[Review] Althea Petal Velvet Powder

I was really excited when I got to know that Althea came up with the first of their very own product range, the Petal Velvet Powder! Using the national flower of Korea as the main ingredient, it has many benefits which is:

• Contains natural antioxidants that protect the skin's barrier from dehydration by increasing moisture levels.
• Protect the skin from effects cause by sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation
• Helps to repair damaged skin cells and restore elasticity to premature aging skin.

[Review] Sudio Regent Wireless Headphones

Latest on its range, Sudio added a wireless headphone evolving from the previous wireless earphone range. Came boxed in a big white box with red ribbon tied onto it, it was definitely bulkier than the previous package. Upon unwrapping, the box contains:

• Sudio Regent (headphone)
• Owner's Manual
• Guarantee Certificate
• Charging Cable
• Aux Cable

KAO MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask Review

Looking at the computer screen for long hours cause the eyes to feel tired easily. Especially in this world of technology, many factors affects the eye health. KAO MegRhythm is a product from Japan that helps relieve tired eyes. 

Veet Sensitive Touch Electric Trimmer Review

While attending the Veet Sensitive Touch workshop previously, I also had the opportunity to test out the product thanks to Veet Malaysia! After trying it out for a few weeks, below is my verdict on this product!

KOSÉ Lip Gel Magic

Lipsticks are a tricky thing especially with staining and most of the time the colour fades off after a while, which I have to reapply constantly. Imagine staining the coffee cup, wine glass and sometimes the lipstick even transfers to the food!

Christmas Tea Party with Summer Délice

The weather has been chilly recently with the heavy rain and looks like it is going to be a wet Christmas! A tea party would be perfect for this jolly season! Whether it is an afternoon tea party or a post-dinner tea party, you can spend more quality time with your friends or family with a warm cup of tea for everyone, some snacks and watch some Christmas movies or play some games with them to chill and relax :)

A Healthy Christmas with Amazin' Graze

Re-inventing the traditional Christmas flavours into a modern & healthy way, Amazin' Grace recently launched their Christmas range! Available in gift sets and also sold individually, these yummy treats are not to be missed! I received the Peace gift box which contains 3 items.

Enchanteur Paris Personal Care Range

Famed for its French inspired fragrance, the ENCHANTEUR PARIS body care products are infused with fine fragrances to provide women with an overall freshness. With the humid and hot weather in Malaysia coupled with hectic lifestyles, us women always slather on lotions or serums to protect our skin daily. The ENCHANTEUR PARIS is available in 3 mesmerizing scents.

[Review] Sudio Vasa BLÅ

[Review] STAYOUNG The Amazing Animal Mask

I have been spotting some Animal Face Mask in the market for some time now but never really gotten to trying them as I still have my usual face mask in the house. However, I got the chance to try them out after STAYOUNG sent me a few samples of their The Amazing Animal Mask series.

[Review] Sudio VASA

Named after King Gustaf Vasa who lead the Swedish War of Liberation during the 16th century, Sudio VASA is Sudio's latest premium earphone model. Boasting a new generation of 10.2mm driver, the user is able to hear every detail in every instrument, in every song, giving an extraordinary sound experience.

[Review] Sudio TVÅ Earphones

Sudio - an earphone brand originating from Sweden. The name Sudio came about when one of the founders spotted musician Phil Collins in New York having problems with his headphone. Similar to the frustration most headphone users are having, the founder couldn't offer any better solution at that moment to Phil and could only utter out his sentiments which were: "trust me I know the feeling". The name sudio is an homage to Phil Collins song Sussudio.

I was very fortunate to receive a pair of TVÅ earphones from Sudio which was delivered to me all the way from Sweden! Sudio has two products which is Klang, specially for Apple products and the TVÅ which is suitable for all smartphones & tablets. Check out what's inside the box!

Packaged nicely in a box, it comes with an owner's manual, 1 year warranty card and a quick start guide. The boxes are designed in a minimal yet elegant way. 

Inside the packaging also comes with a genuine leather carrying case which is a plus point as I get to keep my earphones neatly into the casing without any worry of damaging the earphones. Embossed with Sudio's logo, the gold button definitely adds sophistication to the casing.

Not forgetting the TVÅ earphones which is packed nicely into the box and comes with a metal clip which is very useful to clip the wire onto your outfit if you don't want the wires to swing around when you are on the move. Most importantly, you can also reach out to your earphones easily when it is clipped onto the outfit. 

TVÅ is Swedish for number "two" which represents the synergy between  bass and treble. The earphones allow air to enter the ear  channel for those who prefer the spatial experience. It comes in four colours which is brown, orange, black and white. I went with the white as it is the colour that easily compliments the outfit no matter what colour or pattern. Also, I fell in love with the gold details on the earphones. Its timeless elegant design is suitable for every day and every event.

Sudio earphones are mostly handmade for most part of the production process as they value the importance of craftmanship.

What's different about the TVÅ is that the plug is L-shaped, which is designed to fit perfectly into the pocket. Compared to those vertical/straight up plugs that most of my earphones have, the L-shaped plug does not poke me whenever I sit down.

It also has an extremely light weight construction, making the earphones easy and comfortable to wear. The earphones, despite it being light weight, drives a powerful 14.2mm dynamic driver which is perfectly tuned for music lovers.

This is the one button that serves as a multipurpose remote for you to:

• Play & pause music (1 click)
• Answer & reject phone call (1 click - but when rejecting a phone call, you'll need to hold onto the button longer)
• Skip to next music (2 clicks)
• Skip to previous music (3 clicks)

Behind the button is also a mic for you to speak through during a phone call :)

I've been using the earphones for over a month now and I am still in love with it! The quality of the sound is really good where the bass and treble is well balanced and I could go on listening to music for hours and be absorbed into my own little world. I brought it along with me during my Taiwan trip and used it to listen to some music before I go to sleep. The clarity of the sound helps me soak up all the lovely music and relax further.

TVÅ retails at RM149 for is really value for money if you ask me. The design & quality is great and it's fashionable too! I also don't have to worry about the cords tangling and bring it where ever I go as TVÅ is made of flat anti-tangle cord.

Sudio provides FREE worldwide shipping when you purchase through their website at http://www.sudio.se/en/store. So hurry over now! Also, here is a special discount code for you! Just key in Lichuen15 upon your checkout to receive 15% off your purchase :)

For more information on Sudio, you can visit their:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

[Review] Mario Badescu Skin Care

Recently, I was sent 2 products from Mario Badescu courtesy of Luxola! I have heard about the brand before from one of my favourite YouTuber Essie Button but never had a chance to try it out! The 2 products I received from Luxola were the Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion and also the Mario Badescu Silver Powder.

Mario Badescu Skin Care begun in 1967 when Mario opened his salon in New York City to develop his signature skin care product line. He spent many years doing research in his laboratory and testing his innovative product in his salon, and the result of his hard work can still be seen today. Morio Badescu Skin Care line are botanically-based, which is expertly designed to keep the skin luscious and beautiful.

The Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion is said to fight against oily build-up and bacteria that can cause acne. It is a refreshing, disinfecting and deep cleansing astringent/toner that is effective in drying up existing acne blemishes while preventing new eruptions.

[Direction of Usage] Use twice daily after cleansing the face. Apply lotion to a cotton ball/pad and wipe skin in an outward direction until cotton comes up clean. Avoid eye area. Suitable for combination and oily skin.

Using natural ingredients to draw blackheads, excess oil and other impurities from the skin, the Mario Badescu Silver Powder is super effective in combating t-zone shine, decongesting pores, and balancing oil in the skin.

[Direction of Usage] Dip a water-dampened cotton ball into the powder and press onto nose, chin or other areas where pores are clogged. Remove after 10 minutes with a toner or astringent. Use 1-2 times each week. Suitable for all skin types.

Let me show you how I use this two products hand in hand!

After cleansing my face, I will press the damp cotton pad onto the Silver Powder and then swipe it evenly across the face. I would advise to do this in the toilet as it gets pretty messy during application with the powder flaking off the cotton pad as I applied it on my face. Another option is to place the powder on the lid, add a few drops of water and make it into a paste. This way, it is easier to apply on using your fingers or a brush and you wouldn't waste as much product as the cotton ball/pad direction tend to make the powder clump together and fall off easily!

The Silver Powder will dry-off after 10 minutes. If you have combination skin, applying it on the T-Zone will suffice but if you feel your pores are clogged, you can apply it on those areas as well. After my trip back from Taiwan, my skin was really clogged and had those little bumps which made me very anxious. Luckily this product had arrived when I got back and I tested it out immediately!

After waiting for 10 minutes, I will use the Special Cucumber Lotion and clean the Silver Powder off my face.

Usually I will use two cotton pads soaked in the size of a 50 cents coin to make sure all the Silver Powder is removed fully.

After removing the Silver Powder, I will follow up with my usual skin care product to keep my skin moisturized!

[Verdict]

Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion: This toner/astringent is very mild and does not irritate my skin and so far no pimples have surfaced during this 2 weeks which is why I am happy with it. Some of the pimples that was going to surface on my T-zone was reduced, which I believe is due to the help of the Silver Powder as well. However, I try not to apply too much of the toner on my skin, as it contains alcohol which will make my skin dry. Therefore, I apply it moderately.

Mario Badescu Silver Powder: One of my least favourite product from this range due to the messy application. When I first read the instructions, I was pretty surprised as it being a powder form, things are sure gonna get messy! And I was right. I guess there are trial and error in applying the product and so far the paste method has worked for me. Being messy aside, this product has greatly help decongesting my pores upon my arrival back from Taiwan. I guess it is due to the cold weather over there and my skin was not used to it. During the first application, I did not notice any big changes but after consistent use, the bumps on my skin has been reduced except for the ones my my chin. Those are pretty stubborn but I am definitely looking forward for my skin to be clear again!

If you are interested in purchasing Mario Badescu Skincare, there are good news for you, my readers! Use the code 'BLX-STRINGS' during your checkout and you get to receive 15% off on all first-time orders! This code will expire on 3rd June 2015! This coupon is not valid on non-discountable brands as found on Luxola FAQ Page.

[Review] Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream

Recently, I received a package from Natta Cosme and it was for the review campaign I was selected for! Spot the cute envelop :) Besides the product, I also received a vintage hair bow and a powder puff!

Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream SPF40 PA+++ (40ml)

When I first received the product, I was asking myself what is a blemish cream? I thought it was a tinted cream that helps to combat spots. After reading further on the product description, I finally realize that it is a BB cream! It is made in Korea and approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KDFA) for its 3 functions certification which is mainly:

1. For Intensive Sun Block

2. Blemish Balm

3. Whitening/ Wrinkle Care/ Sebum Control

The product also does not contain paraben, is alcohol-free and cruelty-free (no animal testing).

The blemish balm is a light brown/beige colour which gives the skin whitening and wrinkle improvement effect while retaining the natural skin tone! It contains sodium hyaluronate which is the sodium salt of the widely known hyaluronic acid. As the particles of sodium hyaluronate is smaller than hyaluronic acid, it helps to keep the skin moist and supple, making the skin look younger.

[Direction of usage] Apply after basic skincare routine. Blend evenly with fingertips and gently pat into skin.

Sometimes, I apply it using my fingertips but most of the time, I use the Cerro Queen Natural Emulsion Powder Puff to apply the Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream instead of using my fingers as it is easier to blend the cream onto my skin evenly using the sponge.

Before & After

What I really like about this product is that it gives a natural dewy finish without the grey undertone that most BB cream does. It also brightens up my skin which makes me look more lively instead of a zombie. Hehe...

However, it has very light coverage which you'll need to apply more layers if you'd like the coverage to be better. When my skin has no breakouts, I would go for the blemish cream without any concealers which is sufficient. But if I had breakouts at my chin or any other areas of the face, I would apply additional concealer to hide my pimples.

My mom even complimented me and said that the Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream looks really natural on me! Additionally, I would brush a layer of powder to keep my T-zone from being too shiny as I have combination skin.

Another thing to take note is that the product will tend to spill out a little if you put it down without closing the cap which is what happened to me. Always remember to close the cap after squeezing out the appropriate amount on the back of your hands or put it in a vertical position!

For more information, check out Natta Cosme's:
Website | Facebook

24/7 silky soft skin with NIVEA!

Does your skin feel tight and itchy sometimes? This is a sign that the skin is dehydrated and you will have to moisturize your skin. However for me, I dislike putting on body lotion as it takes super long to absorb and it has a tendency to leave my skin feeling sticky. Therefore, I skip body lotion almost everyday except when my skin feels scaly where I have no choice but to apply it. I have a love-hate relationship with body lotions.

According to research, 70% of Malaysian women do not apply body lotion everyday! As a global skin care brand that thrives for driving innovation, NIVEA now has made body care easier for everyone!

NIVEA has discovered a unique water-activated formula that works on wet skin. When the skin's wet, it would be the best time to moisturize because the nourishment absorbs easily through open pores to fully moisturize and repair dry skin. This product is called NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner, the 1st rinse-off body lotion that helps women keep their skin moisturize!

Thanks to NIVEA, I received a whole bunch of goodies for myself, as well as to give it to my friends to try out the products!

NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner is a convenient new way to moisturize skin while in the shower. After cleansing your body with shower gel, rinse it off and apply the skin conditioner, and then rinse off again. There are different variants of the NIVEA In-shower Skin Conditioner specially formulated for different types of skin!

NIVEA In-Shower Intensive Skin Conditioner

Specially formulated for dry skin, the formula contains rich nourishing almond oil to leave the skin feeling noticeably softer and smoother.

NIVEA In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner

If you have dull skin, this is the variant for you! It is enriched with 50x Vitamin C from Camu-camu, which is known for its natural antioxidants and skin lightening properties. It retails at RM18.90 (250ml) and RM24.90 (400ml).

NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner

For those with normal skin and want added moisture, this variant is enriched with Sea Minerals to leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated. It retails at RM16.90 (250ml) and RM22.90 (400ml).

NIVEA In-Shower Smooth Milk Skin Conditioner

Enriched with shea butter, it is specially formulated to nourish dry skin. The result is an irresitably smooth skin feeling without any stickiness or waiting around.

If you don't fancy the In-Shower Skin Conditioner, you can always stick back to traditional body lotion or body milk by NIVEA!

NIVEA Intensive Moisture Body Milk

Suitable for people with dry to very dry skin, it claims to give dry skin visible moisture within 7 days. Enriched with highly concentrated Vitamin E, the new non-sticky formula repairs dry, rough & cracked skin. Together with Grape Seed & Avocado Oils, it provides effective and natural care for softer and smoother skin.

NIVEA Extra Whitening Skin Therapy Body Milk

Comes with SPF15 for sun protection, it is for people with skin who look dull, dark and dehydrated. It is formulated with 50x Vitamin C nutrient formula from natural Camu Camu that help to protect the skin and repairs 10 sign of dull & sun-damanged skin. Suitable for all skin types.

NIVEA Express Hydration Body Lotion

Suitable for people with normal to dry skin, this ultra light formula absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves it soft and supple immediately. It also has a unique formula with Sea Mineral and Hydra IQ to supply moisture all day long!

As my mum is a big fan of body lotions, I let her try the products!

NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Lotion

Formulated with valuable Argan Oil to intensive moisturize the skin to leave it smooth and beautiful all day long. It acts as a powerful moisturizer and supports the natural skin balance providing a light, fresh scent. This product has NO parabens, silicones, colorants or mineral oil. It contains 95% natural origin.

NIVEA Body Intensive Moisture Serum SPF 25 PA++

Extra light and non-sticky serum formula that absorbs quickly into the skin that provides UVA & UVB protection against sun damage and pre-mature skin ageing. With 100x concentrated Vitamin E and Grape Seed Extract, it repairs dry skin in the moist efficient and natural way.

NIVEA Q10 Plus Age Defying Hand Cream

Smoothing hand cream with Coenzyme Q10 visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use. It also helps to prevent first signs of skin aging. The UVA/UVB-filters help to prevent sun induced age spots from developing. Suitable for people with dry hands.

NIVEA Smooth Nourishing Hand Cream

Rich hand cream with Macadamia nut oil that strengthens the skin's protection barrier whilst keeping the hands and cuticles smooth and soft. It keeps the hand moisturized all day long with its Hydra IQ formula. Suitable for people with dry hands.

My mom love to use hand cream especially after dishwashing to keep her hands moisturized and soft! Occasionally, my dad will use it too as he has dry hands.

In conjunction with International Women's Day! I am giving away some products for my readers. 10 lucky winners will stand a change to walk away with ONE product of their choice. All you have to do is:

1. Like NIVEA Facebook Page.

2. Like Strings of Memories Facebook Page.

3. Follow Strings of Memories via Google Friend Connect.

3. Comment below with your name, email, which product you would like to win and why.

*Winners will be contacted by 31st March 2015.

Below are the list of product that I am giving away! Choose only ONE! :)

• NIVEA In-Shower Intensive Skin Conditioner (400ml)
• NIVEA In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner (400ml)
• NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner (400ml)
• NIVEA Intensive Moisture Body Milk (400ml)
• NIVEA Extra Whitening Skin Therapy Body Milk (350ml)
• NIVEA Express Hydration Body Lotion (400ml)
• NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Lotion (400ml)
• NIVEA Body Intensive Moisture Serum SPF 25PA++ (350ml)
• NIVEA Q10 Plus Age Defying Hand Cream (100ml)
• NIVEA Smooth Nourishing Hand Cream (100ml)

p.s: There is also a giveaway on my Instagram (@lichuen) where you can win NIVEA products also! :)

2015 Weekend Spa Routine

I always treasure my weekends as time seems like fly by especially when I am busy working. Most of the time, my weekends are spent recuperating at home or spending time with my family. Personal well-being is definitely one of my top priorities in life! Pampering myself makes me feel good :)

Starting off with my crown jewel, Biolange SmoothProof cleanses my hair and controls the frizz, which gives me smooth hair all day! Of course, I will need to use the conditioner & serum as well. It wouldn't work with just shampoo alone! Moving on, I will use the Garnier Sakura White Pink Radiance Gentle Cleaning Foam as it deeply cleanses my skin. Just a pea size and it really lathers well and the scent is lovely too! This formula is suitable for sensitive skin which is suitable for me as it does not irritate my skin :) A moisturizer is very important after cleansing the face which the Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Moisturizing Cream provides with a blend of Sakura Extracts, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin CG to nourish the skin deeply and help to lighten the skin tone and dark spots. It also has SPF21 properties which is great for day time usage.

To boost the skin's moisture, I will apply the Glam Glow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment which is a hydrating mask that provides deep instant hydration. The product looks creamy but when applied on, it goes on smoothly. It does have a sticky feeling though but it's not uncomfortable or anything. I also experience a tingling/cooling sensation after a few minutes. It contains many moisturizing ingredients like ground olive leaf, coconut oil, honey blossom honey and ginger root, botanimoist ams, hydraclay, oat beta glucan, hyaluronic acid and citric acid. Usually, I just apply it on for about 20 minutes and then wipe it off with a warm cloth instead of leaving it on the whole night.

Face masks is essential to lock in the moisture and let the skin further absorb the benefits! Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask does the job by further hydrating the skin. It contains the next generation 3D hyaluronic acid which claims to hydrate the skin from beneath the surface for 24 hours of long lasting moisture retention. I can't vouch for the 24 hours moisture thing but my skin definitely feels softer, smoother and plumped after putting on the mask for 15 minutes! Another option is the Nature Republic Snail Solution Hydrogel Mask Sheet. Snail extract is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare products which claims to regenerate cells and moisturize the skin. This mask really sits well onto the skin due to the texture of the gel mask which also gives a cool feeling to the skin without the need of putting it into the fridge first!

Not forgetting the body, it also needs some additional moisture to keep the skin smooth and moisturized! I take in particular consideration for the hands as it is constantly exposed to all forms of elements! The L'occitane En Provence hand cream is really handy for me to bring around to keep my hand constantly moisturized and the scent is lovely too! I would also apply the hand cream on the dry area of my elbows as well!

To keep myself refreshed throughout the day, I always carry around the Always 21 Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist which contains 96% of aloe vera. Especially under the air conditioned environment, the skin tends to get dry and this gel mist helps to keep my skin moisturized and refreshed. Not forgetting the unforgiving hot weather lately, I also use it to sooth my skin from the heat. 

That is all for my weekend spa routine! Any products that you'd recommend?

Kee's Creampuff @ USJ Taipan

Kee's Creampuff has been around for some time now and I always hear people talking about it but never had to time to go. Once of the main reasons is due to parking which is a problem especially during weekdays where there is literally no parking in the area. So my friends and I decided to drop by during the weekend afternoon where we managed to find a parking spot.

Menu on the wall!

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon so we had time to decide on what we wanted.

Black Sesame Cream Puff! I am not a fan of black sesame but my friends said it is good.

The classic cream puff is a must have!
Also, I couldn't resists ordering the durian cream puff which is amazing!

Beside the usual creampuff, we decided to try out their savoury range which is the Mashed Potato with Beef Strips and also Curry Chicken with Walnut. But honestly, the savoury range isn't as impressive to me. I still prefer my creampuffs sweet :)

Kee's Creampuff @ USJ Taipan

30-G, Jalan USJ9/5Q, 

Subang Business Centre,

47620 Subang Jaya.

Opens:

Tues - Fri: 10am - 9pm

Sat: 10am - 8pm

Sun: 10am - 7pm

(Closed on Mondays)

They also have another branch in Bangsar. For more information, you can visit their website at www.keescreampuffs.com.