While tryptophan is responsible for that strong urge to nap after a big Thanksgiving dinner for example, it also helps regulate appetite, sleep and improve mood.

Improve Heart Health
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chia seeds have been shown to improve blood pressure in diabetics, and may also increase healthy cholesterol while lowering total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol. All good news for your ticker!

(Source: The Huffington Post Canada)

Thursday 10 July 2014

Healthier Snacks #Health&Fitness

Chocolates. It's a love or hate thing (though I'm certain it hails more lovers than haters). I used to dislike chocolates (go figure!) but now I really enjoy raw cacao. Cacao is less sweet and better for you in general. When grocery shopping for chocolates, opt for cacao not cocoa!

I am quite OBSESSED with frozen yogurt (froyo). I do not always go for the healthiest toppings but it's my small indulgence. Froyo beats ice-cream or gelato anytime!

Kale chips are delicious. The only times I consume this super veggie is through juicing so this is a great alternative to get my kale fix. Trust me, kale chips taste better than they look. Seaweed fans will love it because seaweed and kale chips taste so similar.

Biscuits and crackers are not the cleanest treats but I try to buy organic or gluten-free options as much as possible.

The same goes for my cereal. There are so many gluten-free cereals in the market, for instance Barbara's/Puffins makes tasty cereals. I have tried these two options previously.

My current favourite cereal, Mallow Oats, ain't gluten-free but it is so yummy I cannot resist! Plus Mallow Oats has better ingredients than other cereals like Lucky Charms.

Soy beancurd has got to be one of my all-time favourite Asian dessert. Of course, I have it completely without sugar syrup.

I love love love CEVICHE. As long as you consume ceviche with fresh ingredients, it is quite the healthy food.

Nuts and seeds are fantastic sources of healthy fats. I enjoy them chilli and abalone flavoured macadamia nuts that I buy from a local outlet that sells all kinds of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. I also like plain almonds. Eden Organic's roasted pistachios are super yummy too, plus they are already shelled so it makes consumption process so much more convenient.

I first heard about snap pea crisps from Ellesglittergossip (Click to be linked to her full video on snap pea crisps!) and Grav3yardgirl. When I saw these available in Singapore, I bought the Caesar flavoured bag. They also come in Black Pepper flavour in Singapore but I hate black pepper anything. The Caesar flavoured ones are solo good.

I have also entirely cut out potato chips from my "clean diet". I used to be such a freak for potato chips you have no idea. I now prefer to munch on tortilla chips and they are usually gluten-free. Sweet potato chips are not bad too but I prefer tortilla.

I also recently tried Waferbites - not a fan personally, but you may like it.

Aside from juices/smoothies, I also really like coconut water. I live in a tropical climate where fresh coconuts are readily available. However, for those of you who cannot lay your hands on fresh coconuts, these are some good brands.

LOVE ▪ KISS ▪ MAGIC