Monday, 23 May 2016

Fighting the Eczema Monster!

#1st Eczema Breakout
I remembered when I was in Secondary 4(?), which was around 6 years ago. 
I had an extreme eczema breakout... which was HORRIBLE. I had flakes all over my face & neck, it was itchy, red, patchy & very irritated. I'm sorry I didn't have photos of that as I totally avoided taking pictures during that period of time.

I used a XXXX's brand $2 mask, if i didn't remember wrongly, it was a lavender scented mask. 
It stung a little. But I didn't know that was a sign that it's not suitable. I thought it was the mask doing it's magic. So I tolerated all the stings and left it on my face for 20 good minutes.

The next moment when i removed it, my whole face was red & super irritated. I thought it will cool down after i wash my face. But it didn't work at all. The next day, it became really really really dry. Like Sahara dessert, my skin was rough like sandpaper. If i flicked my neck, i can see dry skin flying out.... My clothes had little white dry skin all over, people thought I had dandruff.... -.-

#1st Eczema Breakout Solution
My friend recommended me their previous skin doctor at Parkway. I went there, spend $300+ to get pills and creams. My skin slowly improved... but once my pills ran out. The eczema came back again. I went back to the Doctor for review again, spent another $400+ on more pills and creams. Same thing happened, worked at first, then it came back again. I told myself i'm not going back to spend more money. 

My dad got some $12 cream, Triderm from a clinic he goes. And i applied it on my affected skin. It worked and cured everything! At $12..... I felt stupid spending $700+ at the clinic.

My skin has been fine since then, but once in a while i still get mild eczema breakout on my arms & legs. I will apply Triderm and they'll recover in 2 days. 

#2nd Eczema Breakout
Fast forward to around 6 months ago? I started having more frequent eczema breakouts, usually during my time of the month. But they recover in about a week.

As of now, my current skin situation have not improved for almost 2 months? I haven't been keep track. It will be nice and smooth for 2 days, then breakout again for another 4 days. It's inconsistent. 

I gave up and decided to turn to the doctor. I researched a lot on eczema, and some sites stated that eczema can be triggered by various factors. BUT (!!) I have no idea what triggered my eczema. 

I went to the polyclinic to get a referral letter to national skin center (NSC). 
And guess what? I told the doctor that i've used Triderm on my face, and she was like scolding me. 

"No No No! Don't apply Triderm on your face! It has alot of side effects and makes your skin worst!!"

Okay, now i know why my skin isn't healing. -.-
I have been using Triderm for YEARS... I understand that Triderm is a "steroid" medicine, and using it too much will thin my skin. So I seldom use them, unless i'm desperate. 

So apparently, years of accumulation has thinned my skin alot. Making it more vulnerable, bleed easily, and just much weaker ):

My appointment to NSC is 8 Aug.. which is 2 months later. (don't know if my skin can make it) I will try out the creams that Polyclinic gave me first, hopefully it will solve my eczema by August. I will still go ahead to NSC for a consultation and arrange for a prick/patch test to know what the hell i'm allergic to that triggered my eczema.

So now, no makeup for me... (man its tough)

Here is pictures of my current skin state. No edits at all. 
Red, Patchy, Veins showing, Irritated. & ITCHY!

Phone front camera not so good, but pls see the skin flakes?!

Can you see that whole red patch??! I look like i kena slap.

See how rough, uneven my skin is??!! Omg, I don't even let my bf touch my face now cause that it's so rough!! Girls skin should be smooth smooth de ma! 

Update again when I see any improvement for my skin.

#CELESTRYS X BIORE MARSHMALLOW!

#Celestrys Biore Marshmallow Whip Deep Clean

Want to get the Matte, Satin, Flawless Look but have Oily Skin? We have a new solution!
Bioré Marshmallow Whip Deep Clean Facial Wash

Joining the crew is the New Deep Clean Facial Wash, With 800% more micro-bubbles and 8x denser foam, Biore Marshmallow Whip Deep Clean Facial Wash can penetrate into pores to remove all dirt, oil and impurities for a deeper & cleaner cleanse.


Some recap on the previous series, as per below. Each series is targeted at different skin types.

I personally always buy the Yellow one, as I like the feeling it gives after the wash.

The newly launched Deep Clean Series is targeted at people with Oily Skin and to combat the hot & humid weather in Singapore! With temperatures hitting 35°C, our skin will change with the environment which leads in an increase in oil production.

More Oil Production = More Acne, Larger Pores, More Black Heads. (eew)
That's not what we want right? 

As we use more oil-control cleansers, you feel that your skin gets more dry as the cleansers strip off our skin natural oils. And when your skin is feeling that it's dry, it will produce more oil again. The cycle never stops & your skin is always in a messed up situtation. 


Biore launched this new series to combat that situation & to help us fight oily skin!

The new Bioré Deep Clean range consists of two gentle yet purifying cleansers that can effectively cleanse the skin deeply and remove excess sebum, yet sealing in essential moisture and healthy oils to prevent dryness and hence, leaves the skin feeling moist and refreshed! 

With 800% more micro bubbles, it can cleanse deeply into our pores!

Bioré Deep Clean range helps to deeply cleanse dirt and oil from the pores and reduces extra sebum, without drying the skin. The gentle yet purifying cleanser ensures that the skin is cleansed thoroughly to help you enjoy a shine-free face all day!


Improved Skin Purifying Technology (SPT)
Cast away your fears of sufering from dryness after daily facial cleansing! The new and improved Skin Purifying Technology ensures that dirt and excess sebum are removed more easily and washed of more efciently. Thus, preventing the loss of essential moisture from the skin and helping to improve skin condition, leaving the skin feeling moist and soft. 

Can you see how fine the bubbles are??

Personally love this series as much as the Yellow Extra Moist Series. However, my skin is more sensitive and dry most of the days. I would use Deep Cleanse in my weekly regime when I exfoliate/scrub! 

Suggestions
Everyone have different skin types & ways to tackle our ever-changing skin.
I would suggest Dry & Sensitive Skin users to use this once/twice a week for Deep Cleanse.
Oily Skin users to use this everyday once/twice a day to maintain skin moisture & control oil sebum.
For Normal Skin users, I would suggest to use this once a day or when SG's weather is being crazy humid & warm :D

Where to Buy?!
Available at many various locations and shops, you cannot miss them! 
From pharmacies, hyper & supermarkets, beauty stores, departmental stores and selected minimarts!

How much is it? 
$13.90 each
Each bottle can last me for about a month for 2 pumps everyday, day & night.
By doing some calculations, it's only $0.20 each deep cleansing wash!

Monday, 14 March 2016

#CELESTRYS X BEE VENOM FACE MASK

#Celestrys Wild Ferns Bee Venom Face Mask

What came in my mailbox this week was from Wild Ferns! From what I know, they have been very popular for their Manuka Honey series and now they have the new Bee Venom product line!


Sounds abit scary cause you're using bee's VENOM to put on your face... This bee venom is a combination of chemical substances produced by the worker and queen honey bee to defend their home! 

Bee Venom assists in...
- energizing the skin's natural activity
- encouraging increased circulation
- collagen and elastin production
- helping to firm and plump facial tissue for a smooth youthful looking skin.

Combined with other skin improving natural ingredients, known for their deep moisturizing effects, this face mask is all about treating yourself to the very best.


DO NOT WORRY MY FRIENDS who think that poor bees are killed.. 
The Bee Venom used in Wild Fern Products are obtained through ethical and humane means. 
Wild Ferns® uses VENZ™(Venom New Zealand) Bee Venom in their products. VENZ™ invented a collection device which does not kill the bees. This device conducts a gentle current over a glass sheet, the bees on the glass sheet will stick out their stingers and the muscle pushing the stingers will also pump a small amount of bee venom. The venom is then collected and purified for storage, ensuring the freshness and quality of the Bee Venom. (Y) 


I loveee the packaging and design of this face mask with the golden cap, it looks more precious and luxurious.


It comes with the tab and cover to protect the goodness from getting onto the cap. 


Smells fragrant, no pungent smell which i was surprised... Cause I was expecting to smell something different from the usual face mask as it's bee venom we're talking about here... Not that I know how bee venom smells like... 

Inside this 50g, it contains Royal Jelly, Green Tea, Lavender Oil, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E, Canola Oil, Shea Butter, Menthol. 


So Wild Ferns also care a lot about their consumers. They recommend a patch test before use on your face as nobody knows if you are allergic to bee stings. Make sure you don't see any rashes or patches during your patch test. Please discontinue use if skin becomes irritated!

Once the patch test shows a good result = no signs of irritation

Apply evenly to face avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 20 minutes then gently wash off. 
Use daily. After longer use more noticeable results will be achieved! :D


A small amount is able to spread and cover a wide surface area while still maintaining its richness and thick coverage. Feels cooling (i think it's because of the menthol) and feels like it's working its magic on my skin already!

So if you want to do a patch test as well, you can get samples from Sample Store first!

Where to Buy?!
Available at selected Watsons outlets (Ngee Ann City, NEX, Plaza Singapura 1, Marina Square, Bugis Junction, Raffles City, Parkway Parade, Tampines Mall, VivoCity, Toa Payoh HDB Hub, EastPoint Mall, Star Vista, JEM, Jurong Point, Bukit Panjang Plaza & Waterway Point) and John Little (Plaza Singapura & Jurong Point).

How much is it? 
$52.50 for 50g
Price is slightly higher than normal face mask, but with all the great ingredients especially the bee venom, infused into this one tub.. It's actually super worth it!

Can't wait to see a firmer and youthful skin after more uses!

Sunday, 28 February 2016

BATAM 2D1N X ANNIVERSARY

Anniversary x Batam

So why Batam? 
1. We didn't want to take any leaves as work was really packed
2. Something/somewhere we have not done before
3. A short getaway from #islandhectic

We figured out that Batam would be one of the better places for a short 2D1N trip just to relax ourselves and also able to spend quality time together. 

After much googling and researching.... below are what you need to prepare.
1. Ferry Tickets
2. Hotel Room
3. Transport & Activities 

So firstly, for our Ferry Tickets, we bought them straight over the counter at Harbourfront. But do arrive like 1.5hrs earlier to purchase your tickets. No seating arrangement given.




We arrived quickly after a short ride of 30-45mins? I lost count!
We took to Sekupang as it's the nearest terminal to my hotel!


From the terminal, I have already arranged my own personal taxi to pick me up.
I contacted him thru whatsapp. Rudi +62 813-6432-5002
I will talk about the $ for my driver later on. (super awesome)

So we picked Holiday Inn for our stay after reading many many reviews!



Our huge room! Where we spend the least time here...... LOL



With a balcony that overlooks the whole resort and the pool

After settling down with our stuffs, we went out to explore!
1. Go-cart
Rudi(taxi uncle) sent us to this place to play go-carts, this one is near golden prawn.We observed for a little while and realise that the go-carts are quite old and slow...... and the sun abit too scorching. So we gave Go-kart a miss!



2. Shooting and Flying Fox
We skipped go-cart, so Rudi drove us for 3mins to another area where you can play shooting games to earn a free ride on the flying fox! They also provide paintball shooting, like can shoot each other kind. Those are good for a group of 8 or more to play (Y)


I owned Vincent. Wahahahahaha.


Trying his best to beat my score. Wahahahahahah

I sucked at archery, and gave up after 1 try. LOL



So like every 10 shots you kena the target, you get 1 free flying fox.


At this point, i was actually shivering already. I always loved roller coasters etc, but when this flying fox was freaking me out as it was my first time! I didn't know what to expect. But everything is fine after the guy pushed me down and a few screams here and there.... its fun. LOL

Vincent wanted to buy some Kueh Lapis back. Rudi brought us over to a factory where he says that the Kueh Lapis there is the FRESHEST. You can order today, and he will come by tomorrow to collect. Sure, you can purchase Kueh Lapis over the the malls etc, but those are not as fresh and might have been kept for a few days... 

My good friend recommended me that I MUST go HarbourBay Seafood to eat. He highly highly recommended. It was like 5+ in the evening, but we were hungry already.
Total meal was around $50? I think? I can't really remember.. Sorry!

Would have been super beautiful at night!

Will never taste such sweet and juicy and fresh Lala in SG....

Best KangKong I have ever eaten......


Can't remember how much was this, but super good and meat was sweet.
This is cooked salted egg style, slightly different from SG as ours got sauce, whereas theirs is fried.

We had some extra time before our massage booking with Spa Secret... so we walked about Nagoya and went for a hair treatment! :D 

Some one fell asleep while waiting.



We booked a slot at Spa Secret for a 2.5hrs Spa Treatment! You can request for a couple room during your booking on their website.





So below are the steps they took
Steps :
Sea salt foot bath
Body cleansingWarm 
Honey oil body massage
Homemade honey body scrub
Body steam (too hot for me, i gave up after like 10mins)
Body honey polish
Soak in bath foam Jacuzzi pool (too hot for me, i gave up after like 15mins)
ShowerV-Ratus treatment & body lotion (ladies)
Back & shoulder massage (gents)

I think i can't withstand heat. Quite pricey, but nice experience. Around $100/pax? 

After spa, Rudi brought us to a chill out place for supper and drinks!
Nice place to drink and chill by the beach, with a live band. Drinks and ciggs are cheap~ (Y)



Oh oh! Holiday Inn surprised us with an Anniversary Cake when we got back :D Hehehe

Next morning, we managed to wakey in time for breakfast! Breakfast was yummy and filling~ 




After breakfast it was pool time as i bought couple swimwear specifically for this trip. So we HAVE to wear them.... HAHA


Blessed to have you.



Time to go back home ): 

Rudi had been a Fantastic Taxi Tour Guide to us, recommending good places (not places where he earn commission) he does not push you to go places you do not want to go. I paid $90SGD for his 2 days service. It saved us alot of time and hassle by having a personal taxi driver.

1. Recommendation of places to go
2. Didn't have to go unnecessary tourist spot to tio ka... = waste time
3. Didn't have to wait for cabs or be afraid of safety/tio chop.

Please do find Rudi when you are going to Batam! Just whatsapp him before you are going to Batam.
Rudi +62 813-6432-5002


Tabao-ed KFC to eat on the Ferry Ride back home!