If you want to get your hands on Kate Somerville here in Malaysia, visit your nearest Sephora outlet to find out more. 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SephoraMalaysia

Instagram - http://instagram.com/sephoramy

I have personally tried both in the past week. The first thing I liked about these products are the heavenly fruity smell. The sizes are great to pack them into my travel kit and their packaging are definitely fuss-free. I have yet to use it for 21 days continuously as it's very difficult for me to keep to a specific skin regimen depending on my daily activities but based on a few applications, my skin feels smoother, slighter brighter, definitely cleaner and the tone is clearer. It helps that I'm also taking vitamin C orally but I loved the fresh feeling that the 2 in 1 exfoliating scrub mask gives without making the skin dry and taut. The Oxy-Vitamin Treatment Serum is great to act as an intensive mineral cocktail to repair my skin while I sleep. The mask scrub's granules are very fine and it is gentle to the skin without leaving my skin feeling raw.

The mask retails at RM198 (40ml) and the serum at RM228 (20ml) which are a little steep in the current market, but it did help my skin in a very short period. It's not a miracle product, nothing is, but I would definitely would like to see the results of a continuous usage myself. If you're looking for a simple and effective solution to your urban exposed skin, you should give this a try. 

SOTHYS MALAYSIA Website | Facebook

SOTHYS Raspberry Lychee Oxygenating Vitamin home care and facial treatment is available at all SOTHYS Flagship Salons and Premium Salons nationwide. 

Malaysia's been having a box subscription fever recently that there's an influx of boxes going around. I was first introduced with the subscription box concept via Birchbox from USA (I love Birchbox Men as well) and wondered if it would ever be a big hit in Malaysia and true enough, it did. People love getting surprised, and with great samples or full-sized products you cannot go wrong. 

Beauty boxes aside, Jerine Lay, a fellow blogger then introduced me to the Fashion Box concept - pay a monthly subscription, pick a theme, and wait for the box filled with fashion goods delivered to you. Fashion Culture Box charges RM58 per box and you choose your desired theme (they change every month) and receive goods related to it. Last month, I picked a Beach theme and received complete set of accessories to use for my next beach getaway - necklace, earrings, bangle, and scarf. The box was very well packaged and curated, with additional surprises such as the nail stickers and moisturising gel for some fun under the sun. 

They have currently closed subscription for April's box (yes I'm a little late to announce this, but that doesn't mean you can't subscribe to their newsletter by signing up, no?) but do check out their website for fashion curated content on the FCzine, or shop their past products here. 

If you're not into these, why not get them for someone you love as it makes a great gift box? They're also having promotions if you decide to get all three boxes instead of one here. 

So I've finally got my first ever Clarisonic cleansing brush. Trust me, when I had it in my hands, charging the first 24 hours were pure torture. I was too excited to bring it into the shower, use it and feel like those girls in the skincare commercial, all pure and fresh. Of course, it didn't happen that way. The first time felt a little odd, and I was expecting circular movement of the brush in order to feel 'cleansed' like a baby being baptised. 

I think that's the mindset that most of us would have, especially when all the traditional cleansing brushes works in such way. I was fortunate to have found the light of truth at the Clarisonic launch event, where Clarisonic works in an oscillation movement (I'm glad I was a pure science student at one point so I didn't look that clueless after all) so that it would not tug and pull your skin - this eventually leads to the formation of wrinkles in long-term.

Invented by the very same people that invented the electronic toothbrush, Clarisonic cleansing device have been changing the way people clean their skin for years. 

This oscillation motions supposedly function to loosen the dirt off the skin - instead of digging through your pores and forces the sebum or dirt out, it gently massages the skin around the pore until it is removed. I was skeptic about the one-minute cleansing regime, and the OCD in me kicked in to do double cleansing but through time I realised that one minute is all it takes in the shower to cleanse the face (yes, you can bring it into the shower). If your skin faces irritation after using this device, ask yourself if you've been using too much. You might want to minimise the cleansing routine to once a day before bedtime and apply serum after as it increases absorption of products.

I can't tell you how Clarisonic has changed my cleansing routine, it's pricey but worth the investment as it'll last for years. Washing with just your hands does not cut it anymore, I'm an addict and probably won't need rehab for this one. Even my husband and brother-in-law swears by it, they each have one unit for themselves. My husband used to have large pores with severe white and blackheads but once he started using this, it has reduced by 70%. Now it's just those stubborn ones that needs extraction. Okay, before I start sounding like a lady in a testimonial video, I should stop and let the product speak for itself. It's good, its easy, and I even carry it whenever I travel and maybe, if you have extra cash please skip those expensive "magic" cream and invest in this one first. It'll help your other products to work better when you have clearer, cleaner skin. 

Check out this video I found of the different experiments done using a typical over-the-counter cleanser versus a Clarisonic, its the closest I could find to the demo that I was shown at the launch.

My only word of advice when travelling with this, don't use it in the shared shower of a hostel, it sounds like a vibrator or you'll get weird looks from other girls when you get out of the cubicle haha


And if you have purchased your first unit of Clarisonic, check out this video to help you get started:

Clarisonic is available at Biotherm counter Pavilion and Sephora outlets throughout Malaysia.

Since I’ve been traveling a lot recently, I needed a watch that can withstand different weather, temperatures, elements and of course, still match my outfit. I was given a Casio Baby G watch in silver to try out when I was in Iceland and here’s my honest review on it - A watch is no longer just for functional purposes; it also doubles as fashion accessories. Thus, watch designs are important aesthetically to suit the wearer and complement their style, and the elements of functionality should be a value to the user in her daily routine. These new Baby-G Series are available in many complementing colors for the feminine wrist, and although the silver and rose colored units are very new to me, I found that I’m getting fond of it especially now I realize that it is not that difficult to style with anyway.

My accessory choices were more careful this time, sticking to colors that complements a strong color such as silver. I could even borrow my husband’s accessories, as it looked better with darker colors or sometimes I’d forgo the bangles and wear the watch on its own. It’s safe to say that I’m currently wearing this watch almost everyday now and would consider it as my current staple.

While travelling, the watch came in super handy. I could use the World Time function to check on local and home timing so I know when to text my family or catch them for a chat on Facetime. It is able to show 29 time zones (48 cities with coordinated universal time), city code display so you won’t be confused and daylight saving times, which is very useful during winter. 

During my travels, and even back at home I’m not the most careful person you’ll ever know. I bump into stationary objects, knock things over and occasionally find myself in a rough and tough situations so I need a sturdy watch that can withstand all these circumstances. Plus, during my travel I’m always at crowded markets, outdoor terrains and in unpredictable weather so the Baby-G watch is just perfect for times like these. Made from Mineral Glass and resin case and band, the watch is shock and 100-meter water resistant, great for those who are into outdoor activities and active lifestyle. 

If you’re into swimming laps for your workout, you’d find this watch to be handy. It has a 1/100-second stopwatch with different measuring modes, a countdown timer, and of course it’s safe to bring into the pool. Other than that, you can set 5 daily alarms (for your meals if you’re on a specific diet or for prayer reminders), full auto calendar so you don’t lose track of dates  (great for freelancers like me), and a battery life that lasts approximately 2 years so I don’t have to worry about a dying watch until 2 years from now! Haha

Overall, I found that having a non-leather watch to be quite useful. I loved that the watch is not weather sensitive (especially when you’re in sub-zero temperatures), water resistant and is fairly affordable. Getting a watch doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket, and this is one that are both multifunctional and fashionable at the same time.  Oh, did I mention that it’s very light you’d forget that you’re wearing a watch ;)

I'm now using the watch to keep my timing in check as I'm getting busier with multiple freelancing stuff. With 5 alarm settings available, I can now remind myself to keep to my meal timings, meetings and et cetera. 

Keep up with the times and check out Casio Timepiece Malaysia on these links for more info on the watches:

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/CasioTimepieceMalaysia

UPDATE: A new G-factory outlet will be opened in Nu Sentral mid-April so don't forget to follow their social media pages to keep updated on latest offers, contests and announcements!

I used to be a skeptic. I was taught that anything oily was bad, and all I could imagine was to have the feeling of frying oil on my skin whenever I fried something. All that changed the day I braved myself to try out oil-based makeup remover and it felt like the light of heaven shone down on me when my super waterproof mascara melted within seconds. It used to take me minutes to remove my eye makeup during my younger years; using heavy cream-based remover I rubbed my lids until it was sore and I would still wakeup up with eye-crust mixed with mascara, liner and eyeshadow residue. That, was disgusting. 

Oil-based cleansers are the best. I tried from remover, face cleanser, to body-healing ones that contains Argan bought while touring in Italy. I was obsessed! When I started working and earned my own money, I indulged in beauty products that my student allowance would not have approved on. That, was the start of a whole new revolution of beauty, and taking care of myself. Now, I enjoy candles, baths, massages and beauty products that are lavish and fun to use. 

If this is not the time to pamper myself with good things, I don't know when I will. Sephora has a plethora (see what I did there?) of oil-based products with high performance ingredients. They are considered as an all-in-one source of hydration (and better compared to heavy creams) to rescue dry skin and hair. There are plenty of oil-based products that can be found in Sephora stores in Malaysia. 

All-in-one nourishing oil; head to toe beautifier, Supreme Cleansing Oil, Express Drying Oil for nails 

(all from Sephora)

Oil has many uses, so its up to you to research and be creative with it. They pamper the skin, and deliver benefits to boost radiance, minimise wrinkles and fine lines, improves hair condition and more. You can wear it on its own, or mix it up with your moisturiser before you sleep, create a slick dewy (not oily) look when you mix it with your foundation, improve the condition of your hands and cuticles with a few drops, or clean your makeup after a late night out within a minute! That last one is my absolute favourite as I'm usually too sleepy to wash my face if it takes ages but with oil-cleansers I'm usually done in less than a minute even with my eyes closed.

Check out this useful chart to find suitable oil-based products in Sephora according to your needs -

News: Spot Sephora's full page spread of the new *Sephora store opening at Nu Sentral Mall in The Star paper TOMORROW (Friday 28th March 2014)! Bring the full page with you when you visit them at our store opening and redeem a complimentary Sephora gift!

*The new Sephora store in Nu Sentral Mall, Lot No. 26, 27 & 28 Concourse Level will be opened this Saturday, 29 March 2014 at 3:30PM!

Remember the Rip Curl store in Sunway Pyramid's Old Wing? Well they have now relocated to a bigger, newer 1528 sq feet space in the mall's New Wing. The store now has an entirely new concept that is totally different from the previous one and definitely more eco-friendly! The entire store was decorated with recycled materials other than just having the initiative to give recycled paper bags to customers. The impressive but down-to-earth decor was sourced from materials such as old wood and metal pipes around Klang Valley which was then used to build wall panels, changing rooms and display cabinets. Looks like Rip Curl has also caught up on the raw industrial styled designs too! 

This great move by Rip Curl is also aligned to their brand vision of maintaining the local environment. You may now visit the new store and check out brands Rip Curl, Dickies, Zephyr, Sprayground and Globe Skateboards at - Lot G1.106, Ground Floor, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall.

Ariani, a scarf and veil label, the brainchild of a successful textile company in Malaysia called Jakel have just unveiled (pun not intended) a preview of their latest collection for 2014 last Thursday in a ballroom filled with media and their loyal customers. The hi-tea setting was lavish and inviting, somewhat like a celebration for their success to be shared with the people that have been the backbone for the growth of Ariani - their customers. As I was sitting in the ballroom, probably within the minority of non-hijab wearers, I could see the charm of this label - exciting colours and prints, relevant with modern design and fashion while adhering to the Muslimah expectations, and appreciation of their legion of customers (evident from their 732 000 Facebook followers)

The event started with a welcoming speech and a short video of the behind-the-scenes video of their daily operations and brand history. Ariani uses fabric such as Italian chiffon, Italian lycra and silk with their latest "secret" cut to create a modern finished product that is chic yet modest for the modern Muslim girls. 

Ariani also caters to more detailed headscarves - simple and elegant, perfect for special occasions or events that requires more sophisticated looks. In this Glam Exclusive collection, the scarves have lesser prints but the focus is on the styling and fabulous intricate details via patterned beading and encrusted jewels: 

my personal favourite would be this one:

Ariani also revealed three special headscarf designs that are exclusively designed and limited to one each for an impromptu auction during the event. All proceeds would go to charities picked by Ariani and the scarves were auctioned for about RM3500, RM7000 and RM10000 respectively.

One of the biggest highlights of the event was the appearance of a special guest - Dato' Siti Nurhaliza came into the ballroom belting out a song and announced that her collaborative collection with Ariani will be in stores this 21st March 2014. Below is a snippet of what would be on the racks once the collection is available to public this month. 

Also, this event was to bid good-bye to Wardina Safiyyah as their ambassador as she's moving to Australia and to introduce the new face of Ariani - Nurul Syuhada Nurul Ain. 

Like any other typical shopaholic, these few things get me all giddy and knock my conscience off the right track - sale season, new arrivals and the opening of a new store or brand around in town. Upon being sent the announcement that Monki is finally opening in Kuala Lumpur, I (obviously) went to their website, browsed their collections and went mind-shopping via the website to add to my extensive wish list. They are recruiting more #Monki army and how can I resist such fabulous cult?

Launching their store with the Spring/Summer 2014 collection, Monki, Scandi's fashion retail concept will be opening in Nu Sentral shopping mall this Spring (that means around April-June for you two-seasoned lot). Where is Nu Sentral? I'm not quite sure myself but a quick Waze search shouldn't hinder anyone from checking out their street-chic collection in this season's hottest trend. One word - prints. After all, owned by H&M could only mean affordable chic. Having more than 80 stores in 11 markets across the globe, this is one to watch (and visit, of course!).

MONKI Website | Facebook | Instagram