Looking for a suitable Sunblock?

Which sunscreen ingredients should I look for to get the best sun protection?

For maximal sun protection, get a sunscreen that gives you both UVA and UVB protection. A lotion that offers UVB protection will have an "SPF" rating, while those with UVA protection will have a "PA" rating.

If you want to get a makeup or skincare product that can offer you protection against UVA and UVB rays, ensure you read the labels. There are different types of sunblock ingredients: Some are called physical sunblocks, others are known as chemical sunblocks. These are the ingredients that are commonly added to guard against infrared rays.

• Physical Sunblocks. As the name suggests, physical sunblocks offer protection against the sun's rays by physically blocking out dangerous rays from coming into direct contact with your skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-cote) are examples of physical sunblocks. When applied, they cover the skin thus preventing direct exposure to UV rays.
• Chemical Sunblock. Chemical sunblocks include avobenzone (Parsol 1789) which guard against UVA rays, and octyl salicylate and cinnamates which protect your skin from UVB rays. For chemical sunblocks, you need to apply them at least 30 minutes before stepping out for maximum effectiveness.
• Water-Resistant and Water-Proof Sunblock. If you are heading to the beach or pool for a swim, your best option should be sunblock lotions that are labelled "water-resistant" or "water-proof". These contain ingredients that make them stick on your skin longer, even when you are in water. However, their adherence will weaken when you come into contact with water, so remember to re-apply after swimming.
  

For more information on suncare products, browse through the following websites:
- Banana Boat (My favourite suncare product, suitable for me because there is no cinnamate ingredient (I think I'm more like a coral...easily damaged by sunscreen...))
- Nivea Sun
- Sunplay

A little more....about...Cinnamates.
Cinnamates are less commonly found in sunscreens but are a common ingredient used as flavorings and fragrances in everything from toothpaste to perfumes. These chemicals are related to Balsam of Peru, cinnamon oils and cinnamic acid and aldehyde, so people allergic to cinnamates may also be allergic to these other chemicals.

Weight loss through eating habits

Counting down on another 7 days before my vacation...so what's the progress of my 2-inch reduction work out?! Yea I've been reading tonnes of articles about calories, weight loss, and eating habits... And I found this. I think it's no harm to follow some really good eating habits for weight loss without having to starve myself.

"The following dining tips are simple and can work for anyone on any diet to drop pounds. "...I hope so, but still I'm following it now....and I feel good about it.

1. Hunger Erases Food Sanity
   Don't wait until you feel ravenous before sitting down to enjoy a meal. Otherwise, you might mirror the pretty lady who sucked the french fry through her lips.
2. Take Time to Dine
   Take time to savor the meal before diving in. Take in the colors, the textures, the smell and the atmosphere. And once those utensils meet with the hands, take time to eat slowly.
3. Salt, Sugar, Butter & Dressings
   Before grabbing the salt shaker and shaking it over the food take time to taste it first. Use the same technique for foods that are complimented by sugar, butter and dressings.
4. Taking Bites Down to Size
   By simply pausing to cut the food into smaller and/or manageable bites, digestion is made easier, the meal takes longer to complete, and the food is more satisfying. When there are foods such as English peas on the table, rather than grabbing an overloaded spoonful, try eating just a few at a time - and enjoy them before swallowing.
5. Chew-Chew
   Rather than chewing bite-sized food for a second or two, then swallowing - take time to chew food thoroughly. Our bodies naturally require chewing time which is one reason why liquid diets fail.
6. Dine in Peace
   Flip off the tube and/or video games as individuals tend to eat more when their thoughts become preoccupied. When dining, it's time to keep the focus where it belongs - on the meal.
7. Soup & Salad
   When dining out, enjoy a side salad with light dressing or a cup of broth-based soup. A soup or salad before mealtime will help curb appetite. And you'll end up eating far less fat and calories that are packed into the freebies - such as the innocent looking bread and chip baskets.
8. The Water Trough
   Try opting for clear cool water to enjoy with meals rather than sweet tea, sweet sodas or sweet juices. The common serving size for beverages is about 8 ounces which equals a cup. Most individuals end up drinking 3-4 times that amount over the coarse of a meal which adds up to several hundred calories for just the beverage. Rarely do glasses equal one cup.
9. Desserts for Waist-Watchers
   Desserts served in restaurants tend to be on the gigantic size. If you opt for dessert, request a couple of plates and forks and share with someone at your table. Or, request a to-go box and enjoy later.

Alright there's more to talk about....such as combinations of food that will strangle our diet plan to death~ Huh...so much more that I just realized... sh*t! I just swallowed a whole box of POPCORN last night when watching Nuffnang's free premiere screening - Mamma Mia!!!

Online shopping at THE PRINCESS WARDROBE!

HOW TO ORDER

Steps for Order:
Email to cheryltan_11@hotmail.com enquiries with below info:
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Pre-Order Term and Conditions:

1. No cancellation for any confirmed order.
2. Pre-order are expected to be arrive 2-4 weeks after order(s) is placed (exclude Saturday & Sunday, and Malaysia public holiday). I will keep you posted if there is any unavoidable delay in shipment of item.
3. I will update you once the stock is ready, so be prepared for receiving of item.
4. Seller reserved the rights to cancel order(s) if it is out of stock. Buyer will be fully refunded in this case ONLY.
5. Any lost/damages during delivering is not under our responsible.
6. Stock color might vary with real color. Clothes are imitation edition from magazines. If you are looking for original edition, please DO NOT place your order.
7. Good(s) sold is/are not exchangable or refundable.
8. Payment shall be made into my account within 3 days after confirmation.
9. Price quote does not include postal charge.
10. Price of items are not negotiable.

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DELIVERY FEE

Peninsular Malaysia
Any order at RM200 or above, below 1kg free delivery.
For parcel above 1kg, each kg with additional charge RM3.
Order below RM200, below 1kg postal fee charge at RM6, parcel above 1kg, each kg with charges RM3.
西马地区
预购超过RM200，1kg以下，免邮费。
1kg以上每kg需加邮费RM3。
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East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak)
Any order at RM200 or above, first 1kg RM8 (actual charge is RM12).
For parcel above 1kg, each kg with additional charge RM10.
Order below RM200, every 1kg postal fee charge RM12.
东马地区（沙巴，沙朥越）
预购超过RM200，第一公斤RM8（原本邮费RM12）。
1kg以上每公斤需加邮费RM10。
预购低于RM200，每公斤邮费RM12。

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PAYMENT50% payment of stock shall be made for all pre-order via below bank account#. Account name shall be provided upon request and in the order confirmation email.

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Upon payment please kindly email us with below information:
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About THE PRINCESS WARDROBE

Hello my dear sweeties~

Yup, The Princess Wardrobe is open today!!

Finally creating another milestone in my beauty blog...

...an online beauty concept store I longed for.

The Princess Wardrobe provides safe online shopping. The products for sale are from all places around the world that are of good quality, affordable and naturally beautiful.

Every little single items in the store is specially selected by myself with the conception of "Gorgeous is the language of her style".

Let's see...Items to shop for...

Clothes, bags, skin care & beauty products, accessories...etc...

Please drop me an email if you have any enquiry: cheryltan_11@hotmail.com

Happy shopping and stay gorgeous always!

I need a slimming cream....any suggestions?

Apparently I need to lose more weight... only 12 more days for me to gain a satisfied result on my current workout, at least another 1 inch reduction on my flabby tummy. Oh...I must have enjoyed too much supper recently and now it's really S.O.S. on my diet plan. What more can I do to speed up? I've been reading ads in magazines searching for an effective slimming product. I'm not going to take any slimming tablets or slimming juice but only thinking of buying lotion or cream...

All these days I've done quite a lot of "selective slimming" for my tummy, my hips and my arms...sit ups, cycling, massage.... Well, yes I did lose about 1 or 2 inches but I'm not that satisfied yet...you know, going for vacation in Phuket means most outfits will be sleeveless tops, tube tops, bare back, short pants, swimsuits or even bikini mar... I plan to snap a lot a lot of photos so I gotta look slim instead of looking like a pig... I want to look perfect under sunshine!!!

Anyone can suggest me a really effective product to speed up my slimming regime?? I've tried Shimizu and Loreal before but the effect was only skin tightening I can say... Help help!! Emergency weight loss I need....for a picture perfect vacation!

Enough sun care for your skin?

Have you ever evaluate yourself on your suncare knowledge? Like what SPF is sufficient to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, how long should you reapply your sunscreen, what amount should you apply.....

Spend a 5 minute for this "Sun Safety Quiz" to find out more. I scored 9/10! =) What about you? But if you're too lazy to take the quiz, scroll down for my set of answers....well, I still got one wrong...

Let's start!

Q1: A suntan is fine, as long as you don't burn.
Answer: False

Correct! While even one sunburn may double the chance of eventually developing melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer), you are still at risk even if you never burn. Both burning and tanning damage the DNA of skin cells. This damage sometimes leads to skin cancer. In other words, the more sun you get, the more likely you are to develop certain skin cancers.


Q2: To get sufficient UV protection, you should choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least:
Answer: 15

Correct! Make sure your sunscreen offers at least SPF 15. SPF ratings indicate how much longer you may be protected from sunburn than you would be if no sunscreen were applied.For instance, if your unprotected skin normally starts turning red in 20 minutes, using a product with SPF 15 will theoretically prevent burning 15 times as long — or about five hours.

Q3: If you're planning to spend time outdoors, you should apply sunscreen:
Answer: A half hour before leaving

CorrectSunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin.

Q4: You should reapply waterproof sunscreen:
Answer: Every 2 hours

Correct! All sunscreens become less effective after about two hours – even waterproof ones. To make sure you stay covered, reapply every two hours, especially after you've been swimming, or sweating or doing something that can wipe off sunscreen, like toweling off.

Q5: The darker your skin color, the less you need to worry about sun protection.
Answer: False

Correct! Anyone can develop skin cancer, even those with darker pigmented skin. For this reason, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all people take precautions against sun exposure, regardless of their skin type or color.

Q6: How much sunscreen should you apply?
Answer: Enough to cover half the palm of your hand

Incorrect! The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that adults use an ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed areas – the amount that fills a shot glass.

Q7: On cool or cloudy days, you still need a sunscreen.
Answer: True

Correct! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 40 percent of the sun's UV rays reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day. This is the reason people often end up with sunburns on overcast days after spending all day outdoors with no sun protection.

Q8: Wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency.
Answer: False

Correct! Although sunlight helps our body make vitamin D, we get plenty of this nutrient through vitamin D-rich foods such as milk and fortified orange juice and everyday sun exposure, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Plus, even if you're wearing sunscreen, small amounts of UV rays still penetrate your skin, and that's more than enough to help your body produce vitamin D.

Q9: When does sunscreen expire?
Answer: After three years

Correct! Unless the expiry date says otherwise, sunscreen lasts for up to three years. If, however, you keep the bottle in your car on hot summer days, the heat will cause the sunscreen compounds to break down, which means your sunscreen won't last as long.

Q10: Darker lenses on sunglasses offer better protection from ultraviolet rays than do lighter sunglass lenses.
Answer: False

Correct! The shade of the lens doesn't tell you whether it protects your eyes from the sun's rays. In fact, you won't be able to see any difference between lenses that block the ultraviolet rays and those that don't. Look for a manufacturer's label that says the sunglasses block 99 percent or 100 percent of all ultraviolet light. To be even more effective, choose sunglasses that fit close to your face or have wraparound frames that block sunlight from all angles.

Enjoy your sunbathing. Just like me.

And I'm gonna tan myself again this Oct... in Phuket. =D

Moonlight beneath my eyes

First of all, this is a special post in conjunction with my celebration for Mooncake Festival. =) Ok, I went for beauty shopping again today because I thought of buying myself some makeup tools and maybe some masks. Notice that I look kinda tired recently? I think it's time to pamper myself with a little more shopping goods.

Puffy eyes due to not enough sleep

After choosing and picking up cosmetics from a few beauty shops, I finally got myself these - most importantly, BRIGHTENING EYE ZONE TREATMENT PATCH!! Yes I definitely need this to lighten my dark circles.

Alright I just finished gobbling 2 mooncakes. Gosh...another few more hundreds of calories to reduce!! So while doing some simple workouts to burn calories while blogging now, I'm patching my eyes as well. A 3-step-routine to brighter eye zone, I can't wait to see the effect.



Looks like 2 half-moons on my face yea? Happy Mooncake Festival!

Puffy face Q & As

It always is frustrating to have a chubby face, especially when the rest of your body is fit. And in order to work out a suitable solution to eliminate your puffy cheek, you need to tackle the root cause to your puffiness.

Q: What are the causes to puffiness on the cheeks?
A: There are plenty of different causes of puffy cheeks: 1. fat in the cheeks, 2. flabby muscles, 3. smoking and drinking, 4. stress and tension, 5. lack of rest, 6. genetics, 7. quick weight loss, 8. baby fat

Q: Why do I get puffy eyes?
A: Puffy eyes is also known as eye "bags". Some people rarely experience puffy eyes while some seem to get them easily. Common causes can be as simple as staying up too late at night, drink too much water before bedtime, eat too much salty food and wake up with a bloated face, allergies, or even hormonal issues. And, people with big eyes usually have eye bags.

Q: How can I get rid of puffy eyes in the morning?
A: Apply a cool, damp face cloth to your eyes, the coolness can reduce the swelling. Some people use cucumbers, try slice it smaller, half-slices and apply one half to each eyelid. Some people like to use a cold wet teabag, as tea is a useful topical anti-inflammatory because it has tannins, which can reduce swelling.

Q: If the attempts to reduce the puffiness as above failed, what else can I do?! I'm in a hurry to go out...
A: For those extra rushed morning when you wake up with puffy eyes, there is option of using make up to hide the puffiness.

Q: I hate the "chipmunky" look... How to slim down my face?
A: In order to give your face a nice trim shape, you must begin by changing your habits in everyday life: drink a lot of water, get adequate sleep, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and massage your face often. Recommended read: Lose weight in your face - The Seven-Steps Plan.

Q: Why facial massage?
A: Massaging helps increase the metabolic rate and improve blood circulation, and not only does it slim the face - it also improves your skin. Try massaging your face with your favourite skin care products, as this will help your skin absorb them better. Massage your face every evening to help tone facial muscles and slim your face.

Q: How to massage my face at home?
A: Massage Techniques for the Face
Using the middle part of your middle fingers, press on different parts of your face. Press each part 20 times. Start from the bridge of your nose, pressing upwards to your eyebrows and outwards to your forehead. Then start from the corners of your mouth and press towards the inner corners of your eyes. Finally, press from your chin to the sides of your face all the way to your ears. Use the back of your hand and rapidly pat your chin 30 times. This helps to firm the chin. Use your middle finger and massage your face starting from the bridge of your nose, tracing the eyebrows and then tracing back to your nose. Repeat 10 times. Next, place your middle fingers onto the bridge of your nose, and slide vertically to your forehead. Place all fingers onto your forehead, and massage gently outwards to your temples, then stop and apply light pressure. Next, massage down the sides of your face, and trace back to your nose. Repeat 10 times. Lean back and use your palm or fingertips to press on the middle of your eyebrows and push upwards. At the same time, use your tongue to press against your upper jaw, pressing your molars together. Remain in this position and count to 10. Gradually relax. After several repetitions, count to 20 instead of 10.

Bye bye "chipmunky" face

Lose weight in your face - The Seven-Steps Plan

1. Drink at least nine 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

2. Eat at least three servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables every day.

3. Just say no to alcohol.

4. Increase your intake of calcium.

5. Hold the salt.

6. Everyday, cut 250 calories and burn 250 calories.

7. Do strength training.

Adapted from - http://www.goodhousekeeping.com

I want a slimmer face!

A lot of girls have been searching for tips to make their face slimmer, or, at least look slimmer. I had once a chubby looking face, and it had given me enough jokes...and damn, that's enough! A chubby face might make you look cute and innocent, but hey, we're no longer in the 60's and 70's where even celebs were having round faces! Slimmer face makes one look fresher and more brilliant.

Take Jolin Tsai as an example, she once had a chubby face too in 6 to 7 years back, but now she has a gorgeous and sexy jaw line. In one of her previous interviews, she said she dare not take direct angle photos last time when she looked chubby.

And Song Hye Kyo, she was once a chubby looking girl too. Now that she had transformed into a slim beauty, not thin, but slim. Slim in both face and body. Enough to said she's not just sweet but sexy as well.


There are different causes of puffiness alright, and I believe mine is baby fat plus genetics. That's why I tend to look a lot puffier whenever I put on a little weight.. So, I did some 'own research' and hooked on to my face slimming regime for months before my plan really worked. And the result...


Well ok, do I look have the brilliant look now compare to years back? ...tak tau malu~ *."

Here I present you 6 tips of getting a slimmer face, good stuffs are meant to be shared. However, it is not necessary that any of the following 6 methods might suit you, but generally these are the most common ways to slim your face.

1. Diet
One of the keys to getting a slimmer face is diet. You can find hundreds of them on the internet. Ediets.com is one place to start. Avoid those claiming for miracle overnight weight loss. Avoid those which claim you can lose weight without ever exercising. Study the diets carefully and then decide which one to follow. Only sensible dieting along with a regular cardiovascular workout will burn fat. You should consult with a physician before beginning any diet program.
There are so many arguments for low/no fat versus low/no carbohydrate diets that they could fill volumes. You will find that most diet plans fit into either category. Whichever you chose, understand that the more fat or carbohydrate you drastically cut from your diet, the harder it will be on you to not have them. Find a diet plan that has an online support system to help you through these rough times until you become accustomed to your new diet.

2. Diet Supplements
There are dozens of diet supplements on the market today. New ones appear every day. Alli (Myalli.com) is a good starting point. Many claim that they can make your face thinner at the same time that your body becomes thinner. Read all disclaimers very carefully. If you find: (The company) makes no warranties or representations about the accuracy or completeness of this site's content or of the content of any site or sites linked to this site, don’t waste your money.

3. Facial Exercises
The simplest and most cost efficient method of getting a thinner face is facial exercise. It requires no trips to the gym, physical exertion or sweating. If you want to improve the area around your eyes, try raising and lowering your eyebrows. Close your eyes. Raise and lower your eyebrows 10 times. Open your eyes and repeat. Repeat, looking to the right and then left. That’s it. You can get rid of frown lines by alternately smiling and frowning while raising or lowering your eyebrows. Repeat 5 times. You can exercise your cheeks by sucking them in and trying to touch your nose with your tongue.
No, we’re not talking about something out of Monty Python. This really works because you are strenuously working your face muscles. When you do that, you burn calories and fat.

4. Drink More Water
You can slim your face by drinking more water. Your fat or puffy looking face may be caused by bloating. If the body does not get enough water, it will retain water. To ensure that your body is properly hydrated, you should drink eight glasses (64 ounces) of water a day. As a bonus, you will be less hungry and that will aid in weight loss.

5. Make up, Hairstyles and Clothing
Women have the advantage over men when it comes to reducing cheek size. There are make ups which can be applied to the cheek bones, cheeks and neck which make a woman’s face appear to be more attractive and slender. Women can wear hairstyles which draw less attention to the face. They can also wear clothing that hides the fullness of the neck and makes the face appear thinner.

6. Facial Liposuction
When most people hear the word liposuction, they think of a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from the stomach, legs, buttocks, arms and breasts. Facial liposuction can give you a thinner face because it removes fat in the neck, chin and neck. Fat is removed from under the skin by a device known as a vacuum-suction canula. Fat can also be broken up and removed by suction with an ultrasonic probe.
Facial liposuction is one way of obtaining a thin face. It may not, however, be right for everybody. There are risks of complications, especially if you have a disease or take medications that affect blood clotting or the healing of wounds. It can be an expensive procedure. It is cosmetic and not recommended for weight loss. Finally, your skin must be elastic enough to shrink after the procedure. If it is not, your skin will become baggy after the procedure. You should consult with a physician(s) before undertaking this procedure.

So what did I do out of the 6 above~??
1. Diet - might work, but I need to control by eating the right stuffs
2. Diet Suppliment - nope, no $$
3. Facial Exercise - yes, as easy as ABC
4. Drink More Water - yes, coffee and barley helps
5. Make up, Hairstyle and Clothing - sometimes yes, when I have enough $$
6. Facial Liposuction - NO THANKS, I always prefer the "surgery-free" way

Which one are you going to try? Well actually, there are plenty of causes for a puffy face... Till then, catch up with my upcoming post on make up skills to get a slimmer face, I mean, look slimmer without exercise. =)

Disclaimer: This post is meant for sharing purpose. Please refer to your doctor or dermatologist if allergy or irritation persists.

A little more about yOgurt

The YOGURT "Do you knows"

1. Millions and millions of beneficial bacteria in yogurt that can boost one's immune system have made it one of the healthiest food and the best natural remedies.


2. Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillis have been proven effective in relieving digestive issues, while the active culture Lactobacillus casei fortifies one's immune system.


3. A daily dose of just 3 ounces can lower your cholesterol, and because calcium-rich diets have been linked to fat loss, may actually help you slim down faster. One cup of organic, fat-free yogurt (plain) has 110 calories, 9 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.



4. Plain yogurt is good enough to provide a thorough cleansing that also moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Click here for homemade yogurt facial mask.


5. The lactic acid in yogurt soothes, softens and tightens the skin and refines the pores. Its high nutrient content and natural antibacterial and antifungal properties also get rid of germs and other bacteria.


6. Yogurt is a natural meat tenderizer, and it's even healthier and cheaper! So start using yogurt as your meat tenderizer today.

The benefits of plain yogurt as compare to fruit added preparation:

1. Plain yogurt contains around half of the calories of the same amount of fruit adder yogurt.
2. Plain yogurt contains almost twice the amount of protein.
3. Plain yogurt contains fewer filler.
4. Plain yogurt contains more calcium.
5. Plain yogurt contains no added sugar.

Yogurt's healthful properties:

1. Yogurt Help Prevent Osteoporosis: Studies show calcium rich yogurt can help slow bone loss, thereby preserving bone mass and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.


2. Yogurt May Reduce the Risk of Hypertension: Eating low fat yogurt contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium - three nutrients that have been shown to reduce hypertension.


3. Yogurt Help Prevent Colon Cancer: Yogurt contains lacto bacteria that foster a healthy colon, and lower the risk of colon cancer. Yogurt is a rich source of calcium that contributes to colon health.


4. Yogurt May Discourage Yeast Infections: Research suggests that when eaten regularly, yogurt-containing L. acidophilus may decrease vaginal infection in certain individuals.


5. Yogurt May Enhance Immune System: Studies suggest that live and active culture yogurt may enhance the immune systems of certain individuals by boosting certain markers associated with a healthy immune system.


6. Yogurt can lower cholesterol: Studies have shown that yogurt can reduce the blood cholesterol, may be because the live cultures in yogurt can assimilate the cholesterol or yogurt binds bile acids.

DIY yogurt facial masks

Have you ever try DIY your beauty mask at home? It's actually very simple and because you are using natural ingredients to produce the mask, it causes less irritation to skin (my skincare ritual experiences).

During the weekends, you may wanna try making one of these while lazing around the living room reading magazines, or when enjoy watching your favourite drama~ I used to spend my weekend afternoon feeding nutrients to my face.

For lazy babes-

• Honey Yogurt Face Mask
  Ingredients you need:
  - 1 cup of plain yogurt
  - 2 ½ tablespoons of honey
  Mix the yogurt (plain) with honey. Rub it onto your face, neck and décolletage. Wash off well with warm water after about five minutes.


• Orange Yogurt Face Mask
  Ingredients you need:
  - 1 tablespoon of yogurt
  - juice of 1/4 of an orange
  Stir to mix and then dip fingers into mixture and smooth onto face. The sensation is both cool and relaxing. Leave on for a five minutes and then rinse. If you are feeling sluggish, this is the perfect mask for you. Yogurt will cleanse and nourish, the orange is full of Vitamin C and AHA's.

Scrub and cleansing-

• Buttermilk Yogurt Face Mask
  Ingredients you need:
  - 1/2 cup of melted butter
  - 1/3 cup of skim or normal milk
  - 2 tsp. of oatmeal
  - 1 inch slice of a mashed cucumber
  - 1/4 cup of yogurt
  - 1 tsp. of honey
  - 2 tsp. of naturally squeezed lemon
  Mix and blend all these ingredients together until it has become a liquid. Then apply it to your face in a circular motion. Wash it off then in 15 minutes. It helps with getting rid of blackheads and cleaning your pores. After your face will be very soft, fresh and shiny. You'll see a new you!


• Oatmeal Scrub
  Ingredients you need:
  - 2 tablespoons regular oatmeal (instant is fine)
  - 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
  - 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Fresh or bottled)
  - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  - 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until a paste is formed. Massage it onto cleansed skin and leave on 5-10 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. This is for oily or irritated skin, or skin that has broken out with a few pimples.

Go pretty with FRUIT-

• Fruity Face Mask
  Ingredients you need:
  - 6 or 8 ounces of plain yogurt
  - 1 carrot
  - 1/2 peach (fresh, not canned)
  - 1/2 cucumber, peeled
  Chop the carrot, peach, and cucumber into small pieces. Put it in a food processor (or your handy little chopper). Mix it until it becomes a paste. If it turns runny, don't sweat it, it's still fine. Apply the mask to your face and forehead and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with water.
  The mask itself is for deep cleansing and unclogging the pores. The carrots are a natural anti-inflammatory which is good if you have breakouts. Carrots have a soothing property in them. The cucumbers are a softening agent for skin. It refreshes and moisturizes the skin. The peaches have emollient properties, and also soothe inflamed (or not) skin.


• Face Food Mask
  Ingredients you need:
  - 1 banana
  - 1 tablespoon honey
  - 1 tablespoon yogurt
  - 1 tablespoon oatmeal
  Mash banana. Blend ingredients together (you may need to add a bit more oatmeal to get the mixture into a nice paste). Smear over face. Leave for 15 minutes. Wash face and rinse well. Store the remaining portion in fridge.


• Re-hydrating Avocado Mask
  Ingredients you need:
  - 2 teaspoons mashed avocado
  - 1 teaspoon plain live yogurt
  - 1 teaspoon honey (liquid)
  Blend ingredients. Spread mask over your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and follow with moisturizer.

Disclaimer: This post is meant for sharing purpose. If you have severe skin issues, please discuss with your dermatologist.

The story of yogurt and I

Yogurt... lassi, yogurt ice-cream, yogurt bar, yogurt drink, yogurt cheese cake....everything that goes with yogurt is irresistable! And oh...I lost 5kg last time with just a daily dose of 2 cups of yogurt in 2 months without exercise.... I tell you Yogurt is pretty kick-ass!


So why yogurt? Because it is natural, it's easy to get, and the most important thing - it's cHeAp~ I always opted for simple ways to do my skin care routine, and I seldom spend $$ on expensive deals because $$ not enough. But of course, if you have lotsa $$$$ to spend, go for SKII. With just less than RM2, everyone gets to replenish and enhance your face complexion, SO WHY NOT? I enjoyed eating yogurt while doing my DIY yogurt mask in my university days, it has been the savior to my skin especially when I lived in a city like KL for 4 years....a place so dusty and its water quality is also questionable.


I started to get blemishes a week after the uni orientation because the tap water was yellowish! I didn't even dare to boil it and drink, so I bought RO water from the water vendor machine for drinking. But what about bathing?! I can't afford to bathe with RO water...broke... As of what a poor student can afford, I use plain yogurt to calm my skin by spreading it over my face like a clay mask after washing my face. Then I wiped off with tissue/facial cotton before rinsing with RO water. As easy as ABC. And besides facial purpose, I add 2 teaspoon of honey and ate the remaining cup of yogurt. 1 and a half tablespoon is already more than enough to cover a face. So I killed 2 birds with one stone with just RM2 - facial and slimming. But when I'm lazy to buy yogurt, I would just apply honey (those raw honey with minimum artificial sugar) without yogurt. It helps to kill bacteria.

As read in other articles, yogurt can be used topically for dry skin treatment, all you need to do is just slather it on your face every morning, then wash it off with cold water. I've tried that a few times for the last minute make up S.O.S before attending a ball or dinner. If my skin is too dry or flaky to apply the foundation, I usually do this yogurt mask 1 or 2 hours before I start applying make up base. After rinse off the mask, make sure you apply your moisturizer/emulsion as per normal routine to keep the moisture locked in, and also to prevent the make up elements from clogging your pores.

Ok I know I look freaking tired in this photo...that's why I do facial!

Keep your health and skin care regime simple, and one of the best steps that you can take to a healthier body and better skin care is eating yogurt every day. I love to travel thus natural ingredients I could easily get (you can get from the convenient store) is perfect for my skincare regime. I could still survive my skin through the worst weathers with a simple cup of plain yogurt! Or...I bring along this -- my favourite fruity tutty yogurt pack, it's only RM15.90/4 packs and I could use up to 8 times. But it is not meant for eating purpose. Everytime I go travel or vacation, I'll just throw 1 or 2 packs into my suitcase then done!


Grapefruit yogurt mask pack


Strawberry yogurt mask pack

Well here's an interesting post about how yogurt can help to fight HIV! And if you would like to learn how to make your own yogurt at home, read this.

Let's go yO yO yO...with yOgurt today~

Disclaimer: This post is meant for sharing purpose. If you have severe skin issues, please discuss with your dermatologist.

Editor's note

Once upon a time in the beautiful island called Penang, lived a little princess named Cheryl. She had a round face, small eyes, and...

oOpS..WAIT!! This is NOT A SNOW WHITE fairy-tale.

Ok, let me rewind and start over!

So, this is the story of a princess named Cheryl, ermm...more accurately, a SELF-DECLARED PRINCESS named Cheryl. Let me begin with some description of my look...



First of all I rate my look as just above average. I have a neither so-tall nor so-petite figure (~160cm), medium long natural wavy curls, and a pair of Chinesee "pheonix" eyes which, even my long lost ex-classmates could recognize when they saw my eyes from the reflection of the front mirror of my car! I inherit the charming features of my dad, which the majority of the people I know always say, "You look like your dad!".



I like my eyes the most, but once I didn't really like my eyes that much... WHY?? If you are my close relatives or my childhood friend, you'll know why. I was a chubby little girl with a melon-like face, not-so-big eyes with single eye-lids, and bulging curly hair. My relatives used to call me "Little Jap", because they said I will look totally like a Japanese cutie if I wear a Kimono. The only word to describe me....CUTE. CUTE, CUTE, CUTE...but if today you tell me that I'm CUTE, I'll faint..



Undeniable, I am a poser since day 1 I was born.



Mum and dad sent me for baby contests and I won prizes at the age of 1 or 2.



My aunts kept snapping my photos since I was a baby, and growing up under the "paparazzi flashes" had made me a camwhore today! But due to my height, I never think of participating as a beauty queen.



I can't live without cuddly stuffed toys. I think I'm being pampered too much with soft toys during childhood. Everywhere I go I brought along my teddy, my bunny, my kitty, my doggie, my horsie...you name it!



Then one day, I got my first pair of pet bunny (Benji & Ruby), and ended up having 60 rabbits in my house the next year! So mum and dad had to give them away because we couldn't afford to keep so many pets in our house.



Since then, I 'compensate' my love for pets to stuffed toys...then ended up having 50 over soft toys during my primary school years. Maybe mum wanted me to learn how to share (I have no siblings), and also maybe because my bed was so full of toys until I had to squeeze them aside before I could find a place to sleep, she persuaded me to donate my little cuddlies to the orphanage. After thinking for a few weeks, I eventually packed and gave away my toys batch by batch to the orphanage.



What about now? Hmmm...I think I've been giving away 200 over toys to the poor and also orphans, but I still have a collection of over 50 over koala bears, teddy bears, dogs and a giraffe. Every now and then you'll see another "new family member" sitting on the sofa or on the computer desk because I just couldn't help from stop buying stuffed toys!! Even my office desk is full of my little cuties.... Help~



I have good fashion sense -- credits to my mum. She always tells me, "Wear what you are suppose to wear according to your age!" I know she cannot accept women who still wear like a 20-year-old dolly at the age of 50. So under her influence, I always maintain my style as - casual and elegant. My favourite clothing styles: urban-chic, smart casual, Korean/Japanese designs, retro, mix-and-match, hippie, alluring but not exposed. And I like those bling bling accessories: earrings, bangles, hair clips, bands, rings, necklaces, watches...and my favourite -- SHADES!



As you can see from my childhood photos, I've been chubby and a little muscular since small. So I don't go for body work out because very easily I will develop muscles...then I'll be very upset with my appearance especially when I wear sleeveless tops. Therefore I read a lot of articles and books to tailor-made my fitness regime.



Frankly speaking I am not a dieter because I love to eat...cheese, desserts, pastas, ice-cream, spicy food, roasted/BBQ pork, etc...., I just couldn't stop enjoying food. You might think that it is ridiculous that I can actually plan my fitness regime without a professional trainer's guide, but it really worked for me. I don't like to spend $$ on going to gym, losing weight and doing spa; might consider to go to Marie France Bodyline or Terimee or Slimming Sanctuary after childbirth in future, not now because I'm still on track what. Unless there is an emergency case that I've put on weight in the last few months before wedding. =0



But too bad...I do not inherit the smooth complexion of my mum, I suffered a lot from my sensitive skin because it's just too delicate. Weather change, food and skin care products play very important roles in my daily skin routine, these are the reasons that drive me to launch this beauty diary of mine. I know there might be dozens of babes out there who face the same problem as I am, but still haven't I've found the solution! That's why I'm sharing here with the babes out there~



I might not be as professional as the beauticians, but I seek for health and fitness through the natural way, the less chemical the better. I try to detox through eating the right food, use natural ingredients for my beauty routine, and I only make up when there is a function to attend. So most of the time my face is clean with minimum foreign particles except my toner, emulsion and sun block.



I had always dreamed that one day I might have the chance to publish a book about health & beauty, just like some of the celebs had done -- 李倩蓉，蔡依凌，大S，伊能静 and so on. Reading through the lines of their articles made me feel their effort in keeping a balanced body and a healthy mind, though variations in the process of transforming into a beauty is quite huge among them. And for sure, mine varies as well; but my articles shall serve for sharing purpose.

Beauty tips, clothing, accessories, diet & fitness, slimming tips.... Join me in my newly launched beauty diaries -- "Gorgeous is the language of her style". Let's share our knowledge on beauty and style!

STAY GORGEOUS~

P.S/
Due to my tight schedule on work, and this blog is just newly launched, I would like to apologize that currently I only able to publish my first post on "Editor's note". You're always welcome to suggest topics you would like to know, and I will try my best to share. Please leave comments.

Thank you. 谢谢。Terima kasih. 감사해요. Vielen dank.