SHIZENS STAND FIRM STAY FIRM ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

STAND FIRM STAY FIRM Photography Contest


Since ancient times, women inner strength can only be seen through their roles of giving birth to new life, taking care and protecting their family. But as time passed, women began demonstrating their capabilities in undertaking more responsibilities, raising a family as well as being part of the workforce and contributing to social welfare. As evolution enhanced the confidence level of every woman allowing them to showcase their inner strength, they still recognized the importance of physical beauty and strived to maintain their outer beauty through various means. - Shizens Malaysia.

contest starts from 2 until 30th April, 2014

hoto must be submitted along with a photo caption OR title




As a means of acknowledging and recognizing the efforts of all women, Shizens will be launching a “STAND FIRM STAY FIRM” photo contest from 2 to 30 April, 2014. Contest is classified into 2 categories,Photography Enthusiasts and Mobile Photography. Participants can submit their best shoots that is strong emotions, human and feminine at www.standfirmstayfirm.com or #standfirmstayfirm atInstagram to win prizes worth more than RM18,000

allowed to submit more than one entry







all photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter, i.e.
to relate to contest Theme: Strong emotions, Human, Feminine







photo-collaging, i.e. putting together several images, text, stickers
& add-ons to make a single image, will not be accepted



I believe in strong women. I believe in the woman who is able to stand up for herself. I believe in the woman who doesn't need to hide behind her husband's back. I believe that if you have problems, as a woman you deal with them, you don't play victim, you don't make yourself look pitiful, you don't point fingers. You stand and you deal. You face the world with a head held high and you carry the universe in your heart.” ― C. JoyBell C.


Are you a strong woman too?


As a means of acknowledging and recognizing the efforts of all women, Shizens will be launching a “Stand Firm Stay Firm” photography campaign from April 2 until April 30, 2014. Show us your strength and stand a chance to win loads of attractive prizes! Find out more here: http://bit.ly/1rtxVPb


Prizes for both categories:


Entry Form – Photography EnthusiastsOpen to all photography hobbyist who loves bringing picture to life! However, there are certain requirements needed for the photos selected for the finals will be printed in large.

Photograph shall be taken using compact camera, DSLR camera (or of its similar)
Minimum image size is: 5MB
Studio photography with lightings are allowed
Click here to submit your photo.



Entry Form – Mobile Photography
Specially dedicated to all smartphone photographers! Mobile photography has made huge strides in this modern era and we’ve seen lots of talented mobile photographers over the years.


Must be taken by a smartphone or any other mobile devices.
To take part via Instagram, hashtag #standfirmstayfirm on your photo
You may also submit your photos via this website.








No sponsored products or review in this post.  The opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

SKINCARE TIPS:HOW TO HEAL PIMPLES AFTER PICKING THEM

I know we can help but pick the pimples when it is just staring right at our face. Actually squeezing it is bad for the skin but I understand because I had been through that experience before. I don’t think I need to keep telling that if you squeeze and pick that It will leave scars and heal extremely slow. Moreover, there will the more pimples coming out from that area where you pick.


If you really can’t stand it and still want to pick, here is some tips. However, it doesn't guarantee that there is no scars left. I have been there and just like you, I can't help picking it.  I know our fingers will go and touch that bumps XP  .




1. Make sure the one pimples you want to pick is not those underground one or else it would hurt so much and it won't heal at for more than a week.  Yeah, it will be bloody bluish red or some purple and you it is painful when you use your finger to touch it but even if you press it to bloody death, there won't be anything coming out of it.  That is the type to avoid picking at.

You can get those underground to come to a head faster by using a warm compressed and keep applying on that are until it come out or disappeared.

Pick one with whitish head.

2. Wash your face before that. A normal cleanser will do.  Do not use scrub or you will be redder than the magma coming from the volcanoes.

3.   Use a lancer to poke a small hole.  Becareful when you are using lancer because you can scar it .  Then cover your fingers with the cotton pads and squeeze everything out.  Make sure you get all the gunk out. This procedure actually hurt your skin up to the dermis layer.  The pain is from your second layer of skin.

4.    Now, that your pimples has already erupted, apply antibiotic(clindamycin) and hydro colloid gel (NEXCARE 3M-acne patch, Duo Derm or Dr.Check).  I just use plaster because Nexcare doesn't really work for me. I couldn't find Duo derm from the local pharmacies so I just use plaster or most people call it band aid .  It does works too and I do feel it heal faster than I just let it alone.  Oh, make sure you are not allergic to zinc if you want to use the plasters. Another one that you can use if you are from Malaysia would be The Dr.Check (buy the big one sheet which you can cut)

That is pretty much how I treat it when if I pop those pimples.  Yes, it heals slower compare to if you just leave it alone.  Well, what to do when we just can't stand looking at the ugly bumps on the face.


Products you need:
Lancer
Duo Derm hyrocolloid gel, hydrocolloid dressing or Non stick plasters
cotton pad
antibiotic (clindamycin) (T3 Hoe mycin)

Product are not sponsored.  The opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

NAIL TUTORIAL- SIMPLE HEART SHAPE NAILS

I like nail art but I usually do them myself because it is quite pricey to do it at the salon. I know it is not easy especially the right hand but with practice it will come to you. =)

Many find that white nail matte polish look just like putting liquid paper on the hand but it would much nicer with some patterns on it. One doesn't necessarily use white nail polish for french manicure alone.

Today, I would just do a simple tutorial for heart shape on white background.

NAIL TUTORIAL- SIMPLE HEART SHAPE NAILS

1. Paint the nail with nail white polish. Wait for it to dry.

2. Put two dot of purple or red nail polish on the nail.

3. Quickly, use a toothpick or pin to drag the colour from the left dot in a diagonal line. Do the same for another dot too. So, both will join and form a heart shape. Don’t wait long else it will dry up.

4. Paint other nails.


You don't need to use the same products I use here.  Other nail polish will do too =)


Products used here:
Toothpick
Bloop H119-white nail matte polish
Bloop H184


This is just a tutorial and so no review of products.
The opinions and tutorial here expressed here are my own and honest as always.

REVIEW ON RA8 RENEWAL SKIN CRÈME

RA8 RENEWAL SKIN CRÈME

RA8 RENEWAL SKIN CRÈME
This rich and gentle non-greasy crème enriched with UV filters protects the skin against harsh environmental conditions while promoting the generation of cells through the propriety aquamarine extract. This unique formula will moisturize and clarify skin tone for a fairer, luminous and more even complexion. 30 ml.

Suitable for both Men and Women.

DIRECTION OF USE :
After cleansing and toning, dab a small amount on the face and gently smooth it all over face and neck. Reapply when necessary.

Features:
-Natural and naturally-derived ingredients
-Safe (food-based)
-Locally produced
-Fermented technology based local product
-First fermented technology marine-based local product

Derived from thorough research, RA8 skincare products are manufactured in accordance to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). The products have been notified to the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, an agency under Malaysia’s Health Ministry. RA8 has received international recognition, the Gold Prize from the Korea Invention Promotion Association in conjunction with the Seoul International Invention Fair 2009.

INGREDIENTS :
Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureft-7, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-75 Stearate, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethoxy diglycol Oleate,Titanium Dioxide, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydroxystearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Allantoin, Acrylates Copolymer, Aqua, Aquamarine Extract.

RA8 RENEWAL SKIN CRÈME

The cream comes felt a little thick and it comes with a strong smell which I don't fancy.  I think the cream is meant for those with dry skin rather than my acne prone skin type.  The cream doesn't cause me breakout because I only apply on my forehead as I can't bear with the smell on my nose.

The cream is like a tinted moisturiser meant for fair skin as there is whitish colour left on the skin.  It would be a good makeup base as it moisturise the skin area.  I only manage to use it for few days because I don't think it is suitable for my acne prone skin since it is quite rich and I feel a little uncomfortable with heavier texture.

Product is from October Wonderbox 2013. It is not a sponsored product.

Updated on 25/4/2014.  This products retails at RM108.00 30ml at HiShop. Direct Link Here
However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

FOOD REVIEW ON NYONYA COLORS

Koswee

This place is self service that one need to line up when ordering and mentioning your table.  So, get a seat first before ordering.  They will send the food our table too.

Koswee was soft but I guess I don't smell anything fragrant as the green colour comes from the colouring rather from pure pandan leaves.  It is just okay for me and edible but not the extend that I would buy it again.

cendol

 Cendol was okay but not really very fragrant since the green comes from colouring and not from fresh pandan leaves.  The red beans on other hand is a little hard and I prefer softer red beans to go with the cendol.  Portion was medium and they use normal ice and add some brown syrup on it.  There is some groundnuts inside.

dry curry mee

dry curry mee

The dry curry mee is okay but a little salty for my liking.  The sauce could be more because I sure do not have enough to cover the noodles.  Noodles wasn't that soft and it was a little feeling of eating 'wires'.  There weren't much side adding to the curry mee other than chicken which I think is not quite normal for dry curry mee.  The sauce wasn't that good compare to the curry mee so this is a pass for me.

rojak

Rojak is horrible.  The crackers were equivalent to rocks that I almost lost my teeth from it.  Fruits were okay and fresh but there were more cucumbers than fruits.Sauce was okay but too little for enough dipping.  That is also the reason that the crackers weren't soak enough in sauce to make it less hard.  I hardly get to taste the sauce because it was so little.  I don't think I would not order this again.

Nasi kunyit+curry chicken

Nasi kunyit+curry chicken

I notice many love to order this.  The rice is fragrant and smell good.  It was quite soft too.  I do love the curry chicken.  It is soft and the sauce really goes well with the rice.  This is one of my favourite dish here and would order this again. Hoping that the portion or the rice and the curry chicken sauce could be bigger

koswee RM2.50
Fruit rojak RM6.90
Dry curry mee RM9.80
Cendol+kacang merah RM4.50
Nasi kunyit+curry chicken RM9.80
 There is a 6% government tax

Food is not sponsored.  However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

TIPS: THE ARTS OF ALTERNATING YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Skin adapts to the skincare products and it stop working.

I came across this questions that we should only use one brand that suits us as changing can risk “spoiling” our skin.   Then, I also heard or read somewhere stating that we should not use the same skincare products for 5 years.  Whatever the case, I do salute those who are very loyal to their skincare products. 

With so many products, changes in skin condition, I find it hard to just stay loyal at just using one product or one brand.  Over the years, I kept on trying and do find few favourites products bur the quest doesn't just stop there.  Most of the time my skin would go "WOW' at the first tube but the hype stop after 3months or less.  This happens to me because I tend to use products meant for acne.

DO you find that your favourites products stop working just after the second bottle or tubes?  Does this happen to you?  Then, I heard someone will say your skin get immune to it.  Whether our skin get immune to certain products is still in the debate and there are many reasons on the products not working as amazing as before.  It can be the formulations, handling of products, changes in skin, diet and external conditions.

Alternating skincare does help in making most of your skincare work for you as well as being kind on your pocket too.  Most of us usually finish half of the jar/tube because the effect stop working on the skin.


Alternating products doesn’t have to be changing products every month. It could simply just mean using different products in the morning and at night or different products during travelling to places with different weather. After all, it is better to use products that you are familiar than do drastic changes that will sure create havoc on your skin.

 So, how do you know when to alternate your skincare products?

1. Changes in external factor

Changes in the environment, weather and season. Even in country like Malaysia with a humid and hot weather, we need to rotate the skincare products. The same products wouldn’t work the same for our skin in an air-conditioner room and when we are going to an island for vacation.  The same goes for morning and night routine.




2.  Changes in your skincare routine

If you are introducing some new products into your current skincare, make sure that the ingredients doesn’t clash or use them on different time. For example, use anti aging products at night and brightening products in the morning or switch to products suitable for current skin condition. Alternating between these products ensure that you will get the best of them.




3.  Introducing new active ingredients

Active ingredients such as Vitamin C, retinol, copper peptide, AHA &BHA can really dry out the skin if not used in a proper way. Besides, using all the active ingredients into your skincare routine may shock your skin and make it go into sensitivity mode. Sensitive skin will be inactive to all these active ingredients no matter how fantastic it is. So, if you have all skincare products with such active ingredients, make sure to alternate them and do not use them at the same time. After all, too many chefs spoil the broth.





4.  Been using ingredients humectants for a long time

If you are using ingredients such as silicone and oil for a pro long time, chances are the skin finding it hard to absorb other ingredients that are beneficial for the repair of the skin cells. That is not to say that ingredients like silicone or oil is bad for the skin. It is just the barrier created to keep the moisture inside the skin may not be suitable if you are about to using active ingredients such as serum at night. So, give the skin a break from silicone base ingredients at night for the serum or essence to get absorb.





5.  Changes in your skin condition

Changes in the skin condition is a definite call to alternate your skincare products to one that suits your current skin condition. One should not continue using whitening products when you are having acne problems at the moment. So, switch to products suitable to current skin concern and not what you want at the moment.

The opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

SNACK IN KUALA LUMPUR-STARBUCK

This is a self service place and so one need to order it at the counter and just place your order. They will ask for your name and write it on the plastic cup. They handcraft each of the beverage so it is freshly made.



I like this Java Chip Frappuccino Blended Beverage as it is not too sweet or bitter at all. I love chocolate and this is just nice =). The cream is generous and one can taste the chocolate chips in it as well. I couldn’t help but to sip all the beverage to the last drip.

Old fashion Pie is portion is quite big and I would suggest sharing it with someone if you are planning to order something else. I think it the peas and meat in it is just nice. It is not too salty or bland. It is just that the pastry is easily crumbled but I think that is okay.

Cheese Monkey Wrap is indeed the suitable name for it. There is cheese and banana inside the pastry and I think children would like since it is quite sweet but with dose of healthy fruits in it. The amount of cheese is just okay and not too much that it covers up the freshness of banana. Overall, it is a healthy pastry for tea.

Java Chip Frappuccino Blended Beverage RM15
Old fashion Pie RM8
Cheese Monkey Wrap Rm6.50

Starbuck Midvalley
2013/12/18

Food is not sponsored.  The opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

FOOD REVIEW ON MY KUALI PENANG WHITE CURRY NOODLE

MY KUALI PENANG WHITE CURRY NOODLE

MY KUALI PENANG WHITE CURRY NOODLE THE THREE PACKET THAT COMES WITH THE NOODLES

When this My Kuali Penang White Curry became a viral item throughout Malaysia, it was sold out all over. Even my mum who doesn’t like eating instant noodles have suddenly asked me about this. She told me that one DJ said it was SUPERX10 delicious??????

Well, then I goggle up and saw many ‘amazing’ review about this instant noodles. There are a lot at the place I am staying to the point I think nobody knows about and I was surprised that many said it was sold out at other places especially Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

I am a curious person especially when it comes to food and so I bought it because many food bloggers said it was delicious.


So, here is how it looks like. It comes with the three packet or chillies, cream, sambal and the noodles. I know it look very spicy, red and appetizing right? Yes, I was fooled by the appearances. Those vegetables are added on my own XP . It smelt very good when I was cooking it probably because of the noodles.

I was actually disappointed when I took the first bite into the noodles. The noodles just doesn't go well with the soup. It does not suck up the flavour of the soup base making the noodles tasteless. I can say that the soup is spicy but at the same time it is bland because the curry powder covers everything. I can hardly taste any herbs used in cooking because the ‘boring’ curry powder overpowered it. Overall, there is only spiciness and it made my tongue swell. However, spicy is not a taste but just a reaction from chillies. No sweetness, no sour, no amazing smells of mixture of curry herbs that can make me cry.

Sigh, I really wanted to say I like this but this is so much different from the curry noodles I usually eat. I know that I am such a picker but seriously something must done about that strong bland curry powder. It is as if I could taste the cheap curry powder with this My Kuali Penang White Curry. It might taste good for others but for a person who grew up eating curry noodles every day, this is disappointing.

So if you have such a picky person like me, I don’t think you would really enjoy eating this.
 Oh, by the way I found that using our own vermicelli with their soup base makes it taste better. In fact many find it delicious than using the noodles that comes with the packet.  OH,  do not add in the cream if you can. That is what makes the soup smell funny.

 I think probably My Kuali should think about their soup base and also their noodles.  Curry noodles doesn’t taste good because of the soup but the noodles is important as well.

Products retails at RM6.90 for packet of four. It is available at Giant and other supermarket or you can even order online now.
For more information, please visit official website My Kuali . Products are not sponsored.  However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

REVIEW ON MONTAGNE JEUNESSE MANUKA HONEY PEEL OFF & CREAMY COCONUT MUD

Thanks to Montagne Jeunesse for sending me sample of their latest mask pack. Montagne Jeunesse brand is renowned for extensive range of peel off masks and mud/clay based masks. It is really one of the best seller in UK and their mask really work. I love their Blemish mud because it really help to reduce the breakouts. Known for using only the best natural ingredients. For over 20 years, they have stood against animal testing and are proud to be ‘Cruelty Free’ accredited. Each of their masks sachet has up to 2-3 applications.


So, here is the two latest masks.

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE MANUKA HONEY PEEL OFF

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE MANUKA HONEY PEEL OFF

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE MANUKA HONEY PEEL OFF

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE MANUKA HONEY PEEL OFF

Manuka Honey Peel off:


Peel Off masks are gentler than scrubs and also leave skin incredibly purified and smooth. You’ll be amazed to see how many dead skin cells show up on the masque after use! For this Peel Off mask, busy bees have collected nectar from the Manuka Bushes of New Zealand creating the renowned Manuka Honey- nature’s own amazing cleanser.




The mask really looks just like pure honey. The liquid is thick and smell sweet with jasmine. It made me wanted to lick it because it smell just so delicious. The mask dried me to a light yellow and it was very easy to peel off. A lot of your dead cells will be stuck on the mask. It cleaned up my pore very well too. I find that oily skin will benefit more from a peel off mask as it tend to absorb oil in the process and clean up the skin. My skin felt really clean after 3 uses. It also has anti inflammation as it tone down the redness cause by breakouts.

Dry skin can also use this but one need to apply moisturiser after it. Well, I think choosing the right mask that is suitable with your skin will help your skin more.

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE CREAMY COCONUT MUD

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE CREAMY COCONUT MUD

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE CREAMY COCONUT MUD

Creamy Coconut Mud:

Unlike sheet / tissue masks, only mud/clay based masks will reach deep down into pores to draw out impurities and excess sebum- before it becomes a problem! For this mask, we’ve harnessed the hydrating goodness of fresh Coconut Water and added lots of other natural ingredients such as Shea Butter to also soothe and moisturise. A beauty treat your skin will love you for!



The mask I creamy white and smell just like coconut. The coconut mask is indeed moisturizing. Although I have combination skin, it doesn’t make me sticky and uncomfortable at all. I think it cleanses the skin well too. Overall, coconut mask will be much suitable for dry skin as it cleanses and also hydrate the skin at the same time. I find it refreshing as the normal hydrating cream masks are usually stick and leave traces of oil on my face. This is indeed smell good and effective. It is also easy to wash of and no film of oil left on the skin.


If you are having dry skin but wanted to use mask to clean your skin, you can opt for mud mask as it works much better than clay and peel off since mud has moisturising effect.





It is time for a giveaway for 20 people. Open for residents in Malaysia.  Please like my facebook or be a follower of my blog.

Here is how you can join. Visit this link Here

Type in your name, your email address, Name of referral blog (http://beautyfaceskin123.blogspot.com/ ) to get a chance to try out this mask.

This Giveaway is sponsored by Montagne Jeunesse Malaysia. Successful applicants will be contacted directly by Montagne Jeunesse Malaysia.



Mask are available at Rm5.90 per sachet. Made in UK.
Available in Watsons and other regional retailers such as Georgetown Pharmacies; Bison; Health Lane; GooGoo
Malaysian Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MontagneJeunesseMalaysia

Product are sponsored by Montagne Jeunesse. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

FOOD REVIEW ON MACAU EXPRESS

Lot S50A, AEON Tebrau City Shopping Centre, No. 1, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor, Tebrau, 81100

The fish porridge comes in a heavy porcelain bowl which I really love as it will retain the heat of the porridge. The porridge is really smooth, thick and easy to go into my throat. I love that it comes with a lot of fresh ginger strips that really soothes my stomach because of gastric pain. It comes with generous amount of fried fish. The fish taste is okay and not hard. It is quite crispy on the outside. I just find that the amount of white porridge is quite little but otherwise it would be great as the porridge doesn’t contain any MSG which I find appetizing for food.
RM6.80

Portuguese tart

The Portuguese tart is delicious. The crust is really crispy and has many layers. It is not oily at all and it is sold out fast. The egg is not too sweet and so soft. One tart is never enough for me as it is really delicious. 
RM2

coffee

Perfect with the coffee that reminds me of traditional coffee.  In fact every sips is enjoyable and a relaxing experience.  The coffee smell of rich coffee beans with just equally milk just enough and not too sweet.  The porcelain cups remind me of the good old days when all coffee are serve in this kind of cups.
RM2.50

green tea

Green tea is just normal.  I think it is the type that you can get from tea bags.  So overall, it is a okay green tea and nothing is special about it.RM2.50


This is not a sponsored food review. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

REVIEW ON MISTINE EGG WHITE PEEL OFF MASK

I know many dislike the egg stinky smell XP or have no time for DIY mask.  Today, I am reviewing an albumin mask. Hahaha, No.  It is not the Skinfood wash off egg mask.  This mask also use egg albumin.  It is a mask from Mistine.  Mistine is a famous drugstore brand available in Thailand. I think you can find Mistine products in Watson or drugstore in Thailand.

 Sorry my camera can't focus.  Overall, only the ingredients is in English.

Mistine

Product Size : 85 g.

Decription :

Mistine Egg White Whitening Peel Off Mask helps tighten pores, firmer and smoothen skin as well as reduce acne, acne scars, redness and less breakouts. After applying this mask, your face will be become tighten, amazing whitened, poreless, tighten, good oil balancing, supple and in good texture.

- Peel off mask

- Helps to WHITEN SKIN

- tighten pores

- Reduce acne, acne scars, redness and less breakouts

How to use :

Apply an amount of the peel off mask onto clean face and leave on for 20 minutes and then peel off. Recommend use 1-3 times per week.

Ingredients : Water, Alchol denat., Polyvinyl alcohol, Propylene glycol, Methylparaben, Albumen, PEG-150. Polysorbate 20, Xanthan gum, Mica, Fragrance, Titanium dioxide, Hydrolyzed collagen, Hydrolyzed elastin, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Propylparaben.

No worry of spillage 

 

Here is how the liquid looks like

The mask is in a tube form and it is easy to get it out. The mask is in form of silvery liquid, no slippery feeling and application was so easy.There is no funny smell of egg too.  In fact, it smell like perfume and the smell lasted throughout the masking process.  It is just a little too strong for me.


One need to wait until it is completely dry to remove it. You will feel that the mask is pulling tight just like how egg mask would made you feel. On the first application, it does made the skin feel smooth and clean the pore on the nose area. After the second application, you can feel that the redness is tone down and your pores tighten.  I am not sure about the whitening part.  I think it is more like brightening but one would need to use it for an amount of time before you notice any obvious results.

If you want to use it continuously for three days, the effect will be more obvious. Make sure to apply your skincare (booster, toner, moisturizer) after that or else it can cause dryness since peel off mask is like a light scrub that get rid of dead skin on top of your skin. It is also to maximize the effect that your essence, serum and moisturizer can do for you. Don’t apply too much moisturizer okay. A little will do.

Overall this product is a cheap, effective to reduce redness and for people who dislike the smell of fresh egg on their face because it works the same.  I can say goodbye to using DIY egg mask now because I seriously find it troublesome.

Ps: It contains alcohol so it might be drying and unsuitable for those with dry skin.

Products retails at RM25 and it is made in Thailand.  In Malaysia, you can get from online shop. I do not earn any commission from this so be ensure that my review is totally honest.

Product are not sponsored so be ensure that the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

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SKINCARE TIPS:TOPICAL ACNE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE IN MALAYSIA

While there are many acne products out there, most of these products are separated into few types of ingredients. These products are know to get rid of acne but becareful in choosing since most people are known to be allergic to some of them.


One of the symptom that shows that you are not suitable to using the acne product is you have more acne and pimples after using it (exception for tretinoin&adapalene).

Here, I have compile some of the products and also the examples of products that I had tried before. Most of the products here are available in Malaysia at the drugstore or pharmacies.



Benzoyl peroxide- Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent. I helps in clearing pores and reducing the bacterial count P.Acnes by killing them. It can’t be use at the same time with retinoid.
It is usually as spot treatment and available in concentrations of 2.5% , 5%, and 10%. It can cause initial dryness and sometimes irritation. Do not abuse it by applying more than you are suppose too as it can cause burning, itching, peeling and swelling. It bleaches the clothes so don’t apply more than a small pea size and don’t apply a glob on the effected acne or you will sure bleach a lot of harm on your skin!
It usually only work for light acne. It doesn’t work for me at all.

In Malaysia, there is OXY 2% & 5% as well as Benzac by Galderma.




Niacinamide- is from vitamin B3 / niacin. Nicotinamide helps with reducing the inflame skin conditions include acne vulgaris. Unlike topical Erythromycin or Clindamycin it does not develop any bacterial resistance in treating inflammatory acne. Nicotinamide acne treatment is also available as Nicotinamide pads and cream. Nicotinamide is also reported to be an effective skin whitener in topical application It available in tablet and in topical form.

In Malaysia, I think the one that we can find would be Papulex. It is available in Caring Pharmancy.
La Roche Posay Effaclar but this is not available in Malaysia.

Tretinoin- is the first generation derivative retinoid. It can cause redness, scaling, itching and burning when first use. A person on this have to use sunblock since it can cause sensitivity and burn. A person on this should not go for waxing or eat vitamin supplement that contains vitamin A.

It should be use if one is pregnant as it can cause birth defect. It is best consult with dermatologist or doctor before using tretinoin as not everyone can tolerate it. One should only use it at night.

In Malaysia, there is the Retinol, Retin A and also Stieva. One can get it from skin clinic or pharmacies.





Adapalene- the third generation derivative from vitamin A. It exfloliate the skin and also reduce inflammation. Most people tolerate adapalene better than tretinoin. It also works well with clindamycin at the same time. Apply adapalene and after 3min, apply clindamycin. Should apply all over on the dry face with pea size. Don’t use a glob! The face will look bad for the first 2 weeks but heal fast after that.

In Malaysia, it is available in Differin 0.1% gel and also adaferin from pharmacies.

Clindamycin- this is antibiotic and well after applying it for a pro long of time, the skin will be immune with it.
In Malaysia the one available is the Hoe Mycin from pharmacies. There are lotion or gel.  I prefer gel since my skin is oily



Sulfur- the smell of sulfur is okay to me but I don’t know how others will feel. It hurts a lot and there will be the white cast on the face. So it is best applied at night. Don’t apply a lot or else you will end up with huge red patches of burned skin. It works better than benzoyl peroxide for me.

In Malaysia, it is available in Jr sulfur soap and Nixoderm   Amazon link    . You can get it from Guardian or Watson.





Salicylic acid- It also know as BHA and can be found in many acne products. Salicylic acid is known for its ability to ease aches and pains and reduce fevers. It is also reduces the inflame acnes . it causes the cells of the epidermis to shed more readily, opening clogged pores and neutralizing bacteria within, preventing pores from clogging up again by constricting pore diameter, and allowing room for new cell growth.

In Malaysia, it is available in many skincare products. The most famous one and produces faster results would be aspirin (similar but different from salicylic acid). Look for the one not added with other things. For examples, Dispirin or Bayer Aspirin.  There is also the Paula's Choice  BHA skincare products for acne prone skin which is famous in the US.


Tea tree- This is a natural option. tea tree is naturally anti bacterial.  There are quite few brands that offer tea tree products =) even in drugstore. I do like the Thursday Plantation, Garden of Eden and Aiken.

Neem- This is a wonderful natural ingredients for acne prone skin but I haven't been able to buy is the neem oil. I heard it smell terrible. The only products in drugstore that I know contains neems are the Himalaya Purifying gel cleanser and also the Neem herbs .


Overall, one needs to follow certain instruction to use the topical gel or cream. Some is just for spot treatment and some are to be applied all over the face.  Don’t be greedy since a little is needed to achieve the results. There are some people who are allergic to antibiotic, benzoyl peroxide or can’t tolerate tretinoin.  So, choose the one suitable for you and do a lot of research before trying them out.


You can get some of the products on Shopee Malaysia too.
I usually get my Paula Choice from Worthee Cosmetics 

Other links on acne:

Regime to cure acne

Food Harmful for acne prone skin
How to get rid of pimples/acne
How to  heal pimples after picking on them

The opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.

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FOOD REVIEW ON RESTORAN AL-HAMID MERSING

This place is most famous for the cendol.  It doesn’t serve alcoholic drinks since it is a Muslim restaurant.  There is free wifi provided in this restaurant and it is 24 hours.  Service is a little slow by the boss since the worker is the one doing everything.  However, the workers are really nice and not rude even if they are foreign workers.  Make sure to speak slow but clear.

The cendol is serve cold with brown sugar as the ice.  Normally, the ice is made from plain white water but this cendol uses brown sugar and fresh fragrant coconut milk. This is sure must try when coming to this restaurant.  The red beans are really soft and delicious.  Overall, one of the cendol around in Mersing. Rm2.50

The rojak is nice because they use the satay sauce which is why the orange colour plus lots of groundnuts bits.  The mixture of cucumber, pineapple, galangal and the soft prawn cracker is not bad making this rojak taste unique.  There is also half boiled egg in this rojak that makes it delicious and goes well with the tofu too.  The plate is enough for sharing with others.

Rm3.00

chapatti

The chapatti is not bad but a little burn on the outside.  The portion is slightly bigger than typical chapatti and consider pretty cheap for that.  There are layers inside the chapatti and it is soft so it is pretty enjoyable to eat them.  Chapatti is made from wheat so it is a healthy choice compare to roti canai.  It is also less oily. Rm1.00

Roti canai is not bad.  It is crispy and cooked perfectly.  However, I don’t really like the sauce as I find that is too thick for my liking.  Here, the roti canai is serve with dhal and chicken curry (no chicken).

Rm0.90

For tosai, the portion is not so big but it is super crispy and cooked to perfection.  Again, I don’t really like the curry and dhal sauce but I love the white sauce which is the specialty that one can only get it here.  It is a little spicy, fragrant and just an excellent dip to along with the tosai.  I wish they could give the white sauce more instead of the dhal.

Rm1.30

mee goreng

They do not have vermicelli for fried so one can only have mee goreng.  The mee goreng here is just okay since it is quite oily and I do not really like oily food.  However, there is the spiciness that Malaysian would welcome.  However, some may not be able to tolerate the level of spicines and would sure break out in sweat.  The chicken is properly cook and there is no tiny bits of chicken bones in them which I might find in some shops.

RM3.50

Mersing Town, 86800 Mersing, Johor.  You would probably need to pass here to go to Tioman Island.

Food is not sponsored.  The opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always.