FRAGRANCE: Gucci Bamboo

Gucci's latest fragrance, Gucci Bamboo, is precisely tailor-made for the strong and savvy Gucci woman. Just like the bamboo, the Gucci woman takes on the challenges of life confidently and with ease. Stunningly beautiful and emerging star Gal Gadot is the face of this fragrance.

Gucci Bamboo consists of natural and resonant ingredients that create a captivating olfactory story. Woody and warm notes vibrate through the heart and base. Deep Sandalwood, heady Tahitian Vanilla and unique grey Amber accords strike a complementary contrast with the inherent femininity found in the exotic floral notes of soft Casablanca Lily, feminine Orange Blossom and delicate Ylang Ylang.

Gucci Bamboo comes in 30ml, 50ml and 75ml at $106, $122 and $178 respectively.

SPOTTED: Open the Door to a World of New Destinies with SK-II

From July 22nd to July 28th, dearest SK-II is having its #ChangeDestiny World at Ngee Ann City. At this event, SK-II will also be launching the next generation of its anti-aging series, SK-II R.N.A. Power. It includes the R.N.A. Power Cream and Essence, which will replace the existing Stempower Cream and Essence respectively.

At #ChangeDestiny World, you will be among the first in Singapore to purchase the SK-II R.N.A. Power before it hits the shelves on August 1st. Check out the promotion above and see you there! (:

RAMBLINGS: 26 and still discovering.

"Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration's shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It's all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager."
- Susan Sontag

For a long time now, I have been feeling 'lost'.

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I just wrote and backspaced an entire chunk explaining why. I have thought about it way too much and for way too long. So instead of retracing my steps again and again as time slips by, I'm going to actually get cracking and start taking new ones.

Also, it's time to start colouring outside the lines now.

REVIEW: ZO Skin Health's Offects Exfoliating Polish

This year, I have been plagued with a serious case of blackheads. It could have been because of all my late nights but I had also been wearing a lot of BB creams. And apparently, liquid sunscreens and anything that contains them can clog pores for some people too. 'Tragically', I'm one of those 'some people'. I do still sneak on some of my beloved Dr. Jart+ and Missha (When I want to feel suuuper 'pretty'.), but on most days, I'm a gel-sunscreen-powder-foundi kinda girl. Anyway, to wage a war with all those pesky blackheads, I got the ZO Skin Health's Offects Exfoliating Polish from Trinity Medical Centre (Marine Parade).

Formulated for all skin types, ZO Skin Health's Offects Exfoliating Polish contains ultra-fine magnesium crystals that exfoliates dead skin cells, increases cell turnover, improves skin texture and promotes healthy circulation. Vitamins A, C, E and C-Esters are also added to provide antioxidant benefits to help strengthen the skin barrier function.

For the past few months, I have been using this sporadically because it's really expensive, I really like it and am trying very hard to prolong the little tub that I have. Haha. Heh.

After cleansing, I scoop out a pea-sized amount and apply it onto my face in gentle, circular motions. My skin feels like it's being cleaned thoroughly but because the scrub's so fine, it's such a comfortable experience. My sensitive face doesn't go the least bit red! After washing it off, my skin looks clear, isn't dry and feels crazy soft. I slather on moisturizer after that (Maybe, some lotion or serum first, if I feel like it. I'm really quite irregular with the in-betweens. :\) and it seems to sink in a lot easier and faster than when I don't use the scrub. Also, this smells like clean ocean. *blissful look*

The biggest reason why I'm in love with this is that I have a lot less blackheads now. My nose is still a breeding ground for them (Just as it has been for the past 103428035 years.), but the blackheads are less prominent. And previously, I was having a lot of blackheads on my forehead which I didn't use to have before. They aren't gone completely, but I'm happy to report that there's a visible reduction now. :DDD

REVIEW: Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System

When I was 12, I was already eyeing the mother's beauty stash. Among the many different, pretty bottles that she had, there was one that stood out so much because it was so pale-yellow and squarish. It was, of course, the famous Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +, which the mother explained was her very favourite. Ever since then, Clinique has been on my beauty radar. So much love for the Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector!

Clinique is well-known for its 3-Step Skin Care System and recently, I had the opportunity to try it out. Thanks Luxola! This simple, fuss-free and effective system is clinically-formulated and forms the foundation of Clinique's skin care. The brand's visionary dermatologist, Dr. Norman Orentreich, believes that 'great skin can be created' with a simple skin care regimen that involves cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing

Meant to be used twice a day, this system consists of the following steps:

• Step 1: Cleanse with the Liquid Facial Soap
  This soap comes in 3 types - extra mild, mild and extra-strength - and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean, but never taut.
• Step 2: Exfoliate with the Clarifying Lotion
  This lotion is also known as the 'Difference Maker' because it speeds up skin cell turnover for maximum brilliance and clarity.
• Step 3: Replenish with the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +
  Moisture is the secret to healthy, clear skin. This comes in both lotion and gel forms to meet the needs of every skin type and add moisture wherever and whenever it is needed.

My skin has always been sensitive and now that I am way into adulthood, it has also become more of a 'combination skin type' - cheeks as dry as the Sahara desert and T-zone, shiny like a disco ball. And whenever I sleep poorly, my cheeks get so parched that lines become really obvious. Hence, having the right cleanser, one that doesn't leave skin feeling tight and uncomfortable, is really important to me. And that is why the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap made it to my very short and exclusive list of favourite cleansers. It cleans without stripping off all the natural oil, and leaves my skin comfortable and adequately moisturized after each wash.

Truth be told, before this, I hardly used toners. I have them, but I just don't use them regularly. Like I would be very diligent for the first 5 days and then, after that, it would be like once in a month... Or three months? Haha. But I do like how refreshing the Clinique Clarifying Lotion makes my skin feel. I like to use it as a perk-me-up in the middle of the day, especially on my T-zone when it starts shining bright like a diamond. Again, it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry so two thumbs up!

Last but not least, the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +. I have actually tried this 2 years back, when it underwent its first reformulation. Back then, my skin was leaning towards the oily side and didn't take too well to it. BUT now that I have (slightly) more mature skin, it is just drinking this up. Especially my cheeks. I wake up to cheeks that feel plump with health and my skin looks more awake than ever. And because it sinks into my skin so easily and provides enough moisture, makeup sits on my skin very comfortably.

Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System is available on Luxola and from now till August 15th, key in BLX-CHARLENEJ to enjoy 15% off all first time orders. I hope this post has been helpful! (: