Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts

Saturday, October 17, 2015

{sponsored} LipHop *NEW* Sunscreen series for adults and children.

Let's be honest, finding the perfect sunscreen isn't easy.
From the very expensive ones right down to your drugstore brands, some leave you with a white film on your face, some leave your face looking like a grease-pan without you even sweating.
I've tried numerous - from Shu Uemura to Nivea, and STILL I am constantly on the lookout for THE ONE.
The one that won't leave my face sticky and oily, the one that won't burn a hole in my pocket, the one with the right SPF index and all.
When will my perfect one appear?
 
I was invited to LipHop's media launch, but because I could not attend it, the fabulous girls from LipHop team couriered over their complete new range of LipHop sunscreen and sun care products to me!
I'm stoked!
 
Let's see what we have here:
Liphop sunscreen, sun protection, sun care products sponsored review Singapore blogger Mumzilla Veron Zhen

Hypoallergenic formula at SPF50 PA+++ specially made for KIDS, SGD$9.90.
Water and sweat-resistant makes it the perfect companion for swim lessons and outdoors fun.
If you have kids like mine, you know that the great outdoors is inevitable and they DO sweat A. LOT.
It is so thoughtful of LipHop because now I can say "bye bye" to their previous brand which is thick and sticky.
I want my children to smell like summer, not chlorine, thanks.

SPF80 Pa+++ Ultra-whitening sun protection lotion which contains *Melavoid, SGD$12.90.

* Melavoid™ is a natural, lightening active ingredient that decreases skin tone evenly and uniformly, thus reducing the number of different types of hyperpigmentation spots. 

SPF115 PA+++ Super Defence EX Sun Protection milk, SGD$12.90, for double protection for those of you active and sporty ladies.
I'm neither sporty nor active, I can't run to save my life, and the last time I climbed stairs or swam was ... I cannot remember already.
But I will use this when I need to be out in the sun with my children doing their childreny activities which unfortunately often involves some sun.

SPF50 PA+++ Lightweight sun protection spray, SGD$12.90.
Unique, non-sticky formula gives it a powdery finish.

After sun exposure, treat your skin to some thirst-quenching with this 100% Aloe Vera after sun gel, SGD$7.90.


Liphop ultra-whitening sun protection lotion singapore blogger
I tried the LipHop SPF80 PA+++ sunscreen as I intend to replace my Nivea for my everyday sunblock.

Let's see this lotion work it...

Liphop ultra-whitening sun protection lotion Singapore blogger


Photo not edited for imperfections, facial tone an flaws left as is.


Liphop sun protection lotion Singapore bloggers
The white lotion is light and absorbs into skin immediately, leaving no whitish film or shiny sheen on my face.
It has passed my skin absorbency and after-cast colour test with flying colours :D
Love it!

Now I shall let my children be the guinea pigs :P
Let's do some outdoors activities.

 LipHop Kids Hypoallergenic SPF50 PA+++ Sun protection lotion.

Liphop kids hypoallergenic sun protection lotion Singapore blogger sg kids, SMB

 Only the tested arm has sunblock. No sticky and white residue.

Letting the kids go scoot-free! #lame

I'm quite the drugstore girl - drugstore brands work great and cost so much lesser than their designer counterparts.
I use KATE face powders and Canmake eyebrow pencil, Canmake blusher palette etc as I really love browsing the beauty and makeup products all at once in drugstores.
Right now, I will add LipHop as my other drugstore must-have item!

LipHop sunscreen and sun care products are available at your nearest Guardian Pharmacy.
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Sunscreen FAQs
Is high-SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen better than a low-spf one?
Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s rays.
Currently, there is not any scientific evidence that indicates using a sunscreen with an SPF higher than 50 can protect you better than a sunscreen with an SPF of 50.
It is also important to remember that high-number SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs. A high-number SPF does not allow you to spend additional  time outdoors without reapplication. All sunscreens should be applied approximately every two hours

Are spray sunscreens safe?
The challenge in using spray sunscreens is that it is difficult to know if you have used enough to cover all sun-exposed areas of the body, which may result in inadequate coverage.
Never spray sunscreen around or near the face or mouth. Spraying adequate amounts of the sunscreen into your hands and then applying the sunscreen can help you avoid the fumes while also ensuring adequate coverage. When applying spray sunscreens on children, be aware of the direction of the wind to avoid inhalation.

How can I protect my baby or toddler from the sun?
Sunscreen use should be avoided if possible in babies younger than 6 months.
Ideally, parents should avoid exposing babies younger than 6 months to the sun’s rays.
The best way to protect infants from the sun is to keep them in the shade as much as possible, in addition to dressing them in long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Make sure they do not get overheated and that they drink plenty of fluids. If your baby is fussy, is crying excessively or has redness on any exposed skin, take him or her indoors.
 
For the rest of Sunscreen FAQs, please go to American Academy of Dermatology for more information.


P.S. all photos taken with the new Olympus OM-D E-M10Mark II, which is currently on loan to me for review purposes. Hope to post a justified review of the camera soon!

 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Beginning my journey as an oily mummy: About Young Living essential oils

Hi all! I received requests from some readers who are on my FB list, to share more about my experiences on Young Living essential oils. I hope this will be beneficial to you if you are considering using alternative healing methods for your health instead of the conventional drugstore method.
 
A couple of months ago, I began my journey into using essential oils.
Every one of us are no stranger to essential oils. We burn them, we diffuse them, we use them in spa and facials.
My knowledge about these oils were limited to that - burning, diffusing and using them during spa.
To me, essential oils were widely and readily available, at very cheap prices. Heck, even car perfumes claim to use essential oils! Lavender, lemon, peppermint, who hasn't seen them?!
 
So who would spend hundreds of dollars on essential oils?? Are you out of your minds?!
That was exactly my reaction when I was first introduced Young Living essential oils.
I came to know about Young Living through my home-massage lady, who uses them in her massage regimes.
Out of small talk, she let me try different oils and told me about their different uses.
And out of curiosity, I enquired about their prices and my eyes nearly popped out of my sockets.
*$66 for a 15ml bottle of Geranium?! $111.50 for a bottle of Frankincense!?!?! What!!!
*prices quoted are wholesale member price.
 
 
Being the kind of stubborn shopper I am, I did a search on my favourite website www.iherb.com and Google, and found that there were tons of different types of essential oils at a tiny fraction of the price.
 
Still unconvinced about YL, I did further reading-up on shared materials by online YL users, which made me realise that there are different types of essential oils and their differences can be illustrated below:
source: Pinterest
 
What is the difference?
The difference is quality.
 
 
 A light bulb lit up in my head and I decided to give YL oils a go.


 
My family and I have been using Young Living oils for a couple of months now and we all love it.
Andy drinks 2 drops of Lemon and 2 drops of Grapefruit in a glass of water every morning on an empty stomach. I use Frankincense/ Lavender/ Geranium on my face for a trouble-free complexion.
Adam and Ashton use Thieves for their immunity against germs (especially in pre-school!), and Lavender, or Peace & Calming for bedtime massage.
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During the first week of June holidays, Ashton was circumcised so for his wound care and pain management, I needed something which was hardworking and does all the job at once without having me to fuss over a cranky toddler. Imagine fumbling with the different bottles of EOs on a raw, freshly-circumcised penis. Not fun! 
It should also come in a handy spray bottle for easy dumping into diaper bag for on-the-go power during diaper changes.
 
 I came up with the following recipe:


To put my faith of Young Living essential oils to the test, I decided to stick to my guns (or oils, in this instance) for the healing of Ashton's circumcision.
I diligently sprayed my Da Bomb concoction on his penis every now and then as long as I am free/ can remember. I did not at all rely on any antibiotic or Panadol medication which was prescribed, and the result was a text-book style healing where his Plastibell ring fell off after 1 week and his penis has since healed beautifully, without the use of any medications.
*Sorry, no photos of penis to show!
 
I also found the Da Bomb to be super useful for any imaginable condition! The spray bottle also makes it so convenient to use.
Antiseptic for grazed knees? No problem.
Nappy rash? No problem.
Cuts and wounds? No problem!
On some nights out of sheer laziness, I spritz it on my face as skincare (after using on the kids) since Frankincense and Lavender are in my skincare regime to begin with!
I would recommend diluting the EOs with carrier oils when using for young children and babies. 
 
I hope the above write-up has been beneficial to you, whether you are new to the deeper usage of essential oils, or are already an expert in it.
Will try to share more if I have time. As you also know, I have a full-time job and a blog on the side, with 2 pesky children whose jobs are to prevent me from having any available me-time.
 
Till then :)
 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Less is more: achieving that dewy look.

My poor Adam is down with fever for 2 days in a row now, and I foresee it's gonna be another long night of sponging, temperature taking and Panadol-feeding.

I decided to use this time to do a bit of blogging and found some backlogged photos of my recently purchased mineral foundation. Makeup is seldom talked about on my blog, not because I don't apply makeup, but because my makeup regime is mostly barely there.
I'm lazy and my mornings are crazy. And I'm a sucker for the dewy, un-made up look.

My package from Everyday Minerals arrived in the mail!

From left to right: Matte base mineral foundation, concealer, and Kabuki brush.

Everyday Minerals foundation coverage:

Although it is in powder form, I am surprised at the amount of coverage it provides even when used alone.
I use it alone on days when I want to let my skin breathe, and over Maybelline liquid foundation on days I need more coverage.

If used alone, I first apply a thin layer of sunscreen makeup base, then I use concealer on my freckles and dark circles.
After that, I use the Kabuki brush to pick up the powder, and then press on gently but firmly on the middle of my face and slowly dust in a circular outward motion.
Repeat the steps on entire face until desired coverage is achieved.


I like that it doesn't clog pores and plus I'm a big fan of mineral and natural makeup stuff... so... I'm quite easily sold on this one.

I've only used Everyday Minerals for as long as I can remember as my mineral powder foundation and have never tried other brands from Sephora because I'm very happy with EDM.

 
 Next up, I would like to share with you my favourite drugstore brands of basics:
Bourjois concealer stick in 1 shade lighter than my normal skin tone; MAC concealer in NW25 (1 shade darker than my skin tone); Maybelline Dream Matte mousse foundation, and lastly, Maybelline Pure Eraser Mineral liquid foundation.


Maybelline Pure Eraser Mineral liquid foundation coverage:

 It's very sheer and does little to provide you any coverage, if at all.
However, I am into my 4th tube now, and I love it as a base for my EDM powder when I need extra-lasting coverage from morning till dusk and no touch-up.
Plus, it comes with SPF27 PA+++ so I can basically skip sunscreen.
I like that it comes in a twist tube with a sponge applicator for easy application.
Firstly, I apply dots on my forehead, nose, and cheeks and blend with a separate sponge.
Just a small amount goes a long way because after that I will still dust on my EDM powder.
Once blended onto my skin, I apply concealer: the darker shade first on the freckles and dark circles, then lighter shade on top to achieve the shade closest to my skin tone.

Once concealer is applied, I dust on my EDM powder to set but I use lesser amount than I would if I used EDM alone.
 Next, my new purchase from Watsons: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation.
I bought this simply because I was itchy-backside and wanted to try something new.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation coverage:
 
 
 Due to its mousse texture, the application can be tricky but the trick is to start off with as little as possible and build your coverage up.

It provides more coverage than Maybelline Pure Eraser mineral foundation, but the downside is that it does not provide SPF and also, it doesn't look as natural as EDM or Pure Eraser foundation due to its thicker coverage.

But I would use it for functions and dinners.

Yeap so that's all to my barely make-up face.

I like drug store brands for the convenience since I hardly go to town.
I also like fuss-free make up that do not take up a lot of my precious time in the mornings.
 Now it's time to tend to Adam again. He's coughing non-stop and lost his voice.
Vomited some phlegm out, twice, in the span of my typing this post.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that Ashton does not fall sick too.

I'm ready to crash.
 Good night!
 
 

Thursday, April 4, 2013

[review] Ginvera Hair Gro Essence for postnatal hairloss

 ** Warning: The following pictures can be disturbing. You are therefore cautioned to proceed at your own risk!
 
Mummies, about the time when your baby is 4 months old, do you experience severe postnatal hair loss like me?
If yes, then this post might be helpful to you.

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During CNY period, I posted these photos of my hair dropping out in clumps.

This is the result of all that hair loss. Horror of horrors! 
 
Balding patches on my crown and sides as a result of 2 months of continuous hair fall. Gasp!

Thankfully, I found an excellent and cheap product which saved my hair during my first pregnancy, and good Lordy, I managed to find this wonderful hair tonic again after 3 years!

Presenting. . .

Ginvera Hair Gro Essence: an affordable and effective hair tonic for minimising severe hair loss, and promotes fast re-growth.

Comes in a black glass packaging, rather unassuming, and not widely available, therefore it took me great pains to find it again. And I'm glad I did.

After just 1 month of nightly use after shampooing, I see baby hair growing. Yayness!
Tip: I squirt the tonic directly onto my scalp and massage immediately after toweling dry my hair.

The regrowth is about 1 inch to 1.5 inches long after just 1 month of using. I have not even finished the bottle of tonic yet!

Can you see baby hair along my hairline and notice my bald patches are significantly reduced at the parting area??
Did you know?  

I like that Ginvera Hair Gro Essence is made of 27 natural herbs and 6 mineral extracts such as bee pollen, ginseng, and aloe vera.
 It is formulated with bio energy and micro molecules to allow full penetraion of the essence to the hair shaft and the root, thereby encouraging blood and oxygen circulation to the scalp.
 It has a strong herbal smell but that smell does not linger.
I usually wash and dry my hair, apply the tonic, and leave it on till the next morning and by then there is no more strong herbal smell.

When use as directed, Ginvera 168 Hair Growth Essence promises to help control hair loss in just 7 days and promote hair growth in 30 to 90 days.
For me, I see the results in just 1 month.
 
 Best of all, no need to break your bank going for expensive hair treatments. Thumbs up!
So Mummies, if you are facing postnatal hair loss and are at your wits' end, this might just be the product to save your crowning glory :)
 
 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

[sponsored review] KOSÉ INFINITY

About 2 weeks back, I received a set of KOSÉ's newest products - full-sized INFINITY range of whitening lotion and serum for blog review purpose.
Thank you KOSÉ Singapore for your generosity because I have started bringing Adam for his weekly swimming lessons and also, from our recent family cruise, as well as an upcoming fishing trip, I have been exposed to the harmful rays of the sun!
The inevitable sacrifices of parenthood isn't it??
 
I have been using KOSÉ INFINITY products religiously every day and night for almost 2 weeks now, and would like to share with you information about this popular Asian brand's new range.
 

Applying INFINITY Realizing White Lotion as a first step after washing my face. The lotion has the liquid consistency and translucency of toner, and is rapidly absorbed into the skin simply by patting onto clean face.
I always do it when my face is still slightly damp after washing as my pores are still open.
 

2nd: Just a tiny amount of INFINITY Realizing White Serum is enough for the entire face. Likewise, I apply this serum vaguely onto my entire face and then pat my whole face till everything is absorbed into the skin. Even though the consistency is thicker than the Lotion, it still gets abosrbed very quickly. My face is not sticky or oily after applying this! 
 
I even packed these babies in my luggage for my cruise trip! Used a clean Ferragamo shoe bag for them hehe. Diligently using this product :) 
Using patting motions for application instead of rubbing (adopted from Hada Labo's method). I have senstivie skin to begin with that's why I always swear by Organic products because I break out easily but after using KOSÉ INFINITY for 2 weeks, my skin is brighter, more radiant and most importantly, no breakouts!

Can you see the overall skintone of my face is slightly pinkish compared to my hands which are yellowish??
I love, love this product!
 
Kojic acid is one of the main ingredients compounded in INFINITY Realizing White XX range. It has a small molecular size and discovered over 100 years ago. In 1988, Kojic acid was the second active whitening ingredient after Vitamin C, approved by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
 
That's not all. As an introductory offer, KOSÉ is giving 10% off their INFINITY range (from now till 30 April 2013).
 
 
Have you Liked KOSÉ Singapore's Facebook page yet? Register for your very own Infiinity Deep Protection UV Sample now with SPF 50+ and PA++++. Also, participate in their lucky draw and stand a chance to win their hamper.
KOSÉ Singapore Facebook page

 
 
 Thanks for reading my skin whitening experience and hope you found this review useful :)

Friday, March 22, 2013

Sponsored review: KOSÉ Infinity whitening

Guess what came from the courier man today??

A sponsored set of KOSÉ's newly launched whitening range - Infinity Realizing White Lotion and Infinity Realizing White Serum.
I'm excited and extremely thrilled at this timely gift because Adam has just started swimming lessons not long ago and I've been under the harmful noon sun since.

In their pristine packaging which I absolutely cannot bear to open... Hee!

Homework for Mumzilla: reading the product information they sent me.

I will review it after I'm back from my family cruise and fishing trip with the husband.... so do stay tuned :)
Have a happy weekend Mummies!
 

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Beauty review: Dr Jart+ from Luxola

Hello fellow Mommies. What is the condition of your skin?
Is it somewhat dry with oily T-zone like mine, and speckled with freckles / pigmentation?
Ever since I became pregnant some 5 years ago (4yr old Adam plus some 9 months gestation), my skin has become prone to freckles and also very dry on some areas (corners of lips, eyes, cheeks) and oily on others.

Recently I received Dr Jart+ samples and found them to be not bad so I purchased some products from Luxola.com to try.
Superb next day doorstep courier with COD option from Luxola! I ordered Dr Jart+'s new range: Pore Medic. Bubble foam, Peeling gel, and Re-tightening mask.

I'm gonna try them that very night... heh.. My after-work face: with mineral makeup on since 7AM this morning - more than 10 hours of a dirty, oily face!

After using my Origins oil-based makeup remover which is tough on my smudge-proof Shu Uemura liquid eyeliner, I used Dr Jart+ Bubble foam. I love that it lives up to its promise of cleansing thoroughly without stripping skin of moisture. No tight and parched feeling on my face after rinsing off.

Description of bubble foam: Experience deep cleansing and thoroughly wash away the day’s damage with Dr. Jart Pore Medic Bubble Foam. This gentle yet effective skin-friendly cleanser uses an original dual-bubble mechanism that creates both large and micro bubbles specially formulated to help your skin feel its best. Large lather cuts through dirt and oil, while the smaller bubbles clean pores, creating a pore tightening effect. Patented ingredients control sebum and help to reduce the appearance of large pores, leaving skin fresh, firm and ready to go!


After that, I actually skipped the Peeling Gel and went on to use the Re-tighening mask because the instruction says to leave it on after washing face for 10-20 min before washing off with warm water. Therefore I applied and left it on while I showered and washed my hair.
** This was my FREE gift-with-purchase from Luxola, yeap, a full-sized mask. Happy! Thank you www.Luxola.com  :)

Description of re-tightening mask: This all natural, deep-absorbing clay mask has been specifically formulated to target the T-zone and other oily areas to control sebum, black heads and tighten pores whilst supplying moisture and nutrition to maintain brighter, smoother and clearer skin.

This is my scary face fresh off the shower and without any makeup. Can you see my freckles at the corner of my left eye?? Pregnancy-induced or result of being driven home at 5PM, I'm not sure.

One thing's for sure, I'm trying Dr Jart+'s V7 VitaLaser high performance whitening treatment to target freckles and pigmentation.

Description of V7 VitaLaser: This super concentrated treatment helps to improve the appearance of pigmented, uneven skin tone. It reduces the appearance of blemishes, freckles and irregular pigmentations while working to brighten up dull and dry skin. The powerful combination of 7 vitamins encourages the regeneration of new skin cells while protecting damaged and sensitive skin.
A regenerative blend of 7 essential vitamins help restore damaged skin back to normality
Key ingredients:
+ Vita 3 Complex – Helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation caused by acne, sun damage and delivers high levels of anti-oxidants
+ Vitamin B3 Niacinamide - Improves skins resilience, improves cell renewal
+ Vitamin B5 Panthenol - Aids wrinkle prevention
+ Vitamin C Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate – Helps to protects the skin from UV damage, helps maintain skin resilience with anti-oxidizing agents
+ Vitamin E Tocopheryl Acetate - Anti-oxidant agents help prevent skin ageing and improves elasticity of dry skin.
 
 
I've only just started using this VitaLaser for about a week, and the Pore Medic range today, so hopefully I will see some improvement on my skin condition and freckles lightened after 1 month usage.
Mommies are often out and about in the sun because that's where our children often end up being! No matter how strong or how good my Sunblock is, it is inevitable to be exposed to some harmful rays due to sweat and prolonged exposure.

We're packing up for a cruise and subsequently a fishing trip come April so that means even more fun in the sun! Hope to come back with reviews after my continued use of Dr Jart+'s products!
P.S. Will try the Peeling Gel next to remove dead cells :)