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

NicaBell: I Need Some Opinions

Hey there peeps.

So I have been thinking these past few week but I just can't make up my mind about this.

This blog is a beauty blog but I put some personal stuff, opinion, rambles and rants in here which I think is not quite appropriate. So that makes me think to open another more personal but still anonymous sort of blog. It's personal because I will blog about how I feel about certain things that interest me or current issues as well as about my hometown, Kota Kinabalu!

But the issues are:

1.      I don't know what blog address & name should I use.

• I have been thinking to input the word "sumandak" (young girl/virgin gir/not married woman/) but if I am going to be married in the future, obviously the word "sumandak" is not going to be suitable for me any longer.
• Jesselton is Kota Kinabalu old name before Sabah joined Malaysia, before our independence. I always like the name Jesselton and have been thinking to include it in my blog add. But I am worried if people would think the blog is about some  romance chick who is obsess and going  to talk about her boyfriend all the time whose name is Jesselton. You got to agree, the name Jesselton sound like a very good looking man with good upbringing. 
• putting KK or Kota Kinabalu or just Kinabalu or probably Sabah? But people will thought that it is a blog about traveling and tourism in Sabah. I don't people to misinterpret the blog address and then disappointed that the blog is actually a personal nags of a chick. =.="
• Kept my original alter ego - NicaBell/NB. Just gonna replace the 'iam' with either the above  options or another one?

2.      Should I even need another blog? Boyfie said I may not be able to manage both blogs. While I think I can manage because there is always a schedule feature here for my beauty blog. I can stock up review posts and haul in advance, right? So does the new blog?

3.      Using the same account with this blog or make a new account? 

• Making a new account will be a hassle. If I use the same account I can control and manage bothblog easily. But boyfie mention to me about hacking problems. Though I love that boyfie is my voice of reason, his clever mind irritates me sometimes.

So what you think?

Updated 13 September 2012: I forgotten that I have a Tumblr account XD. So I decided to use the Tumblr account iamnicabell.tumblr.com as my personal rant blog. I love Tumblr. It is not really a micro-blogging site and not quite like a regular blogsite. A niece once describe Tumblr as a blogsite for the young hip teen. Gah! Who care?! So check out my Tumblr and follow me if you have one. wink!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel

Hey babes!

I am recently been addicted to 2 songs. One is a great mashup of both "Call Me Maybe" & "Payphone" made by KurtHugoSchneider, sung by Jessica Jarrell & James Alan featuring Jake Broido (doing the drumming, guitar, & picking/hanging up payphone behind the two singers)

Urgh! Who am I kidding! Okay the real reason I love the song is because of James Alan. There, I confessed! I have a thing toward men with stubble like he has. I find it sexy. But I don't like boyfie to have any facial hair because he doesn't have the face for one.  Hey-hey! I do really enjoy the song actually.

Another song that I've been replaying over and over again is the Gangnam Style by PSY. I don't usually listen to Kpop or shuffle dance kinda tune, but this one is insanely catchy and the MV is hilarious! The horse-riding dance is funny to watch. I heard the song from Hitz.fm at first and try googling it then the rest is just history. I specially love the boy with red trousers. He is just ADORABLE!! The singer, PSY, no matter what his dance moves are, he looks like a perverted big belly man. I can't help but laugh the whole MV.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well back to the topic, here is my review on the ever so popular Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel.

Brand: Ginvera

Made in: Malaysia

Range: Green Tea

Skincare Type: Mild face exfoliator/scrub, Blackheads remover

Product contains/weight: 60ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Soybean extract for effective whitening

Claims: Zero blackheads in 1 step. 10 benefits of MARVEL GEL:-

1. Rubs away deep layers of dead skin gel.
2. Rubs away blackheads painlessly
3. Contracts pores for refined skin (As dead skin cells have been cleared from pores)
4. Lighten black spots, freckles & scars.
5. Removes oil seeds
6. Regulates sebum secretion to prevent pimples.
7. Brighten dull complexion
8. Changes dark, rough skin to smooth skin.
9. Whiten skin as it gives way to newborn skin.
10. Enhances quick absorption of skin care product

What it says on the box: Dead skin is the main culprit of all skin problems. Removing dead skin is the first step towards beauty.

Our skin produces new skin cells to replace aging & dead skin cells everyday. If they are up on the surface of the skin and lead to clogged pores, resulting in all kinds of skin problems.

Ginvera Green Tea Whitening MARVEL GEL reaches dep into the cornified layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells that clog pores, cause and support blackheads, thus eliminating and preventing formation of blackheads which can lead to pimples. It also improves the absorption of skincare products and regulates oil secretion to prevent pimples. 

The removal of dead skin cells will stimulate the growth of new cells thus unveiling the natural fairness and radiance of skin within.

Ingredients: DEIONISED WATER, CYCLOMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE, CARBOMER, GREEN TEA (CAMELIA SINENSIS) LEAF EXTRACT, GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG) EXTRACT, LYCIUM BARBARUM FRUIT EXTRACT, ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA EXTRACT, OLDENLANDIA DIFFUSA EXTRACT,  VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (BILBERRY) EXTRACT, SACCHARUM (SUGAR CANE) EXTRACT, ACER SACCHARUM (SUGAR MAPLE) EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONIUM (LEMON) EXTRACT, POMELO (CITRUS GRANDIS) EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY POWDER, NATTO GUM, FRUCUS TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS EXTRACT, GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT, AMPELOPSIS JAPONICA EXTRACT, PERILLA FRUTESCENS EXTRACT, ALOE VERA (ALOE BARBADENSIS) LEAF EXTRACT, MENTHOL, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, FRAGRANCE, CI 19140, CI 42100

Pricing: RM 37/38 something like that. Can't remember already.

Application: Thick green gel texture and turn liquidy when contact and rub onto skin. As you rub and rub, the liquid turns to eraser's dirt like thingy. The dirt look greyish dark if you never properly do exfoliation - eww~ 

It is a mild non-gain scrub because it rubs away dead skin cells and did made skincare absorption faster. I wonder if it contains AHAs properties because the result after using marvel gel is almost like, but not as effective, result after using AHAs cleansers. 

It didn't sting, no pimples formed after use, no irritation and no redness (unless if you rub it too rough). Skin does look brighter, healthier, feel smother but blackheads does not totally diminish as claimed. The blackhead are not as dark as before but the actual blackhead's seeds are not gone. They just seem lighter. After using 2 tubes, acne scars did not completely gone but did seem lighter - would not really notice the difference unless you took a picture of yourself to compare in the future. 

Take a pea size and apply 5 dots on the face. Spread on the face with gentle messaging circular motion until eraser's dirt-like formed and face completely dry off the product. Then rinse the face with water to wash away the excess product. You rinse with water and proceeds with your skincare routine or wash with a gentle face wash before toner & moisturiser. Use gentle face wash as you don't want to over dry your skin. 

I have been asked by my mom if the marvel gel can wipe off makeup and here is my experiment:

1. 2. 3. 

4.  5.

1. I put on a base primer, foundation, some non water proof eye product and lipstick.

2. The gel turn liquid on application. 

3. Some dirt formed slowly as I kept messaging.

4. Completely dry and some dry dirt. You can see (or not) there are foundation left on my skin.

5. I cleaned the surface with a cotton pad with cleansing toner and found the foundation left on the cotton pad.

VERDICT: Nope. Definitely won't completely wipe of your makeup. So remove your makeup before using the marvel gel.

I love that:- 

~ It's easy to use

~ Didn't cause breakout

~ Gentle for everyday use

~ Made in Malaysia so easy to find.

~ Use a lot of plant/fruit extract instead of depending solely on chemicals.

~ Green tea! Oh-so-loving antioxidant now.

~ The smell is unpleasant but it is faint. 

I dislike that:- 

~ Does not completely clear blackheads as promised.

~ IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA ya'll!

6-7mm nozzle

Will I purchase it again? Since I have found my ultimate Gentle face exfoliator - Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA+BHA face cleanser, I haven't repurchase the marvel gel. But who knows, I might repurchase it in the future just for the fun of it.

I'll give this product 3.5 out of 5 stars. Easy to use, mild, not irritating and an innovative product. 

Till then.

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Personal: My 5 Personal Update!

Hey ya!

I have several news to share! 

FIRST:-

I have only weight myself this early evening that am 67kg. Last week, on Thursday I think, my weight was 69.5kg. Yes. My weight gone up from 68kg to 69.5kg and down to 67kg! How bad and turns great was that! *patting myself* Good job NB! I stop drinking Passion Slim for week last week because I was sick and only resume back today. I guess I doesn't necessarily need the drink to slim down, huh?

SECOND:-

Then there is this one friend of mine who work in the same building with me insisted that I should try this another slimming drink. I tried to say no but she doesn't seem to take a hint. I just have to give in and bought it. Haizzz.... 

THIRD:- 

I have schedule many product reviews. Most of them are affordable and great to use even though I cringed when I actually saw the ingredient list. I also will be reviewing these three items in the next coming month. 2 of them are FOC. No, they are not sponsored. I got one of them from CLEO mag (my fav mag~) and another one are from buying a combo pack of pantyliner.

FOURTH:-

I am in a process of gathering, searching, studying, learning, doing, and errr...... typing away to build a beauty glossary.

I am building it for you, my dear dear readers. It is for your reference on what each beauty/cosmetics/skin cares' ingredient and wording. It will be added and changed from time to time depends on new studies and new found ingredient that I have done learning of or as requested. So when the glossary is up, I am hoping that every one can check it out and comment if I have given any wrong information so I can improve and update the page.

Oh! Here is the FIFTH:- 

I have made a Facebook Page, Twitter Account, Tumblr and Formspring. 

I am still new in the Facebook page thingy; not very familiar with Twitter and is trying to grasp the new social web; Not much posted in Tumblr & Formsping yet. 

So add, follow, ask, like, love, comment, and do what every thing nice you can do. I love interacting and sharing information as well as making new friends with people. I am not always on the net but I will try my best to be.

So that conclude the post and.. 

That is all for now!

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