Description: A high performance exfoliant that prompts a multilevel renewal process that is time released. Helps speed fresh, vibrant looking cells to the surface. Continually unveils brighter, more radiant skin through exfoliation. Leaves skin with a velvety feel, perfected look.

Ingredients: Water Purified, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Squalene, Peg-8, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Phospholipids, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Tocpheryl Acetate, Cholesterol/Potassium Sulfate, Linoleic Acid, Arginine, Salicylic Acid, Cholesterol, Peg-8 Dimethicone, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Nylon-12, Isohexadecane, Silica, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethylaurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Mica, Titanium Dioxide

I wanted so badly to like this product. Getting raving reviews from everyone including Paula Begoun, I thought it’d be something super great for my skin. At first, it seemed like I was on to a good thing. But, unfortunately, Clinique’s most touted product didn’t do much for my skin and in fact, made it inflamed.

I obtained 2 small samples, about 7 ml each. The Clinique Consultant told me to use it only once at most twice a week as my skin’s very dry and it might be too harsh for my skin. So, I did. I used it only once a week for the past two months, under a moisturizer. I really wanted to give it a full shot despite the inflammation that I see on my skin the very next day the first time I tried it. I so badly wanted to think that it will go away and my skin’s just getting used to it.

Unfortunately, my skin never got used to it. I didn’t have any major bad effects, but I didn’t like waking up to inflamed and parched skin either. Considering that I never have breakouts or get inflamed skin or blemishes, it was truly this product which made my skin inflamed and red. It wasn’t a major inflammation, but I just didn’t like it.

I liked the product and really wanted to give it a chance as it’s exfoliant yet lightweight texture goes on smooth when applied and does make my skin feel incredibly smooth and satin-like. It definitely didn’t hydrate though I don’t think that is part of it’s function.

Paula Begound did mention that this product would suit normal to slightly oily skins. But, of course, I didn’t heed the advice. A lot of other reviews coming from people with dry skin seems to accept this product too, so I tried it on myself.

I’m quite glad I obtained the samples. That way, I didn’t waste $68 on a bottle of star product which wasn’t too starry or great for me.

However, after two months of waking up every week to inflamed skin, I’ve firmly decided that this is a no go for me. At least no one could say I didn’t give it a fair shot right?

The contest has finally come to an end after two weeks.

Thank you to all of you who participated.

There were 53 entries for the Zuii Powder and 38 entries for the Zuii Blush and Lipgloss Combo.

Using a List Randomizer, the winner for the beautiful Zuii Powder in Almond is:

and the winner for the Zuii Blush and Lipgloss is:

Congratulations to you both! Hope you’ll both enjoy the Zuii Products. I can definitely attest to its wonderful and amazing attributes and I hope you both will achieve similar results!

I’ve popped you both an email. Do reply soon and I’ll get your gifts sent to you in a tick!

For those of you who did not win, do try again next time! If you’re into eco-friendly bags, there’s the Envirosax giveaway currently on.

In the meantime, take care all and stay happy and indulgent!!

Having a sudden love interest in Reusable and Eco Friendly Bags, I was recently thrilled when Envirosax contacted me for a review of their bags. Envirosax was even so kind as to allow me to choose the bag design I wanted. They have so many different and beautiful designs that it was quite hard for me to choose one that I really, really liked coz I liked them all. I finally chose Bag 4 of the Retro Graphic Series.

I was incredibly pleased when I received it as the Envirosax looks really nice and small when it’s folded and once unfolded, it’s really big and can accommodate a great many things. The design I chose looks really good and looking at their website, Envirosax’s designs seems to all be rather unique and stylish. I’ve taken it out with me grocery shopping the past week and it can really take on quite a chunk of weight, which is a definite plus for me.

Envirosax bags are lightweight, extremely portable and waterproof. Bottomline is I absolutely love them. I reckon I can’t live without these reusable bags now. They’re so useful and look gorgeous to carry stuff around with! One Envirosax bag basically holds triple the weight of a normal grocery bag or plastic bags and the great part is they’re good to the environment.

I even used it as a gym tote coz it seems like a much more stylish thing to carry around compared to my dull and lifeless boring black backpack, plus it fitted my sweats, hoodie, water bottle and my makeup bag. Absolutely great stuff! After using it, roll it up into the sushi size roll again and you can basically bring it everywhere so that whenever the need arise, you have Envirosax to whip up and hold your stuff.

On to the fun part for you.

ENVIROSAX GIVEAWAY

In lieu of Father’s Day last weekend (my wrists were hurting badly so I couldn’t post earlier and is in fact still hurting slightly), Envirosax is graciously giving away ONE LUCKY READER a chance to win ONE ENVIROSAX BAG OF THE WINNER’S CHOICE from either the Oxford Series or the Retro Graphic Series.

OXFORD

In response to popular demand, the new Oxford series delivers a more masculine edge. Offering traditional plaid & argyle patterns, tough camo styles as well as the street wise GT stripe, the humble reusable bag takes yet another strong fashion direction.

RETRO GRAPHIC

The Retro Graphic series combines the bold colours of the bags with the alluring simplicity of striking retro art.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Subscribe to my feed. You can click on the link at the top of this page to Subscribe.

AND / OR

2. Broadcast this giveaway in your Blog, Twitter, Facebook, online forums or whatever other Social Networking Community you’re a part of and link back to this post. Leave me an email at telling me that you’ve done this and include the link in your email as well.

AND

3. Email me at with the subject header Envirosax Giveaway.

In your email:

Tell me where which Envirosax bag from either the Oxford Series or the Retro Graphic Series you would like to win.

Tell me what attracted you to it.

The contest will run until July 10th, 2009 at midnight local Melbourne, Australia time (UTC/GMT +10 hours).

GIVEAWAY T&C

• Follow the rules in order for your entry to be valid.

• Make sure you clearly tell me which giveaway you’re after. You can enter both if you like. Note Powder and Blush/Lip Gloss on your email header.

• Please use a valid email address as I will use this to contact you for more details should you win and if there is no response within 48 hours, I will draw the next winner.

• Contest is open worldwide and I am happy to post it for you no matter where you are on this planet!

• One entry per person. Please do not use multiple emails. This is a form of cheating. Let’s all be fair, shall we?

• Doesn’t matter if you’ve won before, you can still enter.

• Please only submit your entries through my email address and not through the comments section.

• You can increase your chances of winning by broadcasting this post. That basically gains you another entry into the contest.

• I will randomly pick the winners for each giveaway via Random.org and it will be announced here on July 11th.

Feel free to spread the word! I’d really appreciate it!

Dahlz,

Just a reminder that there’s two more weeks to go for the giveaway!

Description:

Kick up the shine and flatten frizz.

Adds high shine, smoothes frizz and fly aways.

Lightweight, oil free serum repels moisture to protect against humidity.

Does not build up on hair.

Controlled dispensing bottle.

Ingredients:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

Despite the ingredient list noting that there is fragrance in this product, I’ve never noticed a scent on this product and I’d say that apart from it being fragrance free, I also love it because the product lasts forever. I’ve had this for a year now and it’s nowhere being finished. I still have about a quarter left.

I apply this everyday. Just about 3-4 drops onto my hair, both wet or dry, and it instantly smoothes any kinks or frizzes I’ve got. Sometimes, I’d bring this to work to touch up on my frizzy ends and smooth down my tresses for a neat and polished appearance.

I would usually use this after I’ve applied my leave in conditioner post washing my hair. It has certainly made my hair look better, feels smoother, looks shiny and most of all, better control and manageability – something I look for in all my hair products.

It isn’t greasy on hair and doesn’t seem to have a strong build up effect, which is wonderful. I’d certainly recommend this product to anyone desiring a serum to combat frizziness.

In these hard times, I bet all of us would want to get in the know how on what top products we can get for a smaller pinch on our pockets. Get the tips here on Total Beauty.

Description: This cream nourishes the skin to fight dryness. Formula includes glycolic acid to eliminate melanin filled dead cells and stimulate cellular renewal for skin that feels brand new. Ascorbic acid helps regulate melanin production (in vitro test) while detoxylase neutralizes free radicals and facilitates elimination of epidermal toxins. The light, soft texture melts onto the skin immediately upon application and leaves it perfectly moisturized, fresh and comfortable. Dark spots are gently erased and the complexion regains clarity.

This was a cream which probably never did anything that it claims to do. I think the only Biotherm products that I ever liked was the Biosource range for Dry Skin. I got the Biosource range for Dry Skin as part of my hantaran gifts for wedding and loved it immensely. When I came back to Australia, I decided to give the White Detox a shot as the salesgirl claimed that this range is a double edged sword combating both dryness and age spots. Unfortunately, I fell for this and pocketed out the extra costs of paying $95 for this cream compared to jus $75 for the Aquasource Moisturizer.

Sigh.

First of all, the fragrance on this cream is completely overwhelming. The texture of the cream is light but creamy. I was okay with the texture. However, it served nothing in terms of lightening pigmentation or evening out skin tone. Hydration was also substandard, at best.

I must admit that the new formulations of the White Detox range has been getting worse with each new formulation that they release. The very first formula was the best in my opinion, having tried the whole range many moons ago.

Biotherm recently released an even newer version of the White Detox range sometime in April this year. I haven’t tried that one yet, but after this disaster, I sincerely doubt I will.

A few weeks ago, I did a review on Zuii Organics’ products that I had sampled:

• Zuii Organic Lipstick in Mandarin
• Zuii Foundation Powder in Almond

Zuii Organics has also kindly sponsored three amazing products:

Zuii Foundation Powder in Almond

Zuii Blush in Peach

Zuii Lip Gloss in Jasmine

To be fair to all readers and winners for this giveaway, I have divided the gifts into two sets for two lucky readers. The foundation is a stand alone giveaway whilst the Blush and Lip Gloss is a combo giveaway.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Subscribe to my feed. You can click on the link at the top of this page to Subscribe.

AND / OR

2. Broadcast this giveaway in your Blog, Twitter, Facebook, online forums or whatever other Social Networking Community you’re a part of and link back to this post. Leave me an email at telling me that you’ve done this and include the link in your email as well.

AND

3. Email me at with the subject header Zuii Giveaway (then type in Powder or Blush/Gloss).

In your email:

1. Tell me where you’re from.

2. Tell me why organic makeup interests you.

The contest will run until June 26th, 2009 at midnight local Melbourne, Australia time (UTC/GMT +10 hours).

GIVEAWAY T&C

• Follow the rules in order for your entry to be valid.

• Make sure you clearly tell me which giveaway you’re after. You can enter both if you like. Note Powder and Blush/Lip Gloss on your email header.

• Please use a valid email address as I will use this to contact you for more details should you win and if there is no response within 48 hours, I will draw the next winner.

• Contest is open worldwide and I am happy to post it for you no matter where you are on this planet!

• One entry per person. Please do not use multiple emails. This is a form of cheating. Let’s all be fair, shall we?

• Doesn’t matter if you’ve won before, you can still enter.

• Please only submit your entries through my email address and not through the comments section.

• You can increase your chances of winning by broadcasting this post. That basically gains you another entry into the contest.

• I will randomly pick the winners for each giveaway via Random.org and it will be announced here on June 27th.

Feel free to spread the word! I’d really appreciate it!

Good luck and take care!

Sydney Trip

My Queen’s Birthday long weekend was wonderfully spent in Sydney with my husband.

We stayed for 3D 2N at the Ibis World Square Hotel and spent the three days taking in the beautiful and breathtaking harbour views of Sydney.

*Ibis World Square Hotel*

The weather was gorgeous and sunny, unlike gloomy Melbourne and I was truly upset to return to the gloomy skies of Melbourne last night.

Very, very pleasant holiday indeed.

~~~~~~

Some Pics of Sydney Sceneries to share with you all

*Darling Harbour*

*Sydney Skyline from Sydney Tower*

*Sydney City by nightfall*

*Sydney Opera House*

*Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks*

*Bondi Beach*

~~~~~~

Pretty in Pink

As we were on a tight budget, the only things I bought in Sydney were this cute Tote Bag ($37) and Mini Satchel ($13) from the arts and crafts market at The Rocks from Pretty in Pink. I thought they were cute and feminine with such a cute novelty print to bring around to work for my lunch and other stuff. Certainly smaller than my Rootote, but definitely way cuter. The material’s good against rainy Melbourne days as well as the external layer is made of plastic.

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This cute tote bag of the Jewel Stripe pattern is made of cotton, poly cotton lining and a clear PVC outer layer. I reckon that apart from carrying my lunchbox and a few other stuff to work, it’s a perfect arm candy for the beach and shopping as well. Definitely more glamorous than a shopping bag from the supermarket! The handles are double stitched and seems like it could carry quite a bit of weight.

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The mini satchel which I purchased as a gift for my sister is made of cotton, polyester satin lining and clear UV treated plastic outer layer. This one’s in the Starling Pink design and is a great makeup case for all your girly essentials and what not.

I was so, so tempted to get more, but I gotta think of my budget and really was ecstatic by having the tote to sample with as a start.

They have quite a range featured on their website as well and they ship both to local and international destinations. Their products are so cute and so vintage and somehow reminds me of the 1940s and 1950s. So retro. So for all you retro chicks out there, don’t forget to check out their website.

These cutesy stuff are all made locally in Sydney and the plastic prevents discoloration, fading, wrinkling and crackling caused by sun exposure. They’re all also machine washable. They’re nice, cute and pretty, feminine, funky and vintage at the same time.

Here’s a few pics to get you acquainted with the brand.

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RuMe Bags

A while back, after reading on the wonderful raves from many, many blogs I frequent on the wonders of RuMe bags, I ordered for myself two RuMe bags from the Domain Silicon Valley range in the Mini (RM29) and Regular (RM36) size from Tiny Tapir.

Since receiving them, I’ve been carrying them happily around in my bag wherever I go and where the need arise, I’ve found these bags to be very, very useful indeed and certainly deserving the raves of all those bloggers who loved it.

Whilst I have a few reusable grocery sacks that I have bought over the years from Supermarkets, RuMe is certainly way more fashionable and the fact that it folds into this little teensy-weensy compact thing is just so great as unplanned trips to the Supermarket or anywhere for that matter is now happily taken care of. I can now whip up my RuMe bag anytime, anywhere as and when I need it. It was certainly very, very useful for me on my Sydney trip.

This bag is wonderfully and amazingly roomy (hence the name, I’m guessing). When you unfold it from the tiny cylinder shape of about three inches long, it is actually quite big and…surprise, surprise, roomy!

The Mini measures 11" x 11" x 4" and can hold more than 13 kgs of stuff whilst the Regular measures 15.5" x 15.5" x 4" and can hold more than 23 kgs of stuff. It also comes in a Macro size which I don’t have but imagine is quite large and fits a great many more things.

The RuMe bag is quite well structured and quite sturdy to my observation. It’s easy to use the RuMe bag and easy to pack stuff into it quickly whether you’re in a hurry at the supermarket cashier or rushing somewhere, like in the mornings for example or even when you’re rushing to catch the train or bus.

I was glad I took my RuMes with me to Sydney as it certainly came in handy for us to lug around our snacks and mineral water as we scale up and down the streets of Sydney by foot. RuMe certainly made carrying stuff fun and fashionable, and the good and amazing part is the stuff doesn’t even feel heavy inside. They’re not only stylish and light, but also machine washable, a great plus point indeed.

For those of you going eco, I’d definitely recommend getting a RuMe. I was happy that I started with a Mini and Regular as I think the two have nicely satisfied my day to day needs thus far. I personally don’t think I’d need a Macro size at this stage. But who knows when the need might arise?

Hi girls! Hope all’s well with all of you.

I just got back from Sydney about an hour ago and am exhausted but I definitely had a fantastic three-day break there! More stories and reviews to follow in the next few days…

Till then, stay indulgent and lovely!