Mucus Away with Pureen Clinzo Isotonic Sterilized Seawater Spray

Do you deal with congested nose of your kids or anyone else in the family? This product may be a great companion for you to soften tough mucus in the nose.  

boys-toys-cars-blue-purple-volkswagen

My son catches flu or colds every now and then; I guess most kids do. Before my son started going to school, it wasn’t that bad. But going to school gets kids exposed to a lot of other elements and other people so the frequency of having colds, coughs or flu has increased. I do give him regular vitamins to boost his immune system but getting sick somehow cannot be totally avoided. And did you know that there are over 200 virus strains of the common cold? You may be immune to 1 or more but as you get exposed to another type of virus, you will still fall sick.
One of the toughest to deal with among kids who get flu or colds is the mucus inside their nose. Kids don’t know how to blow their nose yet so the mucus gets trapped inside, preventing them to breathe properly and making them extremely uncomfortable, especially when sleeping. My son would cry at night because he feels so uneasy and finds it difficult to sleep. What I do before was to make him sleep on his side while I rub his back to ease him until he falls asleep. But he would wake up again in the middle of sleep because of breathing difficulty. Although I try to clean his nose and remove the mucus, sometimes those things get really hard and stiff. When this happens, it becomes painful for him when I try to remove it.
Then I stumbled across this Pureen spray in one of the pharmacies and decided to give it a try. 
pureen-clinzo-isotonic-seawater-spray-with-toy

Pureen Clinzo Isotonic Sterilized Seawater Spray
Price: RM22.90 for 50ml
100% Natural Sterilized Seawater
Preservative free
Rich in minerals and trace elements from the sea
Environmental friendly
It comes in a tube with spray and plastic cap, packed in a card box (toy car here not included). Size is just nice because you can bring it to travel without fear of confiscation from hand carry luggage inspection. I just find the spray a bit hard to press at times because of its shape.
How Does Pureen Clinzo Work?
  • Gently cleans & clears nasal passageways
- Effectively washes away bacteria that cause infections and simulates nose blowing.
  • Hydrates the nasal mucosa
- Its spray nozzle provides even distribution of Pureen Clinzo to the ensembles of the nose, thus maintain the nose’s natural moisture condition.

Special Features:
  • Safe
- Safety nozzle developed for use in infants, children and adults.
- Anti-reflux valve: preventing the bacterial contamination of the solution.
  • Easy
- Safety ergonomic dispensing system for easy administration.
- Suitable for all age groups.
  • Gentle spray pressure
  • Washable nozzle

When To Use Pureen Clinzo
  • Pollution
  • Cold
  • Allergies And Rhinitis
  • Weather Changes
  • In Combination With Other Nasal Preparations
  • In Air-Conditioning Area
  • In The Airplane
  • During Sports
  • Before Bed

I don’t use it regularly, only when my son’s nose is clogged with tough mucus.

How to Use Pureen Clinzo
  • Tilt the head to one side;
  • Gently insert the end of the nasal tip into the upper nostril;
  • Exert a short, sharp pressure;
  • Tilt the head to the other side and repeat the procedure in the other nostril;
  • Straighten the head again to allow any mucous to drain out;
  • Wipe away any excess with a tissue or blow the nose;
  • Repeat the procedure several times a day if necessary.


pureen-clinzo-to-unclog-blocked-nose
My son is very fussy and doesn’t really allow me to insert the tip into his nose to spray. What I do is to spray the water onto a cotton bud that I then use to clean his nose. Using Pureen Clinzo is a lot more effective than just using water to wet the cotton bud. And with Clinzo, I’m also sure that the water is clean and sterilized.
This spray can be used on adults, too, by the way. So if you regularly deal with flu and colds, it might be worth it for you to keep a bottle of Pureen Clinzo in the house. It just makes mucus a lot easier to clean and eliminate. 

Exfoliate to Smoother Skin with Soap & Glory Flake Away

Do you use a body scrub at least once a week? You must check out this S&G item…

soap-and-glory-flake-away-exfoliate-to-smoother-skin
I received a set of Soap & Glory products last Christmas from my sister-in-law and I really loved the contents of this set. It was just last week when I started using its Flake Away, a body scrub made of brown-color suds. 
Like some ladies, I also forget or get lazy at times to use a once or twice a week product. But did you know that using a gentle body scrub to exfoliate is very important in maintaining healthy and smooth skin? Applying moisturizers or lotion regularly will not work as efficient as they could when we don’t exfoliate. The challenge is that our skin continuously develops dead skin cells. These dead skin cells remain as additional layers that block nutrients from moisturizers to reach the skin. We need to slough it off; otherwise our skin will look dull, rough, unhealthy or simply old. Now, we don’t want that, right?

soap-and-glory-flake-away-exfoliate-to-smoother-skin
So I’ve learned to spend a few minutes once or twice a week to use a good body scrub. This Soap & Glory Flake Away is just great for me. I love the scent, which leaves a trail of fresh fragrance (what S&G calls Original Pink fragrance) on the skin after bathing. 

soap-and-glory-flake-away-brown-suds
I love that that the scrub easily melts on the skin after a few circular motions, making scrubbing easy and convenient. Some scrubs take long to work or don’t melt at all. Maybe some people like that but I prefer the Flake Away suds. 

soap-and-glory-flake-away-brown-suds

My skin feels smooth and supple just right after my first use. It’s getting addictive for me but I limit use to twice a week. Great to use on the entire body and works on the feet, too! Between you and me, it feels nice to use this on the butt area. I have smooth, lovely skin over there after use.
What it is:

A superhero strength skin smoothing body polish with shea butter, sweet almond oil, peach seed powder, sea salt and sugar. Transforms your scaly legs from reptilian to radiant. Scented with our Original Pink™ fragrance. 
How to use:
  • Apply a handful of Flake Away on to damp skin.
  • Massage in circular motions until most of the grains are gone. 
  • Rinse well, pat dry and apply body glossing oil or moisture butter.

(Careful! Avoid application over irritated skin or abrasions, as salt scrubs can sting.)  
soap-and-glory-flake-away-and-shower-gel
I love using this after my Salvatore Ferragamo shower gel. 

Where to buy in Malaysia: Sephora Outlets
But if you are going to Thailand, you might want to check it out at Boots because they have bigger sizes and better prices or promos, too. Just remember to check it in with your luggage if you buy more than 100ml variants. 
Happy scrubbing!
soap-and-glory-pink-body-scrub-jar
Get connected to Soap and Glory via Facebook:
Or check out their website at:

Melvita and Women’s Weekly Anti-Aging Workshop

The battle against anti-aging is a never-ending challenge, isn’t it? So when The Malaysian Women’s Weekly announced an interesting workshop last August, I took the chance to learn more about anti-aging…
melvita-anti-aging-beauty-skincare-free-items-goodie-bag

The free Melvita skincare items in the goodie bag

It’s always interesting for me to attend beauty workshops. I find it worthwhile to discover latest products and to observe how consumers respond to what different beauty brands have to say during such events. It’s also amazing how thirsty we are for advice and knowledge when it comes to techniques, tips or secrets to combat the dreaded ‘a’ word…aging.
How did I acquire a seat for the workshop? The Malaysian Women’s Weekly announced the Anti-Aging session in its August magazine issue. For a minimal fee of RM30, you secure a seat to the workshop, which also comes with refreshments and goodie bag.
womens-weekly-melvita-anti-aging-beauty-skincare-workshop
The session was held at Lavender Bakery in 1 Utama, at the open air section, where we enjoyed the breeze of a cool morning. Before the session started, Melvita conducted this ‘spin the wheel’ mini-game to get something that addresses aging. I got a small packet of fresh raspberries. So cute.
Refreshments from Lavender were provided, together with a lovely bottle of Esprit Raspberry Sparkling Water. Don’t worry, what you see on my plate here isn’t all of it. I just chose to take a little amount of food.
melvita-anti-aging-beauty-skincare-workshop-food

Workshop items such as sponge, wash bowl and mirror were provided for each guest. We got to sample and apply different anti-aging products from Melvita, ranging from cleansers to beauty oils.
melvita-anti-aging-beauty-skincare-workshop
melvita-anti-aging-beauty-skincare-workshop-products

Some of the products tested at the workshop

melvita-anti-aging-beauty-argan-oil

melvita-anti-aging-French-beauty-skincare-organic

Melvita also introduced their latest skincare range, Bio-Excellence Naturalift, which consisted of 3 products: Youthful Day Cream, Youthful Night Cream and Eye Contour. These can be combined with other items such as beauty oils and floral water.
melvita-anti-aging-beauty-skincare-day-night-eye-cream

Melvita Bio-Excellence Naturalift Skincare

This formula offers the protective and firming action of the bud complex, to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. It also contains shea butter, to nourish the skin, and the combination of rye, oat and hibiscus, which together redefine facial contours. The skin is deeply replenished and firmer; it appears visibly smoother.
I think this is a good product to try, especially for those who are looking for organic skincare solutions.  
The rich texture of this cream sinks gently into the skin, to nourish and moisturize throughout the night. In addition to the firming and protective action of the bud complex, which smoothens wrinkles and fine lines, this formula also contains nourishing shea butter, as well as evening primrose oil, known to help prevent skin ageing. These ingredients are combined with rye, oat and hibiscus, which help redefine facial contours, to provide intensive regenerating action.
For rejuvenating the skin overnight, it is good to have a night cream, which is normally a bit thicker than the usual moisturizer. This night cream has a lovely texture that is suitable for overnight skin recovery. I like the gentle scent, too.  
Formulated with the firming and protective bud complex, this eye cream is enriched with plankton – known for its draining properties, which help to reduce dark circles. It also contains rice powder, for a delicate powdery finish. Rye, oat and hibiscus provide complementary action, filling out wrinkles and fine lines.   
This cream has a light texture that doesn’t feel thick or heavy around the eyes. I guess with the rice powder ingredient, it leaves a nice powder finish so you have no risk of developing those oil seeds or milia.
  
The session ended with a Q&A game where 3 lucky guests bagged gift sets. Too bad I wasn’t listening carefully; I didn’t answer the question correctly, ha!
Ooohhh, and I enjoyed this yummy dessert!
melvita-anti-aging-beauty-skincare-workshop
Overall, the workshop is fine and enjoyable, except for the set-up of the venue. The seating arrangement is too tight, squeezing in around 30 guests. Where I sat, in front, I had to keep asking other guests to stand up so I can access food. I can’t blame the other ladies who were probably rolling their eyes but they also can’t blame me. Well, it was a non-working day for me, I don’t want to be a bitch on a weekend, and so I just keep my cool. The table setting was also tight to conduct self-application of the products. I hope these points will be considered by brands when conducting workshops. Guests must have comfortable space for beauty sessions.
We were given a RM30 voucher to use at Melvita outlets, so it’s like giving back the workshop fee paid to reserve a seat. No worries, you can buy an item with this RM30, such as natural or organic body soaps.

melvita-organic-French-skincare-brand-soap-floral-water-oil
My beauty loot that day:
Organic Rose Floral Water 200ml – RM122.00
Certified organic and fair trade (EFT attested), our floral water is obtained by steam distillation of fresh Rosa damascena petals. Our unique extraction method enables us to obtain a floral water that is particularly rich in active ingredients, making it a naturally powerful formula. With its fresh, delicate scent, our floral water helps to combat dehydration and regenerate the skin.
I love this floral water. I’ve been using it for more than a month now and I’m enjoying the immediate hydration and convenience. It comes with a spray so I don’t really need to use cotton with it. I used to have reaction to rose products but this one proved to be safe for my skin. I spray it on my face in the morning, afternoon at work, and at night.  
  
Eye Contouring Avocado Oil 50ml – RM112.00
100% of the total ingredients from Organic Farming. Very rich in non-saponifiable components, avocado oil is obtained from the flesh of the persea gratissima fruit. An excellent natural anti-ageing treatment, this oil is recommended for dry and delicate skin. Extremely nourishing, it is recommended for the eye contour, the neck and for stretch marks, especially if used with shea butter, which contains non-saponifiables that are remarkably complementary.
I think it’s amazing that this product can be used on the eye, neck and body stretch marks. So I bought one for my mum-in-law. She’s enjoying the multi-function, too.
I also got myself these 2 soap bars:
Lavender Flowers Soap Bar 100g – RM20.00
Vegetable Soap Bar 100g – RM35.00
I am using the Lavender Flowers Soap Bar every morning. The light scent is just nice, unlike other lavender products that often have a strong aroma.
For an organic beauty brand, I think Melvita is worth a try. I signed up as a member as well to enjoy more privileges. My next purchase would probably be a brightening eye serum and another bottle of floral water. I’m now addicted to spraying rose water on my face every day.

melvita-anti-aging-beauty-skincare-privilege-card

melvita-free-beauty-pouch

Membership card came with this adorable green beauty pouch that has print of bees inside

Stay connected to Melvita Malaysia via:
Or visit their online shopping site at:

Covo Cosmetics – 3 Makeup Brush Set

Looking for makeup brushes that are affordable yet perform well?

Five years back, I was used to applying my makeup with fingers for foundation, and the basic eyeshadow brushes for eye makeup. Guess I was lazy to explore using makeup brushes before but my desire to create more dramatic looks finally won me over…and spawned an addiction to collect good brushes.
I admit that I am a fan of famous professional makeup brands like MAC and Nars. They have a great selection of brushes and the quality is just superb. These brands have the brush for every makeup application requirement to achieve the look you want.
But it wouldn’t hurt to test other brands that are on the lower price range. I did try Ecotools and I must say not bad. And this time around, I’ve tested brushes from Covo Cosmetics, which were a gift from a good colleague for my birthday a few months ago.
covo-cosmetics-makeup-brushes-accessories
 Covo Cosmetics – Essential 3 Brush Set
RM89.00
The Covo Cosmetics Essential 3 Brush Set houses 3 top essential brushes. This chic collection of dipped tips brushes are made from super-soft nylon bristles. The set contains a powder brush, liquid foundation brush and eye shader brush.
This 3-brush set comes with a brush pouch, making it easy to bring to travel or carry with you in the bag. Each brush is packed in plastic when newly purchased. The black pouch has a compartment for each brush, keeping them neatly tucked in its place while travelling.
covo-cosmetics-eye-shader-brush-and-eye-paint
Covo Cosmetics Eye Shader Brush on my Eye Paint Pot
The first brush I tested was the eye shader. I tested it on my favorite Nars eye paint and it worked very well. The bristles were suitable for the cream texture of my eye paint and application was easy. This brush may not be ideal for powder eyeshadows because the bristles are “semi-stiff” but it’s perfect for cream ones.
covo-cosmetics-liquid-foundation-makeup-brush
Covo Cosmetics Liquid Foundation Brush
covo-cosmetics-liquid-foundation-brush

Next I tested was the liquid foundation brush. I tried it on my Guerlain Lingerie de Peau cream foundation and Lancome Teint Miracle liquid foundation. What we, ladies, want from foundation application is that even, flawless look and I gotta say that this Covo brush did the job well. The next question I had was, would it last after regular washing? After using it for 2 months with regular washing, it’s still intact and not a bristle fell. Not bad.


covo-cosmetics-powder-foundation-makeup-brush
Covo Cosmetics Powder Foundation Brush
Last one was the powder brush foundation. This one is very soft and feels nice on the skin. I normally apply liquid or cream foundation then finish it with powder foundation. This Covo brush picks up the powder well and application is smooth and flawless.
These 3 brushes are a good option if you’re looking for lower price range of makeup brushes. They do the job well and are great makeup accessories. Personally, though, I think the brush handles can be improved for grip comfort and feel. Professional brands have that certain comfort and ease when holding their brushes, which allows me to apply makeup easier and with more confidence.

You can check Covo Cosmetics selection via their website at http://www.covocosmetics.com  

Stay connected to Covo Cosmetics via their Facebook page at:
For more information and to order products online, visit:
covo-cosmetics-online-site
About Covo
COVO seeks to harness the continuing growth of the COsmetic eVOlution (hence the name COVO) to bring the best in makeup artistry to even the most discerning user without anyone missing out on the total “luxe” shopping experience. COVO puts the focus on the consumer experience whilst the latest technologies are utilized to capture every woman’s beauty needs and nuances. The products are designed to be smartly intuitive and multifunctional to delight the expectations of a COVO woman. The red carpet treatment isn’t sacrificed from the luxury perspective hence COVO’s – Luxe for Less should appeal to one and all!

Guardian Launches Jeju Face Mask Range with Powerful Ingredients From Korea

Wish you had the flawlessly radiant, dewy skin of your favorite K-Pop singers and Korean drama actresses? 

Nutrients-infused sheet masks are an essential part of many Koreans’ skin care regime, providing a pick-me-up for common skin problems such as dry skin, uneven skin tone and breakouts.
Guardian, the largest pharmacy, health and beauty retail chain in Malaysia has introduced the Jeju Face Mask Range, which harnesses the benefits of plant-based ingredientsfrom the unpolluted and pristine Korean island of Jeju, that can help you achieve the glowingly healthy skin of your dreams.

jeju-island-korea-seashore
Jeju Island is untouched and has been declared a UNESCO heritage site for its natural beauty. The fertile volcanic soil here is rich in beneficial minerals, while underground water sources filtered through volcanic rock provide pure water. These factors and the gentle climate help the flora thrive and concentrate active ingredients that are more potent and purer, making them ideal ingredients for delicate facial care product.
The Jeju Face Mask range comes in four variants for different skin needs. Jeju Lily is for brightening, Jeju Tangerine is nourishing, Jeju Tsubaki is ultra-soothing while Jeju Seaweed is moisturising.
Each single application of sheet mask is gently scented for some relaxing  ‘me’ time and a soothing skin care experience.

How to use the Jeju Face Mask: 
  • Apply the Jeju Face Mask of your choice on cleansed face. 
  • Massage gently with fingertips to aid absorption of essence. 
  • Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and perhaps catch up on some of your favorite Korean drama series.  
  • For best results the Jeju Face Mask range can be used up to three times a week.  

According to Ms. Segolene Defline, Corporate Brand Director from The Dairy Farm Company, Limited, the Jeju Face Mask Range harnesses the efficacy of selected ingredients that are traditionally known and scientifically proven to be beneficial to skin.
“Korean skincare is garnering huge attention and positive feedback from users around the world, especially among Asian consumers. Guardian understands that our customers want the effectiveness of Korean skincare at an affordable price. After much research and development, Guardian selected ingredients from Jeju Island that have been traditionally used and trusted in Korea for centuries,” said Ms Defline.

korean-beauty-jeju-face-mask-guardian-malaysia
 Jeju Seaweed for Moisturising
Seaweed is rich in marine minerals and helps in keeping skin moisturised and hydrated. Jeju Seaweed Face Mask replenishes daily nutrients in the skin, promotes skin hydration and locks in natural moisture, leaving skin soft and supple.
If you spend a lot of your time in drying air-conditioned environments, this mask is for you.
korean-beauty-jeju-face-mask-guardian-malaysia
Jeju Tsubaki to Soothe and Revitalise
Tsubaki or Camellia flower extract has soothing property. It contains Vitamins A, B and E and protects skin from harmful UV rays and environmental damage. Jeju Tsubaki Face Mask aids in strengthening the skin barrier, leaving it soothed and revitalised.
korean-beauty-jeju-face-mask-guardian-malaysia
Jeju Tangerine for Nourishing
Tangerines or commonly known as Hallabong by the Korean, are rich in the skin vitamin, Vitamin C. For healthy and vibrant looking skin, try Guardian’s Jeju Tangerine Face Mask, which nourishes skin with antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals, for skin that is healthy from the inside out.
korean-beauty-jeju-face-mask-guardian-malaysia
Jeju Lily for Brightening  
Lily flower extract is used for its natural skin brightening effect as it evens out skin tone and increases skin flexibility. Reach for Jeju Lily Face Mask to brighten tired and dulllooking skin, leaving it radiant with a natural glow.
Price and Where to Buy
The Jeju Face Mask Range is available nationwide at all Guardian outlets and e-store at https://online.guardian.com.my at RM5.90 per single mask application. 



About Guardian Malaysia
From a 200-sqft pharmaceutical retail outlet catering to the expatriate community to emerging as the leading Pharmacy, Health and Beauty retail chain in Malaysia, Guardian now operates a chain of 422 stores, providing unrivalled variety of Pharmaceutical, Health and Beauty products to more than 2.5 million Malaysian customers a month, across the country.
Guardian’s commitment to its customers’ needs is also reflected in a dedicated team of pharmacists, who impart professional advice and consultation to customers. Committed to strong corporate governance, which upholds responsible and ethical dispensing at all times.
Guardian is also an advocate of corporate philanthropy and believes in giving back to the community. Guardian celebrates four decades of success by making a pledge to contribute to worthy causes by getting involved in the efforts that help to provide and promote the care, development and well-being of the local communities and supporting programs that are dedicated towards those in need namely, women and children.
About Dairy Farm
Dairy Farm is a leading pan-Asian retailer.  At 30th June 2014, the Group and its associates and joint ventures operated over 5,800 outlets and employed over 100,000 people.  It had total annual sales in 2013 exceeding US$12 billion.
The Group operates under a number of well-known brands across four divisions.  The principal brands are:
Food
·   Supermarkets – Wellcome in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines, Cold Storage in Singapore and Malaysia, Giant in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei, Hero in Indonesia;
·     Hypermarkets – Giant in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam;
·     Convenience stores – 7-Eleven in Hong Kong, Singapore, Southern China and Macau;
Health and Beauty
·     Mannings in Greater China and Guardian in the rest of Asia;
Home Furnishings
·     IKEA in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indonesia; and
Restaurants
·     Maxim’s in Hong Kong, mainland China and Vietnam.
Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange as its primary listing, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore.  The Group’s businesses are managed from Hong Kong by Dairy Farm Management Services Limited through its regional offices.  Dairy Farm is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.


flexWorkLife.my Empowers Women with Flexible Work Practices

Balancing time for family and career is never easy…but what if you can get the best of both worlds?

family motherhood

I’ve always believed that women have the toughest jobs in the society. We work hard to build our careers, climb the corporate ladder, be the best of who we are and then we reach a point in our lives when we have to raise or take care of our family, being forced to make difficult choices between career accomplishment and nurturing the family. This applies not only to mothers but to women who will eventually have to choose between succeeding and allotting their time to take care of their aged parents. Women are always expected to be THE caretakers of the family and THE ones who have to sacrifice their jobs. And while men are accepted to have their ‘me’ time or time with their friends, women, more often than not, have to sacrifice all these in favor of time for the family. We sacrifice our time, our careers, our potentials to reach the peak of our success…and don’t even get me started with expectations to stay fit and beautiful after birth or as we age!


work-life-balance-challenge-in-career

I’ve been in the corporate work force for more than 10 years now and I’ve seen many women who had to make the painful choice of giving up their jobs for the sake of having more time for the family. I’m not saying that it’s wrong to choose family over career BUT it’s sad to see intelligent, results-driven individuals leave the organization where their skills and strengths can lead to more successes. It is a known fact; the long hours and demands of a job give us less time and strength to lead a balance between work and life.

busy-working-woman
How to balance work and life if work eats up all of our time in a day?

It was a very interesting and enlightening afternoon when I encountered Urban Mom’s talk show in One Utama last weekend. Did you know that there’s an organization in Malaysia that recognizes the need among individuals to have a work-life balance? For the first time, I got acquainted with a portal named http://www.flexworklife.my, an organization that aims to build a network of employers and talents to optimise work-life integration while maximising work efficiency and enhancing employee engagement. The talkshow, “I Made A Career Comeback”, featured 2 women who experienced the challenge of giving up their career for a while and successfully managed to regain their fruitful careers. But the great news is, this time around, these 2 women have made a career comeback that gives them flexible working arrangements or flexible hours, giving them the work-life balance they need. Say what again??? Flexible hours? Work-life balance? These are possible?
urbanmom-flexworklifemy-flexible-work-hours-for-women

At the Urban Mom & flexWorkLife.my talkshow, “I Made a Career Comeback” (from left: 1. Ms. Salika Suksuwan, Head, Industry Partnerships, Talent Corporation Malaysia, 2. Ms. Nisa Hidayah, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Standard Chartered, 3. Ms. Pauline Teo, HR Analyst, BASF Asia-Pacific Service Centre Sdn Bhd, and host)
Women have strong potentials and capabilities to make significant contributions in building businesses and economies. But did you know that in Malaysia, the labour force participation rate of women is lower than neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia?
And why do women stop working?
TOP 3 REASONS WOMEN LEAVE THE WORKFORCE:
1 – To raise a family
2 – Lack of Work-Life Balance
3 – To care for a family member
Source: Retaining Women in the Workplace, ACCA & TalentCorp, 2013

baby-shoes-on-tummy
Should it really be a choice between motherhood/family and work?

Good news is, women (and even men) who find it challenging to return to their careers after some time can now gain support from flexWorkLife.my and organizations who have recognized the need to retain women workers and talents in the workforce. More and more companies are now working towards providing the best working practices for women such as flexible working hours, working from home and even childcare centres at the workplace. I was happy to find out that established companies are now part of this drive to empower women. Here are some of the companies that have started providing flexibility in the workplace:
flexworklife-malaysia-companies-with-flexi-hours
flexworklife-maybank-pwc-TM-standard-chartered

Whether you are a job seeker or an employer, you will find a lot of support and benefits via flexWorkLife.my and the organizations that have started flexible work practices. There is even tax  incentives support for companies that practice parent-friendly working environment and efforts to retain women in the workforce. This is amazing. 
flex-work-life-malaysia-website

employers-get-tax-incentives-for-flexible-work-place
malaysia-flex-work-life-benefits

Several times in my career, I did experience sacrificing my job to spend more time with my family, mainly my growing up son. It can be stressful and frustrating when a mother has to sacrifice family time for the sake of holding a job, making an income or working to succeed. Personally, I don’t believe that longer working hours directly translates to productivity (in the same way I don’t believe that those who work overtime are necessarily hardworking or efficient). Flexibility in the workplace is a smart, strategic concept if a company aims to maintain diversity, strong talents and, most of all, the significant value that women play in the organization.

For more information, log on to:
Stay connected to flexWorkLife.my via their Facebook page at:


Of course, that day in One Utama wouldn’t end without my son shopping for something…well, he found something at Hamleys…

little-boy-holding-a-car-toy



GlamGlow YouthMud – Facial in a Jar

Lights…camera…action. Designed as a professional ‘facial in a jar’ for behind-the-scenes use in Hollywood’s Entertainment, GlamGlow promises instant camera-ready skin in 10 minutes. Can this be for real?

glamglow-mud-youthmud-tingle-exfoliate-treatment-product-review

I don’t regularly exfoliate before. I guess I also get lazy or busy to be bothered by a twice-a-week treatment. But exfoliation is essential in maintaining a healthy, glowing skin. Even though we regularly cleanse, moisturize and apply serums, without exfoliation, our skin can get rough and dull. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. When dead skin cells are removed, the skin looks younger and healthier with new skin cells.
As we get older or as years pass by, the process of cell renewal tends to get slower, meaning dead skin cells stay longer on the surface of the skin and it takes longer time to generate new cells. This results to dull, dry, rough or older-looking skin.  So if we want to keep our skin healthy or improve its appearance, we need to work harder and find the time to exfoliate on a regular basis.
Finding time is always a challenge, isn’t it? But GlamGlow YouthMud promises results in 10 minutes for radiant, glowing skin while it also provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation. If you haven’t heard of GlamGlow, just Google it and you’ll see lots of images showing faces with gray mud on. You can also check it out at Sephora.
GlamGlow has 4 different products available: SuperMud, ThirstyMud, BrightMud for eyes, and YouthMud, which I am reviewing here. 

glamglow-mud-youthmud-tingle-exfoliate-treatment-product-review
YouthMudTM Tinglexfoliate Treatment
RM240, 50g
Available at Sephora boutiques
Leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing
Activates collagen synthesis
Provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation
Helps to leave skin smoother, brighter and softer
Provides tighter skin texture and tighter pores
Helps to provide a more youthful appearance
Absorbs impurities without removing natural oils
Helps to protect against free radical damage


How is it packed:
Like the ThirstyMud I’ve reviewed recently, GlamGlow YouthMud also comes in a matte box. This one is a combination of solid black and silver text, an easily recognizable signature of GlamGlow’s packaging style. On the front panel, a sticker saying ‘World’s Best Mask Winner’ is very visible, making me even more intrigued about this claim.
GlamGlow YouthMud has an inner card tray where the glamorous black jar sits nicely. The card tray reminds me of a photo wall where celebrities (or media guests) would stand against for photo ops. Oh, this is so Hollywood.
A brochure and info leaflet are provided together inside the box. Instructions on the small info leaflet are in different languages.

glamglow-mud-youthmud-tingle-exfoliate-treatment-product-review
Upon opening the box, you’ll be welcomed by a sweet greeting, ‘Hello Sexy’, just like ThirstyMud. Now, that’s something every man and woman would enjoy reading, huh. Love this concept.

glamglow-mud-youthmud-tingle-exfoliate-treatment-product-review
The black jar cover is topped with a silver star, reminiscent of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. 

glamglow-mud-youthmud-tingle-exfoliate-treatment-product-review
The jar is sealed for protection, to maintain freshness of the mud and prevent spills. My advice is don’t remove the entire seal. Just open it halfway so you can seal it back afterwards. This will prolong the life of your YouthMud and prevent spills even when you travel with it.

glamglow-mud-youthmud-tingle-exfoliate-treatment-product-review

The mud mask itself is in muddy gray color. Take note, it may darken and thicken over time. To re-liquefy, you just need to add a few drops of purified water and stir.

GlamGlow YouthMud contains the following potent ingredients for gentle resurfacing exfoliation:
Green Tea – brightens complexion, protects against free radicals, hydrates, balances oil production
Volcanic Pumice Rock & Minerals – detoxifies and awakens skin
French Sea Clay – provides delightful tingle sensation triggering 12 hours of collagen synthesis
Teaoxi – delivers a blend of time-release antioxidants containing fresh Super-Squalene, EGCG Super-Antioxidants & Polyphenols directly into the mud from real pieces of tea leaf in the jar
*Contains NO sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs or Triclosan

How to use YouthMud:

  1. Cleanse your face
  2. Gently stir your YouthMud prior to application (I use a small plastic spoon or spatula to stir and scoop)
  3. Using your finger, apply a thin layer of YouthMud all over your face
  4. Leave it on for 10 minutes, expect a ‘tingle-tastic tightening’ sensation
  5. Remove mask with water, applying circular motions while washing to exfoliate
  6. Use twice a week for glam-tastic skin  

I’ve done a short video review of this wonderful mud mask, hope you’ll it!




Some may find it filthy-looking while the YouthMud is on the face but that’s just how this works. You can even see small pieces of green tea leaves all over the face.
glamglow-mud-youthmud-before-after-results

Then you chill for a while. I love the tightening sensation. After almost 10 minutes, the mud will be dry, turning into a lighter gray color. It’s hard for me to smile here because the mud has dried up, haha!


DID 10 MINUTES of GLAMGLOW do the trick?
It’s no surprise why celebrities love this product! At first, I was skeptical if a 10-minute mask treatment can really do wonders on the skin, but GlamGlow YouthMud does. 

It’s easy to fall in love with the tightening feeling. The gentle resurfacing exfoliation makes the skin so smooth and refreshed in 10 minutes. The skin feels tighter, looks radiant and brighter. 

This mask is definitely a must-have for every guy and gal! It can be your rescue product for very important events, especially when you have no time to go for a facial spa or treatment.  


glamglow-mud-youthmud-tingle-exfoliate-treatment-results
My bare face, no moisturizer, no toner or serum, no photo-editing, just my skin after YouthMud


 GlamGlow ThirstyMud




Brighter Skin with Naturals By Watsons Blood Orange Bodycare

Formulated with Organic Blood Oranges from France and Australian Kakadu Plums for radiant glowing skin

watsons_naturals_blood_orange_bodycare_for_brighter_skin


Prolonged exposure to pollution, ultraviolet radiation and toxic chemicals can cause premature aging and other types of skin damage. In an endeavour to introduce innovative beauty essentials that will help restore beauty, Watsons Malaysia launched its latest Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange body range to help brighten dull complexion.


The Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange body range is formulated with certified organic Blood Oranges from France and Australian organic Kakadu Plums to enhance brightening by up to 50 times more than with the usual ingredients. Known for their distinctive health benefits, blood oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, about 40% more than regular sweet oranges. Also, Australian Pure Kakadu Plum is the world’s richest natural source of vitamin C, which makes it an excellent ingredient in skincare products.


The complete organic product range offers four exclusive skin solutions that include – Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Hand Cream and Body Scrub. Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange body products appeal to women and men who are in their 20s and above, looking for reasonable yet natural products that are filled with anti-oxidising properties.


“Filled with antioxidants, Vitamin C is the most essential nutrient to repair tissues and protect our skin. With Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange, Watsons has combined the two most powerfully infused vitamin C ingredients– Blood Orange and Kakadu Plum to provide you with an effective shield against skin discolouration, and to improve skin elasticity and texture. I’m sure those of us who are looking for organic skincare solutions will definitely look forward to using the new Blood Orange line for smooth, supple and glowing skin,” said actress Sarah Lian at the launch event held at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral.

watsons_naturals_blood_orange_bodycare_for_brighter_skin

Group photos of Glowing Personalities, Malaysia Top Models, Style Magazine Editorial team & Watsons Management team 


The launch was celebrated with an exclusive poolside party organised in partnership with Style: magazine, which brought various renowned Malaysian celebrities including Sazzy Falak, Vanessa Chong, Pamela Chong, Jun Yong and Atilia Haron together to share their beauty and health regimes with the audience. Actress and TV host Sazzy Falak staged a glamorous fashion show while a unique Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange therapy and workshop was arranged to pamper the invited guests.


watsons_naturals_blood_orange_bodycare_for_brighter_skin

Hand massage by Watsons Beauty Advisor using Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange body care


“To maintain flawless beauty is always a challenge when you have a jam-packed schedule. Hence, I make sure to maintain a healthy diet which always includes vitamin C for its numerous benefits and opt for natural beauty products that do not have harmful effects. I believe Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange solutions are one of a kind that has been designed with natural goodness and can certainly help maintain youthful radiant skin,” explained Vanessa Chong. 

All Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange body range solutions are free from paraben, mineral oil, silicone, sodium lauryl sulphate and colourants, substances that have harmful side effects and can cause health problems.
“This is definitely a plus point since I can get pure natural products without worrying about the chemicals that will deteriorate my skin. The Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange line is truly a blessing for those who are looking for products that work best to fit their healthy lifestyle,” added Atilia Haron.

watsons_naturals_blood_orange_bodycare_for_brighter_skin

Group photo of Watsons Management team & Malaysia Top Models holding Naturals by Watsons – Blood Orange Body Care products

Caryn Loh, Watsons Malaysia General Manager of Trading, Jessica Ng, Watsons Malaysia Marketing & Development Director, and Danny Hoh, Watsons Malaysia Marketing Controller, joined the celebrities on stage at the launch ceremony.


watsons_naturals_blood_orange_bodycare_for_brighter_skin

Full range product of Naturals by Watsons French Blood Orange Collection – Shower Gel, Body Scrub, Body Lotion & Hand Cream

The Naturals by Watsons Blood Orange range will be available at selected Watsons stores from September onwards at the following prices: 
RM19.90 for Shower Gel (490ml)
RM23.90 for Body Lotion (490ml)
RM12.90 for Hand Cream (60ml)
RM19.90 for Body Scrub (200g)

GlamGlow ThirstyMud Product Review

Got thirsty skin? Does GlamGlow live up to its promise of super hydration in 10-20 minutes? This article contains written and video review…
glamglow_best_mask_in_the_world_celebrity_favorite

A few weeks ago, I was introduced to the much raved about mud mask brand, GlamGlow. GlamGlow, Sephora’s #1 seller of quick-fix skincare products currently sold in 56 countries, has recently launched another innovative product called the ThirstyMud. Sounds cool? Well, let’s see.
It is important for our skin to stay hydrated, especially once you reach my age of 30+. As we age, the skin tends to be more prone to dry skin; leading to premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles and eventually creases (no!). When the skin doesn’t have sufficient hydration, it becomes prone to irritation, itchiness and other diseases as it lacks the moisture barrier to protect itself from outside elements. Hydration is important in maintaining healthy and youthful skin.
But we all are too busy or lazy sometimes, aren’t we? We want fast solutions, immediate results or quick fixes. I do try to stick to my daily routine of day and night skincare. I haven’t even gone for a facial in years! I admit that work and family responsibilities come first so if there is actually a product that can provide instant results, I’m just soooo excited to try! If you could have magnificent skin in 20 minutes, without going to the spa or facial salon, wouldn’t it be worth a try?

glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_for_instant_beautiful_skin

NEW! ThirstyMudTMHydrating Treatment
RM240, 50g
Available at Sephora boutiques

  • provides deep instant, extreme hydration for long, medium and short term results
  • hydrates, moisturizes, restores, replenishes and calms for instant super sexy skin
  • can be used during the day, at night or while in-flight
  • ideal for both men and women
How is it packed:

glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_for_instant_beautiful_skin


I’m in love with this matte blue box, combined with silver accents on some texts and borders. It just feels and looks so elegant, like a true star product. When you lift the top cover, you’ll be welcomed by a ‘HELLO SEXY’ greeting, making you feel beautiful and gorgeous as you are. I love the motivation of this message. I agree that everyone is sexy in his or her own way.

glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_for_instant_beautiful_skin

The box contains a product brochure and information leaflet. The blue and silver jar sits like a queen on inner card tray, with silver text and star accents. Isn’t that really sexy?

glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_for_instant_beautiful_skin

The jar cover has a silver star on top, making it look even more ‘Hollywood-ish’. Removing the cover, you’ll see an extra white cap to prevent spills, especially when it’s travelling with you.

glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_for_instant_beautiful_skin

glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_for_instant_beautiful_skin

The mud mask itself is of a light brown color, oozing with sweet coconut aroma. Try this on your skin and you’d want to lick it. It smells really delicious.

GlamGlow ThirstyMud contains the following potent ingredients for advanced hydration:
DewDration 2% – provides long-term hydration with a powerful trio of liquid acids designed to provide the most significant hydration and barrier actives; provides the deepest skin penetration for an instant dewy, youthful result.
HydraPack 7% – provides medium-term hydration with an innovative creation of specialized hydration actives to refresh and nourish depleted skin. It leaves the skin with an instant silky, soft and supple feel.

GreenEnergy 3% – provides short-term hydration with a combination of powerful natural ingredients for immediate skin conditioning. It leaves the skin smooth and energized.

Teaoxi Ground Olive Leaf – patented active technology for instant super sexy skin.



Another thing I love about GlamGlow ThirstyMud is that you can use it while in-flight. Ever noticed that your skin tends to be dull and dry while travelling? The ThirstyMud can be your flight companion. You simply apply it before or even during the flight, rest and chill, then wipe it off upon landing or just leave it on.


How to use ThirstyMud:
  • Cleanse your face
  • Apply an even layer of ThirstyMud all over your face, neck and decollete

For DAY USE
  • Leave it on for 10-20 minutes
  • Wipe it off with tissue and massage the remaining product into skin OR
  • Wash it off with water

For NIGHT USE
  • Leave on to infuse the skin with moisture and wake up with extremely hydrated skin

For IN-FLIGHT USE
  • Apply at the beginning of the flight and leave on for flight or travel duration

Here’s a short video review of GlamGlow ThirstyMud, hope you’ll like it!
glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_for_instant_beautiful_skin
So this is how ThirstyMud looked on my face…then I chilled and relaxed for 20 minutes. Maybe lie down on the bed or start drafting a blog article…
glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_product_review
My bare face after ThirstyMud. No makeup, no moisturizer, no editing.

I washed it off with water, as I’m more comfortable with this method. And OMG, I love how my skin feels! Really smooth, silky and supple. Almost feels like baby skin! And this was only my first time use.


glamglow_thirstymud_hydrating_treatment_blue_cupcake
My naughty son had a kick from GlamGlow event’s blue cupcake, thanks GlamGlow & The Butterfly Project!
SO HOW WAS IT?
GlamGlow ThirstyMud did live up to its promise of instant hydration and even more. It’s amazing. The price might seem a bit high for some but you can compare it with the time and convenience of having facial spa results at the comfort of your home or flight instead of spending time and money at a real spa. Of course, you can still do both and make GlamGlow ThirstyMud a complementary product to your facial routine.
I’m already excited to continue using ThirstyMud as part of my weekly routine. This can be used 2-3 times a week or as needed (if you have an event, wedding or important function to attend). I’d also try leaving it overnight and see the difference it can do to my skin.
And don’t forget, you can use this on your partner, boyfriend or husband, too!

I’ve also tested GLAMGLOW YouthMud. Stay tuned for my article and video review!






Elianto Online Beauty Shopping now available!

Great beauty deals at your fingertips…shopping online is so good!
elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_cosmetics_makeup
Online shopping is a good companion for my beauty needs. Aside from the convenience of having beauty products delivered at my preferred address, I also enjoy the feeling of receiving a parcel like a ‘surprise’. Most of the time, prices combined with promos online make beauty products such a steal!
I recently discovered that elianto now has an online shop and I was tempted to try their website. Like a lot of you, I’ve known elianto mainly for its wide range of nail colors and colorful cosmetics. Have you seen their eyeshadow color palettes and refills? They have beautiful, popping colors that are great for those who love to put on different colors every day.
Elianto’s online shop caters to various beauty needs:
Skincare
Makeup
Nail Care
Fragrance
Body Care
Hair Care
Accessories

elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_cosmetics_makeup
We all love makeup, don’t we? You’ll be happy to see elianto’s selection of makeup items. They have very affordable lip colors. And if you’ve seen my review or heard about elianto’s new brilliant riche transfer-proof lip colors, you can also buy it online (and it’s only RM25 per tube!).
elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_cosmetics_makeup
Skincare items are also available for ordering online. Love anti-aging products? You’d be happy to hear that elianto’s anti-aging range, Youth Compact for lifting and wrinkle reduction, has attractive offers online.
elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_cosmetics_skincare
You can now buy nail polishesat the convenience of looking at more colors while sitting down on your sofa, lazing on the bed or having coffee at a shop.
elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_nail_polish_price

elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_nail_polish_price

DELIVERY Charges are reasonable. For West Malaysia, you’ll enjoy FREE delivery with orders above RM80. For East Malaysia, you’ll enjoy FREE delivery with orders above RM150. Minimum purchase for free delivery is a bit higher than Luxola but you can easily reach these amounts if you’re also buying bodycare and skincare items. Or you can combine orders with your friends.
elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_delivery_fees_charges

PAYMENT methods accepted by elianto
   Debit Cards
ELIANTO accepts Visa and MasterCard Debit Cards where subject to bank availability. All data submitted will be protected in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
   Online Banking
Online banking transfers are accepted from: AmBank, Bank Islam, CIMB Bank, Hong Leong Bank, Maybank, Public Bank, RHB.
   PayPal – my personal preferred payment method
ELIANTO also accepts payment through Paypal

elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_cosmetics_makeup

I decided to make my first order a few weeks ago. I picked a Feather Lite Airbrush foundation, Celestial 2-in-1 Eyeliner in gold and Celeste 2-in-1 Eyeliner in white.
I’m very happy with the speedy delivery. I made my order on a Monday evening, and by Wednesday afternoon, I already received my parcel! Delivery to PJ within 2 days is great!

elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_cosmetics_makeup

elianto_online_beauty_shopping_malaysia_cosmetics_makeup
The delivery packaging is also good. The products are carefully wrapped in bubble pack. This way, you’re sure the products are protected from shock and certain amount of heat. Elianto’s products have tamper-proof seal as well.
So if you love beauty products at an affordable price, if you love having the feeling of ‘surprise’, or if you’re busy and you need the convenience of shopping quickly and efficiently, try shopping at www.elianto.biz
You’d love their promos and deals, too! Happy online shopping, everyone!
Stay connected to Elianto via their Facebook page: