Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Workshops I've Attended: Laneige Power Of 4 Workshop - Part 1 & Workshop Haul

November was literally another month of beauty workshops marathon. I had started a series of posts which came to be known as "Workshops I've Attended" series some months back, but sadly, I had managed to only write about 1 workshop. My apologies....writing about beauty workshops for me is a very serious task, as I have explained in my previous post. I am not just a copy-and-paste-kind-of-writer. ;)

Anyways, I have finally edited all the photos and reviewed the notes from The Laneige Power Of 4 Workshop which I attended last month. And because of the constant 'bugging' (in a good way, of course) from some of my readers who are die-hard Laneige fans (you know who you are, girls!), I decided to write about this workshop 1st.



OK, so Laneige Power Of 4 Workshop...........some logistics details...
It was organised by Laneige Malaysia and held in Skyview 1 function room on the 28th floor of The Gardens Hotel & Residences in Midvalley City. A nice venue, small function room with 3 round tables (set for 10 per table) for the participants and It was supposed to start at 10.30AM but unfortunately going by the infamous 'Malaysian timing', the workshop didn't take off till a little after 11AM. But at least we were provided with some light breakfast of finger food and pancakes (yummy, I can't resist pancakes ;P) and coffee (I need my morning coffee, and at least, it took away some of the 'irritants' of non-punctuality)!










So....why is it called Power Of 4?

The Workshop was conducted by Penny Lai, Training and Retail Manager of Laneige Malaysia. The workshop started with a video presentation on Laneige in general, and about what constitutes a Laneige woman.

Penny Lai (top left photo)


Then Penny explained why the workshop was called Power Of 4. Generally, in Korean skincare regime, there are 4 main steps (4 main types of products):

Step 1: REFINER - it's for purifying function; to refine pores

Step 2: EMULSION - it's for balancing function; to balance the sebum(oil) and moisture content of the skin and to aid in absorption of essence and moisturisers

Step 3: ESSENCE - it's for treatment function; for intensive care of the skin, has similar functions to serum (as is known in other skincare regime)

Step 4: CREAM (Moisturiser) - it's for protecting function; to moisturise and hydrate the skin

And if you take a closer look at the names of certain products, there is the suffix 'EX' added to the end of their names. EX stands for Extraordinary, which means the product(s) have the active ingredient, Himalayan Glacial Water, added to them.

When I was first introduced to Laneige by my beauty buddy a while ago, I was a bit confused by the different terminology used in naming their skincare and I tried to seek clarification from the SA, but I wasn't explained to in such a clear manner. And Korean skincare was quite new to me then.

Anyways, Penny went on to explain about the different skin types and products which are suitable for each skin type, at the same time, helped us to identify our own skin types.
See the photo of the skin type chart below.

Click on the image to enlarge

Generally, for dry skin - you use products which are richer, usually in cream-form; for normal-combination(dry) skin - the products you use are more towards blemish control and exfoliation; and for oily skin - products have to be of lighter texture, usually gel-type.


Hands-on session
We started our hands-on session with, of course, removal of our makeup which we came with. That day, I only had on my skincare and sunscreen from Dr. Obagi, but nevertheless, I tried their Professional Makeup Remover Creamy Emulsion to cleanse my face.



It was quite a light white-colored cream which upon massaging onto the face, turned into transparent oil-like substance. I wiped it off with wet cotton pads. After cleansing, I didn't feel any tightness, but just a clean feel with slight cooling sensation.


Next, everyone was given their own 20ml tube of their famous bestseller, the Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel.




I used quite a considerable amount of the gel, which was opaque pink color with tiny granules. The moment I started to apply the gel onto my skin, little flakes began to form on my skin. By the time, I finished covering my whole face with the gel....well, basically, the gel just turned to those little flakes on every point on my face. This, according to Penny, was the peeling process at work.

It was rather messy, and I'd advise those who use it to do so over the sink, to avoid having to clean up your dresser after. After several minutes, again, I wiped my face with wet cotton pads. The result was softer, smoother, and dare I say, even fairer(whiter) complexion! And I am already quite fair to begin with. I didn't believe in whitening effect, may be more like brightening of the complexion, but after using this, I had to believe!


After peeling, we used yet another Laneige bestseller, the Strawberry Yogurt Pack! I massaged the mask onto my face until the granules (of vitamin E) dissolved and it became like transparent. Left it on for about 10 minutes, then wiped off.



And then, it's the Power Of 4 time!

Step 1: Applying REFINER.
I saturated a cotton pad with Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX which is for combination-dry skin with hydrating effect and wiped it on my face. Then Penny suggested that for extra hydration, we could either saturate several pieces of cotton pads with it and apply them on the face for several minutes. Alternatively, we could purchase those dry mask sheet and saturate it and placed on the face. This step, I did, with the cotton pads.


There was also another version of the Refiner Light, which was for those with oily skin.


Step 2: Balancing with EMULSION.
Balancing Emulsion 1_EX for normal to dry skin, which I used.



Balancing Emulsion 2_EX is for oily skin.

After applying Emulsion, I applied White Plus Renew Eye Serum (Night Care) which according to the description on the tube, treats puffiness, dark circle and tired eye area. I can't say much about the efficacy of this product, as I had only used it once.




Step 3: Applying ESSENCE. Intensive care, treatment.
Penny introduced us to the Water Bank Essence_EX from the famous Water Bank Range. Among its ingredients are Himalayan Glacial Water, bilberry extract, honey, soya extract(for firming effect), and extracts of custard apple. Just pump out the Essence once onto the fingertip, warm it between the fingers for easier application and better absorption.



Step 4: Applying MOISTURISER.
After using products for normal to dry skin type for the 1st 3 steps, my skin actually felt a tad too sticky, though I must say that my skin was literally glowing and appeared much fairer. There was moisturiser for dry skin (couldn't remember which one) which was cream-type and contained chestnut extract, and for combination skin, Water Bank Cream 2_EX, with a lighter gel-like texture. This contained ginger extract which was supposed to regulate the sebum secretion. We were also given a small sample jar Water Bank Hydro Gel which had the lightest texture of all, contained Swiss Alpine herb and recommended to be used in the morning.

I used the Water Bank Cream 2_EX.



After Step 4, we applied sunblock and time to start the short Snow Crystal Makeup session. I will write about the Makeup session in Part 2.

The sunblock which I used was Laneige Sun Block Triple SPF 40/PA++ with 3 functions - UV Block+Skin Protection+Color-correcting effects.

The amount of sunblock shown in the photo was quite sufficient to cover my face, according to Penny, to avoid clogging my pores!



And now it's time for GOODIES I got from the workshop................

The Workshop was a paid one where we purchased a RM80 voucher which was fully redeemable for selected Laneige products available during the workshop. For Laneige Facebook members who purchased the vouchers at selected counters early, they received an exclusive early bird gift of Ultra-Hydro Essence_EX worth RM180 which is not available in Malaysia.

Early bird gift for Laneige Facebook members


Every participant received a door gift worth RM95 as shown in the photo below:



And throughout the course of the workshop, we were surprised with little gifts and samples.




And I redeemed with my voucher, the following.......
My new loves....the Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel and Strawberry Yogurt Pack. But the GWP for the workshop was quite a great value and I topped up to RM250 with another item, a Foaming Cleanser.









With the total purchase, I received a 5-pc GWP.




Overall, a great workshop and I got to know the brand quite well, and tried some of their best sellers, and I can understand why they are their bestsellers after using them and see the almost instant results! This workshop had very good value for money too!! And Laneige Malaysia is really very generous (in terms of price of workshop, great door gifts and early bird gifts, and also great generous X'mas set offers on their retail front - to name a few).

I really do hope more beauty brands in this country will emulate the generosity this brand has and the flexibility it gives!

Thank you, Laneige!



P.s. I am describing the workshop based on my own experience, which was overall, very pleasant, though I know some may have a different view and opinion from that of mine. Feel free to leave your comments, but please be constructive, even if you want to criticize. ;)

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Review: REN Multi-Mineral Pore Minimising Detox Mask - By The Intrepid Beauty

I have been receiving many posts from my guest writers lately, and they are waiting-in-line to be published.

So, The Intrepid Beauty will review REN Multi-Mineral Pore Minimising Detox Mask this week.

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Product Description: A deep cleansing and purifying clay mask formulated with French Clay to draw out impurities, remove excess sebum and eliminate dead skin cells. It also contains Spirulina, a tropical seaweed rich in essential fatty acids that helps to encourage cell renewal. It will reduce pore size and leave the skin smooth, toned and decongested.




Firstly, forget the fact that most of REN's products have lengthy names. One thing is loud and clear after weeks of using some of REN's signature skincare products: they WORK. I have never tried such a complete range of skincare that produced such good results for each and every product and that's saying a lot as I have tried a lot of skincare to date. So it should come as no surprise that the latest REN product that I've tried only recently also has my seal of approval. I have to admit that I got a sample of this detox mask months ago and never got around to trying it for 2 reasons, the first being it was on the waiting list of products to be used (that should give you an idea of how many products are in storage) and the second being that its instructions involved having to rub it off with the fingers once dried before washing off the remnants (I dislike having to clean ensure my sinkhole is not clogged).


This detox mask is essentially a clay mask, something which I rarely use as I was always under the impression that clay masks are more appropriate for oily skins, ergo not for me. However, this mask has proven me wrong. It's a rather creamy light green (no doubt the colour of Spirulina) mask which is easy to spread on the face. I thought it'd take at least 10 minutes for the mask to dry but within 5 minutes, the mask was dry enough to be rubbed off. As per the instructions, I washed off the remainder with warm water and voila! A fresh visage was revealed, it was quite remarkable as skin felt smoother and softer due to a drastic reduction in pore size. I don't have large pores to begin with but I did have noticeable pores before applying the mask. If you want smaller pores, I kid you not, this stuff works and it's faster, cheaper and more effective than Estee Lauder's Idealist.


As the mask contains Spirulina rich in essential fatty acids, this mask did not dry out my skin unlike some other clay masks used in the past (another reason I refrained from using this clay mask when I first got it). Moreover, it was easy to rub off and hardly as messy or troublesome as I thought. This is most definitely the best clay mask I've ever used and I'd recommend it to anyone who has pore problems or who just wants to maintain decongested skin as I noted less blackheads on my nose after just one usage. This product does everything it claimed to do.

At RM130 for 50ml, I'd say it's great value for money too. For the first application, I used less than half of the 5ml sample I was given so do the maths......it's worth it!


The Intrepid Beauty

Nature In A Box Christmas Promotion - Revised, With Lower Prices For Certain Gift Packs!

Nature In A Box has revised some of the prices for certain gift packs in their Christmas Promotion!! Prices for certain gift packs are even lower!

Click on the image to enlarge


Visit Nature In A Box website for more information.


On another note, have you entered Vonvon's Interests "Nature In A Box" Christmas Giveaway with prizes worth more than RM180 of Botani products and discount vouchers to be won?

If not, what are you waiting for? Quick, be a follower of Vonvon's Interests and you will be eligible to enter. Click here or on the photo of the gift set on the right upper corner of the sidebar.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Photo: The Ultimate Warehouse

Ever wonder how does the warehouse of those online shopping giant like Amazon look like?

Something like that???

The Ultimate Warehouse!!!

Photo from www.dailymail.co.uk
You can read more about the busiest online shopping day of the year here.

Friday, December 11, 2009

My Princess Is 3 Today

How time flies.............my little girl is 3 today, and she's so excited about her Winnie the Pooh Birthday Party this evening. This year, she is dictating to us how she wants her party to be like... Ever since she started reading her Winnie the Pooh books, and watching her Pooh DVDs everyday, she's been dreaming of a Pooh Bear party with Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Roo, Rabbit, etc etc....

So Mommy and Daddy decided to make her one.....well, nothing too fancy.....we booked a room at a restaurant, and later in the afternoon, we are going to decorate it with Pooh Bear banners, we got a Pooh Bear table cloth, Pooh Bear paper plates and cups, and of course, she insisted that we must have cone hats like in the DVDs and her Pooh Bear books. Not only must we wear the hats, but her 'babies' too....thank god, she doesn't have too many babies, and Mommy and Daddy painstakingly made tiny cone hats yesterday afternoon for her little babies.....huh!

And today early in the morning, birthday greetings and wishes have been pouring in for my little girl. The 1st was from Mamapumpkin, followed by friends and relatives and wishes on my Facebook from my friends for her.....

She had received her first birthday present this year from her favorite C che che last week, wrapped in none other than Pooh Bear wrapping paper, and she had been good, refraining herself from opening it till this morning when she woke up. She has 4 birthday presents, as of this morning...2 from Mommy and Daddy, and 1 from her grand-aunt, and of course the one from her beloved C che che, which she already opened this morning, and already started writing and drawing with the Winnie the Pooh stationery!

We are not letting her open all her presents at once....as it's gonna be a big headache for us!! And she was fine with it....my little girl is definitely growing up :D

OK, that's all for now....she's asking us to bring her out for lunch already.....
Well, it's her Birthday, and she's the boss today, not that she has not been bossing her Mommy and Daddy around for the past 3 years.....

Will post up photos later............

Meanwhile, if you are longing for any beauty news, updates....do take this opportunity to enter Vonvon's Interests "Nature In A Box" Christmas Giveaway (more than RM180 worth of gifts to be won!) and also the Nature In A Box Christmas Promotion!


Thursday, December 10, 2009

Photos: theBalm AUTOBALM Set

I purchased 2 of the theBalm AUTOBALM Sets to qualify for another makeover, this time, with hairdo and an A4 size photograph. Will show you my 2nd makeover in Part 2.

Anyways, this set is a limited edition set for the Holiday season at that time when I purchased them. I have given a set to my sis as her early Christmas present. Each set cost RM88, and I still see some at certain SASA outlets.

With my purchase, I got a free gift of a limited edition wrist-held mirror.

theBalm AUTOBALM set with the freebie - a wrist-held mirror


theBalm AUTOBALM set
Consists of a makeup pouch, 3 travel-sized lippies and a mini blush HOT MAMA!


theBalm AUTOBALM set




Free gift with RM160 and above purchase of theBalm products
This offer had ended.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

theBalm Makeover - Part 1, By Josh

I have too many long overdue posts, especially that of the workshops which I have attended. And I have too many photos to edit.....anyways, I know that's not an excuse.

Anyways, by now, I am sure many of you have heard of the new makeup brand in town, theBalm, which are available in SASA outlets and SASA S'elective outlets.

theBalm product display


Let me show you my makeover from theBalm makeup artists, Jennifer Sullivan and Josh Wolf, who were in Kuala Lumpur last month during the theBalm roadshow and launch. I had 2 makeovers done by them, so I will show you my 1st makeover by Josh 1st. It was an impromptu makeover, and Josh and Jenn had just arrived in KL a few hours before. Nevertheless, despite the long flight, Josh didn't disappoint me and he did a quick simple look on my eyes and a bit of contouring. Pssst, Josh is an expert in contouring!



Josh doing makeover for me.
Note my photo before the makeover and after(photo below).

Josh used a dark brown eyeshadow to contour my cheeks.

Face Of The Day


Eye Of The Day
Josh used Sugar Daddy eyeliner to line my eyes, and then used a hard-tipped brush to blend and smudge the liner on the outer corner.



Josh and I


Jennifer and I