EMPTIES: Of all sorts for 2014

I'm pretty sure I did a product empties post before, but I can't seem to find the label. Mmhmm. Should probably do this more often, but it's so much trouble trying to keep the empty bottles when you're trying to keep your room 'tidy'. Lol. But anyway, here are some of the products that I have used up this year. Just some of them. Heh.

Nivea's Extra Whitening Cell Repair and Protect Body Milk
What it is: This milk contains concentrated Camu Camu and Acerola Cherry with 50x higher Vitamin C, which translates to 50x whitening power, and helps to repair the 10 signs of dull and damaged skin; dark spots, rough, itchy, flaky, cracked, tight, dry, dull, uneven, accumulated dull and sun-damaged skin. It also has UVA and UVB filters to prevent skin from re-darkening and has Hydra IQ which provides non-stop 24h+ moisture and reveals smoother skin within 14 days of regular use.

What I think: OMG, I had this for the longest time. It just refused to be used up. Lol. I bought this mainly to use it at night, after finishing my Nivea Body UV Whitening Serum SPF25 PA++. I like that it is lightweight and absorbs into the skin easily. But the whitening properties are not quite evident. It's probably because I'm rather fair already (Or so I have been told. But I don't think I am...), but anyway, I didn't get any darker when I was using this. So it's good for maintenance purposes for me, I suppose! I won't repurchase this again though, just because I have so many other lotions and this didn't really stand out.

Lush's Roots Hair Treatment
What it is: Infused with fresh mint and peppermint and spearmint oils, this hair and scalp treatment revitalizes the scalp, so that healthy hair starts at the roots. Extra virgin oil and honey soften and condition hair to make it shine without weighing it down. It gives dull, fine and thin hair volume and shine.

What I think: I use this so irregularly that I can't really comment on the shine. And I don't have fine and thin hair... So I shouldn't have bought this. LOL. I believe I told the SA that I wanted something to combat loss of hair (Stressful period, aye.). Hahaha. But anything that has peppermint needs to be in my toilet. Anyway, it does really make my scalp feel really good and 'awake' after each use. I really love the scent of it and how the ingredients are mostly natural. I might just repurchase this when I have extra moolah!

Fresh's Sugar Face Polish
What it is: This nourishing exfoliant is made with pure brown sugar and strawberry seeds. It refines and hydrates for a more radiant complexion.

What I think: I first came across this facial scrub in Catherine Walsh's Into the Gloss interview. I just love how Catherine looks; that silver pixie crop and matte red lipstick... That's what I'm having when I'm older. Anyway, this scrub is so good for my parched cheeks. I haven't got poreless skin like Catherine's BUT my skin just feels so healthy, soft and plump with moisture after using it. I usually leave it on for like half an hour or more. Haha. It's quite pricey so I usually stock up during Sephora's member sales. (:

Decléor's Aroma Confort Moisturizing Milk
What it is: Suitable for all skin types, this moisturizer envelops the skin in a comforting and protective layer of moisture. It re-hydrates the skin, improves skin's elasticity and firmness, enhancing the overall appearance of the skin and giving it a velvety smoothness.

What I think: This was an okay moisturizer. It did make my skin soft and smooth, but so do other moisturizers. I like how light it felt though.

Lancôme's Miracle Eau de Parfum
What I think: This is actually my scent when I was in upper secondary school and JC. And I used to 'bathe' in it; I sprayed on so much that my friends could locate where I was just by sniffing. Haha. A friend mentioned that I smelled like sunshine. Haha. I just like it because it was feminine but it wasn't overwhelming. And I like that I smelled like sunshine. :D

DKNY's Be Delicious Eau de Parfum
What I think: Mum got me this for Christmas and then, got me another bottle when she was at the airport and then, I got myself one at a sale. Lol. I love how refreshing and fruity this smells, but I wish it was a little stronger and lasted a little longer.

Weleda's Indulgent Body Lotion Kit
What it is: This starter kit is a convenient way to sample each body lotion and is perfect for travelling. Each formulation is distinguished by its holistic approach to stimulating and inspiring the body, mind and soul to achieve inner balance and boost one's own natural beauty. For a quick reference, (from left to right) Wild Rose Pampering Body Lotion - normal to dry skin, Pomegranate Regeneration Body Lotion - maturing skin, Citrus Hydrating Body Lotion - normal skin and Sea Buckthorn Replenishing Body Lotion - dry skin.

What I think: I came across this brand on Vivawoman and many Into the Gloss interviews, and so decided to get this kit on iHerb when it was available (It's perpetually OOS.). The body lotions make simple, fuss-free moisturizers and their scents are sooo good, calming and relaxing that I go to bed with the happiest thoughts.

Caudalíe's Beauty Elixir
What it is: Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s elixir of youth, this powerful plant based anti-dull complexion treatment smooths away fine lines, tightens pores and gives the complexion an instant boost of radiance.

What I think: Haha. I really just bought this for fun, during one of Sephora's member sales. It was refreshing and minty, yes. But after going through 2 small bottles of it, I still didn't see any visible effects? Haha. I'm so hopeless with facial sprays anyway.

VMV Hypoallergenics's Id Monolaurin Gel
What it is: This gel is packed with a unique, skin-safe, coconut-derived antibacterial called monolaurin. It can be used as a treatment for sweat acne on the face, chest, back, arms, posterior, thighs etc., disinfects skin. and works as a mattifier to control shine and keep skin feeling cool and fresh.

What I think: Do you see those 2 bottles?!? Haha. I LOVE THIS GEL TO BITS. It really helps with back acne and works great as a deodorant, without drying out the skin too drastically. Some nights, I apply this on my face but the alcohol does bother me a little. But yes, I love this and have a backup bottle in my stash!

SPOTTED: You're Invited to SK-II Festive Party!

This is for the SK-II fans!

From 19th to 21st Dec, spend $500 on SK-II products in a single receipt at SK-II TANGS Orchard or TANGS Vivo to join in the SK-II Festive Party on 21st December at TANGS SEVIIN.

You will get to enjoy food, drinks and even a free makeover at the party from 2pm to 6pm! :D

Merry SK-II Christmas, in advance!

HAUL: The Final iHerb Haul 2014

Since discovering iHerb early last year, it has been my to-go place for most things. It's where I get my supplements, my ingredients for DIY beauty stuff, my 'healthy' makeup etc. This year's final haul isn't as extensive as last year's, but it's my biggest iHerb one so far (Hauling a lot less now, because I'm in the midst of discovering K-beauty.).

Here's what I got:

• LavAzza's Caffè Espresso: I love coffee as a face and body scrub. It leaves behind the smoothest and healthiest-feeling skin! Be extra gentle when you're using on the face though as the grinds can be pretty coarse! The sister had been providing me with coffee grinds until she decided to make Dublin her home for a year. I tried commercial body scrubs but somehow, they just aren't good enough for me. Haha. This is a new brand that I'm trying out!
• Now Foods' Aloe Vera Gels: I have been taking them every morning for the past year. When I first took them, I felt less lethargic. It's probably psychological but there's no harm in adding them to my diet. Heh.
• Arrowhead Mills' Organic Oat Flour: When I had my rash, I made little oat packs with this. After showering, I soaked a pack in water and basically just rubbed it over the affected areas. It really helped calm the rash. I also used a pack for my face and it was moisturizing, so I'm going to continue with it. I do this after my toner and serum, before my moisturizer.
• Nature Gate's Shine Enhancing Henna Shampoo and Conditioner: I started trying out hair care products from iHerb. Am currently using Avalon Organics, which isn't too bad but I wanted to try other popular brands.
• E.L.F. Cosmetics' Eyeshadow Palettes: Dude, US$15 each.

FRAGRANCE: BOSS MA VIE Pour Femme

BOSS MA VIE Pour Femme is the latest fragrance to join the BOSS Parfums family. It completes the trio, which includes BOSS NUIT Pour Femme and BOSS JOUR Pour Femme, and reveals a new dimension to the BOSS woman. The fragrance draws inspiration from the serenity that the BOSS woman feels when she steps out of her daily routine, stop and smell the flowers. It's the moment when she loosens up, enjoy some quiet me-time and savour life - her life.

Top Notes: Modernity - Cactus Blossom
Light scents that are detected immediately upon application. Forms your first impression.
Top notes of cactus blossom accord capture the invigorating green freshness of the uncompromising desert plant, providing a unique and modern element to the fragrance. Known to demonstrate unconditional love of life in any condition, the essence evokes a lively and uplifting brightness, igniting the BOSS woman to fully live her life and take pleasure in the moment.

Middle Notes: Femininity - Pink Floral Bouquet with Rose Bud
Scents that emerge just before the top notes departs. Masks initial unpleasant impression of base notes, which improves with time.
A blooming bouquet at the heart of BOSS MA VIE Pour Femme unifies the key florals of BOSS NUIT Pour Femme and BOSS JOUR Pour Femme, with a tender and soft pink feminine twist. Suave pink freesia and jasmine petals were blended with delicate rose bud, creating a natural floralcy. Often perceived as tender and delicate, rose buds carry the concentrated strengths of the densely layered, pure core of an immaculate rose, providing an elegant sensation of softness with strong femininity.

Base Notes: Confidence - Cedarwood
Rich and deep scents that emerge before the middle notes departs. Brings depth and solidity to the fragrance.
The intense warmth of sheer woods and cedarwood forms the base of the fragrance. Known to encourage an attitude of confidence and ease, it inspires the BOSS woman to take a moment to herself, grounding her with a heightened awareness of her feelings and surroundings.

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BOSS MA VIE Pour Femme is a scent that I have been reaching out for every day. It's light and feminine, but not overwhelmingly floral... Perfect for the girl who's in-between (You know, neither too girly nor too boyish.) and as a daily scent. The bottle's simple and minimalistic. Wrapped in a classic ballet pink, it will adorn any vanity table elegantly.

BOSS MA VIE Pour Femme Eau de Parfum is available in 30ml, 50ml and 75ml. The shower gel and body lotion will be at $50 (200ml) each.

WWW: Christmas loving for Every Friend

And we are just 3 weeks away from my favourite holiday of the year. It isn't just 25th that I'm looking forward to; I also enjoy the entire build-up to this holiday. The intricate Christmas decorations that adorn the malls, the fairy lights that dress the trees, the joyful songs that fill the air… And not forgetting, the thought and care that go into preparing gifts for our loved ones.

But the weather has been erratic, there are crowds to beat, there's year-end closing to deal with and some of us just really don't want to leave the comfort of our homes. Thankfully we have the internet and hence, online shopping (#bestthingtobeinventedever).

Here are some Christmas gift ideas for 5 friends which you probably have:

1. For the beauty guru:

   Smashbox Click You're It Holiday Eye Palette, $26.00

   Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System, $35.90

   There's no such thing as 'too much makeup'. For the friend who loves dolling up, a new eyeshadow palette is always welcomed, especially one from Smashbox. The Smashbox Click You're It Holiday Eye Palette, $26.00 includes 15 buttery soft and fine-textured eyeshadows and 5 creamy eyeliners. Novice makeup artists will definitely appreciate the accompanying 3 tutorial cards that teach you how to create 6 different and easy looks.

   With all the coming late-night partying and alcohol, it will be wise to start caring for the skin a little more now. The Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System, $35.90 combines exfoliating crystals and microvibrations to give you firmer, younger-looking and more refined skin, just like a newborn baby's!

2. For the book lover:

   Moby Dick (5x7") Journal, $35.90

   OOP Library Card Denim Tote, $39.90

   For the friend who loves books more than anything else, it will be perfect to get her a journal for her to pen down all her favourite phrases and sentences. The Moby Dick (5x7") Journal, $35.90 is book-cloth wrapped and has 300 'micro-text' lined pages for all her scribbling and doodlings. Pair it with the fitting OOP Library Card Denim Tote, $39.90 so that she can easily carry her books wherever she goes.

3. For the Instagrammer:

   Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Black, $79.80

   Gold Instax Mini Album for Instax Mini Films, $7.50

   You can always find a friend who Instagram-s everything. She takes several shots to get the perfect one and then, spends the next couple of minutes finding the perfect filter. But some memories are meant to be tangible and to come with all their beautiful flaws. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Black, $79.80 allows you to capture memories in pocket-sized cards which you can scribble on, create a photo collage on your bedroom wall or house in the pretty Gold Instax Mini Album for Instax Mini Films, $7.50. Flip through it when you're 60 and have a good laugh at all the silly but memorable moments.

4. For the fashionista:

   Double Straps Plain Playsuit in Black, $31.90

   YSL Wristlet – Pink, $12.90

   Then there's the friend who is always well-dressed for every event and ahead of fashion trends. Well, this Christmas, get her the Double Straps Plain Playsuit in Black, $31.90 to replace her favourite LBD. It’s a little playful, very classy and affirms her fashionista status. The YSL Wristlet – Pink, $12.90 will make sure that she further stands out from the crowd.

5. For the Gordon Ramsey wannabe:

   Morries 3-in-1 Breakfast Maker MS-301SBM, $49.90

   Stylux Salad Maker, Food Processor LH-FP157, $47.90

   Finally, we have the friend who watches Masterchef 24/7 and wants to marry Gordon Ramsey. The Morries 3-in-1 Breakfast Maker MS-301SBM, $49.90 allows her to start the day with a hearty, Ramsey-approved breakfast. It comes with a 5L electronic over toaster (For crisp slices of bread.), a coffee maker (Arabica beans only please.) and a Teflon coated frying plate (Bacon is compulsory.).

   For lunch and dinner, she will find the Stylux Salad Maker, Food Processor LH-FP157, $47.90 very handy. It's a multi-purpose chopper with 5 stainless steel blades that can easily grates, shreds and slices just about anything; fruits, vegetables, cheeses, chocolates, nuts etc. Most importantly, it is easy to clean.

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Now, for the fun part (After all, giving is better than receiving! :D)! Online shopping websites are a dime a dozen. What makes one stand out is the variety of items and the customer service. So here's introducing Lazada. Lazada is Southeast Asia's biggest online shopping mall, with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and very recently, our sunny little Singapore!

Purchasing from Lazada is as easy as ABC! Let me take you through the process as I order a watch for the brother:

• Step 1: After registering an account, browse through Lazada for the perfect gifts. Lazada is stocked with an unimaginable variety of items; from beauty to gadgets to home décor, you name it, they have it!

  

• Step 2: Once you have decided on your item, click on 'Buy Now'. This puts your item in your shopping cart!

  

• Step 3: When you are done shopping (Probably took a while, didn't it? Heh.), click on 'Proceed to Checkout' and start filling in your details.

  

• Step 4: Select your payment method and click on 'Place Your Order'!

  

And you are done! :DDD The delivery can take between 2-4 business days for local sellers or 5-14 business days for overseas sellers. While waiting, you can check the status of your order here!

Alrighty, I hope this post has been helpful for you. Before I end, here's a little Christmas something from me to you! Happy shopping! :D

LOOKBOOK: Blushing Florals

Everlane tee, Missypixie Betina Floral Trumpet Skirt
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This week was mostly spent recovering from Bangkok. Too much excitement left both my nose and throat a little sore. Still, I can't wait to go back there. Just last night, I was seated beside 2 strangers who were talking about my favourite country in the world (Besides Singapore, of course.) and it was really tempting to just join in the conversation. But I managed to maintain, thankfully (There are only so many embarrassing episodes that one can have at 25.).

The above photos were taken a while back, when my hair was still straight and pretty (It's back to being grass-like now. I'm really reluctant to straighten it again, so I got it thinned and layered. And now, I have no idea how to style it.). I decided to go both casual and dressy, just because the skirt was a pretty number and I was too lazy to go full-on dressy. Does the outfit look a little mismatched to you? :\

Anyway, the sister discovered Everlane tees a while back. They are 100% cotton, lightweight and slouchy, which makes them perfect companions for lounging around. Except that they are rather expensive. Definitely a want, and not a need.

FRAGRANCE: This Christmas with P&G Prestige Fragrances‏

I love fragrances. I have been wearing them since I was 14, stealing a couple of spritz every morning from Dad's little shelf (Yes, I prefer the musky ones.). They provide little outlets of expression; whether it's the sassiness you're feeling in the morning, or the seriousness of the day's events... I really think that everyone should own one. Or two. Or a whole (small) chest of them, like me. Heh.

Anyway, Christmas is fast approaching and if you're scratching your head over the perfect gift for the fair maidens in your life, why not get them fragrances? Perhaps, ones that smell like their personalities? :D

Here are 3 P&G Prestige Fragrances‏ you might want to check out:

• ESCADA Joyful for the positive ones
  Joy is a state of mind, where everything seems possible and nothing is too daunting. This feeling is perfectly captured in the new fragrance from ESCADA - ESCADA Joyful. The luminous scent embodies happiness in a bottle, making it the perfect gift for the woman who approaches life with positivity, spontaneity and confidence. Captivated by the beauty around her, she sees the positive in all that she does, helping her to experience joyful moments and good fortune in return.
  ESCADA Joyful EDP comes in 30ml ($87), 50ml ($122) and 75ml ($158).

• GUCCI Premiere EDT for the bold ones
  For the woman who possesses limitless strength and is happy in her own skin, the latest fragrance from GUCCI - GUCCI Premiere EDT is the best way to celebrate her. Combining presence and sensual femininity, this scent rewards those champagne moments of everyday achievement and makes them resonate and last, making it the ideal gift for the woman who is the epitome of confidence and empowerment.
  GUCCI Premiere EDT comes in 30ml ($106), 50ml ($129) and 75ml ($181).

• GUCCI Guilty Studs Limited Edition for the glamourous ones
  The GUCCI Guilty sensual heroine is an audacious, rebellious thrill-seeker, a trailblazer who indulges in passion and dangerous seduction. This scent now further expresses their defiant attitude with a new and striking guise with the GUCCI Guilty Studs Limited Edition. Adorned with more than 400 studs per bottle, this limited edition fragrance is just right for the woman who is gutsy yet glamourous, with an attitude that both provokes and seduces.
  GUCCI Guilty Studs Limited Edition comes in 50ml ($122).

RAMBLINGS: Hello world-after-the-Land-of-Smiles.

Last week, I made my very first trip to Bangkok with Yinghua and ohmigosh, I friggin' love that city. Even more than Taipei. I can understand how Chua can go there every year and why, for Yinghua, this was her 4th trip to Bangkok. This year. Lol, it's a tad extreme but I may be guilty of it soon. Hehhh.

Most of the people whom we met were very friendly, things were incredibly cheap (Even restaurant food. Divide everything by 25!), the KFC Popcorn Chicken actually had meat and was doused in some kind of spice powder (SO YUMMY PLEASE.), Thai milk tea was like 20 baht, body massages were sooo good and very much needed by my perpetually tensed body (Zen Tara Massage & Spa, guys!), I basically bought clothes for the next 3 months, Tuk Tuk ride was so fun, I found my Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon (They stop restocking it in SG. I don't know why, it's the perfect brown.), FOOD WAS SO GOOD, TOO GOOD... I really can go on forever. To think that I actually asked Benji if Bangkok had anything for me and had initially prepared a tiny cabin luggage (B told me to go Sentosa with it instead.).

Anyway, I just wanted to drop a note to say that I haven't abandoned this little virtual hideout of mine, as well as Instagram and Twitter. Mmhmm, somehow I'm not THAT into the whole social media business anymore but they are really great places to store memories. So keep a lookout as I recollect my Bangkok food adventure starting tomorrow on Instagram (@charlenejudith.)! :D

Last but not least, much love to Yinghua for bringing me around and tolerating my nonsense, whining (Ahem. I'm over it now. Maybe. I'll let you know tomorrow. HAHA.), OCD-ness, meekness, bluntness... Haiyah, all my flaws! MUACKZ. #favteacherforever (Woman, do you even read my blog?!?)