OYHZ (Hui Zi)

3 February 2017

Bioderma Sensibo H2O review

When it comes to micellar waters, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is the ONE. The world’s first non-rinse cleansing solution using Micelle Technology, this derma-cosmetic hit was launched in 1995, and has been recommended by dermatologists, adored by makeup artists and loved by millions of people around the world since. Today, one bottle of Sensibio H2O is sold worldwide every three seconds – a fact testament to the extraordinary staying power of a cult hit that remains the cleanser of choice even as mass brands rush to jump on the bandwagon, hoping to emulate the success of the world’s first micellar water.

I used to be a faithful user of the makeup remover from a Japanese brand until I was introduced to Bioderma Sensibio H2O about 2 years back. Sensibio H2O works as efficiently as my then-favourite Jap brand makeup remover, and in addition, leaves my skin softer and more comfortable due to its unique restorative properties. It is also soap-, alcohol- and fragrance-free, plus non-rinsing, which is a great bonus for a lazy girl like me. In addition, Sensibio H2O is formulated with highly purified water – water that is completely free of impurities and irritants for pharmaceutical use. As the base ingredient, the superior grade of water used makes this cleanser ultra-gentle and a clear winner for sensitive skin.

Now, Bioderma is introducing two new additions to its Sensibio suite.

The Sensibio Gel Moussant is a gentle foaming gel with lipid-restoring properties that hydrates and calms sensitive skin. I like how it feels like water on skin, see!

The packaging has a convenient pump function that can be locked so that it doesn't get messy when we bring it along while travelling or to the gym. Simply twist the cap to the right to close the pump, and twist to the left to open it.

The next addition is the Sensibio Dermatological Water: a face and body soothing spray made of highly purified water enhanced with an ideal balance of minerals that calms skin while maintaining healthy skin cells.

How it appears on skin: I like to spray a little on my arms and legs as well to cool the skin while I'm outdoors in the sun :)

All products in the Sensibio suite are available at Watsons, Guardian, Unity, Robinsons, Tan Tock

Seng Hospital and National Skin Centre. The general retail prices are as follows:

Sensibio H2O 250ml $28.90

Sensibio Gel Moussant 200ml $33.90

Sensibio Dermatological Water 125ml $5.90

You may find out more about Bioderma products at www.bioderma.sg.

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Also, Bioderma has kindly offered a complimentary 3-day trial of the award-winning Sensibio H2O at the location of your choice! Simply click here to redeem yours today! :)

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26 January 2017

Beauty Keeper - skincare review

Received some Beauty Keepers (pun intended) recently just in time for the lunar new year. Beauty Keeper originated from Taiwan and is a platform specially made for people to pick various highly-raved beauty brands and products all from one place.

Beauty Keeper offers premium items, but keep them at affordable pricing by getting products directly from the manufacturers.

Here are a few which I think are worth mentioning! :)

Left to right: MM/DA Jiao Pulsed Mask Foaming Face Cleanser; Aurelia Aurita Moisture JellyToner; Bravura Essence Mask

MM/DA Jiao Pulsed Mask Foaming Face Cleanser $52

I'm glad to be introduced to this acid-free and antibiotic-free skincare brand used by dermatologists for oily and sensitive skin. This cleanser serves to achieve maximum oil-water balancing during cleansing. Its exclusive formula that is filled with liposome via advanced technology absorbs oxygen and forms rich lather without any rubbing required! Meanwhile, it also delivers oxygen to our skin that way.

I applied a thin layer above my lips..

The cleanser absorbs oxygen and oxygenates the skin within a minute!

Aurelia Aurita Moisture JellyToner

Researched and produced by Evemed Medical Laboratory, the newest smart technology combines natural ingredients adding ultra-aquatic system to stimulate the skin for better absorption. The toner soothes and softens the skin, while flushing out the pores and minimizing their appearances. The Aurelia aurita collagen maintains a natural protective layer to lock in moisture, repairing dull and aging skin and regaining radiance and transparency.

Bravura Essence Mask

These masks aims to whiten and moisturize the skin - simply apply for 15 minutes to say goodbye to dark skin spots and say hello to bright and even-looking skin!

The refined wood pulp facial mask fits the face gently and almost perfectly. Infused with Arbutin and Tranexamic acid, this mask brightens the skin, promoting a porcelain skin tone.

Signing off to check out more interesting skincare on Beauty Keeper!

12 December 2016

Kay's Instant Macaroni review

Whipping up a macaroni meal is now as easy as in 1…2…3 mins! All thanks to Kay’s Singapore instant macaroni packets!

About Kay’s

“In 2008, we started as an import and distribution company that serve healthy and natural food products. After gaining profound knowledge of food industry for 8 years, the experience that we have gathered allowed us to identify specific requirements in the consumers lifestyle and food industry. Therefore with this foresight, we open our doors in 2015 and committed to cater consumer only the finest, high-quality and affordable food products in Singapore. We believe that anyone can prepare food quickly and easily for themselves and their loved ones by using our food products, which is made in Singapore. In line with this belief in preparing food conveniently, we introduce our first instant macaroni that can help customers to save time and money in their busy and time-tight lifestyle.”

These are the instant macaroni flavours available currently:

Anchovy

“Anchovy stock is one of the most important parts in enhancing the soup-based flavourful. Making anchovies stock is fast and convenient and usually takes 10-15 minute, unlike making chicken or vegetable stock.

However, if using our anchovy macaroni, anchovy macaroni will be ready after 3 minutes.”

Curry

“Spice it up with our curry flavour with only 3 minutes of your time. It is so simple that you do not require to prepare a variety of herbs to bring out the spiciness of the curry.”

Tom Yum

“Eat it fresh and eat it warm! Our Tom yum macaroni flavour gives you hot and sour soup that you had ever experience and achieve it with a few simple steps”

Chicken

“Preparing chicken soup is tedious as it requires a lot of chopping and cleaning of the chicken. Also, it is time-consuming. By using our chicken macaroni, you are able to achieve the full and soothing soup base in less than 10 minutes.”

Vegetable

“Broth is one of the most important components in any vegetable-related food. By making a hearty and filling vegetable macaroni, you only need the broth, which is in the macaroni packet, macaroni and the rest of the ingredients that gives you a delicious meal.”

My personal favourite is the tom yum flavour as it has just the right amount of spiciness (not spicy at all if you’re a chili kind of person) and tanginess that is extremely refreshing.

You may even want to add ingredients of your choice to make it more nutritious – I added some fresh clams to create the seafood tom yum flavour.

Garlic 1 clove

White wine 100ml

Fresh clams 12-15

Instant macaroni pack

Boiling water 250ml

1) Stir-fry the garlic till golden brown. You may add some chili flakes

2) Add 100ml white wine for 10 seconds

3) Add the clams to simmer for 3-5 mins, till all the clams are popped open.

4) While the clams are cooking, add the boiling water to the macaroni and seasoning in a separate bowl to simmer

5) Once the clams are done, transfer the clams and broth to the ready macaroni and ta-dah!

Kay’s Macaroni is available at $3.20 (pack of three) from Sheng Siong Supermarket, Fairprice stores, Prime Supermarket and more. Latest list of outlets can be found at their Facebook page.

5 December 2016

BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Review

Experience collagen at its finest with BRAND'S® InnerShine® latest breakthrough innovation - RubySignatureTM formula.

Unlike normal collagen, RubySignature™ formula is created with a unique and precious blend of ingredients derived from natural sources. It contains micro-collagen and one of mother nature’s most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin (micro-algae extract). Scientifically proven, its anti-oxidant power is 6000 times more powerful than Vitamin C, 800 times more powerful than CoQ10 and 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E.

We all know collagen is necessary to support the skin’s structural foundation to improve firmness and elasticity for youthful and supple skin. Astaxanthin serves as the perfect complement by acting as a natural shield against the collagen-depleting procedure. In containing both micro-collagen and astaxanthin, RubySignature™ formula defies the ageing process by performing a vital triple-action of supplying collagen, protecting against collagen degradation and delivering collagen effectively to skin cells. Designed to complement your topical skincare routine - in 6 weeks, experience skin rejuvenating power with BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence*. Daily consumption will help to ensure that your body is adequately supplied with the essential nutrients for optimal skin support and protection. For optimum efficacy, it is recommended that BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen be consumed twice daily to experience the skin age-reversing difference in 6 weeks*.

*Results may vary according to individuals

After my recent beach getaway (more on Instagram @OYHZ), I definitely need new RubyCollagen Essence range by BRAND’S® InnerShine® even more to fight the collagen-depleting rays of the sun.

If I had been reminded earlier, I would have brought with me a few bottles or stripes for the holiday. Still, better late than never! In order to fend of the visual signs of aging, it is necessary to not only replenish lost collagen, but also prevent further collagen degradation in the skin from occurring. Inspired by this insight, BRAND’S® InnerShine® developed RubySignature™, a formulation designed specifically to challenge the existing paradigm in anti-aging skin care.

Both packaging are rather slim and compact for slotting into our ladies bags :) This is how you could simply bring it along for a day trip or for consumption!

If you had read my previous review on the marine collagen here, I personally find that the RubyCollagen Essence suits my palate better with the more tangy taste. BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence is infused with natural pomegranate juice that gives the invigorating and zesty flavour. Being so delicious, it is certainly an added bonus to addressing the needs of aging skin.

I had been drinking BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence for the past week and so far my skin has been recovering well from the slight sunburnt on my cheeks. The burnt cheeks didn’t turn patchy or flaky (thankfully!) and the bumps that appeared on my face right after the trip are disappearing fast. This may be the effect of the RubyCollagen Essence, coupled with the hydrating and soothing products I spammed right after I got home. Plus some deep-cleansing and exfoliating masks which I have been more diligently using too.

According to Isabella Tan, Vice President and General Manager of Cerebos Pacific Limited Singapore, Brunei, and Philippines, “The creation of the RubyCollagen Essence range has enabled BRAND’S® InnerShine® to capitalize on an underserved realm within the anti-aging beauty space, addressing women’s needs for a more complete and holistic anti-aging skin care regimen that also nourishes from the inside out.”

There are 2 formats to RubyCollagen:

1. BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence (50ml x 12) SGD $62.90

http://www.brandsworld.com.sg/Our-Products/InnerShine/RubyCollagen-Drink

2. BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence Strip (15g x 10): SGD $36.00

http://www.brandsworld.com.sg/Our-Products/InnerShine/RubyCollagen-Strip

You may buy BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence now on e-store (store.brandsworld.com.sg) or find out more info on Rubycollagen here: https://store.brandsworld.com.sg/index.php/gallery-index-.html?scontent=n,rubycollagen

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About BRAND’S®

Operating across six major markets namely, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China, BRAND’S® is the market leader in Asia with over 80 per cent market share. The company-owned manufacturing plants located in Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia and China ensures that products meet the highest quality and safety standards. Keeping relevant with consumers’ demands and changing needs is one of the company’s topmost priorities.

About InnerShine®

Developed with a winning combination of scientifically proven health-enhancing ingredients, BRAND'S® InnerShine® is a modern range of beauty wellness supplements to help you promote beauty from within. Don’t let your lifestyle stand in the way of feeling great and looking fabulous. Let BRAND'S® InnerShine® bring out the best in you. For more information about BRAND’S®, please visit www.brandsworld.com.sg.

19 October 2016

Cha Thai

I have been hoping to try Cha Thai for the longest time. This rather new restaurant doesn’t just serve authentic Thai food, they are bringing to us fine Thai.

At Cha Thai, you can often see its Founder, Permsiri Sirijindapan, also affectionately known as Leah, rolling up her sleeves and working her wok magic in the kitchen, whipping up Thai cuisine from the central region we all love. This certainly makes Cha Thai quite a newfound treasure and dining pleasure.

Most of us see Thai food as generally street food that comes at affordable prices. Cha Thai is more than that with Leah’s strong culinary passion got her admitted to schools in France and Thailand, which explains why she is able to marry the best of East and West, adapting the West’s technology while keeping to the East’s traditions, to bring Thai food to another level. “Thai food is just like food from any other culture. In Japanese food, we have the street food, as well as the finer quality food. In Chinese food, likewise. Even Western food, we have street food or fast food and fine dining. Thai food is not just about street food”, said Leah. “The quality of Cha Thai’s food is the result of premium quality ingredients, along with traditional (not authentic) recipes cooked with modern techniques, to bring out another dimension in the taste of Thai, so our customers experience the best of Fine Thai Food”, Leah shared.

At Cha Thai, there is one thing you will definitely notice - the portions are so large you should always come with friends. It is in the Thai’s tradition and culture to gather, and therefore, their food always comes in portions large enough for sharing. Food always tastes the best in good company.

Besides the large serving portions, Leah insists on great quality ingredients. Seafood is sourced locally from kelongs for freshness. Meat is sous vide to achieve tenderness. Dips, curries, pastes, sauces, gravy, milk teas, refreshing drinks and all are made from scratch as well.

The Smoothies are $4.50 each. Cold and hot drinks are at $2.90.

Cha Thai Signatures

Creamy Crab Roll $15

Deep dried spring roll sticks served with crab cream sauce made of finger roots herbs, and the fragrance of the crab cream sauce tastes like Thai laksa in a creamy state.

Crispy Prawn Cake $15

Deep fried thick juicy prawn cakes made with tiger prawns (not the usual shrimps used by many), served with sweet plum sauce

Lemongrass Prawn Salad $28

Not your normal salad, this is savoury yet refreshing at the same time!

Another 'salad' - Pomelo Salad

Signature Tiger Prawn ‘Panang’ Curry $28

Thai saffron curry with tiger prawns and juicy sweet lychees, glazed with coconut cream

Sauteed Kai Lan with Roasted Pork $16

Stir fry baby kai lan with sous vide roasted pork, garlic and oyster sauce

Garlic Chicken with Bird’s Chilli $18

Tom Yum Vegetarian Dumplings $18

I don't usually take vegetarian dishes specially, but this is one I wouldn't mind going for!

Simmered Pork $22

Simmered pork knuckle with kai lan, pork knuckle is super tender from 14 hours of sous vide, served with fresh chilli sauce made of fermented chilli sauce

Premium Giant Tiger Prawns Claypot Glass Noodles $159 / Tiger Prawns Claypot Glass Noodles $55 (for 4 pax) (giant tiger prawn is about 35-40cm)

Thai baked claypot prawn tang hoon seasoned with spices, ginger, pepper and spring onions. Savour the good quality tang hoon which should be QQ in texture, not soggy.

Pad Thai $22

Charcoal Toast $8

Adapted from Cha Thai’s signature toast, Charcoal kaya toast is even fluffier and softer, paired with kaya dip. The orange dip at the background is milk tea flavour, which is good as well! Absolutely my favourite! Please go and try it for yourselves!