REVIEW ON ALTHEA BARE ESSENTIALS CONTOUR CLEANSER

Hi gorgeous,

Here is Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser  review which is part of the skincare line is called Bare Essentials by Althea which is a popular online K-Beauty shop.

This has launched their own product called the Bare Essentials.  This new line is picking up on Korean newest trend on skincare diet that has been picking up the trend since 2016.  It is a trend that focuses on the basic skincare steps-cleanser, toner and moisturiser.

Does this Countour Cleanser really make the face sharp and make the face look smaller?  Jump to the end of the review.

Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser

Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser

Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser

Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser

Packed with soothing Ice Plant and detoxifying Lemon Myrtle extracts, this cleanser is densely filled with micro capsules that burst upon contact with water to gently cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify skin. The Contour Cleanser helps to promote blood circulation, and reduces bloating and swelling for a defined, enviably slim face shape.

- Cleanser that lathers up into a rich foam
- Micro capsules for gentle exfoliation
- Reduces swelling for a defined face shape

Skin type:All skin types
How to use: Dampen the skin, then squeeze out a small amount and lather onto the face, massaging in circular motions. Rinse off with water after.

Ice plant - Hydrates and calms redness
Lemon myrtle - Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen the skin

Before: Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser

while: Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser

After :  Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser

Ingredients:
Glycerin,Water, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, PEG-32, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Lactose, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Polyquaternium-67, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Menthol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-7, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Pullulan,1,2-Hexanediol,Tocopheryl Acetate, Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract,Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance


Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser comes without a box but it is wrap in plastic.  The frozen looking plastic tube allows one to see the amount of product inside.  It has white looking paste and one needs very little to foam up a lot of cleanser. I could also feel the micro capsules which breaks when mix with water.

There is a light powdery scent in the cleanser. The toner and the cream also has the same scent.  The cleanser does last a long time because one need very little.


As for the ingredients, the glycerin does help in making the cleanser not drying comparing to the usual foam cleanser.  It uses derivatives of coconut oil and palm oil as cleanser ingredients in it.  There are surfactant for foaming cleanser presented so do check it out.  Potassium hydroxide can be irritating to some skin type.
I do feel the cool feeling which is because of the menthol inside the cleanser.
Some ingredients such as lactose, vitamin E, ice plant extract, lemon are to lessen the drying effect of foam cleanser.
As for the micro capsules feeling and the exfoliating feeling, it might because of the Microcrystalline Cellulose and salt presented in the cleanser.

It is called contour cleanser for reduces swelling for a defined face shape and improving blood circulation.  Skin does feel clean and it does remove even the felt eyeliner that I have drawn on as seen from the photos.  The cleanser has a pH of 7-8.  I can't really use it much because my skin apparently doesn't really like foam cleanser and synthetic fragrance.  My skin gets irritated from a lot of foam cleansers nowadays.

I don't really like Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser for my skin type.

Overall, Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser is suitable for people who love foam cleanser, don't mind fragrance and doesn't have skin that is easily irritated like mine.



Product retails for
Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser 150g/5.29 oz RM23.00
Made in Korea

A set of products(cleanser, toner&moisturiser) are at RM116

For more information, please visit official Althea Korea website. Product is sent for my consideration. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

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7 FAVOURITE INGREDIENTS FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN

Hi gorgeous,

Here is finally a post on 7 favourite ingredients for acne prone skin that I have tested and use it to help clear my skin.  I have combination (t-zone oily, normal on other place), acne prone skin that is prone to redness.

The ingredients recommended here are ingredients that I have been using and some I had used for more than 3 years.  Still, there isn't one single ingredients that work with every skin type so do your research, test it on a small part of your face for at least 3 days first and don't try everything on your face all at once.

There are some people that are allergic with tea tree, some with BHA and some with neem so do your research too😊.

Also I didn't include azealic acid, tretinoin, BHA or snail inside this. The reason being I have not tried the products to talk about it(azealic acid&tretinoin) , have not met products that work (BHA) or the ingredient is not meant to clear acne. (snail is for healing&hydration).



1.  Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica has a lot of names from gotu kola, tiger grass (the tiger heal by rolling on it), pennywort.  The component arrived from it are called Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid.  So, the name with Cera, madecossine probably has their star ingredient as centella asiatica.

Centella Asiatica is 2017/2018 popular ingredient for calming the skin and acne.
I like centella asiatica in high concentration as it is actually a very mild ingredient and one would probably not see the effect if the centella asiatica is not high up on the ingredient list.  Centella asiatica in topical form is to calm the redness, fasten the healing and reduce scarring.  It doesn't have antibacterial or antifungal ability so so you need to pair it up with another ingredient that can clear those acne.

Centella asiatica is great for those that cannot use any sort of strong actives since most actives can burn the skin leaving it more prone to breakouts and sensitivity.  One can wear it during the day since it doesn't have intoxication report.  The plants itself can be consumed ☺ (I drank it fresh without sugar before for science but I would not recommend it- my stomach flip itself 😣. It is better cooked or in smoothies)

Centella asiatica has been one of the to go ingredients when my skin is raw and red from the acne breakouts and testing of products.

Recommendation:
iunik tea tree relief serum
Chica Y Chico Tota 3.0
ALIVE:LAB Centella Dressing Powder

2. Neem

Neem

Neem is one of the ingredients that works for my skin.  Neem is not for pregnant or breastfeeding mother since it has some sort of birth control ability in it.  It works for people with hormonal acne and also for fungal acne. Combine it with some other ingredients, it just clear up the fungal acne that otherwise just stay and spread on my face.
I prefer the powder form since it doesn't have the stinky smell of the neem oil.  I consume the powder if I have no time to apply it on my face. The powder can be consumed since it is from the leaves. Don't consume the neem oil because it is poisonous.
If you have hormonal acne, neem is great to help regulate the hormone and acne. It is a natural birth control in the past. As for male, it is best not to consume it but use it topically.

Recommendation: Himalaya Neem powder
                              Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash (for combination skin)



3. Ginger& turmeric

Ginger

Ginger is great as a tea item and for food to deal with cold and inflammation.  Drinking ginger tea with a little turmeric help with acne and to warm up the body.  Some people find that their skin clear up with turmeric mask but be careful as it can dye your skin yellow and you will look weird.
For female, drink it on your monthly to help to warm up your body to reduce those cramps.

However, avoid ginger if you are having sore throat or migraine because of the heat.

Recommendation: Vicco turmeric cream



4. Mandelic Acid (AHA)

Mandelic acid

Mandelic acid is one type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA).  It is made from bitter almonds.  It is recommended for acne prone because it is anti bacterial, the weakest exfoliating acid if you count by the exact percentage of concentration, increase skin cell turnover rate and gently removing dead skin cells.

Mandelic acid that is 5%- to 10% is made for daily use on every skin type.  It is best to use it daily at night to exfoliate the skin and accelerate the skin healing process at night.

Mandelic acid that is 20% is strong and should only be use twice or thrice in a month since you need a lot of healing time after that.  Remember to use hydrating product after the 20% mandelic acid else the skin can burn.  Don't combine it with other strong AHA, BHA, retinol or vitamin C on the same day as that is risking your skin to damage skin.

If you wanted AHA for your acne prone, try a mandelic acid first before trying other AHA because most people report back that it is easier to use mandelic acid and many see results of smaller pores, cleanser pores and lesser acne after they start using mandelic acid.

Recommendation:
By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water


5. Tea tree

Tea tree( Melaleuca alternifolia) 

Tea tree( Melaleuca alternifolia) is a popular ingredients in topical products for acne prone skin.  It is a common ingredients found in products for oily and combination skin.  Do not apply pure essential oil on the skin because it will burn the skin, trigger the skin to produce more oil and cause more irritation to the acne.  Now, tea tree water appears more in combination with other ingredients to calm the skin and be more gentle on the skin. Essence and serum that is made for acne usually use tea tree water to provide the benefits of antiseptic and gentle at the same time.

There are some people that develop allergic to tea tree products but then not everyone does.  Tea tree oil product is antiseptic and antibacterial but then it doesn't work for fungal acne or hormonal acne.

Tea tree oil is not for consumption as it is toxic so only use it for external application.  Sheet mask containing low amount of tea tree oil is great to calm the skin and treat the skin.

Recommendation: Naruko tea tree night gelly
                              Thursday Plantation tea tree oil (do not use it directly undiluted)
                              Aiken tea tree oil (local brand)


6. Green Tea

Green tea (camellia sinensis)

Green tea (camellia sinensis) is also one of my favourite ingredients for drinking since warm Japanese sencha always calm my skin. It is also one of cheapest ingredients for DIY sheet mask with compressed mask from Daiso.  However, it is not recommended to drink it for during the time of the month especially if you tend to have stomach cramp since it is 'cooling' .  Avoid green tea if you are someone with low iron since green tea reduce the ability to absorb iron.

If you do not have such problem, green tea has antioxidant to help with skin acne caused by eating too much heat food or lack of sleep.

However, it is a gentle ingredients mostly for calming.  So, it is nice to use green tea as face mask or look for products with high concentration of green tea.

Recommendation: Japanese green tea
                              Isn tree green tea toner
                              TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream (sorry have not try this one)
                              Nacific Fresh Green tea seed serum (the original name is Natural Pacific) (wish to                                                                                                try this one soon 🙏 )


7.  Mugwort

Mugwort

Mugwort is know as Artemisia vulgaris or an ingredients which looks like weed. It is usually cooked or eaten as a dish for female cramp since it provides heat to the body.  If one find that their stomach area becomes cold, then this is a good dish to eat.

There is a scent to it so it is also used to repel insect and moth.  In skincare, it is anti inflammatory, antiviral and insecticidal.  

It is not recommended if one have hypertension since it increased more blood flow and frequency of migraine.  Digesting the oil is not recommended as it is toxic in the long term.

Recommendation: Hanyul Artemisia fresh calming water (hope to try this one soon🙏)

At wishtrend: 7252756B (10% off) https://shorturl.at/TwsjP
Some of the first bottle are sent for review with no obligation, I bought the other skincare products myself. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.
*contains affiliate links. you won't get charged extra from buying from my link.please do use it if you like my blog 😃

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5 POPULAR CUSTOMIZED AFFORDABLE BIRTHDAY GIFTS IN MALAYSIA

Hi beautiful,

Hi beautiful,

Getting birthday gift for occasions and for important people in your lives is not an easy task.  We do want something special especially for someone who seems to already have everything in the world.  Moreover, it is awkward to turn up with a best friend birthday gift that your friends already had as it just shows the lack of thoughts you have put into the gift.  Here are some suggestions on Birthday gift ideas for you to have some ideas on personalized gift with uniqueness without breaking your bank.

magic mug

magic mug

colour mug

It is also a nice touch when you can get your gift get sent to your special person’s door step.  One of the popular items that people get to celebrate the memories together would be mug with a special message or photos of you.

Choose either colour mug or the special unique magic mug which turned into the photos you want when you pour in any hot drink. It is a great idea to surprise your friend or beloved ones.  The mug is made from high quality ceramic with durable full-color print made for ceramic.  It is also dishwasher and microwave safe.  The colour is made with the latest heat technology so it would not fade.  Don’t worry as the colour is only coated on the outer of the mug.

Cushions

Cushions

Cushions

Cushions is a really fun and comfortable thing to have for children for their special day. Have a look at the comfy cushions and adorable fun throw cushions which are as soft as silk and gentle to your skin.  The design tools allow a lot of beautiful colours and interesting patterns that last a long time even with washing inside the machine washing.  It features two-sided printing with the sublimation printing method and with good ​​cover material.

personalized canvas photos

personalized canvas photos

If your family members love to display their photos at home, why not surprised them with a personalized canvas photos of the trips or moments that you took together?  Gone are the times of those bulky photo frames which is hard to carry to a new house or home.  Gifting canvas which is mounted on high-density PVC foam boards makes it strong, lightweight and moisture-resistant.  The great colour accuracy and comes with the ability to be resistance to scratch and water moisture are plus point for choosing a personalized canvas.

mousepads

Brighten up the days of your colleagues or boss with customized mouse pad that is hardy and lively with interesting customized mousepads.  The mousepad is made with natural latex for best durability.  Celebrates birthdays and keep it fun with special mousepads as a token of the lovely memories. It also means you have the best interest of your department leader with this sweet appreciation gift of time spend together.

natural latex used for the mousepad

Let create unique special gift for the people that matters in your lives now for any birthday occasions or events.

If you are looking for best bulk order for mug, don’t forget to contact them. Or if you have any upcoming birthday party and would like to impress your guest, birthday party photo booth is your best entertainment.

For more information, please visit Printcious official website.

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FOOD REVIEW ON FU MAN RESTAURANT, TANJUNG MALIM, MALAYSIA

Hi foodies,

Today is a review on restaurant where most people will stop at when they are going to the North.  It is a Chinese restaurant that serves mostly rice called Restaurant Fu Man.  This is not a sponsored food review since I paid for the food. Read on to see if it is worth the money.

Restaurant Fu Man 

Restaurant Fu Man 

Restaurant Fu Man 

Restaurant Fu Man 

kau yuk pork belly with taro

beancurd 

rice at Restaurant Fu Man

The interior of the restaurant is pretty simple. You can't see the kitchen which is hidden away from the view of the restaurant.  The tables are pretty near each other so if you can actually listen to the conversation of the people next door.

As for the food, the choice is very limited. They are more popular with order of food for one person only which is very expensive if you add it all up.  There is no menu given for you to pick the dishes. So, you basically don't know the price of the food until you pay for the food.  They won't also make the effort to cook something that is not in their choice of 5 types of meat dishes, 5 types of vegetables dishes, 5 types of chicken dishes, 5 types of bean curd dishes.

We have beancurd and kau yuk (pork belly with taro).  The bowl of beancurd is just beancurd, few slices of green pepper, two slices of carrot, three thin slices of Chinese mushroom, three cauliflower and one baby corn into two. There isn't any pork or meat inside it.  The taste is average as the bean curd is dried and kept for too long. cauliflower is not wash and it has the even black one on it.

As for the kau Yuk, there are five slices of thin pork meat and five thin slices of taro (yam).  There is coriander on top.  The meat is cooked of medium tenderness.  The yam sauce is okay. Overall, not really something that I would order again or pinning for it.

The rice is more than expensive than other restaurant at RM 1.59 but they use rice of the lower quality too.

As for the service in the Restaurant Fu Man, it is slow and bad.  I waited for about 15minutes and another 40minutes before the food is served. There wasn't even many patrons to be honest and I wonder what is it taking that long for two simple dishes. 

To be honest, it is even worst when I wanted to pay since no one sees my hand raised up in the air for 10 minutes waiving.  In the end, I had to go to the counter and pay it myself.

As mentioned there isn't many to choose for as everything mentioned are very expensive.  Who have the time to eat abalone or sea cucumber when people are just passing by that road during travelling up north?  The people in the next table was also taking so long to choose to eat since all the common dishes are not there and all they recommend are those expensive dishes.

Overall, Restaurant Fu Man is not a place that I would go again since food is not really worth the wait.  I don't like the service too. Basically paying for something that is not worth the money. Head to Slim River for dinner or before 12pm which has better restaurants with better food than in Tanjung Malim.





Restaurant Fu Man 39 ,Jalan U1,Taman Universiti, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia



Food items priced at:

There is GST of 6% charged.

Beancurd RM13.78

Pork RM25.44

Rice RM1.59

Drink per bottle RM3.18

Not sponsored. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

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