I'm always that kinda girl whom would give my body a treat once in a while.... From soaking in the bath tub to going for a jacuzzi has always been a relaxing experience for me. And I believe everyone deserves to pamper themselves once in a while. However, you do not have to spend a fortune going to spas or massage centres. In this post, I would like to share my ALL TIME FAVOURITE body scrub which would leave you rejuvenated and calm ! *almost feels like going for spa*

• Light up some candles
• Put on some relaxing songs
• *follow the steps of exfoliating below
• Lastly, soak yourself in a tub of warm water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
  

Unlike ordinary body scrubs, I combined TWO types of scrubs together to exfoliate my skin.

Body Scrub #1 : St Ives Apricot Scrub (170g)
Body Scrub #2: Body Shop African Salt Scrub (350ml)
Scrub #1 can be easily found in anywhere in Watsons, Guardian or your local pharmacy. I don't quite remember when I started using it, but it is one of the scrubs that MY entire family loves. My mom has been using this scrub for years, and so is my dad whom has pretty sensitive skin. Plus it really does not cost a bomb (Currently retailing for approximately RM 20 ).

The one I'm using comes from in a tube, and is meant for Blemish & Blackhead Control, because I find the granules too rough on my facial skin, I subsituted it as a body scrub instead.
I find the one that comes in a tube more user-friendly. (I'm aware that St Ives has another edition that comes in a jar, but I have not had the opportunity to compare which is more value for money).

To Use: Squeeze approximately 5cm of Srub #1 on your palm and mix it with approximately 2 teaspoons of Srub #2.

(Note: The amount of the scrubs above can be altered accordingly to one's preference)



SO, Why Did I Decided to Mix These Two Scrubs Together ?
Reason being, I find that while Scrub #1 has rough apricot kernels that effectively exfoliates your skin, BUT it does not produce the moisturising effect that Scrub #2 does !

In contrary, because Scrub #2 has Shea Butter and Beeswax, where both are important moisturizing ingredients. I felt that my skin was more moisturised and softer after exfoliating. This product claims to be an 'Enlivening Body Scrub With Softening Shea Butter" which DID live up to its claims and the granules found in it are actually Sea Salt. However, the granules of salt melts pretty fast as your hand move in circular motions. Therefore, I would honestly give credits for its moisturising properties, but I must say that I'm rather dissapointed because I feel that it does not remove my dead cells effectively. It also comes with a lovely scent, one that reminds me of the cool sea breeze, soothing but NOT overwhileming, and the scent lingers even after that. But, I'm not too sure if those whom does not fancy perfumed products will like it or not.

In all, this combination of the two body scrubs came to me as accidental, I happen to have the both of these two scrubs the same time. But, really, it has been my 'beauty recipie' for years, and I always use them for events such as before a wedding, party or before a romantic dinner:P

But ofcourse, Scrub #2 was pretty expensive. If I'm not mistaken it was more than RM100,but I can't quite remember. That is probably another disadvantage (besides the fact that it does not exfoliate properly).

My Skin-Care Regime

It took me some time to figure out which are the first products where I would start reviewing on. Trust me, I have quite a load of stuffs lying here and there, although I can't quite guarantee if I'm still using them :P

Anyway, as the Title suggests, why not start on my skin care regime .
In here, I would highlight the current cleanser and toner that I'm using now.

Cleanser:
Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-up Remover
to be used together with Avene Thermal Spring Water

Avene Thermal Spring Water:
The magical thermal water that claims to do wonders for your skin and has multiple uses. Its uses and properties can be found at www.aveneusa.com

Avene Micellar Lotion :
A 2 in 1 product, Cleanser +Make-up Remover

This particular product that I'm using is unlike ordinary cleansers: it is a non-rinse formula. it also claims to be highly rich in Avene Thermal Spring Water but does not explicitly states the percentage on it. in terms of its solution, it is pretty much like toners, uncoloured, slightly scented and watery.

To use:
Wet a generous amount of Avene Micellar Lotion
across face and neck using a cotton pad.

While I give credits to this product in soothing my skin (calming the redness), I have to point out on major disadvanatge:
It does not remove EYE make up effectively !
(Note that I'm using a non-water proof mascara which should be easier to clean)

Therefore, I would suggest to anyone who is intending to use this cleanser/makeup to remove their make up with their regular make up remover before using the Micellar Lotion. Then, follow up by rinsing with cold water to remove excess makeup.

Upon application, I did not feel any stingy sensation as it is alcohol free
(however, I'm not too sure if it's good news for oily skin, as alcohol tends to do a better job in controlling oil secretion).
In fact, it felt as though I was applying toner across my face ! It felt as though there was a layer of moisture sealing my skin. my skin does not feel taut nor dry after using this product.

The instruction in behind the bottle says "Complete the cleansing process by spraying a mist of Avene Thermal Spring Water". Therefore, at any chance you are buying this product, I highly suggest you purchase it together with the thermal water. When used together with the thermal water, my skin felt refreshed and there was no sticky-or-whatsoever feeling.

It left my skin feeling clean, without its natural moisture being stripped off.

Verdict:
PROs:
The cleanser would do well on sensitive skin as its main properties work to soothe senstive skin. It also provided me with the essential cleansing I needed.

CONs:
It clearly does not play the role of a make-up remover and generally does not produce special effects such as whitening/firming. And also probably more time consuming, because you have to use a seperate make-up remover.

Rating:
Overall, I would give this product a 4/5 . If it had worked well as a make-up remover, then it's probably a 5:)

Skin Details and Tips!

So, here are some basic details of my skin. And they act as a guideline for readers *if any* to know how if the reviewed products would work in the best interest for them.

Skin colour: Fair with a yellow undertone

Texture: Smooth

Type: Combination to dry

Problematic areas: T-zone, where I tend to have breakouts around my chin area.

Remarks:

Like normal women out there, I'm not one of those with flawless skin *Well, I used to.....siGh, those were the days!* and would not consider my skin sensitive as I don't quite remember when my skin was allergic to products. However, I believe that the right skincare and home-care are essential in mantaining healthy skin.

Tip:

Honestly, I'm gonna skip the typical-how-to-achieve-good-skin that are provided by gazzilion websites and so-called beauty gurus preaching about eating lots of veggies, drink 6-8 glasses of water, dont touch your skin, stress, yada-yada.....

BCoz, firstly, I assume that MANY people already know that ?!

I mean who doesnt?

The ideal pyramid food chain or whatever you call it is everywhere from posters in clinics to standard four's science text book

*Exhales deeply*

Therefore, in this particular section, I would like to highlight certain facts *largely based on personal experience & may not be found in any other beauty books nor websites*.

Tip #1: Cleanser & Toner of the Same Brand

It is preferable for one to use products of the same brand, especially when it comes to your cleanser and toner. *this is an important and useful tip that I got from my beautician friend* Reason being, cleansers and toner work together to produce certain effects in your skin, therefore, they should be of the same brand to prevent any adverse effects.

Tip #2: Layers of excessive products!

When having breakouts, avoid applying excessive products, such as mask, abbrasive exfoliating because these will only lead to 'choking' your skin. This occured to me when I had my first major breakouts, i started slapping products across my face foolishly hoping they would make it better. but it simply didn't and will not work !

Tip #3: Always always apply suncreen if exposed to the sun

Since I have fair skin (I tan VERY easily, you won't believe it!) I never leave home (during day, that is) without sunscreen ! Even if I'm exposed to sun during driving and walking short distances, I make sure that my sunscreen is at least SPF20. For a day moisturiser, always opt for one with at least SPF15 and above or you can use your regular moisturiser and then follow up with your sunscreen.


Tip #4: It's never too soon to Pamper your EYES !

It is NEVER too late to start investing on a eye cream. A good eye cream should effectively moisturise your skin and should be free of fragrance because the eye area is exceptionally delicate. Well, ofcourse, I do not mean slapping anti-wrinkles in your 20's or teens. One that effectively moisturizes and prevents dark circles *who doesn't have dark circles, UGH!* is sufficient. No point buying some magical cream that claims to erase wrinkles in just 10 applications when you're in your 50's. It's no different than taking taking your panadols ALL AT ONCE after being SICK for a week !

Afterall,

Beauty is all about maintainence & knowledge.

Yes, No ?

Brief Intro

First of all, this blog is meant for product reviews *everything from make-ups to skin care and maybe some magical make up tools*
As Ive always been a make up enthusiats since in my mother's womb prolly..... I've decided to start up this blog.....

One reason> to share my interest and passion in beauty stuffs,
which I proudly nickname em as the Ultimate Girls Toys !

Similiarly, being brought up in an enviroment full of girls....it is of little wonder that every room that i enter upon has, either bottles of perfume, moisturisers, lying around. Therefore, I am privilleged to try on products for once or *multiple times* without having to burn a hole in my pocket !

Lastly, as much as Im tempted to try the higher end products such as Bobbi Brown, Lancome, Shiseido etc...... I'm proud the say that AT LEAST for now..... my main range of products that are currently used are pretty much affordable stuffs such as L'oreal and Kate from Kanebo. The reviews of products that I include in here may not be in the interest of everyone as each individuals are blessed or maybe not with different skin. So in the next posting, I'll reveal some details of my skin, so that ....well, at least you know how a certain product would work on you.

While I take pride and effort in blogging, I hope I've given you some clues in choosing the right products and happy happy reading !