Neutrogena Deep Hydrating Mask

I am not a great fan of neutrogena product. I remember using their cleanser once and it made my skin really dry. And i have also tried their sun block and i feel it is a little too thick for the face. If i can only recommend one product froon this brand, it would be their hydrating mask. I think it is one of the most affordable and effective hydrating mask. I used it every day during my Tanjung Jara Trip and my skin did not peel at all even though I was under the sun for the entire trip.

On usual days, I used it once or twice a week. If you want a healthy glow and a “plump” face, you can try using it every day for a week. You should be able to see the result. Remember to scrub your face once a week too. It really helps to let the liquid and nutrients from the mask to absorb more effectively. The best thing about a tissue mask is convenience, use and pop it into the dustbin after. Just open the packet and place the mask on your face, leave it for 15-20 minutes, then remove and massage the remaining liquid onto skin. You can top up with your moisturizer, but normally I don’t bother.

Another tip: Put it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before using the mask. This will give you nice cooling effect and it does perk your skin up.

Verdict: Nice and easy to use product. Good to bring along for holidays.

Price: Mid Range – RM 49.90 (5 pieces)

Where: Any major pharmacy. (Sometimes they offer between 10-20% discount OR 1 sheet of FREE mask)

Tanjung Jara Resort

I went to Tanjong Jara Resort with a friend recently. I have never heard of this place until a friend sent me a promotion that they are running. It is the Unmistakably Malay package, a RM 799 - 3 days 2 nights trip with all meals included and you can either opt for the flight OR the SPA. We opted for the flight package which also includes transfer from the airport to the resort which took approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

When we reached the resort, they did the Malay ritual where they hit the Gong to welcome us. We were very lucky as they allowed us to check in at 10am because it was a low peak season. As we were walking to our room, we passed by the chalets and they really looked like kampong houses, all made out of wood and with 4 stands and a few steps of stairs.

The room was quite big, with a king size bed and a small bed for you to read. They have a walk in wardrobe, the bath was also huge with a bath tub, the toilet and the other cubicle is a huge rain shower for standing shower. They also provide us bath salt and for those who want to be pampered, they also provide luxury baths from RM 130++ in your tub at the comfort of your own room

We hit the pool after we have checked out our room. The beach was not very impressive and you cannot swim in the sea because it is very rough, it is still the monsoon. No water sport was allowed this time of the year. We had lunch at Nelayan, a restaurant that was facing the sea; we are entitled to an appetizer, main course and dessert. The menu is considered quite extensive with local, Japanese, Thai and also Fusion for your selection.

For dinner, we went to the Di atas Sungai restaurant. This restaurant is so Malay, there is in-door and outdoor, we sat outdoor. You can see coconut tree swaying as we rest on a “bridge like” structure waiting for our dinner, overseeing a small river (which is part of the sea) and also the sea. It reminded me when I was in school, during art class, we will normally draw coconut tree, mountain, sea, birds and sun rise in between the mountains. Sitting here makes me feel like an ancient Malay Princess being served! The interesting thing about this dinner is that they do not have a menu. The waitress will come and discuss with you what you would like to eat and also discuss about the cooking method. They really treat you like a King.

The next day we had breakfast at Di atas Sungai restaurant again, the waiter and waitresses are the same as last night is just that they are all dressed in white compared to yesterday, they were all dressed in black (they looked like one of those Silat guys). It was a semi buffet breakfast and you can order your mains from the menu.

On our last day, we spent most of our time at the pool and we also went for the spa. This trip makes me revisit what is Malay which I have probably forgotten or never knew. It really brings me back to the root of Malay and undeniably an unmistakably Malay experience.

Verdict: It is a very good place to relax and unwind. Good for couples. If you are looking for a shopping or eating place, this is definitely not the place to go because there are no shops around the vicinity of the resort.

Price : RM 799 for 3days 2 nights

Sun Play Skin Aqua - UV Moisture Milk

The reason I bought this sun block is because it has moisturizing properties. Skin Aqua is SPF 50 and it contains Hyaluronic Acid and collagen to keep skin soft and moisturize. It also claims to be non-greasy. After I put on this sun block, I can feel an extra velvety layer on my face. It Is not a greasy feeling as it absorbs quite quickly. This sun block can also be use on your body but I think that it is too expensive to use on the body.

Verdict: I think this sun block is more suitable for dry skin. I have a combination skin; therefore I think the product is too rich for my skin.

Price: Mid-range - RM 34.90 (42gm)

Where : Guardian and Watson

Marjolica Marjoca’s Lash Gorgeous Wing Mascara

This is one of the best mid-range mascara. The result is a lot better if it is used together with the base coat. This mascara really lengthens your eyelashes and the best part is that it does NOT smear even after more than 12 hours of wearing it! It still looks as neat as when you first put it on. For those who did not already know, this brand is a sister brand of Shiseido. I have not used any mascara from Shiseido before, but this one is definitely a value buy.

Verdict: A smear-proof mascara that works it’s magic at an affordable price. Suitable for those who are looking for a not so premium brand mascara at an acceptable price.

Price: Mascara : RM 45.90 (6g) , Base Coat RM RM 45.90 (7.5g)

Where to find : Watson.They have a 10-15% discount sometimes.

Montagne Jeunesse Foot Scrub

This is a very soothing and deodorizing product. This foot scrub contains watermelon and balm mint and i assure you that your whole bathroom will be filled with a minty smell when you are done. The balm mint also gives you a cooling and tingling sensation after you rinse and I felt so squeaky clean. For me, i think the amount is too much for 1 time usage. I normally keep the remaining scrub in the fridge and use it the next round. The packaging is not very friendly though; they should have the zip thing in the packaging so that it is more user- friendly. But overall, it gives a very refreshing feeling to your feet.

Verdict – This product is suitable for working adults and athlete who are either always in their heels/shoes or has sweaty feet. The smell of the mint might be a little too overwhelming for some

Price: Affordable – RM 5.90 (25ml)

Where : Guardian

theBalm time Balm Concealer

On the packaging, it is written as concealer.anticernes. I was wondering what the heck was anticernes. I googled and found out that it is French and it means under eye dark circle concealer. I was looking at my time balm and reading the ingredients and instruction and I was surprise that the back of the round container says for day time, night time and bed time! Errrrr….. why would people put on concealer to sleep. I investigated further and went on to their website and realized that this is an anti-wrinkle concealer that you can use anytime including bedtime. It not only helps to cover dark circles but also protects the delicate eye area. It is available in 6 different shades.

Verdict: I have only tried using it during the day as a concealer and the good thing about it is very natural and it does not look cakey. Coverage is ok when you first apply but later part of the day, you can somehow feel that it kind of fades away and the coverage is not as good as when it was freshly applied. I have not try putting it on during bedtime because I do not want to stain my pillow! So if anyone have tried using it at night, do let us know if it works well.

Price : Premium – RM 55 (7.5g/net wt 0.26oz)

Where : Sasa Mid Valley. (They might have them in other Sasa as well)

Benefit Hello Flawless Compact Powder

This compact powder has a very nice packaging. It has a mirror with light bulbs around it which is an actual reflector material where you can see your own reflection :). The whole packaging sits very well with the product name “Hello Flawless”. This product has a little lesson “booklet” attached. In the booklet, there are tips on how to get a sheer finish effect and also how to cover up spot and have a full coverage. This compact powder comes with 2 applicators, a sponge and a brush. If you want a sheer finish, use the brush and if you want better coverage, the sponge will do the job. For those who wants extra protection against the sun, this product also comes with SPF 15.

Verdict: The packaging is very practical for those who are always on the go because it comes with the brush and sponge. Other than that it is just a normal compact powder. Personally I feel that it does not last me throughout the day. My take is that this product is suitable for girls who want convenience, light coverage and a nice box.

Price: Premium - RM 145 (7gm Net wt. 0.23oz)

Where: Metrojaya Mid Valley, Sogo, Robinsons, the Gardens, Parkson 1 Utama, KLCC & Pavillion

theBalm Luxury Travel Size Cosmetic

I hope that you girls are anticipating this 2nd entry for theBalm. I am going to review the travel pack.The travel pack consist all 4 products listed below (in mini sizes).

1) Hot Mama Shadow and Blush (1gm) – The color is very natural and it has a shimmering
effect. The only down side is that it does not come with a brush.
2) Staniac (2.3gm) – This is a cheek and lip tint. If you want a pinkish tint on your lip,
it does create that effect. Alternatively you can use it together with Hot mama.
First put the tint on your cheeks and follow with Hot Mama and you will have a
longer lasting pinky cheeks.
3) Plump your pucker tinted gloss in cocoa my coconut (2.3gm) – This gloss has a cooling
feeling when apply and it really taste like cocoa and coconut! It gives you a
nude color lip.
4) Balm Shelter tinted gloss with SPF 17 in girl’s best friend (2.3gm)– This gloss tastes
like watermelon. It looks pink but when you apply it onto your lips, it is almost
colorless but it gives you a very nice glossy look.

Verdict: This is a very basic traveler set. The gloss has a very light tinge of color making it suitable for daily wear. I think that they should swap either one of the lip gloss and include a mini mascara instead to complete the set. If you are a sucker for packaging, this is a MUST buy item.

Price : Mid-Range – RM 88

Where : Sasa Mid Valley. (They might have them in other Sasa as well)

L’Occitane Honey Miel & Lemon Citron Hand Cream

This is one of my favorite hand cream. The 1st Honey Miel & Lemon Citron hand cream I had was a present from a friend. She bought it from the US. I absolutely love the smell. It also really keeps my hand moisturize my hands and keeping it soft. This product contains fresh lemons and the natural sweetness of Provencal bees. It is also enriched in shea butter. No wonder it smells so nice la… I bought myself 2 more tubes from Narita airport last month while I was in Japan.

I went to L’Occitane Mid Valley last week and asked if they carry this range here and to my disappointment, they do not have the hand cream. They only have the shower gel, lip balm and the perfume. Haihhhh…. I hope my friends will be travelling before I run out of stock.

Verdict: Smells Super Duper Nice. A little pricey, but It is worth paying for the scent and also its natural ingredients.

Price: Premium - 1,800 yen approximately RM 72 ( 75ml).

Where: Not available in Malaysia. If you do travel, try looking out for L’Occitane outlets in the airport.

theBalm Pick–Up Liner

When I saw this brand in a magazine, the first thing that came to my mind is that it looks like Benefit BUT with a more affordable price. I saw their promo booth in mid valley few weeks ago but did not have time to check it out. So the second option was to ask Google :). I ran a search in Google but did not find any information on where I can find this brand in Malaysia.

I dropped by Mid Valley again to look for this brand. I went to Metrojaya and Jusco cosmetic floor in search for the brand and they say they don’t carry it, some even say they have never heard of this brand. I went around again and guess where I found theBalm??! In SASA. They are the only company who carries this brand in Malaysia, for now.

I am a sucker for packaging and I WILL buy products with interesting or unique packaging. The look of these products brings me back to the Marilyn Monroe and Oliver Newton in Grease era but in a comic format.
I bought a few of their products, but I am only going to review the eyeliner in this entry. I am saving the rest of the products for my future entries hehehehe.
I like the way they name the product, it sounds very fun and appealing. It also has a very quirky (some might say lame) copy. The line says; your name must be Mickey ‘cuz you’re so fine!’

The copy aside, this is one of the most unique packaging that I have seen before; the eye liner packaging comes with a sharpener. And it not only has 1 liner, but 3 different eye liners in black, brown and gray. They also have another variant that consist of blue, green and purple liners. Because it is a pencil liner, therefore it is very easy to apply and also very accurate. And according to their website, it says that it is water resistent too. But i did not find that line in the actual product.

Verdict : It is convenient for girls who want variety because all the liners comes in mini sizes. This is also a very nice gift. This is definitely a MUST buy for those who are a sucker for packaging like me. BUT when it comes to the product, i will not give as many brownie points as i did for the packaging. I find that the liners does not last and also it kind of smear and leave a stain on the top of my lid after wearing for the whole day.

Price : Mid-Range RM 55

Where : Sasa Mid Valley

More info: https://www.thebalm.com/makeup/pick_up.htm