BelleWave Essencious Review

Attended the Product Launch of their latest Essencious range 2 weeks ago and I began trying out some of the products. 

I will show u guys the ingredient list of each products too. Personally, I do not really care that much about the ingredients because I would have to try skincare items on myself first irregardless to know whether it suits me or not.

FERMATIQUE ONE-STEP GENTLE CLEANSING MOUSSE

Apparently, this can be used to remove makeup and impurities and wash your face at the same time. But of course me being me, I would still remove my layer of makeup before washing my face.

Verdict: It cleanses dirt and oil, yet doesn't strip my face of its natural oil to make it feel tight and dry like some other cleansers would. Not bad really!

For those who are particular about the ingredients, here u go:

FERMATIQUE BRIGHTENING MIST

This is a refreshing mist toner that rebalances skin's pH and preps the skin for better absorption of subsequent skincare. Because it is in mist form, it means we lazy girls do not have to spend that extra few seconds pouring out our toner onto a cotton pad and pat! It is also useful to bring this mist along on the go to refresh and tone the skin.

Verdict: Super convenient, and friends commented that my skin looks brighter and radiant. Not sure if it was due to this or the combination of me using all the products though!

Ingredient list:

WILLOW BARK BLEMISH CLEAR BOOSTER

A multi-targeted serum developed for oily-combination skin to control shine and breakouts by reducing excess oil secretion, unclogging pores and preventing skin congestion. Totally something I need.

Ingredient list:

HYALURONIC MOISTURE LOCK BOOSTER

A super-hydrating formula to replenish up to 72 hours of intense moisture in dry skin. Working like a moisture magnet, it provides immediate supply of moisture while continuously improving skin's natural water-retaining capacity. My beautician always says I need to provide loads of moisture to my skin, else it will become dry. And when skin becomes drier, it will secrete more oil which in turn makes your face super oily!

Verdict: My skin feels more plump and radiant somehow. 

Ingredient list:

ALPINE HERB SHINE CONTROL GEL

I love GEL moisturizers! And when I found out about this ultra-lightweight one that is specially developed for oily-combination skin, I couldn't wait to try it on. Supposedly reduces shine and clarify skin while promoting a balanced complexion.

Verdict: It does not feel greasy at all, which I love! U know how when we apply some products on our face and our skin turns oily after a few hours? I find that my face isn't that oily after using this.

Ingredient list:

NMF POWER HYDRATOR 

Another gel-cream that supplies an intense dose of moisture to replenish skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF). Essentially, this non-greasy emulsion provides immediate hydration as well as long-lasting skin suppleness and vitality with continued use. If u do not have any other issues with your skin, this would be the perfect moisturizer to use, because, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, and MOISTURIZE!

Ingredient list:

One thing to note for their booster and moisturizer range, is that, u can add a few drops of the booster and gel onto your palm, mix them well, and apply on your face. WHICH MEANS, lazy girls like us do not have to separate the steps of applying serum and moisturizers and waste precious time in the morning and night.

Their moisturizers also have a very interesting airtight formula. Normally, tubs are not like this and u have to use a spatula to scoop out the gel cream. Most of the time though, I just get lazy and dig using my fingers instead. (aren't we all guilty of this?) This, however, is so convenient! I just tilt the product upside down, press it, and the gel cream oozes out. No mess, no contamination, BEST THING EVER.

I also can't wait for them to roll out more products in the series eventually. 

Till then, the products I have tried are really not bad!

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Superba Hardwood Shoe Expander & Stretcher Review

Had the chance to try out the Superba Hardwood Shoe Expander & Stretcher from ShoeTree Project.

Made of premium superba hardwood that absorbs moisture and does not leave micro-splinters – unlike pinewood, this stretcher actually helps to relieve sore feet caused by badly fitted footwear.

My right foot is actually slightly bigger than my left; that doesn't cause that much of a problem usually, but it really hurts when I buy cheap $10 shoes that have such lousy hard PVC leather that I give up after two, or even one wear. Did a check with my friends and realised that most of them have this huge problem with ill-fitting footwear! 

Some also have wide toes and really wide feet, and this is when this stretcher and expander comes in. I was able to expand it horizontally (as u see below) so that tight shoes wouldn't squeeze my poor feet that much before it becomes seasoned enough to be comfortable.

There are also 12 holes integrated for spot stretching, which is especially useful for those with bunions.

I always feel pain at the side of my toes, so I inserted the knobs at these areas to insert into my shoe.

I can also use this on sandals and open-toed shoes, just so that I can stretch the sides first before wearing the shoes.

However, I wasn't able to use this to expand a pair of sneakers that was slightly too small for me. They only have 2 sizes: Small (35-40) or large (41-46). I took the small size but the back end of the expander couldn't be squeezed into the shoe and I was only able to expand horizontally. 

This can be used for stretching the sides of heels too! I always have a problem with these killer heels and the stretcher does the trick and helps u to soften the material before u start wearing.

Interested in this item? Get it from here.

They do have some other products relating to men's shoe care. 

For those who are interested to get any items on their website, do quote 'cindyshoeexpander' for 10% off your purchases! (no minimum spending)

*Product was sponsored, review solely based on my own experience. 

Back to Korea 2018: Seoul food so good

I always recommend first timers to stay less than 5 days in Seoul, and try to go to a nearby county or go ski instead. There is really nothing much here if u don't shop a lot.

However, u can visit cafes after cafes, and eat lots of seafood and BBQ at a much cheaper price than Singapore!

These are the noteworthy food places I visited during my 3 days in Seoul.

Bistopping

LINE Friends Store and Cafe

Mr Holmes Bakehouse

Jogaepoksik 조개폭식

Coffee Namu 커피나무
Myeongdong Kyoja 명동교자 

Bonjuk 본죽
Kimchi soup (various shops around SNU)

Tongkeun Galbi 통큰갈비

Bistopping

I first saw this on Instagram and made it a point to visit this ice cream cafe. Coincidentally, I stayed near this area and this was within walking distance. The cafe was definitely far from touristy areas and quite inconvenient as u had to walk a distance to it. Price was also high (paid close to SGD 10 for my cone of ice cream), but hey, its instagrammable, and that's all that matters right?

68 Sinbanpo-ro 47-gil, Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Nearest station: Sinsa Station exit 4

LINE Friends Store and Cafe

Because I must always visit a LINE store whenever I see one.
I saw one at Garosugil, and another one at Busan (last photo with Brown) later on. Well it's everywhere, even in Guangzhou, Bangkok and all. What we need now, is one in Singapore!

Mr Holmes Bakehouse Seoul

This is apparently a famous cafe. Weird that some of the famous cafes we tourists visit in Korea are actually non-Korean. This cafe stems from San Francisco and they are famous for their cruffins (croissant+muffin). But no doubt, I tried it and it is indeed very good! No harm trying it here and take a photo at the "I GOT BAKED IN SEOUL" neon light wall while u are at it. A lot of people apparently come here just to take photos at the wall. But hey, its instagrammable (yet again), and that's all that matters right?

34, Apgujeong-ro 10-gil Gangnam-gu Seoul

Nearest station: Sinsa Station exit 8

Jogaepoksik 조개폭식

Met an ex-colleague for dinner at this recommended place.

If u Google translate it, u get "Shellfish Binge". Which means, it is a buffet for SHELLFISH! Yep u heard that right. We couldn't really understand how the whole thing works with our limited grasp of the Korean language when we went. Menu was all in Korean by the way, and the servers don't seem to speak English too. 

At first we didn't even know that it is a buffet until we saw the word "리필" (refill) on the menu. When in doubt, just order the one with the "recommended" logo. In this case, we ordered the KRW 24,800 one because the KRW 26,800 one had ramyeon in the set. So whenever u want a refill, just let the server know which kind of shells u want. Remember to get the cheese bowl (they will probably get that for u though) to cook the shellfish in. When u are done eating, just throw all the shells into the pail provided. As u can see, we ate a pail of shells. Not very healthy I know, but it was soooo goooood.

They have various outlets over Korea. But the most convenient one would be the new outlet at Gangnam. KRW 24,800 per person is really a steal considering that u can have unlimited amount of shellfish. I highly recommend this place!

28-14 Teheran-ro 1-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Nearest station: Gangnam Station exit 11

Coffee Namu 커피나무

Had a very fulfilling dinner at Jogaepoksik (above) and we decided to look for some cafes selling desserts. Came across this nice looking place and went in. The cake we ordered was actually real good! Too bad I didn't have enough stomach space for more desserts, but I highly recommend this place if u are looking for cakes and coffee.

It is apparently a chain in Korea, so there are various outlets all around.

Myeongdong Kyoja 명동교자 

This is a really famous restaurant in Myeongdong. Well, I tried it and felt that it is comfort food for the winter. Other than that... it's not bad, but not a must-have considering that there are so many other good restaurants in Seoul.

29, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearest station: Myeongdong Station exit 8

Bonjuk 본죽

I had porridge from this restaurant chain numerous times when I was doing my exchange in year 2011. Had them at the PNU Shopping street and Myeongdong, and it was the best thing ever. This time however, we didn't have much time and ended up at a small franchise shop in an ulu part of Seoul.

What I want to say it, avoid the small Bonjuk stalls, cos the one I had wasn't good.. Whatever happened, Bonjuk?

Kimchi Soup (various shops near SNU)

I didn't take note of the name of the restaurant I went to, but there are really many shops selling kimchi soup and BBQ along the stretch outside Naksungdae Station. Seoul National University students are just so lucky!

Just go past the petrol station after exit 4 and u will see the whole street of eateries with many banners stating how famous they are etc. Just randomly choose one that looks as local as possible, and the food would be good. Seriously, I have yet to find any kimchi soup in Singapore that is as good as those I had in Korea. uhhuh.

Nearest station: Naksungdae Station exit 4

Tongkeun Galbi 통큰갈비

This BBQ restaurant was recommended by my friend.

At KRW 11,000 per person, u get to enjoy unlimited meat for the BBQ!
I can attest that the meat is really juicy and succulent. Totally marinated with the right amount of sauce. Seriously, where else can u find such a good deal? Just be sure to go early and queue. It is super worth it. Highly recommended!

72-10, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Nearest station: Sinchon Station exit 1

And so, that's all for my Back to Korea 2018 series. Till then.

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