How To Make Your Own Face Mask At Home

Ingredients for homemade mask Hola everyone! 

Today I would like to share a D.I.Y beauty remedy that you can do at home! It's something I found surfing online and it's also natural (no chemicals!). Being conscious of products that contains harmful chemical to our skin, I've learned a few tips at home to stay beautiful and young. One of them is to make my own beauty mask with the use of kitchen ingredients! I have cocoa powder, yogurt in the fridge and honey today so I'll be teaching you guys how to make your own homemade Chocolate Yogurt Honey Face Mask for moisturizing and anti-aging effects! It's really simple to do as well and you can be creative with it say add fruits or oatmeal. 

watch my demo video on how to make this!

Here's the list of ingredients and measurement to follow. It's just a guide to make enough for your face and still keep it in the fridge for 3 days. The quantity varies with the amount of yogurt you add and the consistency can be controlled with the amount of cocoa powder (the more cocoa powder the darker and thicker it gets). 

What You Need:

1. Cocoa powder 1/3 cup

2. Plain Yogurt 3 teaspoons

3. One spoonful of Honey

Don’t forget a mixing bowl, spatula, a cup and a spoon! 

loads of goodness in this mask
(can eat it too yum!)

First measure your cocoa powder in a cup. You will only need 1/3. Pour the powder into the mixing bowl and add 3 spoonful of plain yogurt. Gently mix them up into a creamy consistency. Lastly add one spoonful of honey. Blend everything into a nice creamy chocolaty mix! And there you go, your own homemade Chocolate Honey Yogurt Face Mask! Remember! Use it twice a month for only 10mins. Those with sensitive skin should not use it for more than 10mins. 

Make your own beauty mask

Do you like my beauty tip? It’s a great way to have beautiful healthy skin on top of your normal skincare regime. No Paraben and can't clog your pores just like the product I'm using which makes me look younger within 4 weeks of usage. My skin looks better and wrinkles are less significant with it. The secret? The ingredient called Kinetin :) I love the light texture on it and I use it day and night on my face and neck. Really easy to use, just like making this face mask. Watch my video to see how I use it!

My Brazilian Keratin Treatment Experience

hair problems?

tell me about it...

look at my hair on New Year 2012

I have been plagued with frizzy hair ever since I hit puberty. Blame it on the hormones or the humidity!  Every year I do a chemical service to tame my Amazonian hair. I spend about RM200-RM400 just for the services (not including treatments after). I tried hair straightening, semi-straightening, re-bonding and relaxers. They give me the quick results I need - manageable hair that's straight. However sometimes they can be too flat and limp and the worst part is all these chemical services damaged and dry out  my hair. I think I might have sensitive scalp and hair falling problems due to all the stress.

Then last year while having my hair done at A Cut Above, I found out about the Brazilian Keratin Treatment.

Popular Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT)

straightens and repairs simultaneously

the ultimate treatment for frizzy hair

The Brazilian Keratin Treatment? the first thing that came into my mind was is this a hair relaxer of some kind? I kept going back and forth A Cut Above to inquire on this unique treatment. I finally found out that it is a smoothing and repairing hair treatment that makes your hair healthier and manageable, and of course "natural" straight. Does not contain any chemical ingredients that structurally alter or damage the hair (interesting!). If you google Brazilian Keratin Treatment, you'll find many articles dedicated to this treatment and many BKT converts out there, especially those with curly and frizzy hair that lacks Keratin.

What is the Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

uses KeraStraight to straighten and repair

read how it works (click for larger image)

Well I don't have to journey to Brazil for a blow out coz just 15mins drive from my home is Re:Style, 1 Mont Kiara. Re:Style is a salon with a brand new concept by A Cut Above Salons. It's a much more vibrant, energetic, youthful hair environment. They offer value for service and anyone looking for more than just a haircut can look forward to a hair makeover at Re:Style. Anyone can walk in without worrying about making appointments and enjoy a service that is trained and supervised by A Cut Above group of Salons. 

Re:Style 1 Mont Kiara

orange and white, simple yet elegant

sitting and washing area

the BKT process

The Brazilian Keratin Treatment begins with a hair consultation to assess the condition, texture and understand the hair's story. My story begins with many years of chemical treatments used to tame my hair. I had relaxer done last year and the effect is was fading away. My hair was also damage and dry, a trip to the salon for hair treatments is common. I asked Nicole, the saloon manager whether with this treatment done, will I still need to go for hair treatments to moisturized my hair? 

Nicole said I don't need to anymore! Imagine my happiness hearing this.

I learned there's 3 different types of treatment solution for the BKT. The first called Color Protect was for those with colored hair. The second KS Intensive was for really frizzy hair people like the model you see in the poster and lastly the KS Complex for hair like mine. The entire process would take about 2 - 4 hours depending on the hair's ability to absorb the treatment. Since mine was porous because I had dye/treated my hair before, it would only take a couple of hours.

the products

application process

Before the treatment begins, a pre-treatment cleanser is used to shampoo my hair twice to gently open the cuticles. Then towel dry and blow under medium heat. KS Complex was used and they started applying it on my hair. The smell of fruity peach melon filled the air. They left my hair for about 10-15mins before blow drying it. Finally my hair was straighten using a hot iron. I was confused at this stage as normally my hair would be wash after a treatment is up. However for BKT it's different because the treatment is still working it's magic on my hair and needs to be iron out to seal in the treatment. 

two pros working on me

many many irons later

can't wait to see the results!

Finally my hair was done and it feels heavy and flat. Nicole to me that my hair would be nice and soft when I wash out the treatment at home. I asked why is that? she says it'll be better if I waited to wash my hair out at home or at least the next day for best effect. However it can actually be wash after 30mins with the current new BKT formula. I read online, people actually leave it for days.

what do you think?

after the ironing! hair is straight

home care products at home

(without chemical that damage hair)

I couldn't wait for the next day so I washed my hair after 4 hours at home. OMG it was SOOOOOOOOOO SOFT!!! I have never felt my hair this soft before?! I couldn't believe it and let my boyfriend assess it. He says it's been a long time since he felt my hair so soft and so normal (sweat!). I was finally a normal girl he says (sweat X 2). I was delirious about the results! I didn't have to blow dry my hair anymore or comb it (seriously). All I do is wash my hair, towel dry and air it. I love that it gives the same effects as a relaxer treatment, natural not too flat. My hair texture is amazing! soft and healthy like I have never damaged it before. Smells peachy nice too after the treatment. Would definitely save up to do it again after 4 months! (yes this not permanent because it's a treatment, a very good treatment that last 4 months).

at night after washing

watch the video on BKT process!

BKT is definitely not your average hair treatment! The price? it starts from RM500 onwards depending on hair length at Re:Style (A Cut Above RM600 onwards).  I know celebrities or models go for high end treatments/services that cost over RM1k for soft, silky shiny hair and I wonder is it BKT? The secret to beautiful soft hair that's not frizzy or damage anymore. Some would take it as hair-vestment to finally end their hair nightmares. Inquire at your nearest Re:Style salons for promotions (they have it once a while, last year was 20% off with Parkson.

• Pros: Repairs Damage Hair, Improve Hair Texture, Soft and Manageable Hair, Natural Straight Hair, de frizzes hair. Formaldehyde Free.
• Cons: luxury treatment price, only at Re:Style or A Cut Above salons

Available at all Re:Style Salons (1 Mont Kiara, The Boardwalk, Taylors & Sunway Pyramid) Click link for contact and business hours.

P.S: Not encourage to dye your hair after your precious BKT because hair colour will damage your hair.

My First Sophie Paris Bag!

my French design bag by Sophie Paris

Ever since I got my new bag, my friends been asking me where I get my bag from! It's the first time my friends compliment me on my choice of bags. You see I'm no good with bags, not those bag-fanatics. Never believe in bags until, well until I got my first Sophie Paris bag! I love the design, it's so vintage and modern in a way. The faux brown leather is not overly feminine and I love the crocodile-like pattern combination to the tote bag. It added a "lux" factor to it.

the bag I have is a best seller RM155

You might be surprise that this bag retails at RM155.00 and I get a 20% discount off any Sophie Paris products as a member! (I signed up free during their promotion in January). More information about their membership program, promotions and their products - go to Sophie Paris Malaysia.

introducing Sophie Paris's GM

I asked the Managing Director, Geoffrey Bagot how they keep their French-designed bags at such a reasonable price in the market? He says it's because of the materials used in producing the bags. Materials such as pvc, faux leather as example.  Their bags would cost from RM100 - RM200 only. Each design is unique to it's collection, e.g Sophie Paris S.A.S, Signature, Basic, Casual.

Sophie Paris shop at PJX-HM Shah Tower

Sophie Paris is also the first Fashion MLM company in Malaysia but that's not stopping me from shopping here. Anyone can just drop into their first shop at PJX-HM Shah Tower (new building beside Amcorp Mall). It's like any other fashion shop and if you sign up as a member you get cool benefits, bonuses and the 20% off discount for their products. Their membership is also lifetime :)

Sophie Paris catalogue comes out every 45days
click here to view online catalogue

I'll show more pics of their shop in my next post (I took a lot showing the bags I like). For now if you think my bag is awesome, wait till you see the bags in Sophie Paris's catalogue! It's equipped with all the latest products they have (bags, accessories) and prices too. 

watch the introduction video

ABOUT SOPHIE PARIS

SOPHIE PARIS is the Asia's largest fashion direct selling company. Founded in Jakarta in 1995 by French entrepreneur Bruno Hasson, SOPHIE PARIS has become Indonesia's favorite success story. Starting from a home-based handbag manufacturing business, it has boomed into the country's largest fashion company of its kind. With over 100,000 active members moving an average of 75,000 products per day, the SOPHIE PARIS mania has remained unmatched. SOPHIE PARIS Malaysia was officially launched in January 2012 and is a 100% foreign direct invested company. Malaysia is the 5th and latest market ventured by SOPHIE PARIS.

SOPHIE PARIS Malaysia : (just next to Amcorp Mall)
C-01, PJX-HM Shah Tower,
No.16A, Persiaran Barat,
46050 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Hotline No. : 1-700-814-888

Working hours :
Mondays – Fridays 10.00am – 9.00 pm
Saturdays 12.00pm – 5.00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Public holiday

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose Review

Face of the new Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose, Emma Watsons

Do you want to smell like Parisian Love? The latest fragrance from Lancome, the Tresor Midnight Rose is love at first moonlight in a purple flacon (A small, often decorative bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or cap). Being a fan of dear Emma Watson (Harry Potter) I've seen her grow from being a cutesy lil girl to a sophisticated stylish lady. Now she's the face of the new Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose perfume. Her photos were taken by Mario Testino in Paris.

watch the Tresor Midnight Rose video

my feelings on Midnight Rose

I fell in love with Tresor In Love last year and this year I've my heart set to seduce my man with Tresor Midnight Rose. A special blend of passionate accords of raspberry and rich rose nuance creates a fragrant tale of love at first sight between gentle rose petals and red fruit zest of raspberry. It continues with a hint of peony and jasmine, in an elegant and sophisticated way. Insolence felt in a heart comes from pink pepper and a dose of gentleness from currant buds. Base notes provide tranquility and comfort– composed of warm and soft vanilla, woody nuances of Virginian cedar and sensual musky veil.

Lancome Midnight Rose roadshow (Mid Valley 11/1)

Emma Watsons face of Midnight Rose

get a Midnight Rose makeover & photo taken
(with purchase of Lancome Midnight Rose)

love the purple day smokey

fall in love with Paris at night

which do you prefer?

seduce or flirt?

What's in Tresor In Love?

What's in Tresor Midnight Rose?

My verdict? It's musky and feminine, just my kind of scent. The sweet musk of raspberry couple with vanilla almost smells like a hint of blueberry. Reminds me of Secret Wish by Anna Sui but better, more refine and tuned like a fair lady. Seriously loving this new perfume by Lancome. The cute purple rose tied to the flacon, just embodies Paris all over again. Highly recommended if you love musky scents and sweet smelling berries.

Top notes: raspberry rose absolute
Heart: jasmine, peony, currant buds, pink pepper
Base: Virginian cedar, musk and vanilla

Tresor Midnight Rose EDP is available in the following sizes and price at Lancome.

• RM205 for 50ml
• RM265 for 75ml

Also Lancome Malaysia Facebook is giving away Tresor Midnight Rose for its fan who answer the questions correctly. The contest ends January 29th, 2012. They're also giving samples but I heard it's already out of stock.  Click here to find out more about the contest and samples

WIN Lancome Midnight Rose from Lancome Malaysia FB

Hot Drink Refill For iPhone 4/4S?

saw at apple store in 1Mont Kiara

Yesterday while waiting for my bf, I saw this really cute product that resembles a take away hot drink in Machine's store in 1 Mont Kiara. It was a battery refill charge for iphone 4/4s! Really cute, I can't remember the price. It's RM265!!! I was thinking why would anyone carry such a bulky iphone charger around but then again I have been thinking about it today coz it's so cute.

Playing in La Senza

La Senza Pin Up Store in One Utama

Sometimes when you're armed with a camera, however tiny or big it may be and you're in this cute changing room trying on clothes, u can't help but...

Horror Manga: Dragon Head Manga by Mochizuki Minetaro (World End)

interesting tragedy horor manga genre

I just finished reading Dragon Head Manga today, all 10 chapters of it on my iPhone. It's a weird feeling having to read it all and ended up with an ending that I couldn't dare comprehend. This manga is about the world end tragedy of Japan. A boy name Teru and a girl Ako survived from day 1 of being stuck in a railway tunnel where their classmates and teachers died, till surviving outside with water, food and clothing supplies from stores and shops outside, somewhere along the story they encounter a human called "Dragon Head"and horrific nature disasters that seems to be of no end, almost devouring their country. Their final stance was in Tokyo, their home.

This manga reminds me the movie by Sylvester Stallone's Daylight and Lord Of The Flies. The human fear that brings out the worst in us. Recommended read if u have time to kill. 

You can download free from MangaFox or MangaEden. I download mine from MangaDL or MangaStorm (manga reading app).

From Tokyopop: 

In the horror of witnessing so many classmates perish before his eyes in a violent train wreck, Teru discovers two survivors in the tunnel: Ako and Nobuo. But salvation from this bloody carnage is far from their grasp. As they try to dig out from the wreck in order to come up with a plan to stay alive, the lack of light and food, combined with the stench of death and decay, will lead one member of the group down a dark and demented path. And with sudden, violent earthquakes shaking the tunnel, escaping to the outside world may lead them to an even greater danger...