Friday, September 30, 2011

How to make your face looks slimmer

published in KoreaCosmetics.kr as "How to make your face looks slimmer"



The golden rule to a thinner looking face – the exposed areas of your face should be more to an angular shape, near to diamond shape. That is the summary from various articles and also personal experience.
Some key tricks to make your face look thinner, these are also my usual practice:


1. Contouring your cheeks with a combination of blush and bronzer. Sweep bronzer along your cheekbones and then blend in pink shade blush below the bronzer. This can create contrast which will reduce the roundness of your face.

2. ALWAYS choose a foundation or powder that is 1 or 2 shades darker than your skin. It does not mean you no longer need your normal foundation or powder. Apply your normal foundation and only blend in the darker shades afterwards; darker shades are used for shaping your jaw line to create a more angular effect. But you have to ensure you do not overdo, else your face will appear two tones like trying to cover up some bruises. It takes some time to master the contour technique!

3. The third trick is a hair technique. Try the eyebrow-skimming bangs rather than keeping your hair one length. It will make your face appears narrower.

Friday, September 16, 2011

More than just an essence mask


I'm pretty sure that most of the ladies are consuming essence mask sheet as part of their beauty rituals. So am I. Nice scent and easy-to-use, and furthermore, no washing required! That's the best part of it.

I super love essence mask~ My weekly usage is about 2 pieces in average. What more can an essence mask supply to you besides the nutrients for your face? Have you think about it? Paying around RM6-RM30 for more than a 15-minute temptation on your face... =)

This is what I usually do after putting on the essence pulp onto my face.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Tips for travel make-up



Chuseok holiday is comming in Korea!! It’s time for travel! But… it is impossible to bring your whole box of cosmetics with you. So what do you need in your suitcase to stay chic? Let’s count on the MUST brings in your tiny cosmetic bag.

For skin care:
Travel pack (miniature) of your current skin care series. This is to avoid allergy or irritation to skin, it’s not worth risking during travelling.
(1) Cleanser
(2) Toner/Lotion
(3) Moisturizer
(4) Sun block
(5) Facial cotton pads
(6) Acne gel (if you have acne problem)
(7) Face mask (scrubs and essence mask sheets)

For make-up:
Bring what is essential that will make you look stunning in photos.
(1) BB Cream or Foundation
(2) Loose powder
(3) Blusher
(4) Eye shadows
(5) Eye liner
(6) Mascara
(7) Eye brow pencil
(8) Lip balm or lip care

If you’re travelling in spring…
Usually you look a bit pale due to the cool windy weather, and when flowers bloom, you look even pale in the picture!
Brown or warm color series eye shadow.
If you want to look young and sweet, you can choose orange and yellow eye shadow.
Apply a little orange tone blusher.
Try die your hair brown!

If you’re travelling in summer…
The problem with summer is the humidity and long hours exposure under the sun. That means freckles as well..
Avoid putting too much of make-up, let your face go nude.
Besides the basic foundation or BB Cream, apply a little pinkish blusher and mascara is good enough.
If you want to enhance your beautiful face with glamorous eyes, blue and purple shades work just fine.
If you want to look young and sweet, purple and pink eye shadow can do the wonder.
Either apply only lip gloss for nude lips or choose pink/peach color.

If you’re travelling in autumn…
Autumn is romantic, but it is always dry and windy, which means sensitive skin can easily becomes flaky or dehydrated.
Always remember to boost the moisture in your skin by applying extra hydrating essence.
Avoid shocking colors, blend in some natural shades. Glittering brownish blusher is good.
Shape your face by touching up your jaw line with powder which is one tone darker than your skin.
Try the fake eyelash alongside with gray shade eye shadows.
Lip color can be darker tone of red, and choose the matte type.

If you’re travelling in winter…
It means Christmas is just around the corner. What can you think of Christmas?
Go sweet, or go wild.
If you like to be sweet, glittery pink, blue, silver eye shadow work just perfect.
If you like to go wild, you can apply white eye shadow with dark eye liner, or just go smoky eyes.
Eyeliner and mascara are very important, because it makes your eyes look glamorous.
Why not try red glossy lips?

Happy Chuseok!! Happy travelling!!


published in KoreaCosmetics.kr as "Tips for travel make-up"

Yogurt for your skin


Preface: I was offered a sponsorship on cosmetics by Korea Cosmetics recently. Thus from now onward I will make regular make-up tips once a week along with the sponsorship schedule. Babes please stay tune as there will be new released cosmetic products review from time to time. Perhaps... free giveaways for the readers too.

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, because it is easy to get, and the most important thing - because it is budget-friendly! Yogurt is good as a natural remedy for skin problems such as acne , dry skin, dullness or excessive oiliness. It cleanses and moisturizes at the same time, and also prevents premature aging.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

A pampering treat at Araminth Spa Bali

This was back when my hair was still black. We were in Lovina, Bali, at the Kalibukbuk area. After days of travelling around and highly exposed to the sun, I decided to pamper myself a bit before going home on the next day. If you've been to Lovina, you'll understand how rural it is compare to Ubud, or worse, compare to Kuta. So I asked our driver to suggest where we should go for spa, and he recommended Araminth Spa.

In a lush tropical garden within the ancient Balinese palace grounds of Puri Ayudhya, in the heart of Lovina, reposes a haven for well-being: Araminth Spa.

The Spa offers four treatment rooms, spacious oval bath tubs for Mandi Lulur / tropical flower baths.
A relaxing garden-Gazebo, Lounge, and leisure rooms invite you to rest and enjoy complementary fruit drinks and health juices.
Araminth Spa is in walking distance from the Lovina Beach, in a small road (Jalan Mawar) leading to the beach. Tugged away from traffic, but yet close to main road Lovina and the main junction (traffic light Lovina).

“Aruna Centre”, 1 km from Araminth Spa on a hill plateau overlooking Lovina Bay is your garden Eden for your “Wellness Week”.

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 01


At the reception. We booked quite last minute and they've run out of masseurs for the day... But in order to not turn us down, the staff called for additional masseurs off duty on that day to serve us. How thoughtful.. However we waited for an hour though, as the fresh flowers for flower bath were also used out.

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 03


Spa products and scrubs! How I love them!

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 02


I bought some home, couldn't resist the scent of the chocolate scrub and coffee scrub. :P

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 04


Wide range of aroma therapeutic oil.

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 05


Stone sculpture, very common in Bali.

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 06


Combination of flowers and scented oil. This made me feel so soothed...

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 07


While waiting for our masseurs to arrive, I checked out the products that they use, almost all on the reception desk. What to do, they smell so damn good. If I could bring them all home, I would... just the matter of over sized baggage... and $$$$$$....

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 08


Feel free to check out the massage & treatment programs available before you go. This may help a lot in decision making as everything looks so "intensive" at a glance. To be frank, I almost didn't know how to choose if I need to decide on the spot. Luckily I had some time before our masseurs attended to us.

Body massage.
1. BALINESE TRADITIONAL MASSAGE ( 60 minutes ) IDR 150.000
Relaxing traditional massage of Bali that uses rolling, long strokes, and finger and palm pressure. Applied with oil.

2. ARAMINTH MASSAGE ( 60 minutes ) IDR 200.000
One hour of deep, rebalancing massage to reduce tensions and stress in body and mind. Neck release, shoulder, back pain release and a thorough foot massage. A combination of traditional Balinese Massage and Modern Body Work. Finishing touch : foot massage within a bowl of warm water.

3. WELLBEING MASSAGE ( 1.5 Hours ) IDR 350.000
A most relaxing and healing treatment, applied with selected oils and aroma Essences, with the intention to open the body’s natural flow of energy. A combination of eastern and western body treatment. Back and front Massage on the massage table, and sitting position you enjoy a head and Shoulder massage while your feet are soaked in a flower bath, finished with a gentle foot massage to revitalize your whole body.

4. AYURVEDIC MASSAGE ( 2 Hours ) IDR 400.000
Massage performend by one or more therapists directly on the skin to loosen the excess doshas promotes circulation, in creases flexibility, and relieves pain and stiffness. A Complete treatment, with the application of specific warm herbal oils.

5. ANTI STRESS MASSAGE ( 30 minutes ) IDR 150.000
Typically a 30 minutes introductory massage or one for those with limited time and who suffer from high levels of stress. Focuses on tension areas such as the back, face, neck, and shoulders.

6. LOMI LOMI MASSAGE ( 60 minutes ) IDR 200.000
Massage originating in Hawaii that uses the forearms and elbows, rhythmical rocking movements, and long and broad strokes.

7. SHIATSU ( 60 minutes ) IDR 200.000
Massage that uses finger pressure and also that hands, fore arms, elbows, knees, and feet, on acupoints. Calms and relaxes. The massage is oil free.

8. SWEDISH MASSAGE ( 60 minutes ) IDR 200.000
Massage in which oils are applied to the body with techniques such as gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping, and shaking, relieves stress, tension and muscle pain, improves circulation, in creases flexibility and induces relaxation.

9. THAI MASSAGE ( 1.5 Hours ) IDR 280.000
Traditional massage of Thailand, influenced by Chinese and Indian healing arts, that involves a combination of streatching and gentle rocking, and uses a range of motions and acupressure techniques. The massage is oil free, and performend on a traditional thai mattress on the floor, loose pajamas are worn.

10. REFLEXOLOGY ( 45 minutes ) IDR 150.000
Application of finger, point pressure to reflex zones on the feet, and to a lesser Extent, hands, to improve circulation, ease pain. Relax the body and re establish The flow of energy through the body, its underlying theory is that specific areas on the feet and hands correspond with specific body parts, organs and glands, and that the manipulation of specific areas can bring about change associated with the corresponding parts.

11. WARM STONE MASSAGE ( 1.5 Hours ) IDR 250.000
Massage where warmed smooth stones are rubbed in long, flowing strokes on to the oiled
body, then placed on energy points to ease a way tension. also known as hot stone massage or a stone therapy.

Body treatment.
1. ANTI CELLULITE TREATMENT ( 30 minutes ) IDR 150.000
Treatment that contours the body and reduces cellulite at various parts of the body.

2. BALINESE HEALING TREATMENT ( 1.5 Hours ) IDR 350.000
For soothing effects on the pain and sore areas of your body. Application of natural herbs, fresh prepared, called "BOREH". Boreh Arak for Rheumatism, Respiratory system disorders, muscle pain. Boreh Kunyit, a mixture of root powder for blood circulation, skin and Muscles.
First you get a whole body massage, while the therapist focuses on painful areas, and applies a fresh made herbal paste to be rubbed onto the area a variety of natural products from Bali, freshly processed.

3. MANDI LULUR ( 2 Hours ) IDR 300.000
The Balinese "Classic" stars with an Araminth whole body massage and a deep body scrub (spices and yellow rice flour). All of your skin is treated and cleansed, and later rinsed in a luscious, comforting warm bath with Balinese Flowers, to be completed with the application of natural body lotion.

4. MANDI REMPAH ( 2 Hours ) IDR 350.000
The traditional Indonesian "Spice Bath" start with a relaxing Araminth Massage, followed by an aromatic herbal scrub, and a soothing herbal bath With local spices. Finished by the application of natural body lotion.

5. BALINESE COFFEE SCRUB ( 2 Hours ) IDR 300.000
A special Balinese coffee body exfoliate stimulastes, refreshes and removes Dead skin cells and leaves leaving skin clean and smooth. Start with a Balinese Massage and exfoliating scrub in which finely ground Balinese coffee beans are applied to the skin.

Beauty & Hair treatment.
1. FACIAL (1 Hour) IDR 150.000
Treatment that cleanses and improves the complexion of the face using product that best suit specific skin type. Face cleansing eith tonic massage, facial herb scrub, face mask and softening lotion. A Deep dermatological cleansing of your skin.

ONE DAY PACKAGE ( 5 Hours ) IDR 1.500.000
The day Package begins with an Araminth massage Full Body massage, enriched with a synthesis of Eastern and Western techniques ( Rebalancing, Acupressure, Californian, Balinese ). Feel the refreshing ingredients of the body scrub cleaning and vitalizing your skin, followed by a "FACIAL" deep face cleaning. Soothing and refreshing fresh juices and herbal teas are served while for a final touch, you will enjoy a Balinese "HEAD & HAIR" Treatment.


We were served with ginger tea after the spa treatment, probably to get rid of the "wind" and warm the body after the spa session. In Indonesia, ginger (jahe in Indonesian) is used as a herbal preparation to reduce fatigue, reducing "winds" in the blood, prevent and cure rheumatism and control poor dietary habits.

Araminth Spa Bali (Kalibukbuk Lovina) 09


Leaving the spa and checked back on the website only to find that they offer "Wellness Week"..

Day Packages and "Wellness Week"
To fully enjoy the benefits of our healing treatments in a tranquil environment, we offer you "Aruna Centre" – a place of peace and beauty, in tropical nature with splendid views over Lovina Bay and the North Coast.

Facilities include:
- 5 double/ single rooms with en-suite bathrooms in separate buildings around a spacious swimming pool.
- Dining hall and veranda with open view over the ocean.
- Healthy vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals prepared at “Aruna”.
- Flatscreen TV with international channels.
- Treatments at “Aruna Centre”.
- Soothing and refreshing health-juices are complimentary during your stay at Aruna Centre.

Prices:
Accommodation in double room: US$29 / in single room US$45
Accommodation and 3 meals: US$ 42 per person. (single occupancy US$54)

Size:
 1200m2 tropical garden, swimming pool, Gazebo and parking



ARAMINTH SPA
Address:
Jalan Mawar No. 1 Kalibukbuk Lovina - Bali

Tel: +62 362 41901 / +62 8123844655

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Nail Chapter Center, G Hotel Penang

Up close and personal - review on Nail Chapter Center
I visited Nail Chapter the day before my pre-wedding photo shooting. Coincidence that there is promotion for Classic Manicure and Pedicure available before my wedding events, no harm to give it a try. Overall the service is very good, I was served by Helen. She shared a lot of tips on nail care and make-up while doing the cuticle treatment for me. The whole session took about 1.5 hrs but I extended for another half an hour just to ensure the nail polish is at least 70% dry as I need to drive back home. Will be a waste if I accidentally scratch my nails during driving. Didn't manage to snap photos during the session as no camera is allowed.

Manicure:
- Nail Shaping
- Cuticle Cleaning/Exfoliation
- Cuticle Oil treatment
- Colouring

Pedicure:
- Nail Shaping
- Cuticle cleaning
- Cuticle oil treatment
- Colouring
- 2 Nail Art for toe nails


Address:
Level 3, G Hotel (Pool Side)
168A Persiaran Gurney
10250 Penang

Tel: +604 229 1292

Website: www.nailchapter.com

Facebook: Nail Chapter

Only at Nail Chapter, you will discover the best in hand and feet beauty services.


The price offerings are affordable for beauty-seekers with all kinds of budget. No more nail problems or nail brittles for even the most fervent nail biter.


Located in the heart of Penang, patrons will be wowed by the swanky and stylish interior of G Hotel. Nail Spa Center is located at the pool side of the hotel. Patrons will feel relaxed while their hands and feet are being pampered.


Using only the best products, they give their customers the best at a fraction of the price. Nail Chapter only hires nail artists who are well-trained and professional in each area. They do not only know how to beautify, they will educate you on the facts that you need to know about the often forgotten hands and feet.


At Nail Chapter, they also offer hair-do and make-up services. You will be surprised at the wonders that Nail Chapter can do with your nails.
Original article and photos: Adapted from mydeal.com.my





Sunday, February 6, 2011

我与 Ettude House,护肤品推荐篇

分享一些 Ettude House 蛮好用的产品
Ettude House 属于价格中等的护肤品牌
韩国护肤品 向来都是我的头号选择
原因很简单 亚洲护肤品较为适合 我的综合性肤质


1. Happy Teatime Green tea cleansing  foam
有几种茶 绿茶适合综合性肌肤
Ettude House 01


2. Dr.OIL Solution Shine Free Mist
上完 BB Cream 或蜜粉后 喷一喷 竟然可以维持半天 T-zone 不油腻
Ettude House 02


3. Honey Wash-off Pack
旅游公干时 肌肤急救囊里的宝物 回到酒店后就可以敷一敷 润一润
Ettude House 03


4. Yogurt Wash-off Pack
和以上的 Honey Wash-off Pack 一样 敷后脸蛋像 baby 一样水嫩嫩 滑溜溜
Ettude House 04


5. Mascara Remover
睫毛液 卸妆水
Ettude House 05


6. Nail Art Pen
专给我这种没有彩绘指甲经验的人使用 只需要轻轻挤压 就可以在已涂上指甲油的指甲上点缀图案
Ettude House 06


7. Hydro Wrapping Mask
滋润面膜 秋冬旅行的护肤后备
Ettude House 08


Ettude House 也有购买积分的会员卡 可以换取各种产品
总算值得 这样算是有回扣吧
Ettude House 09


偶尔 购买护肤品时 记得询问柜台小姐拿 sample 试试
Vitamin C O2 White 旅行装的 trial kit
效果还不错
Ettude House 07


欢迎到访!我会把所有我在不同版块收到的reader的comment都贴上来,以便可以有效的和大家分享。

有任何问题的话,欢迎email (smsjiaween@gmail.com) 或留言comment处,我会尽量回答。