Face Q Red Pomegranate +CoQ10 mask review

packet of mask

product overview:

• amount: 30g
• Product from Taiwan
• Function: Whitening + moisturizing + re-hydrating
• Each Box comes with ten packets of mask.
• Suitable: all skin type especially dry and delicate skin

After doing some research, I discovered that FaceQ is a sister company to My Beauty Diary. 

back of packaging

Translation:

In Turkey, people consider the Pomegranate to be a fruit from heaven because it is rich in nutrients which benefit the skin. Red pomegranate and Anthocyanin are two powerful anti-oxidant ingredients. It fights against dullness and dehydration. Chamomile extracts is also added to avoid further dark pigment formulation, helping skin to restore its natural glow. After application your skin will become supple, smooth. 

Description:

FACE Q MASK SERIES Red Pomegranate +CoQ10 Mask include triple moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid macromolecules potent restore moisture. Hyaluronic acid stays closely with the skin, improving moisture retention even after flushing.

Small molecule hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin deeply, reaching the ultimate moist. Also includes pomegranate extract, with two antioxidants: Pomegranate polyphenols and anthocyanins. Powerful antioxidant helps improving skin dull, dry and adding chamomile to prevent pigmentation, skin look so rosy and revealing a natural bright luster. (Sasa.com)

Ingredients (from Sasa.com): 

• Pomegranate Extract: restoration and maintenance of the skin. Maintain skin‘s vitality.
• Idebenone, CoQ10: whitening effect
• White willow bark extract: conditioning with exfoliating, whitening effect
• Silver Needle Pekoe: natural antioxidants.
• Morus alba extract: whitening effect

how the mask looks like

This mask is made from 100% wood pulp and silk, these ingredients help infiltrate the nutrients into your skin and is more flexible to fit on your facial features. (I did not agree with this though)


impressions:

• has a sweet fruity smell (not exactly pomegranate but smells really nice)
• lots of essence
• mask sticks on face really well (great for multitasking)
• little air bubbles
• gives a stinging sensation to mouth area

I didn't like the material... see the bubbles?

Overall, I think this is a fair mask, as being a sister company to Beauty Diary, I find there are certain similarities (e.g. lots of essence in mask and smells really nice). But I was disappointed that it created a stinging sensation to my upper lip and lower lip area. I liked that the mask fit my features well, but it created small bubble air pockets... I liked to use the remaining essence on my arms and legs (yes, there was THAT much product left).

score: 7.8/10
website: http://www.facequeen.com.tw/ (I couldn't find this product on their website :O)

KFC's Waffle Fries Review

I noticed that I have written a lot of "skin care" and "beauty product" reviews lately, so here is finally a food/snack review for you!

KFC's Small Waffle Fries

I was acquainted to waffle fries when Triple O's first introduced them and I liked them. they are much tastier than "normal" fries :)... I have been seeing KFC's ads about these Waffle fries all over, so I was determined to try them... to be honest, I haven't had KFC for more than 10 years... (that was after they raised their Toonie Tuesday prices and I was introduced to Popeyes and Chick' en Joy).

There are 2 sizes: 

Small = $2.60

Medium = $6.00

Medium's serving size is a standard KFC meal box (and that is WAY too much)... so I just got the small one instead.

including tax: $2.60!

Impressions

• Slightly over fried
• Savoury
• Dry
• Crispy

I can't say I am impressed nor disappointed... the price was quite fair for the quantity, however, quality-wise, it was slightly lower than my expectations. They were made to order, so they were fresh, crispy and hot. But I found them to be slightly over fried, they were almost to the point of being burnt (notice I said ALMOST). I always loved savoury foods, but I found these to be overly salted. 

I would probably give these another try, while hoping they will improve the seasoning and alter the "frying" duration.

score: 7/10

website: http://www.kfcselect.ca/menu/SelectSidesDesserts.aspx

Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital 30 SPF High Potency Daily Moisturizing Cream review

product

Has anyone noticed how the sun's rays are becoming more and more harmful to our skin? I noticed this early June where I wore short sleeves and my arms felt irritated after spending a sunny day outside. At first I thought it was some sort of weird allergic reaction to certain plants, but later, I realized it was because of the sun... This has never happened to me before, so I knew things were getting serious.

When I told my beauty consultant at Lancome about my concerns, she suggested I try this Sunscreen Daily Moisturizer cream for my face. As I was just trying this, I decided to purchase a trial size (15 ml).

claims:

• Pure. Potent. Powerful.
• Your Skin's daily source of vitamin enriched moisture and protection.
• This Super-light daily lotion features vitamin enriched Vital-8, an exclusive complex of eight daily essentials, plus full spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 Suncreen. Now you can face the day with radiant, healthy-looking skin:
• See more even skin tone and brighter radiance
• Feel 24-hour, nourishing hydration without greasiness
• Fight the visible effects of environmental skin damage.

ingredients and back of container

Pros:

• lightweighted
• does not clog pores (and no greasy feeling)
• moisturizes skin
• long lasting (on skin protection)

I've been using this moisturizer during daytime on sunny days. I really like this product a lot because my skin absorbs this product quickly. This sunscreen is really lightweight yet it moisturizes my skin. For testing sake, I tried to apply make up on and it stayed on perfectly. This product lasts a long time too... my sample size will last for 3 months.

Cons:

• no brightening effect
• smell of sunscreen

light consistency of cream

I highly recommend this product because it really protects my skin really well... there is definitely a light sunscreen scent to it (it is not obvious to those around you). Although it is called a "cream" it was very light weighted and there was no greasy feeling. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to see the effects it had on brightening my skin, it has definitely helped my skin from being tanned.

score: 9.5/10

website: http://www.lancome.ca/Bienfait-Multi-Vital-SPF-30-Lotion/990675,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=skincare-bienfait

Clinique full potential lips plump and Shine lip gloss review

product

Clinique has always had wonderful skincare products, this is my first time using their lip product (I seriously didn't know they had such a range of lip products). I gotten myself a few of their lip products. This is the first one I used and tested.

This lip product is a nude type of lip product, it is not meant to be very obvious. You can wear it alone or on top of other lip products. Beware of its stickiness though. It also moisturized my lips too! It is perfect for all occasions and it lasts really long (compared to other lip glosses).

see the difference? it is extremely glossy

Impressions:

• Glossy
• Very sticky
• Surprisingly easy to remove
• Hair is attracted to it
• No scent
• Subtle colour
• long lasting
• moisturizes lips

easy applicator, extremely spongy

Applicator:
The applicator is a soft small spongy wand. I really liked the applicator because I didn't need to reapply (there was enough product to fill up my lips). Unlike other lip glosses, I do not recommend you to use your fingers to apply this product, it makes them EXTREMELY sticky...

easier to see the difference using my 2 fingers

It was probably a bit hard to see the difference on my lips (since the colour is so subtle), you can see the effect a little better on my fingers (not so much more, but better). I was quite happy that Flash (on a camera) wasn't such a big issue when using this product, it only created a little shine (see below image)

Pros:

• very glossy, and shiny
• flash does not make your lips extremely shiny
• good applicator

product taken with flash

Cons:

• very sticky
• attracts hair
• cannot be build able

effects of this lip gloss

I'm actually quite glad the colour is subtle (it actually looks a very obvious brown when you put it on tissue, not sure why it is so subtle on lips). It leaves a smart sleek shine to your lips yet gives it a natural feel (like: is she wearing lip gloss or are her lips really shiny looking kind of look). This product is called "Full Potentials Lips Plump and Shine for a reason, it certainly makes your lips look slightly plump.

score: 9/10

website (couldn't find the exact product on their website, this was the closest one): http://www.clinique.com/product/1603/5342/Makeup/Lip-Glosses/Long-Last-Glosswear

Skinfood Watery Berry Serum review

the product and packaging

Skinfood is one of those brands where you hear so much about to the point that you love it and want it so much before you actually tried any of their products. Beauty Guru's from all over are rant over this brand so much...

This product contains berry extracts and Hyaluronic acid. These ingredients make and your skin retain moisture

Impressions:

• Very watery
• Smells like berry 
• very easy to absorb
• I hate the pump

back of container

A word of caution, if you are using this product for the first time you will need to pump it about 20 times before you can get any product out (the pump isn't broken, that's just how it was made).

The scent is extremely light, it is a soft hint of a mixture of berry auras put together.

photo credits: skinfood

Packaging:

This bottle is made out of glass (feels expensive :P). There was no box, it was coated in a hard plastic wrap.

Pump:

I think the problem is not the pump, but the way the bottle is shaped. I found it extremely difficult to squirt the product out without "almost" making a mess each time. The pump produces a lot of product so one pump is literally enough for your whole face (remember to not use too much serum on your skin... it can do more harm than good).

Texture:

The texture is very smooth and there are little white microbeads (which melt when you apply to your face). I emailed Skinfood about what those "beads" are but I wasn't able to get a reply from them. So till now, I do not know what they are...

Pros:

• make your skin feel so soft
• gives a glowy look
• your skin literally drinks up this serum in a second

Cons:

• hard to "pump" out product
• moisturizing effect does not last very long (approx. 5 hrs)

Score: 7.0

Official Website: http://eng.theskinfood.com/products/product.asp?prdNo=1554

PUREDERM Collagen Eye Zone Mask review

package

I have noticed my eyes getting puffier and my dark circles have become terrifying. I went on eBay and found these. These are from Korea, so I thought, why not give these a try. This is the first time I used PureDerm products. I forgot what the price was... it was definitely reasonable (there were 15 pairs).

impressions:

• Tight feeling
• sheet area was much bigger than expected
• Hard to peel out mask from other masks
• slight stinging feeling
• works

back of package with details

packaging:

I liked how they used "ziploc"so that it preserves the remaining eye masks. But I was not impressed with how hard it was to take each mask out... they were literally all stuck together. Since they were so thin, it took quite a lot of effort to take a piece out... I was worried I would contaminate the masks... don't want to put contaminated things near my eyes or on my face. :(

the eye mask was huge

pros:

• definitely works
• easy storage
• no scent
• nicely drenched in liquid, even after 30 minutes these pads are still quite moistened
• reasonable price

cons:

• why aren't the masks separated better?
• stinging/heavy/tight feeling
• falls off easily and adjusts itself (always need to readjust them)
• packaging needs to be more hygienic

results

Results:

So after applying for 25-30 minutes this is what happens. You can tell from the before and after images that there are differences. My eyes were less puffy and my dark circles were less dark. They didn't completely remove the puffiness and dark circles but there is definitely a difference.

score: 8.0/10
website: http://www.purederm.co.kr/product/detail.html?product_no=136&cate_no=24&display_group=

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

Tim Horton' s Raspberry Frozen Green Tea beverage review

Raspberry Frozen Green Tea Beverage

I'm so glad that Summer is FINALLY here! (... maybe I made this statement a little too late). The other day, I was walking in a mall and I was sweating (the AC was broken -_____-)... so I went to Tim Horton's to get this Raspberry Frozen Green Tea a try.

Impressions: 

• Green Tea was over brewed
• Raspberry taste wasn't prominent enough
• Very light tasting

I would actually prefer their raspberry frozen lemonade over this drink. I really like how innovative they are by incorporating other elements to "improve" on their frozen lemonade, however, I feel they would need to enhance the taste to make it more appealing... when the drink melted, the green tea taste was strong... with hardly any raspberry taste. It also had a weird nasty sugar taste to it (it didn't taste sweet, but very syrupy sugar.. does this make sense?)

It's Nutrition fact sheet scared me too... 33g of sugar?? why didn't it taste sweet?? I feel fooled!

(credits: MyFitnessPal)

Calories	140	Sodium	15 mg
Total Fat	0 g	Potassium	0 mg
Saturated	0 g	Total Carbs	35 g
Polyunsaturated	0 g	Dietary Fiber	0 g
Monounsaturated	0 g	Sugars	33 g
Trans	0 g	Protein	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Vitamin A	0%	Calcium	0%
Vitamin C	4%	Iron	0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

score: 5.5/10

Jdrama - ATARU review

This is the first drama I watched with "Nakai Masahiro". This drama was both comical as well as emotional. I like it because it shows how everyone can be useful if they were put into a correct space, also, never underestimate the power of love.

Plot

The story all begins when there is an explosion at a chemical factory which left one person dead. The investigation team concludes that it is merely an accident, but Ebina Maiko has her doubts. When she goes to the site to investigate, she finds a person there who introduces himself as "Chokozai" (in the version I watched they translated it to something silly like a nickname). After blurting out a series of words that Maiko cannot understand, he suddenly falls asleep. Maiko decides to look up the meaning of these words. She is taken aback when she discovers that when put together, these words provide the key to solving the case. -- TBS

I won't give out too much of the plot, you can watch it if you are interested (it is much more interesting when you watch it, I was in tears, hope you will be too). 

SP Ataru: The First Love, The Last Kill

(Side note: I hated the second SP: Ataru: The First Love, The Last Kill, it totally ruined not only Ataru's character but also the whole Ataru series and storyline... I understand what they were trying to do, but instead of making the story more interesting, it a bit repulsive. I am hoping they will create a second season of the drama *fingers crossed )

Characters:

the main cast in Ataru

Ataru (played by Nakai Masahiro ) has a very pure heart and always wants to help others, he suffers from "Savant Syndrome". Savant Syndrome gives a person the power to  discover, observe, see through, and deduct microscopic evidence of unsolved cases, because of this "disability" the FBI recruited him 20 years ago and trained him to solve difficult criminal cases. After staying in New York for so many years, he felt home sick so he returned to Japan. His sad past will be revealed as the story unfolds.

Ataru accepts missions to start investigation, once completed he says "mission accomplished

Ebina Maiko (played by Kuriyama Chiaki) is a police, but the reason she was hired was because she looked pretty and could be a spokesperson for the police force. She was never respected for her doubts or investigation as she was never considered to be a "real cop". But despite all the misery and disrespect, she is determined to find the truth behind every "accidental" death. She believes that there is no such case as non-criminal and that every unsolved case must be solved. (This is the result of her mother's accidental death). Ataru decides to follow Ebina and she takes care of him while he helps her solve cases.

Ebina and Sawa arguing to solve a case (Ebina's poster can be seen)

Sawa Shunichi (played by Kitamura Kazuki) is Ebina Maiko's senior officer, he is responsible for her actions, he is constantly the sandwich between Ebina Maiko and his superior (Youji Nakatsugawa (played by Kyusaku Shimada)), because while Maiko tries to solve accidental cases, the investigation team would rather have them closed and unsolved. At first Sawa Shunichi  was suspicious and reluctant to listening to Ataru's "hints" but later on, under Ebina Maiko's determination and success he follows her and listen to Ataru for clues.

a typical scene where Ebina Maiko always ask Ataru for help

Together: Ataru, Ebina and Sawa change the way the Investigation team looks at every case. They help the victims and their loved ones find the truth to their deaths. Each episode contains a meaningful story and each episode you learn more about the characters.

Ataru loves to eat

Thoughts to take away

• Give the opportunity to meet someone and take time to understand them
• a pure heart is the most important
• determination is the key to success
• Everyone is useful in their own unique way
• Everyone loves, they just have different ways to express it
• When you ask someone for help, make sure you are asking as a friend and not using them as a tool

official website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/ATARU/

Oishii Japanese Ramen review

Business Card and Awards card of Oishii Japanese Ramen

It is extremely hard to find ramen places in Scarborough (let alone authentic ones). While I was browsing for ramen places in Scarborough, my friend told me about this place. However, after eating here, I doubt I'll be back...

Impressions

• Not authentic
• Ramen was not "ramen"
• Variety of food
• Terribly seasoned

Vegetable Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)

I really liked the Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) sauce (at the top), I really appreciated the amount of 木魚 shedding on top. But, the Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) was overcooked. Nonetheless, this was probably one of the best dishes there. It was only $4.50.

mussels baked with cheese

The mussels were ok, I guess it was fresh, the cheese was nice but the mayonnaise sauce was too salty, my friend and I were slightly shocked by how salty it was... It was $4.50

BBQ pork ramen

There were 3 types of soup to choose from:

• salt flavour
• soy flavour
• miso flavour (which they charge an extra $0.50)

The descriptions weren't exactly.. Ramen .... nor sounded extremely tasty, so we decided to go for their most basic, the "salt" flavour.

I guess I should have been warned about their ramen when I saw Wonton ramen in their menu, this was the most disappointing dish we had. The BBQ pork was thick (we didn't complain about this) but it was too lean making it dry. On top of that it was also very tasteless... It wasn't marinaded properly.

The portion size was large... I couldn't finish it. For a price of $6.99, I consider that a fairly good portion. Unfortunately, the soup was not authentic ramen broth, it didn't not taste anything Japanese. 

There were also very little extras (e.g. Green onion, seaweed) The noodles were some kind of egg noodle, making it not taste like ramen. 

The egg yolk wasn't watery enough (overcooked).

Verdict:
Overall, we were quite unhappy with this place.. the service was so-so... we don't think we will be coming back very soon

Score: 5/10
Website: https://www.facebook.com/oishiiramenT.O

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX review

AWESOME AWESOME MASK!!!!

how the product container looks

First, what are Packs, Packs is another name for "masks" they are exactly the same thing (You can "translate" it as Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to make it ). This is one of Laneige's best selling products and after using it, I can understand why it is best selling!

What this mask claims:

Light gel-type texture provides intensive hydration, vitality, and brightening effect while restoring skin with deep relaxation

impressions:

• amazing
• no scent (when it is dry)
• time saver
• gave me very soft hydrated skin
• does not brighten

photo credits: laneige.com

Where's the mask? This was my reaction 2 minutes after applying the mask to my face. It felt strange, the crystals seem to have disappeared on my face, and I can't feel it or smell it. I only know it is there because just moments ago, I was still spreading the product on my face.

When you wake up, you can feel that your face feels softer, once you wash it off, your face feels so smooth and soft. You can't help but touch your face because the results are amazing! I really loved this product!! One concern that I had was that it does not brighten my face as it claims. My complexion looked the same after using this product 1-2 a week for a month.

photo credits: laneige.com

pros:

• really hydrates skin
• disappears (dries up really well)
• love the scent when I applied it and love that there was no scent after it dries
• very hygienic as includes a really nice "spoon" to get the product

photo credits: laneige.com

cons:

• hard to tell whether you have washed it off or not (since it disappears and hides so well when dried, it doesn't "dehydrate" itself after
• no brightening effect noticed

photo credits: laneige.com

Mini Tester Available:

There is a 20g mini size available, the product is exactly the same thing, the only difference is there will not be any spatula/spoon included. It is good they have a smaller size, so you can test to see whether the product works for you before investing in their bigger size.

How to use this mask (accord to Laneige):
1. In the evening, follow the face relaxing massage after applying skin refiner and emulsion after face wash.
2. After taking appropriate amount(2.5cm in diameter recommended), mark on nose tip ,cheeks, forehead, and chin areas, and feel the scent for about 3 seconds. * Relax your body and mind through the Sleepscent™.
3. Gently spread over the face from inner part to outer part along the skin texture. 4. Go to sleep after absorption without rinsing off. (Wash face in the next morning)

* Use once or twice a week.
* Apply more than recommended amount when your skin is particularly dry.
* Open the cap and breathe in the scent of Water Sleeping Pac_EX about 5 seconds before use when you feel a heavy stress.
* Apply to neck area for neck care.

score: 9/10
website: http://www.laneige.com.sg/product/detail.jsp?prdtCd=214157002