HERA Cell Essence Review

Tried the HERA Cell Essence I got from Sample Store for 6 days already and I'm loving the results so far.

HERA is the leading luxury K-Beauty brand which aims to spread the special unique charm of modern Korean women. The brand is fronted by Korean actress Gianna Jun, and Jennie Kim from Blackpink!

So what is the HERA Cell Essence?

• A pre- water essence that prevents “skin desertification” and moisturises skin for a bright, dewy complexion, also know as the “Glass Skin”
• For all skin types
• Contains Cell-Bio Fluid Sync™ 2.0
• A “Body Fluid Planting System” that fills and locks in body fluid
• Strong skin-activating ingredients that reinforce skin’s sources
• A further upgraded version from Cell-Bio Fluid Sync™ featuring more innovative technology that enables maintenance and activation energy in skin
• 8 Skin Cell Activators
• Reinforce the underlying power of skin
• Skin nutrition to prevent skin desertification
• Essence contains 8 essential vital nutrients in body fluid composition

What is skin desertification?

As we age, we experience a number of skin aging problems including dry, tight, and rough skin with gradual buildup of dead skin cells. This is not just a simple dryness in skin, but the aging of skin’s constitution. It expands from one area to the entire face, and is call “Skin Desertification”.

Many people have misconceptions when it comes to dry skin. Simple dry skin lacks water; the solution is to provide water. Desertified skin on the other hand, does not lack water but the “power to hold water”; that is when irrigation facilities play a big part.

How to know if you have desertified skin? Here’s a checklist:

• Your skin used to be fine even when nothing was applied after washing, but now it feels very dry
• Slept soundly but skin still feels rough
• Skin damaged from sleeping late or staying up all night does not heal back like before
• You’ve been applying anything and everything you could but skin still looks bad
• Makeup looks bad and flaky, does not apply well
• Your skin still looks dull and dark despite applying makeup

Here's the ingredient list:

WATER, PROPANEDIOL, NIACINAMIDE,GLYCERIN. GLYCERETH-26, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM EXTRACT, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN SQUALANE, DIMETHICONE, PEG-60 GLYCERYLI RATE, CETEARYLALCOHOL, PEG-20 GLYCERYLISOSTEARATE.STEARIC ACID PALMITIC ACID, ADENOSINE, LYSINE, ALCOHOL, ARGININE, HISTIDINE, POTASS- IUM HYDROXIDE, GLUCOSE, XYLOSE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, PRUNUSPERSI- CA (PEACH) LEAF EXTRACT, MANNOSE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, LECITHIN, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1, FUCOSE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE COPOLYMER, METHOXY PEG-114/PO- LYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, PO- TASSIUM PHOSPHATE, PCA, LACTIC ACID, GLYCINE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, CALCIUMCHLORIDE, UREA, SODIUM GLYCEROPHOSPHATE, SERINE, GLUTAMIC ACID, POTASSIUM MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, ASPARTIC ACID, HYDROLYZED MILLET, LEUCINE, ALANINE, MAGNESIUM GLUCONATE, CALCIUM GLUCONATE TYROSINE, PHENYLALANINE, VALINE, PROLINE, THREONINE, ISOLEUCINE, CIT- RIC ACID, CYSTEINE, ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE, URIC ACID, CREATINE, METHION- INE, PENTYLENEGLYCOL, HYDROGENATED PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE, CHOLE STEROL, HYDROLYZED HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS EXTRACT, ACRYLATES/STEARYL ISOSTEARATE

Directions:

After washing the face in the morning/evening, gently apply 2.5ml of Cell Essence using the hands or cotton pad. If using your hands, apply all over the face using the palms and gently pat the face with the fingertips to help the skin fully absorb.

The box I had also contains HERA's Double Effect Cotton Pad. 

This is the recommended routine:

• Morning: Awaken the rhythm by tapping skin lightly with your hands
• Evening: Carefully clean your face using HERA’s Double-Effect Facial Cotton Pad
• Wave-patterned side is soft and gentle; use when you want to keep your skin clean along with skin texture
• Mesh-patterned side helps remove dead skin and dirt accumulated over the day

 

I felt that the HERA Cell Essence provided hydration and my skin felt more supple than before. 

Get FREE SAMPLES!

If you want to get free samples, just redeem it from Sample Store here: 

http://bit.ly/2H3xeMi

Bee Choo Origin - Review

Had the chance to try 4 sessions of scalp treatment at Bee Choo Origin - Bedok outlet.

The thing about my hair is that it gets really oily at the end of the day, and I realised that I am starting to bald at the sides of my head due to frequent tying of hair.

Bee Choo Origin focuses on using the Bee Choo Origin Herbal Paste during treatment to help solve hair loss problems.

Here's a summary of the treatment process:

Step 1: Application of ginger hair tonic on the scalp to better absorb the treatment

Step 2: Application of olive oil at hair ends to protect hair

Step 3: Application of the herbal paste (consists of lingzhi, heshouwu etc, and no chemicals or preservatives)

Step 4: Steam hair for 45min to help open up scalp pores in absorbing the nutrients from the herbal paste

Step 5: Wash and blow

Before treatment:

Hair colour was at a light brown

Can't really tell if u are not a professional, but pores would be clogged if u do not wash your hair properly

After treatment:

Hair was slightly darker with a reddish tone

Can see that the inpurities were pushed out of the pores and now on my hair strands. I am now able to wash them out with a few more washes. Don't worry about that blob of brown there, it is the residue of the herbal paste and will be gone in a few washes.

In a whole, I felt a reduction in oily scalp after my sessions. But of course, it is a long term journey if you want to combat hair loss using all natural herbal ingredients as opposed to chemicals. My personal opinion would be to go for these treatments regularly to ensure the best results.

Some things to take note of: 

• Expect slightly brown waters from the first few washes after your treatment
• Place a cloth on your pillow for the first week after treatment so as to prevent the brown colour from transferring onto your pillowcase
• If you have coloured hair, you may experience a change in hair colour after the treatment session due to natural herbs coloring at play (pure natural ingredients are used, hence they cannot control the density of the color)
• Herbal smell from treatment may linger for a few days after the session

They also do sell hair and scalp care products.

I got this travel kit which consists of a shampoo, conditioner, damaged hair rebuilder and hair tonic. 

Good to know that the product was packed by trainees from CPAS too.

For more information, do check out:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Bangkok 2018: VLOG

Part 2 of my Thailand trip. And because all photos are gone, I only have the vlog below!

Phuket 2018: VLOG

Went on numerous work trips to Phuket and Bangkok in Mar-Apr last year. And what better way than to document down those moments in a VLOG!

Stayed at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa 3 times during my work trip, twice in the villa and once in the Superior room. It is an amazing place for guests who want to chill and relax with sea view and wind in your hair.

Also visited beach clubs and very lovely restaurants in Phuket.

This is my second VLOG ever done, so let me know if any suggestions in the comments below!

updates: I wanted to do some blog posts on the Thai trips but the hard disk got corrupted, which means, ALL PHOTOS ARE GONE! arghh.

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!

Website

Instagram

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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