Kose Clear Whitening Mask

I have no idea why I bought this. I have not used any Kose products before and I was not sure if this will even work for me but I decided to go ahead with the purchase.

Perhaps it was the greedy side of me that made me buy it. They were having some kind of package deal. Buy the mask and get a mini toner free.

The set cost me RM89 for 80g of black colour mask that reminds me of the time I bought the Charcoal Mask from Daiso for RM5.

That mask did nothing for my skin other than to remove facial hair and in the process probably removed dead skin cells and some cells as well.

I am surprised I still have a face after using that mask.

Well, this mask is much easier to remove but unfortunately after using half the bottle, I still have yet to see any results. I don't find my skin looking anything remotely clearer, whiter, even or any significant improvement.

I am a little confused.

The only thing it makes me look is... like a pirate.

 Call me Black Beard. Arf!

Yea, I am a little weird, I like applying mask to only half my face, I don't really find any problems on my forehead so usually I like applying it just on the lower half of my face.

It's not recommended to do it this method because if the mask did work, I would have clear, white, even skin on the bottom and the usual patchy, rough, uneven skin on the top. And obviously when using peel of mask like this, it is never advisable to camwhore with BIG goofy grins in case you develop wrinkles. 

Nowadays, I stop being lazy and try to apply it to the entire face because it looks less stupid that way. Not very nice when you have your brother-in-law in the living room and you emerging from the toilet looking totally weird and silly. Thankfully Meowjesty's little brother is only home during summer vacation so he'll never see my silliness in its full glory.

I am still using the mask and I am still waiting to see some kind of results but this has unfortunately been downgraded to 'Will not be repurchasing' category.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic

Everyone probably has it already. Not much a review since I only bought ONE. *snort*

For something that cost less than RM30, it took me a couple of weeks deciding whether to get it or not. Finally got it during a sale in Watsons.

As I grow older, I'll be hitting the big 3-0 next year I realize that I have been buying lip balms and lipsticks to the red-ish side rather than the pinks that I used to love.

I guess now that I no longer colour my hair, the red-ish colour brings some colour to my pale face.

The colour is buildable and can be quite red depending on how many swipes you do. For me, I just use one swipe on the lower lips before evening everything out. I am not comfortable walking around with red lipstick in the office. I just needed something natural for me.

The staying power is not too bad. It last for quite a while and even when it fades a little, it leaves a slight hint of colour on your lips so it's not truly gone gone unless you just had lunch or dinner.

As whether it is moisturizing, I would say that it doesn't feel as good as a lip balm on but not as bad as having a lipstick on. I don't know about you but I don't have much luck with lipsticks since I find them either dry or too oily.

I find the MAC lipsticks drying and the Estee Lauder Crystal lipsticks nice and creamy but it last a good 5 minutes on me before I accidentally lick them off. Bah!

I definitely think that the Revlon Balm Stains are worth the money, I use them everyday and I am not even halfway done yet. A pity I don't see any other colour that catches my eyes.

Worthy Book : Ladies Edition

Fonts are a bit off since I copy pasted from Microsoft Word to double check spelling and grammar. Meowjesty is a grammar police and has continuously nagged me about my spelling.  

I didn't realize there have been so many reviews on Worthy Book: Ladies Edition, I guess I have been a little left behind since I stopped blogging for some time.

Just to explain, Worthy Book is a book of vouchers. It’s priced at RM29.90 for over 110+ vouchers. In my personal opinion, it’s a MUST buy book if you live in Kuala Lumpur since most of the vouchers are for shops there.

So why did I get it considering that I am in Penang?

I look for the ones with shops all over Malaysia like Sasa which offer the b.liv silk mask for RM4.90 each.

I knew the Himalayan Herbal Healthcare 20% off vouchers would interest some of my colleagues since they swear by it. Gonna share the vouchers with them.

Tilley vegetable soaps from Skinlab at Queensbay Mall  at RM5 sounds good to me. I love soaps!

If you live in Kuala Lumpur, do cut out the 20% off all Timeless Truth Mask and go get it! The masks are the BEST masks I have ever used. I am so in love with their Collagen Mask. It works wonders and you have got to try them.

If you have acne problems, cut out the New York skin solutions FREE 1 treatment (worth RM400) + 1 product kit worth RM 68 voucher and use it. I am tempted to but thankfully my acne is under control. I am unsure how good they are so please do your research beforehand.

One of the vouchers that really caught my eyes that made me jump around happily was actually for Slimming Sanctuary’s waxing. Not everyone’s cup of tea but for me it was my Earl Grey Tea. My usual waxing cost me RM118 in Fluff, Gurney Plaza but it was just RM68 in Slimming Santuary. Best part? There’s an outlet in Kelawei.

Other than that, the vouchers for XIXILI sound pretty good to me too!

There are lots of other vouchers not mentioned here in Worthy Book that might interest you, the Sothys’ voucher made me drooled crazy then cry since they didn’t have any flagship stores for me to claim some free gifts from (No purchase necessary – my favourite words)

In the end, it is actually worth it if you find a voucher or vouchers that make it worth your RM29.90.  If you have been using the brand for some time now and found a voucher for it with some discounts then fine but if you go all out to buy that something because there is discounts, I hope that you won’t overspend and get things you don’t really need.  

Anyway for further information on Worthy Book, you can either check out their website www.worthybook.my or Facebook or other bloggers who might have been more detailed than me.

I felt kinda stupid after seeing that my poses with the book actually resembles most of the bloggers. LOL! Should have googled first. Dang!

Ladies Edition is available at all major bookstores (MPH, Popular, Times, Borders, Kinokuniya) and selected myNEWS.com outlets in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor.

All pictures are taken under lousy lighting and a Samsung phone (not the latest hence the quality :D)

Subject: Shocking reasons why Malaysians are living beyond their means

I'm going to be touching on a touchy subject today. Not because I suddenly feel like an expert but because it bothers me - ALOT.

We live in a greedy little world--
that teaches every little boy and girl
To earn as much as they can possibly--
then turn around and
Spend it foolishly
We've created us a credit card mess
We spend the money that we don't possess
Our religion is to go and blow it all
So it's shoppin' every Sunday at the mall

- Shania Twain, Ka-Ching

Meowjesty frequently sends me articles touching on 'how people handle their finance and why people end up bankrupt'. Not exactly everyone's favourite subject. I enjoy reading them but it usually leaves me with a sense of frustration.

I don't consider myself the brightest person around and I have almost no willpower. There is NO such things as me sitting there looking at someone person eating - diet or not. I'll be helping the person polish off the delicious cake/ pie/ whatever but at the very least, I am living a debt free life with healthy account and some investments on the side.

I don't buy things I cannot afford. I do not spend future money. Yes I can afford to get a couple of Hermes Birkins on my own with cash and then what, eat grass flavoured grass for the next few months? I don't think so!

PETALING JAYA: Shopaholics and poor management of personal finances -

these best describe a good number of Malaysian consumers.

On average, 41 are declared bankrupt every day, mostly due to credit

card debts, while every weekend, about five million throng the 300-odd

shopping complexes in the country.

Fomca discovered that many of those declared bankrupt due to credit

card debts were below 40 years old.

"And they do not care about the consequences," said Fomca chief

executive officer Datuk Paul Selvaraj.

"In one of our surveys, we were shocked that many children did not

even know where money came from," he said, adding that most replied

"the ATM (automated teller machine).

"And, they do not believe that their parents have to work to earn

money," Selvaraj added.

Low said while some people shopped, claiming it to be therapeutic,

"the truth is, it is not necessarily based on need".

See said handling personal finances was something the young had to go

through themselves to gain experience.

Some 60% of young consumers were already in debt, Fomca said at a

separate function here yesterday.

"And, 72% of young adults have no retirement plans."

Nobody likes to read anything that long so basically the whole gist of is it that;

1) An unhealthy amount of kids thinks money either comes from the sky or grow on money trees. (If you have a kid like that, smack them, or better yet smack yourself for not teaching them)
2) We all shop too much.
3) We buy things we cannot afford (Hellooooooo Chanel!)
4) Youngsters don't think much about being bankrupt.

Marrying someone rich is ideal but according to Meowjesty, the rich unfortunately make up a small percentage of the population. You had better look like Ziana Zain (I have no idea why he said her) if you want to snag a rich person.

First off, some girls (kindly note the word 'some') are spending tons of money on cosmetics. I have read of some that frequently finish their monthly pay on skincare or cosmetics that even I can't afford. Worst, it doesn't happen once in a blue moon when we feel like treating ourselves but rather every month. Do they have savings?

Q: Why do you care how I spend my money? You ain't my mom!
A: It's not my job to control your spending but having some self awareness helps to keep you away from debt that might eventually burden the people you love. (People who financially burden their loved one with their uncontrollable spending have the same status of a cockroach in my eyes. Hah!)

Say YOLO and I'll smack ya :D

It's none of my business what you buy or how you spend your money but if you keep thinking that your parents will bail you out anytime, your thinking will be the reason for your down fall.

What happens when you decide that you can't pay off your debts? Declare bankrupt? What happens when you become a bankrupt in Malaysia?

1) Give up all your belongings and assets
2) Not allowed to open bank account without approval from Director General of Insolvency (DGI)
3) Not allowed to travel overseas. DGI will hold on to your passport.
4) Not allowed to do any business or become a company director or management.
5) A certain percentage of your monthly income goes to the DGI to pay your debt off.

To sum it it simply;

NO honeymoons to Paris! Or anywhere out of Malaysia to be exact. Not that it is the end of the world but don't we all have dreams of going somewhere romantic for our honeymoon? Not to mention the cheap Chanels and LVs waiting for us there!
Sacre Bleu!!

The way to stay out of being in a debt is easy.

1) Spend cash. I personally find it easier to keep track off. If the money in my wallet finishes. I am done for the month.
2) Spend within your means. If you are buying that LV you saw just to show off, you need to go to the nearest wall and bang against it 3 times. If the urge remains, bang it a further 3 times.
3) Save at tleast 30% of your pay.

Like Warren Buffett once said, If you buy the things you don't need, you'll soon sell the things you do.

Timeless Truth Mask - Collagen Bio Cellulose Mask

*Not advertorial, not sponsored.

Got to know the mask through a friend on Facebook. I went through the testimonials and reviews before deciding to give it a go. I'm glad I did.

I do not have flawless skin, not even something resembling good skin. I still have my battle scars of yesteryear and pigmentation. My skin is uneven with big pores and is patchy up close.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

I may not be the type to read instructions but I do read online FAQs so I knew what to expect when I first open the mask.

The packaging for the Collagen mask is the thickest and heaviest I have seen.

The collagen mask is sandwiched between two sheets of protective layers. I am not surprised, the collagen mask is very fragile and tears easily.

Had a staring competition with a turkey during Chinese New Year and lost the match. The turkey neck was disturbing. El cheapo me used the two protective sheets (which were soaked with the serum) to cover my neck area like a scarf.

I remember reading tips on how to put on the mask so thankfully I didn't tear the mask in half ala Phantom of the Opera style.

My stupid fake eyelashes were stiff enough to poke through the collagen mask much to my despair. If you are wondering why I didn't remove my falsies prior to all these, the falsies are bloody hell glued on and can't be removed for the next one month.

It is one of those days when my better sense of judgement goes on holiday.

The mask has a somewhat strong floral scent which quickly goes away.

My first impression for the texture of the mask was, "Oh Nata de Coco!" I must admit it made me crave for Nata de Coco a little.

I like the fact that the mask adheres to the skin nicely rather that the usual paper type that is halfway sliding off your face but still half clinging to your face for dear life.

The serum leftover was amazing, I pour two palms full to wet my mask periodically and there was more left.
In the end I found out it was good for 4 palms full. Nicee!

Oh why oh why can't I look half as glamorous as the other girls do with mask on? I look like some weird freak with 'poh piah' skin on my face.

*The Vietnamese poh piah (which is both chewy and transparent) and not our Gurney poh piah skin.

I was not sure if I wanted to post this horrible pictures up but then I remember this was a blog originally created to remind myself and most importantly laugh at myself. So go ahead :D

After the mask, I found my skin brighter, clearer and hydrated but the amazing part is my pores were smaller.. it must be my imagination!

 EDIT:

Pictures taken after 4 days

Taken early in the morning, bare face (Excuse the crazy eyelashes)

It has been four days since the collagen mask and my skin is still as moisturised. Am I surprised? You bet I am! No mask's effect have ever lasted this long before. My pores are still looking smaller and my skin tone less patchy. I am a convert, I am a believer! No more masks for me if it is not Timeless truth's.

Day 2 - With make up on (just powder and blusher NO concealer)

Realized how pale I looked and hurriedly applied some lip balm

Day 3- With make up on 

(just powder and blusher NO concealer)

*I looked at my skin under the natural sunlight

You might argue that it is because of the different cameras used that messed up the pictures. I don't think so, lighting perhaps since the lighting in my room is not good but it doesn't change the results of the skin. 

P.s: I am not paid to say all that. Wish I was but I am not. Everything I have written above is my personal and honest opinion.

P.p.s: Unfortunately, the above pictures we both taken by a Sony camera and a Samsung handphone camera.

For more information on Timeless Truth Mask, you can visit http://ttmask.my/ or contact them at sales@ttmask.my.


MORE TIMELESS TRUTH'S MASK REVIEW TO COME...

Tokyo

This is long over due but since so many pictures has been taken, I decided to post them up anyway whether people will read them or not.

My 2nd trip to Japan in a year and this time was to Tokyo. Didn't do mad, crazy shopping there but it was still good.

Our main intention was actually to visit Hakuba, Japan. It is about 2 hours via bullet train to Tokyo and an hour bus ride to Hakuba.

Hakuba is a small, sleepy town during spring, summer and autumn but once winter arrives, the entire place comes alive! In Sir Knows-A-Lot's mind, it is the best place to ski. Niseko is just too crowded and tourist-y and since both Hakuba has the soft powdery snow as Niseko, it was a heaven for skiers.  We went during autumn and it was beautiful. The mountains and the scenery was amazing.

Arrived in Narita Airport and stayed nearby at the Toyoko Inn. The room was as usual tiny but clean and comfortable. We chose to stay in Toyoko Inn since it was close to the Narita Airport and not too far from the train station where we will be catching the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hakuba.

Didn't know where to hide the luggage.. 

Breakfast was provided but didn't have much of an appetite so I only took some buns and a couple of coffee. 

Saw some interesting adverts on the train magazine. Some compact powder to cover grey hairs? Sorry the hair looks seaweed green, the magazine didn't agree with the lighting...

Looks really painful and silly. Not sure if it works but damn it was NOT cheap.

Not too sure what is the name of the restaurant anymore. I cant read but I think this was somewhere in Tokyo during lunch time. Was walking around aimlessly when we decided to try it out.

After the 1 hour bus ride where I feel asleep and felt as it I was magically teleported to Hakuba.
The map of Hakuba area. It's a very small town that you can't really get lost in. Plenty of shortcuts and beautiful scenery. It's a pity the map was not that accurate. We got a better map later on.

We're hereeee! 

We stayed in Allure. It was a small B&B ran by an wonderful Australian couple. We were the only customers since it was 'off' season. The rooms were about USD150 per night + breakfast.

Fabricated toilets. They all look the same and comes in the same size!

Saw some interesting mushrooms outside the OneHakuba. Just had to go closer to inspect and take a couple of pictures.

Thought someone dropped some Cheezels on the ground. On closer look, they were some kinda mushrooms too.

I have no freaking idea what is this..

The entire town was eerily quiet since they don't expect people to start arriving till Winter but there was still a few restaurants operating. One of them was a Mexican Restaurant called Uncle Steven's. I never had Mexican food before. Sure I had some nachos in Chilli's but that hardly count right?

Onwards with the orders! The food arrived pretty fast too. I mean we were the only customers but the food was still fast :P

Does not taste too bad actually. Nothing I couldn't handle *puffs chest*

Definitely should NOT have ordered that much! We didn't realise how big the portions were. We ordered about 5 dishes for a little under 10,000yen (RM400)

Tokyo

We decided to head to the Tsukiji market on a Tuesday and when we got there it was surprisingly quiet. We found out later that Tsukiji market closes on Tuesdays.

We couldn't believe our luck.

So Sir Grumpy went looking for breakfast instead. He had something in mind and was eager for me to try. Upon arrival, Sir Grumpy ordered sushi set for 3,150 set of sushi. It was absolutely fantastic. the tuna was odorless and fresh.

To me, Tuna has a very distinctive smell and taste of blood. Sir Grumpy explains that if Tuna is drained of blood properly, the meat wont have the distinctive order and taste. Interesting.

 For years I have always pestered Sir Grumpy about Uni (Sea Urchins) I have seen enough on TV to know that I wanted to eat them. They look so delicious! Sir Grumpy had always rejected my request because Uni don't come cheap.

This time, he granted my request.

Once was enough.

Uni are taste very creamy and 'fishy' in a way. Unfortunately, Uni entered my list of things I-Dont-Wanna-Eat-Raw-Again along with squids and prawns.

Had to take a picture of this; a small ball of rice wearing a Tamago helmet. AHAHA!

We had plenty of other things to eat and I left the place a lot poorer since I had offered to pick up the tab for that meal.

We chance upon some seafood stall on our way back and the oysters called my name. I floated over in a trace to see all the lovely, fat oysters.

I drooled. Sir Knows-A-Lot generously offered to pay for my oyster. I chose a small sized oyster and damn, it was the best oyster I have ever had in my entire life.

The meat was fresh, slightly creamy, firm with a slight 'crunch' (no I didn't eat the shell) and my biggest regret was not emptying the stall.

Some random shop we passed by

I had to take a picture of this. These are small edible cakes! Arent they the prettiest cakes you have ever seen?

Shibuya

 Don't ask, I don't know.

It was surprisingly not cheap. 

A souvenir I got for 100yen.

You put in 100yen and a small amount of copper ball is flatter and a Hello Kitty design of your choice is stamped on it. It pops out of the machine fresh and hot.

Shinjuku(?)

Ate at the Cococurry. A curry house that allows us to select the level of spiciness. Being the arrogant fool I was, I obviously choose level 9. Afterall, I have an unbelievable tolerance and love for chilies. Death sauce in Mexican Restaurants? No problem!

My farts could set my jeans on fire.

I didn't know they use pepper to bring up the level of spiciness rather than chillis. I hate food with an overdose of pepper cause it numbs the tongue and all taste is lost. Well, it was like eating a bowl of pepper paste with some meat in it.

It was spicy alrighty. I sweated and sweated.

Kumicky Eyeliner 

Haaa, this is the interesting part. I saw this in some shop and decided that it looks pretty interesting. It was slightly cheaper than my Dolly Wink at about RM40. It comes in only one colour; chocolate brown.

Kumicky!

Comparison between the Kumicky and the Tsubasa (Dolly Wink) 

Both had very firm yet gently felt tips that had gave us good control. The Dolly Wink tip was slightly thinner and thicker but they were both good and easy to draw with.

Colour comparison. Dolly Wink comes in both black and brown but I got the black one. Kumicky only comes in chocolate brown.

The water test. Pass!

Both eyeliners did not budge an inch and with that I was SOLD. I went around looking for another one and got myself TWO Kumicky eyeliners. Whee!

Before you run to the nearest online shop to buy them, please do read below.

After the water test, I used them on my eyes a day after I bought the second pencil. I absolutely regret it. The eyeliner formula seems very 'watery' and I found it extremely hard to get an even consistency over my eyes. 

That is not the only problem. There has been many many times when I find my eyeliner MIA and it is frustrating! I will stick to my Dolly Wink and Etude House Oh my Eye eyeliner both being much better that this. This turned out to be my most regretted buy. EEW!

Asakusa

Asakusa, a Buddhist Temple dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon also known as the Goddess of Mercy to us Chinese. It was packed to the brim with tourist from all over the world. We even spotted a few Malaysians there. How did I know? Malaysians tends to have a 'distinctive' accent and our grammar is uhh...one of a kind?

Had lunch nearby in a famous restaurant. There was a long queue by the time we got there a little before 12pm. While waiting in line, we chatted a with a nice elderly Japanese couple. Okay I was kidding, Sir Know-A-Lot was chatting, I was just nodding my head politely clueless. 

We ordered the tempura set and it was delicious. Especially the side dishes and soup. Found the tempura a little too oily for my liking but it was still delicious!

The wait for the food was horrendous. Unlike Malaysia, everyone waited patiently and never once demanded to know where and when the food was coming. They chatted, sipped beer and just waited. Amazing. We shamelessly asked the waitress about our food and kept looking at them. AHA!

Narita airport's Hello Kitty shop. I saved all my money for this place!

We arrived early for our flight and before checking in our luggage visited the Hello Kitty shop. Bought tons of souvenirs mostly chocolate mochis and butter cookies for family, friends and colleagues.

Bought some Hada Labo BB cream that has still not reach our Malaysian shores for Pinky Doodle Doo. (I bought this in my previous Kyoto trip and it turned out too dark for me so I gave it to my sister. She loved it) The Freshel BB cream can now be bought at Watsons (BAH!) and discounted Hello Kitty noted pad, eye drops for a friend, green tea latte, make up remover that came free with something or another that I have forgotten about.

Overall this trip to Tokyo and Hakuba costed us much more than our trip to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. The timing is one factor. We went in Autumn instead of winter. B&B in Hakuba are extremely expensive (to me anyway) and while Kyoto had a fantastic bus system, in Tokyo we mostly took the trains. Truthfully, I was much happier in Kyoto than in Tokyo.

Sadly, we will not be going back to Japan again till 2014. we have a big trip coming up and since that trip is bloody expensive, we won't be doing any travelling for the rest of the year.