Monday 25 March 2013

studying Japanese

This year I've decided to take Japanese Language Proficiency Test(JLPT) so I've been busy cramming up grammar, verbs/nouns/adjective/kanji and everything else.

My Japanese has always been so-so only but I want to improve it that's why I'm planning to take 2 papers this year. My new year resolution is that by the end of the year I can write and converse fluently.

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↑my practice notebook and grammar notes. I'm not using the 2 books for this exam actually. They're just for show here XP

Currently, I'm relying on GuidetoLearningJapanese for grammar(it's my Japanese grammar bible!), Bonjinsha Basic Kanji Book, Jisho.org as dictionary and Nihongo Ichiban for sample past years JLPT.

I have yet to buy any textbooks(Minna no Nihongo/Kaizen Master) or practice books yet. But then, I haven't decided which paper_N5 or N4 I should take. Registration is now open till early next month so I really have to decide quickly.

The exam is in early July so I still got 3 more months before the exam. I guess I got plenty of time to study for N4_if I didn't procrastinate hahaha.

Alrighty~! Enough rants, got to get back to studying since I'm in the mood to do so LOL.

Friday 22 March 2013

Advert: Introducing Maxbeauty & LA FAÔN Samples Review

Ohai~! (●⌒∇⌒●/) In this post, I'll be introducing Maxbeauty_ a multi-national one-stop beauty retailer founded in Hong Kong in 2011 and is now operating in Malaysia.

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This beauty retailer is offering a mix of international and exclusive brands to cater for BOTH men and women. The products range from makeup, fragrances, body, skin and hair care.

Here's the list of brands available in Maxbeauty at the moment:

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Maxbeauty carries a number of top Korean brands so if you're a fan of Korean beauty products or cosmetics, good for you!

Personally, I've been dying to try Ciracle's Vitamin Source C-20 that is rated the #1 Top Seller in Korea with 25 000 bottles sold every day in Korea!! I first heard of them from Wishtrend.com sometime last year and had my eyes set on it. I'm glad they're now available in Malaysia♡

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By the way, I happen to receive some samples of LA FAÔN and Avenue of Beauty so I'm just going to do a quick review on all the LA FAÔN samples in this post. I tested them out yesterday.

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LA FAÔN


Here's one brand that's designed with love for every woman who yearns for eternal youth.

These days its not impossible to want to look 25-30 at 55(my newfound my life goal LOL). It all comes down to putting extra efforts in your daily skin care routine. For this, LA FAÔN wants to make skin care fun, enjoyable and most importantly, effective.

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With that, the LA FAÔN range is made from the finest ingredients to enhance effectiveness. LA FAÔN created the exclusive formula called the ECODEW that works as a highly effective moisturizer, anti-wrinkle, comfort and repair, renew and activate treatments. This is to target ALL kinds of skin aging problem.

Besides that, the range also include 4 key ingredients:

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Now let's take a look at the products it has to offer~! (ps, I did not include the list of ingredients and their different actions on the skin in this post 'cuz I'm only doing a run through on the products. I do cover their general benefits though.)


STEP 1: Dramatic Face Cleanser


Dramatic Face Cleanser

First up, LA FAÔN Dramatic Cleanser that is formulated so that it's suitable even for the most sensitive skin. The cleanser helps to remove old cells to bring back healthier and firmer skin.

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I find the cleanser consistency is that of a smooth satin-like cream. It's feels soft and gentle on the skin and has a sweet odor that isn't overpowering.


STEP 2: Potent Radiant Emulsion


Potent Radiant Emulsion

I then proceed with this Potent Radiant Emulsion that claims to accelerate the skin's natural renewing process. This toner works by:

 ◊ Waking up & clarifies dull, tired and stressed complexion

◊ Chasing away shadows and captures light to give skin a bright, radiant glow

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Like many other toner, it's appearance is that of a clear liquid with a mild sweet scent.

STEP 3: Instant Lifting Serum

Instant Lifting Serum

I continue by patting the Instant Lifting Serum onto my face. This serum targets to bring back skin's natural moisture besides

◊  minimizing the appearance of wrinkles 

◊ accelerates skin's natural renewal process

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The serum is a yellowish translucent liquid that feels slightly sticky when applied. It didn't take long to be absorbed into the skin.


STEP 4: Vitalizing Shaping Cream


Vitalizing Shaping Cream

The LA FAÔN shaping cream works by minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. It is designed to

◊ Empower to replenish itself to take time off your face

◊ Gives a more radiant, even supple, youthful looking skin

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The cream comes in a thick but light texture that absorbs fast into the skin.

Somehow, I find both the Instant Lifting Serum and Vitalizing Shaping Cream has a peculiar scent that I didn't like about them. (And yes, ALL the product from LA FAÔN range are scented.)


STEP 5: BB Base Blemish Balm Cream


BB Base Blemish Balm Cream

Lastly, I applied the BB Cream on my face and neck. This BB cream promises to give a flawless, long-lasting and perfect complexion to the skin by

◊ Visibly blurs line, wrinkles and imperfections while skin feels completely bare

◊ Triple protection against direct sunlight, free radicals and pollution

◊ Satin finish

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Here's something in the LA FAÔN range that I have to rave! Initially, I find that the BB cream lighter than my skin tone and might not suit me but how wrong I was.

After just a little blending in, it brightens up my complexion without making a huge contrast. The result was satin-ish, dolly like and it truly felt 'bare' on the skin_like it wasn't even there!ヾ(@O▽O@)ノ

The cream is light and mildly fragrant. Also, it doesn't have a grey tone_a common problem I find among Korean brand BB Creams. On the down side, the coverage goes as far as to even out skin tone and minimizing pores. It doesn't do much for covering up pimples or redness caused by them. Still, it's my favorite item in the range.

Here's a photo taken after the entire LA FAÔN routine (◡‿◡✿)


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Just realize my pendant got tangled up... (>A<'') Btw, just so you know, I retouched my photo to get rid of some redness and pimples itselflah. My skin's not perfect. (How I wish tho~!)

Last but not least, you can check out LA FAÔN, Ciracle, klair's and other brands available from Maxbeauty on


Maxbeauty's webpage 


and any promotions on their


 Facebook Page


All the brands and products mentioned above can be purchased at any Maxbeauty stores in either Paradigm Mall, The Mines, Sg Wang or Setia City Mall. Can't find a store close to you? Fret not~!

Maxbeauty aims to have a total of 10 stores across Malaysia by the end of 2013! So cross your fingers if you want them to open an outlet close to your place(≥v≤)


Maxbeauty stores in The Mines, Setia City Mall and Paradigm

Thursday 14 March 2013

Review: Liese Bubble Hair Dye in Dark Chocolate

As promised last month, here's the review for Liese Bubble Hair Dye in Dark Chocolate.

I got mine from Watsons for RM38. I chose one of the dark shade in hope that I could hide the black roots and so that there wouldn't be much contrast with my already dyed portion. It didn't turn up quite the way I want it though. Read on for results.

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A little something about the Liese Bubble Hair Dye I got: I realized that it now comes in an improved formula. Its new ingredient include honey that helps to keep hair moisturized and hydrolyzed silk to protect the hair.

Also, this time the after-dye hair treatment now comes in a friendlier amount compare to what they provided previously.

Liese Hair Bubble Dye

Liese Hair Bubble Dye Color Chart

Liese Hair Bubble Dye-Back

Anyway, I did a quick test before dye-ing my entire hair just for precaution sake. I would recommend doing the test for these reasons:

1. You've experienced allergic reaction the last time you dyed your hair, which wasn't fun at all, really.

2. You haven't tried this brand hair dyed before or in my case, it's been 2 years since I last use Liese Bubble Hair Dye.

Plus, most of the stuff for the test is available from the kit so you only need to prepare cotton buds and the test won't even take a minute.

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Liese Hair Bubble Dye - Allergy Test

I did my test_albeit only for 24 hours than the recommended 48 hours_ and thank god I'm not pregnant didn't experience weird mutation whatsoever on my arm. So yes, I gave myself an 'OK' to proceed.

Now, for the results!


Before:


Here's my hair before they're dyed_still in copper-ish orange:

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After:


This is what my unruly hair looked like after dyeing. The photos are taken during CNY_just a couple of days after I had them dyed. Happy me was happy ↓

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They're now a few shades darker and have a reddish tone instead of the previous copper one. I really like the color but it didn't do much in softening up the contrast *sigh*

BTW, I wanted to take another photo to show what they look like now but I look crappy in all the recent shots. Even photoshop didn't help much so forgive me (≥.≤)

Anyway, here's what I've concluded about Liese Bubble Hair Dye:


What I like about it


♥ From previous experience, pretty shades of color that last. And I haven't notice any fade of color yet.

♥ The newly improved formula doesn't have horrible ammonia smell.

♥ Non-drippy bubble foam which means less fuss and mess.

♥ The color is quite even.

♥ Hair feels soft and smooth after dying.


What I dont't like about it


♣ Didn't do much to cover up my black roots (≥x≤)

It's been a month since I've dyed my hair, I'm tempted to get my roots fixed, maybe another shade of brown(=A=) Goodness, dye so often by the end of the year I probably would have tried 50 shades of brown HAHAHA

Ending this post with a photo of some of the Hada Labo products I've got in my beauty stash. Besides the Tamago Hada lotion(middle), the rest are gifts I've received early this month(๑>◡<๑)♡

Everything Hada Labo(^o^/)

I'll be reviewing the TamagoHada Lotion and Air BB Cream soon so if you're interested in either products, stay tune v(≥vO)

Thursday 7 March 2013

2013 CNY Day 3: Penang Snake Temple

Last CNY post before I get to review. Took me a while to write this... And okie, you might have noticed I actually skipped CNY Day 2 lol. Not much photos from that day since all I do is visit relatives and collect ang pows a.k.a. red packets.

See all my red packets I collected this CNY~~ ٩(⌒∇⌒)۶

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On day 3, my family and I went to the Snake Temple to pray. After all it's the year of the snake mah #chineselogic

snake temple penang


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Snakes around the temple compound~


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Not sure they're real or fake. Didn't see them move an inch.

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And there's a really huge python in the snake farm right beside the temple too. They said that if you stroke a yellow python from head to tail, you'll have good luck all year round...

...And I wanted good luck all year round HAHAHAHA


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Me stroking it. It's feels weird and I was afraid it might just decided to strike at me. So scared I couldn't feel my hand (T___T)

Not sure if I ever want to do this again LOL

Some other snakes in the enclosures~ There were lots more but I'm too lazy to upload them (≥x≤)

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That's all for now~ Chao!

Tuesday 5 March 2013

2013 UNMC Bunkasai~

(,●⌒∇⌒●)/ Ohai~~ Today I'm blogging about my short trip to KL last week~ I took the train down specifically to attend my uni's Japanese Society's annual event_ BUNKASAI! This year marks the 3rd annual Bunkasai!

I'm one proud
obaba kaichouヽ(;▽;)ノ

Suria KLCC

↑ Scenery taken from Kinokuniya, Suria KLCC. Was there to kill some time the day before the event.

Some of the photos I took from the day of the event itself:



Banner and poster for the event~ I LOVE the 'fan' idea a lot!! Very creative!



Meet the 3 generations of kaichou here!



Oh, thiswasnotintheplan but I find myself wearing this badge that day(=v=)





The other dudes who's in charged with the booth that day. Candid photos of them haha









Merchandise booth next door~



Got mahself a meme badge (≥v≤)



There were stage performances too. The committees decorated the lecture hall with loads of teru teru bozu. So cute one!!

And thanks to them, it didn't rain that day but the weather turned out so hot (≥A≤)



The performance started off with some of the members performing the traditional Souran Bushi. That was the only show I got to watch that day...




Somehow, I got dragged into doing it too for demo. Not the most convenient moves to perform in a skirt... Now I know how to perform the chorus section *proud*

(//o//) "DOKKOISHO! DOKKOISHO!"

I found a photo of me performing the demo that day on the uni's Photograpy Society fb page. 95% of me is hidden behind_thank god. At least I won't be seen in an awkward position..

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You can view more photos of cosplayers who took part in the cosplay competition and scenes around the festivals taken by members of the NPS fb page!

After the demo, I had to rush next door to help put on yukatas for the 'models' for the next stage show somemore. Busy, busy.




Also, a pic of my friend in a costume and I. Kakkoi!!



Nexto! Here's what they have at the food stalls~





And another year of Daten Cafe!

A maid & a butler preparing food and drinks for ojousama and goshuujinsama.

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There was a obake uchi(haunted house) too. I missed it last year so decided to check it out. It was quite fun and I find me scaring the shit out of myself before the 'ghosts' do... (,TOT,) Can't help it since that was my first time going into a haunted house...

I heard rumor a guy actually passed out in the room. And then while I was in charged with the booth with friends, we heard a guy shriek from inside the haunted house. Was laughing LOL. Gotta laugh at other people 'misery'.

Overall, it was another amazing year of Bunkasai! Everyone worked hard nee~ For that,


hontou ni, ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU!!~♡ Soshite, hontou ni otsukaresama deshita!!

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