The Breakout Lengluis Alternative to BB cream...

I have tried a couple of BB creams in these several years. BB creams are really great for fair-skinned women! You'd end up conning everyone with dewy healthy looking skin... like Korean celebs.. hohoho..

BUT... Not every lenglui can carry off BB creams. Certain lengluis cannot use some brands of BB cream. I honestly am not sure why because, BB creams always claim to not block your pores. But... when the breakouts start... sugar_cupcakes feels uncomfortable using most BB creams. They are great, mind you... But some of us just can't use them during the great breakout period!! huhuhuhuuuuuu (--)"

So what now? Ditch the BB creams and  go back to the conventional compact powder and liquid foundation? Okay.. I have occasional breakouts and I'm going to be really frank here. If your acne is acting up... and you really need to cover up, you need a proper cover up that won't irritate your already irritated skin. Stinging on this isn't going to help.

Skin-comfortable products I trust during this breakout times are:
(Google for reviews)

• Averine Smoothing Compact Foundation  (pretty reasonable coverage)

• Averine Mineral Loose Powder (comforting powder)

• Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser (build up coverage)

 

They don't come cheap. But when the breakout starts, its time to go into skin-comfort mode so it can heal nicely... Another acne-skin-friendly cosmetic brand name is Ettusais. But for cover up cosmetics... I'm leaning towards Averine and Laura Mercier...

Shi-Tsu Collagen Beauty Drink

Collagen, Sheep Placenta and Bird Nest.. The super all in one?

There are just too many different beauty drinks and collagen supplements out there these days. We are spoilt for choice!! Uh-huh... which one would you lengluis go for? I've been sticking by CollagenMax for quite some time now. Though I had a 2 month++ break from any form of collagen or any sort of supplement. (Seriously, apart from trying to save on $$$... I was too busy working to go stock up... Haih... And, the Lemon Skin Ritual was the utmost cheapo-definitely-works-with-results skin saver ritual ever!!) I lived without any beauty drink for a couple of months and... skin is still pretty okay thanks to just de'simplest lemon juice help lol... But now.... I really think the overworked skin needs some pick-me-up... And so... I'm so so sorry CollagenMax, its time to try something new... Shi-Tsu Beauty Drink... (The ultimate decision lies with the way-too-cute to resist box... huahuahuahuaaaa.. See? Packaging is important!!)

 

I'll give this 6 bottles a go before making any firm conclusions on this.

What the advert says (See the links):

http://www.lelong.com.my/shi-tsu-beauty-drink-50ml-x-6-bottles-71771024-2010-12-Sale-P.htm

http://www.tokyoninki.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=7

What the box says:

Ingredients:

1. Switzerland Sheep Placenta Extract (10,000mg)
2. Marine Collagen (5,000mg)
3. Bird Nest (5,000mg)

Other ingredients:
Strawberry Extract, Blueberry Extract, Isoflavones, Food Grade Citric Extract, Dextrose Monohydrate, Vitamin B, Vitamin C.

Initial review and research result with Uncle Google:

• Tastes really bland and a little lemony. Honestly, this bland drink REALLY tastes like it contains no chemical substance as advertised..
• The box says "Product of Japan" but umm... Uncle Google gave not much answers on this brand or the laboratory where it was formulated... This is still pretty much a mystery to me! Dodgy...
• Found only minimal Chinese reviews on this... (And the complain was itchy skin) Uh-huh... lol.. I'm so taking the risk...
• The consumption details below on the advert makes one wonder... hmmm... interesting.. hohoho...
• For acne skin : Consume before 11pm ( the latest by 2am) before sleep. 
• For insomnia : Consume in the morning, drink a cup of water every hour for 8 hours. 
• For menstruation pain : Consume in the morning, drink 250ml of water every half an hour for 8 hours. (Water→Shi-Tsu　×Shi-Tsu→Water Fluids are needed for better absorption. )

• Costs way more than CollagenMax and Kinohimitsu's Beauty Drinks... RM98 for 6 miserable 50ml bottles
• But tastes pretty genuine.. (Still more info on this would help clear any dodgy doubts on this)

Heheheheh... as promised...

Conclusion:

• Sorry CollagenMax, sugar_cupcakes is alternating with Shi-Tsu for a while...
• Results seemst the same as CollagenMax but ingredients seems less intrusive to the body
• No more bad breakouts recently so skin is pretty well-behaved
• Less tired looking skin lately (probably cos I get enough sleep too.. lol)
• Younger lengluis, collagen drinks are just supplements so... no need to go all fanatic with them.. Just consume them when you think your skin needs a pick up..
• And... choose your brand by the company's reputation and ingredients! (^o^)

A lash/brow lifetime investment - Preri Wonder Styling Eyelash Comb

It's a New Year... 2011 marks goodbye to old cosmetics and... so I went on a RM1K cosmetic spree... I need to slap myself awake now... Crazy women... Heck... (--)" One of this year's resolution is to be a smarter consumer and spend less (the C cup resolution remains there every year even though not much progress lately... muahahaha)

And here I am, writing a post that is nothing on any of the cosmetics that went into the splurge.... (Though umm... part of the new splurge included really nice signature products from cosmetic household names like Averine compact smoothing powder, Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, Kate pore concealer, Shu Uemura. make up base mouse.. huhuhuhu..)

Spent several days looking at the new stash and decided... Aww... I really need to blog about this little cute-sie that's been sitting in my conman-toolbox. No, this again is not a cosmetic review... lol... Introducing the Preri Wonder Styling Eyelash Comb!!

Why am I reviewing a lash comb that costs a whopping RM50)?

• Metal lash combs are really much much nicer to use compared with plastic ones (you only need one eyelash comb in your whole lifetime.. so trust me... get a good one)
• The gap between the comb teeth are much narrower so it separates hairs evenly without removing too much of the mascara fibers
• But easy enough to clean (stainless steel teeth)
• Foldaway feature makes this travel friendly (folds to the length of my middle finger... lol)
• There are 2 sides to this lash comb, the wider width for upper lashes and trimming eyebrows, the smaller one for lower lashes
• Comb teeth are very slim so it makes eyebrow trimming a more relaxed task
• A couple of other good brands carry this same comb, but the "Made in Japan" ones are of real nice quality... The Japs hit the nail right on yet again!
• If you think this is too much to pay for a lash comb, I saw the non foldaway ones in SaSa for about RM29...
• The teeth are pretty sharp... so umm... be careful not to poke your eyes with it! ...or you can use this as self-defense... hahahahhaha...

Someday... I'll need to try and do some reviews on my crazy conman stash... Still... every lenglui has her fav cosmetic secret to share. So ask Uncle Google and he'll spill the ton of makeup reviews for you! (^o^)

Adult Acne - DIY Lymphatic Massage

And here comes the main post which is the reason for my previous post on differentiating between adult and adolescent acne... So there is a reason sugar_cupcakes actually posted that up.. lol... cunning....

Regular DIY massage at home can help reduce the blockage of our lymph nodes which is one of the main causes for jawline acne... And because I'm so prone to getting jawline breakouts, it's time to share a translated step-by-step Japanese guide with you lengluis. I hope my translation with Uncle Google's help is accurate... LOL... The original step-by-step guide is from the Japanese Beauty Site - All About Mico

Notes:

• Always make sure your hands are clean before doing any skin massage
• If you've already got severe acne on neck, chin and jawline, doing the massage incorrectly may further simulate sebum secretion and aggravate inflammation. Avoid this if you're not sure!
• This helps with prevention for lengluis with the occasional jawline acne breakouts so I am a fan!
  

The 2 types of Acne - Adult Vs Adolescent Acne

I figured, a write-up on the differences between adult and adolescent acne would be too silly since I'm no dermatologist. Go ask Uncle Google and ye shall be enlightened. However, the reason for this post is to share with you lengluis a simple pic on easily identifying if your acne type is adult acne or adolescent acne?

I found this pic while reading some Japanese beauty site - All About Mico. (Umm,... been going through lots of literal translation by Uncle Google... hahahahaaa) Not a definite full proof pic, but... it helps...

Adolescent Acne

• Adolescent acne -  forehead,cheeks and T Zone 

Adult Acne

•  Adult acne - temple and forehead, acne around the jaw

Adult acne and adolescent acne are treated differently. If you don't know this by now... I hope this post is of some help before you lengluis start Googling for more info. Knowing the type of acne you're suffering from will greatly help in combating our utmost detestable skin enemy... ACNE...

Asia's Makeup Bible - Kevin' Make-Up Magic Book (ENG Version)

The reason why I chose to review this makeup bible rather than Bobbi Brown's Makeup Manual (On the sideline, Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules book is actually a great gift for teenage girls) or other English, Japanese, Taiwanese beauty books is because,

• this book is totally easy-to-follow and, 
• it's available in straight-forward English!
• Simplicity is the key to getting readers who stick by to the last page
• the guru's unbiased reviews on makeup products regardless of brands are genuine
• cosmetics used in the books are affordable and easily available in retail and online stores
• the author is frank to the point where he even  mentions and shows the use of  double eyelid tapes and iris enlarging contact lenses... So Asian! lol.... (^o^)
• one of the book features everyday women with the usual eye bags, skin problem... etc which is an inspiration to all lengluis to start doing something about your imperfections
• the before after pics on every single step of makeup application shows VERY VISUAL TRANSFORMATION

I'm not really a book junkie, and neither am I a makeup enthusiast. I mostly rely on nude makeup that looks almost au-naturel to cover up flaws and imperfections. Duh... hence the minimal write ups on cosmetics... :p

But...... give this book a flip once, and... uh-huh... you are so going to want to start using makeup... hahahahahhaaa...


Info on the book:

• Authored by Kevin 老师 of Queen/女人我最大 (Nu Ren Wo Zui Da/NRWZD) - an interesting Taiwanese TV show on beauty
• Kevin's often hailed as ‘彩妆天王’ (The Heavenly King of Cosmetics) in Taiwan
• Was originally published in Chinese but now.... Its available in ENGLISH
• They come in twos (1. Make-Up Magic 2. Perfect Beauty Guide)
• About RM42-RM45 for the 2 books
• Easily found in major KL bookstores (MPH, Kinokuniya, Popular, Borders) under the "beauty guide" section

My Conclusion:

• Come on... books are tax deductible (I mean umm... in Malaysia... hehheh). Getting this would be perfect!
• As usual, Asia's beauty bibles are loaded with pics! Again, a pic says a thousand words! Hohohoo...
• Don't you just love Japanese and Taiwanese beauty books? They are really nice to look at... and hopefully nice to read too..!
• I have no regrets getting this. I means duh... even if I don't ever master the skills its a nice book with pretty attractive pics
• You will sit and read... or just flip to look at the pics... So, don't worry about it going to waste
• No, I'm not a book seller... LOL... But at RM45 compared with other beauty books... I have no probs recommending this... :p

Other lenglui blogger's reviews:

• Makeup Stash Blog
  
• Klutz Beauty Blog

New wishlist item #1 - FitFlop flip flops

I bet you lengluis have seen these around... FitFlop, Sketchers ToneUp, Sketcher's ShapeUp... hmmm... whatever them shoes/sandals/flip flops that claims to tone your butt and calves. Tone butt??? Woooooohoooo... I want...!!! LOL...

There are loads of mix reviews on these. Some people say they work, some say they don't, some say there's soreness between their toes and some complains about them being bad for the lower back and knees... Even some celebrities swear by them! Oh, and.. they are bloody pricey for a pair for flip flops or sneakers though...

Whatever it is... either of them are still on my #1 wish item  for now... LOL.... Discipline-discipline..  sugar_cupcakes is staying real clever and is doing more research on this before actually deciding to purchase them. Heck... they look kind of funky... so... that's my first review for now... And, the research continues...

See this reviews by fellow bloggers:

• http://www.mywomenstuff.com/2010/05/09/can-your-footwear-tone-and-shape-your-body/
• http://www.beetricesreviews.com/2010/08/fitflop-pietra-makes-my-heart-do-fit.html

P/S - If any of you lengluis have been walking in these, do comment. Would appreciate it! (^o^)

Update 25th January 2011:

• And... sugar_cupcakes finally got one of these (electra bronze)... hohohohoho...
• Lets give it a month before I put up a proper review on this... 

Update 24th March:

• I figured 3 months should be enough to review this
• Definitely some improvement in the thigh area.. (Yeah... i checked the rear... LOL)
• But not sure if its because of this or that I've been doing lots of moving about lately
• Though, I do have one conclusion on this... sugar_cupcakes love em FitFlops!!
• Why? Cos they are mighty comfortable and feels like a little spring when you walk! 
• If you walk around the shopping malls a lot... the thighs and bum seems to come into contact a lot when you walk. Hmm... maybe that's where some workout goes...
• Remember to get the style that fits you most. Different designs fit differently depending on your feet shape regardless if the size is right
• Oh and... you'd definitely feel the pinch in you wallet when you get this... Imagine... RM260++ for a pair of slippers... Ouch......

Pinhole glasses - Spectacle girl savior from prescriptive glasses?

I do wear contacts and glasses. LOL... I treat them as accessories.... Come on, these days if you're addicted to the tv, pc or have a bad habit of reading on your bed with minimal lighting, your eyes are so gonna suffer. So umm... guilty as said for all the mentioned... (--)"

Prescriptive glasses can be annoying when you're trying to look emm... lenglui. So, I'm sure you can't wait to get rid of your glasses... hohoho... (hey, if you have the right design, you'll still be a lenglui with your glasses. Think of the HOT teacher/doctor look... huahuahuahua)

pic credit to http://www.kivaa.blogspot.com/2009/06/me-my-pinhole-glasses.html

So umm, back to topic. A few years back... I noticed this - the pinhole glasses. They were sold pretty expensive in the KL pharmacies back then. But recently, they can be found in Daiso (the RM5 Japanese store). RM5?! LOL... So yeah... I got one, not from Daiso though... cos I got mine way earlier.... but it costs about RM10, still okay-ish. Anyways, they all work the same... in Layman's term, they sort of exercises your eye muscles..

So you thought.... no need for Lasik and still you'll be rid of your glasses soon? Aww... sorry to disappoint lengluis... but...... From lots of research and Googling, I realized... there is no scientific evidence that this will improve your eyesight to the point that you wouldn't need prescriptive glasses. So lengluis, glasses are staying for a while unless you do decide to get Lasik... huhuhuhu...


Couple of links to some info:

• http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-truth-about-pinhole-glasses-1253113.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinhole_glasses
• The link on the pic is to a blogger review on this... There's just so many reviews... pick one and read..

Conclusion:

• After months of using this... I cannot honestly say that my eyesight improved... ceh....
• But, its still all good cos' it does reduce the strain when I sit hours in front of the PC or TV
• Feels great 'cos even in yoga you are thought to exercise your eyes
• There's been loads of reviews on this so just Google if you need to know more
• I'd say, if you see this in Daiso, give it a try. Its only RM5 and if your eyes frequently feel strained from hours in front of the PC, try this
• May take some time getting used to... But, you'll be pleasantly surprised when it feels that you could stay on the PC for hours without any strain or headache as compared to your prescriptive glasses
• Word of caution: this does not replace prescriptive glasses so don't ever walk out in this or drive with it. There's just too many blind spots with the pinhole glasses.