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Difference Maker, A Bangladeshi Beauty Blogger | turning life’s pivotal moments with courage to be ‘SELF’

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“When it is about being a Difference Maker, specifically as a Bangladeshi Beauty Blogger,  no I don’t aim to be one, in particular, to get called my name. But we all have so many stories in our life where we did make that worthful decision that eventually guided us to where now we stand. A good slice of experience, where we made a difference for ourselves, can inspire other to get the courage may be they need badly right at the moment.

I express my gratitude to Clinique Malaysia for showing interest in my story, walking down the path for GreenStory. I thankful from the bottom of my heart that Clinique Malaysia honored nominating GreenStory as a Difference Maker.

 

Not only because of the nomination but I also felt like to share some words about my blogging journey as my word to be a ‘Difference Maker’. If you’re feeling like to start blogging or a brand new blogger already, dreaming about the shiny side of blogging then my short story might help you to determine your future path.

 

How I started my blogging journey?

In 2011, when I was in London doing my MA, out of nowhere I decided to write a blog. Inconsistent me actually re-started blogging in 2012 when I felt the need to blog again because there was none in the context of Bangladesh. I started as one of the first few bloggers of Bangladesh. Even then I didn’t really know anything about my niche, technical facts, the craze in the blogging world but only one thing was In my mind that I want to share my thoughts and experiences so that BD people get at least something when they search the web for help.

Long story short, after a couple of years I kind of got hold on things and started working with a few brands, and more importantly, as a beauty writer for the most popular national newspaper of Bangladesh, ‘Prothom Alo’, as a beauty blogger. It was a blessing that for the first time a national publishing media valued words of a beauty blogger.

However, there is always the dark side of the moon. Through my blog and my words I was always promoting truthfulness and tried to teach people, there is more than aesthetic. And within another year one of the biggest beauty company who rules the beauty market of BD approach me.

 

What did they want from a beauty blogger?

They wanted my blog to be their words for their product and obviously with some other clause.
I asked, why would I do that?
They said, “ah, you’ll be paid a handsome amount”. With a big smile.

I still remember that moment how surprised I was! I literally asked the same question three times. I’m sure the facing person was surprised seeing me asking the question over and over when they already offered me a handful of money to sell out my ethics, my passion, my truthfulness and my little immature baby blog, ‘GreenStory’.

Although I was literally nothing as a blogger that time I did happily turned them down. Don’t be doubtful, I don’t work for free, I do care about the value of my work and time but I wasn’t/will never be poor enough to sell out my principles.

 

Its been around 5 years I’m serving as a beauty and lifestyle blogger. Being different didn’t change who I am!

I wanted to make a difference to my country, as one of the few niche Bangladesh bloggers. It wasn’t easy but I finally got there & stuck to my principles as a blogger, as a writer. I’m not a full-time blogger, my blog doesn’t feed me but that is OK bcoz it’s my passion and I do take passion AKA blogging very seriously. If I don’t sugarcoat, being a blogger is not a walk in the garden that leads you to a comfy Jacuzzi. I went through a lot of lush proposals, community difference, some said, “Why you’re so modest, you’ve no idea what you can do”, bullies, cons also with pros, sometimes nasty competitive behavior by blogging buddies; besides everything my commitments has always been solid.

On an international scale, most are usually American or British so the world doesn’t know much about Asia and us. I might not be the most popular blogger ever, I might not earn a K-figure through my blog, I might not make a huge difference but I believe I do MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

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Althea Korea Birthday Bash | My Favorite K-beauty Shopping Destination

Today all my social media feed is literally flooded by Althea Korea birthday celebration. Why wouldn’t it be? Afterall Althea is everyone’s favorite, including mine. Can’t believe it was just the last year today when althea born first here in Malaysia and by this one year, it’s already winged out to five other countries. No wonder why, they offer the market-beating price, best customer service and authentic product of course. Shopping Korean product from Korea has never been so easier before Althea.

My warmest hug to Althea and the whole Althea team for their successful one year🎉

 

And for you guys… just look below the amazing offers they are offering to celebrate their birthday 🙂

Althea Korea’s Birthday Celebration Promos [20th – 31st July 2016]

  • Limited Edition Birthday Box + DIY Party Kit
    For orders placed on 20/7 onwards. While stocks last.
  • Free Goodies for first 1,500 shoppers
    Full-size beauty products. While stocks last. Use code ‘AltheaTurns1’
  • Birthday Giveaway. Pick 3 Top Sellers for 100% REBATE!
    The rebate will be credited to your account.
  • #AltheaTurns1 Instagram Contest
    – Got your Althea party kit? Wish us a happy birthday with #altheaturns1 and stand a chance to win amazing prizes such as Macbook Air, Ipad Air 2, iPhone 6S, Galaxy S6 Edge, Canon EOS M10 Selfie Camera, Althea credits and beauty hampers from Althea!
    *Prizes total worth KRW10,000,000 to be won.
    *Contest starts from 20th July – 15th August 2016.

*terms & conditions apply.

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And here comes my Althea Birthday Bash Haul. I’ve already blogged about my shopping experience with Althea earlier and I assure you their service is still up to the mark.

Althea Korea Haul 2016

What I got in my Althea Korea Haul this time?

  1. Witch’s Pouch Selfie Fix Pigment – RM20.00
  2. CP-1 Raspberry Hair Vinegar – RM31.00
  3. Skin Food Black Sugar Strawberry Mask Wash Off – RM27.00
  4. Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream_EX – RM98.00

and rest are gifts from Althea. They never forget to add one or two sample product whenever you order something 🙂

 

Get on your Korean shopping guys, don’t miss this fabulous chance!

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Shopping Info:

Visit ALTHEA Website
You can also receive an additional discount of 5RM[using my code ‘ GreenStory’] + 30RM[new signup credit]

Want to save some more?
Shop Via ShopBack (read all about my ShopBack experience) to get up to 10% cashback.

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Petite version of CLARISONIC – Mia & Alpha FIT | New Beauty Gadget to Covet

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I’m such a bad blogger that I haven’t posted anything detailed about my much-loved cleansing device Clarisonic Mia 2 but just a few little word in my previous post. However, I’m happy to let you guys know that Clarisonic recently introduced the first-ever compact version of their cleansing gadget Mia FIT and a specially designed one just for men – Alpha FIT.

 

About Clarisonic:

Clarisonic invented sonic skin cleansing in 2004 and today has sold over 10 million of its patented – and much loved – devices that help to reveal younger-looking skin. Available in more than 50 countries around the world, Clarisonic’s mission is to beautifully transform skin and it does that by cleansing skin 6X better than hands alone. Gentle enough for twice-a-day use, they are the #1 most recommended by US dermatologists. Clarisonic’s award-winning devices are distributed through dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, spas, prestige retailers and online at Clarisonic.com. Clarisonic is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA and is part of the L’Oreal Group.

 

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Clarisonic Mia FIT | Compact Sonic Cleansing Device for Women

Upgrade Your Outdated Skin Cleansing Routine with a New Clarisonic Device That Provides the Gift of Healthy-Looking Skin into the Palm of Your Hand.

Clarisonic®, the creator of the #1 bestselling skin cleansing device today introduces MIA FIT–it’s most compact and versatile device yet. This new device provides a gentle and effective cleanse wherever your life takes you – the gym, the aeroplane, work or home. Cleansing with Mia FIT only takes 60 seconds and the result is skin that that looks and feels amazing. The Mia FIT has the power of a full- sized Clarisonic device in a new design that is half the size– delivering a gentle on-the-go cleanse that is 6X better than using hands alone.

Clarisonic Mia FIT is specifically engineered for women who need a skincare routine that easily fits their busy lives. This travel-friendly design is comfortable to hold and is small enough to stash in a gym bag, carry-on or bathroom drawer. Like Alpha Fit, Clarisonic’s first-ever men’s device, Mia FIT features both a new shape and two streamlined settings to target every cleansing need. Setting 1 provides a 60-second delicate cleanse for everyday impurities, and Setting 2 provides an 80-second power cleanse, perfect for after workouts or for long-wear makeup removal. The Mia FIT also comes in three beautiful shades – pink, blue and white.

In a consumer study*after four weeks of using a Mia FIT daily regimen:

  • 96% report having softer, smoother and more refreshed feeling skin.
  • 100% claim the regimen effectively removes impurities from the skin.
  • 94% claim their skin looks more radiant.
  • 100% agree their skin feels deeply cleansed after use. 
Despite millions of passionate Clarisonic device owners, sonic cleansing is still an investment (which I personally strongly believe) that many of you haven’t made yet. An online survey conducted by Harris Poll* found that 52% of adults still use their hands to cleanse their face. The study also found that over half of the women agree that great skin is more important than a great body, and 89% of women agree that they feel more confident when their skin is clear and youthful-looking. 
“People embrace the latest innovations in every aspect of their life – so why not think twice about what you’re using to cleanse your skin?” said Dr. Robb Akridge, co-founder and global president of Clarisonic. “Wash cloths and hands have been used to cleanse skin for generations because people still believe that these outdated routines deliver great results. Every Clarisonic device, including our new Mia FIT, provides a better, more effective way to have clean, soft and healthy-looking skin.”

The new Mia FIT also features the Radiance Brush Head with smooth, soft bristles that deliver a luxurious and effective cleansing experience. This unique and patented brush head is velvety-soft and helps to improve skin texture. Every Mia FIT sold also includes the Skin Illuminating Cleanser that is formulated with Licorice Root extract, Peppermint Leaf extract and Ginko Biloba Leaf extract to provide a more radiant complexion.

 

Clarisonic Alpha Fit – Just For Men

More than Half of the Men in around the world are washing their faces with something as dirty as a circulated Ringgit notes…Their Hands!

Clarisonic® is asking men and the people who love them to up their game with skin care. As many of us have witnessed, men typically don’t take care of their face (my man totally doesnt…phew!). An online survey commissioned by Clarisonic and conducted among over 2,000 adults confirmed that men aren’t taking care of their faces as well as they could be. Sure, some men shave, but when it comes to cleansing their face, a majority (56%) use their hands – with one-third (33%*) doing so with body wash or a bar of soap, 14%* using facial cleanser, and 9%* using their hands with just plain water. Alpha Fit, Clarisonic’s new sonic cleansing device for men, is designed to cleanse men’s skin 6X better than using hands alone and effectively cleanse both shaven and bearded skin.

Clarisonic Alpha Fit is specifically engineered to sweep away dirt, oil, sweat and pollution from a man’s tougher, thicker skin from the first use giving you the extra clean feeling. The waterproof, compact design fits easily in a suitcase, gym bag, shower or bathroom cabinet and features a unique men’s brush head jam-packed with 26,000 bristles that are 30X better at removing blackheads. The technology is easy to use with two simple settings – one for clean-shaven skin and one for the bearded skin. In another recent study conducted by Clarisonic, after a month of use, 100% of men felt their skin was cleaner, more comfortable, and smoother2, and more than 90% felt their skin was energized, revived, and hydrated.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Alpha Fit is available across the nation for all men to use and experience just how great it feels to have clean and healthy-looking skin,” said Dr. Robb Akridge, co- founder and global president of Clarisonic. “For over a decade, Clarisonic has been loved by women and men alike. But let’s face it, men’s skin is different and they deserve a Clarisonic device built just for them – providing a great cleanse, a better shaving experience and a way to clean the hard-to-reach skin underneath the facial hair.”

Alpha Fit isn’t an extra step for men in their cleansing regimen, just a better one. To explain why cleansing with hands alone isn’t good enough, Clarisonic created an infographic sharing the results of the Harris poll and what those results mean when it comes to cleansing skin.

Hands are the most exposed part of the body to germs, and on average, a man’s hand carries 3,200 bacteria from 150 species (about the same amount as found on a circulated dollar bill). Plus, men (17%) are more likely than women (12%) to admit they do not always wash their hands after using the bathroom and men (76%) are significantly less likely than women (82%) to say they always use soap when washing their hands. Not only are they using those dirty hands to wash their face, if they’re using a bar of soap to wash their face instead, which can actually dry out your skin, it can be assumed that they are also using the same bar of soap or cleanser to clean their feet, their derriere, and some other body parts that shall remain nameless.

Clarisonic aims to remind each man that investing in his face is the most important, most authentic, most long-term investment he can make. He is likely to spend hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on his shoes, his watch, his car—his image. So why not his face?

 

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Shopping Info:

Mia FIT and Alpha FIT (RM890) will be available from August onwards at CLARISONIC KIOSK & SEPHORA, nationwide.
International can buy from Nordstrom (they’re having a huge sale until July’16)

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Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick Swatches | How they wear, dark shades and more!

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Am I the last one who jumped off in the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick ocean? Probably! …and I surely regret being this late because they are so good.
Last May’16 my husband got me five of the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (gift of some special occasion) and that was the first time I got to try them. Just with the first try, I knew that I love them and I went ahead and bought three more. I’m also pretty sure will be getting a few more shade once Kat Von D lands here in Malaysia.

Speaking of Kat Von D’s launch in Malaysia, Yass! They’re going to be available here in Sephora Malaysia from this coming 7th of July or so. Agh! can’t wait for that!

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Just like all other liquid lipstick Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks also comes in a tube packaging. What makes them different from others is the slim tube and signature Kav Von D artwork. The paper box they come with were more attractive however, I never keep the paper box.
The sponge doe-foot applicator is very well made and dispense just the right amount of product each time you take it out from the tube. Each tube contains .22oz of product and one layer of the application gives the full-color opacity.

My Experience with Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick:

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Swatch

Last time when I reviewed Ofra Liquid Lipstick I said they were the best liquid lipstick I have tried so far. Now at this point, I have a change in my thought, I love Kat Von D more now because these are way more lightweight than Ofra. Although they are different in texture, Ofra has a mousse texture and doesn’t completely dry out where Kat Von D dries out completely matte. Unlike other liquid lipstick, that dries out matte, Kat von D doesn’t give that extreme dried out lips (they’re not hydrating either) and they feel comfortable. They don’t budge, feather or flakes but stays put all day long. However maybe around 6th or 7th hour, you might feel the need of chapstick to rehydrate your lips.

Initially, Kat Von D apply smoothly and gives enough time to work them on the lip, then(after a minute) they dry out. Unlike other liquid lipstick, that dries out matte, Kat von D doesn’t give that extreme dried out lips (they’re not hydrating either) and they feel comfortable. They don’t budge, feather or flakes but stays put all day long. However maybe around 6th or 7th hour, you might feel the need of chapstick to rehydrate your lips.

I absolutely love how pigmented they are and how smoothly they apply, although a couple of shade I have needs a second layer for smooth color pay off and I don’t mind that.

 

Lip swatches of the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks below. Note that here I applied only one layer of each.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Damned:

Kat-Von-D-Damned

Damned is a blackened Maroon with a cherry-ish undertone. It photographs lighter than real and if you layer two or more coats it appears almost close to black in my skin. This is surely the darkest lip shade I own so far but I love it.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Vampira:

Kat-Von-D-Vampira

Vampira is an amazingly perfect blood red. I don’t have a proper word to describe the shade but you know how the blood looks when it’s close to dry, a bit black-ish, a bit maroon and there is also some kinda warmth in it.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Bauhau5:

Kat-Von-D-Bauhau5

Bauhau5 is a bright blue tone magenta. A close shade to Bourjois Velvet Matte Ping-pong, Too Faced Melted Fuchsia and Lime Crime Cenrtifuchsia. The vividness Bauhau5 has will make you fall in love with it.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Ayesha:

Kat-Von-D-Ayesha

I have quite a few lilac lip shade. Among all, I feel Ayesha is the most wearable one because this one is muted and sorta dusty shade of lilac. I was a bit hesitant before trying it out, thought it might look washed out in my tan skin (like my Lime Crime Airborne Unicorn does to some extent). Luckily, it didn’t. Then again it is not always easy to pair a lilac shade of lipstick, isn’t it?

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Lolita:

Kat-Von-D-Lolita

Who doesn’t know about Lolita, the most raved shade of Kat Von D liquid lipstick? It’s described as a chestnut rose. In my eyes, Lolita is a muted mauve-brown, appears deeper once it dries out or if you apply the second layer. I’m not sure if I love the shade as much as everyone does, I like the shade Lolita 2 better.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Lolita II:

Kat-Von-D-Lolita-2

Lolita 2 is a warm brown, sometimes it feels slightly coral in my lip. I find it very flattering in my skin and ever since I got Lolita 2 it became my everyday lip shade.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Double Dare:

Kat-Von-D-Double-Dare-1

The shade Double Dare is described as Cocoa Blush. It’s a rosy and soft coral brown, so subtle and a perfect shade for everyday use. You might find it similar to Lolita or lolita 2 but they are not. Although they fall in the same nude-brown color family. However, there is a huge difference in their undertone.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – LoveSick:

Kat-Von-D-Lovesick

Lovesick a soft and muted pink (described as a mauve nude). I love the softness of the shade but I find this shade is a bit hard to go on in my lips. In one layer it applies a bit sticky.

So yeah, my recent liquid lipstick love is, without any doubt, Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. I highly recommend them If you want to pucker up with some lightweight and best quality liquid lipstick.

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Shopping Info:

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick | RM99 | $20 (at Sephora MY & Sephora USA)
*** All KVD products are available at Sephora.

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Missing a travel companion? Canon EOS M10 and Rilakkuma is here!

Don’t you love a big fluffy Teddy? I never had a bigger one (although I always wanted one) but I always had the little ones. Today I’m going to talk about not just any teddy but the cuddly Rilakkuma  and Canon EOS M10. Also, how they can be your perfect travel companion.

Sounds exciting enough? Oh yes! Who doesn’t love Canon camera? When it comes to digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras Canon has always been in my top chart. I personally use the Canon 700D for all my blog photos or even for special capture when I’m traveling. But wait, it is not easy to travel with a big fat DSLR and there comes the need of a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. With such camera, you get almost the DSLR quality, freedom of choosing lens according to your preference and its compact in size so can fit that in your handbag without any headache.

I’m a mirrorless camera user for ages. I always reach for my Sony NEX 3N for events or simply anywhere I’m going. I can never live without that because it’s easy to carry. Obviously when I bought mine then Canon didn’t have a mirrorless option. I’m so happy that finally Canon came up with their mirrorless version. After their first one (Canon EOS M3) now the newest version EOS M10 has arrived here in Malaysia.

Along with its compact and lightweight body, it also offers a large 18.0-megapixel APS-C sensor, fast hybrid CMOS AF-2 system, easy operation and touch screen. EOS M10 also perfectly designed for self portrait. You get that flip screen, one touch beautification shortcut, wifi feature and much more. Isn’t it lovely?

Canon EOS M10

When you are travelling, a mirrorless camera can be your best friend for taking high-quality photos. because it’s lightweight, can fit anywhere, you can change lenses anytime. Needless to mention again that flip screen feature so you won’t need anyone else to take your photos.

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Canon EOS M10 x Rilakkuma

Now let’s get back to the teddy, Mr. Rilakkuma. Rilakkuma (originated in Japan) represent the dreams of a carefree lifestyle. Rilakkuma (the relaxed bear) is a very popular Japanese character. He is always lazy and relaxed anytime, anywhere, moving at his own pace. Who else could be the best travel companion when you’re seeking for some relaxed time but Rilakkuma? Trust me, he’s so cuddly!

Best part, you can now make a limited edition Rilakkuma (24cm) your travel buddy with every purchase of new Canon EOS M10. Canon has also various kits with different lenses in this special Rilakkuma promotion. The basic camera with kit lens pricing starts from RM1999.

PS: You can also win everything for free because Canon running a ToyTravel photo challenge. You just have to participate according to their themes (can be found here) and winner of each theme stands to win an EOS M10 kit (EF-M15-45mm) along with a 24cm Rilakkuma Plush toy! Let the toy travel begin 🙂

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Mamonde | A new K-Beauty Brand Blooming in Malaysia | Giveaway [CLOSED]

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Earlier in May’16 Amore Pacific Malaysia (the mother company that has brands like Laneige, Sulwhasoo, and Innisfree under their umbrella) held a launch preview of its latest brand, Mamonde (means ‘My World’). Mamonde (originated in South Korea, 1991) is the leading global premium cosmetics brand that offers a wide range of skincare and makeup suitable for every women’s daily needs.

I was lucky enough to attend the launch preview and experience the floral world of Mamonde, the flower science behind their product manufacturing technology. We were briefed how Mamonde skincare is the first of its kind in the cosmetics world as their product formula uses the flowers as its key ingredient. Flower, the divine creation of nature possess amazing power and energy to revitalize beauty thus, Mamonde’s inspiration of its innovating flower science technology comes from.

Mamonde skincare range features a few key flowers, they are…

  • Honeysuckle
  • Rose
  • Hibiscus
  • Camellia
  • Lotus
  • Magnolia

The product formulation also includes other flora like Narcissus, Evening Primrose, and the Heartleaf Houttuynia. The range of product benefits you’ll find are…

  • Vitalizing
  • Moisturizing and Hydrating
  • Anti-aging
  • Cleansing and Exfoliation
  • Brightening
  • Pore Care and Oil Balancing
  • Sun Protection
  •  and of course there is Makeup range from base to lip

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Have a look at at the glimpse of Mamonde World in their Launch Preview below…

Mamonde is set to launch in Malaysian strand in August’16 with the opening of its first beauty counter in Aeon Bandar Utama. Price range is expected to be between RM6-RM169.

If you know me then you know how much I love those products that are inspired by nature and in this case we are dealing with flowers! A few of Mamonde Skincare goodness already made their place in my skin care routine. You must stay connected for my in-depth review on them.

 

But, wait…. before the launch you can also get a chance to try one of Mamonde’s hot makeup product, Cover Powder Cushion. Because I have a giveaway here 🙂
Bonus: The compact comes with one extra cushion!
I was one of the winners in Mamonde Flower Beaty Class Contest and I got some pretty goodies as my prize and thought to share this hot one with one of you(eeee… wish I had a bunch to share with all of you).

Mamonde Cover Powder Cushion

What you’ll need to do? Just follow the instruction in the widget below…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you checked the steps carefully? Now Subscribe to the blog (form can be found at the top, right sidebar) and leave me a comment below answering, ‘what is your favourite foundation?‘ Facebook sharing can help you to earn points and increase you chance as much as you can.

NOTES:

This Giveaway is open to Malaysia & Bangladesh only and ends on 15th July’16. You must be 18 and able to provide your postal address. One winner will be determined by Rafflecopter Random Winner Picker. I’ll pick the winner by 20th July and sent out emails to the winner. Be sure to provide your correct mail ID in the blog subscription form. The winner needs to respond by 48hours once the mail is sent out. Otherwise, I’ll pick the next winner.

 

*** This giveaway is not sponsored by the company or anyone by any means. I hold the right to cancel it anytime if anything unpleasant occurs.
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A morning with Sally Hansen | Favourites & The Limited Edition

I haven’t been shared any nail post for ages, isn’t it? Just freshly did my nails this morning with my new (almost!) Sally Hansen Highgrey To Heaven. It’s a beautiful pastel-ish grey nail shade and one from Sally Hansen’s new limited edition collection. Isn’t it summer already? I’m still in pastel, kinda springy mood?! hehe… my mood doesn’t follow the trends I guess! I also like to change my nails every now and then. Quick self-done main’s are my favorite, probably so my nails are yet to taste acrylic. I guess it not bad at all.

So what I was saying… yeah, it’s a nail of the day post today and kind of my quick nail rituals.

Before washing my nail with soap I always go with Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle remover (has been my ultimate favorite for long) to smooth out any hanging dead skin. Push down the cuticles inside, file and buff my nail and then wash them off nicely. For my nail base, I always use Sally Hansen Maximum Sheild. Hands down! …the best nail hardener and base coat I found within the drugstore price range. And for today, I picked up the pastel grey shade (a limited edition), popped in some floral sticker and finished off with the same base coat. One product with two use haha! It wasn’t meant for two-way use but I do, nothing hurts after all!

 

Sally Hansen

Unlike the basic Sally Hansen nail polish range (round bottles) this edition has a flat but thick and short bristled brush to assure a nice application. I would really love this fact if only the bristles were not uneven (I’m not sure if it’s the same with all or with my ones only). However, I love the formula. It’s not thick neither thin, just the perfect consistency. Dries fast, gives nice and shiny finish, also the polish last really long (4-5 days) without chipping.

As I mentioned before, the shade I picked for today is a part of their limited edition collection. Along with the Grey one, there are five more colors (picture below) to choose from.

Sally Hansen Limited Edition

 

Have you tried Sally Hansen nail product before? Any favourites?

 

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Shopping info:

Sally Hansen Limited Edition | RM26.90 (each)
Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle remover | RM22
Sally Hansen Maximum Sheild | RM32.90
Available at: Watsons, Guardian, Sasa Malaysia and Caring

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*** This article contains a PR Sample or gifted item.
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Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum By Wishtrend

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The day I started using Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum By Wishtrend I posted a snap on my Instagram and Facebook (if you’re not following me there then I think you totally should because everything goes up there first). Since then I received many queries from my readers asking me how the serum is working on me. I kept you all waiting this long (a month almost), apology for that but I wanted to be completely sure about my opinion.

Vitamin C for skin has always been an attractive topic among all beauty lovers. Around 4/5 years back I myself fell into this craze and tried to add vitamin C to my skincare regime. That time I wasn’t able to find anything as handy as Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum By Wishtrend is. So I went with a web research based DIY vitamin C serum method with the pure ascorbic acid ampoule. That was an epic fail.

If you’re familiar with ascorbic acid and its characteristic then you’ll know already, why! Ascorbic acid is an unstable property that you barely can store. Additionally, I didn’t find it wise to use ascorbic acid directly on my skin. Eventually, my DIY madness didn’t take much time to catch sense.

When I got the Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum in hand, needless to say, my memory with Vitamin C serum made me laugh so bad. I was excited as well to try it out after all this serum has a high concentration (21.5%) of Vitamin C that you can’t possibly find in anything else.

Before going into the product experience, let me tell you a bit about Vitamin C and its effect on the skin…

Vitamin C for skin:

If you do a bit of web search you’ll find there are a lot of scientific/medical explanations of how vitamin C is a good old immunity-boosting particle as well as a major ingredient in collagen synthesis. I want to simplify, vitamin C is a vital donor of electron thus it stimulates the process of cell regeneration as well as reduces the ratio of free radical damage.

Oxidative damage and Photodamage/ photoaging (caused by UV rays) lead our skin to change its structure. As result, we get the aging sign, sag, and wrinkles. Vitamin C, when in the form of pure liquid (ascorbic acid), get directly into skin cells antioxidant in it neutralizes free radicals that age skin.

In addition, the antioxidant function helps to regulate collagen synthesis process properly. Vitamin C heals wounds rapidly, however, open wound or inflammation might cause a mixed result. Although Vitamin C decreases skin roughness. Some research says that it might cause skin dryness.

The packaging of Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Serum:

Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Serum By Wishtrend | My Experience

Pure Vitamin C 21.5 advanced serum comes in a tinted bottle (reminds me of ascorbic acid ampoule) and a glass dropper screw cap. After opening the initial cap it comes with you can simply put and keep the dropper cap on. Once the bottle is open you must keep it in the fridge and use up the product as soon as possible. Although it’s a serum because of the high consistency of vitamin c it is not stable in normal heat. The bottle contains 30ml of serum. This 30ml goes a long way as I have been using the serum for about 4 weeks, regularly. I need exactly 7 drops for my face and neck. By now I finished only half of the bottle, it seems it will serve me a month more.

 

Ingredient and user instruction:

Hippophae Rhamnoides Water (70%), Ascorbic Acid (21.5%), Sodium Lactate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol

The packaging has the ingredient list and the direction of use in it. Click the picture in the gallery to read them clearly.

 

My experience with Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advances Serum:

I’ve added the serum in my night-time skincare routine. Every night after washing my face I take out just 7 drops in my palm and pat it on my face and neck. I let it sit for 10-15 minutes then I follow up with my other skincare item. In the process, I’ve been avoiding my toner at night because I wanted my skin to get the serum directly, didn’t wanted the toner to disturb my serum afterward either. Instead of toner, I was just opting for a skin emulsion before my night moisturizer. Also, I’ve been using the serum only 5 days in a week, and the rest 2 days I was doing my exfoliation and else.

The serum is just water-like, it’s not oily but not non-sticky either. However, the stickiness is very mild and goes off after using any other skincare product. Doesn’t have any strong scents or else. It has a very citrusy taste (in case the serum gets into your lips you’ll feel it :p), gives a mild tingling sensation if the skin has any kind of sensitive part or inflammation. That’s why I avoid using it on the day I exfoliate my skin or use any exfoliating mask.

When I started using the serum my skin was pretty good in condition with no acne or breakouts but I do have kinda rough skin texture. In the first week, I was surprised to see that the oil secretion of my skin has been noticeably controlled somehow. I was getting fresh, tightened, and oil-free skin every morning. After the first week, I had to stop using it because I went for a holiday (read my Bali travel blog here). When I got back from holiday my skin was terribly tanned, almost closed to burn.

I resumed my regular skincare routine along with the Pure Vitamin C 21.5 serum. After a week, I started noticing a big difference in my skin. My suntan was clearing out faster than ever I experienced before. In the second week, I was feeling somehow my skin texture is a bit smoother. Now at the end of the third week or so, I’m pretty much sure that my skin texture has improved a lot, pores in my nose area feel smaller, and my tan is almost gone. I’m truly impressed with the serum by now and already planning to make it permanent in my skincare routine.

I haven’t faced any drying issue so far or any zit that might cause by the serum. This serum might help to fade out spots with long-term use, however, I’m not really sure of that because my spots are still the same. The way it helped me to get rid of the sun-tan I’m quite sure that the serum definitely helps to maintain the skin glow aka healthy skin. Now I’m looking forward to a less tired face and a bit more improvement in my skin texture.

 

Things you should know before using Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Serum:

This serum is a high concentration of ascorbic acid so I don’t think it should be used in the daytime. Daytime use of it can cause sun sensitivity. I also think, while using the serum one should avoid sun exposure as much as possible or be very careful with the sunscreen(you can’t skip a high SPF sunscreen).

The serum seems to be suitable for any skin type, however, if you have active acne you should avoid using it until the acne dries out. Also If you want to try a mild version then do read my post on Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.

 

Do I recommend Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum By Wishtrend?
Without any doubt, I do. Especially if you’re in your late 20s or more you must give this serum a try.

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Shopping Info:

Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum | $29.99 (on sale now for $24.99)
Shop from Wishtrend Website directly. They always have a lot of attractive promotions going on and they offer international shipping with std and fast options.

 

  • Free worldwide shipping on orders $69 or above and most of the time Wishtrend offers Free Shipping for many exclusive products.

BONUS: You can receive a 5$ coupon instantly if you use my code ‘146262906’ upon signing up. Key in the Code when asked for ‘SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM’ code on the registration form.

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*** Pure Vitamin C21.5 serum was sent to me by Wishtrend for review purposes. Regardless, all my opinions are 100% honest and based on my own experience.