Bye 2021, Hello 2022

 

How was 2021 for you? Hope it had been a good ride for you!

2021 hasn't been an easy year for me - I had a miscarriage in September and contracted Covid in December, despite being cautious and careful. 

Some of my family members had surgery, diagnosed with medical condition or hospitalized. 

Nevertheless, life goes on and I am always thankful and grateful for life's little blessings where my daily gratitude journal had kept me going for the last 3 years. 

" A gratitude journal enables us to keep track of the good things in life. It reminds us that no matter how difficult and challenging life can sometimes get, there is always something to be grateful for. Even yourself. Yes, do not forget to say 'thank you' to yourself, as strange as they may sound. "

As we get ready to kick off another year, I want to say how grateful I am that you have joined me on this skincare journey. I like to thank each and every one of you, for being here with me. 

For beautiful glowing skin, always remember to

- use sunscreen

- stay hydrated

- load up on fruits and vegetables

- get quality sleep 

- manage stress

- don't touch your skin

- use the right products

Writing this blog has been labour and time-intensive and it would never have been possible without the love and support from all of you. 

For reading, sharing, using my affiliate links or just supporting me silently behind the scenes, I appreciate your presence and your value. Thank you so much! 

Here's wishing you happiness, prosperity and good health in 2022!

And always remember that someone out there feels better because you exist.

If you are still lost in life...

May every year be one of positivity and a season of forgiveness...

And finally, may 2022....

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Top 21 Beauty Empties I Loved in 2021

 

It has come to that time of the year where I will be sharing my favourites out of the 163 empties for 2021. 

Discovering great skincare products is one of my greatest joy in life and I hope to share them with you through this blog. 

FACE CLEANSER AND SPOT TREATMENT

Heimish All Clean Balm : Gentle and effective in removing sunscreen, face and eye makeup and is never oily or drying. I can also use it around the eyes without any irritation and it was able to remove eyeliner and mascara well. Clean, soft, smooth and hydrated skin! 

Where To Purchase : Stylekorean

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil EX : I really love the product from its divine scent to the cleansing power which always left my skin clean, clear, refreshed and healthy looking.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon | Amazon SG | Sulwhasoo US

Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser : Gentle, low pH cleanser which is soothing and hydrating. Made my skin softer, smoother and more supple with long term usage.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee | Amazon SG

IDS Pore Formula : Effective in reducing the zit, flattening the zit and ripening the zit by the following morning.  

Where To Purchase : Amazon SG

Pyunkang Yul, Heimish, Wishtrend, AXIS-Y, Iherb, Yours Haul

 

I received Pyunkang Yul products in return for honest reviews on their Shopee store, but I had to pay $1.99 for shipping.

Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner 30ml mini size - free

Pyunkang Yul complimentary samples - Ato Lotion, Ato Nourishing Baby Oil, Ato Cream Blue Label, Ato Moisturizing Soothing Gel Lotion

Pyunkang Yul complimentary samples - Cleansing Foam, Mist Toner, Ampoule, Moisture Cream

Pyunkang Yul complimentary samples - Essence Toner, Moisture Serum, Balancing Gel, Nutrition Cream

I sent another 17 rinsed empty bottles to L'occitane for recycling and received another 2 samples. You can trace your efforts here. 

L'occitane Relaxing Pillow Mist

L'occitane Milk Concentrate

[ Review ] Empire Australia Organic Sea Salt & Coconut Oil Body Scrub

 

Product Description

Empire Australia Organic Sea Salt & Coconut Oil Body Scrub has incredible skin softening properties, smells amazing and leaves skin smoother and cleaner than before. Organic sea salt does most of the hard work to remove rough, dead skin while essential oils of coconut and orange not only smell divine but do lovely nourishing things for the skin too. 

I chanced upon Empire Australia Organic Sea Salt & Coconut Oil Body Scrub while shopping online in Singsale and promptly purchased it. Prior to my purchase, I have never heard of the brand. 

Empire Australia started eight years ago, by 2 people with a long history in the Australian cosmetic, bath and body industry. Their products are formulated in a Melbourne laboratory and sold at realistic prices where everyone can enjoy the everyday luxury that Empire Australia represents.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Empire Australia Organic Sea Salt & Coconut Oil Body Scrub comes in a resealable package of 500g contents. There was a subtle scent of a mixture of coconut and orange essential oils which smells lovely. The nitty-gritty salt granules are not really for the delicate skin, if I may say so. 

How To Use :

1) Wet skin and massage all over the body in a circular motion.

2) Relax for 5-10 minutes while it dries then rinse off completely.

note : skin might appear red at first but thats normal. 

Performance and Ingredients

Empire Australia Organic Sea Salt & Coconut Oil Body Scrub is recommended to be used 1 to 3 times a week where you just need a few handfuls of the salt scrub from the package. 

As with such packaging, the essential oils or any runny contents would be soaked at the bottom while the salt granules would be quite dry at the top. You basically have to dig deep into the pile, just to get a mixture of the dry and wet contents, before scooping them up for body use.

Unfortunately, I do feel that most of the contents are dry and hence, abrasive for the sensitive skin. Probably only 15% of the contents are slightly wetter and found at the bottom. After massaging them and rinsing off, my skin is definitely softer and smoother since salt is a natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin and has minerals to soften skin and restore hydration.

Organic Sea Salt, Sodium Chloride, Glycine, Soja (Soybean) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral

Conclusion

To conclude, Empire Australia Organic Sea Salt & Coconut Oil Body Scrub is a simple salt scrub for softer and smoother skin. If you have the time at home, you can do a fresh batch every week where you just DIY a mixture of coconut oil, salt and essential oils. 

Keen to check out more coconut body scrubs? Check out my reviews on Phutawan Coconut Salt Scrub and Coconut Milk Exfoliating Body Scrub.

Adding on, my all-time favourite body scrubs are Giovanni Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub and Origins Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub.

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[ Review ] : Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Invigorating Water, Serum, Emulsion, Sleeping Mask

 

Sulwhasoo Timetresasure Invigorating Line contains skin-fortifying, age-defying DAA (De-Aging Active), which exists in a limited amount deep inside the precious Red Pine. 

The re-newed Timetreasure Invigorating Line has twice enriched Red Pine DAA, using the leaves of 50-years-old Geumgang Pine of Uljin. The full range consists of ‘Timetreasure Invigorating Water’, ‘Timetreasure Invigorating Emulsion’, ‘Timetreasure Invigorating Serum’, ‘Timetreasure Invigorating Cream,’ and ‘Timetreasure Invigorating Sleeping Mask’, and all products are anti-wrinkle functional cosmetics.

The travel sizes were gifted with my Sulwhasoo purchases and I was elated to be able to try this anti-aging line, especially considering they were pretty expensive so travel sizes are a great way to consider if its worth investing in the full sizes. 

The set comes with Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Invigorating Water 25ml, Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Invigorating Serum 4ml, Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Invigorating Emulsion 25ml , Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Invigorating Sleeping Mask 15ml, Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Invigorating Cream 4ml and Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Invigorating Eye Cream 4ml. 

Here's sharing reviews of the 4 products - namely, the toner, serum, emulsion and sleeping mask.

[ Review ] IDS Facial Scrub (FS), Non-Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ (S2)

 

Have you been enjoying my reviews for IDS products? For those who have missed out, here are my reviews on IDS Refreshing Cleanser (C1), Refreshing Toner (T1) and Intensive Moisturizer (IM), IDS Moisturizer and Recovery Serum and IDS Delicate Cleanser, C-Plus and Dermashield Serum.

My last 2 IDS products are IDS Facial Scrub (FS) and Non-Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ (S2). Lets delve down to see if they are my favourites....

Do note that the PAO ( period after opening ) for these products is 6 months. 

IDS Facial Scrub (FS) contains ultra-fine crystals that effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and speed up skin turnover. It also helps in clearing out impurities and absorbing excess oil. The result is skin that’s cleaner, more radiant and even-toned as well as soft and smooth to the touch. It is so gentle you can use it daily.

Benefits

- Reduces local inflammation

- Inhibits growth of propionibacterium-acne

- Regulates sebum production

How To Use :

1) After cleansing, apply a small amount to damp face and neck. 

2) Gently massage skin in a circular motion, adding water as necessary. 

3) Rinse thoroughly.

Tip : Use 2 ~ 3 times a week, or more if desired. 

It is always important to exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and prep it for the application of other skincare products. For the past year, I had been enjoying Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA and Dr. Wu Daily Renewal Serum which worked like chemical exfoliators so physical scrubs like IDS Facial Scrub no longer excites me although it still work to exfoliate skin.

Ideal for oily and/or blemish-prone skin, IDS Facial Scrub is one of IDS's highly popular products as they are touted to be gentle enough for daily use. Other than using on its own, the facial scrub can also be mixed in with a regular cleanser. 

[ Review ] Bergamo Studio 247 Manuka, Aloe, Lime, Baobab, Acai Berry, Tea Tree Sheet Mask

 

I purchased Bergamo Studio 247 Manuka sheet mask, Bergamo Studio 247 Aloe Vera sheet mask, Bergamo Studio 247 Lime sheet mask, Bergamo Studio 247 Baobab sheet mask, Bergamo Studio 247 Acai Berry sheet mask and Bergamo Studio 247 Tea Tree sheet mask some time back. Prior to this purchase, I have not heard of the brand at all and there's not much information about it online. 

There are several varieties in their mask range

Lime Sheet Mask - Brightens, Hydrates, Radiance, Anti-wrinkle

Tea Tree Sheet Mask - Controls Sebum Secretion, Pore Care, Moisturizing

Acai Berry Sheet Mask - Anti-Wrinkle, Brightening, Anti-Oxidant, Soothe and Purify

Aloe Sheet Mask - Soothe and Calm, Soften Skin, Improve Skin Barrier Functions, Anti-Wrinkle 

Manuka Honey Sheet Mask - Nourishing, Increase Elasticity, Firming, Anti-Wrinkle

Baobab Aqua Sheet Mask - Moisturizing, Improve Skin Barrier Functions, Anti-Wrinkle 

Bergamo Studio 247 Manuka Honey Sheet Mask contains Manuka honey extract essence which helps to moisturise, increase firmness and elasticity of the skin while providing anti-aging properties.

Effects:

1. Nourishing

2. Increase elasticity

3. Firming

4. Anti-wrinkle

Recommended Reading :

Benico x My Melody cellulose mask sheets Review

Papa Recipe Bombee Honey Mask Review

The thin mask sheet with a floral scent is made out of 100% cotton approved by LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) that fits perfectly and effectively delivers nutrients to skin evenly. It adheres well with a shorter nose flap and large eye cutouts.

[ Review ] Re:NK Pink Volume Radiance Color Cream

 

Product Description

Re:NK Pink Volume Radiance Color Cream makes the skin naturally radiant by providing a healthy complexion and clear radiance to the skin. It is a whitening wrinkle improvement and UV protection triple functional makeup product.

Hailing from Korea, Re:NK pursues genuine beauty that infuses new breath into skin cells by integrating cell science with natural extracts. You can read more about its brand story on its website, however, strangely, Re:NK Pink Volume Radiance Color Cream is not found in its list of products on the site. 

I received Re:NK Pink Volume Radiance Color Cream as part of a campaign on 0.8 liter. 

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Re:NK Pink Volume Radiance Color Cream is housed in a beautiful pink bottle in a iridescent plastic box. It has a luxury vibe to it but unfortunately, the 30ml glossy finishing is a fingerprint magnet. 

[ Review ] L'occitane Aromachologie Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo

 

L'occitane Aromachologie Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo gently washes hair and leaves it with a shine. Enriched with essential oils of Lemon, Orange, Rosemary, Chamomile and PDO Lavender, this shampoo leaves hair feeling light and fragrant and delivers long-lasting suppleness and shine. The light, fluid texture offers a unique sensorial experience, while the exquisite fragrance awakens the senses. Formulated without sulfate and silicone, this is ideal for all hair types.

Benefits :

✔ For all hair types

✔ Gently cleanses and soothes irritated scalps

✔ Rebalances scalp microbiome with natural prebiotic

I started using L'occitane back in 2010, after my Las Vegas trip in 2008, where I purchased their haircare products and hand creams in premium outlets. I am not sure if they were relatively cheaper then but the prices fit into my budget so I purchased several products to try as well as gift them to friends. 

You can check out my recent reviews on L'occitane Almond Shower Gel and L'occitane Cherry Blossom Bath and Shower Gel. 

Last month, I redeemed a 35ml sample size of L'occitane Aromachologie Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo under their Recycling Program which is a great way to try more of their products. 

[ Review ] Dr. Wu Daily Renewal Serum With Mandelic Acid

 

Product Description

Dr. Wu Daily Renewal Serum With Mandelic Acid 8% is a revolutionary home spa facial treatment using several patented technologies and ingredients to refine skin texture, diminish fine lines and improves skin elasticity and firmness.

It contains Mandelic Acid 8%, which is used in chemical peeling procedures, to effectively diminish the appearance of fine lines and stimulate the skin desquamation process to achieve a smoother and brighter skin, even improves skin tone by resurfacing epidermis and removing aged layers. Formula also contains Sodium Hyaluronate, Tinocare GL and Biophytex which can be easily absorbed by the skin to facilitate hydration, and reduce dark spots and freckles, therefore to make skin brighter and more clear.

I considered myself a beginner to actives as I only started using actives from 2018 and slowly incorporating more along the way. I prefer gentle products because of my sensitive and fair skin and Dr. Wu Daily Renewal Serum With Mandelic Acid seems promising as its milder and gentle.

Check out my previous review on Dr. Wu Soothing Moisture Capsule Mask. 

An active is the ingredient in a product addressing whatever skin concern it's meant to target. Whether they work for you is not always clear—until you try them. While incorporating actives into your skincare routine can yield some amazing results over time, exercising caution and gradually increasing potencies based on your individual skin’s tolerance is key.

[ Review ] Naturigin Organic Based 100% Permanent Hair Colours

 

Product Description

NATURIGIN Dark Coffee Brown 3.0 gives the hair an intense and deep brown colour. An advanced naturally derived formula, with a unique blend of certified organic lemon and mandarin essential oils, as well as 10 other pure and gentle organic extracts and natural oils that protects the hair during colouring and adds shine and nourishment to the hair. This hair colour is completely free of ammonia, resorcinol and SLS, and covers grey hair up to 100%.

Main benefits :

- 100% Grey Coverage

- Deeply nourishes the hair

- Subtle and pleasant scent

- Made with natural and organic ingredients

I first purchased this hair dye for my mum but she didn't like it, as the colour dye just doesn't reflect on her hair. Earlier this year, I purchased 2 boxes for my in laws and my father in law liked it as it doesn't cause itch as compared to the regular L'oreal hair dye which he had been using for years. 

I have not coloured my hair ( with 20% greys ) for 4 months so it was a good time to try out this hair colour dye but I am an amateur with DIY colouring jobs since I usually do it at the salons. You can check out my previous reviews on Kao Rerise Hair Colour and Cielo Mousse Hair Colour. 

Based in Denmark, NATURIGIN, is a composition of the words Nature and Origin, which, along with their trademark; the leaf, is a symbol of NATURIGIN’s contribution to secure a greener environment and their focus on the wellness of body and mind. You can read more about their history on the their website. 

[ Review ] : IDS Pore Formula (PF) + Rejuvenating Complex (RC)

 

If you have been following me for awhile, you know that I depend on my trusty Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil 100% Multipurpose Liquid as a spot corrector for any new pimples since 2014. A little goes a long way and the product is affordable too. 

IDS Pore Formula (PF) was given to me during my last collaboration with them. I am not obligated to review their products but as always, I like to share my thoughts after using a new product. I enjoyed quite a number of products from IDS namely IDS Recovery Serum and IDS Ultra Moisturizer and IDS C-Plus and now its time to review Pore Formula, another favourite product of mine. 

Do note that the PAO ( period after opening ) for these products is 6 months. 

IDS Pore Formula (PF) works to refine pores and reduce blackheads and whiteheads. It minimizes oil production without excessive drying. Formulated with IDS’ proprietary NEULASTIN transcutaneous delivery system, active ingredients are effectively delivered and absorbed into the skin.

[ Review ] Heimish All Clean Balm, Vitamin Blemish Spot Clear Cream, Black Tea Mask Pack

 

Heimish reached out to me last month for a collaboration in return for honest reviews. The brand has been on my wish list for a while so I was excited to try them out. These were what I had selected - Heimish All Clean Balm, All Clean Vitamin Blemish Spot Clear Cream and Black Tea Mask Pack based on my current concerns and needs.

Launched in 2016, Heimish focuses primarily on makeup in neutral shades suitable for everyday wear. The brand's range of colors and attractive packaging appeal to the modern woman who want a refreshing yet natural look. All heimish products are cruelty-free, made without parabens and manufactured in Korea.

Heimish All Clean Balm is a 3-in-1 make-up remover that easily takes down thick make-up, impurities, and other excess that has been layered throughout the day. It is perfect for days where you just want to cleanse your face all in one step and there is no need to double cleanse. This product is 100% vegan-free and cruelty-free.

Benefits : 

✔ Quickly dissolves into oil when in contact with skin and removes make-up (especially waterproof), dirt, sunscreen

✔ Washes off easily with water without leaving any residue

✔ Convenient mini spoon included to help scoop clean and adequate usage

✔ Gently cleanses the face without removing any skin layers

✔ Clears up any blackheads and clogged pores

✔ Contains a mild herbal fragrance that does not linger on the skin

I have a soft spot for cleansing balms and have tried those from Three, Kat Burki, Banila Co and Clinique. My most recent collection includes the popular Heimish All Clean Balm, which has received rave reviews online.