Beauty

Tuesday 7 December 2021

updated beauty routine: Senka Perfect Whip Collagen In & Aiken Tea Tree Oil

 




Recently I went to restock on my cleanser and tea tree oil which have ran out. Instead of the usual brands I decided to get the Senka Perfect Whip Collagen In cleanser and Aiken Tea Tree Oil, both of which were on sale. 



I remember trying Perfect Whip (the original blue one) cleanser a few years back and love it. But then the sales was discontinued for a while and it's only in the recent years I see the brand again. Wanted to try all this time but with so-o-o many options these days it took me awhile to return to it. These days there are more options under the brand lineup so I opted for the Senka Perfect Whip Collagen In.





The Aiken Tea Tree Oil was just a random brand, we don't really have many options of tea tree oil in the local pharmacies. Prior to this, I bought one brand which name I've forgotten and has the best natural scent. It appears to be discontinued probably because of the slightly higher price range. Aiken's one is not bad IMO.



IDK which one but my skin's been amazing with my recent routine. There were days I don't see any many mini zits so these combination is amazing for my skin!



If you recalled, I bought several of The Ordinary's products a few months back. I started using the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and the Retinol 1% in Squalane every alternate days and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution once a week but the whole routine made my skin become very dry & breaking out. It isn't like a very bad breakout but I'll have 1-3 really huge zits. I though it's what they refer to as "purging" of the skin but then they're not in the usual spots where I'd get acnes. While they do recover (took longer than normal acnes), they're kinda horrible. Thankfully for WFH and mask to cover up!





My lips also became very chapped and that lasted even after I stopped using. I tried drinking lots of water but it does nothing to fix the lips so I went out to get a lip balm...



Yes, I kinda stopped The Ordinary routine for two whole months and during this time don't get any huge, ugly zits. That's one of the reason you haven't hear me write about them! 



I had high hopes for The Ordinary because of all the hype they've been getting but they'd probably take a while longer to show results with the frequency I'm using them. For now, I'm slowly trying to reintroduce them back, applying 1-2 times a week (mostly once) but then it hasn't been consistent. Though I do think this way is better and I don't get much troubled skin with it. Fingers crossed I'd see result!

Wednesday 4 August 2021

The Ordinary haul | updated beauty routine

 

New beauty hauls!


The Ordinary Retinol, Niacinamide and Peeling Solution



Recently emptied my HadaLabo Hydrating Perfect Jelly and so it's time to decide on which beauty finds to experiment on! I want to change my lotion initially (it is a favorite!) because I saw one with ingredients I'm super like and super curious about. At the same time, a friend introduced me to retinol. As I researched about it, I find there's quite a hype about it and in many reviews, The Ordinary being brought up.



My curiosity got the better of me and so I decided to get The Ordinary 1% Retinol in Squalane (Shopee MY),  Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Shopee MY) and The Peeling Solution (Shopee MY). These all came up to RM116.95, with some Shopee Coins. 



Because I want to see if they work, I decided to maintain the Hada Labo Hydrating Perfect Jelly (Shopee MY) as an experiment constant. The lotion is a steal at RM59.55 (RP RM93.50) after discount + Shopee Coins redemption on Shopee Mall! Together with these are my unfinished Hada Labo Japanese Green Tea Extract face wash, Wahadabisen Gokujo Fermented Sake Yogurt Face Pack, Melano CC Essence and Thursday Plantation's Tea Tree Oil.



Interlude: I shared my recent beauty hauls in this video. Tell me what you think by commenting or clicking the like button. Lotsa love!





WHY Retinol & Niacinamide?


While checking out reviews on Retinol, many times Niacinamide is mentioned together. YouTubers like Hyram, Dr Maxfield and Dr Shah (their channel is called Doctorly), Anthony Youn and many others rave about them on and on! To put it in layman terms, they're active ingredients targeting specific skin concerns. The benefits of using it includes reduces sebum production (they can be drying if you have dry skin), have anti-aging properties, assist in treating acne, helps reduce pigmentation and even improves skin texture!


My target is mostly on my adult acnes and pigmentation & scars due to that. Perhaps its the lockdown and more time staring at myself in the mirror (vain LOL) that I have been considering another laser treatment. I don't like the uneven texture and yes, it is partly due to my itchy fingers. DO NOT pick on your acne if you don't want to fork out $$$ to fix your skin! But obviously, clinics isn't operating now so that got to wait. So what better time than now is to experiment with these supposedly holy grail of the beauty industry.



WHY The Ordinary's Peeling Solution?


For the above reasons and because I'm extra curious, I also got this Peeling Solution to try. There's quite a lot of hype about it with many TikTokers (yeah I doomscroll TikTok a lot!) applying this blood red liquid on their faces. Many too have a lot of great thing to say about this. 



HOWEVER, use this with care! This is an ACIDIC SOLUTION which means you SHOULD NOT apply on skin with active-slash-inflamed acnes or broken skin due to recovering acnes or whatsnot. Besides that, applying too much and leaving it on over the recommended 10-minutes is a NO-NO!! The brand recommends using this only up to twice a week, but many say once a week is enough. It is recommended to do a patch test on the sensitive spot in your arms to see how it'd react to it.



The precaution is important because people over-abused this a lot and that lead to many issues like sensitive skin and even first degree burns. I know it sounds like a very dangerous thing to use on your skin, but use it properly and it should be good. No need so kiasi. Still, keep it away from children!



WHAT's my new routine like?


There are RULES to follow with the addition of these active ingredients. Some of the common rules include:


  • Retinol is to be apply every other day. I'm starting with twice a week since I'm introducing a high concentration retinol.
  • Retinol + Niacinamide combination is OK
  • Vitamin C + Niacinamide combination is a nope. Because of this, I'm alternating them.
  • Sunscreen is a must when introducing Niacinamide into the routine.
  • Use the Peeling Solution once or twice a week. Starting with once a week, on the weekend for myself. 
  • Finally, I'm using the Hada Labo Hydrating Perfect Jelly and Tea Tree Oil daily as usual.



As always, starting with cleansing. Sometimes I just use the Wahadabisen Gokujo Fermented Sake Yogurt Face Pack. 






My post-cleansing regime will be as follow:


The Ordinary



I'll be documenting my new skincare journey with The Ordinary and update y'all about the result. Until then, stay tune!


Saturday 24 July 2021

Beauty Products Hauls | restocking skincare (The Ordinary, Hada Labo) & more hair dyes 🤐

 




Links to all the items which I shared in this video are as below:



1. The Ordinary 1% Retinol in Squalane  ShopeeMY

2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%  ShopeeMY

3. The Ordinary Peeling Solution  ShopeeMY

4. HadaLabo Hydrating Perfect Jelly  ShopeeMY 

5. eZn Creamy Hair Bleach  ShopeeMY

6. Hello Bubble Whale Deep Blue  ShopeeMY

7. Vijude Hair Color Cream in Smoky Ash Blue  ShopeeMY

8. ARTIZTA Linseed Restructuring Hair Lotion  ShopeeMY Link 1, Link 2, or Link 3

9.  ARTIZTA Soothing Infusion Pre-Chemical Hair Treatment  ShopeeMY



Sunday 11 July 2021

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble in Whale Deep Blue & Dusty Ash Review

 

Hello Bubble Blackpink



Early this year, I ordered several shades of DIY box dyes brand called Mise en scene x Blackpink Hello Bubble. This usually retails in the local pharmacy at RM49 but I found retailers at more affordable prices on ShopeeMY, at RM26-29 per box! Some of the colors that caught my eyes from the are Whale Deep Blue,  Dusty Ash, Mermaid Green and Metallic Ash. I also love the warm brown shades rocked by Jennie in Dark Choco and Choco Brown but these are shades of browns I had tried. I wanted something different this year!



I also found out there is two other range of Mise en scene x Blackpink called Hello Cream (Shopee MY) and Perfect Color (Shopee MY), both focuses on very pretty, natural, otona color shades. I had tried 9N Sand Gold from the Perfect Color range. You can read about it or watch the review here.



For this round, I decided to mix BOTH Whale Deep Blue and Dusty Ash. I have came across a TikToker who does that and love the result therefore I'm trying to emulate it LOL. Here is my video of me doing so:





Verdict? As you can see in the video, mine turn up a dark green. In fact, it is very similar to what's shown on Hello Bubble's Mermaid Green box! I suspect it's because my hair is orange and not yellow like the girl's in the TikTok video. Perhaps if I have toned my hair the color will turn out blue? While the color seem to compliment my skin tone, I don't think green is my shade WOOPS. Just me lah. I did get compliment on it.



The color is really vibrant and pretty IRL. HOWEVER! Very oddly, photos or videos don't do them justice! Several online reviewers share the same comments so I don't think it's just me. This is also a semi-permanent dye and lasted well over a month. I had thought like most colors other than brown shades, it'll probably be completely gone in two weeks but nope!



At present, they've lightened to ash green and I'm already noticing few sections of bleached hair visible. Still, it will probably be another week or so before they're completely gone (I think!) and I can move over to trying another shade.



Putting those aside, I find this brand is becoming a favorite. It's easy and not as time & energy consuming to apply. Of the many types of DIY hair dyes I have tried, I always love bubble dyes because they're less cumbersome and gives a much even result. I think Liese has found its competition! But yes, it does get all over my arms and face but they are easy to wash off. Hair dye brands usually changes their lineups every now and then but really wishing they could make some colors permanent! Hopefully, Mise En Scene comes out with more ashy colors too!

Monday 5 April 2021

(Sponsored Products) eZn Creamy Hair Bleach, eZn Pudding Hair Color in Truffle Mushroom Blond and Dr.BokGoo's Rx-Plex Perfect Set Review


eZn Malaysia



Think 2021 is going to be a colorful year! This be like my third color _ if you don't count bleaching! I finally accepting that if I want to achieve my dream ashy brown hair color, I would need to bleach them. For that, I am super lucky to be able to collaborate with Active Medi Pro, the official distributor of eZn products in Malaysia. This is NOT a paid post but they are sponsoring the products which I am reviewing here.



You can find this DIY hair bleach & dye in Aeon Wellness, ShopeeMY, LazadaMY or Active Medi Pro's official website. 



Until July 31st, 2021 you can use the promo code VIVIEN10OFF for 10% off your purchase when you order directly from Active Medi Pro's official website. Free shipping too for purchase over RM100. BTW, these applies for my fellow readers based in Malaysia only.



A quick introduction of this brand which originates from Korea. While this is relatively new in Malaysia, the brand is quite established in Korea and well-known for having quite a selection of pretty colors that actually turn out well. Active Medi Pro or AMP Beauty currently carries 22 colors, each at RM50.90! The colors are so unique and they carry the widest range of fashionable ash-y tone dyes.



eZn Malaysia





A lot ash-y shades which are quite trendy these days! From the ads, Truffle Mushroom Blond, Smoky Ash Beige and Sandy Ash looks so pretty! Austria Vienna Brown and Bourgogne Burgundy Brown are my other favorite shades but I've sported burgundy for almost 2 years, it's about time I change hahaha!

 


eZn's at Aeon Wellness


eZn Malaysia



~♡~


I chose the shade called Truffle Mushroom Blond with expectation is to achieve the medium if not lightest tone!



DIY hair dye in Malaysia



eZn Malaysia



To achieve that, I will first be using eZn Creamy Hair Bleach (RM40.90 per box).


eZn Malaysia



One very interesting product is the eZn Dr.BokGoo Rx-Plex Perfect Set (RM49.90 per box). It contains cystine, billberry fruit extract, sugar cane extract and rosemary extract to improve elasticity, supply moisture, increase volume in hair and longer lasting shine. 


eZn Malaysia


eZn Malaysia


This hair treatment set consist of Rx-Plex 1 which is to be used together with the bleach or dye to maintain a healthy hair. The Rx-Plex 2 is used after shampoo similar to conditioner/treatment and is recommended to leave for 5-7minutes or longer for best results. 


The instruction mentioned that 4ml of Rx-Plex 1 should be added for every 10ml of bleach or dye. A box of eZn Creamy Hair Bleach is 30ml bleach while a box of eZn Pudding Hair Color is 70ml _ you do the math LOL. I added mine into the bleach knowing it is the most damaging to the hair. Also because I knew I will be using 3 boxes, I divided it equally among the three at 8ml each.


eZn Malaysia


~♡~


How much for all the eZn products?


For the length & volume of my hair, I am using 3 boxes of eZn Creamy Hair Bleach (RM40.90 x 3 = RM122.70) and 2 boxes of eZn Pudding Hair Color (RM50.90 x 2 = RM101.80) plus a box of eZn Dr.BokGoo Rx-Plex Perfect Set (RM49.90) which sums up to RM274.40. 



It is slightly affordable than doing in the saloon because the last time I get my long hair professionally bleached and color in Klang Valley, it will probably be a minimum of RM400-RM700++ in total. That's probably the lower end and without treatment... 



How many boxes would I need for my hair length?


If your hair is past shoulder length like mine, 2 boxes of bleach and 2 boxes of pudding hair dye are sufficient. Add extra box(es) if you think you have thicker hair or gonna do another round to even out on spots you missed.



This guide works for both bleach & dye:




How did the bleaching and dyeing process went?


The whole process (bleaching then coloring) took about if not more than 8 hours over two days. I didn't experience bleach burn like when I tested it on my hand_ I think not washing my hair for a few days prior to bleaching did the trick! However, my scalp did sting when I apply the dye and throughout the waiting period so much that I was getting headache. I think the multiple bleaching processes and then dyeing have stripped the natural oil and turned my scalp sensitive.



Before bleaching followed by first round of bleaching with 2 boxes of bleach and final round of bleaching with last box.



eZn Malaysia



On the bleaching, my hair turn orange and not yellow nor platinum blonde despite me leaving the bleach for an hour! Eeek! I look like Ichigo Kurosaki's long lost sister OMG. Some part or strands did turn yellow but very minimal. I am unsure if leaving the bleach longer or doing more rounds of bleaching will achieve the result as shown on the box. I did attempt a second round of bleaching but only to turn the spots I missed orange while the parts that were already orange didn't bleach any further.



My hair becomes dry (expected with bleaching) but using eZn Dr.BokGoo Rx-Plex 2 revives my hair and made them softer. It makes a huge difference! Would recommend you getting it for the sake of protecting or keeping your hair healthy.



For dyeing, according to the instructions you only need to massage the pudding onto your hair. I use a dye comb (not provided) just in case and the results turn out satisfactory!



What's my verdict?


The color turns out SUPER PRETTY!!The ash brown with lavendar hint is such a unique shade of compared to most DIY hair dye available in the pharmacy now. This gotta be my personal favorite shade after burgundy!


eZn Malaysia



eZn Malaysia




I'm also impress at how accurate is the color is to what's advertised. I do see hints of yellow or orange bleach hair (missed out sections) but would say overall the coverage is quite even!



Also, the coverage on my scalp was quite good despite me only bleaching them very slightly. 


eZn Malaysia



Though I cannot be sure if you'd achieve this shade (second level) I have without bleaching because some parts of my hair at the back looks closer to the first level of result. Perhaps I'll try this shade on unbleached hair in the future!



eZn Malaysia



I was expecting the yellow bleach color but after bleaching I decided that dyeing (aka purple toning) from orange gives nicer results. Saying this because for the strands that were lighter orange-yellow became gray-er after bleach and while I can see the subtle purple hue, they look more like gray hairs to me. The orange hair turn a beautiful ashy, purple brown that I super like.



In some sections, the orange from bleaching my hair are still visible. Also because of the crazy bright orange hair undertone from the bleaching, the color do become brassy! And so I think if you'd want to maintain a nice ashy-purple shade, you can maintain your hair with purple toning shampoo. eZn Korea actually carries a toning shampoo called the Dr.BokGoo Magnetic Color shampoo to fix this but this is not available locally just yet *shrugs*



Last but not least, sharing this video I made while trying this product. What do you think about the color turnout and which color do you think I should try next? If you have tried this, do tell me how it goes!



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