Garden State

Hey you, my dear bumblebees! So, I've got this new hair serum that I am so in love..! If you have read my previous post, then you knew that recently I got my hair dyed again and that my hair is a bit damaged now.

First of all, I have to let you know I have a straight, dry, and frizzy hair. Second of all, I wash my hair every day. I have this greasy feeling if I let my hair unwashed. Even if I stay at home all day long, I still have to wash my hair. Because, basically we sweat, right? Lastly, I blow dry, straighten or curl my hair almost every day! I feel bad about it, but this frizz makes me had to do this.

Therefore, in order to get a silky hair, I'm getting this:

The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum

I could say I'm glad that I discovered this product! When I was just browsing around the shop, the BA told me that it is one of the best selling products. I tried the tester and put a little amount of it on the ends of my hair. I was shocked at first my hair instantly looked greasy. Totally not impressed, I ended up buying another thing from the store. But then, since I have a habit to touch my hair, guess what? When I touched my dry ends, it became so soft, smooth, silky, and shiny! Oh well, it turns out the serum worked like that because my hair was completely dry during the application, it took some time to absorb.

So I eventually purchased the product and I've found the perfect way to apply it on my hair. The trick is to apply it on towel dried hair from the middle until the ends of the hair. Don't use it on the roots! Take six pumps for mid back hair length like mine.

Look how glossy the serum gel is!

What I like:

• controls frizz
• gives instant shine and smoothness
• untangles knots
• smells lovely
• natural ingredients

What I dislike:

• a bit pricey as I need to pump a lot of amount for my thick hair

Who would love: Those with dry or frizzy hair.

Price: IDR 179k per 75ml

I suggest you to use this product with The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Detangling Spray to give a complete care for outdoor activities.

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Have you guys watched Divergent yet? Go watch it at the cinema if you haven't yet!
Or anyone here has finished reading the Divergent trilogy? I just purchased the e-book. Oh my....! Gosh! I have this huge crush on Theodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis a.k.a Theo James who plays Four in the movie. I got my beating heart when I saw him. He's not just another British hawtie! Who can resist his sexy back, though?! It only took me one mili-second to realize how masculine he was. Throughout the movie, I literally couldn't take my eyes of him. Btw, I went to the cinema with my dad. So I was kind of ignoring him when he commented on some scenes. LOL!

Ellie Goulding - Beating Heart.

P.S: My first giveaway winner is out! Congratulations, Cottonkuma! Kindly click here to see the detailed update.

Black Stiletto

Here's to another new drugstore product that I finally tried and tested! Maybelline is one of my favorite brands that's not only affordable but also offers good quality products. Because I'm running out of mascara and I'm the kind of person who loves trying out new stuffs out there, I chose Maybelline Long Extreme Stiletto as a substitute for The Falsies Volum' Express.

The mascara featuring Chubette, I got her as a Christmas gift from my editor in chief.
And the black cat postcard behind her was a farewell gift from my mentor. My ex-coworkers are so lovely ♥︎

It claims to be the hottest thing lashes will ever wear. The mascara that does for lashes what stilettos do for legs, with 55% longer lashes, and shiny patent finish.

The wand is bendable, it's supposed to grasp each lash and coats from every angle easier.

Directions: Brush upwards from root to tip to grasp each lash and coat from every angle to achieve extreme length and shine. Continue building lashes until you reach your desired look. Do not let dry between coats.

Review: To tell you the truth, at first I was interested with the sleek packaging rather than the promises it gives. My lashes are thin and short, I'd be looking for a mascara that gives both length and volume. Maybelline Long Extreme Stiletto does what it promises, it lengthen my eyelashes like twice longer, it's also waterproof and as a contact lenses user I don't find it flaking. However, I'll be still constantly try another mascara out there that could give me both volume and length. About the unpleasant smelling odor, it only bothers me while applying the product. This mascara dries so fast, so don't worry about that. It can be tricky at times if you want to apply many coats, always remember not to let dry between coats or else it'll get clumpy.

What I like:

• lengthens my lashes
• holds my curl
• contact lens safe
• nice glossy packaging
• waterproof
• easy to find in any drugstore

What I dislike:

• unpleasant smelling odor
• clumpy when applying too many coats

Who would love: Those with thick lashes looking for length.

Price: IDR 95k

Time to use a bright nail polish! I'm using Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat in peach fuzz and Etude House Petit Darling HD Beam in fantastic pearl as a top coat.

The Fuzzy Coat texture is like small threads in clear base,
while the Petit Darling is a clear top coat in small glitter shimmering particles.

The final look.

The result looks cute but I definitely don't love it! The nail polish was super duper difficult to remove! T^T So frustrating. Thankfully, I only did one coat and applied them just on my finger nails.
Anyone here using this Fuzzy Coat too? Mind to share the tips on removing it?

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Calvin Harris - Summer.

I mustn't be the only one who loves summer, right? On Summer, I have a chance to travel to new places, meet up new people, and learn something new. My favorite Summer so far was back in 2010 when I visited West Europe. Read the stories here and here. This year, I'll be likely visiting the States again to reunite with my sister! YEAY~! Dunno if I would be able to visit somewhere new or just stay in NYC. But hopefully, my mom and I could visit our family friend in Memphis too. Four months to go! I can't wait to shop around the Times Square and Fifth Avenue!!

Daily Cleansing Routine

Let's back to basics! Cleansing face properly is a very essential thing to do for everyone. Make it as a top priority and your skin will thank you. I myself wash my face two times a day, in the morning and evening.
In the evening, remember to remove your makeup before cleansing. Double cleanse is needed if you wear makeup or sunscreen, because both of makeup and sunscreen are designed to stay on your face. You will need an extra effort to take this away from your face. For me, I'm using these products to cleanse my face:

Etude House Wonder Pore Whipping Foaming

The popular Wonder Pore line.

"I'm the Wonder Woman for your pores."

It's not Etude House if it doesn't come in such cute packaging.

You can use it as a mask too every once or twice a week.

The packaging comes with a metallic can with a plastic cap. The foam scent smells somewhat better than the Wonder Pore Freshner. It has a menthol formula that stings when it gets around my lips area. I have an oily combination skin so I hate the feeling of cleanser that leaves my skin dry afterwards, especially around cheeks. This one does a good job at balancing my skin, leaving my skin moisturized on the outside (because how do I know if it moisturized as well on the inside?). It does control the amount of sebum. Although, not quite in a large amount 'cause I still have to blot my skin while using both the foam and toner.

Price: IDR 165k per 200ml

Tips:

• When you are in the shower, wash your face last – after you have rinsed off any shampoo or conditioner.
• Pat your skin dry with a clean cotton towel. If your skin is dry or sensitive, leave your skin damp.
• Make sure you have a separate towel just for your face. Especially for those who have issues with acne.

Now let's test whether it can deep cleanse your pores or not.

I have waterproof mascara, non waterproof mascara, lipstick, liptint, eyeshadow, eyeliner, BB cream on the back of my hand.

The foam texture is really soft, it's the softest foam cleanser I've ever used, compared to The Face Shop Blemish Zero Bubble Foam Cleanser and Tony Moly Dr. Tony AC Control Bubble Foam Cleanser. I guess, it's called whipping foam because it's nothing like bubble foam. If you take a closer look of its foam, it looks exactly like a whip cream atop your frappé :9

(left) Before: Running water test.
(right) After: Waterproof mascara, non-waterproof mascara and lipstick aren't perfectly removed.

See the result? That's why you totally need to double cleanse your face when wearing makeup!

Let's move on to the double cleansing, shall we? I do this step before washing my face with the Etude House Wonder Pore Whipping Foaming. However, this step would only be done when I'm wearing makeup or sunscreen.

My duo makeup removing tools.

Maybelline Clean Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

Go beyond makeup remover to clean express in a New York minute.

The powerful bi-phase formula instantly breaks down stubborn makeup. It removes waterproof and long-wearing makeup. Dermatologist & allergy tested, and specially formulated to effectively remove stubborn makeup.
Those who love using a waterproof mascara, must also love this product, I've never found such remover that removes my waterproof mascara so easily. It does what it claims. Well, it leaves a very oily residue afterwards, but who cares? I'll wash my face anyways.

Directions: Shake well before use. Soak a cotton pad with the lotion and gently wipe away makeup.

What I like:

• removes makeup efficiently with little force
• inexpensive
• easy to find in any drugstores

What I dislike:

• leaves a very oily residue

Price: IDR 55k per 70ml

Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser

Apparently on my packaging, it doesn't state the ingredients, so I had to take my mom's.

In one simple step, this soothing cleanser creates the sensation of water-fresh cleansing — without the water. Moringa Seed extract gently rinses-away impurities and light make-up with a fresh, non-foaming action. The peach's softening and soothing properties leaves your skin smooth, supple and velvety-soft.
Even though, it's formulated for normal or dry skin, it feels fine to my oily combination skin.

Directions: Apply using a cotton pad and gently sweep over the face.

Natural ingredients:

• Peach Essential Water, rich in glucose and fructose: immediately improves skin softness, suppleness and comfort.
• Coconut derivative, a gentle non-foaming cleansing agent: dissolves surface grime and light make-up.
• Moringa Seed extract: neutralises harmful pollution and detoxifies the skin.
• Isphagul and Provitamin B5: soften and hydrate the skin by rebalancing its protective mantle, the hydrolipidic film.
• Honey and Glycerine: regulate and maintain skin's moisture level.

What I like:

• water-based formula
• peach scent
• not oily nor drying

What I dislike:

• only removes light makeup
• pretty expensive

Price: GBP 10 per 100ml

“A recent survey found that while 93 percent of women think wearing makeup to bed will harm their skin, only 6 in 10 women are actually taking the time to clean their face before turning in every night.”

Are you one of them, my bumblebees?

Acne Fighting Routine

Who doesn't want to have a clear flawless skin? Most of adult population have experienced fighting acne, or more like zits. Even though acne is not a life threatening condition, it can impact your life, it can trigger insecurities and self esteem. For me personally, I have suffered acne since I was in university.

My every night acne fighting routine.

However, lately I've got zits and I guess it was because of makeup, bad diet and my poor sleeping schedule. So remember to remove your makeup properly and eat lesser fast food. I don't even eat veggies *sorry, it's a bad habit* I've been a picky eater ever since I was a child. I still remember the days I could spend hours just to eat my meals. Anyway, I am trying to change my lifestyle to eat more green, but not at home! Some veggies that I sometimes eat are like lettuce, broccoli, cucumber, kai-lan and spinach. I eat kimchi too at Korean BBQ. Other than that, I'll have a hard time to swallow T^T

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Water

I bought this altogether with the AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot and 30 pieces of cotton swabs for IDR 135k. This bottle was made of plastic and contains 15 ml of a Caladine-like water. It smells refreshing to me, even if you're new to spot treatment, I bet you can handle this kind of smell. I use this after washing my face and remember to always shake the bottle. Although it's said that it can be used during the day before makeup application, I found that the white powder marked my zits and ended up looking weird because my CC cream couldn't cover it. So I use this during the day only when I just stay at home.

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot

Just like the name, it's really pink! It's a non comedogenic and formulated with salicylic acid and hinoki cypress. It smells like herbal medicine, but honestly, this acne spot treatment has the most tolerable smell from all the similar products I've ever used. Not to mention, it sticks to my skin really well, so it won't stain my pillow the next morning. I would definitely repurchase this item.

A glass bottle and it's for 12 months usage. YAY!

Oh, unlike the water one, do not shake the bottle! Allow the powder to settle and the bottom. That's why you would need a cotton swab to dip it. I use this after washing my face and applying my toner - emulsion - essence every night. This product has amazingly lessen my zits in three weeks. I'd recommend this to those who have acne prone skin.

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Patch

I actually wrote a review of this kind of product back in 2013, kindly read it here, you can find the review at the end of the post. I was actually shocked when I was at the cashier 'cause I bought this for IDR 48k, LOL. I thought the price would be about the same with The Face Shop and Tony Moly. Despite of the price, it works just the same. The strip contains 14 different size of patches. I don't think I'd repurchase this anymore, it's too expensive for a spot patch. I guess I'd just stick with Tony Moly.

The patch is really clear when I put it to my bare face.

Besides using all the products above, I still use Bedak Saripohatji regularly. I've cut the usage down to once or twice a week, I used to wear this mask every night before sleeping, but I'm afraid it'd make my skin dry. FYI, I am currently using it while writing this post :D

Anyway, fighting acne can leave scars. I have some brown spots on my face because of these zits *sigh* Thanks to makeup we can cover them. However, there are some treatments too to fades the brown spots, such as home remedies or laser. I prefer home remedies, though. It's cheaper, slowly but sure.

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Song of the week:

MBLAQ - Our Relationship.

Though I'm not a fan of MBLAQ, I find their 6th mini album interesting after watching the MV teaser for this song. Do you like it too?

P.S: My sister runs a beauty blog too. She's back to the blogosphere~ Click here to check her blog out!

Skin Care Adventure

I reviewed my own essentials a year ago, and guess what? A year makes a big difference. Most of my essentials has changed. I tried so many different products from different brands. Through testing some other brands, I found some that works well with my skin and those who don't.

On my list, these are the overrated products that I found not effectively working on my skin.

La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream

Not mine. It all belongs to my mom.

Click to zoom the description.

Since it's an extremely exclusive product that costs around IDR 1.7M per jar. I was expecting a fantastic result, but unfortunately I didn't find any improvement on my skin. Meh. I was only using a small sample jar that lasted for a month and then stopped after the first jar, because it didn't do as it promised *sobs* They said, when patting it onto the skin, you'd feel the instant soothing effect. It sounds too exaggerating 'cause I felt nothing close to that.

The smell was tolerable and it's not sticky even on my T-zone.

Meanwhile, on my mom's skin, I noticed a lot of improvement. She has a dry skin, not to mention she's in her early 60s, now her face condition is well-hydrated and some brown spots are disappearing. This product also works on my sister's skin (check out her new awesome blog!). She's been lovin' it thus far. So I conclude, this product perhaps didn't work on me due to my skin type and age factor. My sister is only 3 years older than me anyways :D

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

The product states it was clinically demonstrated to rapidly correct dark spot on the upper layer of the skin and clarify skin tone. For deep visible correction on surface layers. The retail price is IDR 655k per bottle.

Again. Not mine, it's my mom's.

The clinical study of the product that tested on all skin types including sensitive:

• In as little as two weeks, 55% of women clinically demonstrated a significant reduction in dark-spot intensity.

• In four weeks, 69% of women clinically demonstrated a continued reduction in dark spots and 73% of women showed a significant reduction in acne scarring. Reduction in other skin discolorations was clinically evident among 69% of women.

• In eight weeks, 87% of women clinically demonstrated more uniform skin tone to deliver breakthrough clarity.

• With continued daily usage, Clearly Corrective helps prevent the formation of future dark spots and other skin discolorations.

• Free of silicones, parabens, fragrance, colorants and optical diffusers.

Directions: Apply morning and night, before your moisturizer. May be used as spot treatment or over entire face. May also be used to correct visible discoloration on hands, neck and chest.

I tested this product in a 4ml sample, though I couldn't remember how many weeks did it last. I used it almost every night on my dark spots, yet I barely saw any improvement. I even developed some zits.

To my surprise, it contains salicylic acid, but why it broke me out?

Looks like water, yes?

It's packaged in a glass bottle with a dropper built-in cap. Even though it looks like water, the serum consistency is thick and a bit sticky when it absorbs into the skin. It also has an odd scent, I don't like it.

A single drop is enough for my dark spots.

I actually adore Kiehl's since I was impressed in their Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream (it's one of my empties, but I haven't bought a new one yet since I've been testing another cream). Regardless, this was a big disappointment. I don't think the product suits an oily combination skin like mine. Whereas, on my mom's skin, as I stated before, her brown spots are disappearing. She is using this product altogether with her La Mer cream. 

P.S: This is an honest review that's written by me based upon my acknowledgment. As we might have a different skin condition, live in a different environment and do different habits, these products may work differently on yours.

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Meanwhile, I've got this jazzy song on my recent playlist. It's from the Bean Pole outdoor new CF song. Good news is, this song is released for free on Korean website song provider! Bad news is, it can't be downloaded legally in Indonesia. Ugh..

Suzy (Miss A) - Wind Wind Wind.

Don't you feel like you're on vacation and there's a cool breeze while listening to this song? It brings you a peaceful feeling.

Oh, talking about Suzy. Let me talk about her partner on the CF too. Especially to those who still could not move on from My Love From Another Star series (post-drama syndrome is still in me), here I'll share you one special OST that was sung by Kim Soo Hyun!! Remember the proposal scene by the beach? They really make this happen, guys! I miss Do Manager and Cheon SongYi. They're my most favorite on-screen couple.

Kim Soo Hyun - Promise.

You might want to check the Cheon SongYi makeup tutorial that I posted a couple of weeks ago. Don't forget to join my giveaway too! It opens to all my Indonesian readers.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, HAPPY WHITE DAY~!

Rosy Blossom

Hello my bumblebees, can you believe it's March already? Time flies so fast because I've literally got nothing to do everyday. LOL. However, I'm starting my academic writing class soon.

Well, well, well, I've got this new fave lippie product. It's from Etude House. This is from the &Rose Makeup Collection, the product is called Rosy Tint Lips. The one that I bought is shade no. 8, After Blossom, which comes with such a beautiful girly packaging. As the face of the range, Sulli f(x) wore this shade.
I bought this from an online shop for IDR 95k.

Can't help but to fall in love with the packaging!

Now let's talk more about the product. It is a lipcream, that leaves a matte finish. The sponge tip applicator is a downside for me, I'm such a hygienic person when it comes to makeup, so this thingy is just meh. However, I do love how the color turns out! What a huge dilemma!
The staying power just so-so. If I don't feel like going out with matte lips, I'll just apply my Woo Baby Plumping Tint for the glossy finish. Unlike lipsticks, this lipcream doesn't dry my lips crazily. There are seven other pretty shades that you might want to check them out. Which one is your most favorite shade?

The sponge tip applicator supposedly will help you make the gradient or two-toned lip easier.

Honestly, I prefer the usual applicator T^T

Before applying it, I always apply a lip balm first, so that my lips won't get dried. Mine is from a brand named Lotta Luv, who makes a bunch of candy and food flavored lip balms and glosses. It's just cute, isn't it? Anyone likes Froot Loops cereal? I love it because it's so colorful and somehow brighten up my mood for breakfast since I am not a morning person. LOL.

Wanna get this flavored lip balm? Join my giveaway, here!!

To apply the lipcream, I'm using Masami Shouko mini lip brush, which is very travel-friendly and hygienic 'cause it comes with a cap!

Let me know if you have a preferred brand for brushes.

Here it is! My final look with Rosy Tint Lips no.8 ^^

Featuring a cute hand fan from Korea! Gumawoyo, Vani-ssi~

For the first time ever, I won a giveaway! This giveaway was held by Vani Sagita, (go check out her blog) she posts a lot of beauty reviews and tutorials!

Other products that I used:

Face:

• Etude House Baby Choux Base in mint
• Etude House CC Cream in silky
• Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in light medium
• Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer in #4

Eyes:

• Za Ever Brows in #4
• The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit in #2
• Etude House Color My Brows in #4
• Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner in naturally glamorous
• Mizzu Eyeliner Pen in brown
• Etude House Dear Girls Cute Eye Maker
• Yukkiyuna Sweet Look Series in sweet angel

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Songs of the week:

Standing Egg feat. Park ShinHye - Break Up For You / Farewell For You Not Yet For Me.

Not a new song, but it's on my recently played playlist. Took me awhile to realize it's Park ShinHye's voice! She sang it really well. This song has actually 2 versions. Though I can say this version is my most favorite, it doesn't mean that I hate the other version that was sung by Han SoHyeon (of 3rd Coast).

Standing Egg feat. Han SoHyeon (of 3rd Coast) - Sunlight Hurts.

Her voice is amazing as well! K-indie jjang~!

Until next post, my dear bumblebees!