Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel

Sponsored Review
Many thanks to Cellilux's management for the lovely product! I wouldn't have been able to try such a lovely product if not for you guys! Please note that even though the product is sponsored, it will not affect my opinions on it, and because of differing skin types, the effect of the product may not be the same for everyone! Product has been tried before writing this review! (:

Hi readers, I am back today with another amazing facial mask review!

Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel

Cellilux provides an alternative to acids and damaging chemicals that rule the world of skincare and beauty treatments. Their Glacial Mask is a truly groundbreaking treatment that provides multiple benefits in one application. Previously only available to spa customers, this incredible product is now newly available to the Asian market.

Four major technological skincare methods are at work each time you use the mask. First, a specially structured water deeply penetrates your skin for intense hydration not found in any other product on the market. Second, special minerals detoxify your skin by bringing all of the impurities to its surface. Third, those same minerals actually work with your DNA, instructing your skin to activate youth-bringing processes such as collagen production. Your skin is revitalized like never before. 

Finally, the mask works as an exfoliator to lift away the detritus that's been cleansed from deep within for skin that glows with the health of youth and is devoid of clogged pores. With technology that harnesses mother nature to provide a natural alternative, the Glacial Mask must be used to be believed!

Cellilux contains natural catalytic molecules that are negatively charged. These negatively charged ions are able to draw positively charged bacteria and impurities lodged deep within the skin as well as neutralizing free radicals. Due to the reaction between these ions, you might experience a slight tingling sensation when the mask is applied. This sensation should fade away in a few minutes.

 -Bellabox quote

Here are some more information that is written on the cover of the Cellilux Package.

Comments:
I find the mask very unique, especially amongst the proliferation of facial mask sheets that one simply stick to the face (and sometimes fall off), this one allows individual to contour the mask to suit one's face.

Cellilux allows one to apply the mask such that it adheres to one's face perfectly well, and unlike sheet masks that may not be able to adhere to every part of the face, or even more sadly, not cover some areas at all, this glacial mask ensures that every problematic area on one's face is well covered and is given due attention.

Not only so, while wearing the mask, one need not lie down but can do whatever we like, be it watching television or reading a book, since there is no risk of the mask falling off your face and wetting your book! Such convenience is worth noticing! ^^

Usually, you guys and girls know that I like to comment on the smell of masks and beauty products because I find smell really important since no one likes to have funny smelling things on your face for an extended period of time, right?

The packaging is very detailed, and from the first picture you guys can actually tell that Cellilux company takes the effort to seal the opening with plastic wrap to ensure airtightness and the quality of the mask. I like such a fact, even though I have little idea of what damage oxygen can do to your facial products, such sealed packaging always suggest sterile quality!

On top of that, Cellulix also takes its consumers into considerations when it provides one with an adorable little spatula for one to scoop out the desired amount of gel without having to risk the contamination of the product by digging one's finger into it. Cleanliness and hygiene factor, check!We do remember have to wash the spatula after each use and dry it well though... ;)

Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel Mask is definitely not sweet smelling, but it most definitely does not smell bad either. Instead it has a slightly stronger, and refreshing scent that reminds one most strongly of minerals and the sea and ice (maybe it is just me...) and personally, I don't find the smell offending at all. So, thumbs up to the good smell! :D

The first time when I tried the gel, I was rather surprised by the effect of the application: my face stung quite a bit and it felt like I just squeezed an excess of peppermint toothpaste on my face. But the effects of the stinging is normal, as indicated on the box, and one will get used to it after a while. Not only so, the stinging will fade away as the mask dries, hence it will not be causing you too much stringing (especially if you have low threshold for pain) for extended period of time! Besides, what is a little bit of pain when we can get better skin right?

The gel mask did its job in clearing up most of my blackheads, in fact, after each use, when I wash off the mask, I do note a decrease in the number of unsightly and stubborn black spots present on my nose. On the other hand, my pimple problem is controlled but not entirely cured, but that is not because the mask is not useful, but because recently I have been quite lethargic and tired due to late sleeping, and whenever I sleep late, my skin will experience a variety of problems. Normally, I expect my acne problem to be even worse, but I believe that the Mineral Gel has done its role well in lightening the situation of my skin problem! Cheers! ;D

I have included a photo which I took from Cellilux's Facebook, because I somehow cannot get a good shot of my face (one that is not too bad looking hehe~) to post it here.

After my mom saw the product, she was so intrigued by it that she asked if she could try it too, hence I decided to give it to her since she really liked it!

Overall, I will give the product a 4.5/5, the half mark is taken off because the product is on the slightly more expensive side, and I understand how we always have a limited budget for such products, but if you try it, I do think you will find it worth your money!

Have you guys tried out this amazing product? You can buy it for S$78 at Cellilux's Website and do remember to check out their facebook page meanwhile! If you are a subscriber of Bellabox then you get to try out a sample too in their beauty box!

Thank you for reading this guys! Till next time, see you all!

Just (a whining) Human

Sometimes I forgive myself for being just human; for being weak in the face of terrible disappointment; and for my temporarily loss of directions whenever I trip and fall.

I know that I try to encourage a lot of people to work harder, to reach for their goals, to never give up by telling them inspiring quotes or just by working tirelessly myself to set a good example. I always believe in inspiring by action. But sometimes in the midst my my deepest darkest gloom, when all optimism desert me, I scorn that optimistic self and mock myself for ever believing that "If you put your heart to it, you can and you will."

I know. I am just human.

When I fail something terribly, I will lapse into this painful silence. I remember lapsing into this painful silence once in secondary two.

And today.

When that happens, nothing that happens around me matter anymore. It is just me in my sphere of excruciating pain, with my heart contracting in that tight choking manner that threatened to suffocate my very being. I became hyper-aware of my pulse throbbing heavily at my neck, and I will just turn cold. Really cold. Like all the warmth and hope left me all at once, leaving me in the dark and cold.

I hurt. Too.
Try to remember me as just another human.

I know that when I do terribly I would try to give myself motivational speeches like,

Don't lose hope, this is only the beginning! If you are not doing well despite working hard, that means that you are not working hard enough and smart enough! This is just another one of life's challenge for you, to see you fall and to see you hurt. Stand up, be strong and keep going. I will never give up on myself.

Sometimes, such motivational speeches are incredibly useful when you are trying to inspire other people, trying to convince them that no, they are not the failures they think themselves to be, and yes, they should always work hard whether they see immediate results or not. The difference is pretty dismal when you try to inspire yourself. I don't know how good a liar I have to be if I am able to stare at my disappointing results to tell myself that it is okay, it is fine, and by some miracle or another, I will improve and do better. It is like, while half of you is trying to convince and motivate yourself, the other more pessimistic you is going like, "Yeah right, what sort of idiot would believe such rubbish?"

It is even worse when someone else try to tell you that it is okay- instead of making me better, it heightens my anguished mood and make my want to scream and yell and shake the person really really hard, to vent all my pent up frustration on that one person that tells you "it's okay" in such a flippant manner that negates all your hard work, sweat and expectations of yourself.

I know sometimes people are just trying to make you feel better. I don't know about other people, but for myself it is like a quicksand. The more you try to pull me out of my despondence, the more I sink into it, and worse still, cause my despondence to be coupled with anger and a feeling of being under-appreciated. Maybe it is just me. I hated the words, "it's okay" more than anything else in the world put together (even more so than radishes ugh), because it feels like a sanitized version of "just freaking get over your pain". I don't know. I mean people tend to interpret things badly in the midst of their pain, don't they?

I wish that there could be someone to inspire me too, and motivate me, when I needed it. I am not tired of inspiring others to work, or motivating them to work hard. I know how much a few sincere words of inspiration and comfort can do to change someone's day, and lift their spirits. I sought hard and long for such, but encountered none. I didn't want to hear things like, "Don't worry, it is going to be OKAY in the end." (UGH to "okay"!) Such statements only make me think that the speaker cannot be bothered enough to think about my problems or to give me sincere advice, and I hate it even more when inspirational speakers, be it professionals or teachers or principals say that, because I would be thinking, "Don't be stupid, and don't lie. Nothing is going to be okay if you don't do something about it. And stop painting such rosy images in my head. You are just simplfying my pains."

Surprisingly I feel better after typing all these out, maybe it is because I unloaded so much of the angst within me today that prevented me from seeing my goal. I feel like I can breathe again. I feel like hey, somehow these wounds might somehow heal. With time. With patience. With better results.

I do try to etch such painful memories in my head as a lesson learned, or simply as a form of masochistic motivation for myself to work hard. In time, I would think about today, and maybe be grateful for such pains that make me stronger, and drove me to the end.

But I realized one thing.

When you fall, there won't be anyone to pick you up. There may be people to offer you tissue for your tears or a pat on the back, but you are the one that have to pick yourself up despite your pains, grit your teeth, and move on. It is a race that you have to complete on your own.

Are efforts being truly recognized? How important is such recognition?

I remember watching this Korean Drama called "Dream High", and one of the lines uttered by one of the judges was exceptionally impressing. He said, "We don't need people who just try and work hard. We need people who can do it and make the cut."

Hearing him say that, my whole mind was like, Woah, that was so harsh dude.  I thought that efforts should be recognized, and the due accolade should be given to the people who try so hard. That was what I thought. That is still what I have been thinking till recently.

But of late I have come to realize in the midst of my deep thought that perhaps our society doesn't notice efforts enough. I am not sure, it is just my opinion and I assure you that you are free to repudiate it. Think about it, like I had thought about it in the steamy, thought-provoking bathroom: What if Einstein had never made his discoveries? What if Einstein had never made the equation of E=MC^2, and perhaps never ever gotten famous? Afterall, he is famous for his achievements, and only when his achievements are known are his efforts then brought to light.

Look at the great scientists and famous entrepreneurs that we all know. Think about the people we are familiar with, like Thomas Edison, Marie Curie, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates... and the list goes on. Each of them are representative of one area that they had placed much effort in, and subsequently succeeded in. Edison is well known for his dauntless attempts in inventing the light bulb. Would his hundreds and hundreds of attempts be named if he had not succeeded in creating the final light bulb that worked? Would we be interested in Steve Jobs if he was not married with Apple Company? It seems almost like every famous people (at least those I know), is tied to their achievements, and when they are divorced from their achievements, they become just another person in the relentless crowd.

We are interested in famous people's biography, and we simplify the process it took for them to achieve their results and cast all their pains and efforts under the umbrella terms of hardwork, determination, perseverence, fearlessness, thinking out of the box.

It seems almost as if we are suggesting this one simple idea:

"If you work hard, if you persevere, if you are determined, then you will see results, and you will succeed."

I mean, why not right? After all, all the aforementioned people work hard, held fast to their dreams and they went against all odds and overcame all obstacles to rise above the crowds. But think again, when we applaud these icons of determination and endurance for their "hardwork", are we really recognizing their efforts, or are we recognizing their achievements and therefore acknowledging that yes, they had indeed poured heart and soul into them?

Will you read the autobiography of a common man whose name you have never heard of, one who has an average salary and mainstream car, one who worked from nine-to-five to support his family and goes on holiday once a year and had never really, in everyone's eyes, "stepped out of his comfort zone to pursue his dreams"? Or will you rather read the autobiography of one man who overcame all hardships and all obstacles in life, dropped out of high school and went against his parent's wishes to finally become (I don't know, I am saying hypothetically) the CEO of some big conglomerate? I myself would rather read the latter, for I am curious to know how he, despite all the setbacks, managed to scale the heights and finally settle himself into the throne of success. I would want to admire his character, learn from him, emulate him and hopefully find inspiration that can one day shape my character enough for me to live my own version of a success story.

Maybe you would say that the effort undertaken by the now-CEO is much greater, much more so than that of the common man. But how would you know if the common man had not put in as much effort, or maybe even more for his to lead his average life? Again, maybe you are right; or maybe you are just making a hasty assumption like I would have done, that is, "the greater the amount of effort put in, the greater your achievement".

Food for thought: Is success directly proportional to the amount of effort we put in?

Is success directly proportional to the amount of effort we put in? If not, why are we (usually) judging the amount of effort put in by a person based on his or her level of success?

Undeniably, there is a strong correlation between hard work and success, but surely achievements are not determined by hard work alone, and neither are achievements a good yardstick for recognizing efforts. Think about the ranking system in schools, where they recognize the (flawed assumption) efforts of the top students. It is really recognizing the achievements. Such a topic and idea is highly contentious too: is it possible to divorce hard work and achievements, such that hard work can be acknowledged on its own without the overshadowing silhouette of success?

I remember my Secondary Four Language Arts teacher discussing this during our lessons. She asked if it was possible to give out awards that recognize the students' efforts instead of achievements. But the question is, how then would the candidates be chosen? Effort is a term as ambiguous as things like love and hate; its effects are barely tangible and often overlooked. If hardworking candidates were to be chosen, it would also mean that the teacher would have to know each student well enough, or maybe even conduct spot checks at their home to catch them working hard. That would again bring about another round of complications which includes the fairness of the teacher, the integrity of students, how "efforts" are to be measured, etc. The most worrying problem is of course when the student is awarded the "Most Harworking Student Award" but not "Top Ten In School" (or similar) award; would the student be teased and tormented by the classmates for her/his supposedly lower intellect? Is that also why there is a proliferation of closeted muggers all around, to spare themselves the unflattering title of "hardworking but ..."?

I am not advocating the idea of "slacking" or "sleaziness" or "laziness" as some would put it. I am trying to postulate the argument that yes, your efforts may not get recognized by your teachers, or by your peers, or worse still, not even recognized by you own parents, but that doesn't give you the right to not work hard. That's right, you hard work won't be considered "hard work" by people who don't know you until you are famous one day and land yourself as "The 100 Most Influential People In The World". We don't need others to recognize the efforts that we put in for ourselves. But you have to know that all your hard work is recognized by one person. That one person who is with you wherever you go, that one person who cries at your sorrow and cheers at your joy; that one person who bears witness to all your hard work (or the lack of it), that one person who remembers and reminds you of the amount of effort you have truly put in.

That person is you.

And that is more than enough.

O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum Review

Sponsored Review
Note: The item has been tried for a period of one week prior to the review and the review is honest (but not blunt) and please do bear in mind that each of our skin conditions are different and what is good for me may not be the best for you, and vice versa! (: A big "thank you!" to Wishtrend for sponsoring this lovely item!

I have been a huge fan of Wishtrend ever since I first saw some of the products on the website and you can't imagine how much I wanted to be a reviewer for them! And at long last, the chance came for me and how I rejoiced!

Wishtrend is the hub of Korean Beauty Secret (literally!) because they contain all the top selling skincare and make up products used by people worldwide! The products sold range from Skinlab, Elishacoy to O.S.T as well as Skin79, all hot favorites of today's girls! Have you ever wished to get Park Bom's flawless skin or have radiant look like Yoona? Look no further, Wishtrend is the answer for all your skin-related concerns!

Wishtrend's homepage: can you spot our friend, the Vitamin Serum?

Sometime ago Wishtrend sent me the O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum for review and I must say it is the coolest product I have ever seen! I mean, just look at the packaging...

O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum

Look at the orange metallic glow of the packaging that the serum bottle is encased in, doesn't the box itself just exude class and taste? And unlike other items that always get damaged by the handling during posting, this product arrived at my doorstep completely undented and flawless, and boy am I  amazed at the brilliant service provided by Wishtrend! The care they placed into wrapping the product just goes to show how much they value their customers like you and I, and that they put us customers on their list of priorities!

The serum and the dropper.

Moving onto the product, it is also perfectly sealed with a plastic wrap around the opening to ensure freshness of the serum which is even more important in this case since Vitamin C is easily oxidized under room temperature and pressure. This is why the instruction on the box requires one to place the serum into the fridge after use to ensure the efficacy of the vitamin effect. I didn't know what the Korean words on the box meant until I happen to show the product to my friend who learns Korean and I was really shocked and panicked when I found out that I actually had to refrigerate the product!

The Serum Bottle

The dropper provided

The serum is contained in a tinted glass bottle which reminds me of some medication that has to be kept inside dark bottles for them to retain their uses, hence I researched on Google, and according to Sparkleapple, the amber bottle prevents UV rays from entering and damaging the Vitamin C contents, but personally I am not very certain (and I don't think it is important for me to understand hehe).

The serum inside the bottle

O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum
As you can see, the serum inside the bottle is a pale orange-yellow in color and smells mildly like citrus, and in a tempting and refreshing manner that is not too strong. The serum is slightly sticky, but it is absorbed into the skin quickly after application and leaves a smooth velvety finish which amazed me. If your skin feels sticky application, worry not and leave it for a while and it should be absorbed soon enough to make your skin feel smooth and almost powdery!

Another plus point of the serum is that instead of making one's face oily after use like some products do, it keeps one's face matte, smooth and velvety for a very long period of time after application. I suspect that the effects can last even longer if not for my habit of spraying myself with facial mist or washing my face in the washroom whenever I am lethargic to freshen myself. Regardless, I do see the potential of the product, and many has claimed that they have seen very good results after 3 weeks of use.

So far I have used the product sparingly for one week, because there were a few days I was suffering from some mild breakouts which always happen whenever I sleep late consecutively, so I was rather hesitant to irritate my skin further because I read on other reviews that for some individuals, the Vitamin C content (also known as ascorbic acid) might be rather strong and worsen their breakouts. However, in my days of use, I don't see any worsening of any spots that I have and I can safely conclude that this amazing serum does not irritate my skin, at least.

The pale yellow/orange serum.

Why use this product?
So you have been reading about how amazing this product is so far, and probably know by now that Vitamin C is really good for the skin, but I guess you will probably be wondering.

1. What are the benefits of  Vitamin C?
2. How do I know if I need this product?
3. Why should I choose O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum over the other twenty or so products out there in the market?

Benefits of Vitamin C
I am sure a lot of us would have heard how Vitamin C helps us brighten our complexion and also prevents aging of the skin, but how exactly does it do that? Or is it just some myth or propaganda used by cosmetic companies to market their products?

If you are thinking alone that line, you are not alone! I used to be rather skeptical whenever I am told that "this-and-this" will make your skin better and healthier, and I would secretly think to myself, "Oh really?" while dismissing the words of the marketer. But hey, for this review, I went to the extent of doing some research on the benefits of Vitamin C for the skin and I am sure that you all will be glad to know that no, it is not just a myth that Vitamin C is good for your skin - it is actually scientifically-based!

Vitamin C is an effective anti-oxidant, which in the layman's term, means that it will prevents the aging of our skin via oxidation. It is indeed rather ironic that oxygen sustains us, but it oxidizes our cells and ultimately "kills" us in the long run. Hence to counter such, there is a need for anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C. Not only so, Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production of collagen in your skin, and collagen is vital in keeping your skin smooth, young and supple and prevent them from sagging. (Source of information: www.fitday.com)

Vitamin C also helps to slow the rate of free-radical damage -- free radicals damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage. (source of information: health.howstuffworks.com)

Source: Wishtrend.com

Who is this product for?
Needless to say, I am sure you girls out there, regardless of age, will want to have smooth and supple skin that is like baby's! If you are one of the younger readers, then why not give this product a try? It will help you retain your youthful and radiant skin by battling oxidants and allow your skin to stand out amongst your peers! Not only so, I share the woes of many teenagers that suffer from breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads etc...the list goes on. As mentioned earlier, Vitamin C reverses DNA damage and stimulate the production of collagen, which means that it aids in the healing of acne scars which are not only unsightly but also confidence-diminishing!

As for my more mature readers who are starting to find signs of aging skin, here is my recommended solution to your skin problems! Given the aforementioned benefits of Vitamin C, I personally will hold this Pure Vitamin Serum at high regards given the multiple skin benefits it can bring me. Not only does it make our skin younger, it also brightens dull skin, giving one and all the much sought after "Korean Ulzzang" look!

Why should I choose this product over others?
If you have any of the aforementioned skin problem and feel really clueless on how to improve your skin condition, why not give this a chance? Not only have many bloggers tried out this product and recorded the improvement of their skin conditions via photos taken before and after its trial, you should also see the ranking of this product on online stores...

O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum is one of the weekly best amongst competitors on Wishtrend.

Top 2 HOT ITEM on qoo10.sg, the Singapore online shopping web!

If there are that many people raving about this product, there must be something good about it right? Not to mention that there has been so much evidences of proven results. You can simply Google "O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum" and find many rave reviews of this product. Take some time to read them and then decide for yourself!

Discount!
Wait, did I just hear discount? You got it! After reading about this, you are definitely dying to buy one for yourself, so as my loyal reader, you will get some bonus and benefits! Wishtrend has kindly sent up a voucher for you guys such that you all can enjoy their products at lower rates! How cool is that?

Details:
-Voucher Code: RFXLSCOZ (3 USD voucher / Able to combine with other voucher)
-Expiry date: the end of 2013
-Minimum Amount to Use: over 20 USD order

So what are you waiting for? Check out Wishtrend.com today and get a gift to pamper yourself!

Wait wait, are you a Singaporean like me? If you are, then you must be hoping that things can be made easier for you to indulge yourself in the Wishtrend wonders on no other than...

Our very own Qoo10!

Wishtrend on Qoo10

Not only so, do remember to check out Wishtrend Singapore's Facebook Page and "like" them for more updates on latest and hottest products, skincare tips and more!

Wishtrend Singapore Facebook Page

Also, I have added Wishtrend's banner on the side of my blog as an official sponsor and I am really really still high and crazy about Wishtrend and the amazing Vitamin C serum they sent me, and I hope that I will have more chances to work with Wishtrend in the future to bring you guys even more amazing products from Wishtrend!

Till next time, bye!

The Right to Complain

[Post is meant to be humorous, please do not take it overly-seriously.]

I have came to realize that The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is lacking a fundamental and important article, and I shall add it in on behalf of the whining masses that have been long deprived of their rights, the

Right to complain

The Right to Complain is often glanced over and given very little importance. We have to understand that every being should be entitled a right to complain, even though the being is suggested to be sensitive when carrying out his or her complaints.

Just in case you are wondering what provoked me to write such a long blog post fighting for the right to complain, I will now recount to you my painful story in detail. Ask and thou shalt be answered.

Anyway, I realized that each time I complain to people how screwed my results are, or how badly I did for an exam, or simply just how I am not doing well enough, the other party will be like,

"Aiyah, you don't complain. I am doing way worse than you, so don't complain."

First and foremost, I am entitled a right to complain as and when I like to. I can complain to the walls at home, I can do it to the microbes in the air, and I can do it to the mirror, and yes, I can do it to you. Of course, if I am entitled the right to complain, then the other person is entitled to the right to not listen and to tell me to shut up, which then goes to the fact that I am entitled to my right of choice of not obeying, and this round-about thing would go on forever.

No, I won't structure my argument as such.

Instead, let us just get one thing clear, just because you are in a worse situation than I am in does not make my situation any better. 

I mean, hello? Since when is this argument even valid? There is no same basis of comparison (i.e. not even happening to the same person), so how can the supposed fact that you are in a worse situation than me make my situation seem better in contrast? I mean, unless of course, I have either been through your situation and can therefore empathize with how bad your situation really is, maybe then I could feel that in comparison, my bad situation could seem marginally better than yours.

For instance, there is a really really poor man that can afford only one meal a day, and there is another really really really poor man that can afford perhaps just half a meal a day. Does that mean that make the first man richer in comparison? No! They are just in varying degrees of poverty.

Not only so, even if you are in a worse of situation than I am in, it does not mean that I would have to give up my right to complain just because I am that bit better. There is no such thing that only the person in the worst situation is allowed to complain, while anyone who is slightly better in comparison should all keep quiet. That's not the way things work. Everyone complains, from people who get A in their exams complaining that they didn't get their full marks, to people who fail their exams complaining their failure to get a pass. Everyone can complain.

That given, it does not mean that we should not be sensitive while complaining. You have to look at the target audience before you start complaining. If you are someone getting a lot of A and you expect someone who are getting a lot of S/U to sympathize with you, you probably have to wait till the person manage to get all her As first. Not only so, it would be extremely insensitive to complain about not getting full marks (for an A-grader) before someone who is failing their exams, you will probably just demoralize the person further. That is however, not to say that you cannot or must not complain before the person, because as established earlier on, everyone has the rights to complain and the rights does not end before someone who is in a worse of situation. You can try to do that, it will really just make you an unpopular fellow among your classmates/friends. This brings us to my original point of exercising some sensitivity while complaining.

I recall the other day whereby we got back our chemistry test and I screwed up mine really badly (yes it is really bad) and my classmates were trying to complain to me about their supposedly bad scores. With my aforementioned article in my head, I acknowledged their right to complain, but I also pointed out to them that I was really depressed myself at the moment and therefore had no spare energy to comfort them since I was in a worse off situation than them, perhaps then they should be more sensitive and change their target audience of their complaint. It surprised me that they offered no words of comfort as I would have if I would to be in their positions, but it bothered me little since I have already mentioned that myself being in a worse situation has not really much impact on them unless they have been in the same situation before. Hence they turned themselves to each other, both faring a step better than I did, and started a tirade on the stress and burden and how a small but powerful test had already demoralized them thoroughly. 

Anyways, I am too lazy to type further because my brain feel like jelly now and I am too tired, so I shall just summarize my points for you all:

1. We are all entitled the right to complain
2. The right does not end where the other person has done worse than you; but
3. One should always be sensitive and thoughtful when complaining
4. The listener has the right to not listen, but the complainer has the right to continue BUT
5. the continuation would make both parties fall out

See! It is not that hard! It is really just three simple statements and it would make our world a much better place to live and complain in! :D

Sukispa Skincare Set Review

Sponsored Review

Hey lovelies, I am back with another review!
This time I am introducing you girls and guys to the Sukispa Skincare series!

Sukispa Skin Care series

From left to right:

• Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser
• Renewal Bio-resurfacing Facial Peel
• Bio-active Purifying Face Serum
• Balancing Day Lotion
• Pure Facial Moisture-balancing

Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser

The exfoliating lemon grass sugar.

The exfoliating foaming cleanser has a sweet lovely smell of lemon grass and sugar, and it foams a little on contact with water. It exfoliates the skin well and leaves no sticky residue behind as one might expect it to due to the presence of natural sugar.

The foaming cleanser does not irritate the skin and the best part is that it is so natural! I love how the cleanser smells so great and natural, like an amazing fruity scent and how it leaves the skin feeling rejuvenated! I would definitely rate this a 4/5!

Renewal Bio-resurfacing Facial Peel

The facial peel works well; it is easy to use and not unpleasant to smell. Upon drying, it will tighten on the skin to form a skin-like texture which can be then washed off to reveal the younger fresher skin underneath!

While the instruction said that the peel may sting, it did not do so for me, which is fantastic as honestly who wants to have a face peels that smarts right? I think it does a great job in brightening up my complexion and making my skin look healthier and more radiant! I would rate this a 3.5/5 because of the less sweet smell!

Bio-active Purifying Face Serum

For the Purifying Face Serum, personally I felt less of an immediate effect, but I always believe that some products need to be used over a long term period for effects to be shown, and hence it would be unfair for me to judge the product based on just one or two tries. However, it is undeniable that upon applying the serum, my face did feel smoother and less oily as compared to without the serum, hence this serum may prove to be useful over a long period!

Balancing Day Lotion

Woah, that is many steps to follow through in a skincare procedure, but trust me, if you stick to the end, you will definitely see the results! The balancing day lotion like its name helps to balance your skin's moisture and other components such that your skin's natural conditions can be restored, allowing your skin to thrive!

I love how the Sukispa/face series places so much emphasis on using natural ingredients and they do try their best to be as organic as possible, which is excellent since we don't want that much chemicals on our face!

I like the feeling of the balancing day lotion on my skin because it makes my skin feels soft and hydrated. I would rate this a 3.5/5!

Similar to the Balancing Day Lotion is the Pure Facial Moisture-balancing lotion which is intended for night use. I think both of the essence did a great job in hydrating and keeping my skin soft while breathable, and the best part is that neither of them went to the extent of clogging my pores or making my skin too oily, and just that alone makes me rate Pure Facial Moisture-balancing lotion a 4/5!

Would you like to find out more? Head over to their facebook today to find out more about their wonderful products!

https://www.facebook.com/puretincture

 Thank you for reading and see you all soon!

Last Verse of Grief

Last Verse of Grief
[Original Poem on Live & Dictate]

For years now, I have walked
Aimlessly, in the dark, dingy abyss
that you and I called "home".
I stumbled, tripped and fell
There were no hands to hold me up.

I grieved, oh,  how I grieved.

Ever sat by the window and wondered
for hours at an end,
that if things would have been better
if I had not been me?
I had no answers for it. Just guesses.

I grieved, still, I grieved.

Every sunset I spent,
Watching silhouettes of the birds
against the dimming, fiery sky; returning home
As the last inch of sun fell with my heart
I turned and questioned, "Where is my home?"

The grief of mine, it knew no bounds.

The same creaking window, the same dimming sky,
The ever changing birds, the ever ticking time
washed away the last remnants of a childhood
that I rather not remember.
I looked back on me and think, "That's not me."

Oh, but the grief, it escalates as I seem to fall back in time.

But no. I am me no longer,
I have grown up, grown stronger.
No one can hurt me now.
The memories to me feel like I was watching
the painful, horror-filled life of someone else.

I have to reconcile with myself.

So this is the last verse,
The very last verse of grief,
of unspeakable, immense, unimaginable pain
that had almost driven me insane.
But my wounds close, as this last verse falls.

My last verse of grief, dedicated to a once-grieving me.

My Scheming 5 Piece Special Edition

Sponsored Review
[Please note that products have been tried for several weeks prior to the review and the review is honest and based solely on my personal opinions without the influence of the sponsors! ^^]

Hey lovelies, sorry for not introducing you girls to anything new for so long, and I will make it up to you all today by sharing with you a special edition of my favourite mask brand...

My Scheming!

Honestly, I have been using My Scheming's amazing masks since early this year (like since the start of January?) and I have to declare to everyone of you here that this mask does wonders to my skin! 

BUT...

Has it ever pained you that My Scheming masks comes in sets of 10 of the same masks, which means that for people with limited beauty funds like you and I have to spend hours contemplating which box of My Scheming mask we are going to indulge ourselves with?

Hence, My Scheming decided to solve this problem for us by coming up with a brilliant solution:

My Scheming 5 Piece Special Edition!

My Scheming Special 5 piece Edition

Can we take a brief moment to admire the intricate design of just the box? I personally do place quite some emphasis on the packaging as I feel that it reflects quite a bit on how much importance the manufacturer places on his buyers! Here are the goodies inside:

My Scheming Aloe Vera + Vitamin E Mask

My Scheming Bird's Nest Collagen Hydrating Mask

My Scheming Deep Cleansing Pore Minimizing Mask

My Scheming Milk Extract Brightening Mask

My Scheming Skin Clarifying Astringent Mask

All of these masks come together to help you solve your problems of having visible pores (Deep Cleansing and Skin Clarifying), wrinkles (Bird's Nest and Aloe Vera) and uneven skin tone (Milk extract and skin clarifying)!

Can I hear a WOW?

If you were to ask me which one of the above is my favourite, I would probably have to mull over it for a pretty long time and tell you that I pretty much love them all since they have done my skin much good!

I mean each of the masks has its own merits and plus points so it is pretty hard to decide on one favorite one to review on especially...but I shall make the hard decision!

I think one of my most favourite is Milk Extract Brightening Mask! I originally intended to pick Pore Minimizing Mask again, but I have reviewed that before and it would be kind of pointless to re-review it again, right? So I decided to review on my second favourite!

The Milk Extract Brightening Mask, like its name, aims to help those with uneven skin tone to brighten up and even their skin tone, thus giving the overall impression of a balanced and fair skin tone! I mean, can you imagine having a dull and pallid skin tone all the time? Having fair, clear and good is is definitely the foundation to being beautiful!

The Milk Extract Brightening Mask has a lovely, slightly milky scent that is nowhere near to strong or unwelcoming. Next to that, My Scheming Masks always provide 30 ml of essence instead of the more common 20ml and 25ml provided by most of the other mask brands. This essence-soaked mask will hydrate your skin well and enrich it with nutrients, thus improving your skin tone!

Like all other My Scheming masks, this one is also extremely comfortable to use and the mask-period was definitely a great enjoyment! For me, the mask fits very well and does not cause any itching, stinging or discomfort at all.

After removing the mask, I found my skin to be much much clearer, and a little too bright and white, and if you are facing the same problem, worry not! That moment of "too brightness" will not last for too long and your skin tone will return to a healthier and more normal shade of fairness in an hour or two! However, the suppleness in skin remains in the skin for a good day or two and my skin continued to look refreshed and clear for the rest of the day!

Personally, I think that in order to more or less retain the "clear and fresh" look provided by the mask, some skincare steps must be carried out after using the mask such that the nutrients absorbed won't just diffuse back to the surrounding air. I use toner and moisturizer about half an hour after using the mask such that I can retain the pleasant after-effects of using Milk Extract Brightening Masks!

Rating
No doubt I am extremely satisfied with this mask and this ENTIRE box of masks as a whole and I won't hesitate to give 5 out of 5 for Milk Extract Brightening Mask and 4.5/5 for the Special Edition Box as a whole!

I definitely will purchase Milk Extract Brightening Mask again once I have the time to go out and shop, and if the 5 piece Edition is present then, trust me that the first thing I would do is to stock up a good five box of them for me to enjoy them slowly through out the year!

Unfortunately for now, the 5 Piece Special Edition has drawn to a close just recently (27th March), but I do believe that due to the popular demand that it holds, the 5 Piece Special Edition would be back soon!

In the mean time, do head over to My Scheming's Facebook Page to like them and keep yourself updated on the frequent giveaway and sampling exercises that their Facebook organizes! You will be missing out on a lot of good things in life if you still haven't become a fan of their page!

Have you tried out the 5 Piece Special Edition yet?

Which one is your favourite? :)

To This Day by Shane Koyczan

Today I found the most inspirational poem ever, and I urge everyone of you to listen to it, the audio one with fantastic animation. I fell in love with this guy and his voice, and his courage to speak up, his courage to care.

Poem is taken from http://tothisdayproject.com/listen, please do take a moment to check it out and support!

The animation can be found here: http://www.upworthy.com/bullies-called-him-pork-chop-he-took-that-pain-with-him-and-then-cooked-it-into?g=3

It is a really amazing animation with a really flawless voice over, and I promise that you will not waste your 7minutes 37 seconds listening and watching it!

Like Shane Koyczan's page here: https://www.facebook.com/ShaneKoyczanPoetry?c=upworthy


To This Day by Shane Koyczan

To This Day
When I was a kid
I used to think that pork chops and karate chops
were the same thing
I thought they were both pork chops
and because my grandmother thought it was cute
and because they were my favourite
she let me keep doing it

not really a big deal

one day
before I realized fat kids are not designed to climb trees
I fell out of a tree
and bruised the right side of my body

I didn’t want to tell my grandmother about it
because I was afraid I’d get in trouble
for playing somewhere that I shouldn’t have been

a few days later the gym teacher noticed the bruise
and I got sent to the principal’s office
from there I was sent to another small room
with a really nice lady
who asked me all kinds of questions
about my life at home

I saw no reason to lie
as far as I was concerned
life was pretty good
I told her “whenever I’m sad
my grandmother gives me karate chops”

this led to a full scale investigation
and I was removed from the house for three days
until they finally decided to ask how I got the bruises

news of this silly little story quickly spread through the school
and I earned my first nickname

pork chop

to this day
I hate pork chops

I’m not the only kid
who grew up this way
surrounded by people who used to say
that rhyme about sticks and stones
as if broken bones
hurt more than the names we got called
and we got called them all
so we grew up believing no one
would ever fall in love with us
that we’d be lonely forever
that we’d never meet someone
to make us feel like the sun
was something they built for us
in their tool shed
so broken heart strings bled the blues
as we tried to empty ourselves
so we would feel nothing
don’t tell me that hurts less than a broken bone
that an ingrown life
is something surgeons can cut away
that there’s no way for it to metastasize

it does

she was eight years old
our first day of grade three
when she got called ugly
we both got moved to the back of the class
so we would stop get bombarded by spit balls
but the school halls were a battleground
where we found ourselves outnumbered day after wretched day
we used to stay inside for recess
because outside was worse
outside we’d have to rehearse running away
or learn to stay still like statues giving no clues that we were there
in grade five they taped a sign to her desk
that read beware of dog

to this day
despite a loving husband
she doesn’t think she’s beautiful
because of a birthmark
that takes up a little less than half of her face
kids used to say she looks like a wrong answer
that someone tried to erase
but couldn’t quite get the job done
and they’ll never understand
that she’s raising two kids
whose definition of beauty
begins with the word mom
because they see her heart
before they see her skin
that she’s only ever always been amazing

he
was a broken branch
grafted onto a different family tree
adopted
but not because his parents opted for a different destiny
he was three when he became a mixed drink
of one part left alone
and two parts tragedy
started therapy in 8th grade
had a personality made up of tests and pills
lived like the uphills were mountains
and the downhills were cliffs
four fifths suicidal
a tidal wave of anti depressants
and an adolescence of being called popper
one part because of the pills
and ninety nine parts because of the cruelty
he tried to kill himself in grade ten
when a kid who still had his mom and dad
had the audacity to tell him “get over it” as if depression
is something that can be remedied
by any of the contents found in a first aid kit

to this day
he is a stick on TNT lit from both ends
could describe to you in detail the way the sky bends
in the moments before it’s about to fall
and despite an army of friends
who all call him an inspiration
he remains a conversation piece between people
who can’t understand
sometimes becoming drug free
has less to do with addiction
and more to do with sanity

we weren’t the only kids who grew up this way
to this day
kids are still being called names
the classics were
hey stupid
hey spaz
seems like each school has an arsenal of names
getting updated every year
and if a kid breaks in a school
and no one around chooses to hear
do they make a sound?
are they just the background noise
of a soundtrack stuck on repeat
when people say things like
kids can be cruel?
every school was a big top circus tent
and the pecking order went
from acrobats to lion tamers
from clowns to carnies
all of these were miles ahead of who we were
we were freaks
lobster claw boys and bearded ladies
oddities
juggling depression and loneliness playing solitaire spin the bottle
trying to kiss the wounded parts of ourselves and heal
but at night
while the others slept
we kept walking the tightrope
it was practice
and yeah
some of us fell

but I want to tell them
that all of this shit
is just debris
leftover when we finally decide to smash all the things we thought
we used to be
and if you can’t see anything beautiful about yourself
get a better mirror
look a little closer
stare a little longer
because there’s something inside you
that made you keep trying
despite everyone who told you to quit
you built a cast around your broken heart
and signed it yourself
you signed it
“they were wrong”
because maybe you didn’t belong to a group or a click
maybe they decided to pick you last for basketball or everything
maybe you used to bring bruises and broken teeth
to show and tell but never told
because how can you hold your ground
if everyone around you wants to bury you beneath it
you have to believe that they were wrong

they have to be wrong

why else would we still be here?
we grew up learning to cheer on the underdog
because we see ourselves in them
we stem from a root planted in the belief
that we are not what we were called we are not abandoned cars stalled out and sitting empty on a highway
and if in some way we are
don’t worry
we only got out to walk and get gas
we are graduating members from the class of
fuck off we made it
not the faded echoes of voices crying out
names will never hurt me

of course
they did

but our lives will only ever always
continue to be
a balancing act
that has less to do with pain
and more to do with beauty.

A Million Others

A Million Others
If I were to be life a million others,
Then I would not be me
I would, instead, be a carbon copy
With no uniqueness or individuality.

But nobody seems to respect the real me.
I am always asked to do what I cannot complete.
And when I fail, I am asked why I don't fit
into a society that promotes similarity.

It pains me too, that I can't be another "it",
and that I cannot behave in a way deemed fit
For my difference, I am uprooted like weed,
and to my weeping, no one pays heed.

I try, I do try so hard to fit,
to be like that hundreds and thousands of mimicry
Till I realize that my efforts are futile
and my pains are useless.
Then I throw my hands up in defeat
and just let others judge me
as they should please.