Today marked the start of my internship and though it was a very informative and engaging first (training) day and I was treated to a splendid buffet, I'm completely dead beat. This is the point when I ignore everyone around me and desperately crave for a bed to lie down on so that I can stare at the ceiling. BUT when I spotted a hot pink box sitting prettily on my desk, I was injected with a small boost of energy that is going to last me till... Let me see... 10.30pm? Haha. I. AM. SO. KNACKERED.

But alrighty. That's enough whining for the day (Please excuse me.). Let's take a look at May's Bellabox! :DDD

This month, it's all about pampering yourself and possibly the most important woman in your life, Mum! Mother's Day has passed but it doesn't mean the love stops there (But, of course!). The first thing I spied was a $20 Elizabeth Arden voucher that can be used to offset a minimum purchase of $100. I haven't got anything from said brand so this is a good excuse for me to pick something up for Mum and I to share!

Bellabox is also having an exclusive Spring Spree Event for members this Thursday! I won't be able to make it but Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics fans, you may want to cancel all evening appointments on that day!

Enavose contributed to the box with her prized Cellogist Youth Guard Cream (Read my review here!). I have been using this and I love it so much! I'll be heading to Sydney some time this summer vacay so I'm glad I'll be armed with this 10ml sample!
Enavose Cellogist Youth Guard Cream (Innovative), 30ml for $99.50 at Suntec and Tangs Vivocity.

Elizabeth Arden is also in the box with 2 of her Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules. These capsules are said to house the elixir of youth! The results are intensive and visible to the naked eye! Say hello to baby skin?
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules (Luxe), 60 capsules for $134 at Elizabeth Arden Counters.

Make having beautiful, soft and glossy locks a reality with the 80ml bottles of Essential's Damage Care Nuance Airy Shampoo and Conditioner! These target and repair damaged and limp hair, restoring lost shine. (: I used the orange Rich Premier Range when I was in China but I didn't quite like it. Perhaps it didn't work with China's winter or maybe my hair likes the pink Nuance Airy range better... At least, I get to find it out soon!
Essential Damage Care Naunce Airy Shampoo and Conditioner (Find), 200ml for $4.50 and 500ml for $9.50.

To add more lust to your hair, apply a little of Macadamia's Natural Oil. This is supposed to give you hair that's gonna make others drool and dream. Think: Ultra-smooth, nourished, rejuvenated, manageable and shiny! I have been using argan oil on my hair and the results have been fab so I'm really eager to know what a mixture of macadamia AND argan oils can do for me!
Macadamia Natural Oil (Trend), 30ml for $28 at John Little and SaSa.

Last but not least, Sally Hansen is here to prevent your nails from cracking, splitting and chipping with her Hard as Nails. My nails are pretty decent though there are a couple of dents in them. I'm hoping that this will help keep up the health of my nails!
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails (Find), 13.3ml for $6.90
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This is my 2nd Bellabox. I thought I had signed up for just one box last month and wasn't aware that I had actually subscribed to it (I have some explaining to do when the bill comes. Eeps! Thank goodness for internship's moolah! Which ummm... Hasn't come yet since I just had my first day.).

I'm definitely more pleased with this month's box but I have one question. Are the contents for the box gonna vary from one person to the other for every month? I kinda thought the boxes were supposed to be the same but hmm... Oh wells. I guess there will be months when I wish I received some other samples instead of what I got (Like April's. :\). But this is the whole point of Bellabox, isn't it? To get you into brands you don't know or thought you didn't like!

As for my subscription, I'm gonna stick around a little more before I make the final call. (:

P.S.: Oops! I forgot to mention about Bellabox's new packaging. Instead of coming in a box (Photo can be found here!), the samples are housed in a canvas drawstring pouch... WHICH I LOVE! My current makeup pouch is made rather flat so I can't really keep bulky things in it so THIS is perfect! :D Also, I found the box less practical as the height wasn't very much.

Early this month, Kila Doll dropped by with some of her masks for me! 'Kila' means pretty and shiny in Japanese and this is exactly what Kila Doll wants for all ladies! Kila Doll's masks are designed specially by a group of professional R&D group to suit our Asian skins. Made with 100% Japan-imported silk wood pulp fiber, the entire mask and its ingredients are manufactured and formulated in Taiwan.

The masks are made to fit our smaller Asian faces perfectly. With its silk wood pulp formula and the absence of non-woven wool fibers, the masks adheres to our skin strongly and the risk of skin allergies is reduced. The masks are also breathable and this means that the essences are able to penetrate our skin layers deeper.

Kila Doll aims to provide skincare with superior quality and yet, keep it affordable. She makes sure that her masks are gentle enough for daily usage so that we can achieve fairer, more hydrated and healthier-looking skin ASAP!

Kila Doll has 9 different types of masks:

1. Hyaluronic Acid Mask: Intensive moisturizing and brightening, improves skin's elasticity.
2. Diamond Platinum Mask: Intensive anti-aging, reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Rose Moisturizing Mask: Intensive moisturizing and brightening of dull skin.
4. Tranexamic Acid Mask: Intensive whitening, evens skin tone and lightens spots.
5. Sakura Mask
6. Placenta Mask
7. Red Wine Mask
8. Pearl Mask
9. Licorice Mask

I was sent the 4 popular ones; Hyaluronic Acid Mask, Diamond Platinum Mask, Rose Moisturizing Mask and Tranexamic Acid Mask.

The soft cottony-like mask comes folded with a plastic in each piece. The mask is steeped in essence, so do hold it over the sink when removing the plastic.

I like that the mask does not come with flaps for the eyes and mouth as I find those troublesome. I know some people use them over their eyes and lips but I can't, for the life of me, just lie down and do nothing for 20 minutes. So thumbs up for the mask!

The mask is cottony-soft and feels super comfortable on the skin! And there is an even bigger oomph when the mask is refrigerated before application! My skin just wants to eat it!

However, as you can see above, the mask is quite huge! It covers my hairline and I don't quite like it when my hair drips with essence. :\ But aye, it ensures that every inch of your face is covered. It also adheres to my skin the entire time, even when I'm sitting straight up. A light, pleasant scent accompanies each mask but it doesn't linger for long.

As aforementioned, all 4 masks are soaked in essence. There is enough to not just cover your face, but your neck, arms and legs as well (Wipe your arms and legs with the mask once you are done with your masking session!). I haven't noticed any brightening or whitening of my skin (There is no immediate brightening effect.) but I supposed these will come in the long run. After 20 minutes, my skin is left adequately moisturized.

However, a rather thick layer of the essence is left sitting on my skin. I pat some of it into my skin and clean the rest of with a piece of tissue. It is, of course, good to have masks which are infused with more than enough essence but I do think that Kila Doll's masks contain a tad too much of it. Nevertheless, I think that these masks are really gentle and are good for daily application. (:

Kila Doll's masks are $13.90 per box of 10 and $1.60 per piece. Kila Doll can be found in the following places:

Watsons
1. Hyaluronic Acid Mask (Only Box)
2. Diamond Platinum Mask (Only Box)
3. Rose Moisturizing Mask (Only Box)
4. Tranexamic Acid Mask (Only Box)

Sasa
1. Hyaluronic Acid Mask
2. Diamond Platinum Mask
3. Rose Moisturizing Mask
4. Tranexamic Acid Mask
5. Sakura Mask
6. Placenta Mask
7. Red Wine Mask

BHG / Pink Beauty
1. Hyaluronic Acid Mask
2. Diamond Platinum Mask
3. Rose Moisturizing Mask
4. Tranexamic Acid Mask
5. Sakura Mask
6. Placenta Mask
7. Red Wine Mask
8. Pearl Mask
9. Licorice Mask

All products are sponsored by Beaute Inn Pte Ltd.

The day right after my examinations ended, I got to attend the opening of Laneíge's very first stand alone concept store at the spankin' brand new JCube! It was a wonderful way to mark the end of the school term and celebrate the start of the hols (WOHOO!!!). Thank you so much, BrandStory Babes, for the invitation! :DDD

I have used a couple of Laneíge products and one of my all-time favourites is the Pore Clear Wash Off Pack (It now comes in a new packaging and is under a new name, Pore Minimizing Pack.). For me, it is always interesting to learn more about brands that I love and also, see their makeup artists at work. And of course, I was in for a treat that Friday! :D

The opening of the first Laneíge boutique in Singapore was hosted by the jovial Dasmond Koh. It kicked off with a (blue) ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a tour round the boutique and a makeup demonstration by one of Laneíge's top makeup artists. :D

Right in the middle of the boutique is a pretty island table of Laneíge's products. The left wall held Laneíge's makeup and the right, more skincare products (This is my dream. To have a wall of makeup and skincare products. Just ONE wall and I'll be the happiest girl on earth. Okay, the island table would be good too. *nods*).

And here's the makeup demonstration! I didn't manage to catch the Korean makeup artist's name but this sure reminded me of my Laneíge's Love in Bloom Alluring Beauty Makeover by Romeo Eun!

See the lady in the bottom photo? She's a Korean and was the translator of the day and we had a conversation that went like this...

Lady: You're a Korean!
<Me: Umm... No?
Lady: No. You're a Korean!
Me: No, no! I'm a Singaporean!
Lady: What are you working as?
Me: Oh. I'm not working. I'm a student.
Lady: You look like a Korean.

It isn't the first time that I was told I look like some other nationality. Just the day before, I had my spectacles on and a lady asked me if I were from China. When I was working as a promoter, I had nationalities like Korean, Japanese and Mainland Chinese. I really wonder how Singaporean girls look like and how different my features are from them... But anyway, I was secretly (Or maybe not.) pleased. After all, Koreans are known for their fairness. Hehe.

Here's the pretty model, all done up! :D

The wall of makeup... Sighhh!!! And the Snow BB Soothing Cushion looks sooo good!!!

This is the Snow BB Cream. This went on really lightweight but hmm... I think there's only one shade for it (The website doesn't say much here.) and it is rather light. :\

And TADAHH!!! Chantana, Vivian, Val and I all had our caricatures drawn by this amazing artist! He drew with BOTH hands and cut our outlines straight from the paper!!!

He drew me shopping, without me saying anything. Hahaha! Guess the word 'shopaholic' is written all over my face. Haha.

And last but not least, this is the spa area, behind the boutique walls! There are two very cozy rooms and I believe, these are the only Laneíge spa rooms in Singapore!

Alrighty, I'm heading out in the evening. But before I leave, congrats Laneíge Singapore on your first stand alone concept store!!! It is always so lovely to see my beloved brands expanding! And thanks again, BrandStory Babes! :DDD

Two nights ago, I dressed my nails up in Essie's Innocent and now, all I wanna do is to eat them! They look like Japanese candies or rose marcons... Or maybe not. But they look so DELICIOUSLY EDIBLE!!!

In the bottle, there is a slight purple sheen to Innocent... A little like Urban Decay's Asphyxia. Sadly, this doesn't turn up on the nails when painted on. It's a pretty flat dusty rose colour. 'Flat' doesn't sound good as a description but Innocent is just a very girlish, yet classy, rose colour!

I can't stop staring at my nails! Heh. :DDD

Hi ladies (: I hope you had a fabulous start to the 2nd week of May! I'm terribly late with this but here's presenting... *drum rolls* The 2nd giveaway for LEADERS InSolution Masks!

Just a real quick rewind, I attended the LEADERS InSolution Mask's Bloggers Launch Event back in February and won a year's supply of masks!

This month, I'll be giving away 2 sheets of Aloe Soothing Skin Renewal Mask to one lucky girl (Or guy. I do not judge, I swear.).

Here's what you need to do:
1. Leave just ONE comment with your name and email address.
2. Have an address in Singapore.

The giveaway will end on May 15th, 10pm!

I probably eat more than the average 23-year-old (Think: 2 lunches, 2 dinners.). Thank you Mum for the high metabolism rate that you have so generously given me! Got to make full use of it before I hit the big 40 (Or maybe even 35? When does your metabolism rate start to dip?!?)!

Lately, I have been slightly more adventurous in the food department so I thought I start a whole new category on my blog (Previously, food entries were all under outings but there's a label for it here. Okay, see how anal I am.)!

But anyway, enough of the long (and unnecessary) explanation on the new category... Let's get 'eating'!:DDD

Coca Restaurant is located on the 4th floor of Ngee Ann City. The restaurant was founded by Mr. Srichai Phanphensophon and his wife, Mrs. Patama, in 1957 in Soi Dejo, Thailand. The name 'Coca' actutally comes from the Chinese word '可口 (ke kou)' which means 'appetizing'. The main draw of the restaurant, besides the incredible freshness of the dishes, is the special Coca sauce which was concocted by Mrs. Patama herself.

Fel and I went there last Thursday afternoon. Each square table has a plate in the middle where the pot is placed. There is ample distance between tables so no one will be listening into your conversations and also, you won't be listening to other people's conversations, without meaning to AHEM (Haha. This is in reference to an incident that happened to me recently. I'll tell the story another time.).

The menus differ for the lunch and dinner buffets. Each person is given a bowl of the special Coca sauce. The Coca sauce is slightly spicy and dotted with chopped parsley and spring onions. I have never quite tasted anything like this before but a quick search on the net told me that the sauce is pretty common in Thai restaurants.

There are 3 different types of soup bases to choose from; clear chicken broth, tom yum soup and herbal chicken soup (Which comes with a half spring chicken at an additional cost of $13.). You are first presented with a basic set, consisting of prawns, vegetables, green noddles, Coca's Special House Dumplings, fish glue among others. More dishes can be ordered via the yellow slips of paper given.

Fel and I had the clear chicken broth and we skipped the prawns (De-shelling is a messy affair.), green noddles and a plate of salad. You could put the dishes into the pot yourself or you could wait for 'The Grandfather of Coca' or any of the waiters/ waitresses (Though I only saw 'Grandfather' doing it.) to help you. Haha. Fel and I thought 'Grandfather' was like a well, grandfatherly figure (It's a good thing! He was very nice, explaining to us what each dish was, and he chuckled when Fel and I had several plates from our basic set removed. Like a grandfather!). Hence, the (affectionate) nickname. (:

I probably should have taken photos of the cooked food, instead of the raw ones but umm... Oh well. This is the first time I'm doing a proper food entry so pardon the lack of mindfulness and the writing. :\

And there, that's 'Grandfather' helping the next table! :DDD

For me, the dishes were just okay. I didn't like the fish glue, which Mum loves. Vegetables were, well, vegetables. The Special House Dumplings were pretty scrumptious but other than that, the other dishes were just normal. As for the special Coca sauce... I neither like it or hate it, but I know I won't be having any craving of it anytime soon (Or maybe, never.). It was just a sauce that was different and it ends there. Nothing that was especially tanatalizing.

But the restaurant was a nice place for a quiet afternoon of Chinese food with a girlfriend. And because Fel and I are still students, we each paid about $20 (Heh heh heh. :DDD). The service was good and prompt. We got our dishes quickly and the waiters/ waitresses were attentive. The place was also clean, including the single toilet cubicle (YAY!!!).

COCA RESTAURANT
391 Orchard Road
#04-22 Ngee Ann City
Tel.: +65 67347887
URL: http://www.coca.com.sg/

I attended SK-II's 'My First Compliments' with Sheila Sim event as Superman... Super-grandmama. Haha. I found this pretty, vintage-looking cape in the sister's cupboard, though Mum claimed ownership of it when I came back in the evening (Apparently, she saw it only once. And then, it mysteriously disappeared.).

I paired it with my F21 tank top, which is very worn and tired-looking and my New Look jeggings, which are also very worn and tired-looking.

I like the whole I'm-from-the-past look but age is becoming a sensitive issue so I wore the cape as a cardigan instead.

In the last week of April, I received another exquisite parcel from Enavose! Thanks Felicia for the gift and also, for the thought and care that went into the preparation of each box! (:

I introduced the brand back in March and you can read about it here. In short, Enavose hails from Switzerland. The brand prides itself in using unique and high-performing actives and containing no parabens, no SLES (Sodium lauryl ether sulfate.), no mineral oils and no allergenic fragrances. Also, there is absolutely no testing done on animals.

Inside my parcel, held Enavose's Cellogist Youth Guard Cream. This skin elixir won Style: Beauty's Best Buys 2011 and is also CozyCot's Holy Grail Beauty Awards winner last year and I was only too excited to try the cream!

This concoction of Rice, Pomegranate and Resveratrol works via the Cell Senescence InterveneTec (CS-IT) technology to stop time where your skin is concerned! More information about the cream and the technology used is written in the pictorials. (:

Right now, you may be thinking that 'Oh! This product is for mature ladies... (WHY IS CHAR USING IT?!?)' but as the saying goes 'Prevention is better than cure.' and this cream is perfect for ladies of all ages!

20's: Prevents the first signs of ageing such as fine lines and maintains skin firmness.
30's: Reinforces the youth genes in skin to combat fine lines, early wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
40's: Intense skin repair to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while boosting suppleness and radiance.

The 30ml white, opaque bottle comes with a pump from which the cream can be dispensed. The pump allows you to dispense the amount that you need easily. Hygiene is taken care of as there is no direct contact with all the cream so thumbs up for packaging! The bottle is pretty small and light, and this means that it's very convenient to take it along when you're flying the skies.

The white cream comes out thick and opaque. It has a very pleasant floral scent, which I think helps to relax me before I sleep (Floral scents and me go very well together. *nods*). I apply the cream onto my face after cleansing and applying toner. I use half a pump in the mornings and a full pump at nights (I now sleep with artificial coldness because SG is like a gargantuan oven.).

The cream is pretty lightweight but it feels a little greasy. It may be a little too rich for those with oily or acne-prone skin, so you might want to look somewhere else. I apply the cream to my forehead, cheeks and chin, avoiding my nose which is the oiliest part of my face.

After about one and a half week of application, my skin feels more hydrated and plumper. I can't really comment much about wrinkles right now, given that I'm still young (AHEM.). BUT one thing which I noticed and am extremely pleased with is that my cheeks look rosy!

Having just battled with examinations, I thought my skin looked pretty sallow. I have been having more sleep than I did during the examination period but I think the cream did help in getting me skin that resembles slightly like an English rose complexion! I know having an English rose complexion is completely impossible but I don't think I have seen a hint of healthy pink in my cheeks for a long time now. I have also realized that my PIH (Thank you, examinations.) are healing rather quickly! And so, even though this cream costs quite a bit, I am considering (Very seriously.) making it a permanent resident in my loo! :DDD

Enavose's Cellogist Youth Guard Cream ($99.50) is available at

Concept Store: Suntec City Mall, Tower 3, #02-079/081
Beauty Counter: Tangs, VivoCity Beauty Hall
Online: www.enavose.com (Free shipping for us! :D)

And to celebrate Mother's Day, Enavose is having a special Mother's Day promotion! Delight your Mum with the Blissfully Youthful Gift Set! The set includes a box of Cellogist Ultravital Youth Capsules and any Cellogist skincare item of your choice, all beautifully wrapped up in a gift bag for $208. :D In addition, there is also a lucky draw from May 3rd to May 11th. :D

Enavose is treating a lucky mother and daughter pair to a pampering day out! Spend some quality time with mum over a relaxing spa session at The Ultimate Spa @ Pacific Plaza, followed by a luxurious high tea session at Goodwood Park. Receive complimentary Enavose products and vouchers from us too! (Total value of the prize is worth $380.)

Simply spend $100 to qualify for one chance in the lucky draw. Multiple entries allowed, with accompanying purchase of min $100. Results will be revealed on 11 May, 2012. Winners are allowed to pick one date within the month of May for their spa and high tea session. They are only allowed to bring their mum/ daughter to redeem the prize.

And before I hit the sack, do check out Enavose's Facebook page here! (:

Have a fab week ahead, ladies! :DDD

When Mich went to Korea 2 Decembers back, I asked her to get me Missha's Perfect Cover B.B Cream SPF40 PA+++ in No. 21, Light Beige. It seems like my tube is incredibly old because now it says SPF42 instead (Click here to view it.). This was the B.B. cream that I used the most for the entire of 2011 and before I bid it goodbye, I thought I dedicate a proper entry to it first. :D

Missha's Perfect Cover B.B Cream SPF40 PA+++ claims to lighten skin tone by healing visible wrinkles and blemishes with its excellent coverage. It has skin-enhancing properties as well, such as preventing skin ageing and providing effective whitening and anti-wrinkle powers.

The 50g rose-gold tube isn't exactly what I would call travel-friendly. The top is bulky and rather excessive. But I guess the thick, silver top makes the whole tube look classy. I appreciate the pump because it means there is no direct contact with all of the product and you know how I'm so particular about this! So yay! Thumbs up for hygiene! :D The pump is also easy to control which is good because on happy skin days, I just need half a pump!

The B.B. cream comes out rather thick and with a greyish tint. It has a very pleasant scent to it, almost floral I think. Though it comes out thick, once it is blended into the skin, it feels incredibly light and comfortable. It gives a dewy finish so for those who have oily skin, you will definitely need to powder up.

The coverage is excellent. It conceals all my redness and spots so well that my friends think I have flawless skin. But nope, I wasn't born Photoshop-ped... This is my secret (Or rather, was. I'll explain later.)! It lasts throughout the entire day that I'm in school, which is about 8 hours. My T-zone does shine like a star at the end of the day so as mentioned earlier, a mattifying powder will make a very good friend when you are using this.

As for the skin-enhancing properties (Whitening and anti-wrinkles.)... I don't see any marked difference. I don't think I have got any fairer. Given that I am still a little young for wrinkles (SIGH. A few more years to go, Char. Just a few more...), I look at my laugh lines. I have a particularly deep on the left side of my face and it looks just as deep as before. Hmm... I'm not sure if laugh lines and wrinkles are the same.

But anyway, my skin feels a little plumper after each usage and it's definitely moisturizing. Mich mentioned that it helped her skin recover when she was breaking out. For me, I still suffered the occasional breakouts and a peak of them always occurs during the examination period so I would say that it helped maintain my skin condition. But I wouldn't give it a lot of credit for this. It isn't the main point of the product, for me.

Despite my love for it, I won't be purchasing this again because now, I'm more particular about what goes into my products. I'm not very knowledgeable about ingredients yet, but I do look out for products that are free from fragrances, parabens and stuff like these. Nevertheless, this is one of the better B.B. creams that I have used and it's definitely worth checking out! (:

Thanks for reading and happy Saturday, ladies! :DDD

I think it was two months back when I received the biggest parcel in my life (Not counting my ASOS ones.) and it came all the way from Switzerland!!! And you know what? My address was actually written wrongly but thank goodness Mr. (ex-) Postman knew my name from all the parcels I have been getting! Okay, it means I have been spending way too much BUT hip hip hurray that the parcel found its way to me! :D And thank you, Lynn from Pacodis for the lovely gift! :DDD

Before I go into the nail polishes, here's a little about the brand Mavala.:D

Mavala is the child of MAdelaine VAn LAndeghem and was birthed over 50 years ago. With the introduction of Scientifique Nail Hardener, it wasn't long before Mavala became the world leader in nail care. Since then, Mavala has branched into eyelashes products, skincare, hand care and foot care, applying rigorous research and meeting impeccable quality demands. Mavala's factories are in Geneva and it is available in over 100 countries.

In the parcel, held Mavala's Show Time collection. I think this was released last year during the holidays. :D

These 6 glittery 5ml gems can be worn alone or over other colours to give nails the extra bling!

(from left to right) Sparkling Silver, Sparkling Red, Sparkling Blue, Sparkling Bronze, Sparkling Violet, Sparkling Gold.

Here are the swatches!

Sparking Silver is my favourite because it looks so much like snowflakes and it's perfect for Christmas! You can probably think of a holiday for each nail polish! The nail polish comes off pretty evenly and the glitters transfer onto the nail easily. Before these, I haven't really got such transparent nail polishes so I can't wait to layer them over solid colours and see how they turn out!

Mavala can be found in BHG Century Square, Metro Woodlands, Tara Apothecary, Pink Beauty and leading perfumeries. The Show Time collection retails at $5.30 per bottle.

P.S.: Join Mavala's Facebook page here for the latest updates on the brand! :DDD