Happenings in May and Jun - ÉST.LAB Sunshield SPF50 + Phase 2 Heightened Alert

Saturday 1/5/21

Never step out of your home without sunscreen because it is the first line of defence against harmful UV rays and prevent pigmentation, sagging skin and wrinkles. 

I was being introduced to ÉST.LAB Sunshield SPF50, a water-resistant sunscreen that doubles up as a tinted moisturiser with Vitamins C and E for brightening, anti-ageing and antioxidant benefits. 

Being water-resistant, I don’t need to worry that my sweat will wash away the application and the needs for reapplication if I sweat. With SPF50, my skin is protected against the harmful UV rays and indoor lighting. 

The light texture cream contains a colour adaptive technology that allows the sunscreen to blend into our skin tone to provide sheer coverage for our skin, cover up some imperfections and give my skin a dewy finish. Thank you Daily Vanity for sending me the multi functions sunscreen that help to save my time for rushed morning.

Weekend is the only time of the week where I have the luxury time to put up on facial mask. Thanks Daily Vanity for sending them too.

I finally started using SU:M37 Skinsaver Essential Cleansing Foam that I purchased quite some times back as I just finished using my current facial cleanser.

The foam cleanser containing plant-based ingredient that contains essential fermented moisturizing substance, ensuring our skin stay moisturized even after cleansing.

 

Today was Sis V's big day. As we can't celebrate in big group, she has ordered catering to my home for my family consumption. The portion was really a lot for us, but we enjoyed the food. Thanks sis for the treat.

Sunday 16/5/21

With the tightened community measures under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), we have to resume back to what we have experienced last year, which is working from home and no dining out. I was very comfortable and used to stay home, so the tightened measures didn't bother me much. The endless daily workload is sufficient to keep me busy all day long. However, these measures make it tough for the F&B establishments as people will choose to take-away their food from food centres or coffeeshops instead of restaurants and cafes. To support local business, I have subscribed to Grab Foodie Pack for the past few months. On days where my mum didn't cook, Grab Food delivery become our food choices. I also used this opportunity to order from different vendors, allowing my family to try something new and not get bored with the usual varieties. 

I recommended something new for my family to try. Ever since I last 京华小吃 2 years ago, I have been missing their Chinese Pizza so I don't mind pay a little more for the delivery fee to order this. I ordered a pack of Fried Rice, Xiao Long Bao and Chinese Pizza. The Chinese Pizza has won the praise from my family, I foresee we will be ordering from them regularly during this one month.

Saturday 5/6/21

We tried something new for food delivery today - Egg Stop.

Egg Stop offers Korean street-style sandwiches with an array of sandwiches to choose. The toast looked really delicious. I ordered Scrambled Egg Toast ($4).

The scrambled egg toast may looked simple, but it tasted delectable. The bread was toasted to perfection, together with the scrambled egg and mayo sauce, every bite was full of flavour. 

Thursday 17/6/21

As my parent were craving for dim sum, I ordered dim sum Grab delivery to satisfy their cravings.

We ordered xiao long bao, pan fried pumpkin cake and pan fried pork dumpling. 

The xiao long bao was delicate, we tried to be gentle when we picked up the dumpling to prevent the skin from bursting and the broth ooze out.

Tuesday 22/6/21

After my Swab test result was out on Sunday, I went to book a slot for my monthly scalp treatment and a haircut. I really dragged seeing the amount of hair fall after washing my hair and the floor filled with my hair, so I decided to cut it shorter.

I have chopped off a fair bit of length, this is my shortest length of hair that I have for the past 15 years. It is really more convenient to wash hair now. How do I look in my new hairstyle?

Sunday 27/6/21

Sunday dinner will usually be food delivery to give mum a break for cooking. This time round, I wanted to try something new and I spotted an offer from A-One Signature.

We gotten Prawn Paste Chicken Cube Corn Rice Bento where the second set was at 50% discount.

Unlike the other stalls that we ordered, the food was cold when arrived. We got 2 bento and a drink at about $16 via Grab delivery.

Wednesday 30/6/21

As my family are staying home most of the time, we always make it a point to buy delicious food back home when any of us go out. So this time round, my parents bought some pastries home for time break.

As mum was thinking on what to have for dinner, I suggested Tim Ho Wan since my family are dim sum lovers and they have never try before their famous BBQ pork buns. The food was still warm when arrived.

We have been trying new food stalls these two months so that my family get to expose to different variety of food that they never try before. It's not a bad thing to stay home too.

Beauty Review: Mentholatum Acnes

Our confidence level partly come from our appearance which is why having beautiful skin is important. One of my main skin concern is acne and scar marks. Some of the red spots just seems hard to get rid of and are taking a long time to heal.

I received the parcel from Try And Review, thanks for sending me Mentholatum Acnes products that come just in handy for me. 

The products include:

1. Acnes Creamy Wash

2. Acnes Powder Lotion

3. Acnes Sealing Jell

4. Acnes Anti-bacterial Acne Patch Night

I have an combination skin where my t-zone is oily and dry at my cheek area as shown in the result (1-forehead, 2-nose, 3-left cheek, 4-right cheek).

Step 1: Cleanse our face with Anti-Acnes Creamy Wash

The creamy wash helps to remove dirt, oil, impurities and excess sebum without leaving tight feeling on the skin. It contains formula to soothe pimpled skin. It gives a refreshing citrus scent which is quite therapeutic and help me to relax.

Step 2: Pat our skin with Anti-Acnes Powder Lotion

Shake the bottle well before use. The powder lotion absorbs excess sebum left on our skin to maintain shine-free skin. It contains Aloe Vera extract to hydrate and lock in moisture.

I patted the lotion onto my skin with palm and avoid areas around the eyes. The lotion has a watery texture which was fast absorbed into our skin without creating any sticky feeling. The light weight lotion helped to keep my skin moisturized.

Check out my result after using Acnes Creamy Wash and Powder Lotion, the level of moisture and oil has increased to an optimum range.

Step 3: Treat acne prone areas with Acnes Sealing Jell (Anti-Acne Spot Gel)

The sealing jell soothes and relieve acne discomfort and soothes pimple's redness, the gel formula helps break pimple-formation cycle for clear and smooth skin. Like the other Mentholatum Acnes, it comes with a refreshing citrus scent.

The gel is to be applied directly on acne only and can be used before makeup. I applied it 2 times daily at the affected areas. Immediately next day morning, the red spot will be smaller.

This is my favourite product among all because it is super effective.

Step 4: Night care with Acnes Anti-bacterial Acne Patch Night

The acne patch comes with high absorption capability that can absorb pus and oil inside pimple like a sponge, which enhance acne recovery.

The transparent ultra thin patch is 0.03cm thick and is waterproof. It creates a protective barrier over the acne to reduce chances of further infection. I going to save this for future usage, this is going to be my saviour when I have runny pus of acne.

Use a tweezer to remove and paste the patch over acne, then press gently with finger. 

Replace a new patch when it turns white from the absorption of oil or pus or after 12 hours. After the pus has been absorbed out, my acne bump has become flatter.

My result after using the products for a week.

Using the full range of Mentholatum Acnes aid in my acne healing process and lock the moisture in my skin. I know my skin complexion is still not at the optimum now, I will continue using the products to improve my skin conditions.

Thanks Mentholatum Acnes for the amazing products.

Beauty Review: Itsumi Skincare Anti-Clock Cleanser & Mist Toner

Age is catching up on me, I am already approaching my 30s soon. As we aged, signs of aging started to reveal slowly from dark circles, formulation of spots, fine lines and losing elasticity. Hence, it's never too late to start showing care to our skin and combat anti-aging.

I was recently being introduced to Itsumi Skincare, a local home grown brand with its products researched and formulated in Italy. Itsumi produces botanical skincare products, which means it uses only plant extracts to formulate the ingredients of the products.

As the logo of the 3 leaves have suggested, Itsumi Skincare is founded by 3 successful entrepreneurs:

- Pornsak Prajakwit (Singapore based actor and Co-founder of PORN’s Sexy.Thai.Food restaurant)

- Addy Lee (Founder & CEO of Monsoon Group)

- Foo Tuan How (Co-founder of PORN’s Sexy.Thai.Food restaurant)

This idea of Itsumi Skincare begin when Pornsak was unable to find a product in the market that is suitable for his father’s sensitive skin all these years. Hence, he decided to create one. With his Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) background and the help of the other 2 co-founders, they worked closely with highly experienced dermatologists and chemists to create the best botanical skincare products.

 Itsumi Skincare products are free from parabens, SLS, alcohol and silicone. They are free from harmful chemical, Itsumi Skincare uses natural ingredients that are safe to be used on our skin.

Itsumi Skincare has introduced its first skincare range: Anti-clock series.

The name 'Anti-clock series' comes from the source of ingredient, Anti-clock flower (Marvel-of-Peru). This flower is active in the night which means the skincare will work better in the night, it helps to repair and revive the daytime damage cells.

Let our skin restore the youthfulness with Itsumi Skincare by intensify complexion’s vital renewal cycle. It revives the complexion’s radiance, enhances uniformity of skin colour, promotes the elimination of toxins and increases micro-circulation in the skin that is badly needed.

Do you notice the number, 1357, indicated on the packaging of the product?

It represents Itsumi Skincare's unique 1357 ritual.

“1” pump from Anti-clock Cleanser.

It is all we need to form a light foaming gel. Lather between palms with warm water, massage over face, rinse thoroughly and pat skin dry. 

“3” sprays of Anti-clock Mist Toner.

 Use it to calm, sooth, refresh or hydrate our skin throughout the day. Use it routinely and we will notice our pores  become smaller and skin colour gradation becomes seamless. 

 “5” spots to apply Anti-clock Face and Eye Gel Cream.

“7” spots if we include both bags under eyes.

For full moisturization effect, swirl onto cheeks, forehead, delicate eye area, chin and neck until it has been completely absorbed.

Anti-clock Cleanser

Retail price: S29.90 (150ml)

Anti-clock Cleanser is a light foaming gel that gently clears excess sebum leaving it velvety soft and soothing while maintaining the skin's moisture. The cleanser is suitable for all skin types.

Anti-clock Cleanser is a transparent get type cleanser. 

I have been using the products for 2 week and the experience has been great. My skin no longer looked so dull and it gave a light glow. It also comes with a light floral scent which gave my skin a refreshing feel after the facial wash. 

Anti-Clock Mist Toner

Retail price: S49.90 (150ml)

Anti-clock Mist Toner contains a unique alcohol-free formula that calms, soothes and hydrates the skin. Just spray 3 times (left, centre and right) at different direction of our face throughout the day.

A spray of the mist toner instantly provide hydration to our skin, giving a cooling sensation and immediately moisturized the dull looking skin. It aids in oil control, making our skin looked less shiny when our skin is hydrated. Lastly, it can be applied after makeup to make our look last longer.

Interested in purchasing Itsumi Skincare?

Itsumi Skincare is currently available only on Qoo10. There is special discount when purchased on Qoo10, so be quick before the discount period is over.

- Anti-clock Cleanser: $19.90 (R.P: $29.90)

- Anti-clock Mist Toner: $34.90 (R.P: $49.90)

- Anti-clock Face and Eye Gel Cream: $48.90 (R.P: $69.90)

- Anti-clock set: $98.90 (R.P: $191.50)

For more information, please visit https://www.qoo10.sg/shop/itsumi

Happenings in January & February - The Wine Company

Thursday 25/1/18

Hello everybody. I'm back from my Taiwan trip. I already miss traveling again, my next overseas trip is probably end of the year. Many months of waiting to go.

I bought some snacks from Taiwan to share with my family and colleagues. All these were purchased in Ximending except for the Bamboo Shoot Biscuit, which was purchased in Taichung.

We went People's Park Food Centre for dinner, I decided to try Chicken Cutlet Hor Fun.

After the quick dinner, we made our way down to SGH to visit bro. Glad that he was feeling better and will be discharged tomorrow.

Friday 26/1/18

It's TGIF. 

Since today is a special day, bf and I decided to skip our usual dinner at hawker centre and went Vivo City for dinner. We have our dinner at Tai Lei Loi Kei.

I have Black Pepper Sliced Pork Rice ($7.90+). 

This resembled the normal zichar rice set that I always ordered.

Apart from our main course, we also ordered Polo Pork Chop Bun ($6.90+) for sharing.

The food and price are decent. The only grip is that the eatery is small, so once we finished the food, we have to make a move because queue were forming outside the eatery.

Sunday 28/1/18

Back to Bugis.

Bf and I met up with Ah Ho for dinner at Astons Specialities @ Bugis+. Yes, for both days I have been traveling to Bugis. 

It was a hearty dinner with many juicy news sharing that kept us talking for hours.

Thursday 1/2/18

We traveled to City Square Mall for lunch at Pizza Hut. It's been a long while since I last have Pizza Hut. Pizza is one of my favourite food. We have the lunch set that comes with drink and soup.

I ordered my all time favourite - Hawaiian  Pan Pizza.

The pizza arrived pipping hot. I always love the pizza from Pizza Hut and their doughy crust.

Sunday 4/2/18

Right after GF's solemnization lunch, I met up with bf for our Sunday dating. We celebrated our early Valentine's Day with a dinner at The Wine Company. We celebrated 2 weeks in advance to avoid the markup menu price for the occasion and also we won't be meeting on the actual day. I don't need a fancy dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day because it is just too commercialized, a decent dinner is all I'm looking for.

The Wine Company has a vintage interior design with their seats in blue and purple theme.

Right outside of the restaurant is the breathtaking scenery of Sentosa and HarbourFront. 

You might be wondering why is it so dark in the restaurant right?

This is because The Wine Company uses minimal lighting in the restaurant and each table has a candle to light up their space.

I had Prawn Linguine for my main course. The linguine was served al dente with pesto, prawns, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes in olive oil sauce.

The linguine was well tossed and brought out the flavours while the prawns were fresh and tasty to eat on its own.

Truffle Fries for sharing.

The french fries were tossed in truffle oil where strong truffle taste lingered with every bite.

The food here was great and satisfying, we were so glad that we found this place and we will definitely be coming back again. Luck was with us when The Wine Company was having 30% discount on their main course that day.  

That's all for sharing today, good bye.