Review: Liese Bubble Hair Colour: Sweet Apricot

Yes! This hair dye is of Japanese origin and made for Asian hair. I have been disappointed by drug store brand hair dyes because the colours simply don't show up. The colour that I purchased was Sweet Apricot. The box shows three different results with different hair colours before use.

Packaging: Solution 1 (40mL), Solution 2 developer (60mL), Foamer top, hair lotion, gloves, instructions, allergy testing kit. Enough for shoulder length hair.

Price: $10-15 CAD, can be purchased in Pacific Mall in Toronto, Watson's in Hong Kong

Review: I love how the two solutions are in resealable containers; because of that design, a tiny bit of the solutions can be poured, mixed and tested on my skin for sensitivity prior to using. The foam makes it very easy to apply, minimal mess and staining. Instead of leaving the foam in the hair for up to the recommended 30 minutes, I left it in for another 5-10 minutes as recommended by the sales because my hair was black. I washed my hair with Shiseido Tsubaki Shampoo and condition, which are sulphate and preservatives free.The colour was even and very similar to the one suggested on the box and man, my hair shined, despite being coloured. The pictures below were taken after 7 washes. It is pretty much the same as the colour immediately after dyeing.

Repurchase?: Yes!

Review: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum Fortifying & Soothing 24Hr Hydrating Concentrate

I have been looking for a good hydrating and hypoallergenic serum ever since I finished La Roche Posay's non-oily emulsion serum. It wasn't enough for the winter... Found this on sale in a Vichy set containing the Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser, 24Hr Hydrating Cream and Thermal Water spray.

Packaging: 30mL

Price: $31 CAD (if not on sale) from Shopper's Drug Mart

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Product Description: Relies on Thermal water and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture in skin.
Clinical research shows the follow hydration trends: increase in hydration after 4 hrs, + 57%; after 8 hrs, 44%; after 24hrs, +28%

Suggested Use: Layer under daily skincare routine.

Review: This is perfect for my sensitive dry skin. I have been using it religiously for almost a month. First and foremost, it is paraben free and non-comodogenic. Second, it gets absorbed very quickly, no greasy feeling at all. My skin looks moist and feels soft immediately after. I wake up in the morning, not feeling dry at all. Third, it smells so fresh and nice. I usually apply it day and night under the Vichy moisturizer that came with the kit. One pump is enough for the entire face but it seems to run out pretty fast. I have already used a third of the bottle. I think I will only use it in the evening when the weather gets warmer and less dry.

Ingredients: Aqua, glycerin, dimethicone, serine, alcohol denat, propylene glycol, peg-60 hydrogenated hyaluronate, ammonium polyacryldimethyltauramide, disodium EDTA, caprylyl glycol, citric acid, biosaccharid gum-1, parfum 

Review: Rote Fabrik Anti-Pollutant Deep Cleanser

The smog and all the exhaust that I got in my face as I walked on the streets made my skin so dull and mucky.The sensitivity of my skin, dryness on cheeks and under eyes, and blemishes got worse while I was there. I was recommended this cleanser when I visited a Bonjour cosmetics store in Hong Kong.

Packaging: 120mL

Price: $196-248 HKD (around $25-32 CAD)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Product Description: The cleanser's formula of natural extracts and "Nano-Whitening Factor" neutralizes free radicals and defends against UV rays (not sure how), thereby prevents/slows the aging caused by exposure to the elements. It contains tea-cocyl glutamate, cucumber extract, anthemis nobilis flower, which, when combined, dissolve pollutants, cleanse pores, restore skin pH and remove dead skin cells.

Suggested use: Without wetting the face, massage a pump of the cleanser onto face in circular motion until the cleanser turns from being gel-like, runny and clear to stringy yellow-brown blobs of impurities, skin cells, and make up. Rinse with water.

Review after 2 weeks: PRINCESS and GLAMOUR! The glass bottle is all pink, sleek, with elegant engravings and the cap is like crystal. It is so pretty! The formula goes on skin easily and really does pick up the impurities on my skin, as evidenced by the change in colour and consistency in the cleanser after use. The cleanser simply melts them away. The only downside is that I need 2-3 pumps to clean my entire face - and even more if I have make up on. So cleaning can get messy at the beginning when the cleanser is still runny. My skin is no longer red (for real! from being red prior to cleansing to being calm after!) around the nose and cheeks, and feels cool, dewy, and supple.  I think it's good to use as maintenance of the skin, but once I break out, I need something else.


Repurchase?: I am more used to foam/cream cleansers to be honest, just because it feels easier to be able to work up a lather on the face to cleanse. This product no doubt cleanses deeply. I think I would use it on days when I don't have too much make up on but feel gunky on the face from being outside. I would repurchase if it was sold in Canada, since it is considerably cheaper than other comparable cleansers found here. If I were in Hong Kong, I would definitely repurchase.

***update: I realized that I can no longer use it. I tried to use it again last week and patches of my skin started to sting and peel as though I was sunburned. I think my skin was too dehydrated to use it. The only thing helped it heal faster was using my black bean scrub, a cucumber juice mask, spraying thermal water and an emollient cream. I think it was fine when I was in Hong Kong but my skin has changed since I came back to North America, making this product unsuitable for me.

Dovespa

Such a positive experience I had at Dovespa this past weekend! Yes, Dove has spas everywhere! I didn't know that until my friend texted me to register on www.dovespa.ca for a free skin analysis and 30 minute facial :) We added $20 and extended our facial to 60 minutes + a treat. My friend and I were 10 minutes late but they still greeted us warmly, got us to fill out the forms and did not cut our appointment short. Typical spa facilities, but the atmosphere was great. I like how Dove does not emphasize much on drastic changes to our appearances but to accept, embrace and enhance them to suit our inner self. Very idealistic though a good reminder of how our self worth is not solely placed on how we look on the outside.

The guests' lounge

I was in love with the heated beds that fold at the waist and knees. So comfortable. I wish my bed was like that :/ The aestheticians were great at explaining the findings from the skin analysis and gave some tips for improving/maintaining my skin. They chose the facial products based on the skin analysis and my particular needs. For me, I had low oil and low moisture in most areas of my face, thankfully not as low as my skin test results from December at Vichy Labs in Hong Kong. Anyhow, my results were not great because the sebum on the face is supposed to be slightly acidic to keep my skin immune to pathogens. Maybe that's why I have been getting acne here and there! 

She chose the Quench Collection for my skin to improve my skin's natural barrier and dryness. Lots of nourishing ingredients: starflower oil, panthenol and aloe vera for moisture and soothing, pomegranate extract for antioxidative effects... everything was very mild. My cheeks simply "ate up all of the The Food for Thought mask!" The Count Your Blessings day cream left my face very soft, supple and moist. Even my boyfriend noticed something different when he picked me up after the appointment (tried hard to persuade him to go too but ah... he won't do it).

Good pressure with my neck massage too. I wish it was longer. The treats were great! It was too bad that I could only choose one out of: eyebrow tint, facial peel, hand/foot scrub/mask, head and scalp massage, nail file and polish, and many more that I couldn't remember! The aestheticians were very pleasant to have throughout the facial and did not pressure us into buying their products. I appreciate how they gave me a copy of my skin diagnostics results and the list of products used. 

I didn't buy the products right away because I needed to see how my face would react to them since my skin is moderately sensitive, and see if they are really worth the price. I did get one or two tiny whiteheads, though definitely nothing compared to my reaction to other products. I think I will wait till I am done with my skincare products (well at least give them a few weeks of testing) before purchasing the products. 

Blossoming flower tea after facial

Have you booked your appointment yet? ;)

Review: Singer Brilliance 6180

The simple stitch sewing machine I bought from Wal-mart doesn't work anymore and my family's old Euro-pro sewing machine was never so pro to begin with. Having seen my frustrations with my sewing fun coming to a halt, my dad surprised me with this sewing machine last week. He got it from Costco at $140CAD. It was on sale!

It is such an awesome toy to have around home when there's nothing else to do. I am a beginner in sewing and honest to say, this sewing machine saved my hemming expenses. The manual is not too user friendly because of all the different languages on the same page instead of having instructions in different languages in separate sections. However, it is very easy to use. I have already hemmed pants of knit, denim, cotton, and stretchy material. Finished making curtains and a fleece blanket. No problems at all. I even tried making the button hole and sewing on buttons. Very simple and quick. 8 presser feet! Only three bobbins, but that's okay for now... only need black and white so far anyways. Oh and it is "hand picked by Martha" haha. I can't wait to start other sewing projects. It better last for decades, as many other Singer sewing machines have :)

Papaya and Snow Fungus Dessert Soup (木瓜雪耳糖水) for Better Looking Skin

Whenever my throat was sore and dry, I would cook this dessert. The snow fungus (雪耳) gives the water a gelatinous and soothing quality that coats and calms the burning throat. The sweetness from papaya and rock sugar is fresh and pleasant. When you get a load of the health and beauty benefits of this dessert, you will absolutely want to make it.

The benefits of our key ingredients: 
The fungus is believed to have anti-aging properties for the skin and promote the function of cells involved in our bodies' immunity system.
The apricot kernels (南北杏) used in this soup are known to be good for your respiratory tract; relieves coughs.
Papaya is packed with vitamin A, E, and C perfect for skin nourishment and anti-oxidation! It is abundant in dietary fibre and enzymes that aid digestion. The alkaline nature of the fruit makes it soothing for acid indigestion. (The benefits are endless! There are many other DIY papaya skin care ideas, I cannot wait to give them a try.)

BeautyQQ, a youtube beauty guru, shared her DIY snow fungus serum. Even if I told you she's in her late thirties, you would not believe me. She has amazingly beautiful skin and a very fun personality. Should check her out. Anyhow, all I've done is incorporate the making of serum into this dessert soup recipe. Now, you can eat, drink, and use your dessert! Make your very own, preservatives-free, inexpensive, hydration and brightening serum. Why buy snow fungus infused skin care products when you can DIY? :P

Where to purchase:
Snow fungus: you can find them in Asian supermarkets, but I would suggest going to a Chinese herbal/medicinal store to pick them out. Choose ones that are yellow with dark roots/base. Even though the pale/white ones look pretty, they have been BLEACHED... so avoid avoid avoid! Smell them to make sure they don't give off a pungent, stinging scent that is indicative of bleach
Apricot kernels are sold in packages in Asian supermarkets.
Papaya, almost any supermarkets

Honestly, girls, this is so simple yet impressive to the boyfriend's parents.

Ingredients
1 whole fresh papaya
2 tbsp apricot kernels
1 1/2 cup dried snow fungus
4 tbsp cane/rock sugar
2 L water

1. Soak apricot kernels
2. Soak snow fungus in water at room temperature. The fungus should expand and dirt should be loosened. Change the water a few times until clear. Trim and discard the root of the fungus.
3. Bring water to a boil. Add kernels and fungus. Simmer for an hour.
4. Remove skin and seeds from papaya and cut into bite sized chunks.
5. Optional step: DIY white fungus serum *see below
6. Add papaya and sugar. Simmer for another 30 minutes. Serve


DIY serum: The water should now be slimy when rubbed between fingers. That is the essence extracted from the fungus. Take a 1/4 cup of the water, pass it through a sieve and keep in a cleaned bottle. You have just made a snow fungus serum! It is free of preservatives, moisturizes and brightens your skin. It should last in the fridge for up to 10 days. Simply apply it onto your face and neck and massage until absorbed. I used it day and night for almost 3 weeks (So yes, I made it almost every week).

You will immediately feel the moisturizing effects and a slight tightening in your skin. My skin felt more calm and less red. I don't think I used it long enough to really see the lightening of my freckles, but my complexion was definitely less dull :) I just wish I didn't run out of snow fungus!

Lotus Root Stirfry

A very quick way to add some vegetables to your meal! I love the crisp and distinct taste of lotus root. Younger roots (light beige in colour) can be eaten as a salad or cooked until it becomes slightly starchy and sticky, while mature roots (darker, tanned) are often used in soups. The root is very low in fats and cholesterol, contains a good amount of fibre and Vitamin C, and some vitamin B6, thiamine, potassium and magnesium. I would advise you to not purchase canned lotus roots because the roots are bleached. Also, I usually only see them being sold in Asian supermarkets. Shitake mushrooms are a great addition to this dish because of their earthy, meaty flavour. Takes about 30 minutes to make and prepare. Shitake mushrooms and be left to soak overnight.

Ingredients:
5 shitake mushrooms
1.5 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce

1 lotus root
2 tbsp oil
1 knob ginger, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp cooking wine
2 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp corn starch
1 tbsp water

1. Soak the mushrooms for 5 minutes and discard the water to get rid of the dirt. Use just enough water to submerge shitake mushrooms overnight (or at least 4 hours) 
2. Squeeze out the water then cut off stems of the mushrooms and slice. Bring the soaking water to a boil, add mushrooms. Once boiling again, add brown sugar and soy sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes. Reserve the stock for later.
3. While that's simmering, peel and cut lotus root into 1/4 inch slices. (If you are going to take a while before cooking the roots, submerge them in a bowl of water with 2 tbsp vinegar to prevent oxidation.)
4. Heat oil on medium heat, fry ginger and garlic until fragrant.
5. Add lotus root, making sure each is covered with oil. Toss occasionally. When the lotus root becomes transparent, and some 'strings' appear, add the shitake stock and toss the roots.
6. When the stock disappears, add the mushrooms and fry for another 2 minutes.
7. Add wine, fry until gone. Add oyster sauce and stir fry for another 5 minutes. Plate and serve.

DIY Black Bean Face Scrub for Acne and Dryness

I used to have flawless skin. I didn't have to do anything for it at all. Unfortunately, ever since I entered my twenties, my skin became sensitive, dry and acne prone. Oh youth, why  must you forsake me???!! I occasionally get redness on my face and on some bad days, my face gets patches of flaky skin and acne on my chin, forehead, and close to the hairline. Products that worked for me before such as the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion left me with whiteheads and even acne the next day.

Anyhow, when I was in Hong Kong this past winter, my grandma pointed out my acne (-__- yea I know) and made mung bean soup for me. A lot of Chinese people make this kind of soup when there's "too much dryness in the body" which, they believe, contributes to acne in some people. I did some research on beans and their effects on skin.  Apparently, mung beans are rich in vitamins and have great antioxidation effects. Since I only had black beans at home, I looked them up as well. I was glad that black beans are also AMAZING for the body and skin. The skin of the black beans are abundant in anthocyanin, which contributes to the antioxidative effects of black beans. It aids in capturing minerals and vitamin E that are great for your skin.

Some sites suggest using black beans as a form of natural skin care. All I do is:
1. Grind the black beans with a coffee grinder until their are grainy, though not powdery.
2. Add some water to them until they form a coarse paste.

3. Wet my face
4. Apply and gently scrub (it'll get slightly messy!) then wash off

I used it day and night for five days straight without other cleansers and my acne dramatically improved! My skin always felt soft and moisturized after the wash. My acne flared up last week and I finally got around to using black beans again. It's so good that I must recommend it!

Some people might add honey to the mixture for honey's anti-inflammatory effects... I can't seem to wash it off well enough so I just stuck to using water.