If you're anything like me, the prospect of shopping online for contact lenses leaves you feeling more skeptical than sure. But here's a good place to start: with MrLens, a one-stop online store for all your vision(ary) needs!

Previously, I've heard of MrLens through several bloggers, but have yet to try their service myself. That's when I heard of the MrLens affiliate programme through the Malaysian Butterfly Bloggers group. Own a blog AND wear contact lenses? You're in for a treat!

What is MrLens?

An online provider of eye-care products, including daily, weekly, monthly and even colored contact lenses. They provide affordable, convenient and reliable services, and best of all, FREE delivery within West Malaysia! Certain products are also available at cheaper prices and discounts compared to the regular retail prices.

If you're a blogger, MrLens is now offering rewards to those who sign up for an affililate programme! Upon successful sign-up, you can receive an incentive of 2 boxes of Freshlook Colourblends worth RM180!

Here's how:

A little introduction about the Affiliate Programme

Once you've decided to opt in, time to head over to the Login Page and create a free account!

 You know the works!

Choose your desired swift code for your bank - according to the list provided!

Hooray! You're In! Now the only step left is to make the banners visible on your blog.

Choose from a variety of banners available on the banner page!

Ta-da, you're officially a MrLens affiliate now, and you can start getting rewarded up to 10% reimbursement on advertising costs! How awesome is that?

I know this is pretty last minute, but if you sign-up as an affiliate AND blog about it before the 31st of March (that leaves us about a day), you get the bonus incentive of 2 free boxes of Freshlook Colorblends plus a chance to walk away with a free camera in the lucky draw. Who doesn't love free stuff?

Don't want to miss out? Get blogging now!

Let's face it. Shopping can sometimes be more of a chore than a convenience, especially for plus sizes. As a teenager, I remember dreading the prospect of going shopping, mainly because I could never find the right sizes that fit my body. I would gaze longingly at the clothes labeled 'free size', knowing that however 'free' a sizing, it would never be right for me.

Thankfully, international clothing manufacturers have begun to realise the expansion of a global plus size market, and recently started releasing larger sizes. In Malaysia, the plus size clothing industry is still rather limited, but gradually improving. While size UK14 is still considered XL in Malaysia while UK16 is 2XL, I've heard that size UK16 is no longer labeled as plus size in the US due to vanity sizing!

After much research and hours of browsing clothing stores, I've come up with a few of my favourite stores to shop. It's still a jungle out there, but hopefully by sharing some of my favourite plus size stores, it would serve as form of inspiration to all you lovely plus sizers out there. We've all got to be clothed, haven't we? And there's no excuse to bum around all day in baggy T-Shirts (I used to do that, guilty as charged).

So, let's march towards plus size fabulousness!

Here are some of my favourite plus size stores:

1. Jessabella Plus Size Stealz (or JPSS for short)
One of my favourite places to shop online - carries a huge selection of plus size clothing, up to sizes UK22-24! I love the fact that Jessica (the owner) always measures the clothing for reference, a key deciding factor towards buying online.

Since we can't touch, feel or try clothing online, the only indicator would be photos and measurements, and  her measurements are almost always accurate! I really love her leggings, shorts and blazer selections. She also responses quickly to emails, and sends out the parcels regularly. I would highly recommend her store!

Price: from RM15 - RM60

Plus-o-meter: 4/5 Stars

Red Blazer (Slim Vivicut Jacket) from JPSS - RM48
Black Slacks from Brands Outlet - RM69,
Inner Tube from FOS - RM9 (if not mistaken)
Heels from Vincci - RM42
Bag from Fiorelli UK - RM120

Black Top from Cotton On - RM15!
Denim Shorts from JPSS - RM35
Heels from Walk In - RM42
Bag from Bonita - RM37
Belt from Primark UK - £2
Moustache Necklace from store in Paradigm - RM10

2. Cotton On!
If I could only shop in ONE store for the rest of my life, it would surely be Cotton On. I'm hopelessly in love with the simple yet fashionable pieces at super affordable prices - especially when they have storewide sales up to 70% off! I kid you not...I bought a few shirts at only RM15 each, shoes at RM10 and even dresses from RM30!

They also carry sizes up to AU14 or US10, which measure up to about UK14-16. My top tip: Spend some time browsing the sales racks! You might just strike gold. And their salespeople are generally helpful and friendly.

The only qualms I have with Cotton On is the fabric tends to stretch and lose its shape after a while, but with proper maintenance it would last a little longer.

Price: from RM10 - RM100+

Plus-o-meter: 4.5/5 Stars

White Lace Dress from Cotton On - only RM45!
Heels from Walk In - RM15 only!

Flowery Print Skirt from Cotton On - RM15
White Shirt from PDI - RM10
Heels from Walk In - RM15!
Bag - it was a gift, not sure about the price
#Likeasir Necklace from a little shop in Paradigm - RM10

Can't get enough of #LikeASir accessories! Only RM10 each!

3. H&M
My definition of H&M would be 'Holy Moly'. Because I can literally spend hours in the store till my teeth fall out, my legs give way and I ascend to heaven saying 'Holy Moly'. Lately I've been obsessed with printed pants - flowery, graphic, leopard?!, black & white, polka dots - just can't get enough of it.

So when I found a pair in H&M that actually fit me (their sizes go up to EU42 - which is about UK12-14), I was ecstatic with joy, but not so ecstatic about the price. It cost a whopping RM119, which was a little too much considering the material was rather thin and sheer. With a heavy heart, I placed it back on the rack. Till next time, my flowery friend.

My experience with H&M in the UK has been far better - managed to pick up a few pieces at only £5 to £10! Particularly love their dresses and sheer tops.

Prices: from RM29 - RM100+

Plus-o-meter: 4/5 Stars

H&M Outifts:
Top Left - Orange Dress £5
Top Middle - White Dress £7 & Black Stockings £2

4. Nichii/Kitschen
Now this is mostly a hit or miss with me - sometimes I find really good pieces but they don't have my size, and other times it doesn't fit well on my body.

A couple of times, I managed to snag deals from their sales racks. Kitschen categorizes their sales items according to size - which makes it much easier to find your size. Unfortunately, the sizes only go up to XL or XXL. But if you're patient, you just might score. Gotta try your luck!

Prices : from RM25 - RM99+

Plus-o-meter: 3.5/5 Stars

One-Piece Formal Dress from Nichii - RM49

White Sheer Top from Nichii - RM39
Shorts from JPSS - RM35
Heels from Cotton On - RM35
Bag from Bonita - RM37

5. Jusco Scarlet Plus
Jusco, or now known as AEON, has a dedicated section for plus size - which I appreciate very much. The sizes go up to UK26 (!) and the selections are quite good as well. However, I have yet to find pieces that suit my age group - I believe their target market is for more mature women.

However, you might just find good formal shirts and slacks there, at pretty reasonable prices too!

Prices: RM30 - RM79+

6. Other Online Stores
Just to name a few:

• Zalora has a Plus Size section at slightly steep prices, but good quality nonethless
• Asos Curve has fabulous pieces, offers free international shipping - and if you're pretty confident to shop online AND know your size well, go for it!
• Trendy Confessions is another local online plus size boutique that I have yet to try, but I love their designs and style! Have my eye on this awesome Button Down Shirt.

Oh, and I picked up THREE pairs of shoes for less than RM100. Yes, I'm cheap like that ;). Walk In was having a sale at Paradigm Mall, and I believe these were from seasons past, all going from RM15 per pair! My inner shoe addict kicked in, and well, here's the aftermath.

Let me know what you think about this post! I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the outfits - I'm no Vera Wang - but I do love playing around with different pieces to see how it would look on my body. What are YOUR favourite style tips? Share with me!

Have fun and stay fabulous!

xoxo,

Mabel.

To me, beauty boxes are much like a secret pathway in the middle of a forest, littered with joyful little surprises, paving the road towards the discovery of beauty and all it's ingenuity.

But in the recent months, many beauty box subscription websites have popped up in the Malaysian market, creating many little secret pathways. Needless to say, I've fallen prey to the craze. And dare I say, it's always exciting to find a delicately wrapped box waiting on the doorstep, with delightful beauty treasures hidden within.

This is my second month with WonderBox, and they have certainly not let me down. Here's my thoughts on the February 2013 WonderBox, a little behind, but better late than never!

February WonderBox!

Here's the box of treasures, including:

1. Murad VITALIC T-Zone Pore Refining Gel 3.7ml - RM228/50ml
2. H20+ Marine Toner 30ml - RM99/200ml
3. Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer 30ml - RM180/50ml
4. Clinelle Moisture Booster 20ml - RM72.90/20ml
5. H20+ Oasis Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser 30ml - RM99/120ml
6. Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer 5ml - RM22/5ml

Product Guide

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer

This was by far my favourite product in the box. It is described as a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with SPF15 to protect skin from UVA/UVB rays and provide hydration. My first impression was the absolutely heavenly scent that lingered on my skin for at least a couple of hours.

Although the consistency is slightly runny, the moisturizer stays true to its non-greasy claims and manages to hydrate my dry skin exceptionally well. Plus, it has SPF15! I will definitely consider purchasing the full-size version (with the RM30 Murad Voucher, nonetheless) once I run out of this sample.

Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer

Next, the ultra-mini Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer which came in a classic, no frills packaging. The colour is a mixture between burgundy and indigo, with hints of pink glitter. I, however, am not a fan of the texture - it tends to leave behind a matte finish (albeit opaque colour) and did not glide on very smoothly.

Nevertheless, it's always refreshing to try a new nail polish brand, and I do appreciate that the product is free from Formaldehyde, Toluene & Dibutyl Phthalate.

Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel

Teeny, tiny bottle

The Murad VITALIC T-Zone Pore Refining Gel claims to clear pores while balancing oily and dry skin, and visibly reduces pores for a flawless complexion. The first thing I noticed, of course, was the yummy pomegranate scent. The product itself it a clear, watery consistency that left the skin feeling soft and moisturised. However, I doubt that I will see noticeable results in just one or two applications.

Clinelle Moisture Booster

Hooray! More moisturizing products! The Clinelle Moisture Booster provides the skin with excellent natural recovery properties and helps maintain skin hydration at an optimum level. It is oil-free as well (yay!) and promotes moisture penetration - meant to be used after the toner and before applying moisturizer.

I tried this before applying the Murad Pomegranate Moisturizer to 'prepare' my skin for moisturizer. It felt lightweight and had a faint, citrusy scent. Can't tell if it increased moisture penetration, but for now, it will be categorized as my 'back-up' moisturizer.

H20+ Marine Toner & Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleaner

More TLC for the skin - an exfoliating cleanser and marine toner from H20+! The products have a faint sea-salt smell and is meant to improve moisture in the skin with natural marine botanicals.

H20+ Marine Toner

The toner helps revitalize and sweep away impurities while improving moisture absorption - all while containing zero alcohol that tends to dry out the skin. Can't even begin to recall the horror stories of toners that dried out my skin and stung like a queen be. My skin will definitely be soaking up all the love from this toner!.

H20+ Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser

Refreshing cleansing beads

What's better than a cleanser? An exfoliating cleanser, of course! The Dual-Action Cleanser deeply cleans the pores and removes dirt and dead skin cells for renewed skin. Loving the texture and smell of this product thus far!

Vouchers and Product Guides

The box also came with a collection of product vouchers and guides.

All in all, I'm incredibly satisfied with the WonderBox. One qualm, however, it perhaps a lack of variety - don't get me wrong, I love the skincare goodies - but it'll be awesome to see some hair, makeup and perhaps body products in the future boxes.

WonderBox is available for RM39.90 per month and includes deluxed sized beauty samples such as skincare, makeup, beauty and more! What better way to embark on a beauty journey than through a wide mix of beauty products and brands at your disposal!

You can also collect WonderBox Points to redeem free beauty boxes and more. WonderBox's Facebook Page.

Well, thank you for reading!
Check out my January WonderBox review here.

Till next time,
Stay fabulous!
xoxo Mabel

Welcome to Project Plus!

As conveyed by the name, this blog is entirely devoted to girly-related topics, such as beauty, fashion, reviews and more. All from an ordinary, amateur girl-to-girl point of view. There's nothing more important than the promise of honesty and objectivity - and that's what I hope to achieve through this blog.

Adding to that, I would love to inject my thoughts on plus size fashion and beauty, and to uphold the message of inner beauty and self-acceptance in the real world. As a plus sized girl, I believe that we all deserve to be loved, cared for and to feel beautiful, every second of our lives. I would also love to hear your thoughts and ideas - so don't hold back!



Who am I? Find out more in the 'About Me' page. In a nutshell, I have been blogging for about 6-7 years now (since 2007), with a rather long hiatus in between. It's time to make a comeback, and I can't think of a better way than through sharing my thoughts about beauty, plus sized fashion and more.

Come join me in this journey, and I hope it will be as rewarding for you, as it will be for me. Juggling between a full time job and possible a part time one (this blog!), it will be a challenge, but a truly worthwhile one.

Till then, stay fabulous!
xoxo Mabel.