My Beauty Diary Strawberry Yogurt Mask review

My Beauty Diary (MBD) originates from Taiwan and their facial sheet masks are a huge hit in Asia. I started using MBD masks when I was in the UK and always have several boxes as back up as I haul them all the time.

Today I'll be reviewing the Strawberry Yogurt Mask.
Functions: Brightening, improving fine lines and oil control

 [Pic credit: yesstyle.com]

Pros:
I think the biggest plus point of this mask is that it smells SO good. I guess the name is perfect because it does remind me of strawberry yogurt/milk! Even after removing the mask, the scent lingers around for some time and really is quite lovely. Don't worry, the scent is pretty subtle so you only get the occasional whiff and not walk around as if someone drenched you in head to toe with strawberry milk (although some people might like that, I don't know).

On a more practical side, it's really moisturising. My skin feels really hydrated after using this. The mask is pretty much soaking wet, but at least it doesn't drip all over the place when applied.

After removing the mask, you'll notice there's plenty of essence on your face. I massage the leftover essence into my skin and it absorbs pretty quickly and doesn't leave a sticky feeling. It completely sinks into my skin.

After application, my skin definitely feels cooler, softer and definitely smoother! It also feels very refreshed. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help touching my face after using this mask.

No break outs.

Cons:
Although this mask offers immediate brightening effects, it is only temporary. It was great to see my normally dull skin look so bright and healthy, but I wished it were more permanent. I wasn't hoping for a miracle, but after using a whole box (10 sheets), my skin didn't appear brighter nor did my scars and blemishes seem lighter. The effect lasts for a couple of hours at most.

This mask also claims to tighten pores. This, I can't vouch for. I observed the pores on my nose very carefully and didn't notice any tightening effects. However, I reckon it did control sebum secretion, but this is also only a temporary effect until you wash it off the next time you shower.

How I use it:
1) Cleanse face
2) Apply sheet mask for 20-30 minutes
3) Remove sheet mask
4) Gently massage the remaining essence on my face until fully absorbed
5) Apply moisturiser to seal in the essence
6) Use the sheet mask to give my arms and legs a wipe so I will smell like strawberries

Niu Er Lao Shi recommends this mask in his beauty book

Please note that there are plenty of fake My Beauty Diary masks (and other cosmetics and skincare items for that matter) out there. So do get them from reliable sources as you don't want to be messing with your skin. In case you're wondering, I got my box of masks online from Sasa.
Here are two very good posts on how to spot fake My Beauty Diary masks:
Rinny - How to: Spot Fake v. Real My Beauty Diary Face Masks
Sunnanz - How to spot My Beauty Diary fakes

Bloggers Do It Better...Red

I quote Kristina at Pretty Shiny Sparkly,
"Bloggers Do It Better is a movement. An initiative to showcase real girls, with real style, wearing real trends. Think of it as inspiration from the girl next door."

The latest instalment is simply entitled, Red. Bloggers were asked to interpret it however they wished to. Here is my interpretation of it.

Red shirt: Bugis Street, Singapore

Paperbag skirt with heart prints: H&M
Ladybug ring: Random market

While this colour is really apt for today, Valentine's Day, I actually wore this one day while visiting relatives during the Chinese New Year period. Red is of great significance to the Chinese and it is tradition to wear red during this festive season. It symbolizes good luck and is the colour for celebration and happiness.

This was actually the first time in 5 years I've visited my relatives around Malaysia and collected angpaus (red packets). Chinese New Year in the UK is a sad affair and it can feel terribly lonely, though I've gotten used to it. Still, it was a delight to be counting and spending my lucky money.

This is where some of my money went.

My 1st blogiversary giveaway is over. I've randomly selected a winner and the winner is...

Alexandra

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Suisse Programme Cellular Skin Radiance serum review

Disclosure: This sample was sponsored by Sasa.com. However, this review is written based on my own honest opinions.

I've been travelling a lot lately and it's taken a toll on my skin. Travelling, while fun, can be very tiring and it shows on my face. However, Suisse Programme Cellular Skin did help a little. It kept my skin moisturised, soft and a tiny bit firmer. I don't normally use serums, so this was a first to me and I must say I'm pleasantly surprised.


I quote Sasa,

Delicate to apply, effective in terms of results, Cellular skin radiance serum helps restore tone and firmness whenever the skin shows the first sign of fatigue. Ideal during periods of stress or climatic changes. Rich in active biomolecules capable of acting on the cellular respiration. The benefits of this serum is to increase intensively the skin regeneration processes and improves skin vitality. This treatment contains a combination of natural substances that stimulate hydration. Restores the skin natural luminosity. Skin looks smoother and revitalized. Restores firmness and elasticity.

The sample I received was a tiny 7ml bottle of the serum. However, a little goes a long way. I have been using this for several weeks now and I'm not even halfway through the bottle. The pump on the bottle is very convenient and I just use about 3 pumps to cover my face.

I use it after cleansing my face and before applying my lotion and moisturiser. Once applied on to the skin and massaged gently, the serum absorbs pretty quickly and doesn't leave a sticky residue. The scent is lovely and it lingers for a bit, but evaporates (?) after a couple of minutes.

Kelly Lin is the spokesperson for Suisse

 [Pic credit: Suisse Programme]

The only thing that makes me hesitate to buy this is its price. At USD$155 a pop, I'm not sure if I'm willing to fork out my money for that. However, it does seem to make my skin a little bit firmer, so an investment like that might be good, yes?

If you're interested in the product, you can get it here at Sasa.com

Shopping haul from my recent trips

1) Beauty haul from Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, I spent more money on beauty/skincare stuff than I did on clothes. I bought all the above from Sasa, Mannings and Bonjour. Even though we have Sasa and Mannings (known here as Guardian) outlets here in Malaysia (and Singapore), it's so much cheaper to get them in Hong Kong. I regretted not buying more of my favourite My Beauty Diary masks. It was practically half price!

2) Beauty haul from Malaysia and Singapore

As if that wasn't enough, I bought even more in Singapore and Malaysia. These were all purchased from Guardian and Watsons. These are some of my HG products. I've been using KAO Essential products for a few years now and have no intention of changing to a different brand. As for Hada Labo, I started using them last year and haven't looked back since.

3) Magazines from Hong Kong and Singapore

Bought some magazines, mooks and books, too. So happy to have found Kevin and Niu Er Lao Shi's beauty/skincare books in English. One of my New Year's resolutions is to start taking better care of my skin. I've even started doing facial massages. I know. Hardcore. Hope I can keep it up throughout the year.

4) Shopping haul from Hong Kong

Besides Ladies' Market, I also shopped at Argyle Centre, a shopping mall in Mongkok. I love the place! Malaysians, the best way I can describe this is a smaller, more disorganized version of Sungei Wang. Now I LOVE Sungei Wang and it has always been my most favourite shopping mall since my teenage years. Like Sungei Wang, Argyle Centre is the place to go to if you want to get cheap Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese fashion.

5) Close ups

6) Shoes from Malaysia

7) Shopping haul from Singapore

I didn't intentionally get such colourful clothes from Singapore, but that's the way it turned out. They're all plain pieces, but if you want to have a nosey, you'll have to wait for outfit shots to see what I got :P