Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hello! I'm back with my June vlog 🙈
A few videos to catchup! June started with me doing my hair and hanging around with friends at Botanica+Co. Expect tons of food shots as I spent the month makan makan with friends and the fam.
June was also the Dragon Boat Month so I had zongzi or sticky rice dumplings too. There are quite a lot of variations to this but I only tried the one I'm familiar with _ mixed with beans, pork and salted egg yolk.
You'd also notice my obsession for magnetic eyelashes is still there LOL. Obligatory products with affiliate links:
Hello! I'm back with a long overdue April & May vlog. As usual, life happens and so I needed to prioritise. I vlog about a few new restaurants I tried with my friends and the Borneo Native Festival that took place at Pasar Seni.
I bleached my hair at the saloon for the first time in years too! As some of you know, I usually DIY hair color. Like I have many videos on that 🤣 I wanted to do really light yellow blonde, something which I haven't achieve with box dyes. Also it's for the sake of making sure my hair remain healthy.
In May my obsession for magnetic eyelashes peaked and I bought a few for myself. I even blogged about the lashes I own. That's something considering I haven't write a beauty review in a while! Obligatory products with affiliate links:
I also shared what a life as a cat parent is like. Mostly buying toys the baby cat doesn't appreciate, grooming and vet visit. Anything for the baby cat tho 🤷🏻♀️
I shared what foods do Malaysians (my friends and I Lol) buy from a bazaar ramadan and local night market. March was the start of the fasting month in Malaysia and with it marks the month long ramadan bazaar with tons of food food. This year I had the chance to go to the bazaar a handful of times to savor all the yummy foods I've been missing since the lockdown.
Besides that, I also shared the time where my friends and I played tourist in one of the night market and tried a lot of night market foods. So really lotsa food in this vlog hahha.
The rest are excerpts of my March life in Malaysia. From visiting a small coffee event at Isetan KLCC, having coffee, shopping on weekends and so forth!
I haven't review beauty products in yearsss but I need to share this with you girlies who don't like to do makeup. Even at this age, I'm no fan of putting on makeup bc I find it troublesome whether to apply or remove.
This one particularly is false eyelashes. I've attempted falsies many times with glue and failed rather miserably. Even until today I haven't master it! Mascara is my go-to and there are a lot of good ones. Only thing if you don't use them frequently, many times they'll end up dried up and clumpy mess.
So introducing _ MAGNETIC LASHES!!
I've always wanted to get my hands on MLEN but find it really overpriced, I think RM250? I did get my hands on two pairs from MLEN and another from WOSADO. WOSADO has been turning up on my TikTok alot, and goodness I have a lot to say about this brand!
So you see I opted for MLEN, mostly because their designs are less of the spikey sort, more lashes plus they're arranged at angles to give the natural look. Also bc they're the first brand of magnetic falsies I know of. The OG.
After buying MLEN Retro Goddess, while it looks amazing in photo, IRL make me look super gyaru which isn't a look I'm into now. I've grown outta it LOL. Still, I'd recommend this for photoshoots. FYI Retro Goddess falsies length is between 10-14mm.
From there I learn that I prefer the shorter lashes, anything 12mm and shorter but still with more lashes and natural arrangements so I bought MLEN Natural Beauty and WOSADO Silky Black. These are winners for natural looks and I LOVE them! The downside is they don't show much in photos.
Just comparing them in a single photo, obviously MLEN Retro Goddess has the most drama. As for MLEN Natural beauty and WOSADO Silky Black, their falsies arrangements are almost similar but MLEN has more fullness to it.
Lashes applicator
One tip, so both these brands come with falsies applicators (aka glue aka falsies thickener) for you to apply before putting the magnetic falsies on. This works to keep them in place especially more if your natural lashes are thin. It also helps when you chose a heavier magnetic falsies. With Wosado Silky Black, I could totally skip this. With MLEN Natural Beauty, I could do without but better if I want to guarantee it stays. With MLEN Retro Goddess, I DEFINITELY have to apply. Like my natural falsies can't hold it leh and I have almost 10% success rate.
So if you have trouble putting on magnetic falsies, it's most probably the weight of the falsies or the lack of natural lashes to hold the falsies.
Final Tips
The other thing I want to share about putting these on is how to get them sticking really close to your eyelids. For me, the outer corner of the falsies tend to be the not close enough or sticking out. The solution really is to ensure the applicator is touching the outer corner. Maybe its just a me-thing but I somehow only focus on the inner corner.
My Verdict
To sum everything up, the BEST falsies with good magnet, EASIEST to apply, hands down WOSADO got it right. Like absolute chef kiss. It's so-o true when the say you'd get it right at first try! In fact, I have 99% success rate putting on WOSADO than MLEN! Still love MLEN designs, if WOSADO actually have similar ones I'd hands down choose WOSADO.
But yes, MLEN pouch and applicator is pink so it's cuter. Plus, MLEN has more natural-ish full falsies design but they can be pricier and you can only find few to a handful shops selling them. WOSADO do seem to put a lot of thought into their falsies case and quality of the lashes. They're also very viral now (for reasons I told you) so many shops sell them.
So yessss, for all the girlies who struggle with DIY glue falsies, this is it. Magnetic falsies are godsend!
Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Somehow I got lotsa qs from my videos (I made 3 videos!!) on my experience going through several laser treatment and so I thought I'd share it here. Apparently there are few people sharing their experiences online? I do come across a few but will try to put down the commonly brought up qs in this blog.
Video #1
Video #2
Video #3
Anyways do watch my vids bc I did put down my experience, opinions and some tips right after my treatments. Also if you want to see some first hand behind the scenes or what to expect since I didn't save many photos.
As the title suggested, I am covering my experiences doing the facial laser, more commonly known as the fractional C02 laser and subcision aka needling since I've only ever tried those.
I have NOT tried microneedling, acid peel, pico laser nor other procedures.
Jumping straight into the frequently asked questions about laser treatment~
Why I choose to go through lasers?
I have very severe, deep scarring from itchy fingers. I was told the last time to get rid of acnes is to pick at them. So if you don't want to go through these, DO NOT pick at them! There are so many great acne care products these days. Save you the money and pain too!
Where have I gone for these treatments?
Ting Skin Clinic at Jalan Imbi for both fractional C02 laser and needling besides regular consultation for hormonal acne. I think I did 3 regular acne consultations (once a year frequency). Then maybe 3 laser and 1 needling, all separate occassions.
Nexus Clinic at Wisma UOA II Jalan Pinang for fractional C02 laser for scars and minor mole removal; and also needling. I did the mole one first. Then did BOTH needling and laser in a single session. It was brutal but result shows lah.
How much do they costs?
I usually do partial face (without covering forehead), fractional C02 laser for about RM1K per session, needling under RM500 per session in both clinics.
For mole removal, I think RM300 (I don't recall) at Nexus Clinic.
Price was back in 2022-23 and may have changed.
Which is better?
They're both alright bc I see result. Service wise, I gotta say Nexus.
Does your skin need to be pimple free?
Yes, if you have terrible acnes best to get then under control. Mild ones should be fine but feel free to consult the dermatologist.
How to get rid of the pimples?
I can say if you have oily or combination skin type, use 100% tea tree oil. Cream doesnt work for me. Not too sure bout dry skin bc tea tree oil can be drying.
Eat less oily or spicy foods and drink more water
For stubborn hormonal acne, consult the dermatologist
Does the laser and needling hurt?
Every single time.
Which one hurt more?
Nexus one. For one I did two treatment at once. The other I think they really use higher intensity. FYI typically intensity of laser is increased especially if you've gone through multiple sessions as I'm told.
How long is the recovery period?
The difference is the downtime aka how long it'll take for the Skin to recover aka how long you'll look like a raw raisin _ Ting Skin Clinic never exceeded a week bc they do keep their laser intensity low to medium.
Nexus took about a month. I look like a puffer fish the first week and red raisin for 2 weeks. The remaining week I still look flushed from the rawness of the skin.
What's the recommended number of times to go for laser treatment?
Depending on your skin condition. Can always consult the dermatologist.
What's the gap between your treatments?
For the first few times, it's about a year apart. I only went back bc vanity.
Then I didn't do for many years and randomly decided I'm not satisfied yet with my skin. Pandemic happened too. So for the two vids I made for Ting Skin Clinic, it's one month apart back in 2022.
In 2023, I went to Nexus with the intention of dealing with a minor scar on one spot on my forehead but got upsold and did my face lol. This was more than 8 months or so later.
What's the post-laser care like?
Gentle facewash/toner/moisturizing cream with non-active ingredients. The clinics do provide cream. For Nexus, they sell all those and will try to sell you. Their product is great bc yes, it doesn't hurt and calms your face even (the antimicrobial spray OMG yes) but at a very high price point for the amount. So you either get cheaper ones online or in pharmacy or just pay lol
Would you do laser again?
Hopefully not the 'invasive' laser type. Next time I want to do just 'treatments' kind. I heard some beauty shops offer facial mask, spa-ish, with minor laser treatment. Would love to try those!
At this point I satisfied with the result. Tho I said it the last time too.
Anyways, these are the common qs I'm getting but if you have more qs, just put them in my channel's comment. That's where I usually get notifications. I'll usually respond since I don't have many to deal with hahahha
This really isn't my new-est resolution lah considering I'm just planning to continue to be consistent with my workouts. I'm actually doing less since gotten back to office but would want to continue. Doing some is better than none anyways!
Some of the items suggested here are a personal favorite.
#1 Workout Mats
The workout mat is especially a good one! I have recommended them to friends again and again because of the quality and the price. Recently I spotted Forest Fitness with a new mat in white and I'm like OMG!!! Love this brand! The last time I wanted to get it they were sold out and even a few weeks ago I was checking again they were still sold out (after restocking)! Needed a new one because my old mat is showing signs of tear but it is an equally good mat. Prettier too because it has a marble print effect.
My criterias for a good mat are as follow:
1) able to absorb impact so it's quieter,
2) good grip & steady while holding certain poses,
3) easy to clean,
4) non-slip duh!,
5) affordable.
The only thing I traded was the weight since it is rubber which I didn't mind because I don't carry it out.
Similarly, I alternate with weights. This was recommended by a friend who thinks they're good enough for at home use and I agree. I chose thehexagonal weights so that they don't roll around. It was a good choice! Do note the maximum weight for the barbell is about 15kg and the dumbbells 10kg each so if you're expecting a heavier workout, this might not be for you.
#3 Massaging tools
I learnt that post-workouts aka cool down are important part of the whole workout. Nothing as fancy as a massaging chair but good enough. Sometimes I do a simple body gua sha, mostly concentrating on leg but I do head massages on myself too. My friend gifted me with awooden massage tool which turned out to be something very useful! It officially replaces the hand roller made out of plastic one I had.
The newest addition is this long foam roller in aesthetic white. I chose a long one per a friend's recommendation _ it works if you want to roll both legs or just the whole back and butt. The color is also nice hahahah! Matches well with the Forest Fitness mat in whiteisn't it. Yes, I think I love white/beige/neutral colors. But if they're dirty it shows *shrugs*
#4 Pilates Reformer
I do NOT own one yet but it is definitely something I've been eye-ing. A few moons ago, there weren't any sellers on Shopee with this product but now there are a few options. Even for those foldable ones! I needed to look at other options overseas but they were super super pricey! Like RM3K-20K! For under RM2.1K, I think these are quite affordable. Though at the moment, I'm still considering because
1) I haven't have time to spend on exercising and
2) with everything I own now, I think they're quite sufficient.
Of course 3) there are alternative workout moves that do not require a reformer.
January in Kuala Lumpur is still buzzing with festivities as we celebrate Thaipusam and preparation for the Chinese New Year in full swing!
I went to Bricksfield to try out some lehenga and bought some jhumka (Hindi for earrings). I think Indian jewellery shopping is so underrated, at least from a different cultural POV. I had fun browsing through all the pretty accessories! Now my IG and Shopee history and recommendations are filled with jhumka, kurti, sarees, Indian necklaces and so many more! 🤣 Would recommend anyone to go jhumka shopping!
I also made a shorts sharing the jhumkas I've bought here
Other than that I also spent time catching up and trying out new makan places with friends.
Btw, I made a collection of pretty Indian clothes and jewelleries here👉
Had to fix both my luggage handles which broke after being left unused throughout the lockdown. I bought them from Shopee link here. I'm glad there are many designs in one store. It was so tough to find similar ones!
Here are what I learnt from fixing them:
1) Ensure the handles design is similar. There are so many kinds!
2) Remove the handles from luggage and measure the length of the handles but more importantly, the distance between the screws.
3) KEEP parts of the old ones as spares. Especially the screws and the inner part of the handles.
I think the most troublesome part is looking for the right design and size. Of course there are luggage repair shops around Klang Valley but if you're a DIY and frugal person, I hope this vid helps!
A friend invited me to her Indian wedding so I find myself shopping at Bricksfield at the start of the year and thought it was quite an experience! Accessories shopping was one of the main to dos, the other was to find a lehenga _ cropped blouse with full twirly skirt and an Indian shawl called dupatta.
I was planning to rent from Saimika Trends, check out the two pretty lehengas I tried! Unfortunately I was too short and was literally dragging 4-5inches of the skirt even with the heels on! *cries
Still I thought they were all super pretty and if you're at least 160cm with any Indian theme occasions coming up, do consider renting from this shop.
Another option is to get your own bc you can find pretty affordable sarees or anarkali dresses. This one I wouldn't recommend unless you plan wear them often! Here are some of the pretty anarkali and kurti I found on Shopee. Some are dressy and some can be worn on casual basis. You can wear during Thaipusam, Deepavali, Merdeka, Hari Malaysia and anytime! There are dressier ones too:
Back to accessories shopping, I actually wanted a jhumka earrings, also known as jimmikis. Particularly one with distinct bell shaped earrings that I find absolutely pretty! I first took noticed in an Indian friend's wedding. Didn't have a reason to get them until recently!
Some of the jhumka I was considering before I got mine from Bricksfield.
I can really go on bc there are tons of pretty ones!!
I still have tons of recommendations for Indian clothings and accessories on my Shopee page and even IG LOL! Prints and patterns with cultural connotations always fascinate me!
Anyways the wedding bells are next month so only then I'll reveal my full OOTD!
I spent the last two weekends in December clearing the files on my phone and this vlog is one of the output LOL
December has been filled with festivities and tons of social get-togethers. This is truly the month for celebrations 🎊🎄🍾
I did most of the social gatherings at the start of the month so as to avoid the crowds or queues. True enough from friends and social media, everywhere is packed the past weeks. Even as I'm writing this I hear there are crowds ready to countdown!
2023 has been quite an adventure personally which is why vlogging has taken a few place down 🤐 Still, content creating has been fun and serves as a reminder for all the adventures and new things I've tried. Perhaps even something to reminisce in the future. I'm grateful of all the privileges I can enjoy while there are so many not so nice things happening in the world now.
I pray 2024 will be a better year for all 🙏🏻 Thank you and I wish everyone the bestest for the new year ❤
In the vlog I mentioned that I was disappointed at how the moka pot came with torn packaging and super dusty. Still, it turned out to be in good condition so I didnt find a need to return it. So far I've used it and am satisfied. I have been wanting to get it but previously they retail at over RM200+ which is why I hesitated.
I wouldn't say it produces strong espresso_ I'm told the pressure bar of a mokapot is a fraction from a coffee machine. The coffee it produces is slightly stronger than made with my Daiso dripper obviously.
Hear me out tho! The 3-cup mokapot somehow IMO produces enough for 1-2. I want to share it with a bunch of friends so its either getting a larger one (like a 6-cup) or just get more than 1 in a different design LOL. It'll be an interesting collection!
Update: I just checked the price and it's reverted to their original price of RM200++ *cry. So I guess you can reserve it for the next sale! I bought mine on 11.11 therefore the price.
Hello! Konnichiwa!
I'm Vivien, a fun-size Malaysian blogger now based in Kuala Lumpur.
I write about Personal Lifestyle, Reviews, Food, Shopping & Travel and everything in between! If you like what I'm posting, don't forget to leave comments or follow my blog~!(Ov<)-☆
