Author Archives: CelesteDeJesus

Goodbye Lipstick Stain with Elianto Brilliant Riche

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Do you like seeing your lipstick stain or mark on a mug, glass or anything your lips touch? What if your lip color can be long lasting and transfer-proof? Elianto launches a solution.
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Lip color has become an integral part of our daily fashion and it makes a huge difference to how we look. It’s amazing how a dash of color on our lips can totally create an impact on our appearance. I used to survive with just 1 or 2 lip colors but I now have 5 lip colors in my travel cosmetic kit alone. I wear a different color for every occasion and I enjoy changing colors within the day, depending on my mood. But, of course, like a lot of ladies, I also have my top picks, those colors that I can simply keep wearing again and again.

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Do you love black dresses? I certainly do; it makes me look slimmer, classier and there’s just this elegance that comes with a black dress. So when it comes to wearing lipstick, I love colors that really pop against black color…like this new Elianto Brilliant Riche Lip Color Collection.
When I first saw this item, I thought it was a lip gloss and I was like…uh-oh. I’m not a big fan of lip glosses, except for very few brands, but upon testing this new Elianto collection, I was surprised to find out that it was not lip gloss at all; it’s matte lipstick in liquid form!
The new Brilliant Riche Lip Colour is elianto’s 1stKiss Proof (or Transfer Proof) lip color collection. Wait…what? Kiss Proof? Ohohoho, this has gotta be something good. This collection comes in 6 stylish colors:
01 – In Love, 02 – Blooming, 03 – Blissful, 04 – Sexy, 05 – Groovy, 06 – Wild
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Elianto Brilliant Riche Lip Color
Price: RM25 for 2.6ml/ 0.87 floz
Made in Italy
No parabens, no fragrance, no D5, no talc
Contains sesame seed (hydration), boswellia serrate (anti-inflammatory)
Where to buy: Elianto counters or via www.elianto.biz
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The lip color comes in a transparent tube, showing the color inside, topped with a black cap. The cap also holds the applicator, same as normal lip gloss. The tube has a metallic silver accent line, adding a classy touch to the product.

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The colors are very precise once applied. What you see inside the tube will be the same (or almost) as how the colors will look on your lips. It dries quickly as a solid lip color finish but can be layered several times to fill in your entire lip.

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In my line of work, I participate in regular events that involve wine tasting. One of the things I dislike is leaving my lip color mark on the wine glass. Although it is something acceptable in this kind of events, some may find it sexy, but I’d still prefer to put down my wine glass without an additional mark on it, especially when you taste wine with very important guests or clients. I can say the same for drinking coffee. Don’t you just hate seeing that lip color stain on a coffee mug?

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But this Kiss Proof lip color solves that. It just stays in place even after contact with mugs, glasses or cups. And the color intensity stays the same. (I would have shared some photos testing it against kissing to see if it’s really kiss proof but my husband is too shy…and I also don’t want to be controversial, huh)
What makes Brilliant Riche Kiss Proof Lip Color great:
3 Unique Technology

1. FILMING POLYMER – Flexible film, adheres perfectly on the lips, with an even finish. Maintains comfort overtime, without tackiness.
2. VOLATILE OIL – Long wear and filming properties enhanced, no transfer effect thanks to the extreme adherence.
3. GELLIFIED SYSTEM COMBINED WITH MICRONIZED PIGMENTS – Improves glide and comfort in application, imparts an extremely soft and velvety touch, sophisticated matte look, extraordinary pure color release.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRY IT:
Transfer resistant
Long-lasting

Weightless, ultra-thin film
Vibrant matte finish
Intense rich, vivid shades
How do these lip colors look on me? Here’s every color on my lips, starting from the ones I liked the most:
05 – Groovy
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02 – Blooming
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06 – Wild
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04 – Sexy
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03 – Blissful
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01 – In Love (I think this one doesn’t suit my skin color)
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With choices of 6 colors, you can easily mix and match with your attire, whether it’s formal, casual or corporate. I can see myself wearing these lip colors for every possible ensemble. 


Overall, this collection is fashionable, great for everyday wear, for special events and perfect for occasions when you need your lip color to just stay put. My top color picks are Groovy, Blooming and Wild. These colors are kick-ass stylish!
“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” – Gwyneth Paltrow
Brilliant Riche Lip Colour
elianto’s 1st kiss proof lip colour comes in 6 vibrant matte shades with filming polymers and volatile oils for a natural, kiss-proof performance.Arresting bright pops of colour make a statement in intensely rich, vivid shades.
In one stroke of pure colour, the sensorial creamy fluid shapes lips with an extremely light veil. The weightless micro-fine pigments in a gelled system guarantee a smooth glide when applying. The colour adheres to lip, dries quickly and lasts longer, leaving a comfortable, smooth and transfer resistant finish.
Lips remain soft and velvety, while the colour is long-lasting and transfer-free. With a flexible finish, lips remain evenly coloured, enhancing the wearer’s chosen mood.
Filming polymer in volatile oil also ensures application is smooth and comfortable, while maintaining the satin glaze. Available in shades ranging from bright nude to deep red: In Love, Blooming, Blissful, Sexy, Groovy and Wild at RM25 for 2.6ml/0.87 fl.oz at all Elianto stores from 21st July 2014 onwards.

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About Elianto
elianto is a Korean-inspired, trendy and affordable beauty brand that’s international. elianto’s resources are used in offering the best-quality products at the most affordable prices. Meaning ‘sunflower’ in Italian, elianto is a brand synonymous with gentle skincare products, enriched with nourishing and soothing botanical extracts, complemented by a vibrant range of colour cosmetics.

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Product Review

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Wouldn’t it be amazing if you can intensify your eyeshadow color just by using a wet brush? My excitement for NARS makeup goes on.
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What a delight to get my hands on the new NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow. Being a smoky-eye addict, I really go for colors that will create deep, defined tones on my eyes. I add a tone of black eyeshadow or apply my Nars eye paint on the eyelid and as eyeliner. I just can’t survive without a dark tone! So my eye makeup palette for daily application will consist of around 4-5 colors. Although I enjoy applying several colors, it can sometimes be a challenge when you’re rushing for an early business meeting while getting your child ready for school, too, if you need to use several eyeshadow palettes to create the look.

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NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows (Europa and Supra) and Nars Brush #49
But here comes Nars with eyeshadows that can be intensified simply by using a wet brush. You might ask, why is it necessary to have a dual-intensity eyeshadow for wet and dry application? Can’t you use a wet brush on normal eyeshadow to get the same effect? Well, not really. You can try using a wet brush on a non-dual functioning eyeshadow but the texture won’t be good, resulting to an uneven application.
So I got myself 3 Nars items to create my new look this season: 2 shades of Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow namely Europa and Supra, and 1 new brush to apply them with, Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush #49. Excited!

Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
Color: Europa Gossamer pink peach
Price: RM102 (around USD32)
Net Weight: 1.5g / 0.05oz
Made in Italy
Life after opening: 18 months
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NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Europa/ Gossamer pink peach
I definitely love the packaging, as with the other Nars items that I have. This eyeshadow comes in Nars signature black matte compact but this one has a magnet closure, making sure that it’s secure even if you forget to close until it clicks as with other compacts. It has a built-in mirror, convenient for ultra close-up view while applying makeup. The Europa color is peach-like, great as a base color and highlighter. I apply this under the eyebrows, under my eyes and in between my inner eye and nose bridge as highlight.
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Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
Color: Supra Black Orchid
Price: RM102 (around USD32)
Net Weight: 1.5g / 0.05oz
Made in Italy
Life after opening: 18 months
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NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Supra/ Black orchid
This is an amazing color. At first, I thought it was just deep brown (maybe I’m color blind) but upon checking the website, it’s also defined as black orchid so it will have that deep purple or violet tone.
Testing it with dry application first, the colors have a nice, fine sheen finish.
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Dry application
Now, here I tested how it appears with a wet brush, oh my! You can see how intensified the colors were. The texture is just lovely and very easy to apply.
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Wet and dry application
As I mentioned, I normally use 4-5 colors on my eyes. But I wanted to test out if I can use these 2 Nars colors to complete my eye color. First, I applied the 2 shades using dry brush on my eyes as basic 2 colors. Then, using a wet tissue, I dampened my Nars brush #49 and applied each shade on my eyes to create a more defined set of colors. Using a dry eyeshadow brush, I then blended the colors again on my eyelids. (I’ll probably do simple photo collage of the steps later on but I’m too excited and I can’t wait to share this now)
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Apply Nars Europa using Nars Wet/Dry brush #49
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Apply Nars Supra using Nars Wet/Dry brush #49
I finished my look with liquid eyeliner on the eyelids and my eyeliner pencil under my eyes and well, here’s how 2 Nars dual-intensity eyeshadows transformed my eyes…
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LEFT: Before eye makeup with Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows
RIGHT: After NARS
I love the texture and finish of these eyeshadows! Here’s a closer look of my eye makeup…I may not be a pro but I found it amazing that I can create this look with just 2 eyeshadow colors instead of 4 or 5. Just shifting between wet and dry applications can create a well-blended, smokey eye look. The Supra shade is very easy to build, making smokey eyes easier for me even without using a black shade. But I’m sure this will look even more defined with my Nars eye paint 🙂 
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My eye makeup using just 2 colors of NARS eyeshadows + 2 eyeliners!
With its small compact size, the Nars dual-intensity eyeshadow is travel-friendly and a makeup junkie must-have. You would want to carry this around for quick fashionable look! Nars brush #49 (RM115) is an ultimate makeup brush for intensified application for both wet and dry eyeshadow. You gotta try it!
#nars #narsaddict #ilovenars #ilovemakeup #whatwouldmakeupbewithoutnars
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Where to buy:
NARS Cosmetics outlet in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Available from July 2014 onwards 

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NARS Cosmetics introduces the new Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow. Double-down with the new dual-application formula – apply dry for a sheer, airbrush-like finish with a luminous sheen or apply with a dampened brush for high-impact and intense, opaque color. Twelve ready-to-wear and rebelliously romantic shades transform your look with a riveting range from delicate peach pink to fierce black orchid.
Using NARS’ especially designed wet/dry eyeshadow brush, the ultra-soft and luxurious shadow glides on smoothly and easily for precise application.
ARTIST’s TIP:
For an effortlessly chic eye look, use the Wet/ Dry Eyeshadow Brush #49 to apply a soft wash of color over the entire lid, working into the bridge and blending up towards the brow. Next, add the final touch by using the same shadow wet onto the lid for a more intense finish.–Jane Richardson, International Makeup Stylist
SHADES INCLUDE:
  1. Andromeda Alabaster
  2. Cassiopeia Iridescent electric pink
  3. Callisto Icy pink silver
  4. Desdemona Rich shimmering burgundy
  5. Dione Metallic champagne beige
  6. Europa Gossamer pink peach
  7. Giove Navy
  8. Himalia Shimmering topaz
  9. Lysithea Shark grey
  10. Sycorax Black
  11. Phoebe Deep shimmering amethyst
  12. Subra Black orchid

PRICE:

Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow (RM102)
Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush #49 (RM115)

Start Your 14 Days to Confidence with Dove

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Is hair fall giving you challenges in your personal life? Let Dove help you overcome hair fall and regain your confidence in 14 days!

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It is undeniable that we place great value to the appearance and condition of our hair. We spend and invest money on making our hair softer, smoother, curlier, straighter, colored and more. Although a lot of these hair treatments may be done for aesthetic purposes, the most important aspect of going through it all that we may or may not realize is to boost our self-esteem and confidence.

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Ancient history associated hair with status and wealth
The hair is our crowning glory and it plays an important role in our self-image, which dates back to ancient history. In the Greek and Roman ancient times, people wear rich, elaborate wigs to indicate status and wealth. Beautiful, healthy hair symbolized beauty, as with Cleopatra’s coveted thick, black hair. And, of course, beautiful hair also signified youth and vitality, as we all know that with aging comes hair loss so thinning, dull hair is associated with the old.
Today, hair has become more important than ever. Being a goal-driven workingwoman, putting aesthetics reasons aside, I personally think that confidence from having healthy hair is very important for these 2 things: getting the job that you want (or at least increase the chances of), and career development. Of course, I’m not saying that having luscious, lovely hair alone will get you there BUT imagine if you are facing hair fall while you’re at an interview. Without you noticing it, you are subconsciously worried by your appearance, thereby lowering your self-esteem and confidence. 
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Worrying about something, including falling hair, affects your self-esteem and confidence
When I interview people, I examine how an applicant presents herself, physically and emotionally. Confidence is very easy to spot; it shines through and it breaks through. Trust me, if you are hiring for a position, a candidate who puts extra care in her personal presentation will more likely be better on the job than someone who cares less.
In terms of career development, confidence would probably give you at least 50% boost to reach your goal. I’m not talking about those who pretend to know something they don’t. Genuine confidence at work is the courage and determination to accomplish a task because he/she believes she can. When you are confident, you speak with authority, with value and with strength. And confidence won’t be easy to come by if you are burdened and disturbed by falling hair: hair on your suit, hair on the table, hair on your laptop, hair on the chair…hair everywhere.
GREAT NEWS! Recognizing real issues faced by women, the Dove Rambutmu, Mahkotamu campaign hopes to inspire women to let their confidence shine through once again as they overcome hair fall in 14 days in the “Serlahkan Diri Dalam 14 Hari Dengan Dove” campaign.

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The campaign reaches out to women to help them regain their self-confidence over 14 days through a series of activities that take them beyond their comfort zone. The activities are meant to help women realize their full potential and promote confidence while reassuring women that they can stop hair fall in 14 days with Dove Hair Fall Rescue System.
About “Serlahkan Diri Dalam 14 Hari Dengan Dove”
Malaysian women can participate in the campaign by logging on to https://apps.facebook.com/serlahkandirimu/. Easy steps include:
  • For 14 days, complete one mission a day
  • Share the completed mission via photo or caption
  • A digital video will be created for participants based on their 14 days of completed missions
  • To win one of prizes, participants have to share their personal digital video on their Facebook page. The more shares achieved, the higher their chances of winning.

Reasons to JOIN this contest?

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  • Instax Share Printer worth RM699 + RM200 cash + RM100 Dove Hair Fall product hamper for 14 winners
  • RM100 worth of Dove Hair Fall product hamper for 75 winners
  • And your 14-day journey to regaining confidence already makes you a winner

I’ve started my 14-day journey and it’s time to start yours, too! It’s very simple and easy to follow the contest. Just click HERE and get started. 
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Period to start entry is from June 2, 2014 to August 10 2014, however, the participants are given the opportunity to complete all 14 of their mission until August 27, 2014.

About Dove Hair Fall Rescue System
Dove Hair Fall Rescue System contains a groundbreaking technology; Trichazole Actives help anchor hair firmly in place at the roots, nourishing the area where hair fall occurs.
How does each of the products work?
  • The Shampoo cleanses the scalp.
  • The Conditioner, after shampooing, helps prevent breakage and strengthens hair from root to tip, visibly reducing hair fall due to breakage in two weeks2.
  • The Leave-On Intensive Hair Tonic is applied directly to the scalp, and works to visibly reduce hair fall. After just two weeks, hair fall is visibly reduced and hair is stronger from the roots. 

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Dove Hair Fall Rescue System Price Range:
Shampoo 375ml – RM 14.90
Conditioner 180ml – RM 9.90
Intensive Hair Tonic – RM 32.90
Where to buy:
Dove Hair Fall Rescue System is available at leading pharmacies, drugstores and supermarkets across Malaysia.
About Dove
In 1957 Dove launched its emblematic beauty bar, which remained its only product until, in 1995; it launched the Moisturizing Body Wash in the United States. After that, additional categories swiftly followed around the world: deodorants in 1997 and body lotions in 1998. In 1999, Dove was successfully launched in Japan. And in 2000, the Dove Hair Care launch took place in Taiwan, followed by an aggressive rollout. Dove exists today in over 80 countries and is one of the world’s biggest beauty brands. It has been built on a simple and enduring principle: make the consumer a real promise, and keep it consistently.

Fight Travel Sickness with Novomin

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Do you experience motion sickness, leading to nausea or vomiting, when you travel?

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I’m a very bad traveller. One of the challenges I have when traveling, especially via plane, is motion sickness, leading to nausea AND migraine. Unlike my husband who is used to traveling regularly, I get very tired and weak upon arrival. Even when I take painkillers or migraine pills before, during or after my flight, I just have this travel sickness that takes hours to recover from. And I can’t even get to sleep peacefully while in flight. What a bummer.
Before my flight schedule to Philippines 2 weeks ago, I decided to ask a Watsons pharmacist for travel sickness pills (yeah, how come I didn’t think of this before?) and she gave me a pack of Novomin tablets.
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Novomin for Travel Sickness
RM4.30 for 1 pack of 10 tablets
Dimenhydrinate 50mg
Bought at Watsons

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Novomin has anti-emetic properties and is used for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting, such as in travel or motion sickness. It is available in a convenient blister pack and comes in a tasty orange flavour syrup suitable for children 12 years old and below. 
How to take Novomin tablets:
Take the first dose 30 minutes before your journey
For ADULTS – take 1 to 2 tablets
Children over 12 years – 1 tablet
Children aged 7 to 12 – half to 1 tablet
For short journey – 1 tablet is sufficient
For long journey – dose may be repeated after 8 hours
Caution: This might cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
How was I during and after my flight? I was great! Seriously, how come I haven’t heard of this travel sickness pill before? I simply took 1 tablet half an hour before my flight while waiting. I did feel drowsy so I just doze off for maybe a few minutes before the flight then during the flight. I also get to sleep for maybe an hour or so. But, man, I didn’t have nausea or migraine, I was feeling normal. In fact, I was too normal that I even had the energy and drive to draft a blog article while enjoying my in-flight meal…

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So if you suffer from travel sickness (and if you are not pregnant), consider taking Novomin before your journey to eliminate the misery as this sickness can ruin a potentially perfect holiday with your friends, loved ones or worse, a work-related travel with your boss! Just visit a drugstore and consult the pharmacist.
Children might suffer from travel sickness, too. Novomin also comes in syrup that is suitable for ages 2 to 12 years old. It has an orange flavor to make it easier for the young ones to take. I haven’t tried this yet for my son but I sure will when we travel again.

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Amante Nail Spa Charity Fair for Children

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When was the last time you joined a charity event? Or at least did something to help the less fortunate?
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Not everyone in this world is privileged to have a roof above his head, a soft bed to sleep on, a blanket to shield the cold, a pair of shoes under the feet, 3 meals in a day or to be loved by a parent. It is heart-breaking and heart-wrenching to see or even think about the despair of unfortunate and innocent children, whose painful paths have been created for them by others.

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Amante Nail Spa, a superlative spa for women housing popular beauty and wellness needs, will be hosting a one-day Amante Charity Fair on 7th September 2014 from 10am to 6pm. In conjunction with this fair, customers can purchase the Amante Charity Coupon booklet for RM35. Inside the booklet are 7 pieces X RM5 cash vouchers where you can purchase treatments, activities, food and games at Amante Charity Fair and BONUS thank you RM88 Hot Stone Massage treatment.

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Proceeds from the Amante Charity Fair will be donated to GOOD SAMARITAN HOME – Home for Children in Malaysia for their education. Amante Nail Spa believes by helping to raise funds for this home would make learning possible for students of all ages, from pre-school to graduate school, providing basic education to those who need it most. Please come and join us on the 7th September 2014 at Amante Kota Damansara to show your support for these amazing young children and to Good Samaritan Home.
Getting To Know the Good Samaritan Home
They arrived, frightened, frustrated, anxieties written all over their faces, undernourished and neglected. They have been removed from home because of derelict parents, or have suffered the heartbreak of a home shattered by divorce, ran away parent, abandoned, or have tragically lost one or both parents. These are the children who come to Good Samaritan home. It takes time to erase the effects of these tragic experiences. Good care and warm love erase fears and dispels anxieties. Every effort is made to provide a homelike atmosphere.
Good Samaritan Home is a non-profit charitable children’s home committed to serve the poor and needy children in our society. Its aim is to provide for the physical, spiritual and educational well-being of the children. The home started operating in January 1999 with just one child and currently has 32 resident children and another 30 children in the Extension Program.
How Can You Help?
1. Purchase the Amante Charity Voucher booklet at only RM35 from the nearest Amante outlet. Visit www.amante.my for a list of locations near you.
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2. Don’t have time? You can transfer/bank in to Amante Beauty Care Sdn Bhd (MAYBANK ACC NO. 512491131743). Send transfer note/bank-in slip to amantecharity@gmail.com with name, e-mail address & mobile number. You can collect your Amante Charity Coupon Booklet on 7th September 2014 at Amante Charity Fair.
3. Lastly, SAVE THE DATE! Let’s all join hands in helping these children have a better life. See you at the Charity Fair:
When:
7thSeptember 2014, Sunday
Time:
10:00am to 6:00pm
Where:
Amante Kota Damansara @ Dataran Sunway
Level L3, Central Park
(multi storey parking),
No.3-03, Jalan PJU 5/13,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: +603-6141 7613
Tel: +6018-285 5244
A day of fun and wellness activities awaits you. Bring your girlfriends, your boyfriend, your husband, your loved ones and let them join you in helping these children, even just for a day. Your time and support can make a big difference to these children’s lives.

Eat Healthy, Eat Organic with New Recipes from Alce Nero

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Are you concerned about your daily diet and the amount of sugar, fat, sodium and MSG that you are consuming? Worried about harmful chemicals, pesticides or even Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)?  

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Is our daily food consumption healthy and nutritious?
Alce Nero, famed for its growing range of organic Italian food and Fairtrade products from around the world, is on a mission to help people cook and eat at home, preferably using organic ingredients.  Alce Nero prides itself on its organic produce, which is free of genetically modified organisms and additives and is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers on pollutant-free land in Italy.

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The brand has released four new recipes that offer delicious, healthy and nutritious options that combine Eastern and Western elements, and that are quick and easy to make, even for people with busy lifestyles.
The pasta recipes of Sardine Spaghettini, Macaroni & Cheese and Fried Spaghetti can be a complete meal in them with just a simple salad, while the Strawberry Jam Muffins will be a treat for children and adults.
Spaghettini Sardines
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Ingredients
  • 150g Alce Nero Spaghettini
  • 2 pieces Ayam Brand Sardines in Extra Virgin Virgin Olive Oil and Chilli
  • 1 tablespoon Alce Nero Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 cabbage, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice 

Seasoning:
  • 2 tbsp seasoning sauce
  • Pepper
  • Sugar
  • Chillies (optional)

Garnishing:
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 spring onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon crispy garlic (optional)

Method:
  1. Put sardines in microwave for 1 minute.
  2. Bring water to a boil in a big pot; add in 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta; cook until al dente. Drain.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan.
  4. Add in chopped garlic till golden brown.
  5. Add in cabbage and cook till soft.
  6. Add in strained spaghettini, slightly stir fry.
  7. Season with seasoning sauce, pepper, sugar, and chilli.
  8. Transfer spaghettini to a plate.
  9. Arrange sardines on the spaghetti.
  10. Top with crispy garlic, coriander leaves, and spring onion.

Macaroni & Cheese
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Ingredients:
  • 250g Alce Nero Organic Macaroni
  • 3 tbsp Alce Nero organic Extra Viring Olive Oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 big chicken sausages, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 350g Alce Nero Organic Tomato Sauce Vegetables
  • ½ cup grated Mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons chopped parsley

Method:
  1. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to boil over medium heat.
  2. Add in macaroni and cook about 10-12 minutes. Drain thoroughly. Meanwhile, heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan.
  3. Add in sausages, cook over medium high heat about 2 – 3 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes.
  5. Ass in crushed red pepper, Alce Nero Organic Tomato Sauce Vegetables, then macaroni.
  6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Put the macaroni in one large baking dish; sprinkle Parmesan and Mozzarella over.
  8. Place in preheated oven until cheese melts and begins to brown, watching closely to prevent burning, about 1 ½ minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and olive oil and serve.

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Fried Spaghetti
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Ingredients:
  • 320g Alce Nero Spaghetti
  • 2 pepperoni (yellow & red)
  • 2 asparagus
  • ½ long green onion
  • 1 tbsp chopped garlic
  • 2 tsp soya sauce
  • 1 tbsp Alce Nero Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Fresh Coriander
  • Salt & Pepper

Method:
  1. Cut vegetables (pepperoni, asparagus, long green onion) into chunky slices.
  2. Put olive oil, butter, and garlic in the saucepan and add chopped vegetables then fry them.
  3. Bring the pasta to boil over high heat, then turn to low heat and simmer for 8 minutes.
  4. Drain and reserve.
  5. Put the cooked spaghetti and vegetables into the saucepan, add soya sauce  and sesame oil, and fry.
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with a fresh coriander and serve.

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Strawberry Jam Muffins
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Ingredients
     A) 
  •     100g cake flour
  •     1 tsp baking powder
  •     1 tsp baking soda
  •     1 pinch of salt

(B) 
  • 2 eggs
  • 55g caster sugar
  • 60g melted butter oil
  • ¼ cup strawberry yoghurt
  • 60g Alce Nero Organic Strawberry Jam 

Method:
  1. Preheat  oven to 180 ˚C degrees.
  2. Sieve (A) in bowl.
  3. In another mixing bowl, put in (B), mix well.
  4. Then add in (A), mix with a balloon whisk.
  5. Scoop the batter into a paper cup.
  6. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

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Give your family and yourself the gift of better nutrition through organic food from Alce Nero. For more healthy and nutritious recipes, click HERE.
In Malaysia, Alce Nero carries a fine range of organic pasta, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, pasta sauces, jam and honey and can be found at major hypermarkets, supermarkets, and selected organic stores. For more information please visit http://www.alcenero.asia or Facebook AlceNeroMalaysia.

About Alce Nero
Alce Nero was established in the 1970’s, when two cooperatives of young Italian farmers decided to pioneer the organic revolution, producing wholesome food while respecting the environment. Alce Nero combines old farming methods with the most advanced research on health and the environment. The techniques have evolved, but our seal of quality is still based on the simple ingredients that Alce Nero was created from: love of food, respect for the environment, and banning of synthetic chemical substances.
Today, Alce Nero is the No 1 organic brand in Italy. Our producers are involved in all stages of manufacture, allowing us to enforce respect of our principles throughout the production process and accurately trace our food to its origins. Thus, we can guarantee high quality, 100% organic, authentically Italian products brought straight from our fields to your plate. Alce Nero is famed for its organic certifications by the most stringent certification bodies from European Union and Japan.

In Malaysia, Alce Nero carries a fine range of organic pasta, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, pasta sauces, jam and honey. For more information please visit http://www.alcenero.asia or Facebook AlceNeroMalaysia


Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Bath & Shower Gel

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Stepping out of the bathroom engulfed in lovely scent is always delightful

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For the past years, my shower routine has been accompanied by shower gel brands that are well known for body care, probably the same as what you ladies also use. I enjoy bathing in fragrant foam that leaves the skin soft, smooth and smelling good. But at the same time, I also need to watch out for products that tend to over dry my skin.
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Salvatore Ferragamo, the Italian fashion brand that I’ve known for luxury bags and shoes, launched the sexy fragrance Signorina in 2011. The name or word ‘Signorina’ is an Italian courtesy title for an unmarried woman, which can be used alone or before a name. It is used to address a lady as a sign of respect or endearment, for example, someone would address me as Signorina Celeste, if I was still single, haha! Pretty cool and romantic, huh? The right pronunciation for ‘Signorina’ is sin-yo-ri-na, with the ‘gn’ sounding as ‘ny’.

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Salvatore Ferragamo
Signorina
Bath & Shower Gel
200ml 6.8fl.oz.

I haven’t tried the perfume yet but I was elated when I received the Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina shower gel as a present. Well, who doesn’t love any designer brand item?
The Signorina shower gel comes in a soft pink box, sealed in transparent plastic. For photography purposes, I removed the plastic cover in this photo. The name Signorina is embossed and glossed in black against the soft pink box color. This style and design for the packaging made it very simple yet classy and elegant, a representation of what a ‘signorina’ should be.

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The shower gel bottle is sexy. I loved the simple but stylish bottle design for this bath item. The plastic bottle is transparent, revealing the light golden yellow color of the gel. It is topped by a soft pink, round screw cap, which replicates the soft pink tone of the box. Isn’t that a cute piece?
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I use it with a bath lily to bathe. Of course, you have the option to simply pour it in your hand and lather all over your body but I’m the type who loves the feeling of gentle scrubbing with a sponge or my favorite bath lily (this pink  one is from The Body Shop at only RM15, I think).
How was it? Unbelievably captivating. The scent leaves you wanting to bathe again. I personally love floral scents, especially those that are blended with jasmine notes. With this shower gel, a little goes a long way when used with bath lily. The foam forms well to cleanse the skin properly. Leave it on your body for 2-3 minutes and smell the scent after rinsing. Ooohhh, soooo good.
I’ve been using it for a week now and another good news is I didn’t have an adverse reaction, which I often experience when using shower gels with intense or lasting scents. The Signorina shower gel is a great shower companion. I must consider buying the perfume version once I finish (or when I’m about to finish) my Valentina EDP, another fragrance addiction I have at the moment.
Ah, look at the EDP version of Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina here…beautiful.
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Neutrogena Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Neuwomen

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How often can you hang out with a beauty brand’s team to share your personal thoughts and experience? Neutrogena recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a fun session of sharing and pampering among “Neuwomen”

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I’ve been converted back into being a Neutrogena fan a few months ago when I tried its Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion, Deep Clean BlackHead Eliminating Daily Scrub, Deep Hydrating Mask and Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. I’ve known Neutrogena since I was in my teens, used their acne product and found it to be very effective. I guess with the tons of beauty brands in the market, I just lost touch with Neutrogena while going through my journey of testing different brands to suit my ‘aging’ concerns.

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Beautiful wall mural at Neutrogena 60th Anniversary
It was happy news to be invited to Neutrogena’s 60th anniversary celebration. This private event was an opportunity for all “Neuwomen” (a term coined by the brand for Neutrogena users and fans like me) to share their experience with any of the products.

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Host Joanne Kwan
The event started with lively greetings from lovely host, Joanne Kwan, who herself also shared personal skincare and beauty habits with the rest of us. It’s amazing how we, Neuwomen, found common ground with similar habits that we have, both right and wrong, when it comes to taking care of our skin, or at least trying to, haha! 

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Neutrogena brand manager, Grace Teoh
Neutrogena brand manager, Grace Teoh, talked more about each Neutrogena skincare range and what concern each one addresses. Grace encouraged us to share our experiences and feedback about the products that we have tried while she listened intently to what we had to say.

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Cindy Teh conducting skincare pampering demo
Neutrogena had a guest speaker, Cindy Teh, a beauty specialist and makeup artist, who gave more advices and tips on how to properly use skincare products. Cindy also conducted a pampering demo where she showed best techniques step-by-step on taking care of the skin. To ensure the efficiency of the products we use, it is very important to apply each one in the right order and in the right way.  
A lot of women nowadays want everything to be fast or 3-in-1 or even 7-in-1. But as Cindy reiterates, skincare is just like cooking a dish. You cannot dump all ingredients in the pot and expect it to the taste the way it should. It has to be done step by step and in the right order; otherwise, your dish wouldn’t taste right. With this, I totally agree. In the morning, I do skip some products because I’m in a hurry but I still use them step-by-step. At night, I apply my full range of 7 different items, which I religiously do as a routine. To be honest, I’m surprised when some people say that it takes too long to apply beauty products when in my 21 years of doing this (I started skincare at 13), it will only take between 10-15 minutes each time. Like Cindy, I also apply my products while watching TV at night; whatever show my son is watching. I’m a working mother so I have to manage my time in taking care of my almost-5-year-old son after work, study with him, do some house stuff, do my blog which involves taking photos — editing photos — writing an article, then spend time again with my son, get him to bed, wake up early to get him ready for school while I myself also get ready for work. But I still allot 5 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night for my skincare routine. I think that at this age and technology, it’s a matter of time management, or rather task management, that we all should learn. If we want to keep our skin healthy and youthful, we need to work on it, don’t we, ladies?   
Neutrogena showcased their range of products during the event, including the range that I’m most intrigued about at the moment—AGELESS, Neutrogena’s Age-Fighting Solution.

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Neutrogena Ageless Anti-Aging Skincare Range
I haven’t tried the Fine Fairness range yet but I’m excited to test the Brightening Serum and Brightening Cream once I finish my current whitening products. Hope these solve my dark spots (oh, sun, sun, why do you torment me so…)
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Neutrogena Fine Fairness for Brightening
All blue and looking cool, the Hydro Boost range provides optimum hydration to the skin. I’ve tried a sample of the Hydro Boost SPF30 and I loved it. It smells great and fresh, and it’s a non-sticky SPF.

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost for Skin Hydration

The Deep Clean range is best known for its cleansing efficacy, with different items that provide solution to every cleansing requirement, from makeup removal to blackhead elimination. I’ve tried several items from this range and each one is a great product that never fails to fulfill its promise of effective cleansing. I’ve tested the Deep Clean Cleansing Lotionbefore and it works great!
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Neutrogena Deep Clean Skincare Range

Another product that I raved about was the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. This is seriously a MUST-HAVE for ladies. It works great on the face and body, works great with makeup, doesn’t leave a white film, is not sticky and contains SPF50. What else can I ask for? Oh, I have 1 wish for this product: that it eventually comes in a flip top cap to save me time in the morning to unscrew and screw back.
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock
Neutrogena came up with a variant for those with sensitive skin called Ultra Sheer Pure-Mild. Love the all-white with silver accent packaging (yeah, yeah, I’m a sucker for good presentation huh).
Cindy also conducted a makeup demo session (yep, the ladies were all eyes and ears on this one) where she revealed artist tips and tricks. Did you know that you can make your lip color stay longer with tissue + foundation + re-application of lip color? After applying your first layer of lipstick, dab it with a tissue then apply powder foundation then reapply the lip color, and voila! It will stay longer.
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Cindy demonstrating makeup tricks for Neuwomen
There were other activities like nail pampering session, video testimonial taking, which allowed the ladies to enjoy that Saturday afternoon even more.
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Held at CANVAS photography studio, Neutrogena’s 60th Anniversary was a fun-filled session with fellow women who share similar skin and beauty concerns. I think that it’s really amazing of Neutrogena to ask for and listen to what consumers have to say about their products, whether good or not very good. I had a great time discovering skincare and makeup tips from experts, and I did enjoy sharing my thoughts with other women, too.

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Excited to try more Neutrogena products, especially AGELESS Eye Cream!
Although technology has come a long way and now has solutions that may provide immediate results, it still pays to take care of our skin on a daily routine basis. Like what Neutrogena says, Beauty Begins with Healthy Skin. So ladies, let’s all start on our journey to healthy skin. No shortcuts ya.
Thanks again to Neutrogena and to the gorgeous Neuwomen of our time.

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ME (right) with Sui Ying
Get connected to Neutrogena Malaysia via Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/myneutrogena

Sephora Pearl Mask for Whitening and Brightening

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If you’re looking for a weekly treatment to complement your whitening regimen, this mask is a good item to try 

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Brightening my skin has now become one of my aging concerns. My continuous exposure to tropical weather and driving without full black tint have done their fair share of giving my face dull areas and dark spots.
I wasn’t really into masks until I’ve tested out a few good ones recently. On my birthday last month, I received more beauty items from good friends. One of the gifts was this pack of Sephora Pearl Mask for Whitening and Brightening. Oh, excitement! Thanks, Jen!
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 Sephora Pearl Mask
Around RM49 per 5 pc set
(5 sheets x 25g)
Natural Origin White Pearl
The mask sheets are neatly packed in a hard plastic case. The individual sheets and the case itself are in soft pink color. The words “Pearl mask” are in metallic silver print, giving it a touch of elegance and the feeling of “brightening”.

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The back of each pack contains clear instructions on how to use it. I know that most of us are already aware of how to apply the mask but I appreciate it when brands make a conscious effort to ensure that a customer or user will apply a product properly.

Each pack is also stamped with EXPIRY DATE, which is a plus for me. As an end user, I want all my beauty products to clearly indicate expiry dates and life after opening.
So how do you use the Sephora Pearl Mask:
1) Remove the mask from its sachet. The sachet comes with an easy tear cut so you just rip it open from there.
2) Apply the mask on your cleansed face.
3) Take off the mask after 20 minutes. No need to rinse.
* Apply 3 or more times a week for ideal results.
How do I look?
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Compared to other masks that I’ve used before, this one is a bit thicker but not uncomfortable on the face. It’s just a bit harder to adjust the holes and opening to fit properly but it’s manageable. I normally lie down while waiting for 20 minutes to finish. I’d probably watch with my son or read a magazine while waiting.
The skin feels soft and smooth after use of the mask but I don’t expect it to immediately show results of whitening and brightening with just a few applications. To me, this is just meant to complement my whitening skincare regimen but not expected to make significant improvement.  Overall, it is a good mask to use 3-4 times a week while I’m using skincare products to address dull and uneven skin tone.
Sephora Pearl Mask is:
A natural fiber mask with white pearl that reduces blemishes while evening out and brightening the complexion.
What it promises to do:
This mask is enriched with natural-origin white pearl to even out skin tone and help minimize irregularities for high luminosity, creating a fresher, brighter appearance. The fiber mask perfectly hugs facial contours for better interaction between the active ingredients and the skin.
Does NOT contain:
– Parabens
What else you need to know:
This mask is quick and easy to use.
It contains Natural White Pearl that evens out skin tone.
It contains Broccoli Extract that provides clarifying properties for brighter skin.
Where to buy:
Only at Sephora boutiques OR via Sephora at Zalora Online
  
Get connected to Sephora Malaysia via Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/SephoraMalaysia
Or check out Sephora items online via Zalora at:
http://www.zalora.com.my/sephora

Shizens Awards Prizes for Stand Firm Stay Firm Photography Contest

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It was out of passion for photography and interest in the subject that I participated in this contest. And guess what? I was one of the lucky winners.

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Shizens Time Resistance Essence STAND FIRM STAY FIRM
In April, so that was around 3 months ago, Shizens proudly launched their Stand Firm Stay Firm photography campaign. The “Stand Firm Stay Firm” campaign aims to display the outer beauty of women while also revealing their inner strength, which serves as an encouragement for them to stand firm within our society. It was an online contest where customers and fans stood a chance to win prizes by expressing their creativity through photos that display inner strength and outer beauty.
Hundreds of people submitted entries for the campaign, both for mobile photography and photography enthusiasts. And in the end, 10 finalists were selected/voted from each category that vied for grand and consolation prizes. I was so happy when I learned that I was one of the 10 finalists under photography enthusiasts.

My entry for Shizens Stand Firm Stay Firm Contest
My entry was this photo of myself with my precious son. I had a great time taking this photo with him, as he was very participative and supportive of what I was asking him to do. 
Shizens announced the final results early in June and I was one of them! My photo landed as First Runner Up. Wee!

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Winners were invited for a prize-awarding session last weekend. Held at Shizens flagship store in Level 6 of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the awarding of prizes included photo ops with Shizens brand manager and time for us to explore skincare and cosmetics at the store.
 

Shizens Flagship Store at Pavilion KL

 So what did I get as the First Runner Up?
  • RM1,000 cash prize as shown on the mock certificate above
  • RM800 cash voucher from Shizens
  • RM500 cash voucher from Flissco photo studio

The first thing I did was splurge on Shizens products, of course! I had RM800 to spend and I was more than happy to pick my choices. Well, I’m already in love with some of their products so I knew what to pick. And here’s my Shizens haul:
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My Shizens picks that day!
Natural Pore Nutrient Pore Foundation 12g RM228
Hydro lotion 100ml RM188
Silky Renewal Gel 50ml RM138
Replenish Nutrient Expert 30g RM380

Shizens Natural Pore Nutrient Foundation RM228 (around USD71)

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I was very much intrigued by the foundation and I was more than happy to finally get a chance to test it. The name is very interesting and that white swirl of moisturizing nutrient visible on the foundation really makes it eye catchy. Must try!
Thanks once again to Shizens and to my friends and families who supported my son and me.

Shizens Photography Contest – GRAND PRIZE Winner
Congratulations to all the winners, especially to the grand prizewinner, Abam Mizie, who captured an amazing expression that truly represents the aim of this campaign. Great job!