Bee Lee C

Hello. Its been a long time since I updated my blog.

Initially I thought it was my sunscreen issue. After some research, it shows that sunscreen is important to prevent acne too. So best to opt for gel sunscreen, or anything that says oil-free & non-comedogenic on all skincare and sunscreen. Anything you'd like to recommend me to try, just comment down below. Thank you very much! ^^

Initial reaction: "Aiya, I'm not in my teen/puberty years why would I need it?" A few days later, "Thank god for sending me these!"

When I first receive this Mentholatum's New Acne Care line I was thinking, "Aiya, I don't need la coz I'm already in my 3-0 chapter." A few days later some pop out and most probably because of my skincare or sunscreen and seriously sleep deprived as my Little Z is still latching at 2 years 3 months. Masking also makes it worse. Thankful these were on standby to let me try how effective it is in controlling my acne at that time (late Sept - Oct).

Facial acne is common among adolescents and young adults- it had impacted the quality of life. Studies have shown that acne can cause psychosocial disturbances such as depression and anxiety. Citing a research done by Brody, 2019, “Acne is not a killer, but it can scar people literally and psychologically.”

In addressing issues arising from facial acne and also to offer a solution to help with acne care, Mentholatum has launched a new skincare range for acne and oily-prone skin known as Mentholatum Acnes. Mentholatum Acnes, Japan’s No.1 complex trouble care is a brand that has been developed from Rohto-Pharmaceutical, a global pharmaceutical company with rich history and heritage in skincare product development with over 120 years’ experience in pharmaceutical technology. It aims to help consumers achieve visibly clear and healthy-looking skin through its range of products containing naturally derived ingredients to help address acne and oily troubled skin effectively whilst providing gentle care to the skin.

(Survey)

According to a survey by Mentholatum, 72% of respondents experienced improved skin condition after 30 days of using the Mentholatum Acnes, whereas 3 out of 4 said their skin condition improved just after 7 days thereby giving them more self-confidence.

(Routine / Thoughts)

The new Mentholatum Acnes range consists of a full range of acne skincare routine, namely Mentholatum Acnes Creamy Wash, Acnes Powder Lotion, Acnes Oil-Control Moisturiser, as well as Acnes Anti-Acne Spot Gel for spot-treatment. The Acnes product range contains more than 95% of pure Centella Asiatica extract from Madagascar, which is backed by research to effectively help soothe the skin and aid in blemish recovery.

Use the three (#1, #2, #4) products for your daily day and night time acne skincare routine if you have oily and acne prone skin. Use #3 only when necessary. As for my dry and sensitive skin, I still do use this routine but more during when the acne visit and till they're gone or use #3 spot treat method and skip the rest. I tried using for a period of 2 weeks and it did curb my acnes pretty well but it is also pretty drying for the other parts of my face so I tone down on the frequency of usage as my skin is already dry. So for dry and sensitive skin like mine, use only when needed. This also proves that it can effectively control acnes while also mattify oily-/acne-prone skin users.

These are the textures of the Mentholatum Acnes range.

Mentholatum Acnes Creamy Wash (RM19.90 / 100g)

Mentholatum Acnes Powder Lotion (RM19.90 / 150ml)

Mentholatum Acnes Oil Control Moisturiser (RM29.90 / 45g)

Mentholatum Acnes Anti-Acne Spot Gel (RM21.90 / 18g)

This is my before-after , approximately a 2 weeks usage. I am pretty impressed. Are you? :)

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You can purchase the Mentholatum Acnes Creamy Wash, Powder Lotion, Oil-Control Moisturiser, and Anti- Acne Spot Gel at Watsons and various online platforms. Get yours now to kick start your acne skincare journey. For more information about the new Mentholatum Acnes range, kindly log on to their Facebook.

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Hi loves, if you have been following me you will know Hada Labo is one of the first few brands that I am acquainted to since the start of my skincare journey. Today, Hada Labo, Japan's skincare brand that goes with the philosophy 'Perfect X Simple' has introduced its upgraded Premium Whitening Range - help women achieve 3x the skin brightening effect + fresh new packaging!

Hada Labo's new whitening formula incorporates Triple Whitening ingredients i.e Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3), α-Arbutin (a type of skin brightening agent), and Vitamin C. Also infused with Hyaluronic Acid, this special formulation provides the skin with intense hydration that plumps up and brightens the skin, resulting in healthier looking skin.

If you are looking for even, trasnlucent complexion that is glowy, well hydrated and reduced visible dark spots then you should use this Hada Labo Premium Whitening range consistently! Over time, your skin cells are healthier and more plumped and light reflects off them more evenly. This improved range is also fragrance-free, colorants-free, alcohol-free, and does not contain mineral oil and free animal derivatives - which make it suitable for all skin types.

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MY Review:

After 3 weeks of almost consistent usage of  the Premium Whitening Lotion (Rich) and Premium Whitening Water Gel I love the result that I am seeing. I am considering to get the serum and mask too if I have more free time as I want to see less visible dark spots. So far I see the overall brightening and hydration of my skin. So when using this I tried including oils at night but I think it makes the texture not too great ( I don't know how to describe it. Its like some part of my face dried down "plastic-y" --- so I don't use oils with it) so I include water-based serums ; no oils so the dried down texture will be normal.

Premium Whitening Lotion (Rich)  /  RM69  /  170ml

Premium Whitening Water Gel  /  RM73.20  /  50g

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Start using Hada Labo’s Upgraded Premium Whitening Range today and bid goodbye to dull looking skin! This range is already available at major pharmacies nationwide as well as on Shopee and Lazada.

Hope the post is helpful for you.

Hello loves, I am really happy to share that Faber-Castell Malaysia has launched the Fast Gel Z, a new retractable gel pen that offers an unbeatable smooth writing experience, making it the smoothest gel pen in the market. Nowadays I use pens to mark down my to do list or just to give baby to write or draw random lines that he want. What do you use your pens for?

In engineering the Fast Gel Z, Faber-Castell developed a new and innovative precision tip that is paired with ultra low viscosity ink that results in an unrivalled smooth writing performance. This innovative combination results in the Fast Gel Z pen delivering the smoothest writing performance compared to the many pens in the market.

They also conducted laboratory tests with other competitor gel pens in the market, the Fast Gel Z pen achieves the lowest friction (friction refers to that between the pen and the paper). "Faber-Castell always strives to produce innovative products that cater to the demands and needs of consumers. Some of the concerns we noted among consumers when using a gel pen is its inability to glide smoothly coupled with constant ink smudges and slippery especially during a long writing duration, which do not give consumers a good writing experience. This has prompted us to innovate the Fast Gel Z pen that can take users’ writing experience to new peaks,” said Mr Andrew Woon, Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia.

“With the inclusion of the latest technologies, such as the precision tip technology and ultra smooth ink feature, one can now experience pure writing pleasure using the Fast Gel Z Pen as it ensures an effortless, vibrant and intense line; without skips, smudges and lags,” added Andrew.

Andrew said the gel pen is an important business segment for Faber-Castell Malaysia. According to a study by Kantar, the world’s leading data, insights and consulting company, the market size of gel pens in 2019 stands at RM43 million in Malaysia.

Persistence Market Research’s published report in 2020 state that the global writing instruments market is expected to expand 1.5 times by 2030. Students represent the biggest opportunity in terms of end users in the writing instruments market and is on track to expand at a CAGR of around 5 percent through 2030. Among the stationery product types, the pen segment account for a significant share of approximately 60 percent in the global writing instruments market.

Features of the new Fast Gel Z pen:
• Ultimate smoothness in writing performance
• Fast-dry ink with no smudges
• Intense, vibrant inks
• Extra-soft grip for superior comfort when writing
• Refillable

Discover the ultimate smoothness of the Fast Gel Z today!
This gel pen comes in two variants - 0.5mm and 0.7mm, both of which are available in black, blue and red ink.

Each Fast Gel Z Pen retails at RM5 a pen while its refill retails at RM3.50.
They are now available at major stationery stores and hypermarkets nationwide as well as Faber-Castell’s eShop .

 Hi lovelies, finally I am back with a new post. Not about adult skincare this round. Continue reading if you would like to know about my baby's latest skincare that helps with his eczema / dry skin journey.

At birth, his skin was soft but flushed red. After some days later we noticed his skin, especially his face, looking pretty bad - peeling and just heartache when I see him. It looks painful. We assume it was just newborn dry skin issue that will go away on its own. However each time after shower, his skin will look flushed red then when its chilled he will look better. As time pass, it became worse. We went to a paed and he says its eczema. We were prescribed with a steroid cream for faster recovery. We delayed a little but it shows no sign of improvement so we went with some time of steroid cream plus prebiotic drops...slowly he recovered till today. However, I still noticed his skin is more on the dry side and especially after mosquito bites, so I do prioritize what I apply on my baby to build a stronger skin barrier for my Little Z.

I thank you Aliza for introducing me this Cetaphil baby line. Its now approved by us (me, hubby and Little Z). We really love this as we are now addicted to smelling our baby's head. Its subtle and like a very "clean" scent. I love that Little Z love using it coz he will tell me the lotion smells nice. More  of what we think below.

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This is my baby's 3-step skincare routine with Cetaphil Baby line:

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Hi, its been another mco after mco and I must say I almost forgot what it's like to makeup. So I have been seeing a lot of my own imperfections and always searching for solution for my dark spot issue. It has multiplied ever since after having my baby. I also do not have the time for facial treatments as I cannot find suitable person to help take care of my baby.

I am glad I found the NEW Melano CC Premium Brightening Essence as it help with improving my overall skin tone and textures. I may also be bias as I have love its brand ever since last year when trying its moisturizer.

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Formulated with 4 types of Vitamin C to reduce dark spots and even out skin tone. L-Ascorbic Acid is the most stable  and powerful form of Vitamin C - give us brighter, smoother and even skin tone. It is also able to penetrate deeply into the skin layers to fight skin concerns as it uses a high penetrating technology that ensures full absorption.

This is the unique packaging and texture of product.

Who is it for?

Someone who wants to lighten stubborn dark spots, pimple marks, acne scars, minimize pores, revive dull skin and rebalance skin tone for a visibly brighter and more radiant complexion.

Key Ingredients:

Pure Vitamin C, Penetrating Vitamin C, Oil Soluble Vitamin C and Long Lasting Vitamin C - penetrates into skin to actively fight stubborn dark spots, lighten stubborn pimple marks, lighten acne scars and improve uneven skin tone.

Vitamin B6 - controls excess oil production and minimize large pores.

Vitamin E - softens and hydrates the skin for glowing, radiant and healthy skin.

Allantoin - soothes redness and calms irritated skin. It also gently removes rough and dead skin cells to reveal smooth and radiant skin beneath, and boost skin moisture to keep it plump and youthful.

Alpinia Seed (Ginger) Extract - helps brighten and balance skin tone. 

Grapefruit and Lemon Extract - rich antioxidant properties that can rejuvenate dull skin and even out skin tone.

Bare face, snapped with iphone 7+ back camera.

Packaging:

It comes in an aluminium tube and special nozzle to prevent oxidation, keeping the Vitamin C essence fresh till the last drop! 

Scent & Texture:

Dispenses in clear liquid that feels like oil. Has citrus scent that dissipates quickly.

What my Skin Thinks?

.It spreads like very light oil texture and sinks in quickly with light massages. Applied area feels soft after and dry skin is less obvious. I initially tested for first impressions on the back of my hands (image below) and I am blown away! Then after trying this on my face for a 1 week period throughout my inconsistent 2 week period, I do notice how it helps with improving my overall skin tone and texture (above pic). I will definitely include this in my skincare routine. Also recommending to sensitive skin buddies who is looking for a Vitamin C essence that works well! You should give this a go. ^^

It retails at RM75 and will be exclusively available at all Watsons starting July 2021

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If you are interested in brightening your skin with Melano CC, you can try any of their range product from Lotion, Essence, Premium Essence and a Brightening Gel. Below is the recommended steps for your daily skincare regimen:

#1: After cleansing, hydrate and brighten skin with Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Lotion

It has a refreshing, citrus scent infusing with Vitamin C that intensely hydrates and brightens skin for a radiant, evenly toned and healthy skin. It also helps prepare the skin for better absorption of the active ingredients contained in the subsequent skin care products.

#2: As treatment step, use Melano CC Premium Brightening Essence

It is formulated with 4 types of Vitamin C, B6, and E to brighten skin, even out skin tone, fight dark spots/pimple marks and minimize pores for a healthy glowing complexion. You can use it as a spot treatment or an all over face application and massage gently onto problem areas. Alternatively, 

#3: Seal off goodness with Melano CC Brightening Gel

Apply generously onto face and neck. Gently massage to allow full absorption into the skin. Now everyone can enjoy spotless beautiful fair skin!

Hello loves.

A separate post will be up on my own personal update but first let me introduce to you my recent new found love, the all NEW Color Correcting Lip Balm by Mentholatum.

I don't know about you but I have been experiencing peeling and crack lips ever since I have been masking since last year MCO 1.0. Because of masking (even when I don't mask at home) I gave myself reasons to skip lippie and lip balms. After taking it off I was occupied with other stuff and forgot all about it. I will only apply if I am annoyed by any peeling or bleeding. So lazy and forgetful. Lol

So now I make it a point to keep it moisturize before it cracks. I will apply once in the AM and another in the PM. This new color correcting lip balm, color corrects, moisturizes and also has spf protection.

Please remember to not be like me and take care of your lips more. Apply lip balms even if you are going out with your mask! Get your hands on these Tone My Lip lip balms already available at all leading pharmacies and hypermarkets.

About:
Tone My Lip Color Correcting Lip Balm

This is a triple action lip balms that works to correct lip color, moisturizing, sheer color, and spf protection. This color correcting lip balm is perfect for those who do not like wearing colored lipsticks! It makes my lips look healthy and glowing naturally.

The Tone My Lip range contains hydrating skin care ingredients such as Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, and nourishing vitamins A, C and E, and a sheer wrapping formulation that gives lips a fluffy 3D effect.

Thoughts:

Package of lip balm is like any other. I love that each lip balms tackle different lip concerns. Its already day 6 of MCO 3.0, no matter we work form home or when we are needed to go out for important work, remember to keep your lips moisturized and looking healthy! 

Pros:

Get yours at:

It retails at RM19.90 and already available at all leading pharmacies and hypermarkets starting this June 2021!

Cheers,
Bee

 Hello lovelies, how are you in this MCO?

It's been a month-ish of no blogging for me and I am back.

Little Z has been really mobile and independent these days. Patience needed is 120%. Anger management for my part is very much needed. A lot of discipline, repeating necessary while trying my best to not use the word "NO No" to him coz afraid it will make him less confident.

Walking the park and snacking is our favorite past time ^^

Anyways, let's go through some positive little worth mentioning things like:

1- YAY! He can finally walk more steps on 23/10/2020 - approx 14 months 12 days old.
Now he walks everywhere and take everything.

2- Thankful to be able to breastfeed him till now.

3- Starting on another new project. Online shop.

4- Favorite past time (other than skincare) is milk (or tea) + cookie whenever I have some alone time.

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Recently I was introduced to English Tea Shop Organic - MAMA Me Tea.

Here we are having English Tea Shop Organic Mama Me tea available at Gan Teck Kar.
Pairing wonderfully and to boost milk supply is the Ruuah Lactation Cookies.

Mama Me tea is a rich, caffeine-free blend of fruit, spices and vegetables. It has a beautifully balanced blend which is just the thing for new mamas and mamas-to-be. It is Halal certified, USDA Organic, Non-gmo verified and portable as it comes in 20 individually packed sachets. 

Gan Teck Kar Shopee  /  Gan Teck Kar Website  / Gan Teck Kar Facebook  / Gan Teck Kar Instagram

A close up before I gobble it ^^

Ruuah Lactation Cookies is by Pensive Bakers. They are made with mainly organically sourced, healthy ingredients like oats, flaxseeds, chia seeds, virgin coconut oil, dates, brewer's yeasts, and fennel seeds. It comes in 2 flavors- Caramel (subtle and comforting) and Chocolate (rich and indulgent).

Ruuah Website  /  Ruuah Facebook  /  Ruuah Instagram

Ingredients:

Organic Herbal Tea with Cinnamon (39%), Chamomile (19%), Nettle (6%), Fennel (13%), Beetroot (12%), Orange (7%), Blackcurrant (2%) and Blueberry (2%).

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Packaging:

Lovely inside out till the sachet. So much details and the packaging from bags, boxes and outer packaging are fully compostable. Tea bags are staple-free and sachets are recyclable.

How-to:

100 degrees hot water. Steep tea bag for 3-5 minutes. Ready to drink :)

Taste Test & Thoughts:

Upon opening the box I can smell fragrant rich cinnamon scent. When I steep with hot water, red color tea is immediately observed with the same rich cinnamon scent. I was at first hesitant coz I never really like any cinnamon. This Mama Me tea has become a favorite to my surprise coz the first taste of tea is smooth cinnamon with calming chamomile and a cooling sensation. The after taste is of fruity taste that makes it a very refreshing beverage to wind down ^^
After 2 weeks of consumption, I take 1 sachet of Mama Me tea every alternate day with Ruuah chocolate lactation cookie, I can feel the boost in my milk supply coz I had to pump even after baby has latched. 

Re-purchase:

Yes. Definitely re-purchasing coz I am still breastfeeding on demand and don't want any caffeine in me. Definitely recommending to mamas and mamas-to-be or cinnamon lovers! ^^

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Extra Promo Code:

Check out this promo code at their store and get healthy teas, snacks and more for yourself and your loved ones as surprise gift or even christmas gifts ^^

Quote "GTKFOOD12"
for 12% off on all products** online at Shopee and Lazada.

*this promo code is valid till 31/12/2020!
**promo code not applicable for ongoing promotion and product clearance!

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Cheers,

Bee