Haagen Daz Gelato dark chocolate chip review

500 ml of chocolaty goodness

Prior to finding this product, I had no idea that Haagen-Daz had a Gelato collection!... Since I am a Haagen-Daz, Gelato and chocolate fan, how could I resist this?

Impressions:

• Sweet
• Lots of chocolate chunks
• Rich chocolate taste

a look at the chocolate chunks

This Gelato was surprisingly sweet, I wasn't expecting it to be so sweet, the main cause was the dark chocolate chunks. There are lots of hidden dark chocolate chunks (if you scooped out a teaspoon, there are about 4 chunks!). It is strange though, you can't tell they are there till you put the spoonful in your mouth, let the warm of your mouth melt away the chocolate gelato and taste the dark chocolate chips! Despite the dark chocolate chips to be.. well... dark chocolate, I found them a bit too sweet. Their size was perfect, not too thin nor thick.

However, that being said, I always thought Gelato was a healthier option... but when I looked at the nutrition facts, I was slightly shocked:

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/2 cup

Servings Per Container   3.5

Amount Per Serving

Calories  270  (from Fat  110)

score: 8/10

website: http://www.haagendazs.us/Products/Product/3791

Question: Do I need Toner?

photo source: thebodyshop.ca

To answer the question, YES! But you really need the right product.

We have all heard it, cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer and gel... all the other steps seem to make sense like cleansers... clean; serums provide your skin with extra nutrients and moisturizers help maintain moisture and hydrate your skin; gels protect your skin from environmental factors that can harm your skin. But what exactly does toner do for your skin? We hear about it "toning" our skin, cleansing our skin and shrink the appearance of pores.

I have been confused with toners... in fact, I recall the first time I bought some toner, when I put it on my face, I started getting weird red bumps and discovered (after using the toner for 3-4 days) that the condition of my skin had gotten a lot worse... my skin started getting really sensitive, red, itchy, etc. It just wasn't doing my skin any good.

I stopped using toner for a few years after that horrible experience. Lately, I started to use toners again. After doing research, I discovered that the "type" of toner you use is very crucial as to what type of toner you use.

*Please keep in mind that Japanese products refer to "Toners" as Lotion

photo credits: Sasa.com

Importance of Toner:

The Number 1 thing that toners should be doing is to help balance your skin. This is really important (more important than it sounds) when we wash our face, the pH balance will shift, this can cause our face to break out or be too dry.

and depending on WHICH toner you get, there will be a different combination of benefits:

• moisturize
• prepare your skin to absorb serums
• clean off make up

example of acidic base emulsion set: photo credits: TheFaceShop

Another type of Toner:

Keep in mind that there are some Toner and Moisturizer/serum packs which let's the toner shift your pH to be more acidic so that you can absorb the more alkalized moisturizer/serum easily because you skin is acidic it will absorb to alkaline product easier. (acidic and alkaline are opposites)

If you choose these, make sure you buy them both or your skin's pH levels will not be balanced properly.

Ways to apply toner:
depending of the types of toner there are different ways you can apply it on your face.
1. drenching a piece of cotton and apply it all over face till there is none left
2. spray it on your face- these are very convenient
3. drenching a clean piece of facial paper mask with toner and put on your face for a few minutes
4. Just put a few drops on the palms of your hands and pat on your face till all has been absorbs

Competition For Good - World Cup 2014

on me: Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm and a top from Yesstyle

Dear Lovely readers and friends, 

I came across this Campaign while browsing the web last night. I thought it was quite meaningful so I thought I would post it here for those who are interested. Who here is watching the World Cup? If you are, this might just be for you.

FIFA 2014 World Cup has set all eyes on Brazil, for their soccer and the beauty of their country. Let's also focus on important issues. Did you know that many in Brazil do not have the privilege to access clean water?

Whether the team you are supporting is winning or losing, it is inevitable that you are enjoying watching all those matches (as I am). Brazil has provided so much for the World Cup, can we give a gratuity in a form to helping them out?

Competition For Good

The Project "Competition For Good" by Waves for Water is trying to raise money for those in Brazil who have limited access to clean water. (website: http://www.competitionforgood.com/)

So what does this program do and what happens to your money?
Waves for Water will use your money to purchase Water Filters (which cost $50 USD each).

Each Water Filter will be able to provide water to 100 people for 5 years (that's a lot of clean water! :) )

message from Neymar

There are 2 ways you can help:

1. Donating (every little amount counts!)

2. If you are more privileged and do like Neymar, you can actually go on eBay to auction for special autographed items on ebay to support this Waves for Water project. 

(Please excuse any errors, wrote this without much editing)

Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Whitening Serum Review

A brightening serum that rejuvenates skin exhausted from the heat for bright complexion.

Lately I discovered my freckles getting more and more prominent due to exposure to the sun... they were obvious to the point that they would appear in my pictures... I have heard of Sulwhasoo's Whitening Serum, (and I was finishing off my serum) so I decided to give it a try.

In 2 weeks time, I have already noticed a difference, I have felt my freckles disappearing (freckles caused by skin; I am naturally freckled, those freckles did not disappear, instead, they became a lighter shade) and the skin on my face was much "brighter"

Impressions:

• smells like citrus fruits (lightly scented)
• absorbs very quickly
• you will need a good moisturizing mask to avoid dehydrated skin
• works and definitely "brightened" "whitened my freckles (cause by sun "damage")

A brightening serum formulated with traditional Korean herbs rejuvenates skin exhausted from the heat improving its healthy glow and bright complexion.

Product Description (from Sulwhasoo website)

• Snowise Tri-White ComplexTM helps to enhance circulation and resilience reduced by heat for a clearly bright complexion.
• Absorbs refreshingly without stickiness and supplies energy and moisture to your skin for revitalized and transparent skin.

Sulwhasoo claims that the serum does not "bleach" your skin, instead, it puts nutrients in your skin, stimulating the cells and allowing them to give off a natural glow. Pigmented skin like freckles are a few shades lighter.

a little goes a long way... a bottle can last for 5-6 months... all you need is 1-1.5 pump each time.

Keep in mind, that serums are used to provide nutrients, and this serum targets brightening your skin and blemishes, if you have dry skin please remember to use masks and moisturizers to avoid having dry dehydrated skin.

score: 9.5/10
website: http://www.sulwhasoo.com/product/detail.jsp?prdtCd=213028002


also... if you are interested, please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

Dr. Wu Microinject Hydrating Mask With Hyaluronic Acid review

package of Dr. Wu's Hyaluronic Acid Mask

 This is my first Dr.Wu product, my cousin got this for me because she knows that my skin is constantly dry. Since Hyaluronic Acid is such a wonderful moisturizing product, I decided to test it out immediately.

Key Ingredients: HyaluComplex, Oceagen, Moist 24, Aldavine, Ceramide III, Active Yeast Extract
Target: Dehydrated and Sensitive Skin

impressions:

• no scent
• easy to apply
• thin material
• instant results
• dries quickly

how the mask looks right after taking it out of the plastic

You can see the 2 layers (the one with holes and the blue layer)2, the sheet that you put on your face is between these 2 layers. This mask is nice and secure!

I actually  look scary here :O, this was before I removed the blue part

Boo! Did I scare you? >:D this is taken before I removed the blue part... the blue part is a very hard textured plastic, it made it a bit difficult to position the mask onto my face as it was not flexible and made from a hard material.

look at how closely fitted it is

Once I removed the blue part, the mask just glided on my face. I really loved how closely fitted it was to my skin. You can even see my blemishes (oops) through the mask. I really loved how it was so thin and light weighted. I was able to walk around with this on my face (without fear of it falling off)

see how transparent the mask is

The material is so transparent (compared to other facial masks), you can see from the picture just how thin it was. Most of the substance was already dry when I removed the mask, I gently patted by face to make sure the mask was properly absorbed.

My face felt so moisturized (?) after! yeah! :D

My face felt so wonderful (literally) after using the mask, my face felt so soft and smooth! (I hear for some it takes approximately 2-3 masks for it to take in effect). I had immediate effects and it lasted for a few days! My skin was so soft!!! I seriously highly recommend this product!!

score: 10/10!
website: http://www.drwu.com/english/03_product/02_detail.php?pid=27

The Cheesecake Factory Frozen tuxedo Mousse Cheesecake review

product packaging

I have heard so many good things about The Cheesecake Factory but it's so unfortunate I have never been to there because every time I go, there is a long line up... I have always wanted to try their cakes... I was so excited to see they have brought themselves to Costco. 

piece of Frozen Tuxedo Mousse Cheesecake

impressions:

• delicious
• not too sweet
• didn't feel like "mousse cheese cake
• nicely moisted

close up of cake

what it is:

Layers of Fudge Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Vanilla Mascarpone Mousse and Chocolate.

I was surprised when I took my first bite, because of the appearance of the cake, I thought it was going to be very sweet, but to my surprise, it was not overly sweet, just right! Each layer was quite delightful

Despite being in the freezer, it was still nicely moist. After doing some research, I learned that the Tuxedo Mousse Cake is one of their best selling, popular cakes (sold at the actual restaurant). I'm sure it tastes so much better fresh, but I'm really content with this product!

like I said, I haven't tried cake AT the Cheesecake Factory before, but after this, I would definitely make a visit to the actual Cheesecake Factory because this cake tasted so good!

Score: 9/10
website: http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu/Cheesecakes/chocolate_tuxedo_cream_cheesecake

Clinique turnaround concentrate radiance renewer serum review

Clinique's Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renew Serum

My beauty consultant at Clinique noticed that my skin was oily and dry so she introduced this product "Clinque Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renew". She told me to use it as a serum, after toner and before moisturizer. She said that this was a Exfoliate Serum and it would help my rough and oily skin.

the product looks milky and a bit sticky

claims:

Fast acting exfoliating serum instantly creates a luminous-from-within radiance. Reveals skin's finest texture, too. Works to optimise natural cell renewal, gently, continually, unveiling skin that's brighter, healthier, more uniform. Becomes softer, younger over time. 

Apply twice a day after the 3-Step Skin Care System.  Avoid immediate eye area. Follow with appropriate treatment moisturizer.  For best results, always use sunscreen.

impressions:

• sticky (but lightweight when your skin absorbs it)
• may cause sensitive skin to break out slightly
• exfoliates your skin while nurturing "new" skin to make it look healthier
• one pump is all you need!

Prior to using this serum, I had dry "bumps" on my skin and an oily T Zone, after using this I could feel there was less oil and the bumps started to disappear (it took me about 5 days to see the changes). Unfortunately, the skin around my mouth and nose were too sensitive, after using this, I discovered some "hard Crystalized pimples" the next day... so every time I use this, I would avoid that area.

Pros:

• spreads evenly over skin
• a little goes a long way
• gets rid of terrible looking bumps

Cons:

• may cause break outs on really sensitive skin

score: 8.5/10

website: http://www.clinique.com/product/1680/19780/Skincare/Dullness/Daily_Renewal/Turnaround-Concentrate-Radiance-Renewer/index.tmpl

PopCorners the new shape of popcorn review

box of PopCorners

I have recently came across this huge box of PopCorners at Costco, (I think if it gets popular it will be available at your local grocery store... that's usually what happens). I love PopCorn and I always wondered how it would taste like in "chip" form. These "chips" are basically compressed/flatten popcorns cut into triangle shapes.

impressions:

• very thin
• light taste
• crunchy
• my friends complained that the chips' seasoning left an unpleasant stickiness to the hands

ingredients

I was a bit disappointed when I saw the ingredients list... it is not healthy. I think it is ok to have these once in a while, but having them as how you would with popcorn will put lots of chemicals in your body.

the 3 flavours

There are 3 flavours: Kettle, White Cheddar and Cheesy Jalapeño. Each package contains approximately 15-20 chips, which is a good size if you want something light to satisfy your craving.

These popcorn "chips" are compressed popcorns, flatten to almost 2-3 mm. The texture does not feel hard, they made it very crispy.

picture of a PopCorners "chip"

Here is the list of how each chip tastes:

Kettle - Sweet Meets Salty

It's sweet, it's salty, it's salty sweet. Which is it? If you dig "sweet n' salty" snacking, dig into our Kettle flavored PopCorners to enjoy the best of both worlds.

• sweet and salty

White Cheddar - Creamy Smooth

Smooth and creamy with subtle tangy notes of that signature cheddar "bite" to make your taste-buds tango. You're tasting artisanal cheddar crafted to complement -- not clobber -- our signature popcorn taste.

• not savoury
• very light taste

Cheesy Jalapeño - Add Some Heat

Further confirmation that the new shape of popcorn is a hot new idea. We're spicing up the snack aisle as we pepper in the cheddar and let great popcorn taste meet the heat.

• very "hot"
• some cheesy taste

score: 8/10
website (for kettle, you can find the other flavours on the webpage): http://www.popcorners.com/flavors/kettle/

Laneige Water Bank Essence Review

photo credits: Laneige website

Laneige Water Bank Essence's slogan:
Long lasting hydration essence that provides clear and moist skin

Suitable for:  all skin types

What Laneige says: 

photo credits: Laneige website

text: "Twice stronger 24-hour moisturization keeps skin from dryness and dullness and ample moisture from Natural Moisturizing Factors smoothes and energizes rough skin. Mineral Water in Water Bank regenerates the skin and fills inside the skin with ample moisture."

(take note that Essence is the same as Serum, you can review my article about Softeners, Essences and Emulsions are)

Laneige has a good reputation of carrying amazing skin products, however, this Essence (or Serum) is definitely not one of my favourites. I found the essence to be extremely mediocre and average. I was really excited during the first 2 days of using this product as it really indeed helped my skin's condition: it made it more pump and felt slightly hydrated, though it didn't last for 24 hours, only 2-3 hours.

I seriously do not know what went wrong after because after those 2 days, it no longer helped my skin condition... sometimes (during summer) it maintained the condition but it did not hydrate nor moisten it.

photo credits: Laneige website

impressions:

• really nice packaging (glass)
• product (the essence) is very average
• easily absorbed by skin
• did not fulfill claims
• smells really nice (really refreshing but not too strong, scent goes away after a minute of applying product (probably "Ocean" scent)
• seems to "work" better during Summer

photo credits: Laneige website

Directions (provided by Laneige):
1. After using the emulsion, release about a hazelnut-sized amount.
2. Gently spread from the center of the face towards the contours.
3. Cover the entire face with both hands to enhance penetration.


The serum did not help my skin on harsh cold, dry climates at all. Since I was left with so much product, I use this on days I feel my skin is "ok" (meaning, it does not have a need to moisturize), I feel it would "maintain" that fine skin for a few hours... but if I really need to moisturize, I would definitely choose another serum/essence.

score: 6.5/10
website: http://www.laneige.com.sg/product/detail.jsp?prdtCd=214150001