November Haul: NicaBell's TBS & Watson Haul

I didn't buy much for November Haul. I am trying to really squeeze my budget because.... heck! I always tried to squeeze my budget but fail miserably.

Hah! Boyfie even teased me saying I kept on a non-existent budget.

Heh! Like he can kept his...

Boys will be boys, so lets move on to my November Haul!

TBS - Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

RM 53.90
Have been wanting to buy this.
But whenever I went out to get it. they are sold out!!
Finally got my hand on it!
Cue evil laugh...

 HADA LABO - Super Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash + Lotion

RM 58.50 in Watson
Tried them in tinie-tiny trial/travel size.
Finally got a budget full size pack!

 L'OREAL Paris - Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer

RM 49.90 in Watson
I didn't plan on buying this.
But once I tried on the sample, I just grab one and never look back.
We girls are just awesome like that!

 SAFI - Aloe Vera Beauty Cream

RM 6.80 in Watson
Safi may be marketed for Muslims, but I have this idea that
Muslims products are safe from harmful and harsh ingredients such as alcohol.
Plus, Safi is a Malaysian brand and is super affordable.
wink! WINK!

 CLEAN & CLEAR - active clear Spot Treatment

RM 12.00 in Watson
I can't believe I bought the third tube!
It is a great product. That is for sure.

 HANSAPLAST - Universal Size Water Resistant (10s)

RM 1.80 in Watson
Okay. I did not plan to upload this but Boyfie insist.
Sooo.. here you go Boyfie.

QVS 5 times Magnifying Mirror

 

RM 22.90 in Watson.
I saw, I grab and never look back. I know this thing will worth investing on.

REXONA - Deodorant Roll-On in Ice Cool

RM 9.80 in Watson
Boyfie said this one worth sharing.
Very jimat he said. 

I told boyfie that if he insists on putting his items on MY blog, he have to make a deal to give me his words of review. He agreed and said: "I know there are a lot of men out there who would want to know this stuff's performance bah. The nearest example, your brother."

I just couldn't agree more. LoL!

Until next time!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Opinions: Skincare For Men?

Living with brothers are not as fun as having sisters. That is what a friend of mine said anyway. I don't have any sisters and grateful that I don't have one. Living with house full of boys made me understand boys and men better. There might be some similarities between my brothers, but they have a lot more differences than similarities.

My mom is not familiar with skincare. She only know and believe that oily skin needs no moisturizing, needs constant face wash and scrubs is the best daily facial wash for acne and oily skin. That was what she taught us. Oh! The HORROR!!! I blamed her for my problematic skin as well! But I have since begins using the 3-step-regime while my brother only use facial wash and moisturize SOMETIMES only.

Most of their skincare brands and lines that they have used and using are made specifically for men. I know and heard people kept saying how "men's skin are different and rougher than women's" I don't know and not sure if that is a definite truth or not. Because I also read somewhere in the internet saying men's skin are thinner than women's? Huh? I'm confuse now.

"Women are from Venus; Men are from Mars"
So skincare for Martians can only be used by Martians?

So when my colleague asked me if women can use men's skincare and vice-versa, all I say is yes. At least that it works for me. These men's skincare only pop out like mushrooms after rainy days just recently. If men cannot use women skincare, then why men can have healthy skin before men's products were introduced?

I believe that if the product is good then its good. There is no definite differences (between men's and women's skincare) other than the smells. I used my brothers' skincare many times, I love some and I hate some. It's all depends on your skin types and for who the products are targeted for.

Here are the list of products my brothers have used or using that I have tried:-

- Nivea For Men Oil Control Face Wash (100ml)
- Mandom Gatsby Facial Wash Oil Control (130g)
- Brylcreem Deep Cleansing 2in1 Action Facial Wash (100ml)
- Brylcreem Zit Manager 2in1 Action Facial Wash (100ml)
- L'Oreal Paris Men Expert White Activ Brightening Foam with Pro Exfoliatine (100ml)
- Garnier MEN Turbo Light Oil Control Charcoal Black Foam (100ml)
- the are others but I cannot recall them within my memories.

Men's skincare are have stronger and more prominent smell. They smell rancid in my nostril, but not all of them though. Though must I remind, that the after use result is pretty amazing! The one I love most among all the products my brothers have used is the Brylcreem Deep Cleansing 2in1 Action Facial Wash. I should make a review on this later in the future. The one I don't like is the one from Gatsby because it is a scrub that has grains in it. But they are surprisingly not harsh though. It is just me hating on scrubs with grains. lol!

After using each on of them, I didn't felt manly or stinging or anything. Felt just like normal. I have to point out that most men's face cleansers are targeted on oily skin. Probably because men produce more sebum compare to women. But that doesn't mean women cannot use it. They were targeted towards men and the products have never had "No women allowed" printed on the products.

For me, for men or for women , they are actually unisex product. Just make sure to determine your accurate skin types, then decides what skincare you use. And I aware that men's skincare are a bit cheaper than women's. Is it because not many man used skincare?

p/s: Look at the price tag of women's razor and compare it to men's razors. The only differences are the "extra moisturizing Aloe Vera Strip" and the pretty girlish color. But both have 2/3/4/5 blades, same qualities, work the same, strip moisture off the skin and for same function - to shave hair. wink!

Till Then

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Maybelline NY Clear Smooth BB Cream

Makeup beginners, BB cream lovers and Maybelline NY fans!

I am proud to present ya'll with this little cutey^^

Brand: Maybelline New York

Made in: China

Range: Clear Smooth

Skincare Type: BB cream/ tinted moisturizer/ face primer/ makeup base

Product contains/weight: 18ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: 8 mineral ingredients

Claims: 8-in-1 skin transformer. Brightens.Evens.Smoothes.Refines.Clears.Conceals.Moisturizes.Protect skin

What it says on the tube: Our Instant Skin Perfecting Cream is a perfect blend of 8 minerals ingredients. Our Unique Shade instantly improves and perfects your skin:

• Brightens skin: visible whitening effect
• Covers imperfections: reduces the appearance of pores, skin redness dissapears
• Moisturizes +Protects: all day hydration + helps to protect skin from UV rays and free radical

Clinically proven. No oil. No fragrance. No pore clogging. Even suitable for sensitive skin. Dermatology tested.

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, ETHYLEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE GLYCERIN, ISOTRIDECYL ISONONANOATE, PEG-9 POLYDMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DIMETHICONE/ POLYGRYCERIN-3 CROSSPOLYMER, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, DISODIUMSTEAROYL GLUTAMET CHLORPHENNESIN, DISODIUM EDTA, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, PROPYLPARABEN TOCOPHEROL, ALUMINIUM HYDROXIDE, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, PEG-9, ETHYLPARABEN, ZINC GLUCONATE, MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, COPPER GLUCONATE, [+/- MAY CONTAIN, CI 77891, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491,CI 77499, CI 77492/IRON  OXIDES]. (F.I.L D34384/1),

Pricing: RM

Application: Texture is runny liquid. It has a sheer coverage. It cannot cover the acne scars and redness on my face completely. I can still see faint redness and discoloration of the acne scars but not as dark without applying the BB cream. However, the BB cream is buildable to cover the redness and dark acne scars. Apply a thin layer over a thin layer will diminish the scars and redness. Or pat on a tiny amount as concealer.

The product is not oily and if your face is moisturized properly, the BB cream would not cause your face produce excessive sebum. I wore the cream since 7.30am and stays dewy till after work. I do not use any other powder to set it and did not re-apply or touch up the BB cream. 

When I say dewy, which I still can't believe I'm using the word, I mean healthy shine. Not oily shine. I've been on the oily side even when I have some dry area on my face. But this BB cream works well on my skin. It is matte on first application, even without setting powder, and turns healthily shine about 5 hours or so. It glides smoothly and pores are less visible. 

The texture is so light, you can barely feel it. It won't sits into your laugh lines or fine lines on your face. 

This lovely BB cream contains Titanium Dioxide but that does not stop me from buying and putting it on to my face. There are some acne pop out here and there but nothing major like when I used Dr. G Gowoonsesang Brightening Balm SPF 30 PA++. (click the link to read my review). 

A pea size of the product goes a looooong way. Not to forget that it has SPF 26 PA++. Not much but better than none.

I love that:- 

~ Light. Feels like I'm wearing nothing. 

~ Doesn't sits nor floats on laugh lines &laugh lines.

~ Won't cause excessive sebum production. 

~ Healthy shine.

~ Buildable as light concealer. 

~ Do not cause itchiness for me when I'm on my sensitive skin days. 

~ Available in 2 shades.

~ Attention Frugal Sims! The price is super affordable. 

~ Small, light and cute tube packaging. Easy to grab and go. 

~ Small nozzle. Great control for amount needed. 

I dislike that:- 

~ If only the coverage is a bit thicker/better, no building as concealer process. 

~ SPF 26 when we need at least SPF 30 as a minumum recommanded protection against the hard glare sun.

~ I doubt the moisturize part it says on the packaging. To retain moisture might be the better word.

My shade: 02 Natural

See the tiny hole of the nozzle?

Will I purchase it again? Yes. I bought the product for my brother before. I swear, he is a closet metrosexual man. He wears BB cream to cover his accident's scars on his face. Then I took some to experiment on my face, I like it. Forget about the light coverage, it do not cause breakouts. That is all the reason I will purchase it if I ran out of it again. 

I'll give this product 4 out of 5 stars. So many lovely thing it do deserves dome high mark.

Till next time. Buh bye^^ 

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: DHC Salicylic Face Milk

Bye-bye acne, HELLLLOOOO GORGEOUS!

Hah! If my acne ever vanish, I'll be the happiest girl on earth! I always thought that when I turn 21, I'll be out of this hormonal period. But NOOO~ the acne love me so much, it even leave me some 'souvenirs' after their brief visit that I force to remove. Okay, that certainly is my fault. But hey! Don't tell me that you are not secretly enjoy extracting your pimple no matter how gross they look.

So your face is oily and acne are all over your face and you think you don't need moisturizer? That was the same awfully wrong theory I had believed in my teen years. When your skin is lack of hydration and moisture, the skin will produce more sebum/oil to create a layer of barrier so that your skin stays moisturized and protected against germs, dust, etc. That is what I have done since these recent years and found that it is true. My skin does not produce excessive sebum since I start slapping moisturizer on my face.

Brand: DHC

Made in: Japan

Range: Salicylic Acne Series

Skincare Type: Face Moisturizer/ Acne Fighting Moisturizer

Product contains/weight: 60ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)/Salicylic Acid, botanical extract, pantothenic acid

Claims: Moisturize the skin and calms/treats/fight acne at the same time.

What it says on the box: DHC Salicylic Face Milk

- A light textured milk that contains Salicylic Acid, which has an antiseptic effect and a softening effect.

- Forms a film to protect skin.

- Stays on skin with its effective ingredients. Helps to prevent acne and delivers the active ingredients into skin. 

- Helps to prevent sebum from being secreted excessively and helps to prevent acne.

- Helps to prevent skin roughness by its botanical extract and pantothenic acid derivaties.

Ingredients: AQUA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, SORBITAN STEARATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PPG-12/SMDI COPOLYMER, SALICYLIC ACID, TRIETHANOLAMINE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SUCROSE COCOATE, CETEARETH-20, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, SCLEROTIUM GUM, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF OIL, DIMETHICONE, XANTHAN GUM, PANTHENOL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, PERILLA OCYMOIDES LEAF EXTRACT, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT 

Pricing: RM 60++

Application: The texture is medium light or more like milky lotion than milky cream. The smell is medicinal smell, not faint but not too overwhelming as well. It is not oily but quite slippery but it will be not when it is fully absorbed. It is not drying on the skin but it also does not reduce sebum production much. My skin still produce sebum but not as much if I didn't put any. 

I love that it calms the acne but it does not do much to cystic acne. My pores does seem smaller and less blackheads. I still see whiteheads though. Few months back, when I suddenly got super dry skin around my nose and forehead after using the Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser, I use this face milk to calm down the angry dry areas. Which work so well. 

I use this after acne extraction to keep bacteria at bay.

Lol! Don't wory, I own the pic. This is the pic I uploaded in my old blog in wordpress.
Since I do not have the original copy, I just use the old pic and double the watermark with my current blog add^^

I love that:- 

~ the medicinal scent calms me down. Don't get me wrong, I love clinics so.... you get the idea.

~ Calms down angry acne and lessen the blackheads pigment

~ Easily absorbed

~ Product is not oily

~ Smoothen rough dry patches. 

~ Light

~ The small package is easy to carry around.

~ Suitable for combination skin

I dislike that:- 

~ Not hydrating and moisturizing enough.

~ RM 60++ for a 60ml product. That is quite expensive for me but still affordable. But I don't think students could afford this. Unless if the parents have huge bank capacity and full.

~ it lessen the dark pigment of the blackhead, but does not really clear it out.

~ Calms down the acne but not cystic acne.

~ Not so effective to hold excessive sebum production.

Will I purchase it again? Nope, since I have found a better option for moisturizer for myself. Still this is a nice option if you have minimal acne. It is an antibacterial product so anyone with acne problem can consider to try this. 

I'll give this product 3 out of 5 stars. I may not liking it as much, but I am grateful that it have me so save me when I have terribly dry skin awhile back. 

Untill then folks!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: St Ella NY - Quick Eye Styler

'sup peeps!

This is a long overdue review! I bought this eyeliner in 2010 for RM57 or RM60? I don't remember already!

I am unable to give a detail information about this product because I have lost the box and I can't find much information over the World Wide Web too. Please forgive me;-)

Brand: Melilea

Made in: Germany

Range: St Ella New York

Makeup Type: Liquid eyeliner pen

Product contains/weight: 1.1ml/ 0.0367 fl. oz

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: N/A

Claims: Long lasting, made from natural ingredient.

What it says on the box: Precision tip ensures a fine, easy-to-control application. Long lasting. Apply to dry, grease-free eye lids. Opthalmologically tested. Store horizontally.

Ingredients: N/A

Pricing: RM 56 or RM 60

Application: It is surprisingly long lasting! I wore it to work and it stays on put all day IF the eyelids are not oily. The eyeliner is not water resistant so better be careful with that! It is easy to wash off with water but you still need an eye-makeup remover because there will be still a faint tattoo-like residue on the skin without eye-makeup remover. It is not the blackest black in the market but good thing is, if you apply a very fine line on the lid, it look natural. The tip is very fine so that is very easy to control. This eyeliner is my first liquid eyeliner and my first liquid eyeliner pen. I am glad that I learn how to use liquid eyeliner with this. Any mistakes can easily be erase with wet q-tip and redo. 

The size felt just nice in my hand which convenient if you are a first timer for liquid eyeliner pen like I was. 

This product is not available in drugstore which is the downside of it. You have to go to the Melilea sale center to get one. 

I love that:- 

~ Good for liquid eyeliner virgin.

~ Precision tip and easy to control

~ Last all day if the lid is not greasy

~ The not-so-blackest-black color look natural if you draw a very fine line close to the upper eyelash.

~ Buildable for more intense black

I dislike that:- 

~ Only in available in Melilea drugstore

~ Not waterproof

~ RM56/60 is quite expensive for its quality. 

Will I purchase it again? Nope. Mine is already expired now and haven't bought a new one. Not because I don't like it, I still do. I just found another better liquid eye liner that last better and waterproof!

I'll give this product 2.5 out of 5. I liked it when I first use it. But then not so much when I found a better option.

Till then!

xoxo

NicaBell

October Haul: NicaBell's Revlon & Maybelline NY Haul

This is a very late haul. I was too busy with my work and life, so I kind of forgotten to post it. I only realize that I haven't post on the October haul after I had done preparing my November Haul.

Oh well, here to make it up! Cheers!

REVLON Super Lustrous Lipstick Creme in Love That Red

REVLON ColorStay LipLiner in Red/Rouge

Maybelline NY The Hyper Curl Volum' Express Waterproof Cat Eyes Mascara in Black

I bought this one out of curiosity.
People said curiosity killed the cat.
But apparently, this curios cat did not killed.
In fact, is very pleased with the product!!

I am still looking for the receipt I that have the prices I bought these stuff. I did buy a lot on October at Watson actually. But the other stuffs are just my re-purchase of products that I had emptied. I will do some update after I found the receipt or I'll just walk-in to Watson and jot down the price for you as reference.

Very short huh? LoL! I got a headache from all sort of stress.

Till next time girlies!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Got It FOC: L'Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo REVIEW

Hallluuu~ 

October is such a busy month for me. I scratched my work till they bleed but I haven't have any promotion, or better, confirmed as a permanent employee. I know I should be patient but I can always wonder what would it be like working somewhere else, right? I am not working my dream job as well, so I think there is no harm imagining.

This is a great shampoo I would love to review on! No wonder they let people have it FOC. They are trying to promote how great the products! 

Don't be fooled by the picture!
It stands no taller than my slided SE W995 pink phone
(^_^)v

Brand: L'Oreal Paris

Made in: Unspecified

Range: Total Repair 5 - Repairing Shampoo

Skincare Type: Hair Shampoo

Product contains/weight: 80ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Cement Ceramide

Claims: Combat 5 signs of damage: (1)Breakage, (2)Dryness, (3)Dullness, (4)Coarseness, (5)Split-Ends

What it says on the bottle: For damaged hair, L'Oreal Paris created TOTAL REPAIR 5 shampoo with cement-ceramide: combat the 5 signs of damaged hair with 1 solution for hair to become 1. Stronger 2. Nourished 3. Shinier 4. Smoother 5. Less Split-Ends. For a thorough repairing action, use as part of the complete L'Oreal Paris TOTAL REPAIR 5 range.

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, COCO-BETAINE, GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PPG-5-CETETH-20, SALYCYLIC ACID, LIMONENE, BENZYL SALICYLATE, LINALOOL, 2-OLEAMIDO-1, 3-OCTADECANEDIOL, CARBOMER, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, CITRONELLOL, CITRIC ACID, HEXYL CINNAMAL, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE. (F.I.L. C45195/1)

Pricing: I got this FOC from CLEO Malaysia Mag. ALL HAIL CLEO!!!

Application: Texture is thick and easy to foam.Smell sweet and quite overwhelming to some people. When I am on migraine and headache, I can't bear myself to use this shampoo because of the overwhelming fragrance. But on normal days, I LOVE IT!

I love L'Oreal Paris' shampoos. They might be a tiny bit little pricey for some people, but it worth it! YOU'RE WORTH IT actually! I have used the one for color treated hair and anti-frizz, and they are great! This TOTAL REPAIR 5 is no exception. It made my hair soft, none drying and shinier. 

Boyfie compliments the smell. I usually use Head & Shoulder, and he said its nice that my hair felt smell different for once. He also likes the touch of my hair and said I have less dandruff than the usual. I was a bit of at shock to that because I use H&S for so long and had no good result. Boyfie suddenlt say like this makes me wonder that my scalp problem may not be necessary because of the actual cause of dandruff. May be, just may be, my scalp was over-drying? 

And just when I kept wondering, I found SALICYLIC ACIDS on the ingredient list! Oh the wonder! SALICYLIC ACID or BHA is usually used to treat acne and sometimes reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation. It penetrates deep into the skin to slough out dead skin. I was shock that BHA can be put in shampoo and made a Google mission about shampoos that contain BHA. To my  delight, shampoos with BHA are great for itchy and dandruff scalp. 

I foamed the shampoo first and message it on my scalp ONLY. I don't spread it to the hair, or should I say the whole hair, because rinsing the shampoo with water will ultimately do that. And I don't want to over-drying the hair end by doing that. I leave the shampoo on my scalp while I wash my body and brush my teeth. Then I rinse my hair and body. I will use conditioner/mask before or after shampoo depending on what kind of conditioner/mask I am using. I usually use conditioner/mask before shampoo but I recently found a great and cheap conditioner from IVY that could only be used after shampoo. 

I love that:- 

~ It lessen the flakes produced by my scalp

~ Less itchiness

~ Smell great

~ Shinier strands

~ Foaming great!

I dislike that:- 

~ Smell can be very overwhelming on certain days I am not well.

Will I purchase a Full size bottle? I most certainly WILL!

I'll give this product 4.5 out of 5 stars. Ignoring the fact I got this FOC, I really love the product. How I am glad that I got to try the shampoo! THANKS CLEO MY!!

Stay gorgeous!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Got It FOC: Johnson Baby Milk Bath REVIEW

Hoot! Hoot! Miss Owl~

I apologize for my MIA-ness. Was so busy being audited at work and then found no time for my blogs. Then, When I thought I got free-time, a fav' cuzzy suddenly approached and asked me to help her plan her wedding. Thank God she didn't ask me to become her maid of honor. The wedding was yesterday and I must say, things went absolutely SMOOOTH~~

No fret for I am here to present one of the FOC items I got! Yay!!!

Brand: Johnson & Johnson

Made in: Unspecified

Range: Baby Bath - Milk

Skincare Type: Shower/Bath Milk

Product contains/weight: 100ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Milk, 

Claims: Nourishing ingredient for smoother and fairer skin

What it says on the bottle: (FRONT) Johnson Baby Bath Milk with double nourishing ingredients to help make skin smooth and fair.

(BACK) We love babies. That's why JOHNSON's BABY MILK BATH contains double the amount of natural milk protein and Vitamin A & E to help nourish the skin.

Ingredients: WATER,, PEG-80 SORBITAN LAURATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, PEG-150 DISTEARATE, SODIUM LAUROAMPHOACETATE, FRAGRANCE, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, SODIUM LAURETH-13 CARBOXYLATE, ACYLATES COPOLYMER, TETRASODIUM EDTA, CITRIC ACID, PEG-45M, HYDROLYZED MILK PROTEIN, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, RETINYL PALMITATE, METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE, METHYLSOTHIAZOLINONE. (WTH with this 2 last ingredients? Hard to pronounce AND type!)

Pricing: I got this FOC from buying a bundle pack of Carefree pantyliners.

Application: Texture is runny and not so thick. Smell very nice and gentle but quite overwhelming for some people. Thank God that it is for bath instead of lotion. After rinsing, the smell is not so overwhelm anymore. I am not sure about nourishing but it does NOT leaves my skin dry and tight. I am not sure about getting fair as well. 

Boyfie compliments the smell says "smell like a lady." He made it sound like I smell like a man without it. But what he meant was the fragrant smells feminine and sweet as I usually would prefer shower gel or cream that smell citrus (he said smells like air freshener), fruity (Smells like kids/girly), flowery (Lady but very common) or any endearing smells (he said usually smells sensual, mystery and sexily dark). So I guess he was trying to describe that the Johnson Baby Milk Bath smells unique and very different than what I would usually use. Flowery but definitely not the smells I would usually use. When I show him the bottle, he made a surprise face and said "Oh! babies stuff? I thought only babies suppose to use that!?" 

I love that:- 

~ It does not leaves my skin dry and tight.

~ Smell nice and leaves on up to few hours

~ I used it on my face when I runs out of face wash, it does not cause acne or over drying my face as well.

~ Boyfie likes it. My mom love how I smell as well.

~ Does not irritate my sensitive skin!

I dislike that:- 

~ Not foamy enough/ Does not produce foam as much as what I usually would prefer.

~ Cause me to sneeze eveytime I use it in shower cause the smell is too overwhelming.

Will I purchase a Full size bottle? I would absolutely buy one when I finish this sample bottle!

I'll give this product 4 out of 5 stars. Not just because it is FOC and all the good thing I LOVE, but the fact it DOES NOT HAVE ANY TRACE OF PARABEN in its ingredient list.

Till then.

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Garnier Aqua Defense Non-Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream

Hey there!

So last month I made a review on the Garnier Aqua Defense Non-Stop Intensive Moisturizing Essence and today I would to introduce you to the sister.

Garnier Aqua Defense Non-Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream

Brand: Garnier

Made in: China

Range: Aqua Defence

Skincare Type: Face Moisturizer/ Moisturizing gel cream

Product contains/weight: 50ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Grape fruit water. antioxidant, Vitamin E.

Claims: Lock in moisture all day while boosts skin's defences against drying elements by building a hydrating barrier.

What it says on the box: The proven power of plants to take care of your skin: 

In nature, fruit abound in water. To preserve their bouncy luminous look in all climate conditions they are filled with powerful anti-oxidants that help fight against drying out external aggressions.

Our pure anti-oxidant fruit water has been directly drawn from the fruit by non-chemical extraction, to preserve its purity. it helps neutralize harmful free radicals that can aggress your skin.

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, GLYCERIN, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYDIMETHYL TAURET, PYRUS MALUS/ APPLE FRUIT WATER, VITIS VINIFERA EXTRACT/ GRAPE FRUIT EXTRACT, ETHYHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, IMICAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHYLPARABEN, PANTHENOL, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, PROPYLPARABEN, TOCOPHEROL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIETHANOLAMINE, HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS/ HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS SEED EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, LINALOOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, CI 47005/ACID YELLO 3, CI42090/BLUE 1

Pricing: RM 19.90

Application: The texture is thicker and creamier than the Moisturizing Essence. The skin is unable to absorb this gel cream as fast as the Moisturizing Essence. The color is softer green tint and the smell is more prominent but smell good. Still remind me of fresh apple green. 

Can be used alone or used on top of the moisturizing essence for extra boost of moisture. 

Despite the layering, I did not get breakouts. My face felt bouncier and healthy even after sitting an air conditioned room for a day and through the night. I don't feel uncomfortable even when KK humid weather is on rise nowadays. In fact, my face feel fresher and less sebum production.

After using both jar for within 2 months, I found that my face is less oily and no more dry area. So I guess that proves the theory saying oily skin needs more hydration to stop excessive sebum production. 

Using to much will make the skin feel greasy and sticky. Use a small amount is the best solution. It feels greasy at first application but wait for 10-15 minutes for it to be completely absorb. 

I have dry area on my skin and when I use this gel cream, I can feel some tingling and cooling sensation which tells me the product is being absorb. 

I love that:- 

~ It is heavier than the essence but still considered a light gel cream moisturizer.

~ The tingling, cooling and soothing sensation when applied on my dry area. 

~ Didn't irritate my acne-prone skin

~ Fresh scent

~ Didn't break me out despite the layering. 

I dislike that:- 

~ I encountered the same issues with the moisturizing essence but not much complain.

Will I purchase it again? Yes. I am concern with the ingredient list but it does so well on my skin. I have never felt this good for such a long time. 

I'll give this product 4 out of 5 stars for the hydration and moisturizing job well done! Next, I should look for a solution for my acne scaring. Any suggestion? 

Taken from Garnier Facebook Page.

Till then!

xoxo

NicaBell

September Haul: NicaBell's Guardian Haul

Hiya folks!

So here my Septermber Haul and all of this are bought in Guardian, City Mall.

Maybelline NY 2-in1 Impact Shadow Liner by Eyestudio in Forest Green (RM 15.21)

-- Mom wants this. This is darker than the Silky Girl Olive shade pencil liner

Maybelline NY Crayon Liner in Black (RM 5.81)

-- Mom wants this. The price is cut  55% after any purchase of Maybelline NY items.

Vaseline Healthy White UV Lightening (RM7.90)

-- Mom wants this.

Nair EasiWax Mini Wax Strip (RM 16.06)

-- Just out of curiosity, I've got to have one.

Body Natur Sensitive Hair Removal Wax Strip (RM 13.51)

-- In need of this!

Rosken Skin Repair Dry Skin Cream (RM 36.88)

I've tried a smaller package before and I love it!

Maybelline NY Pure Concealer Mineral in 02 (RM 19.90)

-- My old concealer is finish! Got to have a new one^^

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing UV Milk  (RM 44.91)

-- Read a big about this. And Since it does not contain Titanium Dioxide, I must to try this^^

Guardian has some sale the time I bought these stuff.^^ 

Till then!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Garnier Aqua Defense Non-Stop Intensive Moisturizing Essence

Hello hello!

I am wearing my new sweater at work today! Well wearing or using anything new on you makes yourself happy isn't it? It is a regular thin fabric sweater I bought at Giant Hypermarket in CityMall. It is actually a dark grey color, no button girl sweater and my first sweater of its kind. The fact that it cost me less than RM30 made my wallet happier than myself!

Back to the topic.

Brand: Garnier

Made in: China

Range: Aqua Defence

Skincare Type: Moisturizer/ Moisturizing Essence/ Face Serum

Product contains/weight: 50ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Grape fruit water. antioxidant, Vitamin E.

Claims: Lock in moisture all day while boosts skin's defences against drying elements by building a hydrating barrier.

What it says on the box: The box is in Malay but translate in like this: Heat, pollution, air-conditioning - Skin loose moisture faster than ever. Defend you skin's hydration levels with Garnier Aqua Defence. It's fresh gel texture instantly hydrates skin. The formula enhanced with antioxidant rich, pure fruit water and Vitamin E. 

- Lock in moisture all day. 

- Boosts skin's defences against drying elements by building a hydrating barrier.

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER, GLYCERIN, ALCOHOL DENAT, DIMETHICONE, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, CARBOMER, DIMETHICONOL ,CHLORPHENESIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, VITIS VINIFERA EXTRACT/ GRAPE FRUIT EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, TETRASODIUM EDTA, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, MENTHOXYPROPANEDIOL, MAGNESIUM GLUCONATE, SODIUM CITRATE, BENZYL SALICYLATE, LINALOOL, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, CI 19140/ YELLOW 5, CI 42090/ BLUE 1, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, PHENOXYETHANOL (F.I.LB31878/1)

Pricing: RM 19.90

Application: The color is enough to make me say, this must be a light texture kind of moisturizer. And I am right! It is in clear green gel form. Suitable for all skin type - but I doubt for those with super sensitive types. It has a fresh smell, might be too strong for some people, but I love the smell. Remind me of apple green but it is actually exactly smell like apple green. 

I first try on this when I got super dry on my face early last year or around the final quarter of 2010 - result from a Benzoyl Peroxide cream which I found out was too strong for me. Every other moisturizers made my skin burn and itchy till I got my hands on this. I can feel how it penetrates deep into the epidermis. It gives this tingling, cooling and soothing sensation. This moisturizing essence seep so deep into the skin and gradually heals the dryness and itch I had. 

As time past by, I felt that the essence alone is not moisturizing enough for me. I felt that this essence works deep into the skin but did not do much to the surface. So I started using other moisturizer on top of the essence which does such a wonderful moisturizing. Using either one is enough, but when I have done my experiment, combining both is oh-so-great!

I recently mistakenly bought the gel cream instead of the moisturizing essence and use it on top of the essence itself. To my surprise, it works so well with each other. I think that is how it actually work. Work on a small amount of the moisturizing essence (as a facial serum) first after toner, then top it with another thin layer of the gel cream. My skin felt a lot smoother and moisturize even in an air-condition office and room for a whole day and night. 

You only need a small amount of the moisturizing essence to avoid sticky-ness, work 5 dots on the face and do your light patting motion. Face will look dewy but wait 10-15 minutes and it will fully absorb into the skin, it will look less dewy. If you are going to wear makeup, wait for the estimated time as I mentioned before begins you makeup routine. Trust me, applying makeup base or foundation before letting it soak in is not going to help you look pretty at all.

Oily skins peeps should try this because it is a great moisturizing essence. It goes deep into the skin to maintain and hold moisture so your skin won't dehydrate instead of floating on your skin to pile with your sebum. Didn't irritate my acne which I am glad with.

I love that:- 

~ It is light.

~ The tingling, cooling and soothing sensation when apply on my dry area. 

~ Didn't irritate my acne-prone skin

~ Fresh scent

~ Didn't break me out despite.

I dislike that:- 

~ It is in a tub which rises the hygiene issue. But I read some skincare article saying the packaging is determined to protect the effectiveness or the quality of the ingredients. So I do not much complain. Just need to look for a small spatula. 

~ If only they have travel size jar so I can easily take it to anywhere with my hectic here and there daily life. I tried to pack small amount of the essence into a sample jar. But the the sample jar might be a non-air tight kind so the essence will 

Will I purchase it again? Yes. In fact, my current jar is my third or is it the fourth jar? 

I'll give this product 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Taken from Garnier Facebook Page.

Till then!

xoxo

NicaBell

August Haul: NicaBell's Watson & TBS Haul

Woot! Woot!

Oh my fluuu~ It was a sore throat on Wetness-day before Raya and turned into a flu and my Raya holiday is ruined...

But sickness doesn't stop me from shopping - didn't cure it either =.=

Have you visits my Tumblr Blog? I posted my personal rant as I decided to turn this blog into beauty blog ONLY. Here the address:  http://iamnicabell.tumblr.com/ -- This Tumblr account is like my public online diary. Tee-Hee!

I bought several stuff from Watson and I am eager to show ya^^

All are from Watson, 1 Borneo.

Dequadin Lozenge Tube (RM 6.30)

-- for my sore throat! It was horrible the day I went to Watson that day.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner (RM 29.90)

-- I've heard and read a lot review saying this thing is great! I've got to try it!

Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream in Natural (RM 17.90)

-- I've help my bother to buy this last month. He is a closet metrosexual ahaks! And I've tried this BB cream and I am honestly shock how good this BB cream is. The result might not be as beautiful as the Korean BB cream but it is not oily and I love it^^

Avene Thermal Spring Water (RM 17.10)

-- I've been dying to try on this for ages but everytime I went to Watson or Guardian, I always forget about it. And I finally had my hands on this and I might say, it is great!

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipe (RM 29.90)

-- Another Simple Skincare product to add in my Simple Collection! I don't like cleansing wipe because I think that it do not clean the face as well as the oil cleanser. But curiosity got into me when I heard that this is the No.1 best seller among all Simple Skincare product in the UK.

Syahirah Penyegar Tanpa Alkohol/ Non-Alcoholic Facial Toner (RM 8.90)

-- One of my reader suggest me to try this and I must say, this bottle of toner is heavy! It's made of glass and look expensive, but it's not!

Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream (RM 58.50)

-- I've use this before but never got the chance to re-purchase for it's not so affordable price. But since I work, I can finally afford to buy this eye cream. It is great^^

Nexcare Acne Patch 36pcs (RM 13.00)

-- I've bought this and re-purchase it over and over again. I get get sick or get enough of this stuff. It doesn't look like it could deliver its result but read this, it certainly work and a great product^^

The Body Shop (TBS)

There is a Raya Sale (off 15% and 20% if you buy more than 4 items) in TBS and I get an opportunity to buy the stuff I've been dying to try on. Yay!

TBS Nail File Big Mint Green (RM 10.96 after discount)

-- My nail fail is utterly useless. It broke at first use. 

TBS Extra Virgin Minerals Cream Compact Foundation SPF 15 (RM 84.91 after discount)

-- Reviews after reviews, I'm hooked and decided to try this out. The price is certainly out of the 'affordable' range. But since there are discount going in, it has slight cut on the price. Can't wait to use this!

I am still in furniture hunting. Few bedroom set has cought my interest but I just can't set one and say 'this is the one!'. 

So till then folks! 

xoxo

NicaBell