Thursday, March 11, 2010

Dermalogica Review Part 2

Here is the list of Dermalogica products that I hate :

1. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant



This is a gentle physical exfoliant that has rice-based enzyme powder that activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. This product is also part of Dermalogica Brightening system because it helps with pigmentation and melanin production while micro-exfoliating the dead skin layer. This scrub is very gentle but so much hassle to use. You need to dispense about a half teaspoon of the powder into wet hands, and form a creamy paste by rubbing hands together. And you just massage this in circular motions. Personally, I hate this product because its difficult to control how much powder to use and if you use to much water, it will be too watery and you won't feel the exfoliating effect. Pretty expensive too. The price I think is double than Skin Prep Scrub.




2. Dermalogica Active Moist




I love Dermalogica cleanser and mask but I hate their moisturiser. I've used this but this is really not for me. It doesn't absorb well and I look like an oil slick even though it was winter. It doesn't give me any breakout but an oil face is a big NO NO.


3. Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque



After reading Victoria Beckham's rave on this mask as her favourite mask, I decided to give this a try. And I hate it.This mask is yellow in color and has a very thick consistency. It sting a little bit upon application. This mask feels like a thick moisturiser on my face. It doesn't dries up and feel so uncomfortable. If I used this more than 10 minutes, it makes my skin red. I just wanna quickly wash this off. Its very expensive and probably more suitable on dry, matured or photodamaged skin. A cheaper alternative is MD Forte, Skin Rejuvenation Hydra- masque only half the price of this mask.I,ve used this and it has exactly same color, smell and ingredients (AHA, BHA, vitamins) but different brand.


4. Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant


After reading great reviews on this scrub on Makeupalley.com, I managed to get a sample of this. This skin polisher combines both physical and chemical exfoliants. It has microgranules with Lactic Acid that activates upon contact with water. As advised by the sale's lady, I used this on dry skin and I think its too harsh on my skin. It makes my skin red and raw. The thermal effect dissipate pretty quickly. I only used sample, so I can't tell the long-term effect of this. This scrub is pretty expensive too.


5. Dermalogica Day Bright SPF 15


This reminds me so much of Shiseido White Lucent Day Cream which I hate. First of all,both of this creams make my skin PINK. Seriously noticeable pink. How am I supposed to go out looking like a pink pather. Secondly, both of this does nothing on my skin. No brightening or whitening effect..NADA! Both doesn't cause any breakout but pretty mediocre products considering how expensive these are.



6. Dermalogica Climate Control Lip Balm


I'm pretty disappointed with this lip balm. First of all, it smell and taste like a lemongrass which I don't prefer. And secondly, I used this at night, so I don't wake up with dry chapped lips but this cause whitish stuff on my lips in the morning.Urgghh!!. This product actually enhance the skin's natural lipid barrier. Could the white stuff be lipid? Not sure. It doesn't moisturise my lips that well though. There are so many great lip balm out there but this one is not one of them.


* All in all, I'm going to end my relationship with most of Dermalogica products. I'm going to keep using my Gentle Cream Exfoliant. Definitely a keeper. The price of dermalogica products are more expensive than the price offered by Skincarestore. For example, the price of Special Cleansing Gel is RM15o (AUD 50) compared to AUD38 from Skincarestore. So overpriced (come on dermalogica!). Dermalogica should be aggressive in term of promoting their products in Malaysia because they have such great range of products.


Dermalogica Review Part 1

I've been an avid user of Dermalogica products since 4 years ago.Only recently that I change to other brand.I used to live in Australia, so I bought all my products through online website called Skincarestore.com because their price are cheaper and postage is free all around Australia.I had pretty bad experience with Dermalogica sale's assistant in Malaysia. Recently I purchased Dermalogica Mini Size set for my mother because she love their Special Cleansing Gel. The sale's assistant followed me around so closely everywhere in the shop and she was also very persuasive.After I made my purchase, I asked them for a sample of Dermalogica Thermafoliant which I've been dying to try. She asked the other lady (probably her superior) whether they should gave me the sample for free or I should pay for it. What??? I ended up paying RM1 for 2 sample of Dermalogica Thermafoliant. So kedekut!!!Dermalogica is one of those brand that are not easy to find.I only saw their product being sold at branch called Aster Springs and Leonard Drake in Malaysia. Its not a very famous brand in Malaysia but in my opinion is probably one of the best brand I've ever came across.


My love with Dermalogica begin with my visit for a facial in QV Victoria at pharmacy near Lonsdale St. I had terrible breakout from using Shiseido. I actually can see an instant result from the facial.I tried their acne-prone set and I instanly fall in love with Dermalogica and this line has help to 'normalised' my skin and really keep my acne at bay.

Dermalogica products that I love:

1. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel



A soap-free, translucent gel that foams easily and suitable for all skin types.No drying or tight feeling on the skin post-wash.One of the best I've used so far.It cleans make-up very well too. Lasts a long time. Probably around 6 months for 25oml bottle.Packaging is very hygiencic and easy to use.



2. Dermalogica Pre-cleanse



An oil that I used on dry skin using dry hands and spread it all over the face. Put a little bit of water to make the make-up emulsify.Rub a little bit more on area where you used a lot of makeup. It just sucks up all the oil and dirt on your face. Be careful with area around the eye as this can sting like crazy if it gets into the eye. Effective even with water-proof makeup. It has a very nice aromatherapy scent that smell relaxing.At first its hard to imagine using an oil on your face to clean your makeup.I was afraid too that this will cause more breakout. But it make sense, because oil has hydrophobic (water hating, fat loving) properties and it will attract oil on your skin. When I first used Mac Studio Fix fluid, I have lots of breakout. And I blame Mac for this but the reason that I'm having breakout after using foundation is because I didn't use any oil based pre-cleanser to properly clean my skin. And surely, after I used this with my cleanser, I have no breakout from Mac again. Dermalogica recommends using pre-cleanse with the cleanser as an effective double cleansing.150 ml bottle last me over one and a half year.

3. Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant


1


This is once or twice a week mask and suitable for all skin type except for sensitive skin. A bit drying on people with dry or mature skin. It has thick, yellowish consistency.This is a chemical exfoliant that is so gentle to removes dead skin cells. Th

is works better on dry skin that has been properly washed. It contains both AHA and BHA from natural fruit enzymes to detach the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum) and stimulate cell renewal. It can sting a little if you're not used to AHA/BHA based products but it dissipate quickly. Its recommended that you follow this with moisturing mask such as Intensive Moisture Mask of Skin Hydrating Mask or any cloth mask. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and you can see that a little bit of your skin exfoliate.Probably the best chemical exfoliant I've tried. You need to use sunscreen at least spf 15 if you use this product as this product can make your skin more senstive to sun exposure.I usually use this at night and only a thin layer of this mask is needed and this last a long time too.


4. Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub



This is a skin-polishing physical exfoliant that you used about 3-4 times a week. It has thick consistency and colour like Gentle Cream Exfoliant. It has finely-granulated Corn Cob Meal that gently removes outer layer of your skin. I preferred this than their Daily Microfoliant. I usually mixed this with Special Cleansing Gel. It gives your skin a healthy and more polished look.



5. Dermalogica Medi Bac Clearing Skin Wash


I used this when I had terrible breakout and this helps a lot. It has salicylic acid that sloughs off dead skin cells to clear congested follicles, helping to prevent future breakout.It also has naturally-antiseptic extracts to calm congested, aggravated skin. But I didn't use this for long because this helps to control oil on my face and it sort of make my skin normal again. Using this for long cause a bit of drying on my skin.


Continued....



Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Resepi Asam Pedas

Nak masak ape ye?Soalan yang selalu bermain kat kepala saya setiap kali nak masak.Saje je nak share resepi ikan masak asam pedas.Dulu saya tak reti sangat nak masak asam pedas ni.Setiap kali masak mesti ader yang tak kena.Kuah cair sangat lah, masam sangat lah. Kebiasaannya orang masak asam pedas ni banyak yang gunakan asam jawa or asam keping lah nak bagi rasa masam tu.Tapi saya pulak suka guna tomato fresh lah utk bagi rasa masam.Mmg lain skit rasa dia, lagi sedap.hehe..

Ni bahan2 dia...

Bahan2 A (utk tumis)-
-2 biji bawang merah kecil
-3 ulas bawang putih
-Halia sikit
-Serai sebatang
-Cili kering yang dah diblender dlm 1-2 sudu (ikut pedas lah)
-2 biji tomato yang yang dipotong kecil2 and diramas2 kan skit utk keluarkan jus dia
-Setengah sudu kecil asam jawa atau 1 asam keping
-Daun kesum and bunga kantan kalau ada

Bahan2 lain:
-Ikan cencaru (dlm 3-4 ekor)
-Sayur (depends lah maybe bendi, hirisan tomato skit)
-Setengah sudu kecil kunyit serbuk
-Sedikit belacan (sebesar ibu jari)
-Garam dan gula secukup rasa

Cara2 dia
-Tumis kan bahan2 A dlm minyak panas
-Masukkan ikan and letak kan dlm 1-2 cawan air
-Masukkan sayur2
-Letak kan kunyit, belacan, garam and gula





Dah siap..

Senang je kan.Nilah namanya Asam Pedas Moden buat isteri2 moden (yang cam malas jgk).Hehe

Sabtu lepas tengok cerita Dalil Cinta lakonan Fahrin Ahmad and Sharifah Amani dgn husband.Best jgk.Pastu tiba2 berazam nak jadi isteri Mithali.Jangan kejap je, pastu jadi isteri yang menyesali..hehe

Monday, March 8, 2010

Dinner at Munawarrah Restaurant and SK-II hauls

Last night, we decided to have dinner outside.My husband suggest a new restaurant in Seksyen 23 but unfortunately they were close.So we decided to have dinner at Munawarrah Restaurant in Seksyen 9.We've been there for few times and kept coming back for more.We ordered Ikan Kerapu Ala Thai and it was delicious. Yummy...We want MORE!!.Hehehe..It cost RM46 but it was so delicious, and worth the price.The customer service was not very satisfactory though.We waited a long time for our dinner to be served.We ordered Lala Lak Chi but the waiter didn't put this on the order card. Quite disappointing because I loved their Lala Lak Chi so much.We preferred to go to this restaurant compared to their other branch, Restaurant Mukmin in Seksyen 19 even though its so close to my mother in- law's house because its less busy and the ambience is more relaxing. I'm so proud of Amir today because he ate so much rice by himself.He had a bit of runny nose last few days and loss his appetite. But he definitely eat like a champion all by himself.Hehe...






Today I received my SK-II products that I purchased from ebay. I bought this last thursday and this has definitely put a big smile on my face. I kept checking at the door in case the postman drop the package in front of the door. I was a bit skeptical and worried that I might have purchased fake SK-II.The seller was definitely honest and reply my messages promptly.So,this ease thing a little bit. I only bought samples of SK-II from her. It cost me RM180 and there's a lot of samples.She was very generous with extra sample and most important of all, its genuine. I saw a few fake SK-II before this and I even test it on my hand. For those who never bought SK-II before, it can be difficult to tell which one is fake and which one is genuine. I'm referring to their signature's product which is the Facial Treatment Essence. The most obvious differences is the colour of the essence. The genuine FTE has a bit yellowish colour and the fake FTE is clear. It looks almost like the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion. The second differences is the smell, the genuine FTE smell is definitely not that nice and quite strong.For those who never smell it before, might think that its fake but the fake FTE actually smell quite nice.It has a fresh fragrance-y smell to it. Even though the genuine FTE has quite strong scent, it dissipate very quickly.And the other differences is when you shake the bottle. There will be small fizzy bubble slowly rise to the top of the bottle but the fake SK-II doesn't have this effect. I can't remember much about the packaging but the price was very cheap, RM35 compared to the genuine SK-II (RM187 for 75ml).



All in all, I'm so happy with my purchase and I think I've found my HG skincare line ;)

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Review of Vitacreme B12

I loved to read other people's review before I tried any new products cause I think it helps me making an informative judgement before buying any product and not just solely depends on the sale's assistant persuasion. I've bought a couple of stuff without looking at other people reviews and regretting my purchase.

So, for this post I'm doing a review on Vitacreme B12. I bought this at AUD50 and I used this for a month day and night. So far, I don't think I will repurchase this cream again.

Some users have compared this cream to the famous and expensive cream, La Mer but better. I never used La Mer before but I've tried a sample of their eye cream but hate it.It stings my eye really bad, too heavy, doesn't absorb very well and no effect at all. So back to this cream, I think what I like most about this cream is that it absorb really well and it doesn't make my skin oily or cause any breakout.I have normal-combination skin and I think this cream did help to control my oil secretion.

When I first look at this cream, hmmm..pink.Not the usual colour for my moisturiser and I definitely can see that my skin looks glowing and more well rested I guess after few days using this cream. This cream come in a an aluminium tube (like toothpaste) to protect the active ingredients in the cream and prevent contamination of the product. After like 3 weeks of using this cream, this cream stop working for me. I don't know why but it worked just like any simple moisturiser. There is not a lot of product in this tube (I used 5oml). This cream doesn't have any SPF, so you need to put on other sunscreen on top of it during the day.

I think this cream is pretty expensive considering that it has only one active ingredient.If you look at the clinical studies that was done by the company, the studies was carried out at high altitude, at 2,600 metres on Mont-Blanc where most of the participants suffered from severe sunburns and peeling (desquamation) of the skin. Obviously, I've never been to any high altitude mountain like ever in my entire life and didn't suffered severe sunburns or peeling of my skin. So, this is probably why this cream doesn't have much effect on me. I think, giving any good moisturiser to people who suffered terrible sunburnt, peeled and wrinkled skin will definitely improved their skin condition because any level of moisturisation will helps to accelerate skin renewal and repair.

And the other interesting thing was, when I looked at the ingredients of this cream, one of the ingredient is Coumarin (or famously known as warfarin) which used as anti-coagulant for treatment of Pulmonary Embolus and DVT. Hmm..interesting, right?

The other reason I won't be repurchasing this is because this cream is not easily available over the counter or your local mall. I used to live in Melbourne but currenly I lived in Shah Alam, Malaysia and I don't know where I can get this product. I think for this price, I can find cheaper moisturiser that works equally well. I'm looking for a moisturiser that can give me more than just simple moisture but other other added benefits (eg: anti-aging, sun protection, brightening). But for anyone who wants to give this a try, I definitely encourage so because who knows this might work so well on you.


Thursday, March 4, 2010

Dine out at Pak Hailam Kopitiam

I've been a bit stress this passed few days. Both physically and mentally.My left bicep is still screaming in pain from having to change gear (why can't we just use automatic gear!!). I've just got my L licence and start my driving class.Yesterday I passed my QTI test (Ujian Penilaian) for my JPJ test. The QTI officer was rude and inappropriate.He was calling my number and then he went out to the office.I thought he call out my number and when he came back, I asked him whether he was calling number 14, which was my number and he replied, "can't you hear what I'm calling? Go start the engine faster!".I'm not sure that he was doing it on purpose or he just want me to feel the pressure of driving but it was inappropriate and definitely made all my stress hormone at its maximum level. All the time during the test, he complained this and that and I just couldn't focus. But luckily I didn't make any huge mistake and he let me passed. Phewwwwhhh!!!


I said to my husband, I need to destress and we decided to have dinner at Pak Hailam Kopitiam at Tesco Seksyen 13. I ordered Nasi Ayam and I was disappointed. I'm not even sure it should be called Nasi Ayam. Who put taugeh ( a lot of taugeh) in nasi ayam? And not even a proper sambal nasi ayam. When I asked for the sambal, they gave I don't know whatever sambal they can grabbed in the kitchen. But I love their pau so much.Made from wholemeal and very cheap too (RM 1/piece). My brother ordered Mee Hoon Tomyam and it was delicious. Definitely different than any normal Mee Hoon Tomyam I had in the past.They put a bit of coconut milk and the seafood was also generous. I've been traumatised with Tom Yam dish lately because most restaurant put way too much onion and too little chicken/seafood in their Tom Yam.








After dinner, we did a bit of shopping at Tesco and let Amir played around the Tesco. Amir certainly look more 'grown-up'.hehe. But he still too lazy to walk by himself.Maybe in a few weeks, I think.




I'm deeply disturbed with today's news in the media about K Hares-varran, an 18 months old toddler who died after he was abused by his neighour. This happened only a few days after Syafia Humairah Sahari, a 3 years old toddler also died after she was abused by his mother's boyfriend. And not to to mention the raising cases of 'buang bayi' in Malaysia. This is definitely the lowest level of inhumanity. May their soul rest in peace. Amin

Monday, March 1, 2010

Selling Estee Lauder, SK-II and Dior foundation!!!

HOT HOT stuff for the ladies............!!!!

I'm selling my Estee Lauder serums and Dior Foundation.I bought these items last 2 months and have used them for a while.Even though these are used item, they all come in pump bottles, so there is no contamination of the products. So, I'm gonna sell them really cheap than the retail price.I bought them at Parkson and selling these because I'm changing brand ;)

1. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Whitening Recovery Complex

RRP: RM290 (50ml)

Product description:
Works day & night to repair skin's appearance Prevents dark spots, freckles, fine lines & wrinkles Leaves skin with a renewed translucency finish.

My take on this serum, I think they should called this a brightening rather than whitening serum. It glides on skin like dream with a silicone-y feeling (very typical of estee lauder serum).Within two days, skin look more even-toned and dark spots diminished. I've combination skin and this hasn't broke me out. The ANRC concentrate as the name implied is a concentrated form of ANRC and you need to used this everyday for 21 days when you need high dose boost of radiance. Highly recommended.But the eye cream doesn't do much for me.I've seen no improvement of dark circle or whatsoever but doesn't cause any milia.Not so recommended.HAhaha...sorry lauder!

There are about 80% left in the bottle. I'm also giving three samples of Advanced Night Repair Complex Concentrate and used sample of Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex (about 40% left) for FREE!!!

I'm selling this for RM 150 (negotiable)













2. Estee Lauder Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting serum

RRP: RM 225 (30 ml)

Product description:
This powerful wrinkle-correcting serum dramatically reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots.

My take on this serum, I think this is great for someone whose skin has shown early sign of ageing. I think it helps with my fine lines but since I'm still young and not having any wrinkles yet, I think I probably doesn't need this serum but its great for someone aged 30+ who needs a good anti-wrinkle agent to fight those lines. Texture wise, it has very silicone-y feeling on skin and absorb really well.Doesn't cause any breakout whatsoever. Definitely recommended

I've used two bottles of the Pore Minimizing serum and it helps at first but after a while I just used this more as a primer and I love it because foundation just glides smoothly on skin and last longer.It helps with oil secretion as well.Definitely recommended.

There is about 80% of serum left in the bottle and I'm also giving a sample of Idealist Pore Minimizing serum for FREE!!

I'm selling this great combo for RM120 (negotiable)















3. SK-II Facial Treatment Mask 1 piece

RRP:RM235/6 pieces

Product description:
An intensive moisture-boosting mask which gives you 10 times Pitera®, to help restore skin renewal to its normal 28-day cycle. Deeply hydrates your skin, just like a facial, leaving skin noticeably more radiant, soft and crystal.

My take on this mask, if you haven't try this mask, definitely give this a go at least once. You'll love it especially for radiance boost before important event (pre-wedding etc).You won't be disappointed.


I'm also giving a sample of SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel for FREE!!!

I'm selling this at RM25 (non-negotiable)












4. Diorskin Extreme Fit Flawless Finish with SPF 15 PA+ (in 030)

RRP: RM 140

Product description:
Diorskin Extreme Fit takes smoothing, comfort and wear to the extreme with a stay-true, no-transfer and waterproof formula that lasts even in extreme conditions. Its innovative, patented Nano-Stretch Network creates an invisible, micro-aerated mesh for perfect color and finish, while the new-generation Hydra-Gel System guarantees optimal comfort. Keeps skin looking smooth and radiant, hour after hour.

To me, this foundation gives a dewy finish to my combination skin.Quite transfer-resistant (but I preferred Mac Studio Fix).It feels comfortable to wear as if you're not wearing any foundation on.Moderate coverage with flawless finish.My skin is medium fair (best example I think is Siti Nurhaliza ..haha).But please, do check out your shade at any Dior counter first. Definitely recommended.

There is about 80% left and I'm giving mini size Skin79 BB cream (about 40% left) for FREE!!!

I'm selling this for RM50 (non-negotiable)















If anyone interested to buy any of these products, you can contact me, Ayu at 0193902528. Free postage for items more than RM100 and within Peninsular Malaysia. Items can be paid by cash on delivery (if around shah alam and kuala lumpur) or CIMB bank deposit. Sabah, sarawak and international buyers are welcome but do contact me first for postage fee.