[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

Pimp My Chu Lip Workshop @ KARE Cafe

Work has been hectic for the past few months, but I am glad that I was able to attend the 'Pimp My Chu Lip' workshop organized by The Butterfly Project and Mentholatum. Held at KARE Cafe in One Utama, the cafe was filled with cute display of customized Chu Lips!

Take a look at these amazing drawings! So talented!

Mentholatum is taking the Chu Lip lip balm to the next level by getting Chu Lip fans to pimp up their Chu Lip lip balm and personalizing it! 

"The Chu Lip lip balm has a distinctive design and attractive colours which makes it desirable and extremely fun. There is so much you can do with the Chu Lip lip balm apart from caring for your lips. Let your creativity run wild when you pimp up your Chu Lip lip balm. Call it Mr Man by attaching a mustache or turn it into a pink belly dancer with accessories and bling" said Ms Elaine, from Mentholatum.

Us bloggers were given a table full of materials for us to pimp up and personalized our Chu Lip lip balm. There were colourful marker pens, washi tapes, ribbons, blings and many more for our selection! All we had to do was be creative!

Bloggers hard at work! We had one and a half hours to complete our artwork and prepare it for judging. The top 3 winners got to walk away with Baby G watches! Of course, my design was really weird and the rest of the bloggers one were really creative!

Stay tuned for my Chu Lipreview soon!

For more information, visit Chu Lip'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?

Carlsberg Sets Sail into the Year of the Sheep

Chinese New Year is almost here! Recently, I was invited to Carlsberg's CNY campaign launch celebration that was held in Oasis Square, Ara Damansara. I love how they used the wordplay of 'sheep' & 'ship' where they ushered in the Year of the Sheep with a nautical touch. Carlsberg symbolically embarked on a ‘smooth’ journey into the Year of the Sheep by setting sail in a regal ‘Carlsberg Smooth Sailing Ship’ to mark the auspicious occasion of a new beginning.

Carlsberg is championing ‘smooth sailing’ by inspiring its consumers and customers to stay positive and embrace a smoother new lunar year. In this spirit, Carlsberg’s CNY message of “Smooth sailing in a year of abundance” was brought to life through a resplendent Chinese treasure ship towering up to 18 ft and spanning 28 ft in length, complemented by three billowing sails that displayed the Chinese character (順) which means ‘smooth’.  For a smoother start to the year, the brand’s CNY consumer promo is also giving away cash rewards and making one lucky person its inaugural Carlsberg Millionaire.

The water feature in Oasis Square certainly proved to be a perfect setting for the ‘Carlsberg Smooth Sailing Ship’. Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, Henrik Juel Andersen, unveiled the campaign by igniting a dragon cannon that set off the hoisting of the ship’s vivid red and gold sails to the percussion beat of Chinese traditional drums and a lion dance performance that culminated with dazzling fireworks.

Andersen said, “The year 2014 ended on a sombre note, with economic challenges, heart-breaking tragedies and unprecedented floods that have affected many people emotionally, physically and financially. In spite of the odds, it is with faith and hope that we embrace new beginnings and fresh opportunities for a year of smoother sailing.”

At the launch event, guests were also invited to board the ‘Carlsberg Smooth Sailing Ship’ and spin the ship’s ‘Steer of Fortune’ to win CNY giveaways. In keeping with Chinese customs and to give consumers an auspicious start, its CNY consumer promo was giving away RM13,888 ang paws to 38 lucky winners, from among whom one lucky consumer will become the Carlsberg Millionaire and RM1 million richer.

The nationwide search for the Carlsberg Millionaire is well on its way, with several winners already taking home the cash prize of RM13,888 each. To win the windfall of RM13,888, one needs to find the Chinese character (順) printed on the bottle caps of any large bottle of Carlsberg, Asahi Super Dry or Royal Stout purchased at participating outlets. Alternatively, one can also purchase the 24-can Carlsberg festive pack from participating supermarkets and hypermarkets and look for the congratulatory message printed on the base of the tray.

For additional chances, Carlsberg fans can take part in the Carlsberg ‘Guess the Coin’ contest online, at www.carlsberg-cny.com.my. Simply guess the number of gold coins forming the image of the ‘Carlsberg Smooth Sailing Ship’. The most accurate entry will win a year’s supply of Carlsberg that could also contain a lucky ticket to win RM13,888 and be in the running to be the Carlsberg Millionaire!

For more information on the Carlsberg Millionaire contest and other festive activities lined up, visit www.carlsberg-cny.com.my or www.facebook.com/CarlsbergMY.

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.

2015 Make Up Routine

As usual, I will say time flies! Its 2015 already and we are already heading towards the end of January. February is another short month where I foresee it is going to pass in a blink of an eye! Especially with Chinese New Year coming around, there is so many things to prepare!

Anyway, I would like to share with you my makeup routine that I usually go for. I don't wear makeup often as it my skin breaks out pretty easily. I am more of a skincare type of gal and I often let my skin breath as much as possible, but here is my simple & basic makeup routine!

Usually, I started by prepping my face with concealer or sometimes foundation (depending on my skin condition) by trying to conceal away those dark circles and pimples! Then, I will move on to eyeliner where liquid eyeliner is my favourite choice. I have used Dolly Wink when I was in college which was introduced to me by a friend and absolutely loved it!

As time passed, I moved on to using other brands as well but recently revisited Dollywink again as it was part of the Butterfly Project Beauty Box that I received last year. One of the main reason I like Dolly Wink eyeliner is because of its intense black colour and also their thin tip which makes application an easy one. I am able to build up the eyeliner slowly without much error.

It is pretty much smudge proof and stays put throughout the day. However for my case, my eyelids get pretty oily and sometimes it smudges off easily towards the edge of my cat eye flick which irks me. Till today, I still haven't found a brand of liquid eyeliner that is extremely waterproof and smudge proof except for the Elianto eyeliner that was discontinued few years back.

After applying eyeliner, it is time for the lips to be prepped! I would start off with lip balm to keep my lips moisturized before putting on lipstick. With Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm, I am able to keep things simple. It is both moisturizing and adds a lovely colour to the lips which saves me time whenever I am in a rush. The colour pigmentation is pretty sheer and suitable for an everyday look which gives pop of colour to my lips :) 

Sometimes, I would add on lip gloss to give my lips a more glossy finish / plump look. The Hotlights Lipgloss from Collection is very unique as it has a built in light which is super convenient especially during the night when you are in a dark-lit restaurant or washroom. It is also equipped with a side mirror which I found it pointless as the mirror is not really clear where you can't see the shape of your own lips perfectly. 

Whenever I am in the mood, nail polish is my go to item! I don't usually apply them on my fingers as I am a very rough person which I have mentioned many times before. So I only apply nail polish on my toes. The Maybelline Colour Show nail polish in Pink Voltage (#010) is a pretty sheer pink nail polish which needs to be layered up to at least 2 layers for the colour to show.

Here's my complete makeup look! Products used are:

1. Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner (Black)
2. Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm (Pink Shock)
3. Collection Cosmetics Hotlights Lipgloss (#4 Sparkle)
4. Maybelline Colour Show (#010 Pink Voltage)

What's your 2015 makeup routine?