[Review] Skin Laser – PPP 360 Solution

It has been the most busiest time in my life for the past one year. I was pregnant the second time and gave birth last December. Once again my pregnancy caused my hormones to go haywire and my skin condition was a disaster.

Thank God, I was invited to experience a recently launched facial laser treatment from PPP Laser Clinic.

The new laser treatment, 360 Solution combines the use of lasers and light technology under the capable hands of qualified doctors to achieve near perfect skin with focus on 3 Cs: Colour, Consistency, Contour.

The 360 Solution comprises of 5 different treatments, targeting on various skin issues, rejuvenate and refresh the skin, to give radiance and glow to the skin.

Here’s what the 5 different treatments are all about:

Perhaps many of us will need P+ Intensive Laser Treatment as it targets on skin clarity in the epidermis and upper dermis. If you have skin concerns like freckles, clogged pores, super oily skin, this treatment maybe effective on you.

Fractional Laser is a non-invasive treatment that works by repairing underneath the skin to enhance tightness and elasticity. Laser beam is only delivered on targeting areas. Helps to remove superficial pigmentation, reduces pore size, lightening of acne scars, less visibility in wrinkles and fine lines.

As what the treatment name is, Collagen Remodelling is about stimulating collagen growth. Skin elasticity and firmness will be improved. Say bye bye to saggy skin!

So, after repairing the skin, it’s time to “feed” the skin! RF Skin Treatment promotes better oxygen supply to the skin, and when skin breathes better, wrinkles are minimized and skin’s firmness is well-maintained.

And when the skin is repairs, well-fed with oxygen, it’s now about maintenance. Ion Infusion is all about infusing Hyaluronic Acid into the skin, giving the skin maximum hydration and at the sametime provides soothing to the skin. From what I know, skin gets dry after laser, so Ion Infusion is recommended at the final treatment.

Hyaluronic Acid is nothing new these days. It is water booster to the skin, helps to plump up the skin’s firmness, and is able to calm the skin.

I enjoyed the most during Ion Infusion because it’s a cooling process, made me felt good after all the scare before each treatment.

There was minimal pain during the laser. I am someone with very low pain tolerance but managed to survive all 5 treatments.

I went home and had my usual cleansing routine. My skin felt extremely smooth, the same as what it was felt like after those extraction facial! But this 360 Solution treatment only took me about 30 minutes and my skin achieved the same (Or rather better!) effect as those usual facial!

I was given a mask sheet to apply after I got home. It’s PPP Skincare post-laser facial mask, helps to reduce water loss and expedite on skin rejuvenation. It’s soaked with Hyaluronic Acid, for a good skin water boost.

The smoothness on my skin lasted for a few days before it went through a short downtime of mild peeling. This was normal. The peeling was not visible just by looking at the skin. I felt the peeling during cleansing. But I was not too much bothered by it, it’s not obvious anyway.

I could still carry on with putting on makeup daily. I just had to cleanse my face using PPP Skincare cleansing wipes prior to my usual facial foam cleanser.

PPP Laser Clinic’s 360 Solution Taster Pack is now available at all PPP Laser Clinic outlets at S$360. This taster pack includes all the 5 treatments in one session.

There are quite a few outlets all over SG, so it’s quite convenient to dropby one near your home. 🙂

“Opening Ceremony” of my Philips Airfryer

Been extremely busy lately ever since Hazel goes to childcare. I have to spend quality time with her every evening. My personal time only comes after she’s asleep.

One evening when Hazel was asleep, I decided to try using this Philips Airfryer from the HumSupGroup girls who have bought for me as a housewarming gift, despite I didn’t hold any housewarming party for my new place. I guess this is what thoughtful friends are all about?

So I did a “opening ceremony” for this kitchen new toy.

The airfryer is kind of fat and occupies quite abit of space on my kitchen table top. I was pretty surprised using it is EASY!

Just two buttons to set, one for temperature and one for duration! It’s really all about trial error because I seriously had no idea what temperature to set for my frozen Japanese Crispy Gyoza nuggets from CP Foods Singapore.

I browsed through the little recipe book which came  with the airfryer and decided on,

180 degree C
10 minutes

Before airfrying…

I was thinking since the gyoza would have fillings which obviously had been marinated with some bit of oil, there was no need for me to add a single drop of oil. For some food, a tiny bit of oil is recommended even though it is an AIR-fryer.

After 10 mins of waiting….

I wasn’t sure if the gyoza nuggets were fully cooked, but the colour looked okay to me.

I must had been lucky, they were cooked! They were as crispy as the traditional-fried ones! Smell yummy too! Perhaps a little too dry on the inside. I airfried the 2nd batch for 8 minutes, oops, and the skin was only crispy on one side. Shall try 9 minutes next time!

Let the hubby tried the nuggets and he said not bad! Yay! Finally some decent food that I can cooked for my family, though it’s “machine-cooked”.

But too much of these fried food is not good for the face. I’ll need proper skincare to protect my face!

Ever since Hazel was born, I hardly have the chance to let my face go through the complete skincare regimen that I used to have.

One of my favourite skincare brand is SK-II SIngapore.

I used to be a die-hard fan for their whitening and anti-aging range! (Some of the items may not be in production already) But now due to time-constraint, I’m using lesser and lesser than before… sobs at my poor face.

My very basic items are essence, moisturizer, sunblock. My favourite will be the essence. I have been using the miracle essence (Facial Treatment Essence) from SK-II since mid 20s and have been loving it! Most people whined to me on the smell. But I’m neutral on that. I am more particular about the absorption and the bouncy cheeks effect. I am also enjoying the radiance I have from using it. My face reacts very well to the Facial Treatment Essence, unlike others who have breakouts from using it.

My second favourite essence is the Facial Treatment Repair C! The gel-like texture feels rich on my face, so I usually use less than a full pump. Anyway it’s a small bottle and not cheap, I can’t possible finish it within a month, I will be so broke.

If I have the extra time, I will want to add in the whitening range. I used to use their Whitening Souce Derm Definition for my freckles and noticed some visible results, but I think this is no longer in production. They have this Whitening Power Spots Specialist, I didn’t have the chance to try yet, anyway I doubt I have the time to include this step in my super basic skincare regimen. Oh well. Still, shall add this to my wish list.

Another important skincare item is the mask! The highly raved Facial Treatment Mask is said to hold loads of miracle essence! I used it a few times when I was younger. The feeling was more than “shiok”. My face got instant brightened up, with a glow! Maybe I should get this for myself on this Mother’s day?

Mother’s Day is a more than a PH to us, it is a day just for us and we truly deserve a break on this day, maybe shopping, or something simple (yet hard to have it) like taking a long shower with no one banging on the door rushing us to come out.

For me, I want to have a day indulging myself with skincare.

Ending this blogpost with a Mother’s day card from Hazel who did it (with help from teachers of course) in school.

Perhaps Hazel’s effort came from the leaves of the flower. The leaves look like her fingerprints!
The school also prepared a tub of jelly for her to present to me. Sweet ya! The photo of my carrying her (when she’s like 2-3mo) was customized into a fridge magnet by Pixaroll.

I’m going to put up this card together with the magnet on my fridge!

Happy Mother’s day to me!

Being pregnant is like serving the National Service. After having the baby bump for 10 months, the mother has to go for reservist. But this reservist is a lifetime kind. Mothers are forever worrying about their children, no matter how old the children are.

 

[Event] The launch of Bio-Oil’s Largest Bottle 200ml

I am proud to say during my pregnancy 1.5 years ago, I did not suffer from a single sign of stretch mark on my tummy despite there were times my tummy felt itchy and I scratched on it. So what’s the secret to stretch-mark free tummy during pregnancy?

Bio-Oil was my main skincare.

Previously I reviewed (refer to blogpost) how my scar was lightened from using Bio-Oil. That convinced me quite abit, and so I used it again during my pregnancy. I applied it once a night before sleep. That’s all it took. No skin allergy. No discomfort. Bio-Oil had reduced the risk of forming stretch marks on my tummy! Yay! My holy grail skincare for pregnancy!

I truly appreciate how this small bottle of skincare showed its effectiveness on me.

And the good news is, Bio-Oil is now available in a larger sized bottle, 200ml!

Let me recap on the key ingredients in Bio-Oil.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (Calendula Oil)
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender Oil)
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil (Rosemary Oil)
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil (Chamomile Oil)
Mineral Oil
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

You’ll probably think, “Huh? so many types of oil, the texture is sure going to be super oily and uncomfortable!”.

You’re wrong. One of the plus points from Bio-Oil is, it makes the skin soft and smooth instead of feeling greasy all over.

Bio-Oil can be used on baby skin, like during a massage for the new born. One of the main agenda behind the product is to create the special bonding between the parent and child, and not just a skincare product. Any mother who has used the product and learned about its effectiveness, will sure to share with the little ones at home.

Anyway, when I was at the event introduction launch of the 200ml bottle, I also got my chance to diy a skincare scrub using Bio-Oil with some natural ingredients which are easily found at home or the supermarkets.

Natural Scrub (for face and body) Recipe and Simple Steps

2 table spoons of Manuka Honey.
2 teaspoons of Himalayan Salt (need to self-grind into finer salt).

2 drops of Lemon Essential Oil or 4 squeezes from Fresh Lemon Wedges.
10 drops of Bio-Oil.

Mix it.

And Voila! We’re done!

Pour everything into a airtight jar, you can easily get one from our local  Daiso or Ikea.

Storage is easy, keep the jar in a fridge for months and you can use it as and when you need it.

I tried my diy-ed Bio-Oil scrub on my dry hand. Gave the skin a light scrub, rinsed it off, and immediately I saw good results!

My wrinkled hand looked so much smoother and fairer than before the scrub.

It was an awesome evening with Bio-Oil. I’m already thinking to DIY this scrub for my girlfriends for our next special occasion.

Because the event was held at Cookyn Inc, bloggers and guests also had the chance to learn cooking salmon in the simplest and healthiest way.

I had roughly jotted down the ingredients and steps, going to try it next week when Hazel is in school. (That’s when I’m free, heh!)

Shall share the recipe and steps in a separate blogpost.

Thanks Bio-Oil, you have been such a terrific product when I was pregnant and I can’t stop sharing my experience with friends.

Bio-Oil will be launching its largest sized bottle this coming May 2015.

[Event] Watsons Girls Day Out Beauty Bash

Are you a fan of Watsons? Be thrilled by their eStore that has been launched recently! With Watsons eStore, it simply means you can now shop at Watsons locally at your own convenience!

What’s even better is, you get to choose to have your shopping buys to be sent to your home or to be collected at any Watsons stores near you! Awesome right?

Anyway I attended Watsons Girls Day Out event held at Nex Atrium on their event first day. It was a blast!

I got the chance to check out the new beauty brands at the bash, had fun-filled activities like free make-up session, photobooths and hands-on of the products!

Let me tell you the event was not just on beauty, it’s also about healthcare! Here’s what I gota share:

Yu Pin Zhen’s Pure De Yan Bird’s Nest
(御品珍净之燕)

 I have tried it before, and I must say the taste is bland. But that’s what 100% pure Bird’s Nest is all about: Rich, Nourish, Bland.

At Watsons Girls Day Out event, there was a small experiment to prove the purity level of bird’s nest from Yu Pin Zhen’s Pure De Yan Bird’s Nest and another Brand, X.

Before the test, both brands of bird’s nest were colourless before the experiment. A drop of an unknown solution was added to the bird’s nest to test the purity of bird’s nest. After the mix, both bird’s nest changed colours. See the aqua and purple solution. The purple showed that the bird’s nest was not100% pure bird’s nest while aqua solution implied the bird’s nest had very high purity of bird’s nest and that’s Yu Pin Zhen’s Pure De Yan Bird’s Nest!

No rock sugar (or any sugar) is added into Yu Pin Zhen’s Pure De Yan Bird’s Nest. One spoon of it gives me the nourishment I need from a few bottles of other brands bird’s nest.

Yu Pin Zhen’s Pure De Yan Bird’s Nest is available in 2 packaging sizes.
6 bottles x 30ml – $95
2 bottles x 250ml – $152

If bird’s nest is too expensive to be drank often, here’s one more yummy (and more affordable) supplement drink for beauty!

Kinohimitsu BB Drink
Bird’s Nest with acerola cherry

Kinohimitsu BB Drink is beauty drink that helps restore your skin’s natural glow and clarity – not only on the face but the entire body, including the back, hands and legs.

But my current favourite from Kinohimitsu is their Collagen Diamond which gave me a soothing sensation. It contains Collagen Peptide which helps in anti-aging, more for starting-to-age skin like mine.

Collagen Diamond is the bottled drink on the right my photo above. I’m going to start drinking it regularly!

Kinohimitsu BB Drink Value Pack retails at $39.90 for a pack of 6, with 4 complimentary bottles.

Smile Makers

Read the captions, do you have an idea of what these are?

For a moment, I thought I was wrong, it’s not that vibrator, but perhaps a toothbrush encapsulated inside. LOL

It’s one of the new products that will be coming to out local Watsons real soon.Be thrilled. Be excited. Be shy. I got The Frenchman in my bloggers goodie bag!

I still have not figured out on how to use it. The shape is just so weird. Haha!

Purposely added one of my wedding photos into the photo above, does it look like some intimate products meant for couple use? More information on Smile Makers in their website.

Another healthcare product which I loved from Watsons Girls Day Out is,

Energeyes Digital Lenses

Prolong exposure to the glare light emitted from computer screen, mobile screen can strain our eyes, causing redness, discomfort or even headache.

Energeyes Digital Lenses are meant to reduce the emission from digital devices into our eyes by up to 50% and reduce the glare from the screens.

The ready-made ones are more for those who have eyesight perfect or wearing lenses. For those who are already wearing glasses, you can’t get the ready-made ones from Watsons. But from what I was told, some optical shops are able to incorporate this kind of lenses into the short-sighted lenses during manufacturing. My colleague custom-made hers, slightly more expensive than the average $200 pairs of glasses.

Energeyes Digital Lenses are available in a few colours with different frame-shapes.

Anyway, wearing zero-degree glasses is like a fashion these days, no harm getting one pair and use it when you’re on the computer. Time to learn to protect your eyes!

Retailing at $67.90 at local Watsons store.

Visit www.energeyes-eyewear.com for more information.

These are the 4 healthcare products which I love from Watsons Girls Day Out. I’ll blog about more loves on subsequent blogposts. You can also check out instagram #WatsonsGDO for more photos! I will also be spamming my instagram (username: sunkisstiffy) with my favourite picks from the goodie bag!

Watsons Girls Day Out is still on-going at Nex Shopping Mall Atrium from now till this Sunday, 15th March 2015. Free entry to enjoy the fun and pampering by Watsons!

[Review] Bioderma Hydrabio Sérum

After introducing my skin-loving Dr+Nu:ll Miracle Fitting Essence in the previous review, here’s another product worth trying,

Bioderma Hydrobio Serum

Texture
On some days, Bioderma Hydrobio Serum is almost as hydrating as a day moisturizer for my skin, despite it is only a gel-like serum. But this does not give me a reason to skip my moisturizer ya.

When I applied on my skin, the spreading of the serum feels like I am applying a moisturizer.

Results
It is not exactly as rich as a moisturizer, but quite effective in providing a minimum moisturizing level. The scent is soothing and just nice for my liking. Have to massage longer to ensure serum is fully absorbed into the skin. I know it’s absorbed once my skin feels less greasy.

Plus & Minus Points
I can’t seem to find any minus point on this product! It’s good enough for me!

Availability
You can get it from Blackbox.sg!

*

Share with you a short background on #TheNewBlackBox.

What will the NEW BlackBox be?
– Magazine-style site with Beauty, Fashion and Entertainment editorials from Classic and Luxury brands and video content.

-Enhanced sampling subscription experience. Recipients get to pick the items that they want to try. They also have access to purchase Exclusive BlackBoxes.
– Members get to review the products they have tried and earn points.

Use my discount code (BBXTIFF10) to enjoy 10% off all exclusive boxes! Stay tuned to what’s coming up!

* I have actually received one exclusive blackbox (“Hey Betty, I’m on a vacay!”) last month and am going to share what’s inside within the next 2 weeks!

Purchase a sampling Blackbox if you want to try multiple samples ranging from skincare to to haircare. You can see what sampling products Blackbox are having this month here.

Have fun receiving your mysterious Blackbox!

[Product Review] Dr+Nu:ell Miracle Fitting Essence

Hello, I’m back for this dusty blog of mine! I have been so busy that I can’t even finish blogging about my Melbourne Trip. Shall continue that next time.

Received a few sponsorships towards end of 2014 and beginning of this year, shall review the products in the days to come.

First product I am reviewing is,

Dr+Nu:ll Miracle Fitting Essence

This skin-loving product is showing some positive results on my dry cheeks  and I am very impressed an essence like this can save my skin’s drying condition.

Texture
I like how the gel-like texture essence makes my skin feels silky smooth. The product texture is relatively light and is not greasy at all.

Results
I am impressed with how a small amount of the essence is able to brighten up my dull skin. Dr+Nu:ell Miracle Fitting Essence has the ability to firm up the skin because I notice instant less visibility on the fine lines on my face.

Even though it is only an essence, it provides relatively good moisture to my skin too. This is the miracle effect! On my late-for-work day, I actually skip my moisturizer just by using this! It is made up of plant stem cell which can really relieve skin stress. So I say this is a must for my skincare routine in the night.

Plus & Minus Points
It is safe for sensitive skin as it does not contain Paraben, Colourant, Benzophenone, Phenoxyethanol. It will be good if the scent can be lighter.

很神奇吧？这么一小瓶的东西竟然是一个护肤宝贝！

Availability
You can get it from Blackbox.sg!

*

Oh well, I have previously blogged about what Blackbox is all about in 2013. Incase you are not aware, Blackbox has revamped this year.

What is the current Black Box?
– A free subscription lifestyle sample box
– “Blind Sampling” (recipients do not know what samples they will receive until the day the boxes reaches them)
– Timed (bi-monthly)
– Limited number of boxes (1,500 every bi-month)

What will the NEW BlackBox be?
– Magazine-style site with Beauty, Fashion and Entertainment editorials from Classic and Luxury brands and video content.

-Enhanced sampling subscription experience. Recipients get to pick the items that they want to try. They also have access to purchase Exclusive BlackBoxes.
– Members get to review the products they have tried and earn points.

Use my discount code (BBXTIFF10) to enjoy 10% off all exclusive boxes! Stay tuned to what’s coming up!

Get this Blackbox if you want to try multiple samples ranging from skincare to to haircare. You can see what sampling products Blackbox are having this month here.

Have fun receiving your mysterious Blackbox!

Melbourne Day 2 – Travelling Alone

Good morning. Took a sunrise view from my hotel room.

It’s my first day to self-roam at Melbourne, not too bad an experience.

I had some small bite at a cafe called Hunger Game located at Southern Cross Station since I’ve missed my Puffing Billy tour. (The tour agency was nice enough to slot me into the Thursday tour group)

Hot chocolate with Passionfruit tart.

Hunger Game Cafe
Southern Cross Railway Station
Docklands Victoria 3008
Australia

Melbourne’s History Water Clock. Installed since 1883. Original location at Flinders Street Station. Shifted 5 times. Finally fixed here.

And I started walking my own tour from here.

 While navigating around myself, I enjoyed looking at the historical buildings, the fresh air and the chilling weather.

Walked a longggggg distance to Flinders Station. Beautiful building!

I didn’t want to take the City Circle tram as I wanted to check out the shops along the streets.

Took a selfie using my selfie stick so as to capture the tower clock! I didn’t feel shy about taking selfie even though there were passerby looking at me, and at the selfie stick. Seemed to me selfie stick wasn’t common and popular with the Caucasians?

Thanks to the sponsorship from selfiesticksg.com. If you are looking for one too, they are now having a buy 3 get 1 free promo, SGD14 each, inclusive of tripod stand and phone bracket.

By the time I was done with Flinders St Station, that was like half the CBD perimeter walk, I decided to take the free tram.

The free tram wasn’t crowded on a weekday.

While on the tram, I got to see horse-carriage! Wish I had a chance to sit on it!

The City Circle tram travelled around the CBD perimeter, free for all, and I got to passby some magnificent buildings like the Parliament and Winsor Hotel which used to be a favorite for quite a few celebrities.

Winsor Hotel, still looking grand from its architure structure.

When the tram reached the Parliament place, I realised there were quite a few historical buildings worth checking out, and so I alighted and started my walk again.

The Old Treasury Building is widely regarded as one of the finest 19th century buildings in Australia.

The Old Treasury building was designed by nineteen-year-old architect JJ Clark and built between 1858 and 1862.

Parliament House in Melbourne, located at Spring Street in East Melbourne at the edge of the Melbourne city centre, has been the seat of the Parliament of Victoria, Australia, since 1855 (except for the years 1901 to 1927, when it was the seat of the Federal Parliament of Australia).

Spring Street reminded me of our City Hall and Raffles Place where our historical buildings are in Singapore.

I didn’t realize this building until I noticed groups of students were touring there.

Stanford Fountain (1867-1870)

Took a snap of the withered tree.

Kept walking and saw a gothic-looking church from far, and decided to walk towards its direction.

And turned out it’s St Patrick’s Cathedral. Quite a well-known cathedral in Melbourne.

Made me think of Europe! Ah, I miss Europe!

I’m not a Cathlolic but I found peace when I stepped into the church. May peace be with you.

Took a last shot of the church architecture before I left.

Took the same route from where I came from, it was drizzling, luckily I brought my umbrella.

Caught the free tram  along Flinders Street and passby St Paul’s Cathedral, another magnificent-looking building.

I alighted at Collins/Elizabeth Street to dropby The Block Arcade, and guessed what I saw along the way?

It’s Daiso!! It was quite a big store, very much more spacious than SG’s, but there was not more than 10 customers including myself! LOL! My first time to see a not-crowded Daiso store.

It’s so empty than I could even pull out my selfie stick and take a selfie!

I didn’t buy anything from Melbourne Daiso, too expensive for me, they had more or less the same things as SG, perhaps a little more variety.

Daiso
QV Melbourne
221 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne 3000
Level 3, Near Fitness First

More Daiso outlets can be found here.

Block Arcade is a heritage shopping arcade in the central business district of Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne’s Golden Mile heritage walk runs through the arcade.

I actually wondered is it buildings with the name, arcade, will have those Victorian architecture style? Our SG The Arcade at Raffles Place have similar style, especially the lamps on the wall and the railings.

Selfie-time! Hehe!

Anyway inside Block Arcade lies a popular tea room, Hopetoun Tearooms.

Hopetoun Tea Rooms is my greatest find in this building! It’s one of the highly popular cafe in Melbourne.

It was long queue when I reached, I didn’t want to waste the time, so I decided to leave and bring hubby here during the second last day to try the cakes before returning home.

Pardon the blur photo here. Will upload a clearer photo in my Day 6 blogpost! But here’s one more shot on the cakes!!

So tempting right?

Hopetoun Tearooms
282 Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Australia

I left the Block Arcade, continued walking towards one of my shortlisted cafe, Workshop along Elizabeth Street.

It wasn’t easy to find Workshop cafe. I actually missed it and overshot walking. The entrance wasn’t infront of the building but it’s at the side and gota turn in to really see the door. It’s a hidden gem.

What attracted me to this cafe was to see its graffiti. To my disappointment, there wasn’t any graffiti except a wall at the rooftop area. I guessed the cafe had repainted recently. Only the staircase up to the cafe had what I called vandalism.

I was very disappointed with the miserable menu. I ended up eating greens. Oh well, a healthy meal once in awhile won’t kill me.

I believe the cafe has been reformed into a bar for chillax.

This was the only graffiti I saw.

The Australians were pretty enjoying the cold weather, the “free aircon” by having beer on a rainy afternoon! I was very cold and as usual, ordered hot choc.

Gosh, this was by far the largest glass of hot chocolate I ever had. And it’s very thick and “solid” (in Singlish)!

Smoked Salmon salad. The greens look dull to me, only one kind of leaf?? But hey, the salad tasted fresh and tasty, especially the spiciness from the fresh onion rings!

I’m not a fan of salad, so when I say it’s nice, it is really nice!

Ok lah, though the menu was disappointing, the food compensated for it.

Workshop Bar Cafe
Level 1, 413 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Went for some shopping at Bourke Street before heading to another cafe for dinner, alone.

Commercial Bakery, the place where I had my most expensive dinner, but worth it lah, since it’s only once here.

It’s quite a spacious cafe and restaurant. When I reached at about 7.45am, the cafe section was already closed, while the dining area was opened. It was raining heavily outside, and so I took a long dinner enjoying my food while waiting for the rain to stop (though it didn’t stop).

I had Pan Roasted Barramundi fillet, the most tastiest fillet I’ve tried.

Service was excellent here. I was served with complimentary water and bread. The bread, so soft!

The only regret I had was I didn’t have the chance to go back for their breakfast.

Sad.

Commerical Bakery & Gills Diner
360 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Australia

And I returned to my hotel walking all the way from Lt Collins St to Southern Cross station at Spencer St.

It was a very cold evening to end my day.

 

Melbourne Day 1 – Getting Around

Flew to Melbourne lately. It was an impromptu trip. Hubby was assigned to work in Melbourne for a week, I just tagged along to save on accommodation and a few meals which were claimed to his company (sssh~)! While he’s at work, I toured around myself, and I had fun traveling alone!

Before flying off, I had a few concerns,

Checking in my breastmilk
Pumping on plane and in public
Freezing my breastmilk
Phototaking (Selfie)

I must be lucky that everything turned on pretty smooth! Shall blog about me pumping in Melbourne in a separate blogpost. I’m just going to emphasize on taking selfie!

Thanks to sponsorship from selfiesticksg.com. My selfie stick came just in time for me to explore its convenience in Melbourne!

Okay so I book the same flight as hubby to Melbourne.

While crossing the airport custom, my handcarry bag was scanned to contain suspicious item, which turned out to be my selfie stick! Oopsie! But no issue, I was still allowed to pass with my selfie stick, just that it caused a delay in the queue.

Just before landing at Tullamarine airport, my camera was spoilt! Ho sey la! I could only survive my trip using my phone (Samsaung S4) camera. Luckily I brought along a spare battery! You’ll be surprised how terrific the phone camera is! Of course, the surrounding lighting play apart in the photography.

Sunrise shot taken before landing. The fluffy clouds below me looked like a pot of steam with volcano lava boiling inside.

There’s nothing much at Tullamarine airport. The most important counter was the mobile service provider counter. LOL! Being a social media platform user, I would want to have access to the internet all the time, especially when travelling overseas! And of course to stay in touch with hubby since we would be apart most of the times, just to make sure I would not be lost elsewhere~

And so we bought the AUD$2/day SIM card. The minimum number of days to buy was 5 days, which we bought, but surprisingly, the usage was extended to the 8-9th day! *Happy max*

Anyway, there was free wifi at the airport and was very easy to login, unlike SG, still need to register. Tsk!

There were free phone booths to call for shuttle service from a few hotels. Ours was complimentary.

There’s also an information counter at the airport, just outside the arrival hall. That’s where I booked my day tours to Philip Island, Great Ocean Road, and Puffing Billy train ride. The staff was very helpful and assisted to plan my itinerary for the day tours.

To get to the city (Southern Cross Railway Station) will need to take the Sky Bus, which cost AUD$30/pax for a round trip. Tickets can be bought from the airport information counter, the departure terminal at the airport, or Southern Cross Railway Station. The ride takes 30 mins, with no stops during the journey.

Once alighting at Southern Cross, follow this Hungry Jacks signage to exit the station, before getting into the main street.

Staircase at Southern Cross Railway Station. I’m quite impressed with the staircase, it’s like one of the perfect shot for Instagram.

From Southern Cross, it’s pretty easy to walk into the bustling street like Bourke Street where the malls are.

We didn’t bought their Myki-card (instead of MRT, their is Yarra Tram on the road). Haha, we (even when I was alone) walked throughout the whole trip!

The good thing is, there’s a City Circle tram, free for everyone including tourists! Interval for the City Circle tram was very short, maybe like 5 minutes only! Each station is very near another station, so no worries if you overshot, it’s a short distance to walk back ya. But this free tram can be very crowded on a working day evening where everyone knocks off from work.

The free tram covers most of the tourist attraction places in Melbourne City. For places outside city, good to rent a car and self-drive, or join a day tour where pick-up locations are in the city.

As I stayed outside the city and had to get to Southern Cross whenever I headed to the city, I chose a pick-up location at Vibe Savoy Hotel which is less than a 5-minute walk from Southern Cross.

It was almost end of Winter in Melbourne. I thought deciduous trees looked very pretty.

And so Hubby and I just navigate using the maps gotten at the airport. We thought of checking out the GPO where the H&M hype was. It’s at Bourke Street and we found it very easily.

And then we realized Bourke Street was the most happening street, where most shopping could be done here.

The public purse.

I was carrying my trusty backpack bought from Taobao. You’ll be surprised what I put inside. Will share it in a separate blogpost.

I didn’t know what’s special about it, hubby just told me take a photo with it. It’s prolly some art piece at Bourke Street. Anyway, there were lotsa graffiti (arts?) in Melbourne streets.

And here we were, taking photo using my sponsored selfie stick! Thanks to selfiesticksg.com! If not for the selfie stick, there’s no way I could take a photo with hubby together with the graffiti as backdrop!

This photo isn’t about arts. I was just trying to take an artistic photo of this alley. LOL!

We were late for lunch and decided to head for my first cafe-to-try, Brunetti.

It was about 3pm on a Sunday, and the cafe was fully packed. Needed awhile to grab two seats, and another short while to queue for the food.

Brunetti served alot of cakes! I had a hard time deciding what to order!

We had pizza, cakes and macarons.

We didn’t feel very full, but it’s late lunch and we still had to go for dinner later on. So we (or rather it’s me, hubby would usually follow what I wanted to eat) just made do with these.

We went to the Royal Arcade.

The Royal Arcade is a significant Victorian era building and is a part of the Victorian Heritage Register.

Look what we found!

The Little Royal Macarons!

Hubby told me these macarons had been tried by the Running Man! So it must be good!

Before we left, another selfie!

Sky turned dark at 6pm and it’s our first day at Melbourne. Hubby didn’t want to stay out too late, especially he had to get up for work the next day. So we left the city.

Back at the hotel room,

I applied body lotion vigorously. The weather’s cold and dry in Melbourne.  I could feel my skin was getting dry and might crack anytime.

Dirty Works body lotion helped!

[New Product] Elizabeth Arden UNTOLD ABSOLU

Received a pleasant surprise from my sponsor, Elizabeth Arden couple of weeks ago.

Introducing a new addition to the Elizabeth Arden UNTOLD family of fragrances,

UNTOLD ABOSLU

UNTOLD ABSOLU continues the UNTOLD sensory journey, celebrating the intrigue of the modern woman in a new light.

The new fragrance is all about

Glamorous (new facet)
Captivating (new facet)
Refined
Mysterious
Sensual

Just like the earlier UNTOLD, UNTOLD ABOLU bottle is made up many facets, to show the versatile nature of a woman.

A remarkable appearance on the bottle is the golden band around the curvature of the bottle. The deep golden hue together with the golden band makes itself glamorous and captivating.

I prefer the golden band to the silver. The gold just makes the bottle looks very classy, and mesmerizing! Makes my vanity table looks good!

The scent from the first spray was a little turn off to me. However, the scent slowly evolved into a long-lasting fruity one! This has to be one of the perfect scent in my collection as the fruity essence is just nice (I’m not a fan of overwhelming fruity scent) and complements very well with the lighter floral scent.

UNTOLD ABOLU was love at first sniff for me (and my mum)!

UNTOLD ABSOLU Eau de Parfum, 100ml, SGD131
UNTOLD ABSOLU Eau de Parfum, 50ml, SGD105
UNTOLD ABSOLU Eau de Parfum, 30ml, SGD76

Already launched islandwide since 28 August 2014.

Available at all Elizabeth Arden authorized counters.

*Psst! This makes a good Christmas present for mums.

More blogposts on UNTOLD here and UNTOLD Legere here.

[Event] Creer Beaute Officially Launches In Singapore

The long-awaited Japanese Anime make up line, Creer Beaute, has made its way to SG!

Creer Beaute brought along Versailles (Based on a mango called The Rose of Versailles) and Sailor Moon series of makeup products to the selected local Watsons stores!

*Excited*

A little background on Creer Beaute

Creer Beaute is actually a cosmetics subsidiary of Bandai. They have launched make up products based on a few popular series La Rose de Versailles, Urusei Yatsura, and Sailor Moon. Creer Beaute has also alunched men’s products like Dragon Ball Z Hair Wax series.

*Impressed*

Awarded products for Versailles series

Lady Oscar Liquid Eyeliner, SGD20.50
Lady Oscar Liquid Eyeliner EX, SGD20.50
The Rose of Versailles Oscar & Rosalie Face Mask, SGD7.80

Versailles is the most popular line under Creer Beaute. It’s based on the mango The Rose Of Versailles, also know as Lady Oscar or La Rose de Versailles.

Difference between Lady Oscar Liquid Eyeliner and Lady Oscar Liquid Eyeliner Ex

Both liquid eyeliners have tip as fine as 0.1mm, long lasting and smudge proof. Both have very fast-drying properties too. The only difference is, Lady Oscar Liquid Eyeliner EX is coupled with wild rose oil and rose water, a natural caring property for the delicate skin on the eyeline.

Lady Oscar Liquid Eyeliner Black

In the same Versailles series,  there are also very good mascara worth checking out.

The Rose of Versailles Volume Mascara, SGD24.70
The Rose of Versailles Shining Long Mascara, SGD 24.70

The Rose of Versailles Volume Mascara

Difference between The Rose of Versailles Volume and The Rose of Versailles Shining Long Mascara

Needless to say much, one focuses on volumising the eyelashes, the other focuses on lengthening.

Both mascara are good at minimizing the clumps and easy to apply on my bottom eyelashes as well.

For those who prefer pencil eyeliner, Versailles series have it in brown and black, SGD22.60 each. Smudge-proof and easy to draw with its creamy texture.

If you’re looking at eyebrow pencils, yes, Versailles have it too, in dark brown and light brown.

Creer Beaute is has also brought in facial masks under Versailles series, too good to be missed!

So that’s for the Versailles series.

Come to Sailor Moon series!

Miracle Romance is the signature range of Creer Beaute. Star product in this range is, Star Power Prism Eyeliner.

Miracle Romance Star Power Prism Liquidliner Black and Brown, SGD24.70
Miracle Romance Star Power Prism Pencilliner White, SGD18.50
Miracle Romance Star Power Prism Lameliner Red and Blue, SGD24.70
Miracle Romance Star Power Prism Lameliner Set Orange Gold and Green, SGD36.90

Focus here will be on the coloured eyeliners,

Miracle Romance Star Power Prism Lameliner in red, blue, orange gold and green.

The opacity here is very light, infact the coloured eyeline becomes very uneven. It’s recommended to draw this on top of black eyeliner.

I tried to overlay the blue on my Lady Oscar Liquid Eyeliner Black drawn earlier. As you can see, towards the last letter ‘r’, the blue is not visible at all. Not easy to draw if you’re a newbie in liquid eyeliner.

It’s smudge proof, and yet easily removed with makeup removal wipes, which is a plus point.

Do note that the Orange Gold and Green are available in sets with a liquid eyeliner.

Orange Gold + Liquid Eyeliner in Brown
Green + Liquid Eyeliner in Black

For the ladies who want to create the teary eyes look like Sailor Moon, Miracle Romance range has this pencilliner in white to create it!

Miracle Romance Star Power Prism Pencilliner White, SGD18.50

This pencilliner white comes in creamy texture, has got shimmery powder to create this watery, bright and fresh eyelook.

Most of the white pencil eyeliner which I have tried, are not long lasting and tends to fade away after 4 hours due to oil sebum and sweat.

But Creer Beaute Miracle Romance Star Power Prism Pencilliner White proves itself to be smudge-proof, anti-oil, anti-sweat and long-lasting! I like to use it on my bottom waterline, to give the eyes a brightening look.

Be sure to notice the variety of these pretty packaged products at selected Watsons stores: Jurong Point, Vivo City, Ngee Ann City, Asia Square, Compass Point, Parkway Parade, Junction 8, Causeway Point, Yew Tee Point West Mall and all 49 Watsons stores with Japanese Corner like Takashimaya and Marina Square.