BOOK REVIEW: THE CUCKOO'S CALLING BY ROBERT GALBRAITH

I don't know about you guys but I often buy books the way I buy cosmetics: I do my research beforehand, which means that I know exactly what I want to buy when I go to the bookstore. However, once in a while, I'd make an impulse purchase and The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith is one of those. I was wandering around Hong Kong International Airport when I spotted a bookshop and I came in with the intention of buying some magazines to read on the flight. Well, long story short, I saw this, read the summary, liked it and bought it on the spot.

This novel is the first one in the Cormoran Strike series. It's about the investigation into the death of a supermodel. I love detective genre and adore everything fashion-related, so after reading the first 3 paragraphs on the back cover, I bought it without much hesitation. Had I read the 4th one, I may have known instantly that Robert Galbraith was actually J.K. Rowling's pseudonym. To be honest, it wouldn't have made a difference because as long as the book is good, I'm willing to purchase it regardless of who the author is.

The protagonist, Cormoran Strike, is a unique character. He's a veteran who loses a leg during a mission and bears the scars of a painful past. His present situation isn't much better: he's in debt and homeless, not to mention the problems with his estranged girlfriend. Out of all the detective novels I've ever read, he has to be the most... depressing hero. I won't go into details here as I don't want to spoil the fun for you. Throughout the investigation, he's assisted by Robin Ellacot - a newly-engaged temporary assistant. She loves her job but her fiance dislikes the idea of her working in a detective agency with a male boss, and she struggles between wanting to please him and going for her dream.

The tone of this novel is quite dark and the pace is kind of slow, but I enjoyed reading it. It's a really page-turner: I spent hours reading it since I really wanted to know if I guessed the murderer correctly (As it turned out, I was wrong :P). I read lots of detective novels which I know who the culprits are right from the beginning, and it's kind of boring that way, so kudos for the author for managing to misleading me :) If you expect lots of juicy bits about the fashion industry, then don't because it's only the background, not the center of this novel. 

I'd give this novel an 8/10. J.K. Rowling said that a new book would be released in 2014 and I definitely read the sequel to learn about Strike's new case and how the possible romance between him and his assistant develops.

REVIEW: NIVEA ESSENTIAL CARE

My favorite lip balm of all time has to be good old Nivea Essential Care.

Price: SGD$3

Ingredients: Microcrystalline Wax/ Cire microcristalline, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl Palmitate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Myristyl Myristate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, C20-40 Alkyl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/ Cire de carnauba, Panthenol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Water/Eau, Beeswax/ Cire d'abeille, Parfum/Fragrance.

My opinion: This is the most moisturizing lip balm I've ever used. It can be a little bit sticky but I don't really care about that because I often use it before going to bed. By the next morning, I can see dead skin cells on my lips (My lips kinda self-exfoliate when I sleep, provided that I apply a lip balm). Once I wash them off, my lips look super glossy and feel soft to the touch. It's cheap and one tube can last for up to 6 months with daily usage. I also love the fact that it's a stick because I don't like the feeling of having to dip my finger in a lip balm pot. It's also odorless and small enough to carry around.

Pros:

- Moisturizing

- Cheap 

- Long-lasting

- Odorless

- Portable

Cons:

- None

Score: 10/10

Repurchase?: Yes. In fact, I've bought several tubes of this.

BEAUTY TIPS: HOW TO GET HEALTHY, GLOSSY LIPS

If you read my previous posts, you may see that they are all products reviews. Starting this year, I'd like to share with you the beauty tips that I gather throughout the years which have worked for me. Today I'll talk about how to have healthy and glossy lips because it's been requested by lots of people. I used to be plagued by chapped lips, but in recent years, my lips have improved significantly and they rarely get dry now. Here are four simple tips on how to moisturize and plump up the lips.

1. Use a good lip balm

There are thousands of lip balms out there, and it takes me years to find ones that really suit my lips. My current favorites are: Nivea Essential Care, Maybelline Baby Lips SPF 20 in Cherry Velvet, It's Skin Macaron Lip Balm and Jill Stuart Fruit Lip Balm N 001. I tried putting honey and olive oil on my lips, but they just kinda sat there and didn't do anything for me. My friends used them and they, too, didn't see any benefits.

I always apply a lip balm before going to bed, and thanks to this habit, I wake up the next morning with moisturized and glossy lips. Cold winds and scorching sunlight can seriously dry out the lips, so make sure to moisturize your lips well before and after going out in harsh weather.

2. Always remove your lip makeup

When I first used cosmetics, I didn't pay much attention to lip makeup removal because my lipsticks/lip glosses often faded away completely by the time I got home. However, after a while, my lips started looking duller and darker, so I did a little test. I used a wet tissue to wipe my lips after eating a big meal, and even though I couldn't see any colors on my lips, the tissue was actually stained pink! Since then, I always diligently remove my lip makeup when I get home, even if I only wear a lip gloss. If I put on a regular lipstick/gloss, a simple wipe can do the trick. When I apply lip tints, I use Bifesta Cleansing Gel to remove them. 

3. Drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day

Everybody knows of this, but not all of us do it. In the past, I rarely drink 1.5 liters of water a day, and as a result, not just my lips but my whole face looked lackluster. Ever since I increased my water intake, I could see a big improvement in my lips and my overall complexion. If your body lacks water, it really shows up badly on your skin.

4. Some bad habits to avoid

Many people tend to lick their lips when they are dry, but this is really bad because our saliva contains enzymes that can break down food and these can actually dry the lips out. So, drink water and/or apply a lip balm if your lips are dry, instead of licking them.

Some people have the habit of peeling the flakes off their lips and I have to admit, I used to do that when I was a child. But this is even worse than licking lips, because it can result in lip bleeding. A good way to get rid of flakes is that after brushing your teeth, use your toothbrush and the remaining of your toothpaste to gently scrub your lips for a few seconds. After that, apply a lip balm right away to nourish the lips.

Hope these tips will be helpful to you. If you have any other advice/tips, please share it with me. Have a nice day!

REVIEW: DOLLY WINK CREAM EYE SHADOW 01 GOLD

I rarely wear eye shadows and when I do, I tend to go for sheer silver or gold shades. Dolly Wink eyeshadows seem to receive a lot of love, so I decide to try the Cream Eye Shadow in 01 Gold.

Price: HK$92

My opinion: It's a very sheer and natural-looking gold color which can be worn both day and night. Due to its creamy texture, I find that the best way to apply it is using the finger. It is non-irritating and long-lasting. Once I put it on, it'll stay there until I remove it (It can be removed quite easily, too!). Since it's very sheer, it can hardly be seen in photos, except for close-ups. However, the deal breaker is that it creases so badly on my eyelids, even though I put powder on beforehand. This is how it looks like on my lids:

Pros:

- Pretty and natural color

- Can be used both day and night

- Long-lasting

- Non-irritating

- Easy to remove

Cons:

- Hard to see in photos

- Crease on eyelids 

Repurchase?: No. I wanna try a powder eyeshadow next.

REVIEW: HADA LABO AHA+BHA EXFOLIATING FACE WASH

I really had bad luck with cleansers last year. I went through a series of super harsh cleansers, starting with Tonymoly Clean Dew Tea Tree Seed Foam Cleanser and Tonymoly Clean Dew Olive Seed Foam Cleanser, following up with It's Skin Skin Healthening 5 Cereals Cleansing Foam and It's Skin Skin Moistening 5 Flowers Cleansing Foam. I was determined to find a gentle yet effective cleanser, and after doing some research, I settled on Hada Labo AHA + BHA Exfoliating Face Wash.

(Click on images to see description, directions and ingredients)

Price: SGD$12.90

My opinion: Despite all the research I'd done, I was a little bit nervous at first because, come on, how could a self-claimed exfoliating face wash be gentle? Well, I couldn't be more wrong. I used it for the first time when my skin was damaged because of Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush and it didn't dry out my skin or irritate it in any ways! Instead, my skin felt smooth and looked brighter! It was gentle enough to be used twice a day. I didn't see any exfoliating effects, even though it contained alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It did, however, helped my acnes heal faster, possibly thanks to the salicylic acid (aka BHA - beta hydroxy acid) in it. One tube lasted 3 months with daily usage, which was quite good considering the price. If you decide to use this cleanser, make sure to use a sunscreen when you go out because the exfoliating ingredients (AHA and BHA) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. I used Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm as my sun protection and it worked well enough.

Pros:

- Affordable

- Free of fragrances, alcohol, mineral oil, colorant and SLS

- Gentle

- Help heal acnes

Cons:

- Contain paraben

- Make skin more sensitive to the sun

Repurchase?: Yes but not immediately because I think I like Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam more.

REVIEW: TONYMOLY CHANGING U MAGIC MASK SHEET BOX

Last year, I went through a sheet mask-crazed phase, so when Tonymoly released the Changing U Magic Mask Sheet Box, I grabbed one up instantly :)

(Source: tonymolyvn.com.vn)

DESCRIPTION: Steps that can transform an average-looking woman into an attractive lady. Transform to the smooth skin that shines brightly through far distance.

DIRECTIONS: Tear open and apply to face. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and then remove.

VOLUME: 18ml per sheet.

PRICE: 223,000 VND (about US$10.48)

REVIEW: This cute pink box contains 7 masks which cater different skin needs. I love the designs and colors of each one and I think this could be a great gifts for friends who love pampering themselves. They fit my face perfectly and don't irritate my skin in any ways. They all give me the same results: my face is brighter, smoother and more moisturized after using them, but the effects only last for 2 hours. Now I'll go into detailed reviews for each one of them.

- Black Pearl Mask: Brightening mask sheet with black pearl

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Pearl Extract, Paeonia Suttrulicosa Root Extract, Chlorela Vulgaris Extract, Sea Cucumber Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosa Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: True to its name, this one is the most brightening mask out of the bunch. However, it pales in comparison with Tonymoly Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask Pearl, possibly because the latter contains more essence (21ml). Having said that, I think Black Pearl Mask is probably my favorite in this box.

- Hyaluronic Acid Mask: Moisture mask sheet with hyaluronic acid

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hamamelis Virginia (witch hazel) Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Porutuiaca Oleracea Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rose Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: Even though it contains hyaluronic acid, it doesn't moisturize my skin any better than the other 6. It's also the stickiest among all the masks. 

 - Red Wine Mask: Firming mask sheet with red wine

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Wine Extract, Citrus Paradsi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Allantoin, Panthnol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosa Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: This one does smell vaguely of wine, but it doesn't bother me. I don't see any firming effects, but then again, I don't have mature skin. It's just a regular moisturizing and brightening mask for me.

- Tea Tree Mask: Skin soothing mask sheet with tea tree

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Mentha Rotundfolia Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Allantonin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosa Carina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glycryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparabel, Phenoxyethanol
• My opinion: This mask has a strong tea tree scent. Although it contains tea tree oil, it has no effects whatsoever on my acnes. There's nothing special about it really.

- Green Apple Mask: Pore mask sheet with green apple

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustlolium (Blueberry) Fruit extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rose Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: I generally love apple scent, but this mask smells like sweet apple candies, which doesn't appeal to me at all. It does have a pore tightening effect, but it goes away after 30 minutes.

- Royal Jelly Mask: Nutrition mask sheet with royal jelly

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustlolium (Blueberry) Fruit extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rose Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: This mask smells like honey and feels very sticky to the touch, possibly even more than the hyaluronic acid. I didn't actually use this because I gave it to my mom. She said that it itched her face a little bit but didn't actually irritate her skin. When she took it off, I could see that her skin looked brighter, smoother and felt more moisturized. There were no lifting or firming effects though.

- Bird Nest Mask: Skin purifying mask sheet with royal jelly

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Swiftlet Nest Extract, Paeonia Sulfruitcosa Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rose Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: I can't see any special benefits after using this mask apart from the regular brightening and moisturizing effects. 

PROS: 

- Affordable

- Cute packaging

- Relaxing and fun to use

- Moisturizing and brightening

- Non-irritating

CONS:

- Temporary effects

- Contain paraben

REPURCHASE?: No. I rarely use sheet masks nowadays because their effects aren't long-lasting and I prefer to invest in serums that can give me long-term effects. Besides, I have loads of freebie masks as GWP.  

REVIEW: THE FACE SHOP ARSAINTE ECO-THERAPY CRYSTAL WATER SUPER GEL

As you may know from my previous posts, last summer my skin was severely dried out because of Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush. During that horrible time, I tried out various moisturizers in hopes of helping my skin recover, and The Face Shop Arsainte Eco-therapy Crystal Water Super Gel was one of them.

Description: Containing 1,000mg of Iceberg Water from Newfoundland, Canada and 1,000mg of Phyto-Hyaluronic acid water. 

• 7-free formula (free of paraben, benzophenone, artificial coloring, sulfate, mineral oil, animal-sourced ingredients, and thiethanolamine)
• Dermatologist-tested
• No animal ingredients
• Respect the environment

Directions: After using toner and emulsion, dispense an adequate amount and apply evenly to the skin in an outward direction. (For better cooling and soothing effect, recommend to keep it in the fridge)

Ingredients: water, SD alcohol 40-B, dimethicone, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, betane, trehalose, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl slane, PEG-32, 12-hexanediol, sodium hyaluronate (10mg), panthenol, ammonium acryloldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, citrus paradisi (grapefruit) fruit extract, fragrance, benzyl benzoate, citronellol, geranol, limonene, linaldol, potassium hyrdoxide, xanthan gum, synthetic fluorphlogorite, titanium dioxide (CI 77891), xylitol, tin oxide (CI 77891) 

Size: 100ml

Price: 729,000 VND (about US$34.55), but I got a 10% discount on my birthday.

My opinion: I love the packaging, especially the snow pattern on the lid ^^ I still keep the jar even though I've used it all up. The first time I used this, it absorbed quickly, leaving my skin feeling smooth and moisturized. However, the effects were gone as soon as I washed my face the next morning. Things started going downhill from there as this gel somehow made my skin dehydrated every single time I applied it! I stopped using it after a few days and waited until my skin recovered completely to try it again, and it still dried my skin out! I tried putting it in the fridge, but it only made the gel cooler and didn't improve the moisturizing property one bit. I also didn't notice any improvements in terms of skin tone and skin texture. It didn't clog my pores or break me out though. I finally gave up and used it as a body lotion. It worked quite well that way, but who wants to spend over US$30 for a body moisturizer? In my opinion, the reason why this gel is so drying even though it contains hyaluronic acid is that it has denatured alcohol as the 2nd ingredient. 

Pros:

- Beautiful packaging

- 7-free formula

- Absorb quickly 

- Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic

- Cooling effect

Cons:

- Drying

- Zero skin improvement 

- Pricy

- Contain denatured alcohol

Repurchase?: Never again!