Saturday, March 28, 2020

Self-Quarantine thoughts

How is everyone holding up during this challenging season? I hope you are staying at home and being safe. I'm currently on self-quarantine and enjoying quiet time with family. I get worried (and it is ok to be worried or scared) over the growing number of cases per day... but I know this too shall pass.

things we have survived

Look at this list of accomplishments! We will make it through!


 Here is Japan's Quaran-chan to help you make it through and encourage you to stay home :)

with love,
Steph

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Cerave Moisturizing Cream review (Winter)

Cerave Moisturizing Cream review (Winter)

If you have been a reader for some time, you will know that I am not a huge fan of drug store skin care.

This was an exception because almost EVERYONE is talking about Cerave. Go on youtube and you will see dermatologists, skincare professionals, consumers are all raving about the brand.

I went to my local drug store and got myself one of their more popular items to give it a try.

This formula contains: 


  • Ceramides: Essential for healthy skin, ceramides help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier 
  • Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient helps attracts hydration to the skin’s surface and helps the skin retain moisture 
  • MVE Technology: This patented delivery system continually releases moisturizing ingredients for all-day hydration.


Winter Edition:
I am using this in the middle of winter, which possibly is the driest season of the year (with the heaters on full blast). I have a feeling my review would be much different during the rainy season or any other season that has more humidity in the air (I will do a follow-up review once a more humid season arrives.

pros:

  • hardly any scent
  • moisturizes very well
  • nonsticky but thick
  • works with my super sensitive skin
  • works on the face, body (and hands)
  • works great with other lotions

cons:

  • not long-lasting
  • need to slab on a thick layer and even then it only lasts for 8 hours or less
  • uses up quickly(because a generous amount is needed)
  • needs to be used with other lotions (I use additional lotions to enhance and prolong the moisturizing effects)
Cerave Moisturizing Cream review (Winter) pump
Cerave pump version
I found the jar to be a bit unhygienic so I opted for the pump version (which costs a few dollars more). The pump is incredibly nice to use and I don't have to contaminate the unused products.

Verdict:

I like it but I am a bit disappointed with how it does not lasts as most body lotions (Crabtree and Evelyn). For the price of $24.99 Canadian (or $20 USD), it is very affordable for 456g of product.

I like how it does not agitate my super sensitive skin at all (even Keri lotion irritates my skin) and that it is almost completely scentless.

I can feel my skin instantly absorbs the cream once I apply it and no matter how many layers I add, my skin manages to absorb it all up.

When I apply it at night after my shower, my skin feels content, but the moment I wake up, I can feel my skin itching because the moisturizing effect is not long-lasting.

Since I am in the middle of winter, I will try to give another review during a more humid/less harsh season.

What I found most useful is pairing this with another drug store cream (I currently use Vaseline's Dry Skin Repair)

Score: 7.8/10
Website: https://www.cerave.ca/our-products/moisturizers/moisturizing-cream?gclid=CjwKCAiA1rPyBRAREiwA1UIy8AOJATe_e2AfHKDoujTItx83kMs-Jy221UpHfzugLswFad0G5xEU9RoCm44QAvD_BwE

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Thai Crispy Monthong King Durian short review


I highly recommend these if you are a durian fan! 

These are freeze-dried durian bites that give you a full blast of durian once it melts in your mouth! (I am not sponsored... I just really like them! :P) There is a reason why Monthong King (type of Durian which is one of the best in the world) is so premium.


The only con is if you buy them online, they are quite pricey. I got this small packet for $7.95 USD.


It means it costs almost $1 USD for a piece.

But, if you are a huge durian fan and know the difference between good/premium durian and average durian, this will be a great treat!

score: 8/10
website: no website

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Hong Tra Hoa Hong Rose Black Tea mini review


a friend got a pack of this rose black tea from Vietnam


the instructions are very simple


impressions:

  • tastes exactly like rose tea
  • it was a bit "rough" (not smooth... if you drink tea, you will know what I mean)




score: 6.5/10
website: no website

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