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Saturday, May 30, 2009

BB Cream

General Information:

BB Cream , also known as Blemish Balm, started off as a soothing treatment balm dermatologists + surgeons used on patients who underwent laser skin treatment. It helps to shield\protect and regenerate delicate skin. Korean actresses and stars soon started using this cream and it sparked off a huge craze in Korea due to its excellent results. Beauty brands in Korea have since developed BB cream and made it more suitable for Asian skin. Many brands have come out with their own BB cream of various different functions. BB cream is a foundation that soothes and regenerates the skin, meanwhile acting as a good foundation with excellent coverage. It can cover dark rings, acne marks and uneven skin tone naturally, giving your skin a natural glow. It also has good oil control power without conprimising your skin's moisture level. BRTC is the best brand of BB cream (or so it seems from what I've read) followed by Dr. Jart. Other brands that sells BB cream: Missha, Skin Food, Etude, etc.

Here are other reviews of different BB cream brands:


(1) Dr Jart Black Label Detox Healing Blemish Balm
Smooth texture and can be spread easily. No sunblock needed becausespf25 is provided. No strong fragrance or rather, not smell at all.Blends in skin well and face looks natural even after application
Rating: 7/10

(2) BRTC Perfect Recover Balm
It is rather "thick" compared to the rest of bb cream, but it's still easy to spread around the face. After application, skintone is even outand face remains matte all through the day. Good oil control. Not recommended for those with dry skin though.Spf not provided so sunblock is needed. Noticable clear skinafter a usuage of about 1month.
Rating: 8/10
(3) Skin79 Dermarx Beblesh Balm
Extremely smooth texture and gets absorbed into skin really quick.Blends with skin well too. However, skin is matte and there's no brightening effect. But it gives a natural no make-up look after application.After prolonged usage of 1month, skin becomes clearer.
Rating: 6.5/10
(4) SkinFood Ginko BB cream
The texture is soft, allowing you to spread it easily through your face. However, sunblock is needed for this because there's no spf. The good part I find about this is that it can conceal redness on your face.
Rating: 6/10

(5) SkinFood Aloe BB cream
This is a improved version of the ginko BB cream, but it cost slightly more.It has a nice fragrant but not recommended for those with sensitive noseor you might find the smell repelling though. There's spf so no sunblock needed.Smooth in texture and can be spread easily through your face.Rather immediate evening of skintone after application.
Rating: 7/10

(6) BRTC Perfect Blemish Balm
Considerable "thick" texture but it gets absorbed into skin really quick.Skintone is being evened out, redness being concealed, dark eye circlesbeing reduced all effectively done. Skin becomes clearer, fairer and less oilyafter a prolonged usage of about 1month.
Rating: 9/10

(7) BRTC Whitening & Wrinkle Repair BB cream
Texture rather "thick" compared to rest of bb cream, but can still be easily spread.Oil control is rather average though but it is extremely moisturising. Recommendedfor those who are under air-conditioned environment, like my super cold lecture halls!Skin will still feel very supple and refreshing even after you wash it away.
Rating: 7.5/10

(8.) Skinfood Mushroom BB cream
Texture is smooth and can be spread easily. Skin becomes rather soft after using.It blends in well with skin and leaves the skin feeling moisturised even after youwash it away. This is my latest bb cream so I haven't used it long enough yet to knowwhat other effects there after after prolonged usage.
Rating: 7/10


(9) Hanskin Super Magic BB cream
Texture isn't like usual bb cream rather "creamy" like, but it's more like a liquid foundation.Has the highest coverage compared to other bb creams I've reviewed. Has really effectivewhitening effect so it's not recommended for those with medium or pale skin tone.Has noticeable brightening effect but not as effected as SkinFood's ginko bb cream.Oil control is rather good.
Rating: 8.5/10
10) BRTC Protect Multiplex Balm
It is an effective multi-benefit cover balm which protects your skin from harmful UV-rays thus preventing premature aging and darkened skin. It acts as a natural coverage for uneven skin texture and blemishes and also has whitening & wrinkle repair functions. This wonder balm contains 3 patented ingredients of EMX-Water, Vita Extract and Na-Complex which promote a healthier, fairer and radiant skin.
Rating: 9/10

Summary of BB Cream Characteristics:
•Provides coverage just like a foundation but without clogging pores/damaging the skin
• Natural no makeup look
• Conceals all types of pigmentation, discoloration, acne and marks
• Perfect coverage without clogging pores
• Quick all-in-one base, foundation and concealer
• Healing properties which soften, smoothen and refine skin
• Encourages skin regeneration to create and maintain youthful skin
• UV Protection for healthy skin (check product details for SPF level)
• Some BB cream has additional features such as anti-wrinkle, whitening functions etc. (check product details for more info)

After hearing about how amazing BB Creams were, I decided to give the products a try. My first tube is BRTC Protect Multiplex Balm and I really love this cream and it is a must-have in my makeup collection.

The cream has a medium consistency, and does not feel too matte or watery. The blendability is excellent. I suggest applying your regular moisturizer or sunscreen onto your skin, and then massaging in the BB Cream while your skin is still moist. What I really like about this cream is that it's not so heavy that I look like I'm wearing foundation. When my skin is clear and I need even less coverage, I mix this on the back of my hand with a light moisturizer and then apply the mixture to my face.

Oil control on the cream is decent. I have combination skin, so my forehead and nose will become shiny throughout the day, but my cheeks and undereye areas still feel moisturized and great. You simply need to gently blot your oilier areas (do not rub!) and your skin will be good to go. True, this cream does not make your skin look "dewy," but I prefer a matte look, since my skin is combination already. If you have dry skin, I definitely recommend applying moisturizer beforehand or mixing this with a bit of sunscreen. To determine what ratio of moisturizer and bb cream to mix, you simply have to add a little by a little, until you get the consistency and coverage that you like.

ALSO...this BB cream is anti-microbial, so you won't have to worry about it infecting your pores or blemishes. Love!

BRTC BB Cream sold exclusively at Guardian and Watson Singapore.


Fiesta Online

 

Fiesta online is full 3D cartoon fantasy MMORPG based on brilliant and dynamic cartoon style graphic images. You can choose from 4 classes: fighter, cleric, archer, and mage. The classes are well balanced. Each class has its strengths and critical weaknesses.

I've tried Fiesta for a few days, in a short time i manage to follow the quests and secret hiding places for treasures & bounty hunting. The Promotion Test and Kingdom Quests looks daunting but i think with fair amount of experience it will be easy to conquer. There is something that i find interesting, is that you might be able to find good items in the monsters you kill instead of the usual ones.

Fiesta Online is a very casual game. It is the type you would hop on for an hour here and there. If you are interested in casual gaming, look no further. Fiesta Online will grasp your very gaming soul, and you will love what this game has to offer. If you are new to MMO gaming this is a definite one to try!

Graphics & Character Design: Not bad 7/10
Battle system/Gameplay: Easy and yet challenging 8/10
 
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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Happy Dumpling Festival (端午节)

 


Duan Wu Jie (Rice Dumpling Festival) and Qu Yuan

Duan Wu Jie is a widely celebrated festival amongst the Chinese, to pay respect to the patriotic poet, Qu Yuan (pronounced as Chue Yuan). The legend involves a really long and complicated throne-fighting war and political history. But to make a long story short: Qu Yuan was an important minister back in Chu Kingdom in ancient China. He had been known for his loyalty for the emperor of Chu, and loved his country greatly. However, His Majesty had not taken Qu Yuan's advice seriously, and he eventually got himself trapped and captured in a foreign land by his enemies, which then lead to his own death.

Sad and angry at the corrupted, dying Kingdom, Qu Yuan tied himself to a big rock and threw himself into the River of Puo Luo. The people then made rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and threw them into the river. They believed this would stop the fish from eating Qu Yuan's body. Some would even row down stream in a boat, beating drums and shouting out loud in the hope to scare the fish away (it was believed that it is how the Dragon Boat event is related to the festival. Since then, the 5th day of the 5th month in the Chinese calendar has been set as Duan Wu Festival to remember the incident. Although there were versions of legends and stories that indicate Duan Wu has existed way before Qu Yuan's death, the tradition still carries on. The rice dumplings (ZongZi) are glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, or other large leaves (lotus is one of the more commonly used leaves). You can find all sorts of different fillings in the rice: pork, roast pork, chestnut, egg, salted egg, mushroom, red bean, or just simply without filling. They could be just white rice dumpling (not pre-fried), or brown (pre-fried with soya sauce). Nowadays, you can buy Zongzi almost everyday of the year, in restaurants or hawker stores in most oriental countries such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, and other Asian countries where large amount of Chinese reside.

Bak Chang (dumplings stuffed with meat, chestnuts and mushrooms)
 

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

MOS Burger, Singapore

My Rating for MOS Burger: (3/6)

57 57 57

One of my favorite places to go for quick food was Mos Burger. Mos Burger is a Japanese chain and seems to be a re-invention of McDonald's or Burger King through a very Japanese lens. Apparently, it is the second largest burger chain in Japan, after McDonald's.



Well, open the wrapper and the familiar smell of unagi greets you. It's a nice sized piece of Unagi in plenty of sauce sandwiched between two buns that are made out of rice. Take a bite into the juicy unagi and the rice cake seeped in unagi sauce.

As a burger it feels very healthy. I have always loved MOS burger!

Yakiniku (焼肉), meaning "grilled meat", is a Japanese term which, in its broadest sense, refers to grilled meat dishes. Yakiniku Rice Burger has a generous serving of not-so-lean beef strips sandwiched in between the best tasting rice patties.

Available all over Singapore.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

TGI Friday's, Johor Bahru

My Rating for TGI Friday’s: (4/6)

93 93 93 93

Birthday Celebration!

New York Strip (10-oz. Australian chilled grain-fed strip steak), RM49.90+

Jack Daniel's® Salmon (North Atlantic Salmon filet chargrilled and basted with special Jack Daniel's® glaze. Served with seasonal vegetables and cheddar cheese mashed potatoes), RM40.90+
.
Birthday Treat (Sundae)

TGI Friday's Johor Bahru
Cuisines: American
Address: Unit L2.01, Wisma Jotic 2, Jalan Ayer Molek, 80000 Johor Bahru,Malaysia.
Phone: 07- 221 3380
Website: http://www.fridays.com.my/

Happy Birthday My Dear!

 

Happy Birthday



Secret Recipe Cake:
Caramel Cream Cheese, Chocolate Banana, Classic Cheese, Hi-Fibre Cheese Cake, Esspresso Cheese, Marble Cheese, Chocolate Cheese, New York Cheese, Cheeze Choc, Oreo Cheese and Cappucino Cheese


PRODUCT DETAILS
(Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher)

This fast-acting serum delivers our most dramatic skin resurfacing benefits—more efficiently than ever before.With Idealist, your skin looks and feels like your ideal skin:Virtually poreless.
Pores appear 1/3 smaller—instantly. See a 69% reduction in the look of pores in just 4 weeks.Unbelievably soft and smooth.
Repairs the look of uneven skin texture,flakiness and roughness.
Smooth it on and instantly enjoy that soft, seamless, silky feeling you love.Incredibly clear and even-toned.
See more clarity and luminosity.
Gives skin an overall more even tone.Underneath the skin you see,is the skin you want.Feel it.

HOW TO USE
Apply every AM on clean skin. Follow with your moisturizer.

FORMULA FACTS
Dermatologist-tested
Ophthalmologist-tested
Non-acnegenic

PRODUCT DETAILS
Biotherm Biotherm Homme UV Defense High Protection Fluid SPF50 PA+++ 30ml/1.01fl.oz
For highly protected skin throughout the day!
-Intense, effective protection from UVA/UVB rays on skin (Mexoryl SX and XL filters + Titanium Dioxide)
-Neutralize toxins and drain internal impurities
-Neutralize skin toxins that are naturally generated by cellular activity
-Moisturize skin
-Soothe and calm the skin
-Non-greasy and ultra light texture
Skin is highly protected, supple and fresh throughout the day. It is detoxified and youthful-looking.

HOW TO USE
Apply on face and neck in the morning, after your regular skincare cream. Reapply when necessary, under extended exposure to sun.