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

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

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

NicaBell Review: Safi Balqis Perfect 10 Hand & Body Lotion

Hey peeps!

I was invited by a friend who work in the same building with me to a Zumba session that she is going to organize but still searching for a venue. I thought she was joking at first and I laugh. She laugh as well while saying: "did you think I was joking? I am serious! You can't rely solely on the diet drink. Exercise is a great detox activity as well. With the drink and Zumba, I'll guarantee you'll get slim within two months. That is if you are active." She actually introduce me to another slimming drink which I don't know how to refuse, because she is a Manager in another department. Saying no to a higher-up, just even thinking about it, scares me. Hah! We became familiar to each other was just because her younger brother married my maternal first cousin. - So I am know still thinking should or should I not go when she is done with the whole organization. Zumba fitness does helped a lot of girls and women to keep fit and it became a phenomenon here in KK. I just need to arrange my time and transport for the session.

Moving on, here is the hand and body lotion that was introduced by my colleague.

Brand: Safi Balqis

Made in: Malaysia

Range: Perfect 10

Skincare Type: Hand and body lotion/ UV sun protection lotion/ moisturizer lotion/ perfume lotion

Product contains/weight: 150 ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: BioWhite, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3

Claims: (Taken from Safi Balqis website) Skin needs proper nutrition and protection to stay healthy and smooth. SAFI BALQIS Perfect 10 Day Hand and Body Lotion helps nourish, soften and protect your skin effectively. 

(Also taken from Safi Balgis website)Perfect 10 action: 

1. Lightens pigmentation 
2. Evens out skin tone 
3. Protects from UV rays 
4. Lightens skin 
5. Protects from free radicals 
6. Increases skin’s elasticity 
7. Hydrates skin 
8. Retains moisture 
9. Smoothens skin 
10. Softens skin

What it says on the bottle: SAFI BALQIS Perfect 10 Hand & Body Lotion provides nutrients that help moisturise your skin, while keeping it fair and radiant. Its combination of BioWhite, Vitamin C and Vitamin B3 helps reduce the effects of melanin while its UV protection helps protect skin from harmful UV rays.

(Front): Formulasi BioWhite & Pelindung UV

             LOSYEN TANGAN & BADAN SIANG

             Day Hand & Body Lotion

             Selamat dan Suci

Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceteareth-20, Isopropyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Cetanol, Polyacrylamide, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Morus Bombycis (Mulberry) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ubiquinone, Fragrance, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Pricing: RM 5.30

Application: One thing I must pin point is the sweet and fresh floral scent it have. Some might think the scent is too/extremely overwhelming, but to my surprise, I love it! If I message it on my hands before stepping into the elevator at work, people who are in the elevator usually compliment the smell and ask what perfume did I use. 

The texture is light, runny liquid and is in white color. It is not moisturizing enough in my opinion. But I use this lotion for it great smells, not for moisturizing purpose. I am not sure if used not under air-conditioned room though.

Light, white, runny & liquid lotion

It is not sticky even if you use a lot and easily absord. Been using it for more than 2 months but don't see any difference on the skin of my hand. 

Quite a huge hole on its nozzle. 5mm. A bit hard to control  the volume you need.

I love that:- 

~ Light. 

~ Not sticky

~ Extremely affordable. 

~ Since it's made in Malaysia, the lotion can easily be found.

~ Since it's a Halal product, users can be sure to feel safe that it doesn't contain alcohol.

~ UV protection! Holler!!!

~ The smell is heavenly

I dislike that:- 

~ Not moisturize enough. 

~ No smaller travel size bottle. 

~ Paraben properties. Family jewel carriers, BEWARE!

~ If you read the Ingredient list properly, you'll see Imidazolidinyl Urea somewhere there. I have just Googled it before writing this review, Imidazolidinyl Urea is not urine but cheaper kind of products' preservatives, also known as a formaldehyde releaser. A chemical compound that slowly releases formaldehyde preservatives. And formaldehyde my dearies, can cause cancer. Check, google, research for more information. I think I need to check all of my product if they contain this as well.

Will I purchase it again? Not sure though. I know it contains hazardous ingredients but it's cheap and it smell great! So should I or Should I not? hmmm.....

I'll give this product 2.5 out of 5 stars. I love it but at the same time, I am concern of it for my health.

Till next time. Buh bye^^ 

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell: Korean FOOD!!!

Well last 27 Jul, I took a leave from work and went back to Papar for a gathering with my 3 favorite cousins. We were not in a same age but we were very close. The eldest among 4 of us had been crazy with Korean drama and she is the one who infected me with the “RM FEVER”. And this cousin of mine had been saying how she really extremely eagerly wants to taste Korean food. I would like to try them out as well.

We want to try Korean food but kind of scared that we will embarrass ourselves in the restaurant. But when my ‘Korean wave’ craze cousin heard that there is a Korean restaurant opening in Papar, we thought that we just had to be brave and try it out.

The five of us went there together after two of my lovely cousins went there to scout if it’s opened for public or not in the morning earlier. The place is just by the road of Beaufort highway in Kg Benoni, Papar. It is kind of deserted because there was no other building or houses or shop besides it. But it was bright, peaceful and easily spotted. The restaurant looks like a normal Sabahan brick house, except the signboard with some Korean words on it. If I was not mistaken, the restaurant's name is Jung Won Garden Restaurant.

I odered the one Korean food I have been hearing alot.
This is BiBimBap

It is a bowl of rice, which to be mixed with a bowl of few kind of vegetables and bit of pork, as shown in the picture aboce. A small plate of thick red sauce that look spicy, but actually not, should be added in the mix as well. My BiBimBap was also served with 5 side dishes: pickled squid, kimchi, spinach, bean sprout (taugeh) & carrot slices, dried bilis & peanuts.

JaJangMyeon ordered by my younger cousin.

JaJangMyeon is a Korean Kon Lau Mien, but minus the pork or chicken; It's consist of thick yellow noodles and thick soy sauce that have a lot of garlic in it. Vampires, beware! My stick skinny cousin can't even finish that, despite how hungry and how big her appetite is.

Kimbap – Korean sushi, minus fish. Kimbap used dry seaweed sheet, rice, kimchi, eggs, ham, cucumber and some other things that one could possibly put in. I did took a picture of it but I'll put a link to other's people picture over the internet.

KimChi JjiGae? I think that's the name, if I'm not mistaken
=.=

KimChi JjiGae is the Kimchi soup served with rice and also the same 5 side dishes I was given. I didn't taste it at all. Because I have tried kimchi and didn't like it at all. But according to my cousin, it is not that spicy despite how spicy it looked like. 

The waitresses were, we found no surprise, Filipinos. I don’t really know how to detect their ethnicity, but I am guessing they are either Sulu or Cagayan or probably Bisaya. I am not bothered to be served by immigrant (to me, it is fine and quite relief that they made efforts to earn money by working rather than stealing and robbers. To those who scowls on that, what do you aspect? They are human too. They need food to eat, clothes to wear and children to feed.), but I’m a little bothered when I was trying to order Soju (Korean sake) and ask which Soju is good and they don’t know how to answer. Because they Muslims and don’t drink. But no fret, one of them is quite witty and observant. She recommended the one that the Korean folks who work at the Kimanis took liking. 

A bottle of soju with the 5 side dishes.
And see that fried rice? That is another meal ordered by one of my pregnant cousin.
Nope, she didn't drink soju.

Soju is a distilled beverage, simply a alcoholic drink. I would say that is burned the throat like vodka but much sweeter and I LOVE IT! I would compare it to the Sabahan rice wine, the Montoku. But montoku is undeniably stronger in taste, smell and alcohol level. My cousins do not take a liking to the drink and request to pour Sprite in their short glass. I personally think that the soft drink contaminate the freshness and the taste of the 20.1% alcohol soju but I have to comply and listen to them. After all, they are older than I am. 

Jung Won Garden Restaurant is definitely a great restaurant. But I think, Kg Benoni - where the restaurant is opened, is where the Muslim community in Papar live. There are more Bajau Brunei there than Kadazan Dusun. So if only the restaurant removes pork from their menu, it surely invite more Muslims and SDA folks to come to the restaurant. 

The price is certainly pricier than any other regular/local restaurant but it were all worth it. All of us cannot finish out food at all! My BiBimBap is like for 3 people! The hospitality is certainly great.

What fascinates me about Korean food is that their food have more vegetables than meat. I can see myself become skinny if I ate BiBimBap every day! Of course cut down the amount of the rice and minus the egg yolk of course! They also serve more pork than any other meat. Most Korean food that was served in the restaurant are food that is easily prepared. Like the BiBimBap, they use vegetables that can be found easily here. KimBap use the same ingredients and kind of like the leftover in the fridge 'restyled' so the kids won't get bored with food.

I am a firm believer that foods are the doors to a culture. I may not that fond of KimChi, but I do love these pro-vegetables foods. I can imagine myself living in Korea and eats BiBimBap or KimBap with a shot or two of cold Soju everyday!  It was a great meal and refreshing experience^^ 

Till next time

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: ELF Studio 11 Piece Brush Collection

Hello you!

I would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin to all Muslims. I am unable to go out for Hari Raya to my friends and relatives house today because my cough is killing me!

So I bought my ELF Studio 11 Piece Brush Collection from Syiok Sendiri Sisters (Oh! Bless them!) as I have been wanting to have a complete set of makeup brush. I did own some brushes from TBS but not the whole range. And I previously use finger in makeup application.

Brand: ELF (Eyes.Lips.Face)

Made in: China (I think. Thus the cheap price tag.)

Range: Studio line.

Skincare Type: Makeup tools/brushes

Claims: (Taken from their website)Our ultra-luxe Studio Brush Collection contains 11 of our Professional Makeup Brushes, each one designed, tested and proven by a team of makeup artist pros to provide precision application every time. One of our most popular Makeup Brush Collection Sets, the Studio 11-piece Brushes are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand - with everything you need to create a flawless finish! 

This Professional Brush Set is ideal for any makeup artist at heart, at home or on the go. Perfect for traveling or for your busy, fast-paced lifestyle. You’ll love how you can quickly grab and store any of the 11 Studio Brushes included without taking up a lot of space. 

Our customers rave about what a time-saver these easy-to-use, easy-to-hold, and easy-to-love brushes are - whether going out for a night or going away for a week! And the Studio 11 Piece Brush Collection features a sleek, water-resistant case that holds and protects the full collection of beautiful, high-quality brushes. Talk about a great gift!  

What it says on the box: The ultra luxe makeup brush case is ideal for any makeup artist at heart! Perfect for on the go convenience so you can just grab and store without taking up a lot of space.

The sleek case is water resistant and holds a full collection of brushes for key protection and quick use.

Ingredients: Anti-bacterial synthetic hair taklon brushes; 

Pricing: SSS opened the pre-order spree for RM95. Pretty cheap for 11 piece of good brushes I tell you.

Texture: The hair is soft. The bristles that suppose to be soft is comfortably soft; the firm ones are nicely firm. 

Application: Let me explain each brushes for better understanding. 

ELF Studio - Complexion Brush

Love	No Love
~ I blame this brush because I do not reach to my TBS Face&Body Brush anymore. This one is soft but a bit firmer than the TBS.	~ If you are one of the peeps that pat your powder with your brush, this brushes is a bit pokey. Ouch! Itchy..

ELF Studio - Fan Brush 

~ This is one of the brushes existed that I don't know what to do with. A friend said it can be used for blusher, but there is a blush brush in this collection. To remove eye shadow fallouts on the cheek, okay perhaps. Bronzer, err... to thin for that? If you know what does this brush use as, please do tell me.


ELF Studio - Concealer Brush

Love	No Love
~ Firm. ~ Good for cream and liquid concealer & eye shadow. Not so much for any powder product.	~ I found no fault in this brush.

ELF Studio - Angled Foundation Brush

Love	No Love
~ Soft ~ Nice work for liquid foundation but haven’t try on cream yet. ~ The angled built is good for applying angled and small area like the side of the nose	~ None that I found.

ELF Studio - Powder Brush

Love	No Love
~ Firm and soft ~ Good for stippling, buffing, shading and blending the foundation onto the skin. ~ Not pokey.	~ Just the name. Someone at ELF should change the name from Powder Brush to Kabuki brush.

ELF Studio - Blush Brush

Love	No Love
~ Soft. ~ Good for cream and powder blusher. ~ Smaller than any blusher I have seen but works well enough.	~ None that I found.

ELF Studio - Smudge Brush

Love	No Love
~ Small & firm ~ Good for applying cream, gel and powder product. ~ Smudging eyeliner is effortless. ~ Small tip able to reach smaller area like inner corner of the eyes.	~ None that I found.

ELF Studio - Eyeshadow C Brush

Love	No Love
~ Good for all wet and dry product. ~ The bristle is big so good for applying eye shadow.	~ None that I found.

ELF Studio - Contour Brush

Love	No Love
~ Soft ~ Contouring job is great. ~ only tried on dry product but works great.	~ If you push the bristles to a side, you can see the inner part of the feral. Seems like some cheap brush.

ELF Studio - Angled Brush

Love	No Love
~ Soft & firm. ~ Good with both wet & dry product. ~ I have two of this brush so yay! On can be use for eyeliner and the other one for brows!	~ I have two that means I do not own the precision brush. Boo-hoooo!

ELF Studio - Brush Case

Water resistant and look quite nice. All black so no worries of dirt to show.

Overall, I am satisfied with the brushes. I give it 4.9 out of 5. lack of 0.1 point just because I do not own the precision brush. I really want to know what that do^^

Till next time.

xoxo

NicaBell