Protect Yourself Online

Lately, I've been receiving collaboration emails from some companies. I am truly grateful. Of course. I started this blog for just randomly sharing my life, and reviewing upon products or service that I find worth the review. This would be a long post full of words. Let's get to the story!

Nowadays I read some bloggers who reviewed these particular websites (who offered me the collaborations) that sell wedding gown and prom dress and whatnot. There are THREE companies that contacted me for the collaboration. I would let you know about this not to brag about my blog, nor to seek for attention, but I honestly realized they're most likely a fake selling website because when I dig a little deeper, I smell something fishy about them. I just honestly want to share my experience to you, bumblebees!

First of all, the people who emailed me, use Gmail instead of their domain address! They have poor English grammars and put some Chinese letters at the end of their emails. I guess it's like contact details. Uh. Excuse me? Did I ever write anything in Chinese on my blog? What's the use of writing those in Chinese?

The first two websites (lemme say company A and B) actually have a different name and logo but they have similar layout inside. LOL. You might think they probably are resellers, but it's strange because the emails they sent to me are in the same exact format with same greetings and same sender name but only were sent from a different Gmail account! How can two different companies, have a similar sender name (they didn't give full name smartly enough), have a similar website (I only spot TWO differences, which are the logo design and background color), and send me an exact offer?

Whoa, you make me suspicious for owning two different websites selling the same thing? If you're a legit one, for what reason? Even both of their warehouse and showroom pictures in the 'About Us' section is one and the same!

Then the third company, let say company C from now on, looks more professional than the other, at least the person didn't use Gmail LOL. However, there's something weird about the sender email, let say their website is company-C.com, but why the heck did the sender email me from (lemme say) thesender@company-C.net? So are you from company-C.net or company-C.com? Trying to confuse me, huh? :]

What even more suspicious is the cash payment they all offered is the same exact amount of money. Not sure if you can negotiate a higher payment or not because I didn't reply their emails anymore.

Second of all, the websites are aimed to international buyers as they can ship worldwide. Sure the price is so much cheaper than buying a real wedding gown at the bridal salon. However, you should at least spend 100 GBP for that piece (company A and B both have the country code domain .co.uk, while the company C in .com, but all of the companies are based in China). Yup, they all sell the dresses in pounds though it's most likely the dresses are made in China! It doesn't make sense how a UK website, with GBP rate, sells something that comes from China. Not to mention, their insufficient English (point 1, grammar, once again).

Lastly, I did a research to find out whether the website is just a scam or not. And... I found so many negative reviews that said they got a low quality dress that doesn't even look okay for the money that they spent. It rips off of other designer's clothes, and makes poor renditions of them, with ill fitting results. Basically a hideous knock-off! They couldn't even return it because the procedure was too complicated and they realized they got tricked. I just can't take it no more.

I am someone who would make a research about the website first before doing a collaboration. I don't want my readers to spend money for nothing! Just like what XiaXue said:

“Why should you earn money when these people lost hundreds?”

If you can't really imagine how poor the dress can be, watch this.

Perhaps you wonder why did I put them in anonymous. I do not want to talk bad or even giving bad reputation about some online stores that I did not even experience myself shopping. If you really want me to reveal the company name or a hint, I'd immediately refuse.

It's always a gamble you know when buying stuffs online. Seriously though, I shop online a lot too, thankfully never once I got scammed, because I do also research before buying their stuff. As a girl, I know how tempting it is to see the word 'cheap' or 'discounted'. However, you can choose a credible one to at least minimize the risk.

My advice to you bumblebees who receive a collaboration invitation, a professional business offer would greet your name (yes your name, even if you don't put a name, your blog has a name, right?), introduce themselves (in full name and position), and present their company (even it's only two or three sentences) before asking for a collaboration. Talk about manner and basic public relations!

So have you ever been contacted for such collaborations, of which you are not so sure about the company, most probably haven't ever heard about them? Do you have any other tips to prevent these scams?

BCDation

[Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received the product for a review purpose, but the opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Hey again my dear bumblebees! Todaaaay I'm going to review a very fascinating product that I have never tried before. It's from Tony Moly, my another favorite Korean brand solely because JYJ was their brand ambassador. How cheesy, so pardon me! Speaking of JYJ, have you seen their editorial on the latest Marie Claire issue? Uri Yoochunie is getting more and more handsome, yes? I am overjoyed seeing them all having a photo session again. I just literally cannot wait for their comeback after watching this teaser!!

Okay so back to the main topic! This product was provided by W2Beauty, I am so glad when Alice let me choose to review this BCDation because it is a unique product that offers BB cream, CC cream, and foundation in one packaging. Korean are jjang when it comes to innovation! Hope you find this product interesting too and enjoy reading it until the end ^^

Tony Moly BCDation.
Description: An all in one base (BB + CC + Foundation) product with light texture to cover pores and skin blemish. It contains elasticity, moisture and nutrition capsule for a healthy skin. With 8 non-harmful ingredients, such as paraben, benzophenone, mineral oil, tar coloring, sulfate, triethanolamine, petrolatum, acrylamide.

Oh, btw before jumping to the product review, here's how the package looks like! It was an international parcel directly sent from Korea. I got a Korean candy too, it's yummy I swear :9

Sweet packaging that includes samples and a candy!
Also, I'd like to review a bit about the website since I chose the product by myself. The website is designed in pink with a white background so that it won't hurt the eye. I can easily navigate to a specific brand and it's clicked, there'd be a sub-menu that really helps me finding some particular products. There are categories for new product and best sellers too. Even better, you can choose a specific best seller, whether it's skin care, makeup, nail-lips-eyes, or cleansing.

Let's get back to the product review, shall we? If you have read my blog before, you'd likely know that I don't use foundation. I don't even have a foundation to be exact -_- It'd been only a couple of times I used a foundation, mostly when I had to get my makeup done at a beauty salon. I hate using a foundation because they usually gave me a heavy makeup feeling, you know? But, this BCDation is an exception! This is a mixture of BB, CC and foundation, thus it's obviously more lightweight than a foundation yet still giving a healthy formula just like a BB and CC cream do.


Pump packaging.

The product's weight is 50g, I think it's a decent amount for a foundation, right? The pump packaging is really hygienic since it comes with a lid too. What I love about the packaging is, it has an 'expensive' vibe. I don't know what makes it look exclusive, probably the combination of the nude tones with a bit shimmery spiral, the matte black lid and the simple font?

The directions and ingredients.

I got mine in shade no. 2 Natural Beige, especially formulated for warm undertone.

This foundation has a watery texture that is easy to blend and not cakey as you build the coverage. Moreover, it has a nice subtle scent. I can't exactly tell what kind of scent is it, but it's definitely the kind of scent that does not bother me at all. The finish is dewy on my oily combination skin. Sadly, because of the sunscreen physical ingredients, it's reflective with flash on. However, it doesn't break me out! YAY!

What I like:

• hygienic pump packaging
• 8 free harmful ingredients
• nice subtle scent
• evens out skin tone
• buildable coverage
• does not break me out
• dewy finish

What I dislike:

• leaves white cast
• contains silicones

Price: USD 22.66

Selfie with Tony Moly BCDation.

Circle lenses from LensVillage - Geo Princess Mimi in chocolate.

Don't forget to follow them on: Twitter Facebook Instagram Youtube for instant updates, beauty review and tutorial.

Her Body Elegance

[Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was compensated for the review, but all the thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own.]

“Wear fabulous lingerie, even if you are the only person who is going to see it.”

True that lingerie has the ability to give a woman confidence, even when no one else sees it. They said looking your best starts underneath. The fact is, lingerie can boost your appearance, personality, feeling, and love life. Well well, I myself have a special preference for lingerie. These are simple tips of mine on choosing lingerie:

1. A neutral plain color. I like to keep it simple and not to follow the trend (though I'm not sure if there's a trend for lingerie). Just so you know, almost 70 percent of guys said they like simple selections. I think the more pattern you have on the lingerie, it will be too distractive.
2. Fit, fit, fit! What's more important than wearing something that's comfortable. I suggest not to force sizes. Choose lingerie that will flatter your body size. If it feels uncomfortable, it'll look uncomfortable, too.
3. Lace details. Nothing beats the classics! You can't go wrong with a little lace on your lingerie. Lace can look so cute when it comes to top or shorts, but as in an undergarment, it definitely looks 'seductive'!

Based upon those tips I've shared, I will show you how the ideal lingerie looks like for me. Here's some of my favorites lingerie collection from Zalora:

From left to right: Tara N-Slip, Britanni Slip, Florence Slip.

So do you buy lingerie to augment romance with your partner or to feel more confident in life? Let me know, my bumblebees! I hope this post will help you finding a new lingerie, but if you're a guy... You know, lingerie is one of those gifts that requires delicate gift wrapping. Don't forget the card!

Princess Mimi

[Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received the product for a review purpose, but the opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Hello, hello my dear bumblebees! I'm going to share another circle lens review. This time I picked from the famous brand indeed, Geo Medical, I received this pair of lenses from Lensvillage.com. Oh, I am so excited with these circle lenses, because the famous Japanese model Tsubasa Masuwaka produced this and it looked absolutely gorgeous on her!

Geo Princess Mimi in chocolate.

Before going deeper to the lenses review part, let me talk about the website first. The web layout is simple and neat. You can browse the lens based on either the brand or color. They also put the sale products, new products, and the best selling ones on the main page.

Now to the packaging, this is what I received when the package arrived at my home. The airmail was completely safe with bubble wrap inside.

Censored address as usual :P

Secured packaging to protect the lenses.

All of the stuffs I received from Lensvillage.

Remember to only buy circle lenses from a trusted seller! Lensvillage sells 100% authentic lenses, their products are all certified by Korea Food and Drug Administration. For Geo lens especially, each lens vial comes with a sticker with a hidden unique serial code so that you will be able to verify its authenticity by yourself on Geo Anti-fake website.

Scratch to find out the unique serial codes.

Time to try!

Specification of Geo Princess Mimi:
Power Range: 0.00 ∼ -8.00
Diameter: 15.0mm
Base Curve: 8.6mm
Water Content: 40±2%
Lifespan: 1 year disposal

The design.

No eyeliner whatsoever so that you can see the enlargement effect that it gives.

Design: 4 out of 5

It has three tones, which are chocolate, maroon and a bit of gold. The thick limbal ring is in chocolate that makes it look natural on eyes. When it's worn, I can't tell if there's a maroon tone, the lens looks more like dark brownish color. 

Enlargement: 3 out of 5

Since the diameter is 15 mm with such thick limbal ring, it seriously gives an enlargement effect. Sadly, it looks weird on me. I know, this is a very personal preference, but to be honest, I just don't feel the lens looks attractive on me.

Comfort: 4 out of 5

Surprisingly, this lens is more comfortable than most of Geo lenses that I've ever tried before! I'd usually need my eye drops after inserting Geo lenses, but this one... not at all. However, it'll start to dry after like 5 hours usage.

Overall: I like the design, but not the enlargement effect that it gives. It would be better for me if the lens diameter isn't 15mm. All in all, it's a comfortable yearly disposal lens with a nice natural design.

Price: USD 21.50 per pair

Selfie with Geo Princess Mimi in chocolate.

Lens care tips: Treat your circle lenses gently, wash your hands before application, rinse & disinfect each time you remove them, and dispose them when they start to cause dryness. Even if this lens has yearly lifespan, I won't use it for one year, I'll probably dispose after six months usage. I write the first time usage date of each lens on the back of the lens case (with a sticker and marker of course). I always insert and remove my lens from the left eye too, it has become a habit for me so I won't mix up the left and right lenses. This is the great way to avoid eye infection.

Last but not least, Lensvillage.com offers FREE standard shipping on order over USD 50 or free express shipping on order over USD 80. They even give free animal casing for each pair of circle contact lenses purchased!

Don't forget to follow them on:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

for promotion update and real life photos!

Dear Rose

[Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received the product for a review purpose, but the opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Well, helloooo all my dear bumblebees! I have never been this excited about presidential election. We all Indonesian will be having election day tomorrow. Some of my friends who live overseas already did the vote. So if you're Indonesian who lives in Indonesia (and ages 17+), don't forget to vote tomorrow! Hopefully, we all Indonesian can be responsible with our votes and live with whatever the outcome of the elections will be. Amen!

Todaaaay, I will be sharing a BB cream product from Skin79 that was provided by Bonboncosme.com. Bonboncosme is a beauty blog that also sells cosmetics from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. You can find haircare, skincare, makeup, and even nail polishes on their website.

Skin79 Dear Rose BB Cream.

Description: Full of moisture, light feel for skin without stickiness, this triple function BB cream softly permeates skin, adjusting moisture balance and protects skin with UVA and B block, makes skin clean and young with whitening and anti-aging effect.

The description and directions of the product.

What it promises: For rough, damaged skin from exposure to harmful environments, Damask Rose ingredient with adequate supply of moist and nutrition gives supplementary effect for proper skin condition, and Hyaluronic Acid enhances moisture sustainability, making skin moisturized and smooth.

The pump packaging is very unique, girly, and sleek. I can say this is the prettiest BB cream packaging I've ever had. I love pink color the most, so please don't judge me! LOL.

Had to put a piece of white paper inside so that you can clearly read the ingredients.

The main ingredients of this product are ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and zinc oxide of 7% to protect skin from the UVA and UVB rays. However, sadly, due to the high dose of SPF, it leaves white cast on my skin, especially in flash photos and *sigh* clogs my pores (mostly on the forehead). I didn't wear anything different from my skincare routine underneath the BB cream nor I used my Etude House Face Conditioning. I was really testing this products without using anything different or new on my daily makeup routine.

Actually, zinc oxide is the best physical sunscreen as it protects from UVAI, UVAII, and UVB. You can find out more about sunscreen if you read my post about my daily face protection. I also spot jojoba oil and evening primrose oil in the ingredients that are potential to cause clogged pores as well. FYI, the comedogenicity of jojoba is between 0 and 2, while evening primrose is 2. Again, I would like to emphasize that our skin condition and tolerance might be different.

The texture is creamy and light.

I think people with warm undertone would like this BB cream more than those with cool undertone. I have a neutral one, but it's always Summer here in Jakarta, so my skin tends to look better with warm shades. Furthermore, people with darker skin tone might find this product is too light for them. The oil control is so-so, meaning it doesn't make my skin oiler either.

Evaluation: As you can see at the swatches picture above, I applied one layer on my face and it does cover my red marks and gives brighter complexion. It doesn't look cakey at one layer, but it will at two layers. Lastly, it gives me a dewy finish that I really like!

What I like:

• unique pump packaging
• lovely rose scent
• brightens skin
• high broad-spectrum SPF
• dewy finish

What I dislike:

• contains parabens
• contains silicones
• clogs pores
• leaves white cast

Price: IDR 341k

Selfie with Skin79 Dear Rose BB Cream.

Get yours at:
BonBonCosme
Don't forget to follow them on Facebook as well.

Shiny Dali

[Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received the product for a review purpose, but the opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Hi my dear bumblebees, I'm back with circle lenses review again. I hope you won't get bored with it. This time I'll be reviewing a kind of different lenses. When Klenspop.com allowed me to choose circle lenses from their site, I immediately thought I wanted to try something new. I've always worn either yearly or monthly disposal lenses, so it's interesting to me to wear a weekly disposal lenses like this.

Neo Vision Shiny Dali in brown.

Let's talk about the website first! The layout is minimalistic, browsing seems easier with such simple layout. You can easily browse the lens by choosing whether it's circle lens or clear lens. Even better, there are options for the disposal time, daily, weekly, or monthly. They sell toric lens too!

Now let's move on to the packaging, shall we? This is what I exactly received when the package arrived at my home. They put it nicely in a box and complete with bubble wrap all the way from South Korea.

Censored address is needed.

I spot freebies!

The freebies; eye drops x solution, lens case, and tweezer.

The description on the box, unfortunately I don't understand Hangul.

Specification of Neo Vision Shiny Dali:

Power Range: 0.00 ∼ -8.00

Diameter: 13.5mm

Base Curve: 8.6mm

Water Content: 42%

Lifespan: 1 week disposal

Zoom zoom~

Design: 5 out of 5
The pattern is simple. I can only see two tone in this lens, a dark brown and a light brown color, so it looks natural on my very dark brown eyes. I have never been this satisfied with brown lenses before.

Enlargement: 5 out of 5
I can say the enlargement effect fits perfectly on my eye. It's not too large nor too small. My eyes look slightly bigger and very natural. I'm a sucker for the most natural enlargement effect muahaha!

Comfort: 5 out of 5
The lens feel super soft and very comfortable to wear because it's so thin. I can wear this for 9 hours, and it's just amazingly comfortable during those 9 hours. Weekly disposable lenses are just WOW.

Overall: I gave a perfect score for Neo Vision Shiny Dali! I've always searched for a natural circle lens that feels so comfortable to wear and I've finally found it. Hoorrayy!

Price: USD 20 per six pairs

Paparazzi (?) kind of selfie with Neo Vision Shiny Dali in brown.

Lens care tips: Treat your circle lenses gently, wash your hands before application, rinse & disinfect each time you remove them, and dispose them when they start to cause dryness. Even if this lens has yearly lifespan, I won't use it for one year, I'll probably dispose after six months usage. I write the first time usage date of each lens on the back of the lens case (with a sticker and marker of course). I always insert and remove my lens from the left eye too, it has become a habit for me so I won't mix up the left and right lenses. This is the great way to avoid eye infection.

---

f(x) - Red Light.

"Uh. Okay." Twas my first impression towards this MV. I just don't like it, both the music and the video concept. I'd usually go for Krystal but, Sulli looks the prettiest in here, dontchu agree? ^^

Play 101

[Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received the product for a review purpose, but the opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Let's play, my dear bumblebees! This time I'll be reviewing a new product (well, not really new by now, it's launched in April) from my favorite Korean brand Etude House, called Play 101 Pencil. I first heard the product from Pony's Beauty Diary, and I thought Korean has the most creative makeup creation LOL. Who else would've thought to make an all-in-one product like this!? So yeah, I'm excited that I finally got a chance to review these pencils that Kbeautysecrets sent to me.

Etude House Play 101 Pencil in #1 and #16.

Product description: A multipurpose pencil that can be used as an eyeliner, an eyeshadow, an eyebrow pencil, a concealer, a blusher, a highlighter or a lip color. There are 50 shades available and every pencil has different textures; creamy, matte, glossy, shimmering, or glitter. 

The description, directions and ingredients as seen on the box.

I got mine in #1 and #16, they both have creamy texture, and yes, they glide super easily. #1 is meant to be an eyeliner as it's a matte black pencil, while #16 is meant to be a lip color, blusher or eyeshadow as it has a bright pink shade. The packaging is sleek, it's an automatic pencil that includes a sharpener so that you don't have to worry when it gets blunt. I don't know if it's because mine are the creamy textured ones so that they got blunt so fast, but I need to sharpen it for every usage.

Automatic pencils.

YAY for including a sharpener.

#1 is really matte black and just perfect for an eyeliner. First time using it, I found the pencils are just tricky to apply, it took me like a week to get the hang of it. HA! If you only use pencil #16 for blusher and lip color, I don't think they're tricky to apply, but if you're using it for eyeshadow, yes, you've got to be a lil bit careful or else you will stick the pink cream on your lashes. Furthermore, if you're interested to learn the trick, please do watch Pony's tutorial, she used #16 as blusher. As you can see, blending takes the most crucial part. For eyeshadows, I'd usually draw the pencils on the back of my hand first, then I'd use my brush to apply. For the lip color, I'd use it as a lipliner first, then put some lipbalm on the tip of my finger and draw the pencil on it, then dab 'em on my lips.

Swatches: Mitch♥︎

Waterproof and smudgeproof!

Btw, Jen has recently included Play 101 Pencil to her June favorites. She got the #4 and #5 and use them everyday as an inner corners highlighter. I feel like I should get it too (there goes another impulsive buying) :P

For me personally, I think the product is worth the price, you got a sleek packaging that includes sharpener, it's waterproof, smudgeproof and multifunctional. Hmm, Etude House, you never cease to amaze me, huh?

What I like:

• multipurpose yet affordable
• automatic pencil that includes sharpener
• waterproof
• smudgeproof
• has 50 attractive shades

What I dislike:

• can be tricky to apply

Price: IDR 77k

Final look with Play 101 Pencil on my eyes, cheeks, and lips.
#1 is used for eyeliner, while #16 is used for eyeshadow, blusher, and lip color.
Circle lenses from Loveshoppingholics - Geo Eyescream in gray.

Get yours at:

Kbeautysecrets
LINE: xiaoshxn
email: itscagth@yahoo.com
for more information and price list.