Aloha! How have you been? I've been loving the cool tropical weather in Malaysia recently, but my skin - not so much.

As mentioned in previous posts, I have the dreaded curse of sensitive, dry combination skin, which means parts of my face (forehead, cheeks and chin) can get dry and flaky while other parts (nose area) remains relatively normal. It's been a struggle finding the best skincare products - I've tried countless moisturizers - some of which stung horribly and left a patchy redness, and others were simply absorbed by my skin in seconds.

Check out the dry skin around my forehead and laugh lines - even after slathering on moisturizer!

I guess what I truly needed was a cream/oil-based moisturizer but at the same time I didn't want to end up looking like a greasy mess.

Alas, the condition got worse about a month ago, probably due to round-the-clock air conditioning, a poor diet, stress and what not. I went on a desperate moisturizer hunting spree in KL and as per my colleague's advice, finally decided on the new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +.

This 50ml bottle costs RM68 from Sephora, however considering I'd only need to apply a small dab per usage, it is relatively budget-friendly. On websites and reviews, the texture is often described as silky - and on my dry skin I would agree that it feels smooth and silky - not at all thick or greasy. Then again, it's built for Very Dry to Dry Skin, and if you have Normal/Oily skin, you might find it a tad greasy for your liking. 

I also love the subtle scent, not too overpowering for daily use. After applying this lotion for two weeks, I noticed a drastic change in the texture of my skin. The flakes are gone, and the redness has decreased significantly.

 Look! No more flakes!

Another product that has become a staple in my skincare regime is the Mizon Multifunctional All-In-One Snail Repair Cream. I first came across this cream while browsing on Qoo10. Apparently it's the No. 1 Best Selling snail cream in Korea with 92% snail secretion.

If you're hearing about snails and skin care for the first time, don't be alarmed. I know it sounds disgusting at first - that was my exact reaction - but it turns out snail slime is proven to have miraculous skin benefits for healing and repair. The cream also claims to help skin recover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, trouble spots, pores, provide hydration and soothe skin.

Say no more - I was immediately enticed by the cream (plus it was on offer at RM54.60 excluding shipping!) and placed an order via Qoo10. The cream finally arrived 3 weeks later via Korea Air Mail.

The flakes & redness - GONE!

The website describes the texture as 'chewy' and 'elastic', which is quite true! It glides on the skin smoothly and is absorbed in seconds, but does not leave skin feeling taut or tight. I love the fact that it also leaves a healthy after-glow and radiance which lasts for a few hours.

I typically use this right out of the shower, followed by the Clinique lotion to seal in moisture. Definitely my best skincare combination thus far! 

For days when I crave something refreshing and cooling - I apply some Bioglo Skin Perfecting Moisturiser with Pure Aloe (Price: approx RM25+ from Cosway). It doesn't do much in terms of moisture, but it definitely soothes the skin and smells absolutely heavenly.

For toner, I use the Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Moisturising Lotion (Price: approx RM35++) - which doesn't need much introduction for it's hydrating properties.

And as for cleanser, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser does wonders for my sensitive skin. No more tight, 'squeaky clean' skin! It retails for about RM25+ at local drugstores :)


Before I end, here are some skincare tips for dry skin:

1. Avoid scrubbing your face with a towel. Use gentle dabbing motions and seal in moisture immediately after showering.
2. Avoid using hot water when cleansing - it strips skin of natural oils. Lukewarm or cold water works best!
3. Mask up - take three tablespoons of instant oats, soak in half a cup of water and drain. Add honey, mix well and you've got a soothing homemade mask! Leave on for 15-30 minutes and rinse off.
4. Less is more - Lathering on too many heavy creams may clog pores. Try applying a dab of Vitamin E oil followed by a lightweight moisturizer instead.

What are some of your skincare tips? Share with me!

Well, that's all for today's post! Thanks a million for reading - and I hope this post was helpful in some way for you! Till next time, stay beautiful! :)

Beauty subscription boxes are literally, everywhere these days. What sets a box apart? For me, it's the concept, followed by the brands.

So when The Lilac Box first hit the market, I was drawn in by the unique 'Blind Date in a Box' idea (how cute!). But truly, the ultimate surprise was unveiling the brands in the box, mainly higher-end premium brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Kerastase, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and more. 

When subscription opened for Box 2, I jumped at the opportunity. For a price of RM49.90, it's comparably steeper than other boxes, however I liked the notion a one-month-only subscription, no strings attached for three months or six months like some similar boxes.

Upon receiving the box, the first thing I noticed was the weight of the box. It felt really heavy! 

Pretty, nondescript and solid brown box with a lilac bow.

Another thing that struck me immediately was the sweet floral, feminine scent emerging from the box. The interior looked like a nature's dream with the acid green wrapping paper.

What a nice touch!

An incredibly sweet note from the 3 guys who founded The Lilac Box.

Simply fantastic!

Items in the Lilac Box 2:

1. Calvin Klein Beauty and Sheer Beauty - RM200+
2. Redken Intra Force Shampoo 145ml - retails for about RM35
3. Redken Intra Force Conditioner 145ml - retails for about RM35
4. Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse - full size available for about USD$30
5. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Cleansing Gel - full size available for about USD$26
6. Lunasol Skin Modeling Powder Foundation and Smoothing Makeup Base - retails for about RM200+

The variation of Redken shampoo & toner (conditioner) I received is intended for colour-treated thinning hair, probably because I selected 'coloured and damaged hair' in my Lilac Box Beauty Profile. 

According to the Redken website, the Intra Force shampoo detoxifies and gently cleanses to reduce excess sebum while promoting a healthy scalp and safeguarding hair colour.

More than 70% of users have claimed to experience increased fullness, hair density and a thickening effect after using this shampoo.

I have yet to try out this shampoo and toner combination, however, the scent smells spicy and refreshing - and the travel size would definitely come in handy on road trips. I will definitely to whip out this shampoo after making a trip to the salon to touch-up my ghastly overgrown black roots.

Reviews on Make Up Alley rated this cleanser 4.2 out of 5 stars, and users remarked that the cleanser is perfect for dry skin in the winter months. 

I love that this is yet another curated product for my dry skin and sensitive skin, and will try this out to testify if it holds true to it's promises!

The Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil claims to nourish, repair and soften skin. Better yet, it's a triple threat - suitable for face, body and hair! 

Personally, the idea of using oil anywhere on my body (except for makeup remover) is a little intimidating, but this tiny bottle might just be an elixir of life to revive my terribly dry skin. 

Hah - I've found the source of that sweet, lingering, almost mysterious scent. Not one, but two sample size Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty perfumes!

Comes with an EDT spray/vaporiser (White) and EDP spray (Black). Definitely saving this for special occasions! Subscribers of The Lilac Box can also head over to the Calvin Klein counters for an exclusive gift with purchase.

What? There's more? I've seen this Kanebo Lunasol foundation in a couple of beauty boxes, but this is the first time that I'm receiving one. Reviews rate it as the most skin-transforming powder foundation, even better than Dior or Chanel!

Although I'm not a huge fan of powder foundation (more of a BB Cream hoarder), this is worth giving a try. The shade looks a tad too orange for my skin tone, but we shall see.

Topping it all off, there's two sachets of Lunasol Smoothing Makeup Base to prep the face for foundation. Woots for flawless skin!

Overall, I'm pleased with this month's blind dates from The Lilac Box. Most of them are indeed blind dates for me - but incredibly pleasant ones! Keep it up, Lilac Box! Stay tuned for more reviews and updates on these products as I take the time to get to know each of them personally.

Head on over to The Lilac Box and create an account to get firsthand updates on Box 3!

Thank you for joining me! :)

xoxo,

Mabel.

*All items were purchased with my own money.