Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Range : Face Mask

Continuing from my HADA LABO winning series - this time, I would like to talk about the humble Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Face Mask.

There's only 4 pieces of mask inside this box, and I'm currently wearing the 2nd one while typing this out. No wonder that per piece, this mask costs more than brands like My Beauty Diary. It is SUPREMELY effective. You can definitely feel the difference after using this mask - your skin is moisturised, intensely hydrated, refreshed, baby-soft and feels thoroughly pampered! The mask is made out of really good quality "cloth", I suppose my only gripe is that they eye holes are way too big! As I've oft mentioned, I prefer it to be more "fitting" as I imagine my eyebags would like some pampering too. :)

More information about the mask :

• contains high level of arbutin to help fight dark spots and to restore skin's evenness for visibly fair and radiant skin
• enhanced with vitamin c to even out skin tone and reawakens dull skin caused by UV rays. Leaves skin smooth and supple with a dewy fresh vibrance
• skin pH balanced for low irritation
• free of fragrances, mineral oil and colorant

The last item is what makes it a bit "boring" to use, but that's only because I'm someone who actually likes perfume on her face masks. For those who might be sensitive to fragrance, you would like the clinical scent in the Hada Labo products.

In case you are wondering what "Arbutin" is - it is an extract from the plant "bearberry" which is natural and safe and apparently has effective whitening properties.

All the while, I kept thinking that Arbutin = Albumin, so I was afraid there might be a horrible eggy smell whenever I use the products. Nothing of the sort! So far, it's been about 3 weeks of using the range, and personally although I like my skin condition, I don't feel like I've become visibly fairer. Then again, that's not my end goal. However, I do feel my complexion does look a bit better! Will keep you updated on how it goes!

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Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Range : Face Wash

Remember when I blogged about winning the Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening range thanks to Cleo magazine? Well, I started using it recently because I had been waiting for a chance to use the moisturiser, face wash, mask all at once. So I waited til the perfect time where my facial cleanser and face moisturiser finished at the same time. :P

Although I have been using this for a few weeks, I decided to review the items one by one. Starting with the Hada Labo Whitening Face Wash for Cleansing & Whitening!

The face wash comes in a simple flip-top bottle for easy reach. The face wash is completely devoid of any exfoliating beads, so it's very gentle on the skin. The whitening is done by BHA / AHAs that slough off our dead skin cells for very, very gentle exfoliation. However, this also means that you have to wear sun screen when using this product, otherwise it could be easily sun damaged.

I quite like this face wash because it smells rather nice, and I feel that it has helped make my face look fairer and more moisturised. I still prefer actual exfoliation beads than using AHA/BHAs, but still a pretty decent product.

Too bad I got such a small tube, it's totally going to finish before my face moisturiser!

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Dear by Amanda Bynes

When I went to US last time, I was obsessed about shopping at Steve & Barrys. Why? Because it was a store that carried Dear by Amanda Bynes and Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker. Although it's "celebrity endorsed", it was really, really affordable stuff. The clothes are not super original or ground-breaking in terms of design. However, they were sweet, cute and VERY affordable. Good quality too. I kept searching for new stuff that would be launched on their website.

When I was there, most of the cute stuff I saw online was not available anymore. :( Though I got a few good tops / shirts while I was there, it was not the same as what I had wanted. When I queried Steve and Barrys, they said that most of the stuff that is shown online was snapped up on the day it was launched. And that they don't do online orders, etc as they want to keep costs low.

Out of nostalgia, I decided to check out the website today. I remember that I like the way they styled the clothes, and wanted to see what new stuff I could not buy wtf. Then I found out that Steve and Barrys actually filed for bankruptcy in 2009. -__-" Amanda Bynes and SJP both did not continue the Dear and Bitten line, though SJP went on to be under another fashion label. Oh well. I am just thankful that last time I was obsessed enough to do screen caps of what was being sold as I was analysing exactly what I would grab when I was there! Hahahaha...

Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker
FYI, when I was physically in Steve & Barrys, I found her line of stuff much worse than the Dear line by Amanda. Amanda definitely has more cutesy stuff. Maybe I just had more inclination towards Amanda than Sarah... Anyway, all items in the store seem to be going for USD$8.98. That's right! Everything from shoes, jeans, pretty frocks and belts all USD$8.98. That's like RM30 only! For a pair of frikking jeans!

Cute vintage blade green peep toes!

Short-sleeve slouchy grey slub tee. Sunny tube dress in dandelion. Belt does not come with it.

Loving the cute magenta pink top!! This was one item I *really* wanted, too bad couldn't find it in the physical store.

I love how they paired a cute teal fluttersleeve top with the eyelet dress. Also loving the shade of blade green that keeps coming up in the line.

I'm not a fan of layering on THAT much, what more with so much prints. What I really want in this picture is the grey empire dress. :P

Dear by Amanda Bynes
As I was younger when I went to the States, I found her clothes more suitable for me. Might be too cutesy for me now, but certain pieces remain timeless and are basic staples. Sigh, the more I look at the pictures I saved, the more I feel bad that these fashion lines no longer exist! *waves of nostalgia overwhelming me*





Anyway, I guess this post is not very helpful because it doesn't tell you about stuff that you can buy, but about stuff that is not available any more. I just want Amanda Bynes to revive her old line, is that so hard?!

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Sephora Haul 2012

Sephora reminded me that I had taken part in their "purchase up to RM500 worth of stuff and get RM75 cashback" promotion, and that this promotion would be ending soon (31st of March to be exact). The last purchase that I made was for the Urban Decay Naked palette. Should I go back and try to get the Naked 2 palette this time? To be honest, though I love my Naked palette, I really don't feel the urge to get the new kid on the block. However, since I have a few gal pal's birthday gifts pending, I decided that I should pick up some stuff for them from one of my all-time favorite stores. ;)

They don't read my main blog, what more my beauty blog, so n worries about sharing here. :P

Burts Bees Embossed Tin Set consisting of "Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion", Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream and their famous fabulous replenishing lip balm. This one is for my friend Kim, who I've known since college days! That would mean a DECADE of being friends! O_O"

The whole set comes in a very cheerful buttercup yellow tin. The more I look at it, the more I want to keep this for myself WTF.

Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion and Rouge Dior Lipstick for "Dull My Gal". I gave her the mini Urban Decay eye primer potion that I got with my Naked palette and she was already mad happy. Wait til I give her the full size one! Actually, I was supposed to go to Sephora with her like a YEAR AGO, but we kept ffk-ing each other. And guess what? Til today she hasn't set foot into Sephora! I later found out that the only thing she really wanted was the primer potion, so I decided to get the full size one for her.

However, thought it was not enough, so I wanted to add on "something extra" to the gift. I had totally no idea what to buy, but Tron actually suggested that I get her a "Dior lipstick". My boyfriend sometimes can be quite spot on about things like this, so I decided.... yeah. Dull doesn't seem like the type who would indulge herself in a Dior lipstick, and she deserves to be glammed up like that. Hahaha. I hope she likes the shade! :D

To qualify for the RM75 voucher, I had to top up a bit more. So I bought these two items. I suppose with the $$ I get back, these two are "free"? I got myself the "Daily Smooth Body Butter" and the "Scrub Your Nose In It" face scrub. Remember I keep saying I'm on a war against blackheads? I believe that I'm winning at the moment cos my nose is so blackhead free that it's freaking shining. However, it makes using pore strips very boring indeed...

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Spa Sample Series : Lilyth Creme Absorption Age

I have not been using my "Spa Sample Series" in quite a long while. Probably because I felt that there was no need to torture myself, and to enjoy my "good skin days". However, I felt adventurous and recently decided to use the Lilyth "Creme Absorption Age". I have to admit - this is not quite as daring as me using the infamous "Le Masque Hazelia" stuff (you can search my blog for previous reviews, lol) as my friend who passed me the samples had told me that this was higher-end stuff.

I have to say - I don't know if it *really* is higher-end stuff or not - I really love it! The cream absorps easily into the skin and leaves no oily or heavy feeling on my skin. My skin felt instantly moisturised and softer. However, since this product is actually for ANTI-AGING, I really cannot tell. All I know is that the "ABSORPTION" bit really deserves the highest mention. It's as if I have NOTHING on my skin! I'm so used to creams that leave that greasy-ish feeling that this really felt like a miracle cream!

The sad part was - I was using this when I was staying at my friends house. When I came back to my own house, I couldn't find the sample packet anywhere, so I couldn't re-use this again. :( I asked her if the cream was in her house, but she too could not find it anywhere. At first, I doubted her. Maybe she found it and liked it so much she decided to keep it! However, around TWO weeks later, I found out it was actually in my bag! And yes, the cream squirted all out in my bag! Argh! My boyfriend would kill me if he knew (as he bought me the bag and frequently says that I do not take good care of it). T___T

Anyway, I Google-d up more information on it since I haven't seen this product on sale on shelves. Apparently, you can get it for USD116 from Cosme-de.com. The site also has the following to say:

"Lilyth Absorption Age Cream is A Light Textured Cream containing Deeply Penetrating Hydrators without the sticky coated feeling of a heavy moisturizer.

Keeping the skin's hydration levels perfectly balanced, the cream restores lost moisture and promotes healthy cell turnover in 24 hours. While skin stays smooth and flawless in the day, the cream's intensive hydrating properties nourish and rejuvenate the skin's cells overnight, restoring suppleness and reducing wrinkles.

Formulated from a unique combination of potent botanical extracts, along with a special blend of vitamins and mineral supplements, the cream completely revitalizes and regenerates skin at the deepest level.

As a woman ages, she tends to become more and more anxious about her skin. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able remove this burden for good? Unfortunately most skin care products have no desire to address this problem. Our mission, however, is to do just that! It's our hope that, by continuous use of our product, the concept and reality of "aging skin" will vanish forever.

Lustrous Living: 3 components to help women obtain their desired beauty

1. Skin Restoration and Rejuvenation:
   AHA ･ BHA Salicylic Acid Mix : AHA of the skin (Glycollic Acid and Lactic Acid) gently removes dead skin cells while BHA (Salicylic Acid) softens clogged pores. As a result, the skin surface is cleansed and purified. The synergetic effect of these two elements reduces uneven skin tone and texture, making pores invisible.
   
   
2. Skin Health:
   With the application premium hand selected Shea Butter, Grape Seed, Green Tea Extract and Other Botanicals, the skins feels satiny smooth. Providing intense hydration the cream helps resort firmness and elasticity leaving the skin, smooth and supple with a natural glow. The elegant sent of white Lily & citrus creates a sense of wellbeing and physical relaxation.
   
   
3. Skin Transparency:
   The antioxidant component Tocopherol (Vitamin E) combined with Thioctic Acid will help excrete toxins, stabilize blood flood, gently rejuvenating skin transparency.

In addition, Retinal (Vitamin A), an essential element for skin formation and function, is also added to the formula. As a result, skin cells are restored and regenerated, decreasing wrinkles around mouth and forehead, both particular areas of concern for most women.

Vitamin B Complex (B2/B3/B9/B12) is also found in our potent cream blend.

Working from deep within the skin layers, nutrients are restored to a perfect balance allowing for continued optimal cell turnover for truly immaculate skin."

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My Delias Haul

Omg! Remember when I blogged about this? I just have to announce that I AM ABLE TO USE MY CREDIT CARD TO BUY FROM DELIAS NOW! I still can't use my Paypal account. I'm now thinking - is it because I used an INTERNATIONAL bank's credit card? Previously I kept trying to use my PBB bank card. I used my UOB card to purchase from Delias and ALL IS GOOD NOW. All is good. I was so surprised when the payment went through, haha.

I bought all my stuff from the sales rack. If it's full price, I don't want it. Personally, think I got quite a lot of good deals. My only regret now is that I didn't buy the Hogwarts college jersey! Dang! Totally forgot about it. :X

Cute graphic tee. I think I've mentioned multiple times that I'm a fan of their graphic tees?

My boyfriend has a collection of Spongebob shirts (I even bought one for him!) so I decided to be matchy with him with the Hawaiian Spongebob shirt. :D Honestly, won't even buy if not on sale wtf... cos I've only watched 5 episodes of Spongebob in my life and I've always thought he's retarded. (He is, isn't he?)
Now this one I'm not ashamed to admit... I find "Friday" darn catchy. Sometimes when it's *really* Friday (like today!), I will catch myself going, "Ohhhhhhh.... yeah yeahhhhhhh...". HAHAHAHA. The song is darn catchy la. And I think Rebecca Black is cute!

I know many may not be a fan of the "ethnic" prints, but I find it uber cool, and the cutting for this dress looks nice and flattering. And it's cheap ok! The end.

I have a severe lack of knee-length skirts. Most of my skirts look slutty now because I have either grown taller (not possible), butt became bigger / hips became bigger (so the skirt gets hiked up further to cover the larger expanse FML) or shrunk. So ... need something plain and simple. I would wear pants, but I just look bad in them, trust me...

Another skirt - this one is pleated chiffon in coral with polka dots. I hope the ang moh in the pic is tall cos I'm looking for something above the knee, not something mid-thigh. Mid-thigh for me means my UNDERWEAR will touch the seat when I sit down. Omg, the imagery is too disturbing for me.
Random cute top. Bought mine in a super bright pink though. Can't seem to save the pic.

Yep, I do like ethnic-y prints. Yessiree.

I also like simple blouses like this one! I'm also starting to like white a lot, and stocking up on a lot of white colored clothes. I hope this is not the "shu nu" side of me appearing after so many years!

Another random slouchy top. Gaining weight, so slouchy tops are the way to go for me... hide all the unsightly stuff!

Cutesy and sexy at the same time!

Overall rather satisfied with my haul for 11 items, can't wait til they arrive! Maybe only regret (aside from the missing Hogwarts top) would be having too many blue shirts! Been massively spending a lot because I'm trying to make myself happy in other areas of my life. Quite upset over other things that have been happening. I know, retail therapy is not a solution, but it sure feels good at the moment.

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Dermal Apricot Collagen Mask

My second Dermal mask! I think I have at least another 5 more. Well, when there's mask on sale, I'm always sure to grab more than one. Dermal is one brand that I'm glad my greed paid off! :)

Sorry for the bad picture, didn't realise my hands were shakey! Anyway, as previously reported, Dermal masks have a few good points, namely :
* a lot of essence in the packet! Not stingy at all
* a pretty good fit for my face!
* the scent is awesome

The apricot scent for this mask is divine! It reminds me of the (more expensive) My Beauty Diary Apricot mask. It's a very natural, fruity scent. Nothing overwhelming or fake-y about it. Total thumbs up for this. I would buy this mask again just for the scent!


The Apricot Collagen mask says that it will make your tired skin more moisturised, relaxed and clear. Personally, I found it rather enjoyable to use (maybe because of the scent), so I did feel more relaxed. Not particularly SUPER moisturising (seriously, I've only found the "very moisturised" effect using MBD masks)... but not a bad mask considering the price.

Looking forward to reviewing my other 5 Dermal masks! :P

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