Today, I say goodbye to my Foreo Issa 2 Mini which I had for almost 4 years. Back then, I wasn't sure how a silicone toothbrush would work and would I regret purchasing it, hence I purchased the mini for $129. But boy did I fall in love with it and when it finally broke, I was so devastated. 

While the Foreo Mini 2 was a smaller toothbrush catered for kids but who said adults couldn't use them? The biggest difference between the Mini and the Regular is that the Issa 2 has 16 speeds while the Mini comes with a standard 1 speed. 

The brush head is replaceable so you could try a funky colour if you'd like and it comes with the regular brush head which is fully silicone or the Hybrid brush head which is half nylon half silicone. 

Since day 1 of using my Foreo Issa Mini, I have noticed that my gums stop bleeding. Which was something that happens very often and almost 80% of the time of me brushing my teeth. I have tried the rotating electric toothbrush in the past and didn't quite like it. While it cleaned really well and you could clean your individual teeth and reduce plague and build-ups, it wasn't that gentle. 

I started using the Issa Hybrid brush head and could immediately feel the difference, it cleans really well and it was really gentle as well. Months later when I switch to regard Issa brush head, it was really gentle but took me a week to get used to the less-to-none foam and less friction/literally brushing on my gums and teeth. 

The biggest impact was when my Foreo Issa Mini broke and would no longer turn on nor charge, I had to switch to a manual old school traditional toothbrush and my gums started bleeding (how fun!) After one brush, I immediately knew I had to get my replacement and I had purchased the Foreo Issa 3 that same night. 

I am definitely excited for Auspost to deliver my new toothbrush (ETA next Monday!) and I'll definitely give an update if I see a difference! 

Note: for those who asked why didn't I repair or replace my Foreo Issa Mini, it's because it has been out of warranty, and I did not register it when I purchased it (my mistake) hence, it was difficult to repair it. 

Till then, I say goodbye to my Foreo Mini. 

My first ever foundation when I was 16 was the Shiseido White Lucent compact foundation before I switched to Maquillage and that started my journey and passion for makeup. Hence, I was really excited when Shiseido launched their Synchro Skin Refreshing range with new formulas and was highly raved by reviews and people as well! 

With the Synchro Skin-Refreshing range, it's the first foundation that self-refreshes with ActiveForce technology. (Not sure how it works technically but it does what it says)

So no more creases, transfers, foundation sliding at the end of the day, especially with the heat and humidity. I was skeptical at first, but I couldn't believe how my skin was at the end of the day when I remove my makeup. 

Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF30 - Available in 30 shades 

A weightless foundation, with ActiveForce™ technology, that synchronizes with skin and self-refreshes nonstop for a 24-hour just-applied look and flawless finish.

Finish: Natural 

Retails : $66 AUD

Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Powder Custom Finish Foundation - Available in 16 shades 

A creamy, powder foundation you can apply wet or dry for a customized, natural finish. This foundation, with ActiveForce™ technology, synchronizes with skin and self-refreshes nonstop for a 24-hour just-applied look and flawless finish.

Coverage: Sheer to Medium - Buildable 

Finish: Natural 

Retails : $64 AUD

Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Tint SPF 20 - Available in 12 shades

A weightless skin tint that adapts and responds to your skin’s needs. Provides 24H hydration and light coverage. ActiveForce™ technology helps resist heat, humidity, oil and facial motion for a fresh, natural skin-like finish that lasts all day.

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Coverage: Sheer to Medium - Buildable 

Finish: Natural 

Retails at $66 AUD 

According to a US consumer study of 100 women, 

• 94% of women agreed the foundation felt comfortable on skin*
• 88% of women loved the texture of the product*
• 81% of women agreed the foundation reduced the appearance of pores*
• 81% of women agreed their skin looked fresh after 24 hours*

Above everything, it's non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types! 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation have been the top foundation, and many have been in confusion and dilemma between both. A question I get a lot is, "what's the difference between both foundations?" 

Both products have different packaging, and while the Nars Sheer Glow foundation has been a cult and all-time favourite of many people, the Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation has been to go-to grab and choice of some as well.  

To summarise each product; 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

A foundation that is buildable to enhance your skin while giving you a natural glow. It is buildable to cover your acne, scars, redness and everything you need, but it's also light enough to let your natural glow shine. Confusing, isn't it. You have to try to understand what I mean. 

It sets into a semi-matte finish, and while the product is called "Sheer-Glow", it technically isn't sheer at all. This foundation could be a light, medium or full coverage depending on your application. 

After a 12 hour wear, the foundation is still on my face, and it isn't transferring, gliding/sliding, patchy, and oils aren't shining through. Of course, your skincare, primer and how you set your makeup makes a difference. 

It comes in 40 shades (Note; not all places might carry them all), and I have not met anyone who could not find a shade match. 

The shade I'm using: Light 1 Siberia, and it's a perfect match. 

Key Ingredients: 

1. Glycerin - maintains skin moisture level to prevent dryness and dehydration 

1. Vitamin C - Brightens skin and evens out skin tone 

Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation 

A foundation that is medium-full but delivers a natural, long-wearing fade resistance. It is buildable to full coverage for those who want a heavier coverage 

It sets to a matte finish that looks natural. The product's name is called "Longwear", and it is designed to wear up to 16 hours. With this, your skin type does make a difference. If you are an oily skin type, you would have to prime and set your face with the right product to achieve its 16-hour wear. 

It comes in 34 shades (Note; not all places might have them in stock) 

The shade I'm using: Light 0 - Siberia 

Key Ingredients: 

1. Raspberry Extract: Stop premature ageing and fights free radicals

1. Apple Extract: Helps skin appear brighter and smoother

1. Watermelon Extract: Promotes Hydration

• They don't oxidise too much; hence I don't look like Oompa Loompa 

• They've got plenty of shades for everyone (well, to be precise, the pale, fair, medium and tanned skin are covered. I can't speak for the dark skin tones) 

• A little goes a long way

• The application is easy and smooth 

• My sensitive skin don't react to them. 

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Both foundation while it is to enhance your skin and complexion, they do have a slight difference. 

In my words, Nars Sheer Glow foundation is much lighter, and you don't feel it on your skin, whereas the Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation is much thicker. 

Nars Sheer Glow is perfect for every day if you would like to cover some imperfection or even out your skin tone or generally have a better complexion. Whereas Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation is for those who would like full coverage or oily skin, nothing works out, and you prefer not to blot and set your skin. 

In terms of application, Nars Sheer Glow is a much easier way to apply. I apply with a wet sponge. Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation sets pretty quickly, so you have to work fast, and it is harder to buff and blend with a brush, but a wet sponge works fine. 

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What I love about Nars foundations in general;

They're both priced very similarly 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation - $71 (Pump sold separately for $6) - Available at Mecca 

Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation - $75 - Available at Mecca

We use our hands for everything, to pick up stuff, to cook, to touch, to text, to type, to scratch, to hold hands and so much more. But, how often do we provide care and love to our hands? We spend time and money on our face, hair, nails but not our hands.

 It continues to amaze me that so many women today are willing to undergo drastic surgery/aesthetic services for wrinkles but don’t wear sunscreen.

Many people underestimate the power of the sun. It is not just a major cause of hyperpigmentation and skin cancer, but wrinkles, dryness – which leads to premature aging.

If you know me, you'll know I don't do sun. I'm the girl that wears sunscreen in-doors during winter. I'm the girl that brings an umbrella to the beach. I'm the girl that refuses to let the sun touch me for more than 10 mins. 

Friends and people always laugh at my love-hate relationship with Mr Sun, but they are reasons why I do so. As much as I love him, there are moments I dislike him too (hate is such a strong word. lol). BUT!! That doesn’t stop me from going outside and enjoy the beach. I just simply have my precautions.

How many of you actually use sunscreen and actually understand the things that it does to you in the long run? (I think sunscreen is one of the topics I talk about the most here.) The most common question I get is

“How do you keep your complexion so nice?” or “Your skin is so soft and amazing!” or the one I get most from Asian s are “You are so fair and radiant!” 

It’s simple. Always use sunscreen! It doesn’t matter if you have any foundation or BB Cream on or if you’re just plain jane. You always need sunscreen. Even if you don’t like fair skin and you want a tan, it’s important to get the right sunscreen/tanning lotion/oil and stay away from the damage it does to your skin in the long run. How much more do I need to emphasise the importance of sunscreen?

When people find out that I wear sunscreen every day, they freak out. Because sunscreen wasn’t advertised or marketed as an everyday essential but it was marketed (thanks to banana boat) as sunscreen you wear when you go to the beach! Especially, coming from people who want to be as tan as possible or how they say it “as black as possible”. But what many don’t understand is that tanning should be done the proper way - that is why tanning lotions exist! 

A little information about tanning lotion and how it works;

The sun releases UVA and UVB 

UVA breaks down your skin collagen 

UVB causes the burn not the outer surface of your skin.

I remember when NIVEA came out with the sun protection awareness ads, it was really effective as it shows you the effects it does it the long run. (plus, how you would look like) Not endorsed by NIVEA.

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Now you wouldn’t wanna wait till you’re old with wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation to start using sunscreen right? 

Bit too late don’t you think?

Remember! You’re never ugly, only if you’re lazy!

Every other few months, we see a new product launch especially a new foundation that has been "revolutionise" or "upgraded". We then try and test it to see what's the difference is. The good and the bad, the ins and the outs, the pros and the cons - we all want to know it.

Brands have been releasing and re-formulating serum foundations that just adds a new product on the shelf and cause more confusion to people. 

The one question I get a lot is “I just want a foundation, but there is so many out there! I don’t even know what is what anymore” In response to this question, I would usually have to explain why there are the different various kinds of foundations and help them in their journey to get one. 

Serum foundation is one that I have not talked about much or reviewed any. So, sit back, relax and hopefully, you’ll get something out of this :) 

What is Serum Foundation?

Serum foundations (also known as foundation fluids or skin tints) are currently one of the biggest trends on the beauty market. The milky, oil- and silicone-based emulsions feel weightless and give the skin a beautiful, velvety finish without looking like makeup - Allure

It was created as the next generation foundation. The added value and extra benefit that everyone would love. The less-cakey look - close to natural but seamless, flawless, perfect finishing. 

What is the main difference between Serum Foundation and regular Foundation?

Top question to someone who hears it for the first time but doesn’t really know the difference. 

Foundations were created back then to conceal, correct and cover. From changing skin tone to correct colours and to conceal everything to have the perfect flawless skin - thus was created to be full coverage.

Then the medium coverage came in, and someone went light and the sheers. Then the matte and the dewy trend started when the cosmetic industry realised everyone has different skin types, skin tones and skin colours. More came out.

Why did Serum Foundation make an impact in the beauty industry?

Giving you a natural healthy looking glow, leaving your skin looking like skin - but better. 

If you love the lightweight feel of a tinted moisturizer, but want the full coverage of a liquid foundation, 
then its serum-based counterpart may be the answer to your beauty prayers. - instyle

Which Serum Foundation are my favourites and recommendation?

Note: The below are not favoured in any order.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation

Tarte Hydroflex Serum Foundation 

The Ordinary Serum Foundation 

Dior Nude Air Serum 

There’s no better feeling than clean skin that does not leave your skin stripped and dry. I have been using this cleansing gel since I was 14 and that itself says a lot. 

Made with bio adaptive botanicals, it helps adapt your skin into the environment. The cleansing gel removes and dissolves any pore-blocking dirt, oil, impurities and any makeup without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. 

This cleansing gel isn’t just for females but it’s perfect for all skin types and all gender. 

Quite a lot of gel cleanser in the market does not foam easily and even if they do, it’s harsh and leaves your skin feeling tight and squeaky. As we all know, that’s not how a good cleanser should make you feel. 

As easy as it is to use, gently lather over wet face and neck and rinse thoroughly. Simple! It doesn’t get any more complicated than that. Your skin will be comfortable, cleaner and clearer. 

Key Ingredients: 

• Bioadaptive Botanical Blend (Rhodiola, Maral Root, Siberian Ginseng, Chaga Mushroom, and Resurrection Plant)—a blend of botanical extracts from plants that thrive in extreme climates and can help your skin bounce back from stressors.
• Soap-Free Cleansing Agents—vegetable-based agents that help form a gentle foam to clean pores and remove excess oil from the skin.
• Moisture Balancing Blend (Geranium, Lemon, Fennel Extracts, and Glycerin)—helps soothe and condition skin while helping restore its natural moisture balance.

Water (Aqua), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Papain, Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract, Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract, Rhaponticum Carthamoides Root Extract, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, PVP, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid.

The Pure Cleansing Gel retails for $20.80. But if you are a member, you would be able to get it for $16.40 

1. Straightening became part of my daily routine.
2. I was a professional in a salon blow-out style.