Review : MG Cool Water Dynamic Hydrating Eye Mask




MG is relatively unheard of, in Singapore, but it was easily available in Watsons China. Priced affordably, I bought 3 different packs with different properties and MG Cool Water Dynamic Hydrating Eye Mask is for hydration purposes on the eye area.

Last April, L'Oreal closed a deal to acquire Magic Holdings International Ltd, the chinese owner of the MG brand of beauty products, knowing that " Skincare to China is what Makeup to USA "(WSJ) so that explains its strong presence in China, mainly in Watsons and Mannings.
The MG line is the leading mask brand in China, according to research company China Industry Research in Beijing. (source)

Containing 3 individually packed sheets in each pack, each pair of the cresent moon patches is generous in size and covers up to almost the crow feet area and half of the cheeks area.

For the benefit of those who are not able to read Chinese, the description on the back says its recommended to use the eye mask daily for up to 5 days where you can see radiance and thereafter, use it twice a week where you will see smoothing and firming effect.

In winter, you can soak the mask in water with 50 degrees temperature for 5 minutes before using it. In summer, you can place it in the fridge for coldness before using it. Use the eye mask for a recommended 15 ~ 20 minutes treatment.

As with most eye masks, MG Cool Water Dynamic Hydrating Eye Mask is refreshing and relaxing after a tired day but there is no significant benefit to the undereye area.

Abra Therapeutics Natural Body Scrub - Deep Relaxation



Product Description
Deep relaxation begins with the release of all tension. Soothing essential oils of Lavender, Chamomile, Orange Blossom and Melissa relieve daily stress and common anxiety. Enjoy a Deep Relaxation Aromatherapy Body Scrub whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress and responsibilities. Relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

Containing organic herbs, pure essential oils and natural skin softening minerals, Abra Therapeutics Natural Body Scrub (Lavender) does not have Lauryl Sulfates or Preservatives in their products.

A tub opens up to a visual view of milk powder contents in pure white fine powder. Or so it seems. The powdery contents look fine on first glance, but not exactly so, when I use it on the body. While the scent is really lavender-lovely, the granules are slightly coarse and dry, giving that squeaky clean but still soft touch on my skin after each scrub.

Not recommended for sensitive skin, in my personal opinion.

Shop Abra Therapeutics Natural Body Scrub at Iherb, get free products if you are a first time customer here or check out the special deals here and the super brands here.

Ingredients :
Natural Mineral Blend of sodium borate, sodium carbonate, organic helianthus annuus (sunflower oil), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), prunus communis dulcis (sweet almond oil), camillia sinensis (green tea), calendula officinalis (calendula), matricaria recutita (chamomile), ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), proprietary blend of essential oils, natural trace minerals, Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols).

John Masters Organics Green Tea and Calendula Leave-in Conditioning Mist




Product Description
This lightweight, leave-in spray conditioner combines the antioxidant benefits of green tea along with 9 other certified -organic oils and extracts to strengthen and revitalize hair. Guar gum naturally builds volume while soy proteins replenish lipid content to lock in moisture. Safe for color treated hair.
Use daily after washing to hydrate and protect against heat styling, build volume and lock in moisture. Can also be used throughout the day as an instant revitaliser.

Key Ingredients :
- Green Tea extract : antioxidant, antibacterial, hair growth
- Calendula extract : soothes and protects the hair and scalp
- Broccoli seed oil : rich in fatty acids to eliminate frizz and give hair a smooth, natural shine
- Chamomile extract : strengthens and revitalizes the hair, treats scalp issues
- Rosemary extract : stimulates hair growth, adds volume and shine

I usually like to use a leave-in product on my hair, before I step out of the house, just to provide the extra dosage of nourishment or shine to my hair. John Masters Organics Green Tea and Calendula Leave-in Conditioning Mist is a lightweight mist, contained in a clear but dark coloured bottle.

The nozzle dispenses a very fine mist of the conditioning contents without any oily residue or lingering scent. It is said to untangle, eliminate frizz, strengthens hair and builds volume but I didn't feel that it helps in most of those aspects though I do notice lesser hair fall, hence I believe it helps in strengthening my hair. Adding to that, John Masters Organics Green Tea and Calendula Leave-in Conditioning Mist also help to slightly soften the hair and makes it manageable.

John Masters Organics Green Tea and Calendula Leave-in Conditioning Mist retails for 24 pounds at Lovelula.

Ingredients :
Aqua (water), aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, glycerin, panthenol, hydrolysed soy protein, polyglyceryl-10 laurate*, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, canaga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil, pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, juniperus mexicana (cedarwood) oil, chamomilla recutita (chamomile) extract*, calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract*, camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract*, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil*, urtica dioica (nettle) root extract*, citrus lemon (lemon) peel oil*, pelargonium pelatum graveolens (geranium) flower oil, linum usitatissimum (flax) seed oil*, borago officinalis (borage) seed oil*, helianthus anuus (sunflower) seed oil*, broccoli seed oil* * certified organic ingredient

Source : JM, Lovelula

Review : Honeybee Gardens Nail Polish Remover


Product Description
Our acetone-free formula is enriched with horsetail extract to strengthen nails, and fortified with vitamin E and aloe to soothe and protect cuticles.  It works to remove our WaterColors Nail Enamel as well as conventional polish.  Meets environmental VOC standards set by the state of California. Gluten freeVegan.

Said to be botanically enriched, acetone-free and color free, Honeybee Gardens Nail Polish Remover used to be available on IHerb but has since discontinued it. The conventional nail polish remover tends to be drying and I wanted an alternative so  Honeybee Gardens Nail Polish Remover goes into my cart.

This is an oily formula and while it doesn't dry my nails as what I hope, it takes effort to remove the conventional nail polish like OPI. I didn't own any nail polishes from Honeybee so I can't comment on the difference, if any. Constant rubbing to and fro on the nails is required to get it off and I need to rinse my hands and feet thereafter, to avoid any greasy stains on the floor. 

The scent is strong and doesn't smell natural to me. A check on the first ingredient " methyl acetate " reflects that it is still irritable to skin, but at a lower dosage as compared to acetone. Read here and here

Ingredients : 
Methyl acetate, butoxydiglycol, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, equisetum arvense (horsetail) extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), fragrance

Source : HoneybeeGardens

Haircut at Hair Inn ( Nex )


Salon : Hair Inn 
Location : #03-33, Nex S(556083)
Tel : 66348027 / 66348037
Stylist : Jeff


I didn't realize that I haven't step into the salon for about 2 years until Jeff reminded me about it. Turns out that he has gotten several new customers ( hopefully, new packages as well ) courtesy of readers who came across my blog. I have written a post on it previously and I am happy that it has raised up his profile with new customers asking for him nowadays. I guess that post came in timely since he was relatively new in Hair Inn then. I am just surprised that he can recognize me straight away, since that post was like 2 years ago. 

This time round, I was kept waiting for awhile, he seems busy with customers but is sincerely apologetic for the wait. 
I was badly in need of a haircut as its been getting too long and too thick and with my last perm almost a year ago, my hair just look distressed, dry and damaged. Because I am not blessed vertically, my petite frame meant that my hair cannot be too long as it may be overwhelming for my size. Hence, Jeff suggested cutting off almost 6 inches of my hair which sounds like alot to me, yet necessary. 

At the end of the haircut, I feel lighter with shorter hair which ends at shoulder length. I look more awake and fresh too. $31 for the cut, without any wash and shampoo. 

Super Easy Hairstyle for Lazy Girls - Triple Topsy Tail


Triple Topsy Tail


Steps :



Source : Cosmopolitan

Review : Hiruscar




Product Description
Hiruscar contains MPS combined with Allium Cepa together with 4 more elements that reduce excessive tissues from forming. It also improves and dissipates wounds naturally while softening thick marks. In order to see best results, the treatment should be continual for 4 -6 months. Treatment times are subjected to condition, size, type, severity and age of scars

I don't usually promote scar creams on my blog as I hardly ever use them, preferring to let them heal naturally. However, with older age, I notice that skin renewal has slowed down significantly - that includes scars left my zits or injuries.

I redeemed a 7g free Hiruscar sample several months back and it came in timely to be used on mosquito scars and a recent fall. As some may be aware, I am prone to mosquito bites and I seem to have jelly legs, either to twist my ankle or to fall down occasionally.

Key Ingredients :
MPS (Mucopolysaccharide Polysulphate) : speeds up the productivity of hyaluronic acid that increases skin cells ability to retain moisture, resulting in softening scars, better oxygen and nutrients circulation in the skin's epidermis layer.
Allium Cepa : prevent the building of excessive tissue, reducing scar size, red rashes and black marks
Allantoin : speeds up the peeling process and adds more moisture to skin
Aloe Vera : promotes wound healing and prevents progressive skin damage
Vitamin B3 : finely adjusts skin tone and dissipates black marks
Vitamin E : an excellent moisturizer and antioxidant

Hiruscar is for body so I don't use it for the face at all. I tend to separate body and face products and would not use it interchangeably. You can check out other products on their site. They have one for post acne scars. I strongly encourage to leave all purging and squeezing of zits and blackheads to the professionals so that they can heal naturally without any infections.

Currently I use Hiruscar only on scars left by mosquito bites ( from bad scratching until it bleeds or skin is torn ) and falls ( from wounds or infections ), not on scratching due to eczema related concerns, as I use Physiogel AI Cream for that. Using Hiruscar consistently for 3 times a week for more than a month, I notice that my mosquito bites scars heal faster, no more 5 cents and 10 cents on my legs. It takes time and definitely there are better results on fresh scars than decades-old scars ( which thankfully they manage to heal by then ) .

On fallen scars on my knees recently, I only use Hiruscar on raised scars after the wound starts to heal as I usually tried to avoid using any products on broken skin. Result is not spectacular at the moment so I am still hoping to see the raised scars being improved as its only 2 weeks old since the fall.

I am sharing this product in order to share the news with those battling scar concerns like mine. Hope it will help you too.


Review : Watsons Bird's Nest White Perfect Eye Mask






Yet another eye mask from my last China trip, the Watsons Bird's Nest White Perfect Eye Mask is shaped like a big C with a protective layer between the left and right sheets in order to separate them and for easy usage.

Similar to most eye masks, they are refreshing but this pair is generous since they also cover the eyelids. The scent is pretty strong which is something I prefer to avoid since there is no benefits to added fragrance.

After using up 6 pairs of eye mask sheets, I didn't notice any spectacular difference to the eye area. It is good to refresh tired eyes for the undereye and eyelids area.

Super Easy Hairstyle for Lazy Girls - Flower Braid & Ponytail


Flower Braid 




Steps




Ponytail



Steps





Source : Cosmopolitan

Happy Skincare Pig in Mud Mineral Mask (Normal/Dry/Sensitive)





Product Description
Undergo a skin detox with Happy Skincare Pig in Mud Mask, a clay mask that incorporates Green Tea and Pomegranate for a revitalizing skin treatment. With their anti-ageing properties, Pomegranate enhances skin’s suppleness and elasticity while Green Tea soothes fine lines and wrinkles. Overthrow the perception that clay masks dry out your skin! Its formulation of mild pink clays ensures that it is non-drying and extra-gentle to the skin, perfect for normal, dry and sensitive skin. Comes with a high quality smoothing mask brush.

Benefits : 
· 100% natural clay mask
· Cleanses and enhances skin's suppleness and elasticity; soothes fine lines and wrinkles
· Contains anti-oxidant Green Tea and Pomegranate


There are 2 types of mineral masks in Happy Skincare and the one I had in my sample pack is suitable for normal/dry/sensitive skin which is just right for me. If you get the retail size, the brush comes together with it but in my sample pack, the mineral mask is in powder form contained in a reseal-able bag, which is pretty thoughtful on their end. I mix it with some water where the recommendation is a thin consistency that is supposed to work best. You can also mix it with honey or yoghurt but I have not try that so far. 

The Pig in Mud Mineral Mask contains essential minerals such as silica, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium. It is also said to be a powerful detox mask that tone, revitalise, remove blackheads, reduce pores, smooth rough skin and reduce signs of aging and recover from breakouts.
In the pack that is meant for normal/dry/sensitive skin, it contains pomegranate which can help to improve skin's smoothness, elasticity and overall look by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage.

Clay mask doesn't work very well on my aging skin. In the past, I needed it for my combination skin but as age creeps up and skin is getting dehydrated, I tend to avoid such masks. Despite what the description says, Happy Skincare Pig in Mud Mineral Mask is yet another clay mask that doesn't suit my skin.

I used it once and once is enough to tell me, its not for me. This is a very unique clay mask, which becomes very tight on my skin barely 1 minute after application and forms a dry brownish-red mask-like consistency on my face. Any movement of my facial expression turns into creases on the mask and made me feel like it is going to crack any time soon.

Happy Skincare Pig in Mud Mineral Mask dries up with visible pores on the skin - pores that you normally see in daylight but becomes magnified on the mineral mask on your skin. There are areas which doesn't have visible pores, mainly on my cheeks and the upper forehead, so that tells I have good skin on those areas. The most visible ones are on my T-zone - especially on my nose and around the nose and the area between the nose and the cheeks where open pores are most commonly found.

After rinsing off the mask with a wet but warm cotton pad, my skin feels tight and parched yet soft and smooth. However, the sides of my nose are slightly flaky where it is already slightly dehydrated before I use the Mud Mask. I use Payot Masque followed by Happy Skincare Mist and Facial Oil which alleviates the tightness and I turn in for the night.

The following morning, I noticed that my skin is badly dehydrated with roughness on the areas where the visible pores are. After cleansing, my skin becomes irritated and turns slightly red and raw along those visible pores areas. They are dry and rough. Certainly not what I expected for something that is touted to be for sensitive skin and is non-drying and extra gentle.

Ingredients 
Kaolin (White Australian Clay), Kaolin (Pastel Pink Australian) Clay, Moroccan Lava (Ghassoul) Clay, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract


Source : Notox, HappySkincare