Month: September 2016

Love The Skin You’re In – Zanedo July 2016 Box

Posted on by meganeko18

Hello! I just entered into the foray of paid subscription boxes, and the first I received is a beauty box from the UAE, Zanedo.  http://www.zanedo.com/

As per website: Zanedo is a discovery online beauty site that clears the clutter and offers you a personalized way to sample, shop and learn about the best beauty products and brands available for women and men throughout the Middle East and Africa. At Zanedo we’re more than just a box, we’re a community of beauty and e-commerce experts dedicate to bringing you a fun way to discover high-end beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products.

They have 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription and a one-time deluxe beauty box with high-end samples.

I ordered at the third week of July, together with another one, Glambox. I did not reach the cut-off for Glambox, but with Zanedo, they managed to include me for July 2016 box delivery. How wonderful was that! So, I received the package via Parzel on August 2. Not bad. Anytime within the first week of next month is fine by me, given that it is free delivery.

Items came within acceptable timeframe (July Box came 2nd of August, not a problem).

Items were safe in bubble wrap with the Zanedo Logo sticker, and placed in a Crabtree&Evelyn Paperbag.

What’s inside:

Dessata Tangle-Tamer Hairbrush (Regular “Salon” Size)

The Body Shop Mango Body Sorbet (200ml)

The Body Shop White Musk Dark Rose Body Wash (50ml)

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy (Cream) Trio

Alessandro Bonne Chance (Good Luck) Hand Crème

Dr. Organic Manuka Honey Lip Balm

A tiny orange bath mesh sponge – Cute! Perfect for travel.

Shall we go into details? Yah!

  1. Dessata Tangle-Tamer Hairbrush (“Salon” Sized)

About Dessata Detangling Hairbrushes

Dessata brush has 440 triple length bristles and ergonomic, curved design without handle in many funky color combinations. It’s like holding a large computer mouse. It definitely promises pink-girly, ergonomic and hassle-free combing! It does not cause too much static and does not tug at my wet hair. I noticed almost no hair fall after combing.

2. The Body Shop Mango Body Sorbet (200ml)

http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/mango/mango-body-sorbet.aspx

– It is a “summer” body moisturizer with an unexpected non-greasy texture that is both light and refreshing, and a pleasant fragrance that bursts as mango from the bottle and settles quietly on my skin as vanilla. This is one of my favorites so far. The product has a sorbet-like look to it, it has a gelatin-like feel upon application on the skin, but it quickly turns a bit powdery, and it is absorbed easily without sticky feeling. I prefer that its scent does not stay strong for hours on my skin.

3. The Body Shop White Musk Dark Rose Body Wash (60ml Mini)

http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/white-musk-smoky-rose/white-musk-smoky-rose-body-wash.aspx

It is a soap-free shower gel fragranced with a blend of cruelty-free musk, tobacco flower and rose. I prefer bathing with shower gels than with soap nowadays, and this one leaves my skin soft, and me feeling sensual. The scent is seductive, I’d likely use it before going out in the night, or in winter before I sleep. After taking a bath, the smells lingers, unlike Bath and Body Works body gels.

4. Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy Trio (25g x 3)

http://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk/hand-care/hand-cream/

Three travel-friendly hand cream in a pretty, countryside spring-themed box. Very English. This beauty box keeps on giving me lotions and the like! You can re-wrap and re-gift this one 🙂

It includes three spring / summer variants: La Source (marine), Gardeners (herbs) and Caribbean Island Wild Flowers (self-explanatory)

La Source – A crisp, clean scent of refreshing aquatic notes, musk, and gentle shoreline breezes.

Gardeners – Fresh green clover, lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme.

Caribbean Island Wild Flowers – lily, wild flowers, tropical citrus fruits and a marine accord

Of the three, I’m partial to Wild Flowers. Slightly aquatic with a flowery hint. Gardeners smells like a combination of herbs, surprise! My brother said it smelled like “luya” or ginger. La Source is like powder and rain, simply.

  1.  Alessandro Bonne Chance (Good Luck) Hand Crème (50ml)

http://de.alessandro.o-byte.com/bonne-chance

This particular hand crème is Alessandro’s special one. “Bonne Chance” means good luck, and the hand crème is easily absorbed into the skin while leaving a very interesting scent. Is it fruity? Flowery? Gourmand? I had to search online, and it is said to have the aroma of marzipan. Sorry I don’t know what that tastes or smells like. Anyway, Alessandro’s Hand Cream is a highly effective, intensive anti-aging hand cream that contains Biopearl complex from freshwater pearl.

  1. Dr. Organic Manuka Honey Lip Balm 5.7 ml

http://www.drorganic.co.uk/honey-products.asp

A rich natural lip balm with unique repairing properties of Organic Manuka Honey, nourishing Shea butter, Propolis, Beeswax and Vitamin E, that hydrate and protect lips exposed to wet and cold weather. It also provides SPF 15 protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This one’s perfect all year-round! Should I toss my Labello Watermelon Lip Balm? Nah, this one smells and tastes of honey, and it’s better off in winter. Hmm…

Pros:
Branded, full size items
Products are far from expiry (yay)
Careful bubble wrapping (and I don’t mind the paperbag, I will proudly reuse it.)
Real value for money (the total price of this box alone is worth the 3 months’ subscription payment)

Cons:
More on skin/bodycare
Items are similar in type
Not in a box
Customer service and delivery can still be improved to provide order /delivery updates.


All in all, I am happy with my first Zanedo Box! No excuse for not-pampered hands and scaly dry skin. I can use all the items myself or gift it to someone and they will love it. I love it and I can’t wait for the next!



Next month I’ll receive my second Zanedo box and my first Glambox. Rumors says the August Glambox will be from Esthetic Sense, a boutique beauty salon that offers items from Dermatologica, Davines and Jane Iredale. Oh, this is gonna be even better! These brands gets rave reviews and the products are just fantastic. We will see. See you!

Aesthetic & Sensual: GlamBox ME August 2016 – Esthetic Sense Special

Posted on by meganeko18

I signed up for GlamBox ME on July, and I barely missed the cut-off. Not to worry, it has been a blessing in disguise, because the July Box is just average, compared to the August one, which is an exclusive

Esthetic Sense Special!

I paid in full for 3 months like with Zanedo, so I don’t need to pay additional fee for cash on delivery. For my August Box, I received email and SMS from Fetchr on August 21, for me to confirm delivery location and schedule. Of course I scheduled for earliest one the next day. I’m totally impressed with Fetchr as delivery platform. As for the the actual performance, well, they did call early to request location map / directions, and they delivered the item just in the nick of time at past 2pm. It’s fantastic! They would request ID for identification.

Who wouldn’t smile at their cheeky puns? 🙂

Basically, the box contains vouchers for Esthetic Sense services and samples from their preferred products Dermalogica (skincare), Jane Iredale (makeup) and Davines (hair).

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

  1. One raffle ticket for GlamBox gift next delivery.
  2. One complimentary 30-minutes Visia Skin Analysis at Willow Stream – Fairmont the Palm.
  3. One 40% discount voucher for massages and body treatment at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi.
  4. One Esthetic Sense voucher – Complimentary waxing session worth AED 85
  5. One Esthetic Sense voucher – Dermalogica Microzone Treatment worth AED 250
  6. One Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair sample
  7. One Davines Naturaltech Purifying Shampoo sample
  8. Three Jane Iredale Makeup samples 
    • Smooth Affair Facial Primer and Brightener
    • Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara
    • PureLash Extender and Conditioner

The Nitty-Gritty

A special machine with VISIA Complexion Analysis System will be used to analyse facial skin and detect problems and impurities.

  • Esthetic Sense voucher – Complimentary waxing session worth AED 85
  • Esthetic Sense voucher – Dermalogica Microzone Treatment worth AED 250

20-minute treatment wherein a Dermalogica expert will analyze your skin, then perform a targeted treatment from a selection of exclusive Dermalogica techniques and products.

  • Davines Naturaltech Purifying Shampoo

This shampoo is for scalp with oily hair or dry dandruff. It cleanses and purifies the scalp, fighting against microbial attacks and creating a heal­thy and clean environment. It has no harsh ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate but the scent is a bit pungent because of dandelion and selenium disulphide. It is not also colored-hair safe because I noticed some hair coloring being washed away. Use only TWICE A WEEK.

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  • Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair

As per Dermalogica website, it is a”powerful treatment cream accelerates skin renewal and reduces the appearance of skin aging overnight and improves kin firmness.” Retinol is one of the skin care trifecta that will help one’s skin be renewed. Retinol is mostly seen in anti-aging products. This sample has a buffer cream to dilute the Retinol cream, when you will use it for the first time to “acclimatize” the skin to handle the stronger Retinol cream in subsequent applications. I combined 3 parts buffer to 1 part Retinol and I felt a slight tingling sensation upon application. It is also advised to put on sunscreen the next day as skin treated with Retinol is sensitive. The noticeable effect I’ve seen the next day is that my big pores on my nose shrank a bit, when light moisturizing emulsions, nose strips, exfoliating scrubs, micellar water and gentle gel cleansers did nothing significant.

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  • Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer and Brightener

As per Jane Iredale website, “this skin-quenching primer prepares the skin so makeup goes on easier and lasts longer. It also helps maintain skin’s youthful elasticity and minimize pores and fine lines while bringing out your natural radiance.”

Primer is a light emulsion type liquid (not creamy or thick, but not totally gel-like) with a floral-fruity scent. My skin became matte instantly after application. I can say it works alright, works good compared to Bioderma Sebium Primer (which was useless in this desert heat).

  • Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara

As per Jane Iredale website, “for those who want it all: well‐defined, longer looking lashes and buildable volume!”

Wearing this mascara on its own and it makes my lashes longer and fuller with a natural look. Unfortunately it is not waterproof. The brush seems too big for me also.

  • Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner

A single coat of this conditioner before applying mascara will help strengthen, lengthen and thicken your lashes, making the mascara twice as effective.

Applying this was like giving your lashes lotion, or painting it white. I applied mascara afterwards and did help make my lashes looking fuller and thicker, but to be honest, I can get the same effect with Maybelline mascara. Plus points for Jane Iredale to be made from ingredients that are gentle for the skin and body.

I have a separate post about the mascara and lash extender here: 

DSC_0494.JPG

The Verdict

Delivery – Fast, early, efficient

Packaging – Glamorous! Branded, sturdy boxes, ribbon-tied, with filler

Contents – Branded items but disappointed with tiny sample sizes and with the sting I had when using the lash extender, I guess it’s nearing expiration date, so use it up ASAP!

All in all, in spite of being let down with very small samples, I liked the fast delivery, the very cute and expensive-looking packaging, the vouchers and the raffle ticket. Next month it will be Korean makeup and skincare, so I’m excited for this! Highly recommended!

Luscious Lashes – Jane Iredale 

Posted on by meganeko18

So, I reviewed my first Glam Box ME samples a while ago, and now I decided to make a separate post for the Jane Iredale eye product samples I got.

  1. Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara
  2. PureLash Extender and Conditioner

  • Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara


“For those who want it all: well‐defined, longer looking lashes and buildable volume!”

Wearing this mascara on its own and it makes my lashes longer and fuller with a natural look. The brush seems on the bigger side. Formula is not water resistant but non-irritating.

Plus points for Jane Iredale to be made from ingredients that are gentle for the skin and body.

  • Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner

“A single coat of this conditioner before applying mascara will help strengthen, lengthen and thicken your lashes, making the mascara twice as effective.”

Seems to add volume and length like a primer, also conditions the lashes. Applying this was like giving your lashes lotion, or painting it white. I applied mascara afterwards and did help make my lashes looking fuller and thicker, but to be honest, I can get the same effect with Maybelline mascara.

Eyelashes applied with Mascara only – gives a natural-looking, longer lashes.

Added single coat of lash extender then a coat of mascara – gives out the usual mascara look – thick and long, but thankfully not clumpy

My verdict!

Mascara provides a natural looking lengthening effect to eyelashes while the extender and conditioner can help nourish and add volume to them.

The Proust Questionnaire (Life) 2016 Edition

Posted on by meganeko18

So! I checked out old blog in 2007-2008 and I found this gem of a post!

I’m not even sure if my answers would align after 8 years.

Here’s the 2008 answers  (8 years ago) 

http://aerislair.blogspot.ae/2008/05/proust-questionnaire.html

And here’s my 2016 version.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?When I am alone in reality and in spirit, and that there is nothing I can do.

Where would you like to live?Somewhere peaceful and bright and airy, like by the sea or lake.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?Earthly happiness if being able to enjoy nature and try new things.

To what faults do you feel most indulgent?Laziness.

Who are your favorite heroes of fiction?Wang So from ML:SHR. He is a passionate and intelligent man. He protects the people he loves no matter what. He makes things happen.

The quality you most admire in a man?A man of action, of keen intellect, of kindness.

The quality you most admire in a woman?Assertiveness and beauty

Your favorite virtue?Kindness and honesty

Your favorite occupation?reading, watching

Who would you have liked to be?I dunno, any sucessful person, perhaps.

Your most marked characteristic?A person who just want to heal and grow under someone’s love and concern

What do you most value in your friends?honesty, acceptance

What is your principle defect?stubborn and negativity, a sense of entitlement

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?To die or to live without realizing any of my dreams

What would you like to be?a better, happier, more successful me

What is your favorite color?shades of blue, in harmony with pink and green and purple

What is your favorite flower?rose

What are your favorite names?Irene, Charlotte

What is it you most dislike?violence,

What natural gift would you most like to possess?extroversion

How would you like to die?die in peace with no pain

What is your present state of mind?shit. but still fine

What is your motto?get through it

 

Annyeonghaseyo-Glambox ME September 2016 (Korean Special)

Posted on by meganeko18

Annyeonghaseyo! Hello! How are you?

My first foray into beauty subscription boxes was with Zanedo Dubai and it was a pleasantly wonderful surprise for me indeed.

Last month I reviewed the August 2016 “Esthetic Sense” Glambox, in which I got samples from Jane Iredale, Davines and Dermalogica. LINK HERE.

This month, I am so ecstatic to receive samples from Korean makeup and skincare brands, simply because they are cute (in packaging), natural (ingredients), and effective (formulation)!

It was delivered by Aramex. Whoa, this courier is another top notch one. They sent an email notification with tracking number and you can check the progress on their website. 

This month’s box features The Face Shop, Missha and Skin79 brands. I am well-aware of The Face Shop as it is one, if not the first Korean cosmetics and skincare line to set foot in my home country, the Philippines. I am also satisfied with their Green Tea Facial Emulsion (basically a light, non-creamy facial moisturiser). I only saw Missha while browsing online shops, and Skin79 was completely under my radar, but I’m willing to try them all. Shall we?

Vouchers, vouchers! To be honest I haven’t used any of the vouchers I received for the past year. Either the place is too far or the price is still too high for me. What looks promising is the Buy 1 Take 1 Unlimited Korean BBQ at Sumibiya at The Raddisson Blue Hotel in Deira (AED150/person).

THE FACE SHOP

The Face Shop Cherry Cherry Lips Modeling Gel Patch

“The soft hydrogel jelly patch uses cherry and cranberry to treat parched lips to nourishment, moisture and leave them looking plumped and kissable.”

I really do not have lips so chappy I need to have a “lip mask” but this one surely might help with dry patches on the corner of my lips.

The Face Shop Melting Colour Lip Creamer 

“Combining lipstick and cream together, the Melting Colour Lip Creamer delivers vivid colour and long-lasting nourishment, while working to keep your lips in tip top condition.”

I am thankful to receive this one, because I only have one lip color, which is an almost neon pink lip lacquer from Rimmel, which is a cross between lipstick (desired effect) and lipgloss (application and formulation).

The packaging is genius. It looks like color pencil when capped and the color on the cap matches the actual color balm inside. Aaaaand, dang, the colors are almost the same with my Rimmel. (T-T). Too bright! Too pink! But still, too cute.

The texture is velvety and the scent is light. It glides easily and leaves a smooth color on the lips. Staying power is short, as it can be easily swiped away with tissue, and it does not leave a strong color when that happens. Nonetheless, lips stay quite moisturized.

The Face Shop Charcoal Plant Cleansing Puff

Gentle on sensitive skin, “Charcoal and Konjac Cleansing Puff are perfect for those wanting to achieve a beautiful complexion when used as part of your cleansing routine, with the charcoal working hard to draw out bacteria and poisons from the skin.”

On its packaging, the grey sponge looks moist and I wonder why. The sponge is made up of 90% devil’s tongue jelly or “konjac” and 10% natural bamboo charcoal. Basically one will use the wet sponge to apply facial or gel wash to one’s face and give it a gentle massage. This needs to be replaced after 3 months, however.

No need for me to buy that Clarisonic. This environment-friendly item, my dear, will clean your face thoroughly! 

MISSHA

MISSHA Super Aqua Ice Tear Kit – Toner & Emulsion

“Need a pick me up from the soaring heat? Treat your skin to highly beneficial glacier water from the virgin clear area of Chilean Patagonia which is packed full of rich minerals. This water has then been transformed into The MISSHA Super Aqua Ice Tear Toner & Emulsion to hydrate, clear and refresh your skin. Trust us, it feels like bliss on parched skin.”

Truth to be told, I was disappointed when the Dermalogica sample I got was not a toner or anything that may help treat my large, whitehead-filled pores. So, receiving this kit was a just compensation.

The emulsion and toner came in 15ml sample bottles in a blue box. Can I just say I like the color blue?! Okay. The toner is colorless, alcohol free and lightly fragranced, it does not sting or irritate. The white non-greasy emulsion feels silky when applied then it leaves a dewy moisture on the skin.

SKIN79

SKIN79 BROW CLASS Colouring Mascara

“Natural yet intense colour to define while keeping your eyebrow layer neat and under control. The combination of Black Food Complex and Argan Oil keeps the brow and skin healthy while the formula glides on softly yet sets to give a fantastic hold.”

I see this as a non-essential item as only people who colored their hair brown to blond might need to lighten black brows. I might simply use it to keep my bushy brows neat and less pronounced.

SKIN79 WONDER FIX Brush Eyeliner

“This long lasting brush liner delivers a super precise result with more control than when using a regular pencil. The brush is flexible and soft yet with a pointy tip to get right into the corners of your eyes.”

I actually have another eyeliner (another Rimmel product), thank you very much. But this one from Skin79 ups the ante, by having color built into the brush eyeliner. Most other brush eyeliners are actually a separate pot of color cream with a small brush.

It was like holding a mini paintbrush! The bristles are soft and the brown color opens up the eyes with less drama than black eyeliner.

SWATCHES: Above – Skin79 Brown eyeliner. Middle – The Face Shop Lip Creme in Candy Violet (looks neon pink for me). Below – Skin 79 Brown Brow Mascara

So again, the delivery and packaging was superb! The contents this time are great!

Please bear with me for the last month of my subscription!

Jal bonaeseyo!!!!

Have a good day!!!

Hidden Strength of a Tree: Why I Like Go Ha Jin / Hae Soo from Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Posted on by meganeko18

My current source of romance is watching Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, which is the Korean remake of the 2011 Chinese drama hit, Scarlet Heart. Scarlet Heart, in turn, is an adaptation of Tong Hua’s novel, Bu Bu Jing Xin, which translates to Startling By Each Step.

Basic story tells that 21st century Go Ha Jin (or Ko Ha Jin) drowned while saving a child during a solar eclipse. The event made her accidentally time-travel to 10th century Goryeo, in the body of Hae Soo, cousin of the 8th Prince’s wife. The scholarly 8th Prince was one of the many sons of King Taejo. One of the princes she met was the 4th Prince, shunned and feared by all, even by his family. Ha Jin / Hae Soo became close to the princes but became worried for them because she remembered that one of these Princes will be the infamous Gwangjong, the fourth Goryeo King said to be brutal and unyielding. As she gets closer to both 4th and 8th Princes, Ha Jin / Hae Soo also has to adapt to her new environment in order to survive.

Ha Jin / Hae Soo seems like a fragile, fragrant flower: born only to bring happiness and kindness to others. She seemed weak and easy to give up. Why wouldn’t she? Her boyfriend and best friend fooled her and left her both heart-broken and in debt, all because of her innate kindness and trustfulness.

However, in the much restricting Goryeo era, she stood her ground and remained true to herself. She maintained her positivity, integrity, compassion and innocence in a world where even family members fought tooth and nail with each other.

She was not afraid to call out the Royal Family members’ rude behaviors, help anyone even if she was not required or allowed to do so, treat people without basing on rank or status, and even hurt herself to survive without hurting other people. She is also confident to showcase her skills and learn new ones if necessary.

I really like her as a fictional person. Some of the instances where she really inspired me:

  1. She stood up for her maid and even took the punishment from the Princess.
  2. She taught the 10th a lesson on being fair, even going further to beat him, when he hit her.
  3. She talked back to the 4th Prince when he was still being rude to her.
  4. She would rather scar herself and face dire consequences than marry the King, all to defend her right to marry the person for the right reasons.
  5. Consequently, she accepted the demotion from noble lady to court lady.
  6. She did not judge people by appearance or rank.
  7. She tried to be as positive as possible in her situation.
  8. She did not reciprocate the 8th Prince’s advances as long as his wife and her “cousin” was still alive.
  9. She stepped out of the line / out of her comfort zone many times to do what she believed as right and good: covering 4th Prince’s scar with makeup and treating the Crown Prince’s symptoms
  10. Her kindness: saved a downing boy, saved the 14th Prince from being attacked, calmed the angry 4th Prince down, consoled the grieving 8th Prince and befriended 13th in times of their shared sorrow.
  11. She can make her own makeup, skincare and soap… oooooh I’d like to do that also. 😛

While reading the Soompi Forum posts for this show, someone there roughly translated Hae Soo’s name to “tree” and I guess it’s because she’s a sturdy, beautiful tree. Ah you’re so great, Soo-ya!

Featured photo is from one of the actresss’ latest shows, Hotel Del Luna. Soo should have been a Queen or Consort at least. BTW, Hotel Del Luna is another highly recommended show, freaking tearjerker but don’t worry it will not end like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, I pinky-promise!

Say Yes – Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo OST

Posted on by meganeko18

Say Yes – Punch ft. Loco

Lyrics from K-Pop-Lyrics

http://www.kpop-lyrics.com/2016/08/lyric-loco-punch-say-yes-moon-lovers.html?m=1

I’m in front of you

I’m right here

Tell me with your lips

say yes say yes

Without knowing

I’m going to you

I wanna tell you my heart with the blowing wind

love is true


Your eyes that only tickled me

Now makes me smile as if I’m used to it

You just need to walk over there

My friends keep telling me

As they try to push me


My heels are still heavy

I just wanna take it off by the end of the night

I wish you would hold out your hand

So I can run to you barefoot


In my complicated days

I’m trying to think, each hour

Now I finally realized

Everything is gone and only you remain


Last spring, I saw you by coincidence

I hope there will be no more coincidences

I want to hold your hand that used to only pass by

I want to walk with you, whatever path we take


I’m in front of you

I’m right here

Tell me with your lips

say yes say yes

Without knowing

I’m going to you

I wanna tell you my heart with the blowing wind

love is true


I need u

Baby, words I wanna tell you

Words I couldn’t say to you

Baby baby baby boy love is true


I can go anywhere

This isn’t a lie (promise me)

From now on, by my side

Will be the most comfortable spot


Like the sound that comes out of shut lips

I wish you would call out my name

Even if I fall back and walk

I wish you would only listen to my voice


I’m in front of you

I’m right here

Tell me with your lips

say yes say yes

Without knowing

I’m going to you

I wanna tell you my heart with the blowing wind

love is true


The one thing I want

Is for you to stay by my side

You smiling at me

You listening to me

That’s enough for me too, you


I’m smiling at you

My eyes are telling you

Answer me like that too

say yes say yes

I like it cuz it’s you

I don’t care if you make me cry

Because you’re my everything

love is true


I need u

Baby, words I wanna tell you

Words I couldn’t say to you

Baby baby baby boy love is true

Get Scrubbin’ – Diamond Peel Facial Treatment

Posted on by meganeko18

It was my first facial treatment!

The summer heat is slowly dying down to somewhat tolerable levels, but my large pores keep on getting larger and my slick face getting even oilier, even with an update skincare regimen. I was seriously contemplating getting any treatment for my face, and I decided on having a three-session package for Diamond Peeling at Vanity Box in Karama. I chose this one because it is near our home, and I’d really not like to walk or commute in this hot weather. I called and booked for an appointment.

I went there on a weekday evening to ensure to have a quiet and relaxing time. The salon attendant was quite attentive to me, and complimented on my youthfulness (“Ay, I thought you’re a child.”). To be honest I was conscious that I just came from work, I dropped my bag, wiped away my eye makeup and went there wearing spaghetti strap top and slippers. I wearing less clothing was a blessing in disguise: I did not have to remove my top.

The process consisted of many activities / procedures using Dr. Renaud’s products. 

PROCEDURES:

  1. Consultation – She checked my face and categorized it as combination skin (Oily / Dry).
  2. Cleansing – She removed any grime, makeup and oil with facial wipes or cotton pads with water. Then she applied liquid cleanser, and removed it with another round of wet cotton pads / wipes.
  3. Scrub Exfoliation – She applied facial scrub with microbeads to remove dead skin cells and soften skin. She removed the product with wet cotton pads / wipes.
  4. Pore-Opening Steam – She massaged cream on my face, covered my eyes with cotton pad and gauze, and aimed a humid steam on my face for a few minutes to open up my pores. I enjoyed this part because the moisture-filled steam opened up my airways and hydrated the insides of my nose. When she removed the steam, the rush of cold all over my face was soothing.
  5. Blackhead/Whitehead/Pimple Extraction – Ah, it did not disappoint! I was wondering whether extraction was included in Diamond Peeling, and I was glad to have my invisible comedones being exposed to light, at a very painful cost. I preferred the pricking feeling (using the pointed lancet) rather than the pushing feeling (using the usual press-me-into-it extractor). It was hardest on my nose, where we both suspected as the most problematic part. This was the point when my attendant informed me that I really had to undergo another session in two weeks, not next month as usually advised. This was the most painful part, but I tolerated it well, except when she did my nose, the skin was hard and refused to surrender its hordes of whiteheads to the extractor.
  6. Diamond Peeling – She applied cream / gel on my face which dried almost instantly, then she ran the diamond peeling rod on my face centimeter by centimeter starting on my forehead to my temples, my cheeks, my chin, and my jaw line. The sensation was a combination of scraping something on my face with the occasional suction. It was not as painful. After this process, she showed me all the dead skin cells that have accumulated on the diamond-tipped rod.
  7. Astringent– she applied gel on my face, which gave a stinging sensation in the beginning. It must have been an anti-bacterial or astringent. It settled down into a cooling sensation on my face.
  8. Pore-Closing / Anti-bacterial Laser – She used a laser tool and hovered it on my face to close my pores and zap out the bad bacteria which could inflame my skin.
  9. Moisturizing Mask – She put a gauze on my eyes and applied a creamy mask using gentle brush strokes. The mask is to moisturize and protect the new layer of skin from irritation.
  10. Massage – She gave a short head and shoulder massage while I lie down with the mask.

To be honest, there were so many steps to it, but the standouts are the actual diamond-tipped microdermabrasion tool, the comedone extraction and the laser treatment. In between are lots of creams / masks/ liquid / gels applied at different stages.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  1. Wash with clean water or tone with rose water for the face for the first 12 hours.
  2. Makeup or other skincare products not allowed for least 1 day.
  3. Sunscreen / sunblock is required before going out for at least 1 week.

Results:

Diamond peel is supposed to improve one’s skin condition by producing collagen that makes skin elastic and firm, minimizing scars and pigmentation, removing blackheads, whiteheads and pimples, and tightens pores.

Personally, I expected my face to look like a mess after all those scrubbing, pricking and exfoliating. What I saw instead was general redness on my skin, like I just did a thorough facial scrub on it. It was so red my flat mate even thought I got darker. I let the face cream / mask applied on my face be absorbed through the night. I was supposed to cleanse it with rose water but I forgot to buy it.

I water-washed my face the next morning and only applied sunscreen (SPF 30). Within 24 hours, one or two spots where my whiteheads / pimples were popped still tingle. My face revealed whiter skin but also my pimple scars and reddened spots where those whiteheads and pimples were before. My pores got smaller, and my dry skin patches were gone, even though my face still looked like I can fry something on it still.

Verdict

As long as dead skin cells and some whiteheads and pimples have been removed, I am a happy girl. The products used are of good quality, and my skin got clearer. The downside was that still some pores did not shrink to oblivion and pimple marks reared their ugly heads, presumably after the skin layer that might have hidden them was removed. I am quite forgiving because it’s the first session, and I will be able to give a better judgment after the second and third ones.

I will update you after a few days, and after the second session in two weeks time! Thanks!