Iherb + VMV Hypoallergenics Haul




Quote OKI787 to get up to US$10 off your first purchase on Iherb.

1) Surya Henna Restorative Hair Mask  US$9.06
2) Giovanni Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub  US$9.77
3) Deep Steep Brown Sugarand Vanilla Sugar Scrub  US$8.76
4) Love and Toast Pomme Poivre Hand Creme  US$8.99
5) Medicine Mama All in One Healing Cream   US$19.99
6) Shikai Natural Care Color Shampoo   US$6.14
7) Shikai Color Reflect Intensive Repair Conditioner US$7.68





I run out of my favourite VMV Hypoallergics Skintangible "Faint"Ation Skin and since it wasn't available on Luxola till June, I decided to order it direct from USA and paid US$6 for the shipping. It took about 2.5 weeks to reach my place. And then I realized, it has been restocked on Luxola, much earlier than expected. However, the US site has the larger sizes while Luxola only stocks the smaller sizes. 

Skintangible "Faint"Ation Skin  US$25.60  x 2 
Moisture Rich Creammmy Cleansing Milk (mini) US$8
VMVerdant bag + Free Samples Kit - Free

Skintangible "Faint"Ation Skin  S$19.20 ( 20% off $24 at Luxola ) 

Review : Naturalmente Breathe Skin Therapy Clay & Aloe Juice Mask



Product Description
It tones, purifies and improves circulation while providing a pleasant softness to the face’s skin. Green clay transfers purifying properties to the skin through an osmosis mechanism: the toxins and impurities pass from the skin to the green clay that, in turn, transfers the minerals to revitalize the skin.

I received 3 x 7ml sized sachets of the Breathe Skin Therapy Clay and Aloe Juice Mask together with my purchase some time back. Made in Italy, it is made without petrolatum, silicons, parabens and chemical preservatives.

On first use, the mask made my nose red, when I applied just on the T-zone area. The redness subsided after rinsing off the mask. Subsequent usages of the mask proved to be working fine on the skin, even though I applied it on the whole face.

The texture is runny but you can feel the clay like debris during application. Due to its runny texture,
the mask application is very light and almost disappear barely 5 minutes after application. However, do not underestimate its appearance as the Clay and Aloe Juice mask really dries up and there is a tight sensation on the skin.

Due to my skin nature, I don't use clay mask very often, because it is just too drying. I usually use it
when I feel that my skin needs some purging or on days when I have up-coming zits. Thereafter, I will follow up with a hydrating mask. Skin feels much smoother and looks fresh. Zits also cleared up much faster.

Source : AdonicaKube

8 Skin Secrets Experts Swear By For Glowing Complexions


1) Diet

"Cutting out breads, pasta, sugars and any processed food and adding in lots of lean protein, greens and healthy fats. The improvement in my complexion and energy levels was astounding. Fresh greens like arugula, kale and collards oxygenate the body and skin unlike any topical you can apply. Protein provides skin cells with the building blocks they require to turn over effectively and maintain hydration. My rosacea went away, my under eye circles and puffiness faded. It was quite something." --Dr. Harold Lancer, dermatologist and founder of Lancer Skincare

2) Sleep

"Physiologically, the skin has a lot to do during the day including metabolism, fending off UV radiation, protecting the body from pathogens and regulating body temperature. But once asleep, the skin does its most significant repair work including production of collagen and elastin, the skin’s connective tissue responsible for firmness, tone and elasticity." --Dr. Ava Shamban, dermatologist and founder of Ava MD Skincare

3) Stop Picking

"Picking pimples can lead to scarring, enhanced redness, and the spread of bacteria (which can create secondary infections). Although it is very tempting to pick, try using a good spot treatment with salicylic acid to attack the bacteria." --Gina Mari, founder of Gina Mari Skincare

4) Keep It Clean

"If you don't take your time and wash it thoroughly, the grease and oil will still be left in the spots you didn't pay attention to." --Jennifer Kramer, founder of Corrective Skincare

Extra tip: In addition to washing your face regularly, Amanda Nederkoorn, one of the top estheticians at Face Haus, suggests spritzing a hydrating mist on your skin after washing. "Water often contains chlorine and other elements that are harsh on the skin," she says. A mist "neutralizes the tap water and allows your skin to receive the products more effectively. Mist your face again after applying all your products to seal it all in."

5) Eyes

"People tend to just put a tiny amount of eye cream under eye area, and they are really missing out on its benefits. SMILE -- and look in the mirror. The fine lines start at the eye, but can extend all the way to hairline. Apply your eye cream from the bottom corner of the inner eye all the way out to the cheekbone and hairline, and then up and around the lid. Think of sunglasses: apply to the area a pair of sunglasses would cover." --Sonya Dakar, skincare line creator and founder of the Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic

6) Ice

"One amazing (and free) thing I do at home to keep my skin looking great is 'icing' There are three main benefits of icing. Similar to a sports injury, when you put ice on a breakout, it reduces redness and inflammation. Ice can also be used as a natural exfoliant. When you put something in the freezer, it preserves it, similar to putting meat in a freezer. Just remember, you have to keep the ice moving. Don't hold it in one spot, it can burn like heat can. Sometimes I even throw a little aloe vera in the water before freezing it." --Jennifer Kramer

7) Skin Oil

"The quickest way to fake glowing skin is to use good face oil. It will automatically nourish your skin and give it a healthy shine (not greasy or oily). They do not clog pores. In fact, they balance oil production. Apply a facial oil to damp clean skin twice daily. Use it alone or mix it with your tinted moisturizer and your skin will glow in a pinch!" --Sonya Dakar

8) Protection

"In the morning, apply antioxidant serum followed by a broad-spectrum sunblock of SPF 30 or higher. Some UV penetrates through the sunscreen in the antioxidant provides extra protection" --Dr. Ava Shamban

Source : HuffingtonPost

Review : Bath Petals French Alpine Lavender Shower Gel



Product Description
From the blue lavender fields of the French Alps... a 100% natural vegetable soap, infused with soothing Lavender essential oils, which gently dissolves dirt, leaving skin soft and revitalized. This spa-quality body wash is made with skin-nourishing organic vegetable oils and offers a thick, fragrant lather free of processed detergents or sulfates. Refresh your body from head to toe with the rejuvenating scent of therapeutic grade essential oils in this naturally pH-balanced soap that will leave you soft and clean. 100% natural vegetable (Castile) soap. Fragrance contains only pure essential oils. Gluten-Free and Cruelty-Free. 100% Natural, 40% Organic.

At Iherb, the 355ml retails for US$6.05 as compared to US$12.99 on Bath Petals website. You can use my code OKI787 to get up to US$10 off your first purchase.

Bath Petals French Alpine Lavender Shower Gel is housed in a clear bottle with a flick top cap opening that dispenses the light yellow gel with a lovely lavender fragrance. My husband loves the scent and I have since passed it to him, because this shower gel simply does not suit my skin type. I have notice that shower gel made up of Castile soap are usually too drying for my skin. It has that squeaky-clean feeling that I absolutely dislike, however, my husband did not experience such drying effects.

There are light suds created during massaging on the body and you feel the luxurious oil feeling on the skin ( just refer to the ingredient list and you will understand why! ). That is, until you rinse off the gel and that is when the squeaky clean feeling comes into play. It is just so drying. Just 2 uses and off it goes into my husband's bath products shelf.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water), Potassium Sunflowerate (*Sunflower oil, saponified), Potassium Cocoate (*Coconut oil, saponified), Potassium Olivate (Olive Oil, saponified), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Sodium Borate, Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) Flower Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (Gluten-Free), Citric Acid (Vitamin C), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract. *Certified Organic

Source : Bath Petals

Review : Etude House Petite Beauty Bright Eyes Patch



Product Description
These patches will make your eye area moist and it improves the elasticity. It contains adenosine which is good for wrinkle care and collagen which gives skin elasticity. It will brighten up the dark and tired eyes. It also contains niacinamide which is good for whitening the dark eye area.

A dear friend has helped to purchase a pack of the 10pcs Etude House Petite Beauty Bright Eyes Patch retailing for 25000 won. Singapore sells 1 pair for S$5.

Each pair of the hydrogel cresent shape eye patch masks are kept securely in a clamp-shell plastic tray, with several layers of protective sheets. A jelly-like material, the eye patches are also cooling and refreshing, providing a relief at the end of the day in the comfort of your own bed. However, it also tears easily.

The eye patches adhere moderately well, but still slips down slightly every now and then. At times, it made my undereye area itch but most of the times, there are no issues. I did an intensive 5day eye masks daily routine, but sadly, I failed to see any spectacular improvement to my undereye area. At the end of each 30minutes treatment, my undereye area looks slightly rested but nothing much thereafter.

Review : Crabtree & Evelyn Caribbean Island Wild Flowers Hand Therapy




Product Description
Rich in antioxidants, this intensive conditioning hand cream from Crabtree and Evelyn is formulated with conditioning shea butter and macadamia nut oil to moisturise and soften hands.

I love receiving hand creams as Christmas gifts because they are just so practical. The Crabtree and
Evelyn Caribbean Island Wild Flowers is a Christmas gift from a good friend, which I use in the
office. With a simple illustration, the packaging looks very ordinary and with milky-white in colour, one may not have notice it lying quietly on the office table.

I adore the scent which is a light fragrance of florals that isn't too overpowering, yet lingers on the
hands for awhile until you wash it off. Even my male colleagues commented that it smells divine. The description says the delicate spider lily is at the heart of the fragrance, softly blended with island
wild flowers, tropical citrus fruits, night blooming jasmine and sea air accords.

This 25g pliable tube is much more user-friendly than the old aluminium types where it gets dented out of shape and get torn at the metal sides. This tube is easy to depress and still retains its shape nicely, though slightly flatter.   

White in colour, the texture of the hand cream is like a lightweight moisturiser for the hands. It is non
-greasy or heavy, moisturises slightly but requires re-application every now and again, for my dry hands in the air-conditioned office.
Not the best but still moderately fine. The ultra-moisturising hand therapy costs $13 for a 25g and $65 for a 300ml size. You can get the 25g at a cheaper price during member's sale, usually near to Christmas period. 

Source : CE

Review : Bliss The Love Handler



Product Description
The lovehandler targets the waist area with energizing extended caffeine release, and a cool burst of mint oil. 'Hip, hip', hooray!
As part of your body-bettering routine, Bliss suggests using in conjunction with regular exercise, a healthy diet, regular vigorous massage and the rest of the Bliss fatgirlslim regimen. This is not a weight or fat loss product.

I bought Bliss The Love Handler at a steal, from Strawberrynet. The last time I used Bliss products, was many years ago, on their famed Oxygen mask - which wasn't that impressive. Bliss The Love Handler seems like the perfect product for many of us, who are forever struggling with getting rid of the love handlers - the excess "float" around your waist.

Skin Food Miracle Food 10 Solution Eye Patch & Mask Sheet


Product Description
It promotes elasticity of skin with PHYTO MIRACLE, a substance that was extracted from 10 Miracle food(Ganoderma, Raspberry Wine, Dark Green Tea, Macchie, Artemisia Capillaris, Spinach, White Ginseng, Quinoa, Honey and Carrot) by ultrasound low temperature sonication, and Miracle food 10 Solution Line, which contains antioxidant oil that was applied with SUBMICRON technology.

A dear friend has helped to get 3 sheets of the Skin Food Miracle Food 10 Solution Eye Patch and Mask Sheet during his Korea trip.

The face mask is enveloped within a stiff plastic mesh sheet with dripping essence when I pulled it out of the packaging hence it can be a tad messy. The eye patches are pasted on a clear plastic sheet in the same packaging but separated hence you need to tear the packaging twice to get the facial mask and the eye patches. The material of the of the face mask is soft and the cuts-out are cut close to the lips area while the nose and eye areas are just alright.

Because the explanation is all in Korean, I don't quite understand how to use the eye patches as they are thin, dry, stretchy and get tangled up easily.
In the first sheet, the eye patches melted hence I can't use it. With the second sheet, I layered the eye patches, after removing the face mask so it felt strange to be layering a dry thin patch on the undereye area, not knowing what it does.

I only came to my senses with my 3rd mask, as I layered the eye patches first, followed by the face mask. Indeed, the eye patches, made up of 10.77% of Tocopheryl Acetate melted together with the essence from the mask sheet.
Skin feels hydrated, pampered, soft and smooth.

Source : testerkorea

Review : Naturalmente Breathe Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cleanser Emulsion



Review of Naturalmente Breathe Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cleanser Emulsion

Product Description
Delicate emulsion cleanser intended for dry and mature skin. Removes make-up residue and surface impurities while hydrating , leaving the skin refreshing clean and silky.

Key Ingredients :
*ARGAN OIL : Emollient, moisturizing and antioxidant.
*OLIVE BUTTER : Emollient and smoothing.
*PHYTOSQUALANO : Moisturizing and elasticizing
*YELLOW MELILOT, TARAXACUM, FENUGREEK,ECHINACEA AND HORSETAIL : Toning and nourishing

I am so in love with Naturalmente Breathe Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cleanser Emulsion at the moment but it is not cheap at $67 for a 200ml size.

Hailing from Italy, Naturalmente is certified by Qualità Reale and their products are said to be natural and organic and are free from silicones, parabens, oil and its by-products, artificial colouring and SLS. You can read more about it here.

I chanced upon this brand by chance, which is carried by Adonica Kube at 112, Katong. I purchased its eye mask and was given a complimentary cleanser sample which made me purchase the full retail size after trying it out.

While the texture is not as creamy as that of a cleansing milk but it is light, gentle and nourishing for my sensitive skin. I love the scent which reminds me of almond. Just 4 pumps are enough for my face and my skin feels nourished, soft and supple.

Initially, I just use it as a day cleanser because it feels so gentle and I didn't feel that it will be suitable as a night cleanser. Thereafter, I move on to using it as the 2nd cleanser, after using Bioderma make-up remover to cleanse away the make-up. It still works as well. Love!

Naturalmente Breathe Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cleanser Emulsion Full Ingredients
Source : Naturalmente


Etude House Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream SPF 50+ / PA+++


BB Sun Cream
Product Description
Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream promotes silky complexion and brightened look with pearl mineral powder infused sheer coverage. Powerful UV protection and long lasting waterproof formula for all day outdoor protection.

I run out of my favourite BB Cream - VMV Hypollergenics Skintangible "Faint''ation BBBB Cream and it is out of stock on their website as well so I have been using a sachet of this Etude House Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream SPF 50+ / PA+++for the last 5 days.

The actual product comes with a sponge applicator but since mine is the sachet form, I use it like a normal BB cream, like what I usually does - blending it with my fingers.

This shade W13 - natural beige which fits my skin tone well.


Creamy in texture, the Mineral Sun BB Cream has a medium coverage that conceals redness and light blemishes well. It has a slightly dewy finish, spreads easily and made my skin appears to be more even-toned. However, the oil control is poor, where the wings of my nose oils up before noon time. The BB Cream is slightly rich for my combination skin type, giving rise to 2 tiny whiteheads on my chin.

With the high SPF 50 factor, I am not surprised that it is slightly greasy. Just a gentle reminder that, even though it contains SPF50, it is still logical to apply a sunscreen prior to wearing the BB Cream as essentially, one doesn't apply enough BB cream to provide adequate SPF50 protection.

Source : Etude House

Review : 100% Pure French Lavender Hydrating Body Wash



Product Description
Delicious and richly foaming Hydrating Body Wash is a luxurious wash that gently cleans while it softens, hydrates, and pampers. Hydrating Body Wash leaves you sparkling clean and refreshed while nourishing your skin with vitamins, antioxidants and skin brightening fruits. No harsh detergents, no synthetic chemicals, no artificial fragrances or any other toxins that can strip, irritate or dehydrate your delicate skin! Truly, 100% Pure.

As one of my favourite brands for body washes, it is always a joy to use it. This time round, I picked up a new flavor - 100% Pure French Lavender Hydrating Body Wash. And during the purchase, I was informed that prices will increase in May. Haiz, as if it is not expensive enough.

With a pump dispenser, it dispenses light foams that becomes a foaming body wash with a french lavender scent. I don't like really the scent as it reminds me of a musty lavender scent but it is still bearable. Each body wash experience left me feeling pampered and nourished, knowing all the clean ingredients in it.

Shop 100% Pure Lavender Body Wash on Amazon

Ingredients :
Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Juice)*, Organic Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Rose Hydrosol)*, Organic Lavendula Angustifolia Aqua (Lavender Hydrosol)*, Cocos Nucifera (Saponified Coconut) Oil, Essential Oils of Peppermint and Eucalyptus, Organic Camelia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea)*, Calendula Officinalis Flower (Calendula), Opuntia Tuna Fruit (Prickly Pear), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Euterpe Oleracea Fruit (Acai Berry), Lycium Barbarum Fruit (Goji Berry), Morinda Citrifolia Fruit (Noni), Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry), Sambucus Canadensis (Elderberry), Rubus Fruticosus Fruit (Blackberry), Organic Rubus Idaeus Fruit (Raspberry)*, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed and Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle), Hyaluronic Acid * Certified Organic

Review : Nature Republic Snail Solution 10000 Hydrogel Eye Patch


Review for Nature Republic Snail Solution 10000 Hydrogel Eye Patch

Product Description
Features Snail slime filtrate containing 10,000 ppm which is moisturising and vitalizing to improve healthy skin around the eye

A dear friend bought 10 sheets for me, direct from Korea. At $5 per sheet, I think its pretty expensive, even though snail related ingredients are known to be so. You just have to pull the back packaging and peel off the jelly eye mask to be layered on the undereye area. On the packaging itself, it is thoughtfully written "right eye" and "left eye".

The jelly material can be easily torn so handle with care, especially for those with long fingernails. Cold and soft, the jelly material does not adhere well as it slips down easily and you have to adjust the positioning every now and then during the 30 - 40 minutes treatment. Lie down to resolve this slipping issue.

It has a refreshing feel but considering the price and the ingredients, the improvement isn't spectacular. With sufficient night rest and sleep, the eye patches helps to minimize the fine lines subtly but does nothing at all, if you do not have sufficient sleep.

Shop Nature Republic Snail Solution 10000 Hydrogel Eye Patch from Amazon

Haul from Iherb + Lovelula + Bellabox



Iherb purchase : use OKI787 to get up to US$10 off your first purchase

Shikai, Moisturizing Shower Gel, Gardenia  US$7.30
EO Products, Time Out Shower Gel, Coconut and Vanilla with Tangerine US$8.72
EO Products, Soothing Shower Gel, French Lavender  US$8.72
Giovanni, D:tox System, Purifying Body Wash, Step 1  US$6.97
Giovanni, D:tox System, Purifying Exfoliant Body Scrub, Step 2  US$6.99
Acure Organics, Brightening Facial Scrub  US$8.49
Acure Organics, Moroccan, Argan Oil Treatment   US$11.05
Giovanni, Hot Chocolate, Sugar Scrub  US$9.77


Happy to receive my Lovelula purchase because its my first venture into Pai Skincare and RMS Beauty!

RMS Beauty "un" powder 28 pounds
Pai Anywhere Essential Travel Kit - Instant Calm Collection  20 pounds
  - Camellia and Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (25ml)
  - Lotus and Orange Blossom BioAffinity Skin Tonic (12ml)
  - Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream (10ml)
  - Organic Muslin Cloth
Sante Lemon Fresh Shower Gel - Complimentary

Paid 29.50 pounds instead of $48 pounds, due to Lovelula points, VAT refund and Easter 15% discount.


Bellabox is no longer issuing their beauty subscription boxes and are having a storewide 60% off their products, with a minimum of $70 purchase.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Instant Eye Lift Algae Masks $49.60  ( down from $124 )
Happy Skincare Sample Pack $9.60 ( down from $22.50 )


Review : The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter



Product Description
To enhance skin's natural radiance and create glowing accents for healthy-looking skin.

What it is designed to do:
  • Contains light-reflective particles to help reduce the appearance of imperfections and fine lines
  • Vitamin E complex and Community Trade aloe vera to help soothe the skin.
  • Panthenol smoothes, softens and conditions skin.
I purchased the The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter at a The Body Shop sale some time back. A little goes a long way, so the 10ml size actually lasts me for quite a long while.



The highlighter has a lovely lightweight creamy texture that dispenses easily from the handy and portable tube. Pink-toned with very light-reflective particles, it imparts a natural and subtle glow and I like to use it on the cheekbones to get that soft luminous glow.



One of my favourite celebrity make-up artist, Lisa Eldridge recommends this highlighter as well. Watch the video below, to know more about highlighting the face.





The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter scores 3.1 from 22 users on Makeupalley.

Source : TBS