Mia's Review: Nine Thirty by Awfully Chocolate

A while back, I posted up a pretty short review of the chocolate cupcake from Nine Thirty by Awfully Chocolate and since that visit, I've revisited their branch at Greenwich V a handful of times and tried out a some other goodies. 

Butterscotch Milk (Hot) - about $7

I first tried this when D told me that it has got some good reviews. I got the hot one while she took the iced version. My advice is, take the hot one. The iced one was made by pouring the hot concoction over a cup full of ice, so it'll be served to you horribly diluted. 

As for my hot butterscotch milk, it was definitely yummy. The rich and smooth milk was deliciously sweetened with a strong dash of butterscotch flavour, topped with chocolate powder and a melting marshmallow. 

White Chocolate Butterscotch Block - $7.90 per 100g

A thick block of creamy, rich and sweet white chocolate moist cake of mousse-like texture with a swirl of chocolate sponge cake centre and topped with a thick layer of butterscotch cream on top. 

This has to be the richest, sweetest, most sinful (white) chocolate cake you can ever find. 

Not recommended for individual consumption, unless you can get the staff to sell you a 50g piece. 

Flourless Chocolate Cake - $6.90

Other than their original chocolate cake and the chocolate cupcake I've reviewed in my previous post (linked above), this has to be the other cake they have that is true to their shop name, Awfully Chocolate. Being flourless, the cake naturally will be more moist, sticky, gooey and richer in taste. It's really like a fudgey brownie that's done over the top. 

For more information on Awfully Chocolate, visit their website HERE

For more information on Nine Thirty by Awfully Chocolate, visit their website HERE

Till then,

Mia Foo

Mia's Review: OxyGeneo™ NeoBright at SkinLab The Medical Spa [Sponsored]

Last weekend, I was really honoured to be invited for a sponsored facial session with SkinLab located at Plaza Singapura.

After assessing my skin condition, the therapist decided to let me try out their latest treatment, OxyGeneo™  NeoBright, a 3-in-1 super facial treatment that comes in 3 steps: Exfoliate + Infuse + Oxygenate.
Touted as the new super facial, we can get the exfoliation benefits of microdermabrasion plus deep facial rejuvenation with the infusion of essential revitalizing nutrients and healing skin oxygenation from within. OxyGeneo™ treatments are suitable for all skin types – any ethnicity and pigmentation, sensitive skin, and even for those who keloid (scar) and couldn't otherwise have abrasion treatments.

Advantages of OxyGeneo™ includes:
• Skin Plumping & Hydrating
• Restored Skin Volume
• Renewed Youthful Glow
• Increased Collagen
• Reduced hyper-pigmentation
• Improved Skin Cell Production
• Reduce Appearance of Wrinkles
• Safe for any skin type (unless there's peeling)

Similar to microdermabrasion, the OxyGeneo™ exfoliates the upper skin layer to remove dead cells, smooth and renew the skin, preparing it to receive active nutrients. The OxyGeneo™ is safe on all skin tones and can treat sensitive skin without any irritation.
Through the exclusive Capsugen, the OxyGeneo™ cleanses the skin while infusing nutrient-rich active ingredients. There is two treatments available. NeoRevive™ for rejuvenation and anti-aging or NeoBright™ for skin brightening and texture improvement.
The OxyGeneo™ produces CO2 bubbles which gently burst on the skin surface creating a physiological response, sending oxygen-rich blood to the area, increasing capillary flow and skin metabolism. Oxygenation results in optimal absorption of active ingredients.

NeoBright reduces skin pigmentation and sun damage while lightening the complexion.
There are 3 components involved:
Azelaic Acid for even pigmentation, Kojic Acid for skin lightening, and Retinol for anti-aging.

And so, after the short consultation, I was led to one of the rooms to change into my facial gown.

The room was clean and simple, equipped with a large mirror and a bed with pretty comfortable comforter blanket. 

And that's the machine I got to try out for the day.

After cleansing my face thoroughly...

I had a quick massage...

And the therapist got the treatment started! 

I shall not bore you with all the different steps in the facial treatment, so let's get straight to what's important!

A mid-facial shot taken after half of my face was done with the final treatment (the side with the half fallen out double eyelid sticker, UNGLAM!)

As you can see, the results was amazing! I looked as though I was smirking with the right side of my face totally lifted while my left side remains saggy. And as the therapist also extended the treatment area down to my neck, my deep neckline has visibly lighten, although it wasn't captured in the picture.

And that's my after facial look with absolutely no traces of make up on (and a pair of super geeky oversized glasses) and taken with my new samsung nx mini with no additional photoshopping. 

SkinLab offers treatment not only for face, but also for body, hair and contouring. 

Drop by SkinLab's website HERE to find out more! 

On a side note, I was really honoured to collaborate with Honey of Little Miss Honey and posted my thoughts on the importance of job satisfaction as her guest blogger for the month of March. Do drop by and read my personal thoughts HERE

Till then,

Mia Foo

Mia's Review: Tilley Scented Soy Candles & Reed Diffusers [Sponsored]

In my previous post about Lin's Australia, I talked about their Neo Rosehip Oil Cleanser and this time round, I have another 2 awesome goodies from Lin's under their Home Spa range! 

A huge fan of scented candles, I was simply elated to find a full sized 40-hours burning time soy wax candle in Peony Rose scent in the bag along with set of reed diffuser. 

Tilley Peony Rose Candle - $55

This exceptionally clean burning premium perfumed candle envelopes your senses with the heavenly sweet floral scent of peony rose. Carefully crafted with a slow burning lead-free cotton wick, the white frosted glass container adds an elegant ambience to any décor.

For those burning scented candles in a non-airconditioned room, I'm sure you will have the disappointing experience of smelling absolutely nothing while the candle burns right in front of you. But for Tilley, the scent payoff was just great! 

Even with a fan on rotation blowing at the candle, I can still smell the slightly powdery floral sweet scent of the candle as it burns and when placed at another spot in my room away from the blowing wind, it can easily fill my entire room with the deliciously feminine smell. 

Absolutely love this! 

Tilley Soy Candle currently comes in a total of 12 scents and another scent that really caught my eye is Pink Lychee. 

Have to get my hands on that after I'm done clearing my current stock of candles and reed diffusers. 

And of course, the same scent is available in the form of reed diffusers.

Tilley Peony Rose Diffuser - $69

Peony Rose is a tempting rose aroma with an incredibly delicate allure that adds a soft feminine ambience to any room.

Reed diffuser is an awesome alternative to scented candles when safety issues restrict the usage of burning candles (small area with many clutter etc). Plus, by reducing the number of sticks you leave in the bottle of essential oil, you can easily tweak the concentration you would like to have in your room to have a more subtle, less overpowering scent and also have your reed diffuser last longer.

And a small tip: If you wishes to have a quick boost of scent, just flip your sticks and let the saturated ends be in direct contact with the air.

For more information on available scents of Tilley Soy Candles & Reed Diffusers, visit Lin's Australia HERE

Till then,
Mia Foo

Mia's Review: Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil for face [Sponsored]

If you're not familiar with Palmer's, they're founded in America more than 170 years ago in 1840, and has become one of the world's leading names in skincare, a brand that women around the world have grown up with. Their unique heritage and commitment to quality has stood against the test of time. Generations of families have loved the fantastic moisturising qualities of Palmer's skincare range, and millions of women around the word agree.
Their number 1 formula, Cocoa Butter Formula, is one of of Palmer's key offering in its wide range of skincare. Palmer's is committed to creating affordable products that really do work, and is growing to provide a Pamer's product for every skincare need: hand and body care, facial care, stretch mark care, hair care and personal care.
Using nature's richest, most luxurious ingredients, Palmer's key ingredients include Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and has created a Palmer's product for ever skincare need.
In addition, Palmer's is against animal testing and all of the products are cruelty free. Majority of Palmer's products are free of parabens, phthalates and sulphates.

Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil is a multi-purpose skin perfecting dry oil for both face and neck, and delivers a pure shot of nine super oils blended with Retinol and Vitamin C to breathe new life into the skin. With Palmer's unique Rapidermal Absorption Systeme, the ingredients is penetrated deep into the epidermal layer. What's more, Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil is hypoallergenic, free of parabens and phthalates too!

These remarkable super oils together with Retinol (Vitamin A) and Vitamin C help to heal, moisturise, reduce appearance of lines and wrinkles, lighten dark spots and even skin tone. To put it across simply, retinol helps to rejuvenate our skin by reducing our cells' turnover time and help prevent the breakdown of collagen, and vitamin C helps even out our skin tone and texture, and prevent sun damages to our skin. 

This lightweight facial oil treatment helps to:

1. Reduce lines and wrinkles

2. Lighten dark spots

3. Moisturise dry, aging skin

4. Brighten skin tone

5. Even skin tone

It comes in a handy bottle with a dropper attached capping that allows us to control how much oil to dispense each time. 

As to my usage, I apply 3 drops of the oil all over my face, and another 2 to 3 drops to my neck, and massage gently for better absorption. But being an oil, it still absorbs to a slightly oily sheen so I definitely recommend that you only use it at night, unless you do not put on any form of make up in the day. 

And after using it for a few nights, let's see how this treatment oil has worked for me.

Before

 After

As I've expected, I've experienced some initial (comedone-like) breakouts on my chin (my most breakout sensitive zone), probably due to the retinol (do google and read up on "initial breakout from retinol-a") but overall, there's definitely an inprovement in terms of skin tone and texture. You can also see a vast improvement in my acne depression scar (or was it chicken pox) on my left cheek (right cheek in the picture).

Before

After

Although the improvement at my neck is less obvious, (my 2 deep neckline didn't disappear) but they have definitely grown slightly lighter! 

If you're a SampleStore member, you can redeem your free sample of Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil (1 sachet) HERE.

You can get Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil for Face (30ml) for only SGD $29.90 at all Watsons, Guardian Pharmacy, Robinsons, John Little and Watson's Online Store.

What's more, make your purchase via Watson's online store and stand a chance to win:

Grand Prize of $150 cash + $80 Palmer's hamper

or

Consolation Prize of $100 cash + $80 Palmer's hamper

Purchase a retail size Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil from Watson's Online Store HERE or from physical stores. 

Pose for a selfie with your retail sized Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil and post on Instagram with the hashtags #Palmers #PalmersSG #PalmersSTOFace 

And that's it! You're in!

This contest runs from now to 25th April 2015 and winners to be announced on 30th April 2015.

Good luck!

Till then,

Mia Foo

Mia's Review: Tony Moly Hug Me Hair Removal Cream

Yup, finally I'm squeezing in a non-sponsored review after a while. Been busy with work (handing over of my projects and getting ready for my new job) recently so I was kind of struggling to keep up with the blog assignment deadlines. 

But now, here it is! A review of Tony Moly's Hug Me hair removal cream. 

So, a hair removal cream that not only works in 5 to 10 minutes, but also soothes and moisturises, leaving our skin smooth and soft? 

Well, let's put it to the test...

On my fat and hairy legs.

I'm always too lazy to shave/epilate my legs, don't judge me. 

As the product comes in a handy squeeze tube, dispensing the cream directly onto the skin surface was a breeze.

And with the curved surface of the plastic applicator that came along with the product, spread out the cream evenly such that every strand of hair is covered. 

As the cream is light and slightly watery, spreading and evening it out was effortless using the applicator. Scent wise, there was a subtle 'ammonia' smell, but nothing unbearable and can also be easily overpowered and neglected with your own room scent that might come from a reed diffuser or scented candle. 

As for the efficacy, I have to say that leaving in on for 5 minutes on my hair didn't work, at all. 10 minutes didn't work brillantly, either.

Undeterred, I applied a little bit more cream and left them on for another 5 minutes (15 minutes in total) before I started using the end of the applicator to start scraping the cream off, which takes away almost all of the hair along with it.

As for the remaining few, they came off easily enough with just a light to medium scrubbing motion of my fingers and viola~

Hairless legs!

True enough, my legs didn't feel dry and tight at all. Instead, it felt soft and smooth to the touch, and obviously, hairless!

Tony Moly Hug Me is available on Qoo10 HERE

On a side note, since spring is almost here, I've collaborated with a few other fellow lifestyle & beauty bloggers to bring you #SpringTreatGiveaway on instagram! One lucky winner will walk away with $180 in PayPal cash plus $80 shop credit from wishtrend. For more information for this awesome giveaway and how to participate, check out my instagram post!

Till then,

Mia Foo

New Peugeot 308: My favourite feature [Advertorial]

Peugeot has crafted an audacious, intuitive, modern hatchback with handsome styling. The new Peugeot 308 reveals a very refined design that marks a new departure in the automotive world. With its crisp lines, precise styling and slimline, athletic appeal, the Peugeot 308 embodies efficiency and grace. This is a car that promises to be at one with the driver, to thrill the senses.

Sleek, high-tech and sophisticated, the new 308 boasts a fresh design in which no detail has been overlooked.

The new Peugeot 308 has a sophisticated, high-tech light signature. The Full LED headlamps accentuate the chiselled look of the chrome grille and lend the car a striking feline appearance. Full LED headlamps come as standard on models with high-end trim packages.
The rear lamps offer a new take on the distinctive lion's claw. They also feature the latest LED technology, as do the repeaters built into the wing mirrors. The new Peugeot 308 sports a resolutely modern light signature that transcends conventional practices in the automotive industry.

The Peugeot i-Cockpit provides an innovative environment for the driver that enhances the experience behind the wheel.
It features a small steering wheel, a sleek head-up display, a large 9.7-inch touchscreen and a high centre console providing intuitive access to a full range of controls and increasing safety on the road. The interior immediately creates a cosy, refined feel with its blend of gloss black and satin chrome. The panoramic glass sunroof creates a much lighter interior, improving the well-being of both driver and passengers. 

The new Peugeot 308 design offers a blend of high-end performance both on the road and with regard to the environment. Peugeot worked hard to create a car that is 140 kg lighter than its predecessor. New aerodynamic styling, innovative, lightweight materials and power steering all combine to achieve CO₂ emissions of under 82 g/km.

The new Peugeot 308 reflects an ambition and style marking a new departure in the automotive industry. The car conjures a feeling of efficiency and grace while achieving impressive environmental performance.
It will come with a BlueHDi power plant in spring 2014, significantly reducing pollutant emissions.

-Information and photographs credit to Peugeot-

Okay, so 9.7-inch touchscreen? Checked.

A  panoramic glass sunroof? Checked. 

A compact steering wheel for better handling? Checked.

A head-up display to monitor vehicle information without taking your eyes off the road? Checked.

Low fuel consumption and CO₂ emission? Checked that too!

Even the cute bunny approved!

If you're still unfamiliar with the problems of CO₂ emission, probably because you've been living under a huge rock, it's the global warming effect that arises from all the extra carbon dioxide released while we burn fuels for energy. And with this global warming effect, our climate is changing in unpredictable ways, from floods and hurricanes to deadly heat waves and droughts. 

The polar bear needs our help, so why not do your part by reducing your carbon footprint?

Till then,

Mia Foo

#wellnesswednesday: My Favourite Salad Recipe

After a few weeks' hiatus, I'm finally back on #wellnesswednesday this week! This time, I'm going to share on my favourite salad recipe! 

-credits to southernbite.com-

Frankly speaking, if I really were to be honest about my favourite salad, it definitely has to be simply fruit salad! Who can resist a brightly coloured bowl of nothing else but tangy sweetness from a variety of your well chopped favourite fruits, and possibly drizzled with a little mint infused lemon juice? 

But since it's #wellnesswednesday, I reckon it's better that I share on tips for a healthier, waistline friendly salad instead. Fruits might be a healthy snack, but over-indulgence is still not the most diet-friendly thing you can do, due to high sugar content in some fruits, such as bananas and grapes. 

-credits to cbc.ca-

So, let's bring back the vegetables, protein, and dressing to make this a more wholesome, proper salad. 

First up, your dressing. I used to eat my salads dressing-free due to the misconception that most dressings are unhealthy as they're mostly just fats and sugar, until I came to realise that many nutrients (specifically vitamins) are fat soluble, and so a dressing without any fat content actually doesn't do much good. So ladies munching on salads for the sake of your waist lines, it's time to start stocking up on some olive or canola oils. 

Dislike the fact that drizzling oils into the salad makes your greens oily yet doesn't add much flavour? Toss in some vinegar into your oil to not only add the much needed flavour, but also give your weight management diet a boost, for it's also a popular fat-releasing ingredient. 

Next, it's good to have a good mix of greens instead of having just one main type of vegetables as your salad base. To get through this easily, I tend to go for the ready-packed salad mix from the supermarket even though it's a lot more budget friendly to buy your own vegetables whole. And one vegetable I've started to omit (if I can) from my salad mix is Iceberg, after being told that it's has a bad reputation of having much lower nutrients as compared to other lettuces.

Next, add in your favourite lean protein! Your salad will only become a meal when you add in some healthy protein, be it from animals or plants. Don't you feel that wrapping a small piece of grilled chicken in a fresh piece of romaine lettuce is the best treat ever while you're watching your diet?

Lastly, to add in more flavours and colours, toss in some beans, nuts and fruits to make your salad meal both flavourful and more appealing to the eyes.

That's all for #wellnesswednesday this week! Do tell me what's your favourite salad recipe too!

Till then,
Mia Foo

Mia's Review: Neo Rosehip Oil Cleanser [Sponsored]

Recently, after using up my current daily facial wash, I was introduced to LIN's Australia, a pretty new (at least, to me) Singapore based beauty & skincare e-store carrying a wide range of Australian products that seeks to bring nature into our urban settings.

Envisioning the needs of modern living, LIN's embraces a natural and an organic concept that holistically intertwines all your senses, proffering the ultimate sensory adventure and capturing the good from the earth, transforming its beauty into a conglomerate of touches, scents and visuals. Transcending boundaries and bringing nature into urbane settings, you can experience all of our nature's wonders painstakingly sourced to help create a mood of everlasting tranquillity surrounding your abode.

In LIN's, you can assimilate a range of quality skin, body, hair and scented natural products with an organic interpretation of beauty into an everyday routine. Extracted from plants with selective bottling of nature, we deliver gentle, wholesome and delicate products that are the best off our soil.
-credits to LIN's Australia-

LIN's is really generous to send me a full sized Neo Rosehip Oil Cleanser (250 ml, RTP $62) to try out! 

Deep and delicate cleansing - our motto! Help remove dirt, impurities, makeup and unwanted white and black heads - with neo's Rosehip Oil facial Cleanser. Blended in orange extracts, walnut and coconut. A cleanser designed with a gentle built in scrub, perfect to use everyday.

I've been using it every night in the showers for almost 2 weeks now and is still left with lots of product, so be rest assured that the $62 will last you quite a while. 

Even though it contains walnut shell (which I've heard some saying that it's too harsh on our skin), the amount of it is actually very sparse, as you can see from the widely spread out specks in the gel, and hence gives a very mild, barely there scrubbing feeling on the skin. 

The cleanser is of gel consistency and doesn't soap up at all, which is a good thing for ladies with dehydrated skin as the soap suds will tend to strip our skin of too much moisture, making our skin feel squeaky after every wash. Scent wise, it has a nice, soothing rose smell to go with the gentle scrubbing actions from the fine walnut shell powder to leave our skin smooth and supple after every wash. 

Unlike other strong scrubbing wash which left my skin 'flushed' and red after a short while of continuous daily usage, Neo Rosehip Oil Cleanser still leaves my skin feeling refreshed, smooth and supple after my daily washes after using it for almost 2 weeks straight. 

Now, let's see the cleanser in action, shall we?

Greedily, I've actually smeared half a pump of my Pixi liquid foundation onto half the area on the back of my hand, hence the patchiness and chalkiness of my skin. 

As I rubbed the cleanser in, it quickly 'emulsified' the foundation off my skin.

You probably cannot see the effect off the picture, but most of the foundation has been washed off in just 1 wash! 

But of course, this cleanser is not a 2-in-1 make up remover/facial cleanser, so be sure to remove your make up thoroughly with a proper make up remover before using this rosehip oil cleanser to thoroughly remove the remaining residues! 

For more information on Neo Rosehip Oil Cleanser and other awesome Australian products, visit LIN's Australia website HERE.

Till then,

Mia Foo