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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes Mascara Launch


Have you read my latest beauty review (link) on Maybelline's new innovation, the Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes Mascara? If you are already known, it's actually Maybelline's first dual-ended brush mascara which claimed to create 2x bigger eyes effect within single application!


I was so glad to be invited to their grand launching two weeks back at Bridge Bar, G Tower. It was first started with a short video highlighting how you can create three different 'Big Eyes' look with the Big Eye Mascara: Big Date look, Big Meeting look and Big Night Out. I was so impressed how they play with the colours of eyeshadow and various application tips to create these three looks.

Pink Fong, Marketing Manager of Maybelline New York Malaysia, explained during the product launch that the Big Eye Mascara is designed specifically to solve common problems women encounter when trying to achieve the 'Big Eyes' look. "Everyone wants to have bigger eyes, or the 'Big Eye' effect. However, many of us face the same problems, such as small eyes, droopy eyelids, short lashes, or even lashes that just won't curl properly, no matter how many times you try!"

Therefore, Big Eyes Mascara to the rescue! Here are some tips to create perfect big eye look using Big Eyes Mascara regardless of your lash type:
  • Dramatic Big Eyes: For a special occasion or a night out, get dramatic big eyes by coating your upper lashes two or three times with the big brush. Then, use the micro brush on your lower lashes. This will instantly open up your eyes for 2x bigger eyes.
  • Very Short & Fine Lashes: Use the micro brush on your upper lashes to define the tiny lashes. Then, use the big brush to create thicker lashes effect.
  • Naturally Big Eyes: You can also opt for a more natural look by using the micro brush on both upper and lower lashes to create natural volume all around.
  • Small or Droopy Eyes: Coat your upper lashes with the micro brush. This will help coat every tiny lash without smudging or staining your eyelids.


The Maybelline team have specially set up two booths during the launching and this is the one where you get to experience the 'Big Eyes' look featuring their new eyeshadow palette, Big Eyes Shadow. Its 24-hour gel-powder formula glides and lasts like a gel but spreads smooth like a powder, it also contains high-shine glitters to really open up your eyes, especially when applied at the inner corners.


The other booth featuring their star product, Big Eyes Mascara. The makeup artist also explains patiently the usage of the two brushes and how to create bigger eyes effect as everyone has different eye shape.


In conjunction with the grand launching of Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara, they have invited fashion designer, Kittie Yiyi to style the models with outfits from her pre-fall collection.


Each of the models was styled according to one of the three Maybelline New York 'Big Eyes' look with her fun and quirky designs.


Janice and I also try to create our very own 'Big Eye' look but I guess we failed to do so? :P By the way, here's a good news to share with you guys that you may take part in the "Get the Party Started with Maybelline" contest from 10 November onwards and stand a chance to win an all-expense paid makeup party of your dreams! Only 5 steps and you're done :)
  1. Purchase RM50 worth of any Maybelline New York products.
  2. Take a 'wefie' photo with five of your girlfriends; and upload it on the Maybelline Malaysia Facebook page. Remember to tag everyone, including Maybelline.
  3. Finish off with a creative caption to describe your dream party.
  4. Email the photo and proof of purchase to Maybelline at maybellinemalaysia@loreal.com.
  5. The 3 most creative entries will win the makeup party of their dreams, and the winners will play host to their five tagged girlfriends at the party of a lifetime, with all costs and expenses fully-sponsored by Maybelline!
From 22 December to 3 January 2015, you can also join Maybelline as they 'Take the Party to Watsons'. There will be a special booth set up at selected Watsons stores, where expert makeup artists will give free makeovers and advice to women who want to achieve the 'Big Eyes' look effortlessly with Maybelline. If you are a Watsons VIP card member, you will stand a chance to double your prize and even win an exclusive Kate Spade bag when you join the contest.

Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes Mascara is available in one colour (black) only for the RRP of RM45.90 while Big Eyes Shadow is available in three colours (Gorgeous Pink, Smokey Brown, Copper Gold) for the RRP of RM45.90.


For more information, please visit

Monday, October 27, 2014

Eversoft Skinz UV White Skin Care Range


Today I'm going to reveal the secret to Japanese porcelain white skin - Eversoft Skinz UV White skin care range - by embracing the traditional 5 step Japanese skincare ritual (cleanse, tone, whiten, moisturize, protect) and using advanced Japanese formulation in their products. Eversoft Skinz UV White range is made up of 3 main ingredients: Sakura Leaf Extract, Lipo-Vit C and Uji Tea Extract with each contributing to the 3 key benefits of the products: radiant fairness, spots lightening and active skin repair.


Step 1: Cleanse
Eversoft Skinz UV White Purifying Facial Foam (100g @ RM14.90) is a 99% plant-based active foaming cleanser that gently cleanses and removes impurities while retaining your skin's natural moisture balance. It deeply cleanses your skin to reveal clearer translucency.


The host of the day, Ms Mei Sze also share us her tips on how to massage your face while cleansing for better absorption and firm up your skin.


You can feel that your skin is perfectly cleansed, refreshed and soft to the touch. I always thought that whitening skin care range would be very dry but this Eversoft Skinz UV White Purifying Facial Foam has proved me wrong. I can see the instant brightening effect yet my skin is so soft and smooth after using it!


Step 2:Tone
Eversoft Skinz UV White Clarifying Toner (100ml @ RM16.90) is a balancing toner that deeply tones and purifies, keeping skin radiant and pores refined. Enhanced with Aloe Vera and Licorice to soothe and calm your skin, preparing it for optimum absorption of skin whitening therapy. It also restores your skin's optimum pH balance for a hydrated, fresh sensation. I realize that it has quick absorption into my skin and I'm so glad that it doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky.


Step 3: Whiten
Eversoft Skinz UV White Intensive Whitening Serum (30ml @ RM39.90) is a high-potency serum packed with active whitening concentrate and enhanced with Hesperidin to boost skin lightening process. It helps reduce pigmentation and dark spots effectively, revealing a brighter and more radiant skin tone. It claimed to have visible results within 2 weeks with regular application of complete range, so let's see! :P


Step 4: Moisturize
Eversoft Skinz UV White Whitening Day Moisturizer SPF20 PA++ (40g @ RM32.90) is a water-based day cream that quickly and effectively absorbs to whiten, protect and hydrate your skin during the day. Advanced broad spectrum UV filter provides complete protection from UVA & UVB rays to reduce further sun damage. I love the fact that it's very hydrating, lightweight texture and comes with SPF20 PA+++ protection. Eversoft Skinz UV White also comes out with an Intensive Night Moisturizer (night cream) to further boost your skin's whitening process as you sleep.


Step 5: Protect
As the final step to your daily skincare regime, Eversoft Skinz UV White Perfect White BB Cream SPF30 PA+++ (30ml @ RM42.90) is an advanced whitening and protective BB cream that combines the benefits of skincare about colour control technology to attain instant radiant, flawless looking skin. Same as the Eversoft Skinz UV White Whitening Day Moisturizer SPF20 PA+++, it also has advanced broad-spectrum UV filters providing complete shield from UVA & UVB rays. To be honest, I was a little disappointed that it only comes in 1 shade which claimed to blend with all skin types but turns out it was a bit too dark for me.

Thanks to Eversoft Skinz, I was so glad to be invited to the Eversoft Skinz UV White Get Together event where I get to learn more about their products, tips while applying skin care and even pampered with makeup and manicure session afterwards.


For more information, please visit
Website: www.eversoftskinz.jp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EversoftSkinz

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Invati™, solutions for thinning hair system by Aveda


I'm so glad to be invited to Aveda "Invati & Nature" event where I get to know more about the Aveda brand and its bestselling hair care franchise, Invati, as well as the meaningful story behind them. I guess many beauty bloggers are very familiar with Aveda for its plant-based products or even try out their products before.


Invati is a system of 97% naturally-derived products that reduce hair loss by 33% to help you keep the hair you have longer. The Aveda team looked to the wisdom of Ayurveda when creating densiplex, an invigorating blend of Ayurvedic herbs, including certified organic turmeric, which helps power Invati.

The Invati, solutions for thinning hair line-up includes:
  • Exfoliating Shampoo: removes build-up that can clog pores and renews the scalp with wintergreen-derived salicylic acid.
  • Thickening Conditioner: with soy protein and naturally derived amino acids mimics hair's building blocks to help weightlessly thicken hair from within.
  • Scalp Revitalizer: with ginseng and certified organic turmeric, helps you keep the hair you have longer.


Certified organic turmeric and ginseng are the star ingredients in Invati system. Being called "Kanchani", which means "Golden Goddess" in Sanskrit, turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, the ancient healing art of India, and has been revered throughout history as being more precious than gold.

These turmeric used in Invati system which helps transform hair and also does wonder to the community as well. Remember the meaningful story behind Invati which I've mentioned previously? Aveda joined forces with Nisarga, an eco-conscious Indian firm that grows Ayurvedic herbs using organic and biodynamic agriculture to help them source the organic turmeric. They then realized that Umbari villages near where they source the turmeric did not have access to clean water year-round where villagers had to spend up to 8 hours per day travelling to collect drinking water, therefore they partner up with Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), a non-profit organisation to improve the community's local water system. Through other grants made by GGF, the villagers have also set up Kitchen Gardens and operate a seed bank program to better nourish the community.


During the event, the Aveda team were so thoughtful that they have installed two stations for us to enjoy and relax our body.


The Aveda Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate, which was used by one of the masseur, was claimed to help dissolve tension and raise energy levels with the balancing aromas of refreshing peppermint and soothing blue camomile. It's one of the star products among bloggers which can calm our body and mind, and its special rollerball applicator make it perfect for self-massage and easy to carry around. I think I should get one when I start working later. :P


Here's a picture with the other bloggers holding the Rosemary which we planted earlier. It was such a fun yet meaningful day out with Aveda where I get to learn more about the brand. Now I'm so tempted to try out their full spectrum hair colour which up to 93% naturally derived yet able to deliver bright and sharp colours. Looking forward to have my first date with Aveda soon! :)

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

[Fashion] The Midi Dress Fever

Nowadays, there are various types of dress designs in the market for women and this includes the stunning midi dresses. The midi dress is a dress for the ladies who want that extra sense of sophistication without putting much effort. This is because the midi dresses are created at the knee length which helps women to achieve that feminine look while maintaining a modest refined character. It can be seen that there are a lot of midi dress designs for women to choose from in order to find the perfect match with their personal fashion taste. The first midi dress that every woman should have in their closet is the classic black dress. This is because black is the most versatile colour for women to wear to any occasions such as dinner events, to work, parties, weddings and formal functions. Women can dress their black dress with fancy jewellery and high heels for a stunning appearance or tone it down for a party with a pair of ballerina flats.


Women can also have some fun and be creative in styling up their midi dress. For the ladies who love the design of midi dresses but do not want to show much skin should definitely pair it with a pair of leggings and a nice jacket. The young ladies who want a more casual look will absolutely love pulling off this modest yet stylish outfit on a casual day out with the girlfriends or a reunion gathering with friends.


Besides that, women can also boost up their moods by wearing a bright coloured or floral patterned midi dress. This look will show off your feminine and girly side in the slightest way possible. Flaunt this look during the day and walk with confidence every step of the way. Other than that, women can also impress the special someone on a date as it not only shows off your femininity but reveals a slight hint of sexiness in you.


If you are wondering where to get new addition of midi dresses into your wardrobe, check out ZALORA website for a wide range of options online. I've been aiming a few of them already, how about you? :P

[Accommodation] Cloud Village 雲山水小築民宿, Jinguashi, New Taipei City, Taiwan


When I said that I will be flying off to Taiwan soon and ask for recommendations, the first thing that people would mention is homestay. Homestay is one of the most popular accommodation in Taiwan; it offers cheaper price yet giving the same or even better services than hotel. I'm so glad that I get to experience two different kind of homestay while I'm up here in Jinguashi (金瓜石). Here's where I stay on the second night in Taiwan, Cloud Village (雲山水小築民宿).


Cloud Village is one of the oldest homestay in this area, hence you can see that all the furniture and decorations are very traditional yet well maintained.


I was also shocked to hear that the pentroof is made up of asphalt where people use it for paving. Back in 20 years ago, asphalt is one of the cheapest and feasible option.


A shared platform is installed in this secluded lane where you may have your breakfast here while enjoying the astounding view in this cooling weather. What a perfect way to start your day :)


Contrary to Levite Villa (利未庄园民宿), Cloud Village offers a different view of Keelung Mountain (基隆山) as well as the Yin Yang Sea (阴阳海) but unfortunately it's all covered up by mist.


Then we were brought to our room and settle down before heading out to explore this beautiful town.


Cloud Village is not a building but they have a few different spots around catered for different needs. Hidden inside the secluded lane are not rooms, but individual portals respectively. I was so surprised when I entered the room house because it's way too much for two people to stay in and it has two floors.



It possesses its own living room, small kitchen and separate bathing and grooming facility just like a home. Air conditioner, coffee and tea making facilities, fridge, stove, toiletries and even tourist information are all provided as well as TV.


Usually I do not have any special requirements towards washroom as long as it provides mirror, hair dryer and cleanliness are well maintained.


This is how the upper floor looks like. There are a few tatami mats hence the stone lodge which I stay in can actually accommodate up to 4 persons even though there's only one double bed. Books and various board games are prepared by the host as well.



As I've mentioned previously, Taiwanese are very much emphasize on health which same goes to Cloud Village's host that she only uses organic ingredients while preparing breakfast. Honestly I was a bit disappointed at first because normally hotel prepares western style breakfast with snacks like kokokrunch or honeystar (very much like a kid, I know! :P) but guess what, this is so yummy and got me addicted once I tasted it! I feel so warm and touched to have taken care of even though I'm 1847.61 miles away from home.

I also feel grateful that the people I've met by far are so kind and friendly. Similar to Levite Villa's host, she starts introducing me the attractions nearby, how to get around and visit all places in the shortest time yet the most economic way once she greets me. I realize most of the homestay here acts like a tourist information center that the hosts are very familiar with the transportation, routes, attractions and etc around Jinguashi. They also have a few vacation brochures in-house and close contacts with tour guides, so no worries even if you come here without planning at all.

I'm so glad that we have a pleasant stay here in Cloud Village and I will revisit this place again! Everything is perfect here except that transportation may be a problem, hence you may need to communicate to Cloud Village's host beforehand if you need a ride to and fro any bus station nearby unless you're very familiar with this area that you can walk around. Cloud Village offers a whole new experience even though it's just located two house away from Levite Villa. For the stone lodge (No. 78, Golden Secluded Lane 隐巷金) which I stay in, it costs NT 4000 per night and it can accommodate up to 4 persons with the extra tatami mats.


Cloud Village 雲山水小築民宿
22450 No. 72-1, Shanjian Road,
Ruifang District,
New Taipei City 224, Taiwan.



Tel: 02-24962201 OR 0919-131846 (Sister Two 二姐)
Email: yunshan.shui@msa.hinet.net OR sister2wu@gmail.com
Website: www.cloudvillage.netwww.facebook.com/yunshan.shui
Room types & rates: cloudvillage.okgo.tw/room.html


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Recommendations/Tips:
For traffic information, please refer to my previous post (link) on how to get to Jinguashi by public transport. You may need to contact the host beforehand if you need a ride from the bus station nearby.

I personally think that there are many things that you can do or see around Jinguashi (eg. Jiu Fen (九份), Shi Fen (十分), Ping Xi (平溪)), therefore I would suggest you to stay here for at least two nights but of course it's up to your own preferences. Cloud Village is located about two house away from Levite Villa (which I've mentioned in previous post), hence you may choose to stay 1 night each if you would like to experience both homestay.

For the stone lodge which I stay in, it's located at Golden Secluded Lane (No. 78, Shanjian Road) which you need to pass through a long stair, hence those elder one, disabled, or carrying large suitcase are not recommended. Cloud Village is not a building like Levite Villa but they have a few different spots around (eg. Chez de Jinguashi, tree house, mountain lodge) catered for different needs. Therefore, you may need to communicate with the host when making reservation.


Another sneak peak and I promise detailed itinerary will be up soon! Stay tuned :)


Other posts of Taiwan:
[Accommodation] Levite Villa (利未庄园民宿): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/10/accommodation-levite-villa-new-taipei.html
Day 1 & 2: Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆庙口夜市) & 891 Goldwater Romantic Shuttle Bus (891金水浪漫号): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-1-2-in-taiwan-keelung-miaokou-night.html
Day 2: Shifen, Jingtong and Jiufen (十分, 菁桐, 九份): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-2-in-taiwan-shifen-jingtong-and.html
Day 3: Cyuanji Temple, Baoshi Mountain and Gold Ecological Park: (勸濟堂, 报时山, 黄金博物园区): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-3-in-taiwan-cyuanji-temple-baoshi.html

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

[Accommodation] Levite Villa 利未庄园民宿, Jinguashi, New Taipei City, Taiwan


Just when I thought Krabi would be my last overseas trip of the year, I received a shocking news saying that I will be travelling to Taiwan for job purposes! Thanks to Taiwan Tourism Organisation for the invite, it was such a huge milestone for me and my blog as well. I've always wanted travel as part of my job and now my dreams came true! These 8 days in Taiwan was such an eye-opening experience and of course I do not forget to take loads of pictures of this amazing city until my memory card full. I'm still managing the pictures so here's an update of the accommodation which I've stay in on the first night in Taipei.


Up in the hill with an amazing view of mountains and the well-known Yin Yang Sea (阴阳海), warm and cozy interior designs, here's where I stay on the first night in Taiwan. Levite Villa (利未庄园民宿) in Jinguashi (金瓜石) is a four-floor European-style homestay built by slope architecture. With a stone finishing exterior and black pentroof, Levite Villa looks like a church from afar.


The interior designs of Levite Villa is just exactly like a home which gives me warm and fuzzy feelings right when I get inside despite the cooling weather up there. There is a 42-inch LCD TV, CD and DVD player in the living room where you may watch movie or listen to the music as they do provide some collection of CDs and DVDs. They also prepare various genre of books for guests where you may have some reading while enjoying the breathtaking view of Jinguashi.


Since there are a few rooms available, we were given a choice between a double room and this family room (free upgrade! :P). No doubt we chose this room as it's much more bigger and spacious with a balcony overlooking the Gold Mountain (黄金山).



The room just look exactly the same as the picture shown in their website; it's well equipped and nicely decorated. Besides, I gotta say Levite Villa's host is so thoughtful that they only use the best Egyptian cotton for their bedding set which claimed to be softer, more breathable and carries the finest quality. I doubt that 5 star hotels use as good quality bedding set as Levite Villa's one.



As usual, they do provide shower facilities (hot shower is available), shampoo, shower gel, slippers, toothpaste, hair dryer and etc. However, for the environmental protection, they don't offer disposable towels, bath towels and toothbrush where you need to prepare on your own. The washroom may not look as fancy as hotel one but it is well maintained and kept clean.


One of my favourite spot in the room would be this full length mirror! Girls being girls, how can I miss out an #ootd shot here? :P


If I'm not mistaken, every room reservations do come with a free breakfast prepared by the host personally. Taiwanese are very much emphasize on health, hence they only use organic and the freshest ingredients when cooking. Most of the fruits and vegetables are planted by themselves so it is 100% organic and safe to consume.



To be honest, my first impression of Jinguashi wasn't that good especially when the taxi driver couldn't find his way here, I was thinking if there's anything that I can do/play in this 'jungle' and if I will get lost up here. However, Levite Villa's host has proved me wrong. Right when I step into the house, they start planning the itinerary for me by introducing me the attractions nearby, where should I head to at this hour, how to go and etc. I was so shocked as I've never received this type of 'special treatment' before and now I understand why those who have visited Taiwan before keep saying Taiwanese are the most friendly one. They are so kind and down to earth that they would explain everything to me in details, give me recommendations yet try to match with my original itinerary and even drive us to the nearby bus station or attractions. The owner himself is a certified professional tour guide and they love travelling a lot, hence you can find many travel books and brochures (Taiwan and other foreign countries as well) here in the living room.

Overall, I'm very satisfied during my stay here in Levite Villa and I wish I can spend more time here. Kind and friendly hosts, cozy environment with stunning view over the sea and mountains, cleanliness are well maintained, strategic location (transportation may be a problem but Levite Villa's hosts are willing to drive you around), I will definitely revisit this place again! Levite Villa does offer different type of rooms and prices vary accordingly. For the family room no. 101 which I stay in, it costs NT 4000 per night and it can accommodate up to 4 persons. For more information, kindly visit their website and I bet you will fall in love with this place after staying here.


Levite Villa 利未庄园民宿
No. 97, Shanjian Road,
Ruifang District,
New Taipei City 224, Taiwan.



Tel: 02-2496-1658
Email: levite.home@msa.hinet.net
Website: www.levitevillage.netwww.facebook.com/www.levitevilla.com.tw
Room types & rates: www.levitevillage.net/sub02_2.htm


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Recommendations/Tips:
I would not recommend you to stay in Jinguashi on your first day because it can be quite troublesome due to transportation and luggage. You may hail a cab at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (台湾桃园国际机场) which we did, it took us around an hour and half to go Levite Villa and costs NT 1985. No doubt there's another more economic but longer way where you can take bus to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (捷运忠孝复兴站), walk to the opposite bus station which located near the exit 1, Shou Xin Fang (手信坊) and Hi-Life (萊爾富), and take Keelung Bus No. 1062 (基隆客运1062) (bus routes as attached) from there. You may then stop at any station nearby (where you need to talk to Levite Villa's host beforehand) and Levite Villa's host will get you from there.


It's better to take bus if you're travelling light or you reach Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport early in the morning where you have time to linger around, or else a cab will do. Note that the weather in Taiwan is very different compared to Malaysia where the sky there gets really dark around 5:30PM and then there will be nothing much to do up there.

On a side note, if you're taking a cab to Levite Villa and couldn't locate the place like what happened to us as well, look for the sign of 金瓜石土鸡城 and Levite Villa is just right opposite of it. You may also contact the host anytime if you have any problems.


Here's some sneak peak of my following itinerary: Keelung Night Market (基隆庙口夜市), taking the 891 Goldwater Romantic Shuttle Bus (891金水浪漫号) which will bring me to every single attractions of Jinguashi and etc. I gotta say I've totally change my point of view towards Jinguashi now and I wish I have more time to explore this little amazing town! Stay tuned for more. :)


Other posts of Taiwan:
[Accommodation] Cloud Village (雲山水小築民宿): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/10/accommodation-cloud-village-new-taipei.html
Day 1 & 2: Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆庙口夜市) & 891 Goldwater Romantic Shuttle Bus (891金水浪漫号): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-1-2-in-taiwan-keelung-miaokou-night.html
Day 2: Shifen, Jingtong and Jiufen (十分, 菁桐, 九份): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-2-in-taiwan-shifen-jingtong-and.html
Day 3: Cyuanji Temple, Baoshi Mountain and Gold Ecological Park: (勸濟堂, 报时山, 黄金博物园区): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-3-in-taiwan-cyuanji-temple-baoshi.html

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