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Advertorial There are three types of skincare products to me – those that claim they can do wonders for the skin but actually do nothing, those that say they can clear up skin and indeed fulfill their promises and finally, those that are understated and make no promises but deliver beauty miracles! The product I’m going to review today belongs to the third type. Curious? Then click to uncover the beauty miracle! I’ve never fancied soap bars as I always have this impression that those slippery solids are wicked drying agents that strip the skin of all the natural oils and also a scary breeding ground for bacteria. So when blink.sg approached me two weeks ago and suggested that I try their Gamila Secret Facial Cleansing Soap Bars, I was very hesitant to say yes. I decided to do my research before I reply. And this was what I found. The woman in the logo is the founder of the Gamila Secret brand and there is so much more to the bars of soap than I thought. Behind it lies an inspirational story of a woman who’s spent her entire life trying to formulate the perfect bar of soap. Her name is Gamila Hiar and she was born on August 20, 1940, in a village called Peki’in in the Galilee (in northern Israel). Her devotion to make nourishing skin care products started at the age of 20, when she sacrificed a few hours of sleep each night to make soap after her daily chores. She was inspired by her father, an expert on plants and an authority on medical herbs. Within a few years, Gamila Hiar discovered her talent to mix the right herbs and cook them in a specific order to create a substance with a nourishing effect. After more than 40 years, Gamila Hiar developed a secret recipe formula based on her wisdom of nature known as Gamila Secret. The Gamila Secret products are made with a unique mixture of herb extracts natural oils and extra-virgin Syrian olive oil, which have excellent anti-oxidant potency and contains a combination of 15 different plants. To know the full story, watch this video that documented her journey to developing the famous Gamila Secret cleansing bars. I was already leaning towards a ‘yes reply’ as I was reading and watching her story. I was very touched by her determination and dedication to success. That discipline, passion and attention to detail are certainly qualities that we should all learn from. On top of these, good business ethics and a great brand ethos are also keys to her success. Gamila maintained that her products are entirely derived from nature which means they are totally free of any industrial by-product and prepared without using any synthetic processes. With all these good traits, I was sold and immediately replied Blink.sg with a resounding yes to the sponsorship. 😀 According to Blink.sg, there are nine different cleansing bars in the range namely the original, Spearmint Sparkle, Lively Lemongrass, Miracle Mentha, Lavender Heaven, Wild Rose, Creamy Vanilla, Reviving Rosemary and Jasmine Comfort. Each cleansing bar is suited to one or two skin types. The chart below display the different variants for each skin type to guide you on your beauty regimen. To achieve desirable results, it is imperative to use the soap for your skin type so I’ve selected Wild Rose and Jasmine Comfort for my combination skin. Gamila Secret Wild Rose Cleansing Bar Gamila Secret Jasmine Comfort Cleansing Bar I’ve chosen these soaps because I’ve been suffering from a pimple breakout recently that is caused by stress and the lack of facial treatments. Since the launch of my beauty portal HoneyzCube.com , I’ve been very busy with the running of the website, meetings and campaigns. As such, I haven’t been able to make time for my monthly facials. To add insult to the injury, my daily makeup routine has made my acne-prone skin retaliate in the worst way. Now what I’m left with is a rough and congested complexion that is clogged from debris like sebum and dead skin cells. Here’s a photo of my dull complexion. It might not be obvious on the photo but when I glide my fingers across my chin and cheeks, I could feel many tiny bumps that are probably blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads. A pretty nasty feeling. Hence, I was extremely glad when these babies arrived a week ago. I could smell mother nature even before opening them. Each box was pierced and printed with the following message… The boxes came with clear instructions on how and where you can use the soaps on your body. And now we unfold the Gamila Secret! The contents. Each box contains a mini Gamila Secret handbook that not only explains the methods and ingredients used to make Gamila Secret products, but also tells you the story of the founder Gamila using colorful images and interesting descriptions and quotes by Gamila herself. The lady herself. I’ve been using the Gamila Secret Wild Rose for five days now and I thought my skin has become remarkably brighter and smoother. The bumps were significantly reduced and the redness has also disappeared. Here’s a photo of my new complexion. Juxtaposed both before and after photos for your comparison. Of course, my face isn’t entirely zit-free but these quick results were sufficient to make me happy and satisfied. I can totally see myself buying more of these soaps when they run out. Three days ago, I decided to spread the goodness to other parts of my body by cleansing my chest, back and legs with the Gamila Secret soap bars too. Not surprisingly, my skin on these areas also dramatically brightened and became smoother. Since then, I’ve been glowing with confidence. 😛 Here’s something embarrassing to share with you – I accidentally swallowed some Gamila Secret soap during my facial wash yesterday and I was surprised that the soap does not possess the metallic and bitter taste that most soaps do. So with this I can affirm you that the soap is made with 100% natural ingredients. Not the best way to prove this but oh well. All in all, I love the gentle and eco-friendly soap which does not leave a tight and dry feeling on the skin afterwards. The alluring woodsy fragrance of the Wild Rose cleansing bar also made the entire shower experience an extremely pleasant one – I thought I was taking a herbal bath! I’m definitely looking forward to my showers these days. 😀 For its natural goodness and high effectiveness, 5 Honeyz crowns! As mentioned earlier, cleansing bars are evil breeding grounds for bacteria. When you place your soaps on your regular soap dishes, the soap will collect the dirt and moisture in the bathroom to produce this gooey substance as shown below. And when you rub this onto your skin, you are potentially rubbing bacteria on your skin which may lead to skin rashes or even worse, serious skin disorders! So to prevent your Gamila Secret Facial Cleansing Bars from turning into a bacterial sludge, I highly recommend you to use a mesh cushion or a soap bag to store your soaps. They prevent bacteria from forming by draining the water out. The soap bag I’m using right now is from Lolita New York . This is the perfect soap bag for my Gamila Secret Facial Cleansing Bars as it’s extremely soft, stretchable and affordable. The 10-ply mesh material is gentle enough for daily exfoliation. With this soap bag, I think my 115g cleansing bar should be able to last a longer time. If you’re interested to purchase this soap bag, visit Lolita New York that is located at Marina Link Studio, 6 Raffles Boulevard. #B1-12 Marina Square. It retails at SGD9.90 per piece. Guess what? Famous makeup and skincare guru, Zhang Jing Kai (小凱老師) is also a fan of Gamila Secret cleansing bars. Here’s a short video that showcases his tips on effective uses of the cleansing bars. I’ve read reviews on the Blink.sg Qoo10 store and the reception seems pretty good so far. The store has been highly commended for its product effectiveness and fast delivery. Besides treating sensitive skin, you might be glad to know that the cleansing bars also work well on eczema, according to the reviews of some eczema sufferers. So this means they are extremely gentle for our delicate skin. 🙂 The Gamila Secret Wild Rose Cleansing Bar retails at SGD36.90 and the Jasmine Comfort at SGD29.90 on Blink.sg’s Qoo10 store . Experience beauty in its purest form with Gamlia Secret today. Your friend, Juliana Disclaimer: Please be rest assured that even though the products were sponsored, it does not have any bearing on the content of this post. Opinions stated are objective and genuine. Also note that all sources, information, content, links are valid to change at any time. #Blinksg #beautyreview #beauty #GamilaSecret #advertorial

Sponsored Review We’ve all had facials before but have you ever tried a ‘hand and feet facial‘? If you haven’t, you’re seriously missing out! Our hands and feet are the most exposed and tortured parts of our body so they certainly deserve as much attention as our face. So last week I gave my limbs some much needed nourishment at the lavish Kim Robinson salon at Takashimaya. Click to read all about it! Located at a secluded corner of Takashimaya, is this famous celebrity salon with a stunning track record of satisfied customers and cute gorgeous hairdos. This understated corner salon is deceiving I tell you because hidden behind those glossy black doors is a 5000 square feet paradise that is nothing short of luxury. The entrance I gaped as I walked into the salon premises. The nature themed salon housed eight private parlors, four VIP suites, a cozy washing area, technical section (for perming, coloring and chemical treatments) and a manicure corner for nail services! Each private parlor can seat two clients so it’s ideal for a private hairdressing session with your best girlfriend! Common area Technical area Washing area The manicure corner At last I was led to my room and hey presto! It was one of Kim Robinson’s luxurious VIP suites! Woo-hoo! Besides four whopping full length mirrors, an LCD TV and a quality salon ergonomic chair, the room was also connected to its own wash area for maximum privacy – now you don’t have to walk around the salon looking like this. Private wash area I certainly felt like a princess! The folks at Kim Robinson also thoughtfully wrapped my bag in a plastic wrap and served me their signature iced tea before the session began. The hygiene quality at Kim Robinson is undisputedly top-notch. Even my ice tea was nicely and neatly covered to prevent chemicals and dust from entering! My pampering ‘tai-tai’ treatment commenced with the most soothing hair wash by hair artist Kelly. On top of the regular scalp massage, she also gave my ears, upper back and neck an energizing yet relaxing massage that was absolutely therapeutic for me. I could feel the muscle tension and stress easing with every inch of pressure applied. Next, Kim Robinson stepped up the therapeutic treatment with a V3 Miracle hand and feet treatment and a hair styling session with senior hair artist, Eric Lim. My hand and feet treatment was executed by the lovely Joanne who’s also the senior manicurist of Kim Robinson. Joanne follows a strict ‘service protocol’ of her own and ensures that hygiene is well taken care of and that results are above customers’ and her own expectations. One great example is her tools for her manicures. She does not use nail clippers, instead, she uses these special nail scissors to trim her customers’ nails. She explained that regular clippers may twist or tear our nails. These scissors can prevent that and produce neat and trimmed nails. So I knew I was in good hands and couldn’t wait for my customized hand and feet treatment! The curent state of my hands and feet. * Please ignore my horrible nails.* The products from V3 Miracle and V10 Plus . There are three groups of V3 serums, namely the brightening, hydrating and revitalizing. Like the V10 Plus serums, they are free of paraben and chemical fragrance. For more info on their efficacies and range, visit their website at v3miracle.com . V3 Miracle Serums Recognize the Okinawa Water Mask and the Water Base Peeling from my V10 PLUS review post ? Joanne began the treatment by smearing some Water Base Peeling gel on my skin and giving it a gentle massage to exfoliate and clear the skin of dirt and dead skin cells. And here’s the result! Uh-mazing! My skin was instantly brighter and smoother! The same results achieved for my legs too! :O Now we know the secret of celebrities and tai-tais’ porcelain skin. Sshh…. Next, Joanne pampered my tired hands and feet with a 10-minute massage to prep them for the mask later. After applying the V3 Miracle serums, Joanne employed an interesting rolling technique that she emphasized would aid in the absorption of the serums and eventually brighten my dull skin effectively. My hands and feet were then wrapped in towels and plastic bags and later warmly enveloped by electric heated mittens and booties. Oh… did I mention I also had two good-looking hairstylists dressing up my hair at the same time? Boy, was I happy! After a few minutes, Joanne removed my mittens and continued to relax my hands with gentle massages. My finished look! Tadah! The salon truly resembled paradise with its exclusive VIP parlors, impeccable service and state-of the-art treatments. Results were astonishing too. My skin was noticeably radiant and smooth after Joanne’s hand and feet treatment. And my hair was less frizzy and felt light and soft after the blowdry by Eric. I’m definitely a returning customer! Thanks Joanne, Eric, Kim Robinson Salon and the V10 Plus team for the invitation and warm hospitality! From left to right: Joanne, me and Eric. Hair cut services at Kim Robinson usually range from SGD138 to SGD840 (artist I – Director levels) and an additional top-up of SGD280 required for VIP suites. But! I have great news for you reading this right now! Here are some exclusive Kim Robinson offers for Honeyz Belles only! Promotion 1 SGD58 for cleanse, cut and finish service with artist I stylist, Eric Lim (usual price: SGD138) Promotion 2 SGD190 for Classic Pedicure + Feet treatment + Hand treatment (usual price: SGD298) Promotion is valid till 30 June 2013. Terms and conditions – Valid for first-timers at Kimrobinson only – Valid only for one time usage – Service is only valid with our artist I, Eric Lim for cleanse, cut and finish and Senior Manicurist, Joanne Chin for classic pedicure, feet and hand treatment – Valid everyday except Fridays, Saturdays & Eve of public holidays – Soak off manicure / pedicure gelish is not included under Promotion 2 – Not exchangable for cash, credit or in-kind – Not valid with other promotions, discounts and vouchers – By appointment only, please quote “honeyzcube promotion 2013′ when making appointment – Please present identification card upon arrival – The management of kimrobinson reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice Kim Robinson is located at 391 Orchard Road #02-12 Ngee Ann City S238872. To book an appointment, contact Kim Robinson Salon at +65 6738 8006 and quote ‘Juliana Honeyz‘ to enjoy the promotion. To be honest, I was very excited when I received the invitation from Kim Robinson because the salon is very well known for its dry cut techniques and for turning disastrous hairdos into gorgeous manes. Don’t believe me? Simply google Kim Robinson reviews. 🙂 For more exclusive content on salon reviews, beauty tips, style books or to receive the full gamut of privileges as Honeyz readers, like my Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ilovebunny.net Your road to a sparkling lifestyle begins here . Your friend, Juliana Disclaimer: Please be rest assured that even though the products and services were sponsored, they do not have any bearing on the content of this post. Opinions stated are objective and genuine. Also note that all sources, information, content, links are valid to change at any time. #HairSalon #beautyreview #KimRobinson #beauty #V10Plus #V3MiracleSerums

Every morning, I’ll have to take a nice warm shower to start my day on the right note. So earlier, I was taking my daily energy-boosting shower when this thought came to my head – what if we run out of clean water one day? We will not be able to drink, wash, cook, etc. We’ve never experienced the discomfort of running out of clean water, will we be able to survive? Our water scarcity problem is becoming more prevalent each day. Do you know that 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation? So we must never forget that it is a luxury to have clean water in our country and never take the plentiful supply of water for granted. Well, the good news is many organizations in the world are already actively playing a part in creating a sustainable future and Aveda is one such company. They will be organizing a catwalk event later this month to raise funds to support clean water projects all over the world. Click to find out how you can show your appreciation to mother nature and contribute to the cause. 🙂 Aveda, a leader in high-performance botanical beauty products and salon professional education, is holding the event called Catwalk for Water for the first time in Singapore in March, during which the Aveda Light the Way Candles will be launched. This event was created as a movement of Earth Month – April 2013, and the full proceeds of the Light The Way candle ($35) will go to the non-profit organization, Global Greengrants Fund , to fund clean water projects all over the world as well as to underprivileged children in Singapore. These beautiful candles were designed by students of the Association School in Madagascar, and by purchasing one of the Aveda Light The Way Candles, you could be providing those students a better life. The Light the Way Candle is part of Aveda’s broader CatWalks for Water campaign – with a mission to reduce the environmental impact of fashion shows and to create awareness and inspire action concerning the global water crisis. Sale of the event tickets will also go toward the Global Greengrants Fund. Through Aveda’s global consistent fund-raising efforts, 26,000 people have benefited with clean water access. WHEN: Aveda CatWalks for Water will be held on 20th March TIME: 7.00pm to 9.00pm VENUE: One Marina Boulevard NTUC Centre; 1 Marina Boulevard, Level 7 Singapore 018989 The event will be an eye-opener with Aveda’s global artists who will be doing ‘live’ hair presentation of Aveda Spring/Summer 2013 hair color collection and top stylists from prestigious salons such Shunji Matsuo, Kelture, Jeric and Team Salan to perform ‘live’ with local interpretation of the S/S hair colours lookbook. Led by Aveda’s Global Artistic Team, artistic director Richardo Dinis and Ian Michael Black, the eco fashion showcase will highlight nature inspired colour shades and highly fashionable and wearable techniques. Apart from the ‘live’ performance of Aveda S/S hair color collection from Aveda’s team of global artists, four of Singapore’s most talented and influential creative stylists will presents their local interpretation of Aveda’s S/S hair colour lookbook. To prevent hundreds of plastic bottles from entering landfills, only water will be served in the specially designed Aveda Catwalks for Water bottles. Since 1999, Aveda’s global network has raised more than $26 million (USD) to help make clean water accessible to everyone, everywhere. This Aveda Catwalk for Water Spring Summer 2013 event and launch of Light the Way candles is a cause-oriented meaningful combination of fashion, lifestyle and environmental responsibility so let’s support it today by attending the event and purchasing the Aveda Light The Way Candles from Aveda Experience Centres at Tangs Beauty Orchard and Ngee Ann City. Clean water begins with you and me. Your friend, Juliana #Aveda #beauty #charityawareness

Sponsored Review Who doesn’t like a secret? Well, I don’t – especially when it comes to beauty. I want to know what is the secret behind my fave celebs’ youthful dewy skin and what’s this ‘liquid gold’ that everyone’s been buzzing about! Well, I think I just found the answer. Click to unveil the beauty secret… Hollywood celebrities have been buzzing about this ‘Liquid Gold’ and finally their secrets are revealed! Who would think Cate Blanchett is 43? Nicole Kidman is 45 and Halle Berry is 46? Eva Mendez, Taylor Swift and Selma Hayek also vouched for the superior moisturization and hydration of Argan Oil. And guess what? The long wait is over! The magic of Argan Oil is now within reach in Singapore. Moroccan Argan Oil is considered the rarest oil in the world, and thus known as the Liquid Gold. It is still manually extracted from the kernels of the Argan Tree which can only be found in South – western Morocco. It contains high concentrations of the five essential Fatty Acids, Polyphenoles, Antioxidants, and Carotenoids making it a very effective skin serum. Why is it so famous in Hollywood? Because it works! Argan Oil is ultra-hydrating, antioxidant-packed, and vitamin-rich. Unlike other serums, Moroccan Argan Oil is non-greasy and perfect for all skin types. It is quickly absorbed and regulates the release of sebum for oily skin, hydrates dry skin, and calms sensitive skin. Made in Australia, with original source of Argan Oil from Morocco specially blended with Rose Oil and Vitamin E oil to deliver maximum effect to skin. How to use: Massage 3-4 drops into the skin as required. Ingredients: Certified Organic Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rose Essential Oil Here’s what I think… When I’m out and about, my skin tends to become dry and flaky or sometimes oily and shiny depending on the climate. I thought the argan oil helped strike a good balance because my skin is now less irritable or tight when I’m out. The argan oil hydrated my confused skin well and made it more resilient to the environment. One drop is sufficient for a dewy and radiant finish. Because anything more, you might regret it. Well, something horrible happened to me after I applied more than required. Here’s the story. I was so impressed with the results of the argan oil that I got greedy and decided to feed my skin with four BIG drops of argan oil. The result? Pimple mania! I was very lucky that those were not big welting zits but small pimple bumps on the surface of my skin. They went away after a week. Phew! Besides my face, I’ve also been applying the product to my elbows, knees and soles of my feet. These areas are dry, overexposed and the most susceptible to skin damage. So these days, I treat them with tender loving care by moisturizing them with my Moroccan Argan Oil Skin Serum. On top of these great benefits, the argan oil can also be used to condition the hair, reduce stretch marks and nourish the cuticles. I’ve taken photo to show you the texture of the product – light and slightly greasy. The greasiness vanishes after some gentle massages. The oil also exudes a natural sweet nutty-herbacous fragrance that is calming when inhaled. I’m so in love with this product and I’m certain that I’ll use it for a very loooong time. Can’t wait to have porcelain skin like Nicole Kidman! :DDD 4 Honeyz crowns! The Seven Wonders Moroccan Argan Oil Skin Serum (20ml) retails at all Watsons stores at SGD19.90. Wanna enjoy the naural goodness of the Moroccan Argan Oil Skin Serum too? I’ve got great news for you! Well, I’m giving away one bottle of Seven Wonders Moroccan Argan Oil Skin Serum to one lucky Honeyz Belle! And that’s not all! I’m also giving FOUR Limited Edition Special Trial Pack to four other Honeyz Belles! That means five winners will be chosen this time! Yay! Here’s how you can enter the contest, Like Honeyz Facebook Page and Seven Wonders Facebook Page . Then share this photo on your Facebook wall. After sharing, comment ‘Shared‘ on this photo on Honeyz’ Facebook Wall. It’s that easy! The contest will end on 11 March 2013, Monday at 10pm. This is an international giveaway so readers outside of Singapore can take part too! Good luck! ❤ Have you tried the Seven Wonders Moroccan Argan Oil Skin Serum too? Let me know by sharing your review at Honeyz Cube ! Have fun! Your friend, Juliana Disclaimer: Please be rest assured that even though the products were sponsored, it does not have any bearing on the content of this post. Opinions stated are objective and genuine. Also note that all sources, information, content, links are valid to change at any time. #beautyreview #SevenWonders #contest #beauty #FacebookGiveaway

Sponsored Review Do you prefer ice-cream or yogurt? Well, I’m definitely an advocate of yogurt because of its great taste and healthy content – it is chock full of minerals, nutrients probiotics that provides many health benefits. And guess what? Research has shown that yogurt does as much wonders for your outsides as for your insides. When topically applied to the skin, the yogurt will help to soothe, soften and tighten skin. So our favorite beauty brand, Amethystory had formulated a new yogurt mask to ease those nasty skin problems and restore radiant skin. Click for all the info! Just about everyone knows about the benefits of consuming yogurt. Millions of beneficial pro-biotic that boost the immune system make yogurt one of the healthiest source dietary supplements and one of the best natural skincare remedies around. Alpha Hydroxyl Acid, a natural lactic acid present in abundance helps to smooth rough, dry skin and prevent premature aging such as fine lines. A yogurt mask thus also helps to soothe, soften and tighten the skin while gently dissolving dead skin that is accumulated in the pores to help refine pores giving the skin a younger appearance. Its high nutrient content and natural anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties also get rid of germs and other bacteria. Here, with the use of advanced Bio-technology, Amethyst Mineral Yogurt Mask builds up on the natural goodness of premium yogurt with the additional special blend of Amethyst, Tranexamic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Bio Energy Fluid, Ginseng and Olive Oil. Your skin becomes instantly brighter, feels more moisturized and soft. With regular use, a fairer and more even skin tone will give you a natural radiant glow from within. Amethyst – Enhances skin rejuvenation & cell growth, resulting in smoother and more supple skin – Promotes the synthesis of collagen that gives the magical effect of energizing skin for a more radiant & youthful look over time – Promotes efficient detoxification to reduce daily “stress” by producing small, detectable magnetic field & emitting beneficial infrared radiation & ions that enhances circulation, promote anti-oxidation and skin cell regeneration. Tranexamic Acid – Effective in counteracting melanin growth to fight dark spots and lighten complexion effectively for a brighter complexion – Helps even complexion – Improve dull skin tone for a fairer complexion Hyaluronic Acid – Provides intense hydration & retains water in your skin for a youthful & supple look Bio-Energy Fluid – Contains ample minerals and trace mineral elements to nourish skin for a softer and brighter complexion Yogurt – Naturally formed Lactic Acid and enzymes present in yogurt help to hydrate and soothe the skin, leaving it soft and smooth – Equipped with natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to keep your complexion healthy and clear – Works as a natural moisturizer to moisturize skin, tighten pores and improve overall skin texture Directions: After cleansing, gently massage an adequate amount onto the entire face. Leave the mask on for around 15 -30 minutes to allow the nutrients to be absorbed into the skin. Then rinse off thoroughly. Here’s what I think about it… Recent years, sleeping masks (aka overnight leave-on masks) and cellulose mask sheets have been sweeping the beauty world so I’ve also discarded my traditional rinse-off facial masks and replaced them with these new masks. And now I decided to give rinse-off masks a whirl again with this Mineral Yogurt Mask. Using the Amethystory Mineral Yogurt Mask felt like ‘going back to the basics’ for me. I was instantly reminded of my teen years – when I first discovered skincare and facial masks. 😛 On the first glide across my cheeks, I was greeted by a sweet aroma of yogurt and oat. There’s no oat in the ingredients by the way. I just thought it smelled like it. The texture was light and smooth so application was pretty easy. The mask comes in a tub so for hygiene reasons, I highly recommend you to apply the mask with a spatula. Besides being an apt moisturizer, yogurt is also well-liked for being an acne exterminator and sunburn reliever. I don’t have acne at the moment so this yogurt mask functions well as a hydrating agent. As for sunburns, I look forward to bringing it on my beach holidays to soothe any sunburn or ward off free-radical damage. For its goodness and reasonable price point, 3.5 Honeyz crowns! The Amethystory Mineral Yogurt Mask (60g) is available at all Watsons stores at SGD18.90. For more info on the Amethystory products, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/amethystory For more exclusive content on product reviews, beauty tutorials, style books or to receive the full gamut of privileges as Honeyz readers, like my Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ilovebunny.net Your road to a sparkling lifestyle begins here . Your friend, Juliana Disclaimer: Please be rest assured that even though the products were sponsored, it does not have any bearing on the content of this post. Opinions stated are objective and genuine. Also note that all sources, information, content, links are valid to change at any time. #Amethystory #beauty #beautyreview

Sponsored Review Garnier takes cleansing to a next level with their new Pure Active Fruit Energy range that promises to transform your daily cleansing routine into a refreshing and zesty experience! Click to read all about the new range and my Garnier Facebook giveaway! Last Christmas, I was given the ‘golden ticket’ to beautiful skin when I was invited to an exclusive product launch organized by Garnier Singapore . And the star of the launch? Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energizing Gel Wash (left) and Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energizing Scrub (right). Garnier has reinvented the cleansing routine and is thrilled to present Pure Active Fruit Energy – the newest range under the Pure Active line. The gel wash and scrub make an energizing cocktail suitable even for combination skin. It is enriched with Salicylic Acid to deeply cleanse skin and tackle blemishes, purifying skin to restore its healthy glow and also purifying Pomegranate, Grapefruit and Vitamin C extracts to refresh and stimulate skin. Pure Active Fruit Energy tops it off with a sensual scent of grapefruit, pomegranate and oranges for a perfect perk-me-up every morning. Grapefruit Grapefruit alleviates skin irritation, and reduces pimples by increasing the pH of skin. Also an antioxidant, it protects the skin from free radical and environmental damage. Pomegranate Pomegranate reduces skin inflammation and prevents the destruction of collagen caused by the sun exposure, helping to maintain skin elasticity and increases skin radiance. Pomegranate extracts also rejuvenates skin cells for a blemish-free complexion. Vitamin C An antioxidant, Vitamin C helps to prevent damage caused by free radicals and protects the skin from ultraviolet exposure. It also stimulates the collagen production for supple skin. I’ve been using the products for three weeks now and here are my reviews. 🙂 Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energizing Scrub (SGD14.90, 150ml) Afterthoughts… When I wash my face, I always make sure that my cleanser lathers well because soap bubbles help to trap and suspend dirt for easier removal during cleansing. However, the thick and gel-like texture of the Garnier scrub made it quite a challenge to achieve a good lather. I usually counter this by squirting just a ten cent-sized dollop of the gel scrub and rub it with lots of water. Be that as it may, I was very glad that the exfoliating beads were soft and gentle on my face. Most scrubs contain large and harsh beads that leave micro-lacerations on the skin. This is a nightmare because the after-effects are premature wrinkles and a gateway for bacteria to enter. Conclusion… In terms of efficacy, I do not think this product makes a good scrub. Exfoliation is meant to remove the excess dead skin cell build-up that is the key cause of clogged pores and whiteheads. Even though the product is non-abrasive, it could also be too gentle for an effective exfoliation. After weeks of use, I could still feel the whitehead bumps on my face. The highlight of the wash is its citrus aroma so if you’re looking for a truly refreshing and invigorating face wash after an exhausting day at work or a hardcore workout session at the gym, then the Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energizing Scrub is right up your alley. 3 Honeyz crowns! Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energizing Gel Wash (SGD12.90, 200ml) Afterthoughts… The gel wash is almost exactly like the gel scrub in terms of the gel-like consistency and the refreshing citrus notes of the grapefruit and pomegranate. However, I’m a much larger fan of the gel wash than the gel scrub. Besides the absence of the beads, the defining factor is its packaging. The gel wash comes in a pump packaging which I absolutely adore. I tend to squeeze more than I need with the gel scrub so with the pump nozzle, I can now control the amount of gel released. 🙂 The gel wash contains Salicylic Acid which usually leaves an uncomfortable stinging sensation on my face. Despite the presence of the Salicylic Acid, I did not uncomfortable or experience redness so hurray to that! For its clean and purified finish, I award it 4 Honeyz crowns! Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energizing Gel Wash: $12.90 for 200ml Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energizing Scrub: $14.90 for 150ml Stockists: Watsons, Guardian, major supermarkets and hypermarkets and selected departmental stores On top of the exciting Pure Active Fruit Energy products, Garnier also generously treated us to a sumptuous morning tea spread of delectable pastries and orange, grapefruit and Pomegranate juices (The key ingredients of the Pure Active Fruit Energy range. Haha!) and showered us with gift vouchers from H&M, GV and of course Garnier! Here are the photos! During the games segment, I won myself a Garnier Pure Active 2 in 1 Tinted spot roll-on! The Garnier roll-on conceals and targets spots in a single step and is great for long-lasting spot coverage. Whee! And guess what? I wanna give it to you!!! Yes, one of you will walk away with this best-selling concealer by Garnier when you perform the following steps: Like Honeyz Facebook Page and share this photo on your Facebook wall. Then comment ‘Shared‘ on this photo on Honeyz’ Facebook Wall. It’s that easy!  The contest will end on 7 March 2013, Thursday at 10pm. This is an international giveaway so readers outside of Singapore can take part too! Good luck! ❤ So what do you think of the Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy products? Do you like them too? Let me know by sharing your reviews at Honeyz Cube ! Have fun! Your friend, Juliana Disclaimer: Please be rest assured that even though the products were sponsored, it does not have any bearing on the content of this post. Opinions stated are objective and genuine. Also note that all sources, information, content, links are valid to change at any time. #beautyreview #contest #beauty #Garnier #FacebookGiveaway

It’s been three weeks since I launched Honeyz Cube and we have received more than 1000 votes and reviews from you guys so far. So to thank you for your great support, I’ll be giving away several beauty products on my Honeyz Cube FB page in the next few weeks! Click for this week’s fweebie! And this week, we’re giving a box (5 Sheets) of Sophie Monk Hydrating Facial Mask to one lucky Honeyz Cube member! This is an international giveaway so readers outside of Singapore can take part too! To win, like Honeyz Cube Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/honeyzcube and share the above picture on your wall. Then comment ‘I love ‘ on the picture on Honeyz Cube Facebook Wall. Contest ends 28 February 2013, Thursday at 10 pm and winners will be announced on the Honeyz Cube Facebook Page. Psst! Products that you mentioned in the comments will also be added to our beauty encyclopedia database! 😀 I look forward to your participation and good luck! ♥ Your friend, Juliana #contest #beauty #FacebookGiveaway #HoneyzCube #SophieMonk

It is the month of affection, kisses and all things romantic! 😀 So this February, our favorite beauty box, Vanity Trove decided to give its iconic fuchsia troves a romantic twist by introducing their Valentine’s Day box titled Romancing Beauty. And in this instalment of Dash of Honeyz , I decided to unbox this snazzy Vday-themed box and share the love with you. 🙂 Now click for your dose of love and pretty! The Contents Vanity Feb 2013 Issue Click here to read the Vanity Mag. Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution (SGD90, 30ml) Formulated for Asian skins, this contains the Clearly Corrective™ Dark SpotSolution that is 100% active. Once applied, it immediately targets deep-set darkspots. The power-packed key ingredient, Activated C, has “anti-cluster” technologythat breaks apart discolorations and prevents melanin clusters. Unlike traditional discolouration products, this solution is lightweight, hydrating and suitable for use all year-round. Skin 79 VIP Gold BB Cream – Super Beblesh BB Cream (SGD36.90, 40g) The first skincare brand to invent a new skincare category in 2006. Skin79 ignited a worldwide BB cream craze. Dubbed the queen of BB creams for its glamorous packaging and premium ingredients like gold, caviar and pearls, this brand has been topping skincare charts. Skin79 has a BB cream for every age group and skin type. What’s more, these super skin-savers pack as many as 10 skincare benefits in a single product. Phytomer Hydrasea Serum (SGD150, 30ml) Phytomer Hydrasea Serum is a lightweight and ultra-moisturising serum that immediately melts into the skin. Its star ingredient, Hydrasea, is known for its exceptional power in restructuring the skin’s moisture. iderm Sheep Placenta Serum (SGD128, 25ml) Sheep Placental Extract is a rich source of bioactive nutrients including essential amino acids, placental protein, Hyaluronic acid (HA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), nucleic acids, Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF’s), Senescent Cell Activating Factors (SCAF’s) and antioxidants. Benefits – Stimulates skin cell renewal thereby reinvigorating old cells and generating new healthy cells. The result is an increasingly youthful appearance. – Provides intense hydration to skin, returning firmness and suppleness while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. – Reduces pigmentation and diminishes appearance of age spots, blemishes and discolouration. – Promotes a smooth, translucent skin complexion. – Increases skin elasticity thereby reducing saggy appearances. – Encourages rapid healing and reduces scars. – Returns vigour to dry, aged skin with young and radiant looking skin. – Help balance skin’s natural sebum production and reduce open pores. Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum (SGD110, 50ml) The Plantscription™ Anti-aging Cream contains powerhouse ingredient, African Anogeissus to combat the aging process. Each full-sized jar contains 300,000 raspberry plant stem cells to revitalize aging skin. PureDKNY Rose (SGD96, 50ml and SGD132, 100ml) Indulge in a moment of calm to find beauty in living simply. Built around the scent of a single drop of rose, the new fragrance by Donna Karen marks pureDKNY’s continuing partnership with CARE, a leading humanitarian organisation that lefts women out of poverty. Yuan Soap – Honeysuckle (SGD16.90, 100g) Made from precious plants from Yuan farm, Yuan soaps cleanse and protect the skin. The Honeysuckle soap is wonderful for diminishing heat and dampness. LoveMore Facial Masks (SGD8.90, 5-piece set) LoveMore is one of the most popular facial masks in Taiwan. For a protein-rich treatment that restores moisture, smooths fine lines and enhances your skin’s softness and radiance, try the French Caviar Mask. Subscribe and receive your very own vanity trove – www.vanitytrove.com For the latest Vanity Trove scoop and contests – www.facebook.com/VanityTrove To read the Vanity Magazines – www.vanitymag.com Your friend, Juliana #LoveMore #YuanSoap #Origins #DKNY #Kiehls #VanityTrove #DashOfHoneyz

*Updated* Who says you’ll have to put shopping on hold after the Great Singapore Sale? ZALORA Singapore is not going to let you! With its myriad of contemporary and iconic brands that includes Betsey Johnson, BCBGeneration and Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow, it is all ready to take the online shopping world by storm! If you don’t know Zalora, shame on you! Because Zalora is one of the largest online style merchant in Singapore that offers a jawdropping number of men’s and women’s global fashion labels. Yes, it carries more than 400 international and national brands with products across all categories and styles. Besides reigning fashion coutures, Zalora also established itself as beauty royalty by carrying highly coveted cult beauty favourites like Black Chicken Remedies, Nail Rock and Paperself which were only accessible and known to industry experts, and now they are readily available to local shoppers as well! The online shopping behemoth makes sure you’re beautiful from the top of your crowning glory to the tips of the toes of your feet with a complete range of make-up from Gorgeous, Murad, HighTech Cosmetics, Sampar and a bountiful array of beauty-enhancing products such as facial masks, cleansers, body lotions from Matakana Valley, Agronatura and Dr Jart. So step up your beauty regimen with Zalora Beauty now! I love everything about online shopping but slow delivery really gets me down. I believe you’ve experienced the anticipation after clicking the ‘Buy’ button on your favorite shopping site and the excitement upon receiving your star buy. Sure, it is a great experience if it takes less than a week. Imagine the delivery taking longer than that? I believe the excitement will fizzle out before you can say ‘Shopping’. At Zalora, they offer stella shopping experience to online consumers by providing convenient, hassle-free shopping (Free Delivery, 30-Day Return). As co-founder Tan Wee from ZALORA Singapore emphasizes, “At ZALORA, we are shoppers too. We understand the joy of online shopping, the anticipation of the final delivery, and even the reservations some shoppers have. Our aim is therefore to take this understanding and craft the best shopping experience.” Psst! ZALORA has invested in a logistics system that provides fast and free shipping* islandwide (usually within 48 hours) that also allows cash on delivery (apart from the usual credit card and Paypal payment channels). ZALORA also has a free 30-day return policy with no questions asked. * Applicable for orders above SGD40; additional SGD3.90 on orders below SGD40. And I tested the efficiency of this logistics system by ordering a pair of Havaianas Slim Animal flip flops from Zalora last week! Haha! I checked out on Thursday evening and received my item on Sunday afternoon. That’s less than one working day! The Zalora guys even called one hour before delivery to make sure there was someone at home to receive it! 😀 My slippers arrived in great condition and here are the photos of my parcel and the new slippers. The Havaianas shoe box was thoughtfully wrapped with stylish black paper. The big reveal! The wrapper kept the shoe box in impeccable condition. Then it was time to try them on! The Zalora logistics system has proved its high efficiency and resulted in… A happy customer! Enticed yet? 😀 For up to date offers and happenings at ZALORA, visit their website at www.zalora.sg or like their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ZaloraSingapore Attention Blogging Goddesses! Zalora will be holding a blogging contest on the 19th of Feb 2013 (that’s today!) where the winners (1 Grand Prize Winner and 4 Runner-ups) will stand to not only win great prizes, but also a chance to be Zalora’s Top 5 Star Bloggers. This status of Zalora’s Star Blogger will entitle you to be the first to know about Zalora’s latest promotions, timed sales etc and most importantly, exclusive invites to Zalora’s exciting events! OMG! Details: Preliminary Rounds – 19th Feb 2013 to 26 March 2013 Grand Finals – 26 March 2013 – 8 April 2013 For all the juicy deets about the contest, visit Zalora’s Facebook Contest page ! Good luck! Now let’s go shopping! Your friend, Juliana #fashion #beautyreview #Zalora #beauty #SponsoredReview #shopping #fashionreview

Advertorial We all know it’s an unforgivable beauty gaffe to not exfoliate and moisturize regularly because beautiful skin starts with a good skincare regimen. However, the full beauty regimen might be absurdly time-consuming to city dwellers like us. So popular Japanese skincare brand, V 10 Plus has come up with a few miracle serums that will help you curb your skin problems and shorten your beauty routine. Psst! Even Fann Wong is a fan. Click to read all about it! Yes. I’m not exaggerating. Here’s the proof! I’ve mentioned in this Mentholatum Organic Lipbalm review that many products (even those from top name brands) contain harmful chemicals such as thimerosal (mercury), parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetic colors, synthetic perfumes, diaszolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) which may potentially be absorbed by the body through our skin. Research has shown that these chemicals may be linked to cancer, allergies, dermatological issues, organ failure, birth defects and many more health problems. Hence, I was very happy to learn that V 10 Plus products are free of parabens, artificial colors, mineral oil and chemical fragrance. And what made me even happier was – V 10 Plus approached me three weeks ago and asked if I were interested to try their products! I jumped at the chance and accepted their offer instantly. So I cleared the hordes of beauty products in my bathroom to make way for… … my new skincare babies! From left to right: Okinawa Water Mask, Water Based Peeling, Ceramide Serum, Pycnogenol Serum, Amino Serum & Vitamin-C Serum Sidetrack… Besides jazzing up my dull-looking bathroom with color, I thought the serum bottles also added some geekiness to the bathroom’s look. Haha! Doesn’t the eye dropper bottle design remind you of the iodine bottles in our schools’ chemistry labs??? There are 10 serums in the V 10 Plus serum range. Click here for info on the full range. Each serum caters to a different skincare need so we do not have to use all 10 serums to achieve flawless skin. I’ve received the following serums to sort out my large pores and blemish-prone skin. V 10 Plus Vitamin-C Serum (SGD128, 30ml) V 10 Plus Vitamin-C Serum contains OUBAKU EKISU (JTN) which is an anti-acne formulation that has been designed to provide relief for all skin types. It has many good effects on the skin. It helps the synthesis of collagen in the skin, so that the pores are minimized. It also improves inflammatory pimples. The Vitamin-C in v 10 Vitamin-C serum is a Vitamin-C derivative, which is stable and works efficiently. Afterthoughts… I use this ultra lightweight serum as a toner as it prevents acne and reduces the size of my humongous pores effectively. It has the lightest texture compared to the other V 10 Plus serums so I usually apply this serum before the others to allow maximum absorption. I use gentle patting motions to apply the product. The result? A refreshed look and feeling! 4 Honeyz crowns! V 10 Plus Amino Serum (SGD128, 30ml) Amino acid is the most important natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the horny layer. V 10 Plus amino serum reproduces the relative proportions of 8 amino acids (glycine, alanine, proline, serine, threonine, arginine, lycine, glutamic acid) in the horny layer. It also contains 2 other amino acids: trimethyl glycine (high moisturizing effect) and ergothioneine (protecting effect). Amino acid is good for dryness. It moisturizes the skin with marine collagen and decreases the dullness by enhancing metabolism. Afterthoughts… My skin has been pretty dull and dehydrated lately so this Amino serum certainly came in handy. The texture is rather light so I’ll usually apply this product after the Vitamin C serum and before any other skin care products. Just one drop and I could see its good effects – skin felt firmer and looked plumper. The best part is I did not experience any breakouts or side effects after use so 4.5 Honeyz crowns! V 10 Plus Ceramide Serum (SGD128, 30ml) Ceramide is a lipid which is found in high concentrations within cells. They keep water in the skin and also protects your skin from external stimulus, such as air drying or ultraviolet rays. Lack of Ceramide depresses the barrier function of skin and causes dryness and roughness of the skin. Ceramide is good for dry and sensitive skin. It fills in the damaged horny layer and enforces the barrier function of skin. V 10 Plus Ceramide serum uses vegetable Ceramide, which is extracted from rice polishings. Afterthoughts… The Ceramide Serum has become an essential part of my skin hydration routine. Because of its thicker consistency, I do not pat it on like a lotion. Instead, I smooth a thin layer of the serum onto my skin and wait for it to sink in before I apply the next product. Results are not immediately visible but after three weeks of continuous usage, my skin is noticeably smoother and softer. My skin also does not feel tight or flake as much as before. 4 Honeyz crowns! V 10 Plus Pycnogenol Serum (SGD128, 30ml) Pycnogenol is a natural ingredient extracted from the bark of the French coastal pine in Southern France (Bordeaux). It has a great antioxidant effect, which is 350 times greater than Vitamin C and 170 times greater than Vitamin E. Pycnogenol is good for eliminating activated oxygen. It prevents your skin from any skin troubles caused by the activated oxygen and also rectifies damage. It also strengthens the effects of vitamins, collagen, etc. which enhances the benefits of your daily skincare products. Afterthoughts… This is the ultimate skin saver! As the product description claims, it intensifies the good effects of vitamins and proteins in all the skincare products that we put on our face to maximize the goodness of the products. So I’ll usually use this product the last to soothe and fortify my skin for a healthier-looking complexion the following day. 4.5 Honeyz crowns! I’ve been pretty reliant on my V10 Plus serums for my skin’s daily hydration needs so I’ve also brought them with me on trips! Their 30ml packaging made them absolutely aviation-friendly! On top of the award winning serums, V 10 Plus also generously gifted me their best selling Water Based Peeling Gel to slough off the dead skin cells and their brand new Okinawa Water Mask to rejuvenate and revive my tired skin. OMG! V 10 Plus Water Based Peeling (SGD58, 50ml) This gentle peeling contains rice bran extract and seaweed extract. Without any harsh scrubbing, it effectively removes dead skin cells and reveals cleaner and clearer skin instantly. Directions: Pump an appropriate amount and leave it on cleansed and dry skin for 5 seconds. Then massage gently with your finger tips in a circular motion. Dead skin cells in the form of tiny flakes will appear shortly. Rinse off the flakes thoroughly with water. Afterthoughts… The water-based texture is no false claim. Unlike most peeling gels and scrubs that are harsh and aggressive, the product goes on the skin like jelly which felt absolutely soothing and comfortable on my skin. With small and gentle circular motions, the gel-like consistency quickly transforms into a light and watery texture and formed flakes that were supposedly dead skin cells. The light formula made it easy to rinse the product off my face. With extended use, I believe it will make my skin smoother, softer and more radiant. 4.5 Honeyz crowns! V 10 Plus Okinawa Water Mask (SGD98, 200ml) V 10 Plus Okinawa Water Mask contains sodium hyaluronate. A gel type moisture pack rich in deep sea water derived from the beautiful sea surrounding Okinawa (a Southern Island In Japan). It is rich in hyaluronic acid, seaweed extracts and minerals to hydrate the skin. It improves elasticity of the skin and protects the skin from dryness. it effectively tones and provides optimal hydration for the skin that has been severely affected by UV rays in summer or doing outdoor sports. Directions: Apply a thin layer of water mask onto thoroughly cleansed face (including eyes and lip area). Ideally, you may leave it on through the entire night. Alternatively, leave it on for 20 or 30 minutes. wipe of with a wet towel and pat it dry lightly. Recommend to use it daily or 3 times a week. Afterthoughts… The thick transparent gel mask gave my face a cold sensation upon application. The hyaluronic acid and natural extracts from the ocean provided a calming effect on my tired and acne-prone skin. I thought it could very well replace my aloe vera gel to soothe rashes and skin after sunburns. It also functions well as a sleeping mask when you leave a thin layer of the Okinawa Water Mask on your face overnight for a nourishing facial treatment. For its moisturizing properties and chemical-free ingredients, I award it 4 Honeyz crowns! Conclusion… After three weeks of continuous use, the serums defeated the enemies of my skin by shrinking the gaping skin pores and reduced its greasiness. Here’s a before-and-after photo for your comparison. The mega dose of V 10 Plus serums gave my skin a vitamin boost and revitalized my lacklustre skin. So apart from the change in hair color, the one major change that has taken place is the brighter, clearer and smoother skin! Did you notice??? 😛 Usually, I’ll pat on some foundation before I head out to conceal the huge pores and uneven skin tone. Now V 10 Plus has given me enough courage to leave the house makeup-less with renewed skin and confidence! 😀 To get your hands on your favorite V 10 Plus products, visit their website at www.v10plus.co.jp for information on their products, store locations and promotions or like their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/v10plus for the latest V 10 Plus news. Attention Honeyz Belles! I’ve great news for you. My beauty portal Honeyz Cube has teamed up with V 10 Plus to provide you exclusive V 10 Plus samples! Go to Rewards Catalogue to redeem your sample now! Psst! Don’t have enough points to redeem the V 10 Plus samples? Enter promo code* ‘honeyzbelle‘ when you sign up as a member at www.honeyzcube.com and earn 20 points instantly! *This offer is for a limited time only. Beautiful skin begins with V 10 Plus! Your friend, Juliana Disclaimer: Please be rest assured that even though the products were sponsored, it does not have any bearing on the content of this post. Opinions stated are objective and genuine. Also note that all sources, information, content, links are valid to change at any time. #advertorial #beauty #beautyreview #V10Plus