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My friends know that I am not one to shy away from the topic of sex. As much as it’s still somewhat a taboo to discuss anything related to sex in this region, it is pretty much widely known that a lot of people are having sex and the lack of education and knowledge in this topic is something that needs to change. As much as I can go on and on about the importance of sexual knowledge, I am not here to preach. I am writing this to share with my readers about a new ‘skin’ care line for the ‘down south’. Yes, a serum-slash-lube for your intimates, which by the way is one of the best ones I’ve encountered in the market. Smile Makers, a brand that is known for their discreet looking personal massagers are also the geniuses behind these three beautiful looking product below –

Why lubricants? I noticed that a lot of people don’t even know about lubricants, let alone the functions of it. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider the usage of Smile Makers lubricants when getting intimate the next time around.

When skin is dry, friction can cause it to break or create uncomfortable burns that will result in cuts, soreness or even wound you in the end. Having an open wound on your vagina is not only painful when you pee, it’s also unhealthy for your reproductive system as it might get infected with bacterias and other unwanted viruses.

Smile Makers’ lubricants as extremely safe, Pharma-grade ingredients, Paraben & fragrance free. It does not contain any harmful chemicals at all that would potentially risk your reproductive organs. The Smile Makers’ lubricants contain DPG (licorice extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate), an imported ingredient from France that reduces inflammation and promotes skin regeneration. 

I mean, this is a no brainer. When is sex ever fun when your vagina is dry? All that friction and discomfort will just be bothersome and for some couples, it affects their sex and eventually love life. I have spoken to a married couple that has not had sex in two years because she felt that sex was painful and she was not enjoying it. Little did she know that all she needed was a little bit of lubricant to just enhance their sessions, so they could get intimate.

This is where the Smile Makers’ lubricants are great even for beginners. They have three different consistencies – light (Little Light Liquid), medium (Stay Silky Serum) and rich (Generous Gel) for those who do not like the sticky feeling of normal competitor products out there. The light lube feels very watery, the medium one being similar to a serum consistency while the rich mimics the body’s natural fluid to a T. It does not leave a greasy residue nor is it sticky after it dries off. I love that there’s no cloying or fruity smell like the variations in the market. 

For those who are using contraception, lubricants work to keep it intact – it prevents tears and unwanted incidents with the contraceptives during sexual intercourse. Most parts of the condoms are covered in lubricant and spermicide anyway so it’s only natural to keep it moisturized. Smile Makers Lubricants are water-based so it is compatible to be used with a condom. 

Smile Makers’ lubricants are made from luxury skin care ingredients found in well known skin products such as Shiseido and Guerlain and imported from Japan and France so it’s safe to use for your intimate parts as well as your face! There’s no harmful fragrance or Paraben added thus it will not cause your skin to react and it moisturizes at the same time. The frictions from sexual intercourse causes skin to dry, and dry skin will in turn stretch and darken through vigorous rubbing so it is always good to keep your skin moisturized and soft. It is not greasy nor sticky so you would not feel discomfort. 

At only RM59, you can now afford luxury skin care lubricants within the market. This Smile Makers’ lubricants are the #1 female lubricant as recommended by Cosmopolitan Hong Kong and it has received rave reviews worldwide. 

Save yourself from an uncomfortable intimate moments and start using lubricants. I can’t stress enough how important it is for your sexual experiences as well as health. Do not ever use low-quality obscure products especially for your reproductive system as the risk is high for infections, inflammations and if you wouldn’t want to put unknown substances into mouth, the same care should go to your private parts! 

You can get these lubricants as well as their cute, discreet female vibrators at Watsons and Lazada or you can shop even directly for discreet packaging at these links:

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These days I find myself wearing bralettes more than the underwired bras. Not only that they're comfortable, they are one of my best investments for traveling as they take up less space in my luggage and they're easy to wash and dry. As a woman with generally average sized bust, bralettes are good enough for support and they give me a sense of inner confidence as they look amazingly sexy. There's just something about wearing nice lingerie underneath all that clothing that boosts the mood even when you're wearing just tank top and shorts. The only downside to bralettes are that they're mostly not nipple friendly and as you know, it's pretty rude to point at people. Nevertheless, I find that they're a great investment especially if you want to travel light (and of course, feel much lighter too). Here are the web stores that I get my bralettes from*.

Cotton On

Urban Outfitters

Forever 21

Revolve Clothing

Free People

Nasty Gal

I found this on Facebook and thought that I'd share it with you guys so you can print it out and paste it on the wall for reference. I'm currently taking my fitness health much more seriously, for health and also vanity reasons. Good luck!

Infographics by Herroom

Like, seriously obsessed.

Don't tell me you've never been into Sephora and not be tempted by each aisle...

No really, I spent most of my money there every time buying stuff. Even my bridesmaids gifts were from Sephora. 

Yes? No?

Okay, fine.

In that case I've compiled for you a number of great products Sephora has to offer, just for this Holiday season! If you're not sure what to buy for your girlfriend, girl friends, mothers, mother-in-law or just about any girl, Sephora will not fail you. Here are some of my favourites brands that are gift-ready for you to choose from...

FOR THE NATURE HIPPIE

Fresh was born out of a small set of opulent soaps that Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg lovingly hand-wrapped on their kitchen table in 1991. The collection that sold out in two days sparked their passion to develop products that are indulgent, effective and led to their mission of transforming everyday routines into sensorial journeys. This is the brand that introduced sugar, soy and milk into the beauty market. The ingredients are natural, luxurious and known to have benefiting agents to the user.

I hope this guide has helped you in choosing holiday gifts for that special girl in your life. By the way, there's nothing wrong about picking one for yourself too! ;)

Many of you would have come across pink ribbon, Movember and all other quirky names for good causes in the recent years but how many of you have heard about the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC)? 

Well, with the rise of violence against women lately, there are also increasing number of individuals who speak up against it and it's mostly coming from women themselves. Women tend to help each other more as they might have been victims themselves and are acting according to their own experience. However, a movement by women alone would not be enough to create a difference. This is where the White Ribbon Campaign comes in - the world's largest movement of MEN and BOYS working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. 

Women often see their men as their pillar of strength, guardian and companion - be it their father, brother, lover and best friend. So when men acts violently against women, it changes the whole perception for the individual - physically and mentally. Violence is not only restricted to physical harm, but also mental abuse. Common cases of domestic/spousal abuse when a person in an intimate relationship tries to dominate the other using fear, guilt, shame and intimidation. It also includes sexual abuse - in any case where you're forced to participate in unwanted, unsafe or degrading sexual activity, even by your own partner.

If you're in an abusive relationship, please talk to people and get help. Read more about abuse and abusive relationships here.

In 1961, the Mirabal sister, who were political activists, were murdered under the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Fourteen women were massacred by an anti-feminist in 1989 at Polytechnic Montreal. Michael Kaufman, and a couple of individuals wanted to remind people of the events that took place and that was how the White Ribbon Campaign started in 1991. United Nations then designation November 25th as the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women" in 1999 to commemorate the murder of the Mirabal sisters. Today, the White Ribbon Campaign is celebrated and spread to over 60 countries around the world and it's up to you now to educate your circle about it. 

Well, generally the campaign is to generate awareness of violence against women in Malaysia. However, the campaign is to encourage MEN to break their silence and proactively get involved to help women they love and care about. These gentlemen are also to promote and end to sexism and any behaviour that degrades women - telling other men how their behaviour might contribute to the problem. 

In my honest opinon, the root of this starts from home - parents should teach their sons on how to treat a lady, and fathers are the best figure to set an example. I'm lucky enough to be with a man whose father is a good example on how he treats the mother but not everyone comes from a non-abusive household. Therefore, it's up to the individuals on how they should act around women but of course, if you feel like you have been abusive, or have been abused, you need to get help and that is where AWAM (All Women's Action Society) comes in. They have a phone line for people to speak to about their problems:

Telenita Helpline (Counselling / Legal Information): 03 7877 0224

They are also actively involved in campaigns such as the White Ribbon Campaign, launched in 2003. They initiated the formation of MAN.V (Men's Action Network Against Violence) as the first men's group to work towards elimination of violence against women in Malaysia. As part of the campaign, AWAM will also be organising educational activities, such as the White Ribbon Workshop on 23 November 2013.

AWAM is also organizing a Run and Walk on December 8th 2013, where many men will come together to don the 'white ribbon' and pledge against violence towards women.

For more information, please visit the links below:

Website: http://www.awam.org.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWAMMalaysia

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAMMalaysia