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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.




Spa products and scrubs! How I love them!




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




Wide range of aroma therapeutic oil.




Stone sculpture, very common in Bali.




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




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 $$$$$$....




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.




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

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



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



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



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



5. Mascara Remover
睫毛液 卸妆水



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



7. Hydro Wrapping Mask
滋润面膜 秋冬旅行的护肤后备



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



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

公主的护肤论 - 蜜糖

护肤跟照顾健康一样的，有病就要吃药，但不是长期吃着，然后突然间停止服用，哪有人没事天天吃感冒药的，那是吸毒吧，戒毒时不痛苦是假的。护肤品就像维他命和保健品（supplements），可以用，但是只需使用你真正需要的分量，缺什么就补什么，也一样有人虚不受补哦。不过还是一句，同“肤”不同命。

很多时候我们真的要跟我们的皮肤好好沟通，至少了解它的“性格”到底是怎么样的，然后才能掌握应有的美容方式。我就是那么一个例子，我不上美容院的，因为太贵的，我还去不起，半途而废可能更糟；中等级的，可能产品不适合（亚洲人皮肤多数不能承受欧美产品的。。）；便宜的，我不想拿我的脸蛋给他当试验品。所以唯一可以符合我的原则，就是自己动手。

我偏爱用天然物品来护肤，最爱的就是蜜糖！蜜糖其实是很神奇的，不只治标还可以治本，又可以内服外敷，很棒！不过，要用的话，就用MANUKA蜜糖，高品质的才可以担保没有其他不适蜜糖的糖分在内。小龙女也只靠蜂蜜来续命，我想那是蛮有根据的，它也是我的灵药。

个人经验：我有个同事脸上长了一些斑点，就去找医生诊治，医生开了一瓶药膏给她，过了两天，不但没好转，反而恶化了。。不只脱皮、红肿，还好像灼伤一样。过后他就去找中医，中医说没大碍，只要停止涂药膏，只用清水洗脸，就会好了。两天后，我看她脸上笑容都没了，红肿紧绷着的皮肤。。看了都心寒。。

又过了两天我终于忍不住问她“你不痛的吗？！”

“痛！痛到我快疯掉啦！”

我就跟她说“相信我吗？你放工后去买瓶MANUKA蜜糖，然后回家用清水洗脸，轻拍掉脸上的水分后，把一茶匙的分量向整个脸涂一遍，15-20分钟后洗掉，你就会明白什么是舒缓痛楚的感觉了。”

周末后回来，我终于看到她的脸上有回笑容了，问她“怎么样？拯救成功了吧？”

“是噢，真的很神奇！连我的侄女都吓呆了。一涂下去的时候痛得真要命！不过很快的脸上就有点凉凉的感觉，好像很滋润。”

“消毒着哪有不痛的嘛。不消毒的话，你就严重了。”

“是咯。皮肤好像还润过之前也。。神奇。。”


分享到此，下回再接。。希望你喜欢我的文章。

（有什么问题也可以留言我的FB粉丝page啦~ 我也想知道大家对我文章的回应）

DIY Scrub Time!

Inspired by the question raised by one of my reader on the Korean Beauty Spa, I think it's time to share something on beauty regime.

Yo girls~ Everyone loves economic and DIY beauty products. DIY most of the time means natural ingredients and least chemical, that means being healthy and go green.

SO.. Let's talk about scrub today.


(1) DIY Chocolate Body Scrub

Ingredients:
3 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla oil
1 cup brown sugar
Olive oil

Directions:
1. Mix all the ingredients except the olive oil.
2. Add the olive oil gradually until the mixture looks like a paste.
3. Take a shower then apply/massage this scrub on your moist skin, using circular motion.
4. Rinse off with warm water.


(2) DIY Honey Ginger Mint Scrubs

Ingredients:
Honey
Freshly grated ginger root
Chopped fresh mint leaves
Olive oil
Brown sugar

Directions:
1. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl — it’s up to you to decide how much ginger and mint you’d like, but a ratio of 1/3 olive oil to 2/3 brown sugar will provide a good base for the scrub. About a tablespoon of honey will provide an antiseptic quality to the scrub.


(3)DIY Rose Mint Scrubs

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of coarse salt (ie sea salt, kosher salt, margarita salt)
Olive oil 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rose flower water (I picked up this one at a Middle Eastern store)
1 rose
3 stems fresh mint

Directions:
1. Combine salt and rosewater, but don’t mix.
2. Shred or cut the mint leaves into small pieces, add to mixture, and use a blunt object (I used the back of a screwdriver) to muddle (basically, bash and twist the mint into the mixture so the scent and oils are released).
3. Take 3/4 of the petals off the rose and do the same.
4. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix. Feel free to add more, but be careful — it gets too greasy very fast!
5. Use the rest of the rose as a garnish, either keeping the bud whole or adding bigger chunks of petals.


(4) DIY Classic Milk Mask

Ingredients:
1 tsp. powdered milk
1 tbsp. runny honey
1 tsp. aloe vera gel
2 drops essential oil
1 tbsp. pulverized almonds

Directions:
1. Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl.
2. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 15 minutes.
3. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.


(5) Milk & Honey Facial Mask

Ingredients:
4 tbsp. powdered milk
1-2 tbsp. warm water
2 tbsp. honey

Directions:
1. Combine the powdered milk with enough water to make a paste-like texture.
2. Blend in the honey until smooth.
3. Wet the washcloth with as hot water. (only as much as you can stand)
4. Spread mixture over face and relax with the washcloth over your face for 10-15 minutes.
5. To finish, remove mask with washcloth and pat dry


(6) DIY Coffee Scrub

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup ground coffee beans
3/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp honey
3-5 drops essential oil

Directions:
1. Mix sugar, ground coffee beans, and olive oil in a bowl until fully combined. Add honey followed by the essential oil.
2. Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid (the scrub can keep for 1-2 weeks sealed at room temperature).

Some people suggested cane sugar as it is a natural exfoliator. Sea salt can be substitute as the exfoliator too! As for the essential oil, you can always substitute the essential oil with lavender or ylang ylang or other oil of your choice.

The main ingredient is actually the ground coffee. Any brand will do, just get it from the supermarket. Most important thing you need to remember is to store the paste in an air-tight container and finish it within 2 weeks.

Remember to wet your body before you apply this scrub. Always apply in circular motion, as this will help to reduce cellulite and varicose veins!


Till then, stay pretty healthy~

Skincare products shopping mania!

OMG... Look at what I've got for myself this weekend... Couldn't help because all the goods are on sale!

TheFaceShop "Imperial Herbs Mask Sheets" in 1 course (total 5 sheets for 5 days).












TheFaceShop "Su Hyang Snow Replenishing Mask Sheet".




TheFaceShop "The Skin BB Cream" with SPF20 PA++ (new product!).




Bio-Essence "Sparkling Lift Eye Essence".




And Elianto make-up items.

洁肤DIY

>>今天起会继续分享我的美容知识啦，公主小小美容教室>>
(click on the translator on your top right bar if you cannot read chinese)

每天洗脸，是不是真的够干净呢？保养肌肤的第一步，就是把脸蛋洗得够清洁呀。

有些人，拼命地把所有最滋润的面膜往脸上贴，但是做面膜之前的洁肤步骤却做得不够好，结果就弄巧反拙了，还长了满脸豆豆，吃力不讨好。

所谓好的开始就是成功的一半，所以护肤就该从洗脸开始咯。正确的洗脸方式应该是选择真正安全、有效的清洁产品，错误的方式和护肤品选择，反而会使精心呵护的肌肤越来越多问题。

每日关爱与呵护您的肌肤，从洗脸做起吧！



完整洁净的四大要素
TIME 时间
每天早晨起床与下班回家后，是两个洗脸的最佳时间。特别是经常化妆的女士们，更需要将带妆的时间降至最低，因此最好一进家门就洗掉脸上的污垢与彩妆。

AMOUNT 次数
不要以为洗脸次数越多越好，其实每天洗脸2-3次就以足够，超过3次就太多了。一般来说，干性肌肤1天2此，油性肌肤1天3次，再加上正确地使用洗面乳，就可维持肌肤的清爽与洁净。

HOW 方法
在用了洗面乳后，需要用大量的清水将洗面乳洗干净，最佳的清洗次数为10次左右。这样，不仅可以让肌肤喝饱水，也能避免清洁产品堵塞毛孔而产生粉刺。

GOODS 工具
除了优质的洗面乳之外，毛巾亦是清洁的重要工具。一定要用自己专用的毛巾；洗脸用的毛巾应和洗澡用的毛巾分开；洗脸用的毛巾，应该用吸水力强、容易风干的那种。

Pimples no more - how to get rid of pimples

Do you have pimples problem? I guess many people would answer "YES!!" Sometimes it's unavoidable to get pimples, especially to people like us - all year through in tropical weather, loves spicy food, dusty environment, stressed-out, and too much sebum... Pimples on my cheeks and T-zone are the biggest killers of my appearance. So how did I get rid of them?

This was me 1 year plus ago.



This was me 3 months ago.



If you want to be honest with yourself how healty is your face, go under the natural lightsource (under the sun) or stand under the natural white fluorescent light. You cannot hide anything, even a tiny winy little scar will show up. My photos above were snapped under natural white fluorescent light and natural lightsource.

I do feel sorry for myself to expose my photos with such bad skin condition at first...but if I were to share experience and solution then why not? Seriously, I've been suffering from pimples since teenage years (13 years old), and it never say goodbye. On and off, they visit me, every week, every month. The best record I had for maintaining a pimpless face was only 1 week plus. Sad... Even without pimples, the scar was there, because my skin tone was ivory, too light to hide any scars.

Worse...during uni days. =S



I spent so much $$ trying to kill the pimples, had tried almost every type of pimple gels and acne medication, but they are only effective for a certain period, dry the affected spot, but after a few days, it started popping out again! I visited Watsons/Guardian almost at least once a fortnight, for 4 consecutive years I've changed countless brands of skin care products, due to my very delicate skin....always giving me lots of headaches.

I've tried:
(1) diet control - Totally no spicy food for 2-3 months, no sweet stuff (candies/chocolates/desserts) for months, less heaty food (like peanuts/titbits/chips)...
(2) take supplements - Taking vitamin C and "skin clear" but still doesn't help much..
(3) facial routine - I don't go for facial treatment in facial salon because some of my friends got worse skin problem after trying out!! I read books and do it the natural way, cleansing my face using pure yoghurt, pure honey and so on. It did help to soothe my face whenever I had breakouts.
(4) proper skin care products - I use organic and no-fragrance products to minimize irritation to my skin. But that only helped to control.
(5) blemish gels - You name it!
(6) food/herb - I cooked barley with chinese green bean （绿豆）to detox. Helped a little but must not always drink because it's too 'cold'（凉）for girls. Not that good for health.
(7) face masks and cleansers - Don't ever ever use essense mask if you have blemish skin!!
(8) cleanliness - Very important! Always wash your face after wake up from sleep. And change your pillow case often if you're having combination to oily skin, because oily faces tend to capture dirt more easily and then clog your pores.
(9) professional consultations - Like going to New York Skin Solution? Where to find so much $$$$$?? Not practical to students and fresh grads.
(10)etc...etc...

Sounds pretty familiar, like what you've tried? I guess so... and they didn't really work right? So, here's my final solution -- a magic cream recommended by my friend Jeff. **Thanks for being the savior to us**

This little 5ml bottle of yellow cream is the answer! MIYOME.




I'm not doing advertorial here, but I know how you suffer like I did. I'm a travelholic, and blemish skin is a total nightmare to me whenever I go travel. Who would wanna pack a lot more anti-blemish stuff in her bag and always have to find a mirror to check whether her face is ok before taking photographs? I hate it the most when my pimply face spoilt the whole scenery.

Now that my skin had recovered 100% from pimples (gotta fight freckles though...after coming back from over-exposure to the sunlight after Siem Reap, Marrakech and Bali, luckily London was not that bad..), I'm confident and 'lighter' than ever! 'Lighter' in the sense of burden to take care of my skin whenever and wherever. But of course, I still have some minor scars on my face, hard to find perfect skin nowadays.

Last time I was even worried that sunscreen would worsen my blemish if I apply the sunblock with SPF higher than 20, because it's more oily when the SPF is higher. Now what I gotta do when going outdoor is just practically normal skin care routine -- never leave home without applying sunblock. ^.^

Alright, back to MIYOME, some information if you'd like to know more:
PRODUCT NAME:
- MIYOME Multi Repair Essence. Made by 100% herbal formulation.

INGREDIENTS:
- Lactic Acid
- Glycerin
- Allantoin
- Aloe Vera

EFFECT:
a) Remove Pimples
b) Visible big pores
c) Remove Acnes
d) Remove Blackheads
e) Sweat Stain
f) Whitening effect
g) Balancing oil secretion
h) Remove skin residue (outer layer)
i) Lightening pigmentation
j) Improving skin complexion
k) Maintaining skin moisture.

SUITABLE FOR:
- All Kind of skin problem
- All ages

PRICE:
- RM110 per bottle

If you're interested, I'd be glad to help you understand more. Afterall, this is just a post for sharing purpose, because I believe you deserve to be confident with your look. I used only 2 bottles, and then bye-bye to pimples. Now I spare another bottle for S.O.S in case I have one or two tiny breakouts due to dirty environment during travel.

Now, I only care about one thing when I go travel -- my sunshade!!



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

If you'd like to purchase this product, please leave a message here.
price - USD35/bottle, shipping fee - depending on country and area.

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