August 2014 #ootd

I think compiling OOTD/fashion photos by the month will make categorising much simpler. I used to divide them by week number, but as I got older, this method got more unsuitable (short term memory + laziness kicking in). So yes, a monthly compilation will be a better method. Hopefully, I don't delete the photos from my phone. But then again I have limited space so I tend to delete. Here I go digressing again. Ok long story short, I need a better phone with more memory space. 

Top - H&M
Skirt - H&M
Watch - Casio
Bracelet - Taobao

Top - Taobao
Inner blouse - Cotton On
Shorts - Qoo10
Watch - Casio
Bracelet - Taobao

Top - ASOS
Necklace - Taobao

Shirt - Taobao
Necklace - Forever 21
Jeans - Taobao
Shoes - Zalora
Watch - Casio

Finally I own a pair of Nike Roshe Runs!! I got them from @ootdootdshop on instagram! 

Barely 2 weeks to Copenhagen. EXCITED!! :D Have a great great Friday guys!! 

Review: Dr. Wu Acnecur Mattify Blemish Balm Cream

In my honest opinion, the current BB cream scene is lacking, especially in the acne-prone skin department. We have countless BB creams for brightening, for hydrating, for anti-ageing, but very few for those with acne problems. It doesn't really make sense because there are a lot of potential users who have acne-prone skin and are looking for a suitable BB cream because they are looking for something less potent than a liquid foundation. It's a huge market!

I was, of course, extremely excited when I found out about the Dr. Wu Acnecur Mattify Blemish Balm Cream. It's available on luxola and also on sale in certain Watsons stores. It's not affordable though. The Dr. Wu Acnecur Mattify BB Cream retails for S$46 on Luxola and that's certainly not cheap for a BB cream. I bought mine when Luxola had their pop-up 30%-off promotion. 

Ingredients list

The Dr. Wu Acnecur Mattify BB Cream is marketed to be:

• light and feather-weight
• useful for anti-acne, oil-control, soothing, hydrating, whitening and UV protection
• able to conceal imperfections without pore inflammation
• able to reduce redness
• able to provide a matte, yet hydrated finish

So, am I a satisfied user of this BB Cream? 

To be frank, I used to hate it, but now I don't hate it so much. The main reason being I used this BB Cream when I had my crazy breakouts and also after I went for anti-acne facials. The BB Cream worked differently for the two periods and hence I'll be reviewing this BB Cream using these two periods. 

Packaging: The pale green packaging looks clinical and I think a clinical outlook is good for a product that aims to tackle acne problem. The dispenser was also sealed so that's excellent on the hygiene front.

Consistency: I don't understand why this was marketed as a light and feather-weight BB Cream because when I used it, I had difficulty blending it out because it was so thick. Maybe the company was describing the light-weight feeling after the BB Cream has been blended out? When I used this BB Cream, I couldn't dot the product all around my face and then blend it out because once the right side was blended, the left side and forehead would be really thick and it took extra effort to blend out the other areas. Dried way too fast! I had to dot the product on one area first, then blend, then dot another area, then blend.

Coverage and pigmentation:
During breakout - I will not suggest those with a lot of acne to use this BB Cream because it will accentuate the problematic areas. I had many ripened pimples the first few times I used it and the pimples looked way more obvious even after I applied my trusted loose powder. It will definitely cover areas with slight redness, but the coverage will not be enough for painful, pus-filled pimples. I didn't like the consistency and how it made my pimples look more pronounced so I stopped using it.

After facials - After 3 sessions of facials, I was left with acne scarring and so I decided to give the Dr. Wu Acnecur Mattify BB Cream another try. The consistency is not something that will change because I went for facials so I have no change in opinion for that part. However, the application process became more pleasant. My acne scars were adequately concealed and sometimes a concealer was not needed anymore. Just a quick touch of loose powder and my face makeup was done. Hence, I have come to a conclusion that this BB Cream will be a better fit for users who have oily-skin and acne scars, and want to prevent future acne breakouts, and have no painful ripened pimples on the skin.

One more thing regarding the pigmentation, the Dr. Wu Acnecur Mattify BB Cream has quite a greyish tinge when blended out. It's quite strange. My skin has warm undertones and whenever I use this BB Cream, my skintone will alter to one that has way too much cool undertones. This is the reason why I cannot just go out with this BB Cream on my face; I must top it off with my powder/loose powder that will bring back some warmth to my face. Those with cool undertones, you will face no such problems.

Longevity: The longevity of the Dr. Wu Acnecur Mattify BB Cream is the same for me no matter what my skin condition is. Initially, it will produce a nice matte effect. But then, it gets oily after 4-5 hours, which is quite disappointing for a mattifying BB cream. But of course, please take into consideration my extremely oily skin.

The great thing about this product is it did not cause a bad reaction to my skin. I always try new face cosmetics with great caution because of how acne-prone my face is. So, the fact that this didn't cause breakouts already made me a happy camper.

Will I buy it again? I don't think so. It is a decent product if you want to conceal acne scars. But, the consistency puts me off the product. I'm sure the BB Cream industry will expand soon to include more acne-prone-skin-friendly products.

Hope this has been useful! Have a great day ahead guys! :)

1000 Calorie Workout Video by FitnessBlender

This long workout video (1 hour and 28 minutes and 42 seconds, WHAT?!) focuses on abs, HIIT cardio, strength and stretching. Today's the first time I'm doing this workout and I could only complete 44 minutes before fast-forwarding to the cool-down and stretching portion. Too freaking intense man. But, I'm quite determined to continue with this workout and hopefully by my 4th/5th time, I'll be able to complete it. 

Note: The creators of this workout advised against doing this workout everyday. 3 times a week is the ideal! I totally understand why man... *in complete exhaustion*

Also, please eat something that gives you a lot of energy an hour before this workout. 2 bananas? I only had pomegranate juice (yay elixir juice sg!) before this and I felt light headed after 40-odd minutes. That was one of the reasons why I stopped too. This feels like Insanity all over again hahaha. I remember I had a heartache after completing my first Insanity workout. Stupid me didn't eat anything substantial before the exercise! 

Ok yes, I hope I can complete at least 50 minutes the next time I try this workout! Huat!!

Off to wash up, beautify myself and yay time for Singapore Night Festival 2014! :) 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Turning 25 - Wrinkles (?!) and HDB

Thank you to the amazing research team for the awfully delicious chocolate banana birthday cake! :)

Some of my friends also treated me to Genki Sushi for lunch. Very very sweet of them. :')

And of course, my number one fan, Mr Chung, treated me to an incredibly satisfying meal at Wild Honey. A couple of years ago, we had the same exact order at Wild Honey. :D Tunisian for me and English for him, complete with a side of mushrooms. 

I'm 25! A quarter of a century old! Gosh...

I'm half my mom's age right now.
My mom gave birth to me on this exact day when she was 25 years old.
Wow.

And now I still want to play and act like a kid. How like that?!

So what's different about being 25? Nothing much actually. Okay, maybe I look at myself in the mirror way more frequently than when I was 24. To check if I'm starting to have wrinkles. Yah,  very paranoid okay. I have 4 different eye creams and am horrible terrified of getting wrinkles around the eyes. So everyday I stare at the mirror, make a silly, wide smile and check, check, CHECK.

Also, because I've been staring at the mirror so much, I realise that I have completely inherited my maternal grandfather's nose. Look at Mr Chung's! Nose so much slimmer and prettier than mine. Aiyahhhhhhhhhh, is it time to invest on some .... facial reconstruction? But of course, I'm just thinking out loud here. I don't think I have the financial capability for such an investment.

I think the biggest change in my life right now is how Mr Chung and I just officially chose our HDB unit. We're going to have our own house. No longer playing monopoly you know? Real deal here. It's both very exciting and extremely nerve-wrecking. I keep thinking about how I want to clear the S$330K+ as quickly as possibly. Then I keep thinking about how I want my kitchen to look like.

For those who are curious about the HDB unit choosing process. It was very smooth and the HDB executive that attended to us was very helpful. Our entire procedure took less than 45 minutes. Even if you forget certain documents (or you are not aware that you have to surrender certain documents), they can either print for you on the spot, or you can go back, get the documents prepared and then scan and email them to the given email address. One important tip though:

ALWAYS check out the HDB models at HDB Hub before making any decision on which unit you want to get. 

Mr Chung and I checked out the models two days before our appointment and we learnt so much during that 2-hour roaming session. We started by cancelling the units that were already taken up by other applicants. Then we zoomed into the two HDB area models for our location (Bukit Batok) and looked through everything. Where will the wind direction come from? Will the laundry area be blocked? What will our view be? Where's the drop-off point? Will the unit be near the electrical box area? So, so many questions in our head. Then we listed down our top 10-12 units. Then we looked at the optional internal fittings - the internal doors + sanitary fittings and the floor finishes (except kitchen and toilet). Both of us were shocked because our internal fittings were unpleasant (being very very polite here) - just plain white tiles, strange shade of brown for the timber doors and boring sanitary fittings. So, we opted out of all these. Better for renovations also.

In the end, we got our second choice of HDB unit and everything was done smoothly. Now we are waiting to see if we will be granted the Additional Housing Grant.

So yes, that's the only huge difference in my life now.

As you grow older, the number of close friends you have gets smaller, and the number of acquaintances you make gets bigger. But all's good because in the end, you know only those who care will stay.

What do I want to achieve before I turn 26?

• Being more healthy in terms of my diet. I eat quite healthily now but I think this can be improved. 
• Investing my money in more quality items, rather than frivolously spending on inexpensive ones just for the cheap thrill. 
• Making exercising a habit, and not something that I do when I feel guilty after a huge, sinful meal. 
• Opening a joint-savings account with Mr Chung. Just to start things off. 
• Going back to the library to borrow books again. I used to feast on 8 books a week and then that stopped in JC because I got jaded with life (lol thanks ah AJC). Now I feel like I need to nourish my brain and my life with books again. Also because now I have a new credit card that allows premium membership from NLB for 5 years. HHAHA see?! I'm becoming super auntie liao!
• Continue blogging out of interest and passion, and never to become a blogger who blogs for money and sponsorship. 

Happy 25th birthday to me! :) 

Massive shoe haul - Out with the old, in with the new!

Taobao Black Sandals
Taobao Black Platform Oxfords
Zalora red Stripe Slip On Espadrilles
Zalora Floral PU Slip Ons
Taobao Black Flats with Silver Details
Zalora Kimono Print Canvas Slip Ons
Zalora Slip On Moccasins With Scallop Edging
Nike Roshe Run (Couldn't find the actual link for the black-white combo)

I have been getting rid of shoes that have long passed their lifespans. I threw away 2 pairs in Hong Kong because my black converse and sandals fell apart. Then I threw away 7 more pairs last week because all of them were either moldy (and unsalvageable), damaged or simply fell apart lah. I also got rid of some really old pairs that were just collecting dust. Felt damn awesome clearing my shoe closet, but aiyoh I'm not used to it being so empty. So hehe, time for new shoes. :D

The Nike Rosher Runs were a birthday gift from Mr Chung! :) Can't wait for all of them to arrive!

Review: MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette

Finally back on the product reviewing track. I was looking through my old posts and ohmy my last product review more than a month ago?! It's getting harder and harder to write my reviews nowadays. Usually I write my blogposts at work during lunch but these days, work has taken up even my lunch time (not complaining though because I'm actually enjoying what I'm doing). Once I reach home, I'm so tired I don't feel like stimulating my brain cells - just want to do brainless things like exercise/eat/sleep. Weekends lagi worse, my bed is my best friend and I just sleep the entire day away. HAHA yes I have become a sloth. Why ah, tell me why! I always just sleep my Saturdays away and most of the time I refuse to go out. WHY LIKE THIS!! 

So yes, here's a blog review for one of my current favourite eyeshadow palette. These days, I've been reaching out for this palette more than my Lorac Pro or Naked palettes! And it's much much cheaper as compared to the latter two. 

The MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette is the amalgamation of 12 gorgeous neutral shades in one very spectacular palette. To those who feel the pinch and do not want to spend more than S$70 on renowned neutral palettes, this is the palette for you. I bought mine from Carousell (such an evil app this one, my wallet is crying haha) for only S$18. The palette's obviously much cheaper online (4 pounds only!!), but I think you have to buy a certain amount to qualify for free international shipping. I'm not sure if the brand is available in any local stores. Do comment if you know where to find this brand in Singapore, and I'll update the blog post! :) 

First of all, the MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette is a second installation for this range of eyeshadow palettes. The first one is the MUA Undressed Palette and that is supposed to be the dupe for the cult-favourite Naked palette. The MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette is, expectedly, a dupe for the also hugely popular Naked2 palette. Since I didn't have the Naked2, I got this palette instead of the original Undressed Palette. 

Packaging: The MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette has quite similar packaging to Sleek Cosmetics' eyeshadow palettes. Of course, the main difference is this packaging is entirely in white and there's a transparent panel on the cover. This transparent panel is very useful, especially if you have way too many eyeshadow palettes that may last you several lifetimes. For those late-for-work mornings, the transparent panel is an excellent feature. Without opening the cover, you know what shades you're going to use already. You save those precious seconds!

Eyeshadow brush: The dual-ended sponge-tip applicator is not as bad as I would have expected them to be, especially coming from a drugstore brand. The sponge tips are dense and very sturdy - none of those filmsy, thin sponge layers that will disintegrate within 2-3 applications. The denseness also allows for easier application - you can compact more pigments, hence only one application is needed and you already get vibrant shades on your eyelids, and you get less fallouts. Not bad...not bad at all!

From left to right: Naked, Devotion, Tranquil, Exposed

From left to right: Shy, Fiery, Reveal, Wink

From left to right: Lavish, Dreamy, Obsessed, Corrupt

Shades: The MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette compacts 12 beautiful neutral and timeless shades, ranging from pearlescent flesh-toned finishes, to metallic bronze hues, to darker contour tones. In all, a very well-thought-out palette that's able to deliver everyday minimalist looks and sultry smokey looks. My favourite shade is Fiery. It's a perfect rose gold and it freshens up your entire face. I'm a true rose-gold eyeshadows convert! I always thought the orange in the shade will make my face look yellower, but nope I was wrong! I LOVE ROSE GOLD!

Pigmentation: Ah. This palette scores full marks in terms of pigmentation. How can a 4-pound palette produce such pigmented and vibrant shades on first swatch?! I don't get it, but I love it. This truly brings some high-end palettes to shame. The main difference between this and Sleek Cosmetics palettes (which I also love) is that there are less fallouts when using the MUA eyeshadows. The formulation of these eyeshadows is more compact hence you get tidier application.

Application: The only shade that bothers me during application is Corrupt, but that is expected from a darker shade - more fallouts. The other 11 shades applies beautifully and I dare say that some of them applies and blends out more easily than the more expensive eyeshadows that I own. Naked has a very pleasant buttery finish and and the extremely metallic shades (Devotion, Fiery and Dreamy) blends out like a dream with a normal blending brush. An utterly must-buy palette!

Longevity: I have really put this palette to the extreme test. I brought this palette along with me to Hong Kong and if you have read my previous posts, you will know that Hong Kong was terribly unforgiving in terms of weather. More humid and more hot than Singapore. If this palette can withstand such crazy conditions, it will definitely work in Singapore. And yes, the eyeshadows performed above my expectations even in such outrageous conditions. There was no melting scenarios, there was no fading and after a full 12 hours, the eyeshadow still looked fresh. Amazing right?! Of course, a good eyeshadow primer will definitely help to extend its life span.

Will I buy it again? Most definitely! I'm hoping MUA will come out with a third installation so that I don't have to purchase the Naked3. I'm extremely impressed by this palette and I'd highly recommend this to everyone. Even if you are a palette hoarder, you will still have space for this lah.

Hope this has been a useful read. Have a great weekend guys! :)

Hong Kong August 2014: Food #fatdieme

Our plan for Hong Kong was to shop and eat all the way, but truthfully, the shopping wasn't that fantastic. In the end, around 75-80% of our money went to food. Not regretting though because the food was fantastic and whatever weight we put on we can exercise them away lah. 

Here's a list of the places that we went to for AMAAAZINNGG food. Ah so hungry looking at these photos now. I'm currently desperately trying to lose the gained blobs of fat so I had salad and dragonfruit juice for lunch. The agony~~

Yes, the macaroni from McDonalds was good!!

McDonalds

Hong Kong International Airport

Arrivals Meeters & Greeters Hall, Level 5

Ate here twice because we loved the scrambled eggs so much! I also finally tried the egg white custard and it was so smooth. I want some now!!!! :(

Australia Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司  

G/F, 47-49 Parkes Street, Jordan 

We didn't eat at Tim Ho Wan at all this trip because we knew there were other dim sum restaurants better than THW. One Dim Sum was spectacular. I miss the siew mai and beef ball lah. 

One Dim Sum 一點心

Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Kenwood Mansion, 15 Playing Field Road, Prince Edward

If you like greasy oyster omelettes then this is the place for you. 

Four Seasons Claypot Rice 四季煲仔飯

46 Arthur Street, Yau Ma Tei 

WAHWAHWAH my favourite meal this trip. Highly recommended. PLEASE TRY! It's very near the midpoint of the long escalator.

Lan Fong Yuen 蘭芳園

2 Gage Street, Central

Well, there's a good reason this is so popular. NOMS.

Tai Cheong Bakery 泰昌餅家

35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Some random shop at Kowloon. Heh don't remember at all because we were STARVING. 

Great, great breakfast at Kam Wah Cafe. The polo bun was TO DIE FOR. My "satay" instant noodles was also damn good. Why instant noodles in Hong Kong can taste so good one??

Kam Wah Cafe 金華冰廳

G/F, 47 Bute Street, Prince Edward

This was S$8. Damn expensive please. Some more the bowl so small. But okay lor, still very nice.

Mak's Noodle 麥奀雲吞麵世家 

G/F, 37 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay

My favourite fruit juice in the world. I had it almost daily when I was in Japan. Damn excited when I found it in Hong Kong. So excited I bought the 1L bottle. :D

Authentic dim sum experience! Crazy chionging for seats and food. In the end we shared a table with this cute old man. :D

Lin Heung Tea House 蓮香樓

160-164 Wellington Street, Central

Hidden gem award goes to Star Cafe. The tomato + egg noodle looks like a pile of vomit but tasted super nice. Once again I wonder how instant noodles can taste so nice in Hong Kong?!

Star Cafe 星座冰室 

Shop No. 36, Champagne Court, 16-20 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Long story short - we ate like gluttons/kings (whichever half of the glass you prefer hehe).