Review : Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme and Limited Edition Sweet Violet and Grapefruit Mist

I got this product in late October and I thought it was the right time to try since I just came back from my holiday and I think my skin feel dehydrated & look dull due to the constant exposure under the sun & dirt exposure. I embarked on the Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme a new two-step treatment works with the skin’s natural renewal cycle to deeply replenish and restore radiance.  This range is specially formulated with botanical concentrates that are designed to help to revitalise your skin and leaving it looking luminous. 

It's the perfect 28 days program that you can incorporate into your daily skincare routine anytime to rejuvenate tired or dull skin, preparing your skin for a special event, or whenever your skin needs an intensive radiance boost.

Inside this Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme has two tubes which are known as Step 1 and Step 2.

Why 28 days if you asked? It's because our skin renews itself every 28 days, sloughing off old dead skin cells and replacing them with fresh new ones—but only if we practice good skin care. This great skin care routine locks in moisture, keeps chemicals out and gives skin the proper nourishment to help you to look better in 28 days or less. However there are some factors which will slow down the natural renewal process - the sun, hormones, pollution and other external aggressors and they leave the skin feeling dry and looking dull and tired. Hence the Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 days Programme works with skin’s natural renewal cycle to restore radiance over two steps.

The instruction is to use Step 1 for the first 2 weeks (i.e 14 days) and Step 2 for the remaining 14 days of  the programme.

Step 1 of Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme

This cream is really lightweight and antioxidant-rich lotion gently exfoliates to help even skin tone and texture, and assist with the renewal of your skin. This lotion is to be applied after serum and before moisturiser and all you need to use a small pearl-sized amount which I warmed between my fingers and then gently pressed onto my skin, down my neck and onto my decolletage. There are three key ingredients in this product

Spilanthes: Grown, harvested and extracted at our Jurlique Farm in the pure Adelaide Hills, this helps tone and purify the skin. 

Kakadu Plum: As the world’s richest natural source of Vitamin C, this powerful Australian super-fruit extract helps improve skin tone and radiance, and helps reduce the appearance of discolouration. 

Willow Bark: The natural exfoliating properties of this concentrated botanical extract help improve the skin’s tone, texture and appearance. 

Step 2 of Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme

This cream is more creamy compared to the previous one. This cream is designed to smooth, protects and deeply replenishes for optimum vitality for the final 14 days of the programme. There are also three key ingredients in this product

Echinacea: This pure botanical extract from our Jurlique Farm in the Adelaide Hills helps soothe and restore your skin, and protect it from environmental aggressors. 

Kakadu Plum: Just like in Step 1, this Vitamin C-rich extract of the powerful Australian super-fruit helps renew skin luminosity and restore radiance. 

Peach Leaf: This concentrated botanical extract helps revitalise and soften skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discolouration, and restore radiance.

 

And to boost penetration of the product I'm using my Philips Visa Boost to massage my face after each application. 

After using Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme for 4 weeks I feel my skin was softer, hydrated and overall complexion has evened & brighten. I used to have some white heads due to stubborn congestion around my nose and chin and after I have gone through this programme I think it's pretty much gone. Honestly this programme is so easy & simple to use because I could just incorporate into my daily skincare routine. As this is a booster program you can't use it daily but you can use it whenever your skin needs an intensive radiance boost. Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme is currently at RM450 for 2 x 20ml at all Jurlique stores.

And in conjunction with the Christmas seasons, Jurlique has launched a NEW Limited Edition Sweet Violet & Grapefruit Hydration Mist. Love how this bottle comes in beautiful violet glass bottle, very sturdy. This new mist is infused with all-new blend of Sweet Violet, Grapefruit and concentrated natural antioxidants. Together they help improve skin’s moisture levels as its uplifting scent refreshes the senses leaving you feeling calm, refreshed and ready to spread the joy over the coming Christmas season.

I read that Sweet Violet has been used since Ancient Greek times to calm tempers, promote relaxation, and awaken feelings of love. While the scent of Grapefruit helps energize and invigorate the senses. It’s the perfect blend for bringing the joy back to this very special time of year.

Steps to use : Lightly mist onto face, or mist into hands and gently press onto the skin. Use twice a day following cleansing or any time skin feels dehydrated.

The first time I used this Sweet Violet & Grapefruit Hydration Mist I do think it was a little bit too sweet for me and after a while I kind like the sweet fruity scent as it was really refreshing and uplifting. I rotate this between my Rosewater Balancing Mist depending on my mood. I usually keep a bottle of Jurlique mist on my bedside table and working table so that I can quickly give a hydration & refresh booster anytime I need it. Try it out today :) Jurlique Sweet Violet & Grapefruit Hydration Mist is currently at RM147 for 100 ml at all Jurlique stores.

For more information about Jurlique, please visit

www.jurlique.com

https://www.facebook.com/jurlique.my

Review : Sunplay Skin Aqua Super Moisture Essence Sunscreen

Two weeks ago I was doing solo backpacking in Thailand on my birthday! On this picture I was taking train on Death Railway in Kanchanaburi! 

One of my must bring product for my travel is sunscreen. I can't live without them.

Over the past few weeks I have met some girls that have really nice makeup and they told me they do not use sunscreen/sunblock. And when I asked why they said oh I'm just lazy. I was extremely shock when I heard this because looking at her makeup finishing definitely took her lots of effort. 

And no matter what the weather outside, be it rain or shine I apply my sunblock every single day without fail. I can go out without makeup and never without sunblock. The main benefit of sunscreen is that it acts as a protection against the harmful UV rays which penetrates your skin every time it is exposed to the sun. It also helps to protect your skin from developing signs of aging (yes UV rays can cause your skin to age!) and helps to prevent dark spots, dullness on your skin & uneven skin tone.

I believe one of the main reasons why people do not like to use sunscreen because it cause the skin feeling sticky, heavy, oily & uncomfortable. Hence I strongly suggest you to pick the right sunscreen for yourself and Japanese sunscreen has one of the best ones. I'm actually quite adventurous in trying out sunscreen and constantly trying out different brands after fav sunscreen from Hada Labo has been discontinued! 

One of my recent favourite sunscreen is from Sunplay Skin Aqua Super Moisture Essence which is also from Japan. This is a super moisturising sunscreen with high UV protection that is formulated with 4  highly moisturising ingredients such as Super Hyaluronic Acid, Nano Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acid & Collagen to provide the skin with instant moisture and long hours of hydration. 

This is suitable for both face and body as this has strong sun protection of SPF50+ PA++++ which effectively prevents damage to the skin caused by UV rays. I like the fact that the product is gentle to the skin, allergy tested and free from colorant, fragrance and mineral oil. 

Here is the ingredients list 

In case you don't know the right amount of sunscreen to use is about 50 cent coins and you should apply as the last step of your skincare before your makeup. Re-applying is needed if you going to be under the sun for long hours. 

The refreshing watery light texture enables the product to spread easily and absorb quickly into the skin. And because of its lightweight feel, this sunscreen is suitable for daily application and even serves as a good makeup base.

I also like how the product feel non-existence after application and it does not make my skin feels oily after few hours under the sun. Rather my skin feel comfortable & soft  thanks to the moisturising ingredients. More importantly my skin don't feel burn under the sun. 

Sunplay Skin Aqua Super Moisture Essence is now available for sale at RM55.90/80g exclusively in Watsons nationwide

Have you tried this product or can you share with me your holygrail sunscreen, I might be interested to try once this finish :) 

What Caffeine Does To Your Body Will Shock You

Happy long weekends everyone! Recently I had a discussion with my friend about caffeine. Two of the most-loved beverages that contain caffeine are tea and coffee. Caffeine has both favorable as well as unfavorable effects on our health. I found an article by Dr. Ooi Yau Wei is a cardiologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital who has explained the pros and cons of caffeine in detail. 

Apparently, there exist many adverse effects of caffeine. It disrupts the functioning of body parts like the brain, heart, stomach, and hormones. Adenosine is a hormone present in our body that not only slows down our nervous system but also relaxes our body. Apparently, when there’s an intake of caffeine, the effects of adenosine is blocked, which leads to greater alertness, mental energy, and concentration. 

How caffeine affects your brain 

Research suggests that caffeine influences a perception and the state of mind. However, it all depends on the amount of caffeine and time of consumption. In people who are well rested, caffeine in small and medium doses improves attentiveness. In individuals who haven’t slept enough, caffeine tends to boost up their learning and decision-making skills. People who are addicted to coffee and tea perform better on various tests of cognitive performance such as reaction time and visual-spatial skills. 

Caffeine is known to relieve headache symptoms significantly. It can either be used alone or in combination with other medications for headache treatment. However, regular caffeine consumption isn’t good for health as it can lead to a chronic migraine and analgesic rebound headaches. 

Effects of caffeine on your heart 

Caffeine can protect individuals against heart attacks if taken in a low to a moderate amount (up to 3 cups per day). However, drinking more than 3 cups of caffeine in a day may cause heart artery problems and heart rhythm irregularities, especially in people with underlying heart disease. For people who rarely intake caffeine, one serving of caffeine intake may raise their blood pressure. However, there is little effect on regular coffee drinkers. 

Disadvantages of caffeine 

Apart from having various advantages, caffeine intake has plenty downsides too. The main function of caffeine is to boost mental and physical energy. Apparently, many individuals turn to caffeine to cope up with their active and busy lifestyles. However, high levels of caffeine consumption may lead to symptoms such as a headache, trembling, fast heart rate, and insomnia.

Other long-term effects of caffeine dependence include anxiety disorder nervousness, insomnia, irritability, and panic attacks. Caffeine can also cause a higher risk of osteoporosis. As per research, high coffee intake in women increases the chances of lower bone density and increased fracture risk. However, this can be taken care of by consuming calcium-rich food and drinks. 

What happens when you quit caffeine 

Caffeine can be addictive and gives you side effects when you stop taking it. One can tell that they’re going through caffeine withdrawal if they experience the following symptoms: 

• Headache 
• Tiredness/fatigue 
• Decreased energy 
• Decreased alertness 
• Drowsiness/sleepiness 
• Depressed mood
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Irritability 
• Fuzzy/foggy mind 

How much caffeine is too much? 

For an average adult, consumption of up to 400mg of caffeine a day appears to be safe. Here’s the amount of caffeine present in our common drinks is as follows: 

• Coffee(235ml): 102–200mg 
• Espresso(30ml): 30–90mg 
• Tea(235ml): 40–120mg 
• Coke(355ml): 35–47mg 
• Mountain Dew(355ml): 118mg 

An average US adult consumes 2 cups of coffee per day; this is almost 280 mg of caffeine. Heavy coffee drinkers are the people who consume 4 or more cups of coffee every day. Research proves that the advantages of caffeine outweigh the disadvantages. However, there are a few medical conditions that are made worse with the intake of caffeine. 

Now you have a better reason to get your daily coffee fix!

The inspiration for this article has been taken from Health Plus Section, a source of credible health information by Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, Singapore.

Why do we need to include moisturiser in our daily skin care ritual?

Why do we need to include moisturiser in our daily skin care ritual?

A post shared by Jessying (@jessyings) on Jul 9, 2017 at 11:11pm PDT

Click here to join now https://www.instagram.com/p/BWWwKgNl5JE/

When we are born, our skin automatically makes all the moisturizer it needed to be soft and healthy by creating sebum (combination of oil and waxes). As we age, skin’s natural moisturizing abilities begin to slow, leading to imbalance, causes unable to retain water and create lipids.

More often than not, people often thought that one only need moisturiser when their skin type is dry and people with oily skin can skip it totally. The fact is everyone needs to protect their skin from moisture loss just like our body. You can have oily skin but still lack water. The sun can both dehydrate and damage the skin, causing premature aging. Hence selecting the right moisturiser texture will help supplement your skin’s need.

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus skin care range is a hydrating range and it uses pure Roses to hydrate, replenish and protect your skin, leaving it looking fresh, dewy and supply to meet the needs of people with dry and dehydrated skin. It creates occlusive layer on the skin that replaces water and helps retain it. 

Every product in this range is rich in Jurlique unique Rose Complex. This sensuous blend of heritage Rose extracts from their biodynamic†Jurlique Farm, nourishing Rose Hip Oil, and Signature Rose Aroma leaves skin perfectly hydrated and smooth, with a youthful-looking, luminous glow. 

Key ingredients 

• Rose Complex: Made of biodynamic†Rose extract, Rose Hip Oil and their Signature Rose Aroma, to hydrate, enrich and protect skin as it balances and calms the senses. 

• Antioxidant complex: With extracts of Green Tea Leaf, Grape Seed and Turmeric, to sooth and protect the skin, and minimise the signs of ageing How to use : Morning and/or night apply to cleansed skin. Warm a small amount between fingertips and gently press onto face, neck and décolletage. I really love this range scent because it smells like fresh roses petals and this helps me to calm & relax the mind and body while I apply my skincare routine.

There are different hydrating moisturiser texture for your skin types. Find out which skin type are you and use the suitable one to hydrate your skin! 

Characteristics of different skin type: 

•  Dry skin - Appearance of fine lines and wrinkle, feel uncomfortable tightness and sometimes sensitivity. Due to insufficient natural moisturizer production and dehydration within the skin
• Normal / combination skin - Balanced skin on some part of the face and dry or oily on other parts 
• Oily Skin - Excess sebum on skin surface which lead to clogged pores and eventually acne

Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream  - For Dry & Dehydrated Skin 

• A lightweight, luxurious moisturising cream that provides the dual benefits of hydration and protection.This high performance formulation is designed to help soften, soothe and rebalance skin dryness. Helps improve skin moisture levels while providing essential protection against environmental aggressors that can lead to premature ageing. Leaves the skin visibly hydrated, supple and smooth.This moisturiser has been formulated to Hydrate, re-balance and replenish skin with natural moisturising ingredients. 

• Provide protection against environmental damage which lead to premature skin ageing. 

• Texture is quite firm, take a little blending to allow penetration. Best to warm up your palm first before applying the moisturiser. This contains highest oil, wax and water content. Create occlusive layer on the skin that replaces water and helps retain it

Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion  (Normal/Combination Skin) 

• A lightweight moisturising lotion designed to provide a protective veil for dry skinwith a combination of rich emollients to help address signs of dehydration while protecting against environmental aggressors. Skin feels hydrated, smooth, protected and looks radiant.This moisturising lotion has been formulated to: Deliver the dual benefits of hydration and protection. 

• Soften fine lines and help improve the appearance of the first signs of ageing. Provide protection against environmental damage which leads to premature skin ageing. 

• Texture : Lightweight and fast absorbing lotion that contains higher water content and oil to help skin retain hydration.

By the way, there is also a limited edition packaging for Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion Deluxe Edition! Loving the design on the packaging!

Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Gel-Lotion (Oily skin)

• A cooling gel moisturiser designed to address the signs of dehydration with botanicals to help hydrate, smooth and soften, while providing protection against environmental aggressors. Skin is left feeling hydrated, protected and revitalised. This rich, cooling moisturising gel-lotion will: Cool and refresh the skin 

• Help protect against environmental aggressors. Smooths, moisturises and softens the skin.

• Texture : Silky water-gel emulsion texture. This contains lowest concentration of emulsifiers, waxes and oils to avoid sitting heavily on oily skin.

As for myself I'm using two type of moisturiser, lotion for the day and cream for the night time as I sleep in air-conditioning room. Love how my skin wake up feeling hydrated, soft and looking dewy! 

Price list of Jurlique products

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream - RM165/30ml 

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion - RM173/40ml

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Gel-Lotion - RM178/40ml

Courtesy of Jurlique Malaysia I'm giving away ONE Grand prize worth RM371 & TEN Consolation prizes worth RM200 at my Instagram.

Click here to join now https://www.instagram.com/p/BWWwKgNl5JE/

RM100 facial disocunt voucher up for grab! 

Jurlique is also giving a RM 100 facial discount voucher with any purchase of product from Jurlique's hydration range for you guys here when you show my Instagram page or Blog post. 

Jurlique's signature facial priced at RM198 and it offers 4 types : Hydra Quench, Re-balancing, Aromatic Soothing and Brightening Facial treatment. So now you only need to pay RM98 using the RM 100 facial discount voucher. Promo valid till 3 September 2017.

Good luck everyone!

How to travel from Beijing to Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China

Can't believe I'm standing on staircase made from ice!

I actually wrote a super long post quite some time ago but my browser crashed and everything was gone! So here am I writing again to tell you one of my most unforgettable trip after 2 months missing from my blog. So much things happened and I can't wait to tell you guys more! 

It has been my dream so many many years to go China to see Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. I have always love winter but Harbin's weather is another level! 

I was so happy that I finally made it to the 18th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival Grand Opening on 6 January 2017. The entrance ticket is really expensive. Official selling price is CNY 330 (RM209) and if you buy through any travel agency in Harbin town it's only CNY 310 (RM196) including return transportation. Will share about the details of Harbin-China Ice-Snow World later on in another blog post.

Ways to get to Harbin, China

Most people asked me how do I get to Harbin from Malaysia. There is no direct flight from Malaysia to Harbin. I chose the cheapest way to get to Harbin via Beijing. So I fly in to Beijing and take a train directly to Harbin. The fastest  and most expensive way of course is to fly in to Harbin from Beijing airport.

The fastest train to Harbin from Beijing is about 7 hours but I picked a night train which is 11 hours because I do not want to waste my day time taking train. 

Upon arriving Beijing I went to Beijing Railway Station right away to buy night train ticket to Harbin.

I found out later on, I could book the train ticket in advance via Ctrip app for a small fee. And I have successfully booked a return train ride from Harbin to Beijing via Ctrip where I just need to present the voucher at the counter to redeem my train ticket.

Ctrip is actually an online China based travel services provider (like Agoda) offers accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management. You can use your Visa & MasterCard to purchase. Good news that they have english language on their website : http://english.ctrip.com/

I bought night ticket to Harbin so that I can save one night accommodation. The ticket price is CNY 241.50 (RM153) for one way. 

Finally my train arrived at 8.30 pm. Super punctual! Be sure to be early because there are so many coaches and you will need to take some time for you to look before boarding.

First look at the train. Clean! 

Because of our last minute train ticket purchase and it's super peak season, we can't get sleeper on the train and only managed to Soft Seat.

Actually it's pretty comfortable and feel like our local ETS. There is also WiFi on the train but needed local sim card & WeChat account to login. 

Toilet in train also looks pretty clean. 

After 11 hour train ride, I have arrived in Harbin!

OMG so cold...it's -18 Celsius!!!! 

First look at Harbin city once I get out from train station. Looks like a big city.

In Harbin I booked my hotel via Ctrip and the room rates are cheaper compared to Agoda & Booking.com. 

Was glad the hotel allowed early check in.. Hotel looks really decent and great for the price CNY 178 (RM114). It is located near the Central Street in Harbin where all the shops and restaurants located. Most happening area in Harbin.

It was so cold in Harbin. You have to be properly dressed so that you don't catch the cold ; have to pick a really good gloves to keep your body warm. Probably I will share next time how to dress up for winter in Harbin! 

Was so excited to see ice sculptures everywhere in Central Street, Harbin! Will share more in my next blog post

Hope you love my travel sharing, do leave me a comment if you want to see more of my travel story ya!