Meditree & Thursday Plantation's 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil Review

Every now and then I happen to find beauty products that work for me. It all started when I had one of the worse breakout recently. Don't know whether it is work stress, putting up late nights or just the expired facial masks I used but one day I got this hideous acne. The kind that is huge, filled with blood and puss FML. Off I head to the acne products aisle. I knew for sure creams do not work so I chose the 100% pure tea tree oil. There were not many choices available so I simply closed an eye and chose one, no kidding. I shared two brands but Meditree's Pure Australian Botanical Tea Tree Oil, retailing at RM30 for 10ml was my first pick.

The super unnecessary packaging that's double the product size

It took me a few days of religious applications to reduce the size of the acne. For the first few days I applied multiple times a day in hope to dry off the skin around the acne. Since the zit was so huge, it took a while before the anti-bacterial properties of the tea tree oil to get inside the acne to kill off whatever germs that was contributing to it. Since the zit is so close to my eyes, the tea tree oil stings my eyes even when I apply just little amount. After several layers of peel off skin exposes some pore and bleed the puss and blood out only did the acne reduced in size. I also try to 'push' out the blood gently so as not to leave a scar. Too many scars already! At this point, I am considering to go for another laser treatment *sigh*

Other noticeable observation is that the tea tree oil somewhat helped in controlling my combination skin_ my face is less oily by the end of the day. For the same reason, the tea tree oil doesn't dries up my skin too much but sometimes though, I do have flakes on skin around the drier part of my chin and forehead.

I also found I have much noticeable longer eyelashes. My eyelashes were rather short and especially the bottom lashes are unevenly distributed if not bald. The past few weeks however, they've appeared longer (some up to 0.5mm!). I'm loving the result, it looks like I put on some fake lower lashes HAHAHA! I look up online and found that "tea tree oil has proven natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in maintaining a clean, healthy scalp and strong, healthy hair follicles" which explains. Maybe if you have balding issue, can try some homemade hair remedy with the oil and other ingredients. Tell me if it works!

Thursday Plantation's 100% Pure Tea Tree oil was the other brand I bought after my Meditree's were used up (in less than a month!). I thought since they're both 100% pure tea tree oil, they should have the same function and result. Besides, Thursday Plantation was the only option available in 25ml for RM56.50 (RM49.90 in Aeon Wellness during sale). The 10ml one retails at RM39.19 (RM34.29 in Aeon Wellness during sale). Similar to Meditree, this too has the minty feel. However, there is a much woody, earthy scent (like all the weird men's cologne or wood-y scented candles) to this brand which took a while for me to get use. I still quite dislike it compare to the sweeter scent of Meditree's tea tree oil.

Conclusion, these stuff works and I'm loving it! It does take effort and several days for the result to show so my advice is to apply often on affected areas. Now that I have gotten my pimples under control, I am planning to include this into my routine but only during the night. While browsing, I noticed rosehip oil which claims to be suitable for all skin type. I have been interested in trying that out but have been advised against using it by beauty consultants due to my troubled skin type. So I have some doubts about spending RM50 for the small bottle! Well if I tried, you'd most probably see a post about it.

my first Hermo Malaysia Hauls

Today's post is on my recent Hermo hauls which just arrived! I ordered them last weekend but it took awhile to get to me. Like, six days. My usual expectation when it comes to online shopping is that my haul will arrive in one or two working day. That are usually the case with my other online purchaseslah. Unless I'm shopping from Lazada or Shopee, can take up to a month or two to arrive! The whole wait is no fun.

Only after making the orders did I realized that if  I had subscribed to Hermo's newsletters, I could have gotten RM15 off my first haul! Sigh, wasted! Sharing with y'all so you don't miss out on that promotion!

You probably have known that I'm trying to live the minimalist lifestyle, so I had to think twice, thrice (many times really!) before making this huge purchase from Hermo. The Hada Labo's toner and moisturizer are a must-have because my current beauty products just ran out! Besides that, I'm starting to need sunblock because well, I've been tanned a little too much lately. I am starting to feel annoyed because my tan takes months to heal and during the period I don't look good. The rest are really things I want and partially need. 

After  a whole lots of contemplation, comparing prices and reading reviews, I decided to purchase these items:-

#1 Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid (SHA)
Hydrating Premium Lotion

I purchased this only because I have to and at the same time Hermo was having a promotion where you can purchase 2 bottles of Hada Labo's premium lotion of your choice for just RM84.91! Quite a steal if you want to stretch your Ringgit!

Initially, I wanted to choose the Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Premium lotion AND the Retinol Lifting & Firming Milk as my second bottle but they ran out of it so I had no choice but to purchase both SHA Hydrating Premium Lotion. Still, I can't wait to try it!

Watsons & Guardian Retail Price: RM65.94 N.P. for a 170ml bottle 

Hermo price: RM84.91 for 2 170ml Bottles, N.P. 56.05 for a 170ml bottle

#2 Hada Labo
Retinol Lifting & Firming Cream

To compliment the Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Premium Lotion, I chose the Hada Labo Retinol Lifting & Firming Cream.

Apparently, this range is advised for women above 30 years old, but I really want to try! Of late, I'm obsessed with anti-aging products not because I'm seeing any but I want to maintain my looks. Damn vain hahahaha!

By the way, in case you're the kind of person who wants to keep your skin care regime simple, you can try the Hada Labo's 3D Perfect Gel which is cream, milk, essence, emulsion and sleeping mask all in a single tube! I haven't tried this myself because I purchased so many items already, perhaps next time! If you have tried, tell me how it went.

Watsons & Guardian Retail Price: RM74.43 N.P. for a 50g tube

Hermo price: Bought for RM74.43, N.P. RM78.90 for a 50g tube

~♡~

This time I actually bought some makeup products! I usually avoid purchasing them because I already have them but don't usually wear them but this year I find that I needed the primer and setting spray since I always have issues with my makeup not lasting long enough! I thought it was because I don't apply powder throughout the day until I read about primers and setting sprays. In fact, I just noticed brands like Maybelline and Rimmel started selling setting sprays off the rack which piques my interest!

Of late, I have also been obsessing over neutral color eye shadows such as shades of browns, pinks, and olive! Perhaps I should get a nude palette next and some reds or oranges, if I actually end up using this a lot HAHAHAHA! Gotta be more rajin to apply eyeshadow now. Most of what I have now are shades of purples and one shimmery nude ones. I wanted something creamy and matte which I can use for my everyday makeup.

#3 Sunplay Watery Cool Mist 

SPF 75 PA++

I find myself going under the sun a lot of late, even getting sunburnt in Cameron Highlands just when I'm starting to recover from my Bali-Nusa Islands-Singapore tan! Because of that, I have one hell of a tan right not, it's so hard to get rid of it OMG! I must have sported the tan for so long when I told my friends about it, they remarked I look like the usual me...

Lesson learnt, I decided to go look for sunblocks. I already have one which didn't seem to work so much and is about to finish so time to shop for a new one. So happen Hermo is having sale for this sunblock spray which was why I decided to include it into my purchase #Cheapo I wanted the 150spf ones but let me just experiment with this first!

Watsons & Guardian Retail Price: RM55.56 in 150ml spray can

Hermo price: Purchased at RM24.53, N.P. RM57.90 in 150ml spray can

#4 NYX Angel Veil 
Skin Perfecting Primer

I'm a bit worried because I couldn't try this before purchasing. That is because a lot of primer I tested in the drug store and makeup counters are so oily! It doesn't help that my face is the combination type and gets oily at the end of the day. I haven't tried this yet but crossing my fingers this doesn't disappoint!

Watsons & Guardian Retail Price: N/A

Hermo price: RM45.28 N.P.

#5 NYX Makeup Setting Spray 
in Dewy

This comes in options of Matte or Dewy. I always wanted to try the dewy (not oily!) makeup look and the reviews I have read mentioned this compliments all skin type which was why I decided to purchase this. Again, you will most probably see my review on this once I tested this!

Watsons & Guardian Retail Price: N/A

Hermo price: RM40.57 N.P.

#6 Chriszen Cleansing Water 
Face Makeup Remover

My sis asked recently, how do I remove makeup? I told her I just used my cleanser and don't usually wear one, probably to her horror.  Or not.

Finally decided to purchase the face makeup remover as my all-in-one remover. I don't see the need to purchase the face and lip/eye remover separately. If people tell me, "it's because the eye & lip ones are gentler," I probably won't believe them. Because I have tried several brands (years ago) which claims to be gentle but hurts my eyes like crazy when it accidentally sipped into my eyes! Such traumatizing memories...

Watsons & Guardian Retail Price: N/A

Hermo price: Purchased at RM13.11 , RM13.90 NP

#7 Solone Classic Eyeshadow Kit 
in #02 Fascinating Love

Been wanting a new eyeshadow in olive-green for ages! Recently, I'm all for neutral colors such as shades of browns (grey-brown!), mauve, olive, red and orange eyeshadows! With the upcoming events and weddings I will need to attend, I finally have a reason to buy this. Now that I bought this, I also need to be more hardworking in applying eyeshadow. 

Alright, so I read the review saying that the palette is about 11cm and thought it will be huge.  Too lazy to find a ruler LOL! Turns out to be fun size like myselfloh.

Watsons & Guardian Retail Price: N/A

Hermo price: Purchased at RM69.90, N.P. RM74.09

I was actually contemplating between this Solone Classic Eyeshadow Kit versus Mont Blanc Eyeshadow Kit which you can find in Watsons for RM65.94. 

The latter is slightly bigger in size compare to Solone's (Initially I thought they will be the same size!) yet at the same time cheaper! Though I do think the kit is too bulky to carry around and with the size of that thing, it will take forever (no kidding!) for me to finish the palette (I have yet to finish any eyeshadow palette I own). Not to mention, this makes good self-defense weapon. 

The other difference is that Solone came in 8 different shades compare to Mont Blanc which has 6 larger eyeshadow pans.

~♡~

These are why it is so expensive being a lady! I think my most worthwhile purchase are the Hada Labo's premium lotion and sunblock spray which I save an average of more than RM10/item compare to if I buy them in the pharmaceutical stores!! In the contrary, the NYX purchases are quite a splurge! I wanted to get the NYX primer & stay spray when Hermo has them on sales but I really need them soon so had to purchase anyway. Oh well, all these stuff will probably last me a year, more if I start feeling lazy to use them HAHAHAHA!

Part 2: The SK-II Verdict

Finally blogging about my SK-II experience. The last time I wrote about this product was back in June 2016 and I bought the beginner's set which consists of a mini bottle of toner, a medium-size bottle of Pitera essence and a mask which price at RM199. During the two month period, I noticed positive results from my then beauty routine, my skin texture better and much more smoother. But it took me another 5 months to decide on getting the full size ones because of the price and because I personally have tons of beauty products LOL!

Last December, SK-II were having this festive collection consisting of the full-size Pitera essense and free full-size toner,which was super worth it I decided to grab one. The SK-II sales person sorta gave me a lecture for not using SK-II consistently. Well, I'm not that rich yet.

Of course I even took the chance to get my skin tested :) The result were better than my previous one so much that the sales person asked me what's my regime like. If I remembered correctly it's Innisfree's cleansers, ZA's toners, Naruko's cream and Innisfree's Olive lotion.

**Yellow dotted line and percentage at bottom is June 2016's reading while the white dotted lines and top percentage is most recent reading in December 2016.

Today's post is also to answer several Qs as well as to share my observation from using SK-II.


What are the results from using SK-II?
Better skin texture and skin more tout :) Doesn't do much to my pores or perhaps it takes a little bit more using to notice further difference.


Is SK-II really effective?
You will notice the SK-II sales people have great skin, and most people who use them for a long have equally dewy-ish skin. Even my friends!

Any negative effects?
It dries the skin on my hand because I usually apply the Pitera Essence with my palms. It did not dry my face though, but I have combination skin.

Also, using SK-II must be a regular one because the result is not permanent, HOWEVER, I can't be too sure because the first time with the beginner set, I only used it for two months and the test result was different too.


Can anyone use SK-II?
Maybe not. I have seen negative reviews online but I believe this is solely because everyone has different types of skin to begin with.

If you have read my first SK-II review, you will remember I mentioned this too. My friends have observed that SK-II seems to be more suited for people with bad skin while those who have naturally flawless skin seems to have bad reaction towards it LOL. This is just from our observation, you don't have to take my words. After all, you won't know until you try.


How long before you notice the difference SK-II made to your skin?
A week or so. Again, it differs with different people.


Is SK-II really worth it?
Pricey but yes! If you still can't afford it (I can't afford them always), wait for the next festive sales. I am estimating the large size ones can last you seven months or so :)


Can men use SK-II?
Yes! Go check out the Men's Collection!


Do you need to use SK-II continuously to maintain the results?
Unfortunately, yes. SK-II is quite an 'investment' but who can deny their almost flawless result?

Is SK-II for everyone?
Ok, so there is a legend that goes, if you have originally flawless skin (I'm envious!) SK-II will cause negative results like a breakout or something. This is very true to some. Here's my theory behind this so-called legend: SK-II is drying. Which is great for those with oily/combination because it makes your skin less oily. What happens if you have dry skin and use SK-II? Probably not the greatest idea. 

Just a post-disclaimer: I personally LOVE SK-II and am in no way defaming SK-II but simply giving my bloody straightforward opinion on why SK-II is not for everyone or some people. This is also derived from my observation when using SK-II. I will definitely continue using SK-II because it works for me.

~💚~

If you have any further question, feel free to comment and I will be happy to answer you :)

My Maiden SK-II Journey

Hello~!

Today's post will be about SK-II!



I've been wanting to try this FOREVER for sake of getting smoother skin. Most people who use SK-II  seems to have baby smooth skin and I'm so envious! Even the promoter whom I chatted with have super dewy smooth skin! Asked how long she has been using SK-II, she replied 10 years *mouth drops* Hopefully I don't have to wait 10 years to get similar result LOL.

Same goes to my ex-housemates and everyone who uses SK-II, they have such pretty skin!

So walah, this is the trial set I bought~!







Didn't dare to spend on the large size bottles yet because I've came across both positive and negative reviews on consumers who used them so I can't be sure if it suits me.

I actually discussed this concern with my friends and one of them came up with an odd theory about SK-II _ that SK-II isn't suitable for those who already have flawless skin. Weird, huh. She took example of a Hong Kong or Taiwan actress who has troubled skin but her skin condition improved after using SK-II. And that her friends who have beautiful skin seems to be getting breakouts after using it.

It took me a few months after our discussion to actually try SK-II. For one, I was contemplating between another skin laser surgery or SK-II. I already had skin laser twice and while they do make my skin smoother, they didn't solve the problem like 100%.

So I went and got my skin checked and here is the results.





OMG my skin is 32-year-old. *Freaks out*



I also scored miserably on firmness power. And all this time I was so proud of having supple and firm skin. Not sure betul (Malay for correct/true) or not.



Since I only started using this early this month, I haven't notice any huge difference (yet) and I did have breakouts around my chin/upper lips area but I wouldn't assume it is because of me using SK-II. I know I have crazy raging hormones LOL that have been giving me this issue!

So far I've used slightly over 2/3 of the toner and close to half bottle of the essence so I'm assuming the toner will last about 6 weeks and the essence about 2 months or more if you use it sparingly. Apparently I don't hahahaha.

Both the toner and essence has an organic-ish if not slight chemical-ish scent. Not too bad but I was sort of turn off when I first tried it. I mean, I didn't imagine it to be like that LOL. But it's not like some alcohol-based toner that takes a long time getting use to, I pretty much got used to it after a few times.

For the toner, I was advised to used a square cotton applicator as the toner works to remove dead skin cells and so wiping it off would be the most effective. I did as told and this is what on the cotton after wiping my entire face.

Pretty yucky eh. Though without a microscope I can't confirm they're dirt or dead skin cells LOL



For the essence, I see no need of using a cotton applicator but the liquid evaporates of quite fast so unless you prefer to take your time applying and want to make sure you do so evenly, use the cotton applicator. I prefer the latter as well.

So like I said, I can't really feel much difference yet and to check if my next skin test result has improved and that the earlier results were no mere gimmick, I have decided to get a test again but in a different branch. Also, I'll see if my friends' notice any difference the next time I meet them because I'll be meeting a bunch of different set of friends I haven't seen in a while. Will update you gals on this in Part 2 together and another post for theSK-II mask~!

Ukiyo-e's 31-Day Luxury Blend Essence Charcoal Mask Review

Happy weekday, I hope you're happy hahaha. Mine was rather hectic so much that I was doing some work on Sunday (Saturday was my day out)...

And yup, I'm back with another review of a product that I'm not sure if anyone heard of because you can't find it in any Malaysia pharmacies or cosmetic stores. I haven't heard of it until a few weeks back LOL. Went to Isetan KLCC the other day on the way to meet my friends and so happen I chance upon this counter (on one of the ladies' fashion floor, I don't remember) selling Japanese beauty products which I don't remember seeing. There were also a number of promoters there and several other people so I went to 'kepo' and check out what all the hoo-ha was about.

One super energetic promoter started telling me all about the products and patiently answered my questions. Out of my obsession for masks, I went and splurge on this Luxury Blend Essence, All in One Essence Mask from a brand called Uukiyo-e which costs me RM155 for this huge pack of 31 masks!

They're gonna take me forever months to finish, 4 months if I keep up with my twice a week masking (it's usually once a day for me it's back to once a day wth).

Not related to this review but together with this mask, I bought a cleanser which was also super recommended by the same promoter because of the 'high fulvic acid' content. I have not used it yet but will be reviewing about it when I do (Ov<)-☆

Mount Fuji depicted in a ukiyo-e-ish painting~! I just figured out the brand name means "pictures of the floating world" or Edo-style paintings in layman terms. I don't wanna elaborate it further here so Google it to find out more LOL.

Anyway, if you do the math, it's about RM5 per sheet which I think it's super worth it le, with all the luxury ingredients _ Gold, Royal Jelly (Me love!), Charcoal, Pearl, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Q10, Arbutin, just to name several of their main ingredients!

This is just one of the few choices of five different masks in huge packs that they have. I opted for this because according to the promoter, the other 2 doesn't suit my skin type. For this Charcoal mask range, there are two choices, one is made of luxury ingredients mentioned above while the other is made mostly of organic ingredients.

The content looks like this, with each masks arranged side by side making it convenient to separate one from the other. The bag is the zip lock sort so it is resealable.

The masks are like, opaque black... You can't even tell my facial expression whether I'm smiling or not. I was smiling LOL.

I didn't feel any difference until my second masks. The most obvious effect is my lips feels more plump, more like swelling after that. The lifting and tightening effect is strong with this one, oh yeah.

On the other hand, I can't really feel any difference on my face but I'm deducing that's just because I'm no stranger to tightening/lifting sorta masks. Not bragging, but I'm proud that my skin's feels pretty taut. But then, yeah, I'm still at quarter life, so thankfully my skin isn't sagging yet LOL. Gonna wanna maintain this until I'm 35 #lifegoals

The salesperson I met recommended this mask in replace my night beauty routine as these masks works as a lotion, moisturizer, all in one. After trying, I say nay, weeks ago the weather was so hot and drying, my skin felt so dehydrated. I ended up slapping on moisturizer anyway!!On top of that she recommended to mask everyday (Figures why they come in 31 sheets )! But no, ain't got no time for that.

Anyway, Ukiyo-e also have several other ranges of 31-Day masks _ one other Organic (I think!) Blend Essence Charcoal Mask and 4 others. They do distribute single mask depicting ukiyo-e-ish geisha prints. So many masks under a single brand wth right.