I think journaling is one of the best hobbies I've picked up probably over 2 years ago. The idea of just sitting for hours and hours with your journal, doodling, creating spreads, pouring my heart out into it is just so therapeutic and my soul is tranquil. It is a place for me to get super personal, to confess my struggles and anxiety. I think it's more than just a hobby to me now.

So today I am so excited for you to be here because I am doing a review of the new and limited edition Tsuki 'Ichigo' Boba bullet journal from Notebook Therapy!

For starters, I bought this with my own money. I am not being paid nor I am affiliated. That's that. We're going to go through the pros and cons from start to finish — from unboxing all the way through to opening up the journal. Spoiler alert, I super love it. Let's get into it.

About the notebook

Inspired by the sweet strawberry bubble tea, this is the Tsuki 'Ichigo' Limited Edition Boba bullet journal from one of their latest collections, Tea Party. The one I got is in A5 size, which is my favourite size and the journal is also available in a B5 and smaller original size. Mine has 176 pages with 160gsm bright white paper. It has an elastic band closure, two pink bookmark ribbons, back storage pocket with a little adorable paperclip inside.

The cover

I am still a sucker for pinks, that's why I got the 'Ichigo' Boba journal. It has a dreamy soft pastel pink hand-crafted vegan leather cover with a little bubble tea design embossed in gold on the front cover. All the notebooks in this collection have different adorable details — this one has gold-gilded edges with lots of tiny strawberries and sparkles. How can you not love that?

It's definitely a fun touch, it looks luxurious and it is to die for. The vegan leather feels super high-quality and it's apparently sustainable. I think this journal would absolutely hold up to regular journal wear and tear. 

Paper quality

Now we're getting into the best feature of the journal — the paper! The paper is very thick, it's 160gsm. That means you won't have any ghosting or bleed through. Guaranteed. Ideal for every type of water-based marker or watercolour! I didn't do any pen tests because it's simply useless with this quality paper, nothing will bleed. All of my brush pens hardly bleed on 120gsm paper, so.

The paper is bright white and pretty smooth. I think this is the whitest paper I have so far. And the dots are not too noticeable as well which is just what I like. Don't you just hate it when the dots are too noticeable and ruin your spreads?

Cost & shipping

The A5 costs $31.98 (RM133.61) which is priced fairly in my opinion. They also offer free worldwide shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase. I think that's totally fair and I love anything that says free shipping. I also got a 10% off using a discount code from @catsplanner — yes, please! 

The purchasing process was really smooth. I bought it straight from their website which is set up pretty well and has no bugs whatsoever. I purchased the bullet journal on September 3rd and 19 days later it arrived. I am still so pleasantly surprised thinking it took them less than 30 days to deliver it to me. You want to keep in mind that I am living in faraway lands so to say I am impressed is an understatement.

Final thoughts

All in all, this is one of my most exciting purchases in 2021. I am really happy with the quality of the journal. I love the designs, they are all fun and my speed. I would definitely buy another one in the future. I just wish the bookmark ribbons were in different shades of pink instead of the same. But this is just my opinion. 

I love bullet journaling the traditional way. I love that I can be absolute creative with all the blank pages and create super minimalist to heavy doodling spreads. I have a thing about quiet time, that's hard to get for some people. I cherish it every moment, and that moment is mine.

Have you purchased anything from Notebook Therapy? What do you use for journaling?

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• Monday, October 11, 2021
• bullet journal

Notebook Therapy The Tsuki 'Ichigo' Limited Edition Boba Bullet Journal

I think journaling is one of the best hobbies I've picked up probably over 2 years ago. The idea of just sitting for hours and hours with your journal, doodling, creating spreads, pouring my heart out into it is just so therapeutic and my soul is tranquil. It is a place for me to get super personal, to confess my struggles and anxiety. I think it's more than just a hobby to me now.

So today I am so excited for you to be here because I am doing a review of the new and limited edition Tsuki 'Ichigo' Boba bullet journal from Notebook Therapy!

For starters, I bought this with my own money. I am not being paid nor I am affiliated. That's that. We're going to go through the pros and cons from start to finish — from unboxing all the way through to opening up the journal. Spoiler alert, I super love it. Let's get into it.

About the notebook

Inspired by the sweet strawberry bubble tea, this is the Tsuki 'Ichigo' Limited Edition Boba bullet journal from one of their latest collections, Tea Party. The one I got is in A5 size, which is my favourite size and the journal is also available in a B5 and smaller original size. Mine has 176 pages with 160gsm bright white paper. It has an elastic band closure, two pink bookmark ribbons, back storage pocket with a little adorable paperclip inside.

The cover

I am still a sucker for pinks, that's why I got the 'Ichigo' Boba journal. It has a dreamy soft pastel pink hand-crafted vegan leather cover with a little bubble tea design embossed in gold on the front cover. All the notebooks in this collection have different adorable details — this one has gold-gilded edges with lots of tiny strawberries and sparkles. How can you not love that?

It's definitely a fun touch, it looks luxurious and it is to die for. The vegan leather feels super high-quality and it's apparently sustainable. I think this journal would absolutely hold up to regular journal wear and tear. 

Paper quality

Now we're getting into the best feature of the journal — the paper! The paper is very thick, it's 160gsm. That means you won't have any ghosting or bleed through. Guaranteed. Ideal for every type of water-based marker or watercolour! I didn't do any pen tests because it's simply useless with this quality paper, nothing will bleed. All of my brush pens hardly bleed on 120gsm paper, so.

The paper is bright white and pretty smooth. I think this is the whitest paper I have so far. And the dots are not too noticeable as well which is just what I like. Don't you just hate it when the dots are too noticeable and ruin your spreads?

Cost & shipping

The A5 costs $31.98 (RM133.61) which is priced fairly in my opinion. They also offer free worldwide shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase. I think that's totally fair and I love anything that says free shipping. I also got a 10% off using a discount code from @catsplanner — yes, please! 

The purchasing process was really smooth. I bought it straight from their website which is set up pretty well and has no bugs whatsoever. I purchased the bullet journal on September 3rd and 19 days later it arrived. I am still so pleasantly surprised thinking it took them less than 30 days to deliver it to me. You want to keep in mind that I am living in faraway lands so to say I am impressed is an understatement.

Final thoughts

All in all, this is one of my most exciting purchases in 2021. I am really happy with the quality of the journal. I love the designs, they are all fun and my speed. I would definitely buy another one in the future. I just wish the bookmark ribbons were in different shades of pink instead of the same. But this is just my opinion. 

I love bullet journaling the traditional way. I love that I can be absolute creative with all the blank pages and create super minimalist to heavy doodling spreads. I have a thing about quiet time, that's hard to get for some people. I cherish it every moment, and that moment is mine.

Have you purchased anything from Notebook Therapy? What do you use for journaling?

Follow

Read more »

Hello, gorgeousness! Let's talk about another moisturizer that I have been using for as long as I can remember. As you all know, I am always on the hunt for the best formulation in terms of skincare for my oily skin. Keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated is the key to healthy and radiant skin, regardless of your skin type.

So, I have oily skin and to be honest, I always find it like one of my most valuable assets because it will help my skin to look younger most of the time and age more slowly! However, you shouldn't just let it happen without taking care of it. 

One of the super important things I learned in my oily skin journey is that you have to moisturize your skin no matter what type of skin you have. You can't skip this step. If you despise moisturizers, I am going to assume that you haven't found the right moisturizer for your skin just yet. 

I was so excited when I was given another opportunity to work with Hansaegee Nature again. It's a staple in my collection, at this point. Anyway, this is Aqua Whitening Cream. It comes in a 50ml jar, which I love so much because I can use every single cream inside without wasting any. I also love the fact that it is originally made in Korea, you know they're very serious when it comes to their skincare.

Hansaegee Nature Aqua Whitening Cream

Texture, finish, formulation — all that good stuff

Hansaegee Nature's Aqua Whitening Cream has this very interesting formulation. It's a cream moisturizer with a thick texture but surprisingly feels super lightweight on the skin. A watery-gel cream type is what I like to call it. It's water-based after all and it really melts like water. If you are anything like me, who enjoy using water-based gel-cream moisturizer, there's a good chance that you will like this too.

While rubbing the moisturizer on the skin, you will notice it leaves these water droplets goodness that I enjoy so much. It sinks into the skin almost immediately, leaving a demi-matte finish behind with no greasy feeling at all. It's so comfortable, it doesn't make my skin feels suffocated at all.

This moisturizer also has a cooling effect on the skin which is very much appreciated in blazing hot and humid weather like Malaysia. I don't even have to put it inside the fridge, it's in the formulation. It blows my mind, every time.

Key ingredients — what they do

Niacinamide — an A-list ingredient to even out skin tone, a great ingredient to improve skin barrier and moisture level, an effective anti-acne and blemish treatment, and has a great brightening and anti-inflammatory effect.

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil — an excellent ingredient to repair dryness, dullness and sunburn-damaged skin, non-comedogenic, anti-inflammatory, and enhances complexion and radiance.

Cyclopentasiloxane and Cyclohexasiloxane — silicones, which formulates to give the cream a lightweight feeling, responsible for making my skin feels comfortable.

Glycerin — a humectant, very widely used in a lot of skincare products, commonly safe, allows the skin to retain moisture, a great ingredient to increase skin hydration and also soften the skin.

Full ingredient list

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Sodium Chloride, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Betaine, Cetyl/ PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Perfume, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract.

It's a really nice moisturizer packed with a lot of nice ingredients that are honestly catered for all types of skin. I can see anyone who has oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, uneven skin, wrinkly skin and combination skin can enjoy this moisturizer. 

Overall experience — what I like the most

I like how it has this citrusy note or scent to it that's not that overpowering but thank god it doesn't break me out. I am also prone to get closed comedones when I use slightly thicker moisturizer but this doesn't do that to me either. When you have oily skin, you might want to try all types of lightweight moisturizers in the market to see which suits you best and this one definitely takes the cake!

It's giving me enough moisture and hydration to the skin. I use this on my AM and PM routine, in rotation with some other moisturizers I currently have but I am reaching this one the most. I can see that my skin is not over-producing oil, meaning that I am moisturizing my skin the right way. I don't wake up with so much of an Oil-City anymore since I started using this moisturizer. 

Notes: Hansaegee Nature Aqua Whitening Cream on my bare skin.

The fact that this moisturizer has 2 of my favourite ingredients, which is Niacinamide and Glycerin, I instantly love any products that contain it. And they are the top 5 ingredients in this moisturizer so I knew very well my skin will love it.

And can I just say, I appreciate every skincare company that formulates their skincare without alcohol? I am more than just interested in trying, my skin will LOVE it most of the time. Alcohol is one of the harsher ingredients for my skin so I tend to steer clear of it. I know for a fact this Aqua Whitening Cream is going nowhere, it's here to stick with me like glue. 

I love everything about the texture and consistency. It melts into the skin nicely, it melts with the heat of my finger and I can just very lightly rub it in and tap it gently into my skin. It allows you to be super gentle with your skin and that's just important when you are applying your products.

And of course, I can't get enough of the cooling sensation that it gives me. It's so refreshing! I love it when I use it in the AM and it instantly gives me this boost of freshness that wakes me up in a good way.

Company name: Hansaegee Nature

Product: https://hansaegee.com/shop/skin-care.html

Website: https://hansaegee.com/shop/

Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hansaegeenature/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HansaegeeNature

Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/HansaegeeNatureMalaysia

• Monday, October 04, 2021
• beauty

The Best Lightweight Moisturizer I Tried

Hello, gorgeousness! Let's talk about another moisturizer that I have been using for as long as I can remember. As you all know, I am always on the hunt for the best formulation in terms of skincare for my oily skin. Keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated is the key to healthy and radiant skin, regardless of your skin type.

So, I have oily skin and to be honest, I always find it like one of my most valuable assets because it will help my skin to look younger most of the time and age more slowly! However, you shouldn't just let it happen without taking care of it. 

One of the super important things I learned in my oily skin journey is that you have to moisturize your skin no matter what type of skin you have. You can't skip this step. If you despise moisturizers, I am going to assume that you haven't found the right moisturizer for your skin just yet. 

I was so excited when I was given another opportunity to work with Hansaegee Nature again. It's a staple in my collection, at this point. Anyway, this is Aqua Whitening Cream. It comes in a 50ml jar, which I love so much because I can use every single cream inside without wasting any. I also love the fact that it is originally made in Korea, you know they're very serious when it comes to their skincare.

Hansaegee Nature Aqua Whitening Cream

Texture, finish, formulation — all that good stuff

Hansaegee Nature's Aqua Whitening Cream has this very interesting formulation. It's a cream moisturizer with a thick texture but surprisingly feels super lightweight on the skin. A watery-gel cream type is what I like to call it. It's water-based after all and it really melts like water. If you are anything like me, who enjoy using water-based gel-cream moisturizer, there's a good chance that you will like this too.

While rubbing the moisturizer on the skin, you will notice it leaves these water droplets goodness that I enjoy so much. It sinks into the skin almost immediately, leaving a demi-matte finish behind with no greasy feeling at all. It's so comfortable, it doesn't make my skin feels suffocated at all.

This moisturizer also has a cooling effect on the skin which is very much appreciated in blazing hot and humid weather like Malaysia. I don't even have to put it inside the fridge, it's in the formulation. It blows my mind, every time.

Key ingredients — what they do

Niacinamide — an A-list ingredient to even out skin tone, a great ingredient to improve skin barrier and moisture level, an effective anti-acne and blemish treatment, and has a great brightening and anti-inflammatory effect.

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil — an excellent ingredient to repair dryness, dullness and sunburn-damaged skin, non-comedogenic, anti-inflammatory, and enhances complexion and radiance.

Cyclopentasiloxane and Cyclohexasiloxane — silicones, which formulates to give the cream a lightweight feeling, responsible for making my skin feels comfortable.

Glycerin — a humectant, very widely used in a lot of skincare products, commonly safe, allows the skin to retain moisture, a great ingredient to increase skin hydration and also soften the skin.

Full ingredient list

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Sodium Chloride, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Betaine, Cetyl/ PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Perfume, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract.

It's a really nice moisturizer packed with a lot of nice ingredients that are honestly catered for all types of skin. I can see anyone who has oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, uneven skin, wrinkly skin and combination skin can enjoy this moisturizer. 

Overall experience — what I like the most

I like how it has this citrusy note or scent to it that's not that overpowering but thank god it doesn't break me out. I am also prone to get closed comedones when I use slightly thicker moisturizer but this doesn't do that to me either. When you have oily skin, you might want to try all types of lightweight moisturizers in the market to see which suits you best and this one definitely takes the cake!

It's giving me enough moisture and hydration to the skin. I use this on my AM and PM routine, in rotation with some other moisturizers I currently have but I am reaching this one the most. I can see that my skin is not over-producing oil, meaning that I am moisturizing my skin the right way. I don't wake up with so much of an Oil-City anymore since I started using this moisturizer. 

Notes: Hansaegee Nature Aqua Whitening Cream on my bare skin.

The fact that this moisturizer has 2 of my favourite ingredients, which is Niacinamide and Glycerin, I instantly love any products that contain it. And they are the top 5 ingredients in this moisturizer so I knew very well my skin will love it.

And can I just say, I appreciate every skincare company that formulates their skincare without alcohol? I am more than just interested in trying, my skin will LOVE it most of the time. Alcohol is one of the harsher ingredients for my skin so I tend to steer clear of it. I know for a fact this Aqua Whitening Cream is going nowhere, it's here to stick with me like glue. 

I love everything about the texture and consistency. It melts into the skin nicely, it melts with the heat of my finger and I can just very lightly rub it in and tap it gently into my skin. It allows you to be super gentle with your skin and that's just important when you are applying your products.

And of course, I can't get enough of the cooling sensation that it gives me. It's so refreshing! I love it when I use it in the AM and it instantly gives me this boost of freshness that wakes me up in a good way.

Company name: Hansaegee Nature

Product: https://hansaegee.com/shop/skin-care.html

Website: https://hansaegee.com/shop/

Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hansaegeenature/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HansaegeeNature

Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/HansaegeeNatureMalaysia

Read more »

Hello, gorgeousness! Can you believe we actually have a few months left of 2021? I feel like I am saying this over and over again lately because it's shocking. On one hand, I am thankful because this year has been a whirlwind and a rollercoaster ride. But on the other hand, I just want to relish these next few months because they are my favourite! 

I always love the last few months of the year because, well, I am a November baby, also there are always so many wonderful memories made. I am looking forward to everything this year now and can't wait to be celebrating a lot of “firsts” and more small wins.

Take a peek at my previous Five Things post here. Now, let's deep dive into what makes me happy and grateful in September:

Watercolour painting

This was my very first attempt at watercolour painting. I don't have the reasoning behind my decision to try watercolour painting just so you know. I just want to give it a try and maybe I could spark something inside of me. At this point, I just doodled. I doodled a lot of baby flowers and leaves; random squiggles; letterings and stuff.

I am the first to say that my hands are so stiff and awkward while holding a paintbrush, hence the sloppy results. I am not quite there, guys but what really matters is practice. I must say it's my favourite screen-free activity at the moment. I am having a lot of quiet time to myself and so far, I am loving it!

Homemade mashed potato salad

Oh. My. Gosh. I am a very Malay girl and rice is my life but this mashed potato salad... I can't even say this the right way y'know. I don't crave salad, like ever, but this one was a hit to the point where I just had to make it over and over again for the last couple of weeks.

I think this has become my favourite type of salad to eat. I've made this many times. It's creamy, savoury, it has soft-boiled-ish eggs, plenty of veggies and seedless grapes tossed in for crunch. And of course, the roasted sesame mayo dressing was the cherry on top. If you're not a fan of grapes, cherry tomatoes or kiwis are some of the great alternatives!

What a great way to start an 'eat clean' journey. This portion is generous to me, it's appealing and it holds me over for a while. I don't feel the urge to snack and stuff so it was pretty good, aye?

September bullet journal flip through

You guys know the drill, I have to have my bullet journal flip through in every single Five Things post now because I spend the most time with my bullet journal so it's dear to me. 

Unfortunately, for September I forgot where I got the inspiration for the theme. I can't find screenshots or even saved posts for it but it was I believe from a small creator but she's so talented. I feel so bad right now. I apologize I will link her as soon as I find it.

I did two weekly spreads that were fairly easy because I have been getting a few requests on my Instagram to do an easy spread that anyone can do. So I did it. I appreciate every request you send but this will not in any way become a regular thing where I do someone a favour. It comes with a lot of pressure sometimes. My bullet journal is a stress-free zone so I like to keep it that way.

Korean cream cheese garlic bread

I posted these photos on my IG stories and I got a lot of mixed opinions. So I am trying my luck here and I promise you I am not a koreaboo. I am coming from a happy place. So you might be wondering: what are you doing putting cream cheese on garlic bread and what's so Korean about it?

This is, I believe a trendy snack or street food in Korea that was viral amid the pandemic? Don't quote me on that. But what matters is — it's delicious. The whole idea of sweetened cream cheese-stuffed bread that's soaked in a savoury and buttery garlic sauce...

Ugh, I am just salivating writing that. It's definitely a guilty pleasure. It's so gooood and it's actually pretty easy to do. Careful not to eat too much, it's addictive and there's a reason why I said it's a guilty pleasure!

Notebook Therapy Tsuki 'Ichigo' Limited Edition Boba Bullet Journal

I KNOW!!! Please bear with me, I am still so excited. It's so pretty. It's been a while since I got something for me that's super nice and limited edition. This is a sign for you to buy yourself something nice. And limited edition. Just treat yourself!

So, the bullet journal. If you didn't know, 'Ichigo' means strawberry in Japanese hence the ever so dreamy soft pastel pink vegan leather cover and a cute little bubble tea design embossed in gold on the front cover. However, what really makes the notebook stands out to me is the side; the gold gilded edges with lots of little strawberries and sparkles. It just speaks to me. I love sparkly things.

I am surprised it didn't take that long to arrive. I am impressed and it definitely doubled the excitement. Anyway, I am planning to do a separate blog post only for this new baby. Are you down for that? Let me know in the comments!

What are some little things that made you really happy in September?

Follow

• Friday, October 01, 2021
• five things

Five Things In September 2021

Hello, gorgeousness! Can you believe we actually have a few months left of 2021? I feel like I am saying this over and over again lately because it's shocking. On one hand, I am thankful because this year has been a whirlwind and a rollercoaster ride. But on the other hand, I just want to relish these next few months because they are my favourite! 

I always love the last few months of the year because, well, I am a November baby, also there are always so many wonderful memories made. I am looking forward to everything this year now and can't wait to be celebrating a lot of “firsts” and more small wins.

Take a peek at my previous Five Things post here. Now, let's deep dive into what makes me happy and grateful in September:

Watercolour painting

This was my very first attempt at watercolour painting. I don't have the reasoning behind my decision to try watercolour painting just so you know. I just want to give it a try and maybe I could spark something inside of me. At this point, I just doodled. I doodled a lot of baby flowers and leaves; random squiggles; letterings and stuff.

I am the first to say that my hands are so stiff and awkward while holding a paintbrush, hence the sloppy results. I am not quite there, guys but what really matters is practice. I must say it's my favourite screen-free activity at the moment. I am having a lot of quiet time to myself and so far, I am loving it!

Homemade mashed potato salad

Oh. My. Gosh. I am a very Malay girl and rice is my life but this mashed potato salad... I can't even say this the right way y'know. I don't crave salad, like ever, but this one was a hit to the point where I just had to make it over and over again for the last couple of weeks.

I think this has become my favourite type of salad to eat. I've made this many times. It's creamy, savoury, it has soft-boiled-ish eggs, plenty of veggies and seedless grapes tossed in for crunch. And of course, the roasted sesame mayo dressing was the cherry on top. If you're not a fan of grapes, cherry tomatoes or kiwis are some of the great alternatives!

What a great way to start an 'eat clean' journey. This portion is generous to me, it's appealing and it holds me over for a while. I don't feel the urge to snack and stuff so it was pretty good, aye?

September bullet journal flip through

You guys know the drill, I have to have my bullet journal flip through in every single Five Things post now because I spend the most time with my bullet journal so it's dear to me. 

Unfortunately, for September I forgot where I got the inspiration for the theme. I can't find screenshots or even saved posts for it but it was I believe from a small creator but she's so talented. I feel so bad right now. I apologize I will link her as soon as I find it.

I did two weekly spreads that were fairly easy because I have been getting a few requests on my Instagram to do an easy spread that anyone can do. So I did it. I appreciate every request you send but this will not in any way become a regular thing where I do someone a favour. It comes with a lot of pressure sometimes. My bullet journal is a stress-free zone so I like to keep it that way.

Korean cream cheese garlic bread

I posted these photos on my IG stories and I got a lot of mixed opinions. So I am trying my luck here and I promise you I am not a koreaboo. I am coming from a happy place. So you might be wondering: what are you doing putting cream cheese on garlic bread and what's so Korean about it?

This is, I believe a trendy snack or street food in Korea that was viral amid the pandemic? Don't quote me on that. But what matters is — it's delicious. The whole idea of sweetened cream cheese-stuffed bread that's soaked in a savoury and buttery garlic sauce...

Ugh, I am just salivating writing that. It's definitely a guilty pleasure. It's so gooood and it's actually pretty easy to do. Careful not to eat too much, it's addictive and there's a reason why I said it's a guilty pleasure!

Notebook Therapy Tsuki 'Ichigo' Limited Edition Boba Bullet Journal

I KNOW!!! Please bear with me, I am still so excited. It's so pretty. It's been a while since I got something for me that's super nice and limited edition. This is a sign for you to buy yourself something nice. And limited edition. Just treat yourself!

So, the bullet journal. If you didn't know, 'Ichigo' means strawberry in Japanese hence the ever so dreamy soft pastel pink vegan leather cover and a cute little bubble tea design embossed in gold on the front cover. However, what really makes the notebook stands out to me is the side; the gold gilded edges with lots of little strawberries and sparkles. It just speaks to me. I love sparkly things.

I am surprised it didn't take that long to arrive. I am impressed and it definitely doubled the excitement. Anyway, I am planning to do a separate blog post only for this new baby. Are you down for that? Let me know in the comments!

What are some little things that made you really happy in September?

Follow

Read more »

Is it just me or being in your twenties is confusing AF? It seems like there's this constant battle between "do it" and "I am going to mess it up". I might not know how to make the most of my twenties but I have recently thought about it and I thought it might be helpful to share with you.

I just want my twenties to be a journey filled with self-improvement and healing. I want to be selfish with my time, I want to look after myself more, pay attention to my mental health and love and be loved. 

Disclaimer: I get it. Blog posts like these are great for inspiration but my recommendation is pretty simple. Steal one or two things from the list and begin to apply them to your life so it's not going to be completely pointless. But keep in mind that it's okay to change your mind along the way. You might want to take it with a grain of salt. So — with that out of the way, here are 10 ways to make the most of your twenties.

1. Learn to live simply

I was obsessed with being "I want to be the best at everything and have the best things in life" in all my teenage years. I am so sick of it now. There's too much of that on the internet. Relax.

I just want to live simply. To go out and buy groceries and pastries, to take a walk in the park, to journal, spend time with my small family and learn that those little moments can make life big.

2. Find your peace

I was so happy to quit my previous job and have all that space in my bullet journal to myself. So folks quit all the things that cost your peace. It's better to start early.

3. Build skills and own it

Hear me out, anyone can take anything away from you, but no one can take away your skills. Just do things with your own hands, your own mind. Once you know how to do it properly, nothing stops you. For me, I love journaling so much and content creating — I do them with all my heart and no one can take that away from me.

4. Look after yourself

It's safe to say that the 15-year-old me was disappointed in the present-me for not looking after myself more in terms of self-care, skincare, exercising and all that jazz. Start paying attention now before it's too late. I can imagine it's a lot harder to try in your 30s or 40s. 

5. Just take a rest and don't feel guilty at all

If you're anything like me, who enjoy the feel of being productive, this is a sign for you to take that damn rest and forget about what people have to say. I have started to make a point to at least have one (sometimes two) unproductive day or have a nothing day as I like to call it. 

6. Not everything has to be perfect

I used to spend a lot of time perfecting my work and every situation in my life but you know what? It's exhausting. So I let it go and now I am learning to be okay with "good enough". It takes practice but it's definitely a work in progress.

7. Don't be afraid of changes

Changes are good. Everyone needs it at some point in their life and most of the time, it's in your twenties. You will make a lot of changes that will make more good than harm. Since it's still a learning process, I think the fear will always be there but instead of waiting for it to go away, just F it and do it. Start before you feel ready.

8. Saying "no" is a form of self-care

You have to know that saying no to others doesn't make you a bad person. Stop being a people-pleaser and only say yes to the things YOU love. Again, it's important to look after yourself even if no one else benefits. It's okay to put yourself first.

9. Get rid of bad people and keep your circle small

Oh, trust me. You don't need any kind of negativities in your twenties. Keep your best friends close and dodge any toxic ones! Also, having a million friends that you barely even talk to is unnecessary. Keep it small and avoid drama. I can count my best friends with my 10 fingers and I am thankful for them.

10. Don't be too hard on yourself

Your twenties is the right time to discover that you're not perfect because perfection doesn't exist. You will make a lot of mistakes and you just got to accept that they're a part of adulting. Accepting your mistakes is the shortcut for you to correct yourself and become a better person.

What are you doing to make the most of your twenties?  

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• Thursday, September 23, 2021
• lifestyle

10 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Twenties

Is it just me or being in your twenties is confusing AF? It seems like there's this constant battle between "do it" and "I am going to mess it up". I might not know how to make the most of my twenties but I have recently thought about it and I thought it might be helpful to share with you.

I just want my twenties to be a journey filled with self-improvement and healing. I want to be selfish with my time, I want to look after myself more, pay attention to my mental health and love and be loved. 

Disclaimer: I get it. Blog posts like these are great for inspiration but my recommendation is pretty simple. Steal one or two things from the list and begin to apply them to your life so it's not going to be completely pointless. But keep in mind that it's okay to change your mind along the way. You might want to take it with a grain of salt. So — with that out of the way, here are 10 ways to make the most of your twenties.

1. Learn to live simply

I was obsessed with being "I want to be the best at everything and have the best things in life" in all my teenage years. I am so sick of it now. There's too much of that on the internet. Relax.

I just want to live simply. To go out and buy groceries and pastries, to take a walk in the park, to journal, spend time with my small family and learn that those little moments can make life big.

2. Find your peace

I was so happy to quit my previous job and have all that space in my bullet journal to myself. So folks quit all the things that cost your peace. It's better to start early.

3. Build skills and own it

Hear me out, anyone can take anything away from you, but no one can take away your skills. Just do things with your own hands, your own mind. Once you know how to do it properly, nothing stops you. For me, I love journaling so much and content creating — I do them with all my heart and no one can take that away from me.

4. Look after yourself

It's safe to say that the 15-year-old me was disappointed in the present-me for not looking after myself more in terms of self-care, skincare, exercising and all that jazz. Start paying attention now before it's too late. I can imagine it's a lot harder to try in your 30s or 40s. 

5. Just take a rest and don't feel guilty at all

If you're anything like me, who enjoy the feel of being productive, this is a sign for you to take that damn rest and forget about what people have to say. I have started to make a point to at least have one (sometimes two) unproductive day or have a nothing day as I like to call it. 

6. Not everything has to be perfect

I used to spend a lot of time perfecting my work and every situation in my life but you know what? It's exhausting. So I let it go and now I am learning to be okay with "good enough". It takes practice but it's definitely a work in progress.

7. Don't be afraid of changes

Changes are good. Everyone needs it at some point in their life and most of the time, it's in your twenties. You will make a lot of changes that will make more good than harm. Since it's still a learning process, I think the fear will always be there but instead of waiting for it to go away, just F it and do it. Start before you feel ready.

8. Saying "no" is a form of self-care

You have to know that saying no to others doesn't make you a bad person. Stop being a people-pleaser and only say yes to the things YOU love. Again, it's important to look after yourself even if no one else benefits. It's okay to put yourself first.

9. Get rid of bad people and keep your circle small

Oh, trust me. You don't need any kind of negativities in your twenties. Keep your best friends close and dodge any toxic ones! Also, having a million friends that you barely even talk to is unnecessary. Keep it small and avoid drama. I can count my best friends with my 10 fingers and I am thankful for them.

10. Don't be too hard on yourself

Your twenties is the right time to discover that you're not perfect because perfection doesn't exist. You will make a lot of mistakes and you just got to accept that they're a part of adulting. Accepting your mistakes is the shortcut for you to correct yourself and become a better person.

What are you doing to make the most of your twenties?  

Follow

Read more »

Ever wondered why sometimes your skin lacking its own natural glow and radiance? You don't have hyperpigmentation and stuff but your skin looks dry and lifeless. Well, my friend, I am afraid you're probably having issues with dull skin. 

It's fine, you're not the only one. My skin is pretty much oily all year round but there were a couple of moments in my life where I looked at my skin in the mirror and asked myself “Where is my glow?” 

That turned me into a full-on panic mode and I started buying more skincare products that promise a healthy, glowing, and radiant complexion. You know what, it's actually not that simple. If you're a dry and dull skin sufferer, many factors can be working against you (environmental, lifestyle, ingredients to name a few) — but with every difficult situation, there are solutions. 

Read on to know exactly what you can do to rejuvenate dry and dull skin!

So what causes dry and dull skin?

Environmental stresses

I love living in Malaysia but getting exposed to harmful substances almost all the time is definitely not it. Things like smoke and getting exposed to the sunlight may damage the skin's protective barrier. I just wish I knew these sooner.

You may ask, “What it is like to live in Malaysia?”

Well, it's hot and humid all year round. You may want to consider having an air-conditioner in your house. Sometimes it's more like a must-have. But that's the thing though, to be in an air-conditioned space almost every day, that's a recipe for disaster. I mean, for your skin, of course.

Your skin will get super dry and flaky because you have been around in an air-conditioned room for a long period of time — your skin is screaming for moisture, and your complexion will just appear lifeless and uneven. Long story short, your moisture barrier is messed up.

You shower with hot water

Believe it or not, some people still shower with hot water. I know certain people in my life still does this. There's no amount of “Do not shower with hot water, it will strip your natural oils, which can cause dryness” that can get them to understand. You need to know that showering with hot water can play havoc on your skin, especially your face. That's all I am going to say. 

Not exfoliating enough

If you haven't been exfoliating recently, there's a chance you have a buildup of dead skin cells. Sometimes dead skin cells don't shed as they should. Instead, they build on the surface between you and your healthy glow. 

Not getting enough sleep

I mean, obviously? Not getting enough sleep will likely affect your skin's appearance, duh. When you're not taking enough care of yourselves with a good night's sleep, it shows on your face — say hello to dark circles and a duller complexion.

Here's how you can rejuvenate dry and dull skin:

Limit dry interior conditions

Let's just say, constant air-conditioning is not good for your skin. If it's unavoidable, you can always limit your usage and keep it on the 22-26°C region, which is the ideal temperature setting that's not too hot, or too cold. 

Drink enough water

Oh, how can I forget the #1 Beauty Rule! Drinking enough water (8 glasses a day) can help hydrate your skin from below the surface. This process makes sure to keep your skin's moisture level high and bring back hydration that you lose, also allowing your skin to not look dry and dull.

Avoid hot water

Please be gentle on your skin. Avoid using hot water while you're in the shower. Just like I said, it's going to strip your natural oils and leave you with dry and sensitive skin. Instead, use lukewarm water especially when it comes to cleansing your face.

Be gentle on your skin

Always go gentle with your skin. Harsh scrubs and drying soaps are a no-no. And do you know how some skincare products are drying as F because they contain a high level of alcohol? Yeah, you might want to avoid that too.

Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliation is a process that does wonders for the skin. However, please opt for a gentler option of exfoliator — alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which will penetrate the skin to get rid of dead skin cells. And make sure you don't over-exfoliate! Twice a week should be okay.

Healthy sleeping schedule

I always make it a habit to at least have 5-6 hours of sleep at night because sometimes getting a full-blown 8 hours seems impossible. Getting enough rest at night is so important for the recovery process to take place and that includes your skin's health!

Practice the right skincare routine

The 'right' skincare routine plays a huge part in my skin journey. It's important to know your skin before committing to any type of product. When my skin was slightly dry in some areas and dull-looking, I knew very well that it was dehydrated. Yes, you can have oily skin and dehydrated skin at once. 

Do you know what I did? I panicked. Yes, panic comes first and do the thinking later. But it's not helping at all, guys. Please don't be like me. Instead, do these and thank me later. 

Order matters!

I don't care if people said it's useless because our skin will absorb some of each product anyway. I think the order is important because of 1) efficacy; 2) I don't want to waste my money.

Double cleanse > Tone > Serum/ Actives > Moisturise > SPF

It's always this and this only. Simple. And once I got the order right, I started paying attention to put on water-based skincare products first and then the more concentrated and heavier ones after. 

Sheet masks are your best friend

What an excellent way to get your skin glowing. This is what I am most dedicated to. I am very fond of sheet masks. I always look for sheet masks that contain Tranexamic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Squalane, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol and the one I am using from Hansaegee Nature is just the best at keeping my skin hydrated and glowing.

Do not skip moisturiser

We need to moisturise regardless of skin type. Moisturisers prevent moisture loss, help repair and protect the skin's moisture barrier and plump the skin making it appear less wrinkly and smooth. My favourite moisturiser to use at the moment is from Hansaegee Nature. The texture is unbeatable and perfect for this hot weather!

SPF is a must

There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I will always put on my sunscreen even if it's raining outside. Doesn't matter how simple or tedious your skincare routine is but if you skip this step, it's no use. Your skin will be exposed to the harmful UV rays anyway and when there's none to protect it, your skin will keep on acting up, it's going to be dry, lacking its natural glow, and puts you at risk of skin cancer.

While we're talking about skincare...

I know I have been hinting at Hansaegee Nature a little so this is a portion where we're going to talk about it more. Hansaegee Nature was kind enough to send me their Aloe Gel Mask, Aqua Whitening Cream (that I love so much) and my favourite Gold Nano CC Cream. Thank you so much Hansaegee Nature!

HANSAEGEE NATURE 92% Aloe Gel Mask

After all this time, an aloe vera mask is still my favourite type of mask to use because it's the OG sheet mask for me if I want extra moisture and hydration. This one, in particular, is so wonderful. It's packed with almost overflowing aloe essence that's perfect for both my face and neck!

Notes: The mask fits perfectly on my face and has just the right thickness to it.

Aloe vera gel is known for its many benefits and I love the fact that this sheet mask is not just hydrating and moisturising but it also helps brighten the skin, soften dead skin cells and makes my skin smooth and plumped. A great way to boost moisture in a snap of a finger and makes whatever makeup you put on top looks immaculate.

Notes: Packed with aloe vera gel

Notes: High-quality sheet mask, not too thick and not too thin

The perfect time to use a sheet mask is whenever you feel like it. I use it both AM and PM and usually after showering because I just love it. You have nothing to lose if you use sheet masks every day, it's fine. The order would look like this: Double cleanse > A toner > Serum > Hansaegee Nature 92% Aloe Gel Mask > Moisturiser (to lock in moisture!) > SPF

HANSAEGEE NATURE Aqua Whitening Cream

I have said it once and now I said it twice. Do not skip a moisturiser regardless of your skin type. Every skin type has its own moisturiser but Hansaegee Nature's Aqua Whitening Cream is appropriate for every skin type especially if you have dry and dull skin! It's crucial to apply moisturisers to lock in moisture so your skin is hydrated and healthy-looking all the time. 

What I love the most about this moisturiser is that it's water-based, has no sticky or greasy residue and is so comfortable on the skin even for oily gals like me. It has a gel consistency that blends like water and reveals these water droplets goodness. If you're in to have a glowy and radiant finish, this is the one. 

I use this moisturiser both AM and PM as well because why not? It has this cooling sensation upon application and that's just what I need in this hot, hot weather. I can't get enough of how radiant my skin looks with it all day and it maintains the moisture and sheen until I wake up in the morning.

So far, the order looks like this: Double cleanse > A toner > Serum > Hansaegee Nature 92% Aloe Gel Mask > Hansaegee Nature Aqua Whitening Cream > SPF

HANSAEGEE NATURE Gold Nano CC Cream

Ever since I got this in the mail, this is what I am reaching for every time I go out to run errands. It's literally what I need. As a fellow oily gal, it's getting an “Approved” from me.

It's not greasy, it has this nice dewy finish that makes my skin appear healthy and happy. I love it! It's perfect for daily usage and on-the-go, it's lightweight, colour corrects my redness, does a great job at filling in pores, instantly brightens and is suitable for almost all skin types.

Notes: It comes out white with tiny brown bits that will break apart and matches whatever skin colour.

With products like this, you don't need a brush or a sponge to even it out. All you need is your fingers (make sure they're clean). This is the answer to my “five-minutes-and-I'm-done” look. Being a CC cream it has very light coverage but honestly, I don't have that much to cover nowadays other than my redness so that's great. 

Now we're done ooh-and-aah-ing about the product, it's time for the actual protecting power to shine. 

This is not just a regular CC cream. Other than it colour corrects, it also protects. This CC cream has a built-in SPF50+ with PA+++ to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB! I love a good multifunction product. So this is what my full routine looks like as of recent: Double cleanse > Toner > Serum > Hansaegee Nature 92% Aloe Gel Mask > Hansaegee Nature Aqua Whitening Cream > Hansaegee Nature Gold Nano CC Cream

Notes: A little goes a long way and you can kinda see the eyeshadow shades from my ABH Soft Glam Palette are more pigmented on top of the CC cream. That palette is already pigmented but with the CC cream, it's getting a *chef's kiss* from me.

Notes: My pores are also more blurred and my overall complexion is instantly brightened without any greyish cast.

As far as ingredients go, this CC cream contains Niacinamide which we all love. It also has Mineral water to balance the skin's pH level and increase the skin's elasticity. It also consists of Ipomoea Hederacea Callus Culture Extract to relieve any skin irritation and has an anti-bacterial effect. Last but not least, the star ingredient which is Nanogold that will improve any signs of wrinkles as you age and is also known for its high antioxidative activity.

Just throwing these out there because it's worth mentioning. I don't really recommend products if they're not working for me. That's just straight-up lying. If I mention a certain product on my blog, that means I tried them and they worked well. So this CC cream from Hansaegee Nature is just it for me. It makes a good pore-filling primer, eyeshadow base, and it's well-formulated for most Asian skin that even in this heat it's not gonna get blotchy and patchy. 

I hope these tips are going to help any sistas out there who are suffering from dry and dull skin. We've all been there, at least once in our lives. I really think the sheet masks, moisturising and SPF part did me good. I have come a long way and it's time for my skin to shine!

Check out Hansaegee Nature now:

Website: https://hansaegee.com/shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansaegeenature/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HansaegeeNature

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS3EF4Qcc62cVFF9r5DSsZA

What are your favourite tips to rejuvenate dry and dull skin?

• Monday, September 13, 2021
• beauty

Dry and Dull Skin: Follow These 11 Steps To Rejuvenate It!

Ever wondered why sometimes your skin lacking its own natural glow and radiance? You don't have hyperpigmentation and stuff but your skin looks dry and lifeless. Well, my friend, I am afraid you're probably having issues with dull skin. 

It's fine, you're not the only one. My skin is pretty much oily all year round but there were a couple of moments in my life where I looked at my skin in the mirror and asked myself “Where is my glow?” 

That turned me into a full-on panic mode and I started buying more skincare products that promise a healthy, glowing, and radiant complexion. You know what, it's actually not that simple. If you're a dry and dull skin sufferer, many factors can be working against you (environmental, lifestyle, ingredients to name a few) — but with every difficult situation, there are solutions. 

Read on to know exactly what you can do to rejuvenate dry and dull skin!

So what causes dry and dull skin?

Environmental stresses

I love living in Malaysia but getting exposed to harmful substances almost all the time is definitely not it. Things like smoke and getting exposed to the sunlight may damage the skin's protective barrier. I just wish I knew these sooner.

You may ask, “What it is like to live in Malaysia?”

Well, it's hot and humid all year round. You may want to consider having an air-conditioner in your house. Sometimes it's more like a must-have. But that's the thing though, to be in an air-conditioned space almost every day, that's a recipe for disaster. I mean, for your skin, of course.

Your skin will get super dry and flaky because you have been around in an air-conditioned room for a long period of time — your skin is screaming for moisture, and your complexion will just appear lifeless and uneven. Long story short, your moisture barrier is messed up.

You shower with hot water

Believe it or not, some people still shower with hot water. I know certain people in my life still does this. There's no amount of “Do not shower with hot water, it will strip your natural oils, which can cause dryness” that can get them to understand. You need to know that showering with hot water can play havoc on your skin, especially your face. That's all I am going to say. 

Not exfoliating enough

If you haven't been exfoliating recently, there's a chance you have a buildup of dead skin cells. Sometimes dead skin cells don't shed as they should. Instead, they build on the surface between you and your healthy glow. 

Not getting enough sleep

I mean, obviously? Not getting enough sleep will likely affect your skin's appearance, duh. When you're not taking enough care of yourselves with a good night's sleep, it shows on your face — say hello to dark circles and a duller complexion.

Here's how you can rejuvenate dry and dull skin:

Limit dry interior conditions

Let's just say, constant air-conditioning is not good for your skin. If it's unavoidable, you can always limit your usage and keep it on the 22-26°C region, which is the ideal temperature setting that's not too hot, or too cold. 

Drink enough water

Oh, how can I forget the #1 Beauty Rule! Drinking enough water (8 glasses a day) can help hydrate your skin from below the surface. This process makes sure to keep your skin's moisture level high and bring back hydration that you lose, also allowing your skin to not look dry and dull.

Avoid hot water

Please be gentle on your skin. Avoid using hot water while you're in the shower. Just like I said, it's going to strip your natural oils and leave you with dry and sensitive skin. Instead, use lukewarm water especially when it comes to cleansing your face.

Be gentle on your skin

Always go gentle with your skin. Harsh scrubs and drying soaps are a no-no. And do you know how some skincare products are drying as F because they contain a high level of alcohol? Yeah, you might want to avoid that too.

Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliation is a process that does wonders for the skin. However, please opt for a gentler option of exfoliator — alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which will penetrate the skin to get rid of dead skin cells. And make sure you don't over-exfoliate! Twice a week should be okay.

Healthy sleeping schedule

I always make it a habit to at least have 5-6 hours of sleep at night because sometimes getting a full-blown 8 hours seems impossible. Getting enough rest at night is so important for the recovery process to take place and that includes your skin's health!

Practice the right skincare routine

The 'right' skincare routine plays a huge part in my skin journey. It's important to know your skin before committing to any type of product. When my skin was slightly dry in some areas and dull-looking, I knew very well that it was dehydrated. Yes, you can have oily skin and dehydrated skin at once. 

Do you know what I did? I panicked. Yes, panic comes first and do the thinking later. But it's not helping at all, guys. Please don't be like me. Instead, do these and thank me later. 

Order matters!

I don't care if people said it's useless because our skin will absorb some of each product anyway. I think the order is important because of 1) efficacy; 2) I don't want to waste my money.

Double cleanse > Tone > Serum/ Actives > Moisturise > SPF

It's always this and this only. Simple. And once I got the order right, I started paying attention to put on water-based skincare products first and then the more concentrated and heavier ones after. 

Sheet masks are your best friend

What an excellent way to get your skin glowing. This is what I am most dedicated to. I am very fond of sheet masks. I always look for sheet masks that contain Tranexamic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Squalane, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol and the one I am using from Hansaegee Nature is just the best at keeping my skin hydrated and glowing.

Do not skip moisturiser

We need to moisturise regardless of skin type. Moisturisers prevent moisture loss, help repair and protect the skin's moisture barrier and plump the skin making it appear less wrinkly and smooth. My favourite moisturiser to use at the moment is from Hansaegee Nature. The texture is unbeatable and perfect for this hot weather!

SPF is a must

There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I will always put on my sunscreen even if it's raining outside. Doesn't matter how simple or tedious your skincare routine is but if you skip this step, it's no use. Your skin will be exposed to the harmful UV rays anyway and when there's none to protect it, your skin will keep on acting up, it's going to be dry, lacking its natural glow, and puts you at risk of skin cancer.

While we're talking about skincare...

I know I have been hinting at Hansaegee Nature a little so this is a portion where we're going to talk about it more. Hansaegee Nature was kind enough to send me their Aloe Gel Mask, Aqua Whitening Cream (that I love so much) and my favourite Gold Nano CC Cream. Thank you so much Hansaegee Nature!

HANSAEGEE NATURE 92% Aloe Gel Mask

After all this time, an aloe vera mask is still my favourite type of mask to use because it's the OG sheet mask for me if I want extra moisture and hydration. This one, in particular, is so wonderful. It's packed with almost overflowing aloe essence that's perfect for both my face and neck!

Notes: The mask fits perfectly on my face and has just the right thickness to it.

Aloe vera gel is known for its many benefits and I love the fact that this sheet mask is not just hydrating and moisturising but it also helps brighten the skin, soften dead skin cells and makes my skin smooth and plumped. A great way to boost moisture in a snap of a finger and makes whatever makeup you put on top looks immaculate.

Notes: Packed with aloe vera gel

Notes: High-quality sheet mask, not too thick and not too thin

The perfect time to use a sheet mask is whenever you feel like it. I use it both AM and PM and usually after showering because I just love it. You have nothing to lose if you use sheet masks every day, it's fine. The order would look like this: Double cleanse > A toner > Serum > Hansaegee Nature 92% Aloe Gel Mask > Moisturiser (to lock in moisture!) > SPF

HANSAEGEE NATURE Aqua Whitening Cream

I have said it once and now I said it twice. Do not skip a moisturiser regardless of your skin type. Every skin type has its own moisturiser but Hansaegee Nature's Aqua Whitening Cream is appropriate for every skin type especially if you have dry and dull skin! It's crucial to apply moisturisers to lock in moisture so your skin is hydrated and healthy-looking all the time. 

What I love the most about this moisturiser is that it's water-based, has no sticky or greasy residue and is so comfortable on the skin even for oily gals like me. It has a gel consistency that blends like water and reveals these water droplets goodness. If you're in to have a glowy and radiant finish, this is the one. 

I use this moisturiser both AM and PM as well because why not? It has this cooling sensation upon application and that's just what I need in this hot, hot weather. I can't get enough of how radiant my skin looks with it all day and it maintains the moisture and sheen until I wake up in the morning.

So far, the order looks like this: Double cleanse > A toner > Serum > Hansaegee Nature 92% Aloe Gel Mask > Hansaegee Nature Aqua Whitening Cream > SPF

HANSAEGEE NATURE Gold Nano CC Cream

Ever since I got this in the mail, this is what I am reaching for every time I go out to run errands. It's literally what I need. As a fellow oily gal, it's getting an “Approved” from me.

It's not greasy, it has this nice dewy finish that makes my skin appear healthy and happy. I love it! It's perfect for daily usage and on-the-go, it's lightweight, colour corrects my redness, does a great job at filling in pores, instantly brightens and is suitable for almost all skin types.

Notes: It comes out white with tiny brown bits that will break apart and matches whatever skin colour.

With products like this, you don't need a brush or a sponge to even it out. All you need is your fingers (make sure they're clean). This is the answer to my “five-minutes-and-I'm-done” look. Being a CC cream it has very light coverage but honestly, I don't have that much to cover nowadays other than my redness so that's great. 

Now we're done ooh-and-aah-ing about the product, it's time for the actual protecting power to shine. 

This is not just a regular CC cream. Other than it colour corrects, it also protects. This CC cream has a built-in SPF50+ with PA+++ to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB! I love a good multifunction product. So this is what my full routine looks like as of recent: Double cleanse > Toner > Serum > Hansaegee Nature 92% Aloe Gel Mask > Hansaegee Nature Aqua Whitening Cream > Hansaegee Nature Gold Nano CC Cream

Notes: A little goes a long way and you can kinda see the eyeshadow shades from my ABH Soft Glam Palette are more pigmented on top of the CC cream. That palette is already pigmented but with the CC cream, it's getting a *chef's kiss* from me.

Notes: My pores are also more blurred and my overall complexion is instantly brightened without any greyish cast.

As far as ingredients go, this CC cream contains Niacinamide which we all love. It also has Mineral water to balance the skin's pH level and increase the skin's elasticity. It also consists of Ipomoea Hederacea Callus Culture Extract to relieve any skin irritation and has an anti-bacterial effect. Last but not least, the star ingredient which is Nanogold that will improve any signs of wrinkles as you age and is also known for its high antioxidative activity.

Just throwing these out there because it's worth mentioning. I don't really recommend products if they're not working for me. That's just straight-up lying. If I mention a certain product on my blog, that means I tried them and they worked well. So this CC cream from Hansaegee Nature is just it for me. It makes a good pore-filling primer, eyeshadow base, and it's well-formulated for most Asian skin that even in this heat it's not gonna get blotchy and patchy. 

I hope these tips are going to help any sistas out there who are suffering from dry and dull skin. We've all been there, at least once in our lives. I really think the sheet masks, moisturising and SPF part did me good. I have come a long way and it's time for my skin to shine!

Check out Hansaegee Nature now:

Website: https://hansaegee.com/shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansaegeenature/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HansaegeeNature

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS3EF4Qcc62cVFF9r5DSsZA

What are your favourite tips to rejuvenate dry and dull skin?

Read more »