KonMari-ing My Beauty Stash

My room is literally littered with beauty products. And though I have made several attempts to reduce my stash, they are still pretty much everywhere because #consumerism. Lol. As some of you might know, I have been trying extremely hard to be a minimalist this year. So for a while now, I have sort of adopted the 'no buying, only replace' strategy where I try (again, extremely hard) not to buy new products, to use up what I have and only to replace those that I really love. It has been 80 52% successful? Lol. ಥ_ಥ

Anyway, here are some products which I have finished or stopped using in the past couple of months that I was MIA-ing here. :\

For hair

• Earth Science Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Hair Masque
  With a 4.5 rating across 984 reviews on iHerb.com, I expected this to really transform my hair into a blanket of silk or something to that effect. But nope, this was so incredibly normal. In fact, it wasn't as effective as my usual conditioner from Tsubaki.

• Tsubaki Head Spa Massage Spa Mask
  I discovered Tsubaki during my JC days and since then, I have been using it. Of course, I do dabble in other brands but I always have Tsubaki shampoos and conditioners under my sink. The above is my second tube. I always use this when my scalp and hair need some TLC and it always delivers. Always. ♥

For face

• Annasalbe Ace Acne Cream
  I got this when I was in Japan earlier this year. According to MUA, this is a sulphur-based acne cream and it is the best I have tried since Eryacne. It is so effective in drying the heck out of pimples/ acne, whether they are just threatening to appear or have already reared their ugly heads. Definitely stocking up on this the next time I go Japan! ♥

• Naruko Face Renewal Miracle Essence
  Okay, this, THIS, is my holy grail. I have used 1.5 bottles in the last 6 months (Please take note that I do spam it quite a bit when I'm happy. And then, this makes me happier so I spam it even more. (ؑ‷ᵕؑ̇‷)◞✧ ). It plumped my skin with moisture and made it feel so incredibly healthy that I got compliments on my skin. And you need to know that that hardly ever happens in my life. Even my facial therapist commented that my skin was good. But anyway, I decided to go Europe and my skin's a little messed up from the cold and flu now, so the texture of the inner cheeks is a little rough. But but, it's getting better day by day with this (And my trusty Aveeno moisturizer!)! ♥♥♥

• Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil
  Oh gawd. This is really expensive and it's actually my 2nd bottle. A few drops of this mixed into DermaVeen was very good for my dry skin in 2014. But fast forward to this year, it just stopped. Unfortunately... Or fortunately. Heh. Well, skin is always changing so *shrugs*. Really painful on the heart though. Also, the cap gets sticky in our climate like NARS packaging so that's a bit icky. :\

For body

• Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Powder Liquid
  I have sensitive skin everywhere so I can't use deodorants. Instead, I use pimple solutions. It was Stridex previously but we all know that that's really quite strong and drying. Hence, I made the switch to Cosrx. This is double the price but it is also so much gentler and works just as well for me. I slather this on at night without facing any irritations, wash it off when I shower in the morning and I don't really smell throughout the day. Have already started on my backup *points above*. ◡̈ ♥

• MooGoo Irritable Skin Balm
  I came across this brand on a mummy's forum last year while searching for remedies for my eczema and have stuck with it ever since. I was just spamming it on my back for a couple of days when I realised that hey, I wasn't itching anymore. And it has also helped Mum with her hot flushes and Gran with her dry skin. I really like that it's light, sinks into skin quickly and doesn't leave any residual layer (Which can actually add on to the whole itching situation.). Please take note that it doesn't cure eczema. It only helps you manage it better. I have recommended this to friends and well, it's pretty much YMMV but some have gotten onto the bandwagon too. You can buy this from Isetan, Kiddy Palace or place a bulk order on their Aussie website. ♥

Washing my face with roses from Su:m37˚

When iHerb started their 'K-Beauty' section, I spent several bus journeys scrolling through the items they offered. And of course, the Su:m37˚ Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick caught my eye. After all, this luxuriously magical product was OOS everywhere at one time. For those who don't know, this travel-friendly solid cleanser comes in a twist-up tube and is a small but precious column of essential oils, dotted with actual rose petals. To use it, swivel the cleanser on wet palms and wash your face as usual.

Some people have broken out from this which caused me quite a bit of worrying, especially with last year's (traumatic) encounter with facial eczema. But you know, skincare products, roses... So tempting! And thankfully, my very sensitive skin didn't react aversely to it. It was a sheer delight to use, but only because of the rose scent. It doesn't strip my skin after cleansing, but it isn't life-changing either. More of a want than a need, really because it doesn't come cheap. Also, I can't help but wonder how hygienic it is to wet the cleanser and then, let it dry in the tube like that. Same concern with bar soaps.

Still, my interest in Su:m37˚ is piqued and the next item that I really want to try is the Secret Essence. If I can tear myself away from Naruko Face Renewal Miracle Essence, which is another story for another time. Till then, x.

Su:m37˚ Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick retails at SGD36.20 on iHerb.com.

A Revolution among Florists – A Better Florist

It's not that often that I can find a florist that not only meets, but also exceeds my expectations. I love a good flower bouquet, and some of my fondest memories involve stunning flowers. I’ve seen my fair share of florists in Singapore, and I’ve ordered from many as well. However, I was most impressed by A Better Florist. Looking for the ideal, gift shop Singapore has, that is packed with beautiful blooms but offers so many creative gifts?

I want to start by stating that they have the best flower delivery in Singapore, ever. Their delivery is so fast, you’ll never forget a bouquet for special occasions ever again. They deliver all day, every day, even on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, New Years Eve, Chinese New Year's etc. If you are in a flower emergency, like I was numerous times before, they can cater to you immediately. Place the order, on the website or in the shop, and they will deliver it within only 90 minutes!

What makes them the best florist in Singapore apart from the greatest flower delivery Singapore has ever seen, are their skills and the ability to create beautiful and breathtaking blooms. Their bouquets and arrangements resemble a flower masterpiece, because they invest a lot of time and attention into every single bouquet. They pay attention to every detail, and make sure that each bouquet sends out the right message.

One of the greatest perk, especially for all that are tech savvy and the millennials, is their Online flower delivery Singapore is yet to experience in full. You don't even have to leave your home to take advantage of their fast delivery. Just a few clicks and you can place your order, without having to run around Singapore.

I've also found that they have a Dubai flower delivery and a Hong Kong flower delivery. If you read a little bit more, you'll see that they are known online through reviews and articles as the as the best florist in Hong Kong and the best florist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In fact, they are known to be the best flower delivery in Hong Kong.

The bouquet delivery Singapore florists have offered so far has to step up, because A Better Florist changed the game for good! I highly recommend you check out one of their signature blooms, they are stunning! In my opinion, this is the best florist in Singapore so far, and I can't wait to see what they create next.

(by Elma Humpries)