Safi Rania Gold Beetox Obsession

"It was a sort of ferocious, quiet beauty, the sort that wouldn't let you admire it. The sort of beauty that always hurt." - Maggie Stiefvater

In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Almighty.

Hi everyone. Just wanted to share with you my current skincare obsession.

So Iza dah pakai for 6 weeks dah. And memang ada beza tu my skin. This serum and elixir is crazy awesome!

The pores and pigmentation nampak beza tau! The most crazy thing about this? the PRICE.

It's just super cheap compared to the Japanese or even Korean, (apatah lagi brand org putih) out there.

So this is definitely a go for me thats in my 30s to incorporate in my skincare routine. 

Give it a shot. It works!

Much love from Airiel and I.

Peace and love to everyone.

Updates on Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence - 7 months on

"Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone..." - Dorothy Parker

In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Most Merciful.

Hi everyone. 

My last post on the start of my use of Missha and moving away from SKII was in December last year. You can read about it here.

7 months on and I still have about 1/10 of the bottle left. So i am thinking each bottle with optimum usage would last for about 9-10 months.

What do I think of it? An absolute cheaper and works just as well dupe for SKII essence!

I am actually on to my 2nd bottle. Tehee

Teheee selfie!!

There you go! Skin is supple, smooth, and the colour of my skin is simply more even toned. I.LOVE.IT

 What remains unbeatable is of course the price. I love the fact that it costs less than half of what a bottle of SKII essence would cost currently.

So for those who is looking for an SKII essence dupe, I highly recommend this!

Much love from Airiel and I.

Peace and love to everyone.

My Go To Websites to Buy Cosmetics and Skincare

"You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful" ~ Amy Bloom 

In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Most Merciful.

Hello readers.

I have been asked by one of my readers to list down my go to websites to buy skincare so here goes.

First and foremost, I must say that I have pretty much moved away from European and Western brands when it comes to skincare or makeup (I use very little makeup, but still). I find that it just doesn't suit me or the climate and weather I'm in. Plus the price point with the exchange rate these days are downright ridiculous. We can get much cheaper options which are equally or even better suited to our skin from Asian products. So the websites I visit to buy stuff reflects my inclination. Dah namanya dasar pandang ke Timur kan? Hehe.

5. Elf

The ELF brand is perhaps the only Western brand that I regularly use. The products are not expensive and they do worldwide shipping. I am a huge fan of their setting spray which is such a good dupe for the Urban Decay setting spray and Mac setting spray, both of which I have stopped using once I knew they were on the BDS list. For those who want to join in on the BDS movement go to buycott app and learn how to use it effectively from here.

My fave setting spray is below:-

4. GemFive

There are some really good bargains on GemFive depending on what is on offer. I sometimes buy my B.liv products from Gemfive depending on the discounts, so watch out for the offers and bargains.

3. Hishop

I absolutely love this online shop, which offers great bargains on predominantly Asian skincare and makeup. And at the checkout you will ALWAYS, ALWAYS get some free samples of new and upcoming products that you can try! #IlapyouHishop

Right now this B.liv set is on offer for only RM65.09:-

I am definitely going to go get this after I am done with this post!

 2. Althea.kr

Althea sells predominantly Korean products which is what I use apart from Japanese ones these days. The array and brands offered are endless and all products come with verified reviews before you decide to buy something. The thing about korean products is that the packaging is soooo cute!

I usually buy my Etude House toner here and I also get most of lipsticks, lip glosses and cushions from here as well.

My go to toner from Etude House:-

Awesome for dry skin. And my skin seems to glow with this! If you order above RM100 you are entitled to free shipping and everything is shipped out from Korea directly so if your products are running low, make sure to order in advance and not wait until its completely finished as it may take around a week for you to get your order.

1. Hermo

Hermo started their website some years back with a bang and have been on the forefront for online Asian makeup and skincare ever since. It is a local Malaysian startup so I have been told so #malaysiaboleh!

Their sale deals are some of the best I have ever seen, with really competitive prices. I usually buy my Missha Time Revolution Essence and b.liv products here, depending on the sale prices because I make a comparison with the rest of the websites I listed here before buying. The products are also packed with verified reviews so you can always read before you buy.

I must of course show you my fave SKII dupe essence which I will be permanently switching to since it suits my skin so well at 1/3 of the price of SKII.

How can you resist these websites right? Do have a click and see these fabulous products that are way cheaper and works better.

You're welcome, hehe.

Hope I have answered your query reader! XoXo

Much love from Airiel and I.

Peace and love to everyone. 

Time Revolution - Missha Treatment Essence

"Unexpected intrusions of beauty. This is what life is..." ~ Saul Bellow

Hello readers.

Its just a few hours to 2017.

2016 has been a roller coaster. Those reading this, we survived, we made it. More is yet to come. 

I have been looking for a cheaper option to that of SKII and I am currently trying out this essence touted as the absolute cheaper dupe of it.

I'll do this for a couple of months and keep you guys updated okay?

Much love from Airiel and I.

Peace and love to everyone.

Etude House Collagen Toner and Sleeping Pack

'Beauty is terror. Whatever we call beautiful, we quiver before it..." ~ Donna Tartt

In the name of Allah, the Almighty, the Beneficent.

Hello readers.

A product sharing update this time around. Because good things MUST be shared.

I am looking for (i) a better toner than currently offered by SKII; and (ii) a replacement which is at par or better than the SKII essence. Both products should be at a better price point.

Okay so I have been using the Etude Collagen Toner for about a month now.

I was looking for a something that is more suitable for dry skin, like mine and I found this one on Hermo and Althea. It is more goeey in texture than that of a normal toner, and I find that my skin does not flake by the end of an 8 - 10 hour workday in an air-conditioned office. You have no idea how awesome that feels! So this is a go for me. A dry skin must. This will be my designated toner from now on. And this toner goes for max RM50, so it is just wayyyy cheaper. I am saying bye bye to the SKII toner. 

I was also looking for a sleeping pack to apply before I sleep so my skin does not flake when I wake up in the morning. Olay has been great to me when it comes to night creams but I am looking for one equally moisturizing but with a better price point and being happy with Etude house, decided to buy the Moistfull sleeping pack as well.

I got this for RM46 during a sale after reading through all the glowing reviews about it. Been using it for about 2 weeks now and I am loving it. I travel to hotels often and sleep with the air-conditioning on, and despite that, the skin feels moist to the touch when I wake up every morning after applying this before I go to sleep at night! And at 46 bucks it is cheaper than even Olay. So I have decided to add this to my night regime.

Both these products I got from either hermo or Althea (link as per above).

I am still hunting for SKII essence dupe and will update you guys on that.

Much love from Airiel and I.

Peace and love to everyone.

Dr. Althea Cushion Review

"It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness..." ~ Leo Tolstoy

In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Most Merciful.

Hello readers!

I was hinting on this awesome discovery I made regarding an awesome korean beauty product. It is just too awesome so I had to share it with you guys.

I have always had ultra dry skin, and it took years of finding the right compact powder and liquid foundation for me. But I can bypass all those products since I found the CUSHION.

Yes, it deserve a caps lock when it is typed.

The Cushion is a combination of BB cream, moisturiser, liquid foundation, compact powder all rolled into one.

For my purchase, I bought the Althea BB Cushion after extensive research online on what would work for dry skin.

I bought 2, since it was on sale. One called the Water Glow Cushion, Luminous Venus Cushion.

 How does the Cushion look like? I opened it up

See that little brown thingymajig, the cushion is there and it is moist, filled with the Cushion foundation.

 It has a special sponge that absorbs the liquid. It it amazing because it just glides on your skin and turns slightly powdery upon contact. 

The result of it on my skin is simply gorgeous. My skin literally glows and doesn't flake or dry up. And I don't have to use separate compact powder and liquid foundation anymore!

The top picture basically shows the cushion's effect on my skin. I just put some loose finishing powder on top and I am done!  I.Love.This.Thing.

You guys must try this Cushion! I bought mine on Althea. It is not really so cheap but if I compared it to how much I spend on my liquid foundation and compact powder (both Dior), its a steal!. 

Go check it out!!

Some requests from readers on my weekies. Let me update you guys on that later. Pinky promise.

Much love from Airiel and I.

Peace and love to everyone.

Honey & Oatmeal Mask

"She did not know the nature of her loneliness. The only words that named it were: This is not the world I expected..." ~ Ayn Rand

Hello readers.

More updates on my DIY all natural craze.

I have found the perfect mask for my face. 

Its so easy peasy to make.

Ingredients 

1. Honey 

2. Oatmeal

Instructions

1. Put ingredients on a plate

2. Mix

3. Put on face 

4. Leave for 5-10 mins

5. Wash off

6. (Feel free to eat the balance on the plate haha)

Haha. Ini semua instructions poyo. But just in case, I'll write it down for your guys.

This mask is oh so awesome for dry skin. I don't think I'd recommend it for oily skin though.

I would suggest doing this once a week. It's so good I literally had to stop touching my face every 5 mins after washing it off, it makes my skin so soft!

Alright. 

Feedback is appreciated from those that have tried this okay?

I have an awesome recipe for hair which I will share soon.

Much love from Airiel and I.

Peace and love to everyone.

Homemade Honey Milk and Sugar Body Scrub and Face Mask - Chemical Free

"Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is" ~ Albert Camus

Hello

How is everyone coping with the price hike?

Things have been expensive recently and it seems the prices of absolutely EVERYTHING has gone up dramatically.

I am in the process of eliminating the buying of soaps, body soaps, shampoos, body scrubs and face masks from my shopping basket and making them myself instead.

Yes. My skin is dry and sensitive and products for this type of skin are just so super expensive.

For a couple of months now, I have made my own body scrub and face mask. I use this scrub for may face and body as well. 

How do we make them? Easy peasy!!

Put in a plate 1.Honey; 2.Sugar; and 3.Powdered Milk (get cheap ones just for your mask and scrub)

Pour olive oil (quantity is up to you)

 After mixing, you will get this lovely smelling scrub (smells milky honeyish). Add a bit of water and mix some more.

You can opt to put in 1. Lemon Zest or 2. Essential Oils (smell to your preference) but I don't. Its just fine for me as it is.

Slather on dry skin and face for 15 mins. Rinse in shower.

Lovely clean, moist skin awaits!

Recipes for homemade soap and shampoo for dry skin is up next. I am still experimenting.

Have fun trying this out readers. By the way, it is good for male and female skin, so long as the skin is dry.

Much love from Airiel and I

Peace and love to everyone.

 

Online Shopping - Hishop.com.my

"Whoever said that money can't buy happiness, simply didn't know where to go shopping.." ~ Bo Derek

Hello readers,

It is Friday. I know I have not kept up with the promise of 3 posts a week, but heck this week has been busy. 

I just wanted to share with you readers my excitement on buying some stuff from this online place, Hishop.

When I went to Europe this year, I was uber worried about my skin. It is notoriously dry. A lot of improvements since I became an SKII user but still, the weather in Europe was not exactly skin friendly and so I started a practice which I am doing until now, and that is to use a mask every other day or maybe 2 days once.

Does not have to be one of those expensive masks, just the reasonably priced ones. As my current supply was running out, and I was lazy to go to the store, I just browsed online on Hishop and decided to purchase some there.

I bought the B.liv  Stem Cell revival - feel no sluggish mask for dry skin. It was RM49.90 for a pack of 10, which was alright to me pricewise. 

There was a deal for a free moisturizing serum if you purchase above RM50.00, I decided to just but some tea tree pore strips (bottom left hand pic). And I got the LC Derma Serum for free (see top left hand pic).

Package arrived in 2 days with a voucher for milkadeal as well.

Love the mask and will be buying more in the future. I notice that it brightens the skin as well.

An interesting and vast array of stuff up on Hishop so give it a visit. 

Have a good weekend ahead.

Much love from Airiel and I.

Peace and love to everyone.

Fabulips

"The liar was the hottest to defend his veracity, the coward his courage, the ill-bred his gentlemanliness, and the cad his honour" ~ Margaret Mitchell

Hello readers,

I am responding to an email by one of my readers on whether I am using any form of lipcare. 

So I am sharing with you readers what I am using.

Fabulips by bliss. You can buy this at Sephora. I can't remember the price.

As you can see, the set comes with 4 items:-

(i)  Foam lip cleanser (the bottle with the pink liquid);

(ii) The Scrub (thats the jar you see);

(iii) Lip serum (the tall thin thing); and

(iv) Lip balm.

I have used this since January, with still a lot to spare. I usually just use the foam cleanser and the scrub just to get the dead skin cells off. I have such dry lips. But let me tell you the serum, when you put it on it has a minty, cooling sensation to it and gives your lips an instant pout. The lip balm I find is not much different from other lip balms out there, so I have stuck with my usual lip balm (which shall be the subject of another post).

It still has done a lot though. No more cracking lips and bleeds for me, and that is a whole of a lot of improvement. So you guys can give this a try definitely.

Have a good rest of the week.

Peace and love to everyone.

Keep Gaza in your thoughts and prayers.

SK II - Update 1 for 2014

"I need to be alone. I need to ponder my shame and despair in seclusion; I need the sunshine and the paving stones of the streets without companions, without conversation, face to face with myself, with only the music of my heart for company" ~ Henry Miller

Hey readers.

One of my readers just requested my updates on using SK II. Ok, so not to disappoint here goes. I have been using the skincare product for some 3-4 years now and it is the only skincare that I find works for me.

I am a faithful customer of the SKII branch of Subang Parade (next time you're there, ask for Jennifer) because they give me a lot of free stuff when I buy something.

I did tell you in my last post on cosmetics that I was on the hunt for an eye cream. And when I was surveying for a set to use this year. I came across the Revival set.

These days I mainly use the stempower series. These are the products with the red casings.

Now doesn't the box look pretty and Christmassy? Anyways I bought this.

The set came with :-

(i) The skin signature skin redefining masks. I think they were 5 sets of these or something;
(ii) The Essence (big bottle);
(iii) The Stempower Serum (big bottle);
(iv) The Stempower cream (big jar) (I am a loyal user of this); and
(v) The stempower eye cream (big jar) (which i commented as being way too expensive to buy the other day!)

The set I think at the time set me back around RM1100 + which is definitely cheaper than buying each product separately. And the set comes with the eye cream too! *love*

My skin is not perfect. But I think compared to the other products I have tried, SKII has made it reach a stage where I am satisfied with it.

This is how my skin has evolved with SK II. From being dry and flaky and being red most of the time, it looks like this now:-

Hehe, ignore cheeky Airiel and my over puckered lips. He makes my heart all 'kembang' hence this pose. He took this picture just so you know how good he is at capturing moments.

Anyway, hope this post can help you skincare hunters out there make up your mind about what skincare to get.

Have a good week ahead my loves. 

Beauty Products to Include in My Routine - Eye Cream

Hey readers,

How was your weekend?

I just turned 30 in October and sort off realised I needed to take care of myself more. I plan on including an eye cream in my daily regime from now on. Lambat kan? I know some of my friends memang dah pakai sejak teens lagi, but eye creams are just so expensive and I do not notice anything terrible under my eyes, its just mata selalu bengkak sekarang especially when I cry missing Akif.

Anyways, I have narrowed it down to a few brands, so lets see:-

1. This is of course tops the list. I am an avid SKII user since its the only brand that has suited my skin so far. I use SKII for my daily skincare.

SKII Skin Signature Eye Cream

The price tag is around RM3++ -RM4++ for 15grams so it is one of the pricier ones in the market. 

2. Kiehl's Eye Creams

This one got me really confused sbb eye cream dia byk jenis gile. Price range in between RM1++ to around RM200 max. 

3. Sulwhasoo Rejuvenating Eye Cream

I am kind of partial against asian brands because I just think they would suit asian skin better, and Sulwhasoo is a rising star in Malaysia. Some of you my readers have highly recommended this product.

Just like SKII, Sulwhasoo's eye cream is not cheap. RM4++ for 25ml bottle. But cheaperlah compared to SKII whose price is just about the same for 15grams kan

4. Murad Eye Creams 

I am not that familiar with the Murad range of products but there have been some good reviews on them. These costs around RM2++ for a 15ml bottle.

5. Chanel Sublimage Ultimate Regeneration Eye Cream

The name is a handful ehh? Well at RM7++ for a 15gram bottle, the price packs a wallop for your wallet as well. I am not sure about spending this much money for an eye cream.

6. Dior Eye Creams

 Satin Revitalising Eye Cream - RM4++ for 15 ml

Hydra Life Youth Essential Hydrating Eye Cream - RM2++ for 15 ml

I am quite intrigued with the hydra life essential hydrating eye cream. There have been a lot of good reviews for this one.

7. Garnier Eye Products

One of my readers highly recommended Garnier and said that she has been a faithful user for years and have seen her eyebags literally disappear! And best of all, these eye products from Garnier costs between RM30-RM50 only! Awesome..

8. Skinfood Salmon Eye Cream

This was also recommended by a reader and I am seriously considering this. RM1++ sounds like a reasonable price tag and reviews have been stellar online.

Any more recommendations from my readers are deeply appreciated if you have used any of these products. 

Have a good week ahead!

SKII (part 4)

Hello everyone,

Would just like to share updates on my skin after 2 years using SKII products.

I love how my skin is! There is definitely less flakiness. I still remember how Adis, my groupmate in honours use to look at my forehead masa time honors and tanya 'Za, dahi ko tu ada apa?' hahaha, padahal that was just my skin flaking off, yes it was that dahsyat! Skarang ni, my flakiness tu still ada lagi, tapi 98% less I have to say and taklah teruk sgt.

More updates on it as time goes!

Have a good week ahead!

P.S - Happy Father's day to all fathers!

SKII update (3)

Hi guys!!

A reader has apparently followed my journey with SKII and has asked me to post an update. Okies, so here goes.

Almost a year since I have started using SKII, there are definite changes to my skin.

This is me without compact powder, liquid foundation or the like today. This is my face 'bare'.

From the flaky complexion which I used to have, this is what I have now. No flakes in sight. Previous products I used would irritate my skin, making it red but SKII seems to not have such an effect at all!!.

I used to wear night creams from other brands only to wake up with extremely oily skin, and when I wash it off, my skin then flakes because the cleanser is too strong. I think my skin is still extremely sensitive to cleansers, but I have found the perfect cleanser for me so far, and this is the only non-SKII product I use in my skincare regiment:-

Cheap and so effective!! SKII does of course have its oil cleanser, but I still prefer this one because of the price point plus!!

I am a happy and satisfied SKII user!

If you have any questions regarding my experience with SKII please do not hesitate to leave a comment here or e-mail me. I am more than happy to share my experience. Everybody is entitled to good, healthy skin!!

Online Shopping and SKII Part 3

Ok guys..

I am finally on the bandwagon for buying this kind of material for baju kurung... but you have to admit that this is quite pretty ehh?

This is from Butik Izis

How court appropriate!!... 6 other black and white baju kurung masih belum disiapkan oleh tailor ku...so I am all set for this year when it comes to court... 

And I promised that I would update on how SKII has worked for me. And yes, I am happy to share that after 27 years, I found the solution to my ultra dry skin!!!!

Just yesterday, I met a friend who I have not met in like 3 years since I left SD and he... YES..it's a HE commented on how great my skin looked (No, he is not GAY ok?). Don't that just make your day? 

My skin does not flake anymore..  No more uneven skin tones. And I dare say my dry skin on the face has been completely eliminated due to this product:-

I must warn you that SKII products are never cheap but for problematic skin (and by that I mean dry-really dry ..I do not have pimples or anything), but it works for me. So you guys should really give it a try.

And plus, Aries yang bayar untuk isteri kelihatan cantik bukan? Hehe

SKII

I promised that I would update you guys on how my skincare regime with SKII is working out so far...I have tried it for about a month I think. So here goes.


These are the list of products that I use:-

This is the cleanser. I used to use L'oreal cleanser (it was the red one) but SKII was way more suitable for me. It made my skin supple, but did not overdry it (I have very dry skin - I still remember Adis telling me in honors class dulu 'Iza, kulit dahi ko mengelupas lagi laaa....'hehe). 

This is the toner I use after cleasing. When I first used it (the first 2 weeks) it stung my skin quite a bit but now it is just cooling and refreshing. I also realise that my pores (I have quite an issue with big pores) are getting smaller! How lovely!!

This is the magic essence. The pitera that they say will stop the aging effects and all. To tell you the truth, the product smells quite a bit like yeast...so its a bit stinky when you put it on. But I tell you, I saw immediate effects after using this essence for 2 or 3 days. I have an uneven skin tone, and this evens out my skin tone almost immediately. 

This is my fave product from SKII at the moment, their new Aqua Physics line. It moisturizes my skin perfectly. No more dry skin for me!!! 

This is the loose powder I use. I use ZA compact powder which I love and which I do not plan to change. But I love how the loose powder provides a lovely, slightly shimmery effect on my skin.

I love the SKII products I am using and would recommend them definitely! Try their trial pack if you do not want to buy the huge 150 ml skincare bottles and products which only retails at RM99. I bought them a month ago and I still have not finished them! Lasts ehh?

Best of all, I get to dump the L'oreal products which apparently supports Israel! Sheeesh...Another step closer to boycotting products affliated with Israel.

PS - I am absolutely excited about Aries' upcoming project!! Good luck Aries! Wifey supports you all the way..!!!

Giving my face a 2nd try

I've always had like really really dry skin..and I have been switching from one product to another...

Right now I use a mixture of products, but my dry skin never really goes away..

So, based on my sis punya recommendation, I have decided to give the SKII line a try..

I bought their trial pack at RM99 and shall be trying it out for a week.

At the same time I bought their moisturiser (normal size) and their loose powder.

The moisturiser is lovely! and I saw an immediate change on my dry areas..

Let's see if it evens out my skin tone and improves my overall complexion.

Thank God I do not have pimple issues..

I'll update you guys on how it works for me..!!

I am so excited!!