Wednesday, May 7, 2014

3-in-1 Anti-aging, Brightening and Moisturising mask

I've been using this face mask for a long time! Very moisturising for the skin, smells good enough to be eaten. It has mild exfoliation properties.
 
 
 
Things you need:
  • 1 tsp of roughly grinded rice powder - You can grind your own rice or purchase rice mask, e.g. Skin Food Rice Mask.
  • 1/2 tsp of green tea powder - tea leaves are not a good idea because it doesn't stick well to the face.
  • 1 tsp of raw honey - I'm using Manuka honey.
  • Some pre-boiled and cooled water if you're using rice powder. Skip the water if you're using Skin Food Rice Mask.
 
Instructions:
  1. Mix the rice powder, green tea and honey in a clean bowl. Add water bit by bit to dilute the mask into a semi-thick consistency. It shouldn't be too runny.
  2. Apply to face and décolleté.
  3. After leaving it on for 15 minutes, wet your fingers and gently massage your face in circular movements for 1 minute.
  4. Rinse off thereafter. Preferably, use twice a weekly.



Monday, May 5, 2014

Annie's Way jelly masks & Supreme Diamond Light Feather mask sheets

If you're looking for a good face mask, I have a recommendation. Nothing I use is expensive but it's effective. That's what matters most. This is not a sponsored post; I write good reviews when the products show good results and vice versa.

I found this Taiwan made mask called Annie's Way (hate the name!). Nothing fancy or glamorous about its name here but the products, work like a miracle.

Annie's Way has gel type masks that come in a jar and face mask sheets. I'm using both types. The Arbutin + Hyaluronic Acid Jelly mask is wonderful! Instant brightening effect and skin stay soft and supple throughout the night. The trick here is not to wash off the mask but towel it off. Not a good idea to tissue it off because the leftover mask residue is really sticky. So, use a damp towel instead. I also bought the new Charcoal black jelly mask, which is more for oily skin, to draw out impurities from the skin.

 
The other type of mask that I'm using is the Annie's Way Supreme Diamond Light Feather mask sheet. It claims to prevent wrinkles, whitens, tones and moisturises skin in 1 easy step. An easy alternative for me when I need something quick to perk up my skin. The mask sheet is so thin (it looks almost transparent on my face) and its essence doesn't dry out as fast as other typical mask sheets in the market. The effect: my skin is well moisturised after each usage although the brightening effect is not as good as the Arbutin Jelly mask.

Currently Annie's Way is available in Malaysia. You can get it at any MaskSlim outlets. Not available in Singapore yet, I've checked. The good news is Mask Slim is also available online.

They're having good promos now. Jelly mask is selling for RM76.50 per 250ml jar at MaskSlim online store. If you shop at their outlets, the jelly masks cost RM85 (normal price) but it comes with FOC 3 pieces of mask sheet that cost RM7 each. Jelly masks are also available in trial/travel packs costing RM8 per 25ml pack. The Supreme Diamond Light Feather mask is selling for RM9 per piece. The promotion now is purchase 5 pieces, and you'll get another 5 pieces for free!


 

Friday, May 2, 2014

Green Tea Milk Bath: Anti aging & Moisturising

Milk contains vitamin A, D and E, some proteins and fats. Our skin will not be able to absorb those vitamins from milk through bathing (unless through consumption). However, milk proteins and milk fats do wonders for the skin by moisturising it. It also helps to soothe dry itchy skin during cold weather.
 
It is important to use whole milk for milk bath. Skim and low fat don't work as well as whole milk because the milk proteins and milk fats are what we want.
 
As for green tea, it is well known for its anti-oxidant properties either through consumption or topical use. Its sun protection properties are also well documented. Therefore, in my morning bath routine, I always include green tea as an extra sun protection.



Snow fungus - a natural loofah to gently exfoliate my face while soaking in the bath.
 
 
Bath ingredients:
• 1 litre of whole milk (i.e. full cream / fresh milk)
• 3 tbsp of green tea powder, or 5 teabags of green tea
 
Instructions:
1. Run a warm bath.
2. Stir 3 tbsp of green tea powder with warm water in a mug. If using teabags, infuse them in hot water for 5 minutes.
3. Pour the green tea into the bath water. You can also throw in the teabags if you like.
4. Just before stepping in, pour the milk into the bath water.
5. Soak for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Apply light lotion all over your body to seal in the moisture.
 
Tips: Letting your hair down to soak in the milk goodness helps to condition dry, brittle hair. Be sure to rinse off before stepping out of bath to avoid smelling like stale milk though.