Oh man. I seems to be hit by one problem follow by another one and another one. Not sure if you ever heard about this myth before, I used to hear about people getting cracked heels from wearing strappy high heels often. Okay, here’s the thing. I’ve been wearing strappy high heels all my life. Nope. I don’t find my foot to be drier than usual nor do I suffer any cracked heels. Then I develop a new profound love for pumps so I stopped wearing strappy high heels. But because I have rather large foot, narrow pump hurt my toes a lot. So once in a while I take a breather or rather a break from pump to strappy high heels.

A few months ago I notice that my foot is rather err…ugly, dry and cracked. I asked my mum if this is cracked heels and mum said “oh yeah, that’s certainly cracked heels”. I panicked, then I make my brain work overtime for a home solution. Lucky for me, I have the tools at home, tried one very simple solution and it works well on me. Here’s my version of achieving a soft and smooth heels.

Step 1: Scrub Gently

Thanks to MIVVA July 2013 for including a pumice stone in the box that I didn’t have to go search blindly at the drugstore without knowing what to look for. I am certainly a noob in this.

I did a quick Google to read about how to use the pumice stone. I was scared the first time I used this. I cannot help but to think what if I accidentally scrub too hard until the skin peels off. What I do is to wet both my feet and the pumice stone then lightly scrub the cracked heels area while standing under the shower. Of course you can soak both your feet in warm water sitting down and scrub. I didn’t want to waste too much time on this so I literally scrub while standing on one leg under running shower. The first time after scrubbing, I feel that my heels are somehow feeling weird. I’ve checked thoroughly and my heels are still intact lol. It’s just a psychology mind game that’s going on in my mind . I usually scrub until I couldn’t feel the rough skin anymore or until I couldn’t see the cracked lines.

Step 2: Moisturise With Foot Cream

I have no idea why I bought this L’Occitane Foot Cream two years ago. Initially I read about people raving this cream. So I bought it. It’s quite an impulsive purchase actually. I thought I should apply a foot cream onto my feet just like applying hand cream onto my hands. Eventually I grew lazy and this foot cream has been put on a side.

Again, lucky for me, this foot cream is handy to me when I needed it the most now. After scrubbing with pumice stone and drying up both my feet, I will apply a generous amount of L’Occitane Foot Cream onto the cracked heels area. I choose not to apply all over my feet as that would mean my movement will be limited. Usually I apply before bed. I would rest my leg onto a pillow while waiting for the foot cream to dry. When it does, I’ll change position and sleep like normal. This foot cream does set to a dry finishing. It’s not tacky or sticky at all.

L’Occitane Foot Cream has a lavender scent. It’s not my favourite scent of all but since it’s going to my feet, I couldn’t be bothered. It does a pretty good job so far in moisturising my cracked heels. The texture is more runnier than other foot cream and not sticky like other foot cream as well.

Perhaps it could be my cracked heels is not that severe so I can see result in just one day. Believe it or not, I woke up with a feet like it wasn’t cracked before. Sad to say this is a temporary solution. I don’t do this process on daily basis. I only do it as and when needed only. If I repeat the process for a few days in a row, I can see a more softer and smoother feet. Sometimes I grew lazy and the cracked heels is back.

Overall, I’m quite pleased to maintain this 2-step home solution because it doesn’t take too much of my time. I have read about other home remedies and boy that is so time consuming and tedious.

Do you suffer from cracked heels as well? How did you combat it? What’s your solution or remedy? Do share!

The post Tips: How To Achieve a Soft and Smooth Heels appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

As most of you are aware, MIVVA has decided to ceased it’s beauty box subscription service and focus on their online store http://mivva.com/shop. It’s hard to bid goodbye to one of the best and favourite beauty box among local subscribers but I have nothing but good wishes for the girls. They have my understanding and full support

So. What best to make a grand exit if not with Christmas box eh? The MIVVA Special Edition Christmas Box December 2013 Edition would be the best and the last. This time round, the box is in limited quantities so they didn’t send any to bloggers. It’s like I have a sixth sense or something because I redeemed one box using my points. I wouldn’t want to remember MIVVA without it’s last box.

In this MIVVA Special Edition Christmas Box December 2013 Edition, there’s four full size, five sample and one small gift.

Full Size Shairé London Hair Perfume Dry Shampoo 60ml (RM35.90 / 60ml)

This fragrance-free dry shampoo is created for those that are into Shairé London’s dry shampoo formula for the use during Haj or Umrah pilgrimage. Okay, that sounds superb for it’s purpose but as a non-Muslim I’m not attracted to buy it if it’s me. But since it’s dry shampoo, it’s going to suit everyone. I don’t understand the scent-free properties though. I prefer my shampoo to smells like a shampoo at least.

Another thing to note is the manufacturing date. It’s stated June 2011 with no PAO stated.

Full Size Secretleaf Men Original Facial Wash 95ml (RM15.90 / 95ml)

As the name suggest, this is a MEN facial wash ya. It’s formulated with amino acid which for men’s skin which is more oily and sweaty. No trace of sulphate that could erode the natural layer of the skin which could cause dryness and redness.

I’m actually against getting a men product in a women beauty box. This would be my second time receiving an item for men in beauty box. I see it as a good and bad thing. It’s just not my beauty box preference. This is going to my brother on the other hand because he’s currently using all my cleanser lol.

Full Size Néula 8-In-1 Tea Tree BB Cream With Tea Tree Essence SPF30 PA+++ 30ml (Retail: RM23.90 / 30ml)

No introduction needed for this BB Cream as it already make an appearance in last month’s MIVVA “BFF Sleepover Kit” November 2013 edition. It’s the only matte BB Cream I ever used. Like this one a lot but it’s quite sheer. Overall not a bad BB Cream to use. Affordable too.

Uriage Gyn-Phy Intimate Hygiene Protective Cleansing Gel 50ml (Retail: RM24.90 / 200ml)

Before everyone start using this cleanser on their face…STOP. It’s actually feminine wash for your private area. OMG. I nearly use it on my face too. Just use this as body wash on your private area. Simple

Full Size Beautymate Cherry Blossom 2-In-1 Baby Skin Ultra Moisture Barrier Mask 1-Piece + Natural Care Moisturizing Peeling Gel 2ml (RM9.90)

2-In-1 facial sheet mask is not new in the market but what’s new is that you actually use the peeling gel first before using the mask. Every other 2-In-1 mask in the market is to use the mask first then apply the essence provided. I prefer this version better because I personally scrub or use peeling gel before using sheet mask.

This product is said to build natural and smooth baby-like skin with the combination of polypeptides and botanical extracts to prevent skin damage from the environment.

Neuzell Oxygene Bubble Cleanser 10ml (Retail: RM89.90 / 100ml)

This cleanser is a makeup remover, contain whitening properties and hydrating properties as well. It is infused with oxygenated purified water enriched with natural Chamomile, Green Tea, Algae and Matricaria oil extracts. Now that explains the green color. What it does is that it deliver oxygen and all the botanical active ingredients for an instant detoxification and invigorates tired and dull skin. Especially effective on acne-prone skin.

Miacare Acne Patch For Day 3 Patches (Retail: RM9.50 for Day 12 Patches, RM9.70 for Night 12 Patches & RM13.90 for Mix of 9+9 Patches)

Ahhh a new acne patch besides my favourite Nexcare. This patch absorb pus and conceal the acne at the same time so acne is less visible and heals without scaring.

Redflo Hair Shampoo 2-Sachets (Retail: RM69.90 / 750ml)

I guess this is the last time we get to receive a product from Somang group eh? This Redflo shampoo is to restore brittle, dull and dry hair which means this is a shampoo meant for damage hair. It also helps to make hair more stronger and smoother. Infused with Camellia fragrance.

Here’s a little something extra. I get the bath loofah again which I’ve gotten from MIVVA “BFF Sleepover Kit” November 2013 edition. I do hope I get something else instead since I already gotten one from MIVVA just last month.

Did MIVVA managed to make an exit with a superb box? No doubt this MIVVA Special Edition Christmas Box December 2013 Edition is with more products and varieties but I’m not “feeling” the men cleanser and feminine wash. I was actually excited to see Uriage again as I absolutely love the cleansing gel previously but no worries, I can still accept the feminine wash. The only flaw is the feminine wash packaging should be different from the cleanser because many will mis-look and use it as facial cleanser.

Good bye MIVVA. Thank you for a fabulous year full with surprises. You have given me nothing but good, full with different varieties product and surprise boxes.

Disclaimer: The is not a sponsored review. I redeemed for a box using my MIVVA Points.

The post MIVVA Special Edition Christmas Box December 2013 Edition Review. Exiting Beauty Box Industry With A Bang appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Time for a review on one of my favourite beauty box’s latest edition – MIVVA “BFF Sleepover Kit” November 2013

Just a day before MIVVA send out the November edition, the girls at MIVVA posted a sneak peek of the content while they were doing the usual monthly packing. I was able to roughly guessed the content although the picture wasn’t a close up shot. I saw a tube and knew that’s full size and it looked like a cleanser and I certainly can see the nail polish as well as the sheet mask clearly. I wasn’t able to figure out what’s the white and pink tube was and the brands but the content looked interesting.

The next day I checked Instagram and was a bit put off because most of the picture uploaded by subscribers who had received their box wasn’t a close shot either! Urrggghh! I returned home after work and saw my parcel on my bed. Without any delay, as fast as a lightning…I ripped through the PosLaju courier plastic for the awaited surprise. The excitement was hyped up further as mum was standing next to me eagerly waiting to find out as well

This was indeed a surprise.

I like how MIVVA put a theme on their monthly box. November 2013 edition’s theme is “BFF Sleepover Kit”. The theme is basically self-explanatory so I’m not going further into the theme. The products in each box are more or less have something to do with the theme.

FULL SIZE Néula 8-In-1 Tea Tree BB Cream With Tea Tree Essence SPF30 PA+++ 30ml (Retail: RM23.90 / 30ml)

Earlier I mentioned that I sort of guessed that there are a full size cleanser tube in the box right? I was right but MIVVA sent out three types of full size product from Néula. I thought I would be getting the cleanser but I was so happy to get a BB Cream instead. Yeah I know I’m not a fan of BB Cream but since I have a lot at home, I’m slowly adapting BB Cream into my makeup regime :D. The main reason on why I dislike BB Cream is because it’s too oily for my oily skin type. This Néula BB Cream is actually oil free. Wow. First time seeing or hearing a BB Cream that are oil free! It has a lot of benefit such as anti-pimple, oil control *hallelujah!* revitalization, UV protection, anti-aging, evening skin tone, soothing and light-weight. The price is very affordable. I’m using it today for the first time. So far so good

FULL SIZE Stage Nail Color #11 Vivacious 11ml (Retail: RM35 / 11ml)

This nail color would be the second full size product in MIVVA “BFF Sleepover Kit” November 2013 Edition. The color that I received is a purple. This nail color from Stage is said to have one coat formula that dries quickly and to a glossy, salon-perfect finishing. The color suits me perfectly. As long as I don’t get a fluorescent green LOL.

FULL SIZE UGB Facial Essence Collagen Mask (Retail: RM198.80 / 8 sheets)

I have never heard or seen the brand UGB before to be honest. The mask is targeted for firming and lifting because Collagen and Natto Gum ingredient in it are infused to prevent skin roughness and exhaustion from harmful environment as well as stress. This Facial Essence Collagen mask contain Hyaluronic Acid and various botanical extracts, Witch Hazel Water and Sodium Hyaluronate as a part of it’s ingredients.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream 30ml (Retail: RM149 / 120ml)

I was particularly happy to see this Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream in the box! I’ve tried it before at recent Antipodes Mineral Makeup launch. There’s two type of Hand & Body Cream – Delight and Joyful. Joyful scent is described as summer berry flirts with South Pacific hibiscus flower, thus creating this unique scent of sweet with a little bit of floral scented cream. It contain avocado oil to treat dry, tired and stressed skin. The cream is quite rich in texture, so it takes a longer time for it to absorb in and the skin feels a bit tacky thereafter. A little does goes a long way

The deluxe size comes in a cute, small little pump bottle as well. Also included is a RM20 Gift Voucher

Here’s how the full size / retail size looks like.

ONL Dermost Moistay Cream Sachet (Retail: RM144.90 / 60ml) and ONL Dermost Moistay Fresh Gel Cream (Retail: RM144.90 / 60ml)

ONL is making another appearance again with two products. Moistay Cream is a spring water cream to balance up the oil and water level in our skin. It’s a hydrating and a calming cream which is meant for intensive moisturizing. I said before in this post that oily skin user will need something more intensive in order to balance and reduce oil secretion level. That method works well for me.

Moistay Fresh Cream Gel on the other hand contain 100% spring water in it’s base. Cream gel is usually meant for oily skin users that are afraid of tackiness on the face but at the same time needing the moisturization from a cream.

Look what makes a comeback. It’s the little gift from the MIVVA team! This time we received a bath loofah :D. In pink somemore haha. Actually it’s not what or the value of a gift that puts a smile on the face. It’s the thought that counts

What I Like

Off topic but it’s the little teaser on Facebook on the box content definitely. I think that the girls are quite naughty that they snap the photo from a distance so the content is visible but I was not able to pin point directly to the exact product. The teaser was out just two days before delivery so the excitement wasn’t prolong for too long.

I certainly think MIVVA has make a comeback. Last two boxes was good but this MIVVA “BFF Sleepover Kit” November 2013 was great, with three full size item in it especially the Néula BB Cream full size. For me the products in this edition was a match to the theme.

Antipodes was a bomb too. Love the natural and organic concept

What I Don’t Like

I couldn’t find anything that I don’t like about this MIVVA “BFF Sleepover Kit” November 2013 edition. The content suits me well

Conclusion

I still think so far MIVVA is still one of the best beauty box in Malaysia. I really do salute the girls for being able to source all these wonderful brands for us to know and try such as Néula, UGB, Antipodes and ONL. I’m quite glad that there’s no repeat from other competitor box otherwise the same product will be overflowing in my room. For me MIVVA certainly did make a comeback with this box and proved that they are one of the best in the market.

I know most of you would prefer a BB Cream instead. What did you get? Cleanser or face lotion? Anyone with face lotion do let me know if it’s good for oil control

Disclaimer: The box was sent to me for review consideration. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post MIVVA “BFF Sleepover Kit” November 2013 Edition Review appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Tell you a silly story. Actually this MIVVA “Snow White” October 2013 Edition came to me by surprise. I didn’t know I’m getting a box this month because usually mine arrived the same time with everyone else. So when everyone already received theirs, I thought I’m not getting any. But I wasn’t sad or anything. I already knew that MIVVA have a lot of bloggers under their review wings. In fact I was happy to hear other fellow blogger friend whom never received MIVVA, received theirs for review

One day. Just this one fine day. I came home to a parcel on my bed. I was actually happy that the girls didn’t forget me LOL! So this month’s “Snow White” edition really took me by surprise. I had this excitement of receiving beauty box all over again. Let’s see what’s in this MIVVA “Snow White” October 2013 Edition shall we? Ready?

I don’t know how other girls can photograph the whole box looking so full but I always like a clean look so I took away the black paper on the inside therefore it might looked a bit empty but actually it’s not really :D. For MIVVA I only expect one thing – diversity of new brand and product.

Despite some of the mixed review that I read a bit here and there, I think the overall box is not too bad considering the fact that they managed to loop in full size product as per everyone’s expectation. Like this particular product that I like the most.

FULL SIZE SecretLeaf Argan Hydrating Cleanser 95ml (Retail: RM21.90 / 95ml)

I can just die with the awesome scent of the cleanser. I’m constantly on the lookout for cleanser because it is the one thing that I used a lot on fast rate. I’m also the cleanser provider for the family so yeah, feed me with more cleanser!! Another plus point is that it contain luxurious organic argan oil and marine seaweed extract to protect the skin against all the environmental pollutant. Do expect your face to be deeply cleanse BUT also moisturizes at the same time. I bet most will be happy to hear that this cleanser is sulphate-free, paraben-free, PEG-free and also no artificial colorant which means even sensitive user can also use this.

Wonderful

Unico Pearl Scar Cream 7g (Retail: RM198.90 / 15g)

For someone who grew up having pimple most of the time, acne scarring is unavoidable. Most of you will know that I’m always trying out products to whiten these ugly marks. What this cream does it that it is helps to lighten freckles, pigmentations, dark skin tone, dark spots, blemishes, post acne scars, pimple marks and also large open pores by it’s unique re-whitening formula’s active ingredients. It correct existing dark spots and also prevent new ones from forming! According to Unico, the technology used are designed to reveal luminous complexion.

The cream comes in a beige pink color that is almost like a concealer. It doesn’t contain any artificial scent so it’s pretty much scentless to me

Another MIVVA regular is also on board this month.

FULL SIZE BeautyMate Bird Nests & Lilium Candidum Firming Rejuvenate Nano Mask (Retail: RM49.90 for 7pcs)

BeautyMate is the only mask that I knew have long fancy name to it lol. I call this the “luxury in a mask” because this mask used Thai bird’s nests. What it does is that it restore and nourishes the skin as well as revitalize dull skin as well as accelerate cell metabolism. As a result, you will see a younger looking skin!

The ingredient used is Swiftlet Nest Extract and Soluble Collage. These are effective ingredients to tighten the skin and maintain it’s elasticity. Sodium Hyaluronate is added to moisturize the skin, refining and tightening pores. I have seen the benefit of bird’s nest before (not Lo Hong Ka one ok?) and it does have beauty benefit in it if used in a long run. People say consuming bird’s nest often will see a smoother skin. The collagen in it will give you that boing boing elastic skin

Hydra 24 Cracked Heel Cream 10g (Retail: RM23.90 / 50g)

Oh wow. This is something new to me. I’ve never seen this product before but it seems like it is from Apex Pharmacy. It is said to offer 100% plant-derived elements to ensure a long and instant lasting hydrating to the heels. It heals the crack area by the healing system in it. It works both way – on and under the surface of the skin. This bio-based natural heel moisturizer is formulated with non-oily formula, it’s light and it’s with proven anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant ingredients. It actually smells good for a heel cream too! Come one. Everyone gone through cracked heel before

ONL Ecopure White Balance Skin Toner 5ml (Retail: RM89.90 / 120ml)
ONL Ecopure White Balance Emulsion 5ml (Retail: RM89.90 / 120ml)

Awww. Where is my cookie wrapper for this sample :(. Just kidding! Too used to see nice wrapper for this duo sample in previous month’s box.

I believe the brand ONL is by the same company with Somang too from the packaging? So I learnt that this is a mild yet powerful hydrating and glossy care products. It contain pure natural recipe which is why it is mild. I don’t understand the “glossy care” part lol. Both of this contain nopal cactus and aqua-holder complex that works by opening the moisture pathway of the skin and at the same time works it’s brightening and whitening magic. Which means this is a hydrating brightening products!

ONL Oceaniq 3D Anti-Wrinkle Total Solution CC SPF30/PA++ Sachet (Retail: RM149.90 / 35ml)

It’s good to be introduced to another CC Cream :). Okay so this CC Cream gives a 3D volume elastic care with it’s…hang on…wait for it…”sticky liposome technology”. It is one energetic volume color control cream that solve all the skin care + make up problems. I bet you went “huh” for a split second. So in a nutshell this CC Cream is for those that are lazy in using skin care + make up :D. Easier to understand in layman term eh? This product basically is a toner + essence + lotion + primer + BB Cream. I’m not sure if you know this or not but I did explain before the difference between BB and CC Cream in this post.

But I’m going to explain again. BB Cream = make up. CC Cream = skin care + make up.

So it does makes sense for this ONL CC Cream. I’m excited to try this out soon!

What do you think? Do you think I’ll like this box or I’ll have a neutral feeling on it?

What I Like

My readers will know what I like about MIVVA. It’s the brand and product diversity. It’s how the box introduces new product and brand to their loyal subscribers. It’s a beauty box that still managed to maintain the original meaning of beauty box. I’m a fan of MIVVA. I’m not going to lie

This month I was fed with 5 out of 6 products that I totally knew zero of it’s existence. And I’m darn excited about it! I’m actually more excited with the only sachet in the box this time. CC Cream never fail to intrigue me.

What I Don’t Like

Put the argan cleanser aside (that’s my favorite), everything else is a tad bit too small. I have no issue with Unico Pearl Scar Cream. A little goes a long way anyway. ONL sample set size is expected. They always come in such a cute bottle. But overall a bit too small lah. But I’ve been so pampered by MIVVA for the past 1 year on all the wonderful boxes and wonderful wonderful products. A diet once in a while is acceptable lol!

I also notice there’s no small little gift from MIVVA. Awww. Maybe I can suggest the cute mini towel doggy figurine? Can? I want the pink one if you girls ever give that out again haha!

Conclusion

Looking at the bigger picture…it was alright. Last month’s edition contain too much sachet and this month’s sample is a tad bit small. However, I think MIVVA still did and maintain a good job with product selection and quality.

What’s your favorite product in this edition?

Disclaimer: The box was sent to me for review consideration. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post MIVVA “Snow White” October 2013 Edition Review appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona