For the last collaboration in 2020, I bring you Just Nuts! Just nuts is a company which provides a variety of sweet and savoury low calorie treats at an affordable price, you can check out more

information from Best in Singapore’s Best 7 Nuts & Snacks in Singapore. 

But in summary, Just Nuts Singapore is an online nut and snacks retailer that offers guilt-free, 100% natural, hand-picked, as well as pesticide-free nuts and snacks. I like that they only source from trusted farms that practice sustainability and are ethical. 

So to kick things off, allow me to share my experience using their service!

ORDERING & DELIVERY PROCESS

For this review, I didn't go through with the ordering & delivery process from the website. However, taking a look at their website, is it easy to navigate and you will have to input your personal details when you checkout as with all online order!

They offer 2 types of delivery service:

Standard Delivery (1~3 Days) for $4.90

Express Delivery (60-Min) for $9.90

But if you spend $60 & above, you get your purchase delivered to your doorstep within 2 hours for free!

NUTS

Pine Nuts

Price: $8.50 – $58.50

Pine nuts are the seeds of pine trees. Completely edible and crunchy, they contain many plant-derived nutrients and a fair content of monosaturated fatty acids which can aid cholesterol level reduction in our blood.

I got these to add into my salads and I like to add them to my bowl of burrata with balsamic vinegar.

Pistachios (Roasted)

Price: $4.50 – $32.90

Ripened seeds of pistachio trees, pistachio kernels are green and are slightly sweet to taste. Containing high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and potassium, pistachios can provide the perfect crunch to any diet. Pistachios can lower your chance of cardiovascular disease. 

I like the taste of their Pistachios with it being roasted, and yes, this makes a great snack!

Walnuts (Raw) 

Price: $3.50 – $26.00 

One of the more popular nuts to snack on, walnuts are beneficial for the brain and can help reduce cholesterol levels. They contain many vitamins and minerals, and higher amounts of antioxidants than most other foods.

I blended some walnuts and added  them to my cookies for that extra crunch with the benefits of the vitamins, minerals & antioxidants found in them!

FRUITS

Dried Blueberries

Price: $4.50 – $34.50

Not only a healthier alternative for sugar cravings, but these sweet and tart dried blueberries are also filled with vitamin C and antioxidants which makes them an ideal guilt-free snack. 

Aside from enjoying these on its own and in my bowl of morning cereals, I added them into my cookie mix! 

Dried Longan 

Price: $3.90 – $32.90 

Although longans are known to be ‘heaty’ fruits, this tropical fruit is also known to help decrease feelings of fatigue and gives you more energy! 

I ate these on its own as snacks and also used them in making chinese dessert soups and longan tea!

To get these nuts and fruits, head to Just Nuts website and make your purchase today!

Just Nuts

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Best in Singapore

Website | Facebook | Instagram

This Just Nuts post is a collaboration with Liquid Gateway, a payment service solution provider that provides a comprehensive range of centralized and secure in-store transaction management services.

This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

This Christmas, Maison 21G came crashing through the snow at a timely manner, introducing me to a home of scents and an experience of mixing my own perfume.

Maison 21G is a unique brand revolutionizing personalization in haute perfumery. Armed with a wealth of knowledge from her 20 years in perfumery, founder Johanna Monange has been working with various fragrance powerhouses as a scent designer and a creative director for world famous brands.

WHAT IS MAISON 21G?

1. Masion = Home in French

Welcoming you to their home of comfort to be completely yourself,  in search of finding a scent that is personalized to you.

2. Our soul weighs exactly 21 grams

Maison 21 G's purpose is therefore to encapsulate the scent of your soul in a 21 grams bottle of perfume. Additionally, Maison 21G offers 21% of perfume concentrate – the highest in the industry. Because for something as personal as scent, you only want the best.

3. Together, it's  a home of scent and a journey to find the scent of your soul

With 34 scents, made from a blend of essential oils, to choose from, you are bound to find something that resonate with you. 

WHY MAISON 21G?

1. Create a custom perfume here in Singapore

Do you miss a discontinued perfume scent? Or are you looking for a perfume that is uniquely you? 

Maison 21 G offers you the ability to create a scent inspired by a discontinued perfume and even create a perfume based on your personality.

2. Great gift for friends and family

I find perfume and scent preference as something very personal, so instead of buying a perfume for your loved ones, why not get them a session of Maison 21G's perfume workshop in Singapore as the gift instead!

3. Safe ingredients with long-lasting scent

All their perfumes contain 21% perfume concentrate and are cruelty-free, without preservatives, GMOs, CMR substances or phthalates. All scents are composed with the highest quality of natural ingredients from the Monique Remy laboratories (LMR) in Grasse, and are traceable by origin. Since its creation in 1983 by Monique Remy, IFF-LMR has never ceased to source the purest natural ingredients responsibly. LMR’s uniqueness lies in its vertical integration allowing to control each step of the vegetal supply chain: quality, cost and relationships with their partners, ensuring a perfect traceability.

THE EXPERIENCE

To be able to customize my own perfume, I headed down to Maison 21G's flagship store at 77 Duxton Road to meet up with Amanda (aka Scent Designer) and the following stages are what took place during my session with her!

Stage 1: Quiz

Before we jumped into the type of scents, Amanda got me to do a short quiz to learn more about my personality. Based on machine learning, their AI-powered app guides you in your creation to mix the right ingredients according to your personality, occasion and taste. The result that came back shared that I'm a social enthusiast and I prefer scents that are comforting and fresh, which is really interesting considering the line of work I do in Non-profit!

Stage 2: Introduction to the scents from my Quiz result

Aside from my quiz results, Amanda asked me what perfume am I currently using before introducing me to the range of Top, Heart & Bottom notes scents for me to choose from.

So the best way to explain what these types of notes are, Amanda explained that:

Top Note is like your smile

The first impression and the scent last for an hour.

Heart Note is like your character

The body and the scent last between 6-8 hours.

Bottom Note is like your soul

The lasting impression and the scent last for 18-24 hours.

Stage 3: Choosing of scents

The next stage was really simple, Amanda explained that when it comes to choosing the different types of notes' scents, it should be an immediate "Yes or No" response.

The top note scent I chose is Orange Blossom, followed by Cedar as my heart note and ending off with Incense as my bottom note. For me, the result is a fresh, woody scent.

Stage 4: Mixing of scents

Here comes the part where I got to mix the 3 chosen scents into a bottle, the perfume is alcohol based and the scents are a blend of essential oils that are dripped into the bottle based on weight. Each bottle of perfume will contain 5g of essential oil blends.

I was told to dripped in 2g of Orange Blossom, 1g of Cedar, 1g of Incense and leave the remaining 1g as an allowance for us to tweak the scent, if necessary, after the first smell test!

Stage 5: Testing of scent 

After dripping in the blend, Amanda spritz the perfume onto my wrist and got me out of the store to have a better whiff of the mixed scent to determine if I am pleased with it. No secret here, I wasn't because overall scent was too sweet.

Stage 6: Tweaking of scent

So we got back to the mixing station and Amanda suggested to add in 0.9g of Orange Blossom and 0.1g of Cedar to tone down the sweetness that stems from Immortal Incense's scent.

Stage 7: Final testing of scent

With that tweak, it was time to step outside again to test the perfume out. I found it really interesting how a few grams of scents can alter the finished product. It's like adding that final touch of salt or a dash of herbs to a dish to bring out the flavors.

But I'm satisfied with the perfume now with more Orange Blossom added to it!

Final Stage: Printing of label

Now, it was time to print my name on the bottle with the 3 different scents on it!

To achieve it, Amanda types away on the laptop and the printing is done in-house. It took a few minutes but once done, the finished bottle looks chic and classy.

OVERALL THOUGHT

With 34 scents available, I understand why this experience included the Quiz as the first step taken to shortlist the scent. It would affect your judgement if we were to sniff through 34 scents to identify which we like. And I learnt something new from Amanda: smell the back of your hand/ skin to restart your smell sense. I never knew that, I always thought smelling coffee beans was the way to achieve that!

Personally, I appreciate that all their scents are eaux de parfum with 21% perfume concentrate as this means that you get a more lasting scent. 1 spritz of the perfume in the morning will last you for most parts of the day. To put that theory to test, I spritz my perfume onto my skin and went about my day at work. The scent went through it's different top, heart and bottom notes through out the day. No surprise, but the scent lasted until I took a shower in the late evening. Actually, even the notebook I used during the session with Amanda brought back the scents in the store and I can smell it now as I type away while referring to my notes!

Additionally, their perfume are cruelty-free, and made without preservatives, GMOs, CMR substances or phthalates, perfect for those with sensitive skin. I thought that was a plus as my skin do "burn" with the use of some perfumes. With Maison 21G perfumes, beside the wet cooling sensation of liquid hitting my skin when I spritz, there isn't any negative reaction to my skin.

 Lastly, the part that sold me was that their packaging is re-usable and they allow you to come back for refills once you finish your bottle! I was told that when you bring your bottle back, they will help you wash it and disinfect it with alcohol before refilling it with either your current mix or a new blend of scent.

Prices: $95 for 2 scents; $120 for 3 scents, $140 for 4 scents, and $150 & above for Black collection scents

 

My Readers' Perk

Quote M21Gjodulu15 for a15% discount code for all Maison 21G online products!

Besides customized perfumes, Maison 21G offers a range of scented products like solid perfumes, candles, home scents, and hand sanitizers so do feel free to check them out at Maison21g.com! 

This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

3 months ago, I reviewed a series of Sage & Ylang's products after chancing upon them at the Boutique Fair. I did a quick review of their lip and cheek tint in Sugar Plum shade (click here to read the review) and ever since then, Irene (Sage & Ylang's Founder) went back to her drawing block and worked at improving the formulation of it.

To check out Sage & Ylang, head to their website at sageandylang.com or follow them on Instagram at @sageandylang!

Today, I will be reviewing the entire Lip and Cheek Tint shades and my thoughts on them in time for their upcoming booth at the Boutique Fair this weekend!

Lip and Cheek Tint

This vegan Lip and Cheek Tint was created because Irene wanted to provide cleaner and greener alternatives for adults and teenagers. A compact and versatile 2 in 1 formula suitable for those who don’t wear a full face of makeup on a daily basis and just wanted to add some colour to the lips and cheeks without all the hassle.

Benefits:

• Provides moisture and soothes chapped lips
• Provides a sheer and natural colour on the lips and cheeks
• Great for everyday use
• Contain Shea butter and meadow-foam seed oil which provide natural sun protection.
• Perfect on its own or layer over other shades
• Smooth buttery texture that glides over lips easily

To Use:

Using fingers or brush, apply a small amount to lips and cheeks. Blend with fingers.

For a more intense look, apply several layers till you achieve the desired color.

For other uses, read the end of this post!

Ingredients:

Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Ricinus communis (Castor) Oil*, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) seed oil*, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) kernel oil*, Citrullus Lanatus ( Watermelon ) Seed Oil*, Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Mica, iron oxide, PELARGONIUM ROSEUM (Geranium Rose) LEAF Oil*, CITRUS SINENSIS (Blood Orange) PEEL OIL EXPRESSED*.

* Ingredients from Organic Farming

Certified Organic Ingredients : 75%

Price: $23 for 4.44ml

Texture: buttery balm once warmed up

Smell: floral blend of Geranium Rose and Blood Orange essential oils

Lip and Cheek Tints' Shades

After months of development, Irene has created a whole range of new shades with a smoother balm texture. I have with me 7 shades to review however, not all shades are up for purchase yet but you have first insight into the shades here!

Pink/Red Shades

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Shade: Pink Blush

Colour: A sheer light-shimmery pink tint

Thoughts: 
A natural shade that you can apply & build up without worrying about the shade over-intensifying.

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

 Even with 3 layers applied, the shade looks very sheer and natural on my lips. If you have chapped lips and are looking for something more moisturizing out of the other shades, I highly recommend this!

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Shade: Pink Frost

Colour: A shimmery pink tint

Thoughts: 
This shade doesn't suit my skin tone due to the light pink shimmers in it but it works well as a cheek tint.

However, I can see this working well for ladies with fair skin tone and lighter lip tone base. So feel free to head down to their booth this weekend to swatch it yourself!




Shade: Sugar Plum

Colour: A shimmery berry-red tint

Thoughts: 
Like what I previously reviewed, I find that this shade is perfect for all skin tone on the lips and cheeks.

It's very hard to go wrong with this shade!





Shade: Scarlet

Colour: A shimmery brick-red tint

Thoughts: 
Scarlet will be the shade I gravitate towards for a dark red lip without looking vampy or over the top.

Brown/Copper Shades

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Shade: Cinnamon

Colour: A shimmery bronze tint

Thoughts: 
If you swatch this from the tube, you would think that it's too brown in colour for the lips, but the trick to using this is to blend with your fingers between each layer and the shade turns into a natural shade that looks really pretty on the lips!

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Shade: Honey Earth

Colour: A shimmery copper-red shade

Thoughts:
Another shade that doesn't suit my skin tone, it dulls my complexion when I layer it heavily on my lips but I've found that it works as a eye shadow shade!

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied.

Shade: Satin Pearl

Colour: A sheer golden-brown tint

Thoughts:
I love this shade because like Pink Blush, it is very versatile due to its sheerness. This would be a shade to consider if you are looking for something more moisturizing too!








Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Unlike the previous batch of Lip and Cheek Tint, this batch of tints are newly formulated to be softer and smoother to apply. Hence, the change in my rating because now, with its newly formulated texture, I find it sufficient in keeping my lips moisturized! I swatch all 7 shades in one go and my lips hardly flaked! Normally, I would end up with bits of dead dry skin hanging off the lips when I swatch other lip products...

Top: Pink Blush, Bottom: Cinnamon

I like that the shade can be layered on for a more intense colour and at the same time, it can be blended out for a softer look which works great on the lips, cheeks and even eyelids! Before applying it on my eyelids, I asked Irene if the ingredients are safe to use near the eye area and the answer was yes. I did a full 7 days trial with this on my eyelids as eye shadow and I can confirm that there isn't any negative reaction!

In fact, I love using the shades Pink Blush and Cinnamon as an eye shadow. Both are very easy colours to work with for a minimalist makeup look. For more intense colour, I will recommend using it with a primer, and to layer on the balm gently by dabbing them on with your finger. In terms of staying power, because it is a balm, by mid day, there will be creases but as it is highly pigmented, just use your fingers to blend the crease away and you are good to go! Pst!~ Cinnamon works great as a contour shade too!

The only issue I have with these tints is if you twist too much product out, you may not be able to twist them back down due to its formulation and if you are trying to apply straight from the tube, you will need to swipe it a few times to warm the balm up for it to be applied.

To overcome its downsides, I found that simply using your fingers to apply works really well. Just lift the cap off, run your finger tips over the balm and apply it by dabbing onto your lip, cheeks, jawline or eye lids. I will be posting a video of how I apply them onto my face on instagram so follow @jodyguide to watch it!

Cinnamon on eye lids, below cheekbones and jaw line as contour, Pink Blush on lips and above cheekbones as highlighter, Scarlet on cheeks!

Sage & Ylang is available at this weekend's Boutique Fair at

Boutique Pit Building,

15 Nov 2019

9am to 8pm

16 Nov 2019

10am to 8pm

17 Nov 2019

10am to 6pm

Alternatively, you may purchase them online too at Sage & Ylang website!

This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

Previously, I wrote about Sage and Ylang in my post and shared my experience with some of the products. As you now know, the brand is an organic, natural, pure plant-based green beauty line created by Irene Chong. The Radiance Series is the result of four years of product research and development to help combat skin dullness, uneven skin tone and lack of skin firmness.

All products are formulated using high quality, phytonutrient-rich ingredients to meet the demands of maturing skin. As quick fixes to rejuvenate skin only display a temporary effect, Sage & Ylang firmly believes that a high-quality green skincare regimen, plus a healthy and holistic lifestyle are key to having a more radiant and healthy looking skin.

As mentioned in my previous post, after my conversation with Irene, I decided to give their products a try and was going to pay for their Trial range but she was nice to offer me their full sized range instead so I did a partial payment and she sponsored me the rest. That being said, if you are a regular reader, you should know by now that my reviews are based solely on my experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors. So with that out of the way, let's kick start with my reviews!

For this post, I will be reviewing the following products

• Radiance Luxury Serum
• Radiance Defense Serum
• Radiance Indulgence Mask

Radiance Luxury Serum

Radiance Luxury is a powerful multi-tasking night treatment which targets to reverse the effects of environmental aggressors. Powered by phytonutrients and anti-oxidants, this serum counters the effect of skin-stress that happened during the day. This nightly ritual will get your skin ready for renewal and rejuvenation. The brightening active will work on uneven skin tone, and you will awake to smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.

Price: $96 for 30ml

Texture:  light-weight oil

Smell: a blend of botanical scents

Ingredients:
Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Squalane (Olive), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil*, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract, Prunica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil*, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Gum Oil*, Pelargonium Roseum (Geranium Rose) Leaf Oil*, Cistus Ladaniferus Oil^, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil Expressed*
* Ingredients from Organic Farming
^ Wild Crafted
Certified Organic Ingredients : 72.1%

To use: 

Massage 1-2 pumps nightly onto damp face, neck, and decollete.
To enhance absorption of this serum, spritz your face with essence or toner, and while your face is still damp, massage the serum into your skin.

Overall Rating: 10/10
Firstly, the scent of this is divine! It helps me unwind after a long day as I massage the oil gently onto my face, neck and decollete as instructed and wake up to skin that is plump, well-rested and radiant.

I've been using this for a month and there's still more than half of it in the bottle, going to show that a little goes a long way for this serum. I would suggest new users of oil serum to start with a pump or 5 drops of this at a start to get used to the texture and work your well up to 2 pumps. For me, I'm a fan of oil serums as I find that in the process of massaging the such product onto my face, it helps to unclog blackheads (gross but hey~ it helps) and with 2 pumps, it does a really good job at clearing out the skin while giving it the necessary moisturizing result.

Radiance Defense Serum

A concentrated serum of 15 phytonutrients and vitamin, enhances the skin's natural defense against environmental stressors. Besides offering unique skin brightening and protection, this serum also nourishes, repairs, moisturizes, tones and firms, all at the same time.

This multi-tasking, light-weight serum consists of a blend of healing plant oils, which are high in phytonutrients, plus Vitamin C and E, which aids in skin brightening and gives an added anti-oxidant effect. Each of the ingredients is carefully selected to target the needs of maturing skin, which is constantly bombarded by an array of environmental factors.
Price: $96 for 30ml

Texture:  light-weight oil

Smell: a blend of citrus and botanical scents

Ingredients:
Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil*, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil*, Squalane (Olive), Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Extract, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil*, Passiflora Edulis (Maracuja/Passion Fruit) Seed Oil*, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Cananga Odorata Flower (Ylang Ylang) Oil*, Pelargonium Roseum (Geranium Rose) Leaf Oil*, Lavandula Latifolia Herb (Lavender Spike) Oil*, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil*, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil^
* Ingredients from Organic Farming
^ Wild Crafted
Certified Organic Ingredients : 70%

To use: 

Massage 1-2 pumps every morning onto damp face, neck, and decollete.
To enhance absorption of this serum, spritz your face with essence or toner, and while your face is still damp, massage the serum into your skin.

This serum does not replace the use of sunblock with SPF and UVA protection.
Overall Rating: 7/10
If I have to choose between the 2 different types of serum, I will choose Radiance Luxury. Radiance Defense doesn't seem to yield any significant improvement or result after use. Initially, I thought that it could have been due to the sunscreen I used along with the makeup but I changed the products I've used on top of this serum and still it doesn't show any difference.

That being said, I have to applaud Sage & Ylang for finding the perfect balance for the texture of this serum, being a day oil serum, the texture is akin to that of the finish a light cream moisturizer would give. It doesn't feel oily, blends well into the skin and doesn't affect the texture of the sunscreen and makeup I layer on top.

Radiance Indulgence Mask

Pamper yourself with this mini facial spa in the comfort of your own home. Radiance Indulgence is infused with 10 exotic botanical extracts and organic essential oils. These skin-renewing anti-aging botanicals are powerful skin rejuvenator which are able to revitalize and refresh your skin.

Price: $76 for 100ml

Texture: Clay powder

Smell: a blend of botanical scents

Ingredients:
Montmorillonite(French Pink And Yellow Clay), Kaolin, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour*, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Powder*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Powder*, Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Fruit Powder*, Tapioca Starch, Moringa Oleifera Fruit Powder*, Curcuma Longa (Tumeric) Leaf Powder*, Panax Quinquefolius (Panax Ginseng)*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Pelargonium Roseum (Geranium Rose) Leaf Oil*, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil Expressed*
*Ingredients from Organic Farming
Certified Organic Ingredients : 45%

To Use:

1. Activate 2 teaspoons of clay with about 1.5 teaspoons of water, and stir till a smooth consistency. Apply to face and neck with a brush, avoiding eye area. Leave on for about 7-10 minutes, then wash off with water.
2. When used as a gentle exfoliator, follow the same method as above, but immediately use your fingertips to gently massage your face for few minutes, then wash off with water.
3. Follow with toner and facial serum.

FREQUENCY OF USE
Dry skin : 1-2 times per week
Oily skin : 2-3 times per week

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

This mixture dries quite easily upon application so blend quickly onto your face, I find that it helps to wet my finger and go over areas to even out the layer. As the mask dries, it will tighten and start to feel itchy so don't leave it on for more than 10 mins if you have sensitive skin.

Left: Clean cotton pad

Right: After running the cotton pad over

skin after mask 

The thing I don't like about this mask is that it leaves a yellow layer (from the turmeric) after washing it off and will stain your towels/ white pillow case. I won't be bothered by it if I used the mask in the day and am staying home for the entire day, but if I use it before going out or before sleeping, I will run a cotton pad with toner over my face to remove the yellow layer.

I wouldn't recommend using this as an exfoliator too as the mix is a little too scratchy for the skin for my liking, and so if you do so, be very very gentle!

That being said, the mask does have its benefits. I found that it helps to cleanse and detox my skin, improve the skin tone, calm the skin and lighten scars and pigmentation. On days that I have a few blemishes, I will mix a small amount and do a spot treatment over the pimple and I find that it helps to calm the skin.

Right: Skin is red, pores are obvious and look "open".
Left: Skin is lighter in tone, redness reduced, pores appears smaller and more refined & scars seems a little faded.

With that, it brings me to the end of this review post, head to sageandylang.com or follow them on Instagram at @sageandylang to check out Sage & Ylang!

This review is partially sponsored (I bought some on my own!), but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

For my green beauty readers, here's a new conscious beauty brand I want to introduce: Sage & Ylang! I had the opportunity to speaker to the founder, Irene Chong who is a former registered nurse, a cabin crew and safety trainer in Singapore Airlines, and a homeschool mum of 5, on her brand and the products to find out more!

Sage and Ylang is an organic, natural, pure plant-based green beauty line. Created by Irene Chong, the Radiance Series is the result of four years of product research and development to help combat skin dullness, uneven skin tone and lack of skin firmness.

All products are formulated using high quality, phytonutrient-rich ingredients to meet the demands of maturing skin. As quick fixes to rejuvenate skin only display a temporary effect, Sage & Ylang firmly believes that a high-quality green skincare regimen, plus a healthy and holistic lifestyle are key to having a more radiant and healthy looking skin.

Currently, Sage & Ylang offers solutions you can introduce into your current skincare and hair care regimen without much disruption with their products:

• Hair Repair and Shine Serum Oil
• Scented and Conditioning Hair Mist
• Radiance Luxury Serum
• Radiance Defense Serum
• Radiance Indulgence Mask
• Lip & Cheek Tint Balm

After my conversation with Irene, I decided to give their products a try and was going to pay for their Trial range but she was nice to offer me their full sized range instead so I did a partial payment and she sponsored me the rest. That being said, if you are a regular reader, you should know by now that my reviews are based solely on my experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors. So with that out of the way, let's kick start with my reviews!

Scented and Conditioning Hair Mist

Formulated from a unique blend of quinoa protein and hair loving plant extracts, this hair mist protects, repairs, conditions your hair. Regular application of this mist will result in smoother and silkier hair. Additionally, this protein will also form a protective barrier which will protect your hair from environmental stresses. Scented with organic essential oil, this mist will freshen your hair beautifully for hours.

Price: $34 for 50ml

Texture: Water-based mist

Smell: a blend of floral herbal scents

Overall Rating: 9/10
I love the smell of this hair mist, and the scent does last quite long compared to other naturally-derived hair mist I've tried. I have really thick long hair, so the scent last about half a day but I also noticed that the scent last longer if it isn't exposed to the elements (hair by the nape of my neck).

After using this product for a month, I do find that it helps to keep my hair soft, shiny and healthy. This is now my little secret for times when I want to freshen up my hair when the weather is too hot and humid, and I don't want to smell like sweat! After a month of misting daily, I'm left with 1/3 of the bottle so my guess is this product will last 6 weeks when used daily.

Hair Repair and Shine

This hair serum is formulated with a power pack blend of 8 plant-based hair fortifying botanical, 3 organic essential oils, and vitamin E. It helps to repair and strengthen hair, nourish and restores shine, and creates a protective barrier which will shield your hair from environmental stresses

Price: $28 for 30ml

Texture: Lightweight oil serum

Smell: a blend of floral herbal scents

Overall Rating: 9/10
Hair serums and oil are a staple part of my hair care routine because I have long, thick and wavy hair which equates to frizzy, unmanageable and split-ends prone hair in Singapore.

 When I was introduced to Sage & Ylang's Hair serum oil, I immediately fell in love with the scent and was amazed by how lightweight the oil is on the hair! After a month of using it each night, I'm glad to report that I haven't seen any split-ends and my hair looks and feels healthy! The best part of it is that it is made of natural ingredients and after a month's usage, I've only used 1/3 of the product. My guess is that this tiny bottle will last 3 months which makes it great for value!

Lip and Cheek Tint

This compact and versatile 2 in 1 formula was created to give a minimalist look with just a tinge of colour. Apply lightly for a natural and healthy look. Smooth buttery texture that glides over lips easily to provide moisturization and soothe chapped lips. It also contains ingredients that provides a little natural sun protection, and it can also be used on the cheeks.

Price: $23 for 4.44ml
Texture: Balm

Colour: A shimmery berry-red tint

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

I've got to say that it's a gorgeous tint that is perfect for all skin tone on the lips and cheeks, and a little goes a long way for the colour pigmentation. I carry this around on days when I wear light makeup to touch up my blush.

I have very dry chapped lips and after using this for a month, I find that this isn't moisturizing enough for me. That being said, I like the shade of this on my lips so I've been using it in place of my normal lipsticks. I will treat my lips with a hydrating balm first followed by this and reapply both as the day goes by.

With that, it brings me to the end of this review post, I've got another review lined up on their skincare range, so do keep an eye out for that. To check out Sage & Ylang, head to their website at sageandylang.com or follow them on Instagram at @sageandylang!

Hair after the mist & serum, with the lip tint on my lips!

This review is partially sponsored (I bought some on my own!), but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

It's been awhile since I did a review and posted something but after a month of testing, I would like to share with you what I've been up to!

If you have been following me from the start of my blog, you would have realised how I've transitioned from using foaming cleansers to natural oil-based cleansers because I have always found foaming cleansers to be harsh and full of cheap harmful ingredients that strip off the natural protective layer the skin has.

That being said, I've recently been introduced to a natural organic brand that has created a range of skincare products that broke some of my fears of foaming cleanser. That brand is none other than, Winter Organics.

A simple brand that is inspired by Nature, with passionate founders who believes that the ideal skincare should use only natural and organic ingredients, Winter Organics only carries 5 products that cover your needs for the face and body.

All of Winter Organics products are:

• 100% Naturally Derived with some Certified Organic Ingredients by Australian Certified Organic
• Cruelty-Free and Vegan (Certified by PETA)
• Chemical Free - No Parabens, GMO, SLS, SLES, ALS, Artificial Colours/Fragrances

Skincare Range

Chamomile Facial Cleanser

Refresh your skin with Chamomile Facial Cleanser pH balanced for use day and night. It releases a relaxing, soothing scent of a natural flower blend as you massage the cleanser into your moist skin. Soft chamomile, soothing aloe vera, sweet honeysuckle, exotic ylang ylang, warm rosemary, and citrusy orange ingredients blend together for a luxurious natural fragrance. Our skin pH level range between 4 to 5.5 which is mildy acidic. Winter Organics' formulation of pH5 is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and speed up acne healing time with anti-inflammatory properties. 

Benefits:

• Contains anti-inflammatory, soothing, hydrating and toning ingredients
• Contains ingredient that is high in anti-oxidants, and vitamins A, C, E & K and omega 3,6,7, & 9 to counteract the effects of premature ageing
• Contains ingredient that is beneficial for allergy prone and sensitive skin

Ingredients:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Decyl Glucoside, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycerine*, Xanthan Gum, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (Chamomile) Flower Oil*, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Canaga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil*, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil*, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil*, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil*, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Limonene^

Smell: Chamomile with a blend of floral scent

Cost: $22 for 100ml

Product Rating: 9/10

Look at the mixture of beads!

After using this for a month, I reverted back to my oil cleanser because it's my choice of cleanser for my face but during the month, I found that for a foamy cleanser, this works gently enough but it does leave the skin feeling a little tight. However, I'm amazed by the list of ingredients used in making this cleanser because it is full of ingredients that I can understand (mostly scienticfic names of natural ingredients) and it's completely free of the usual harsh chemical ingredients that helps cleanser to foam and strip away the oils of our skin.

I used a small pea-sized amount for my morning routine and on alternate nights, I add a big pea-sized amount of their facial scrub for a gentle exfoliating cleanser! This combination is the most amazing discovery, it gives you the softest skin without any tightness because of the ingredients from the scrub. Now, I still use the cleanser with the scrub alternatively for a good scrub down. A word of advice though is to control the tube well when squeezing the product out from it as it has the tendency of letting too much product flow out.

Cacao Facial Scrub

Winter Organics Facial Scrub contains triple natural gentle exfoliants – Bamboo powder, Argan shell power and Olive seed powder – that work effectively to remove dead skin cells, revealing clean smooth skin

Benefits:

• Contains ingredient that is high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, E, magnesium and antioxidants that helps to enhance cellular regeneration to develop a healthy glow and clear skin
• Contains ingredient that penetrates all layers of skin for hydration, rejuvenation and nourishment of our skin
• Contains fruit enzymes that have exfoliating properties to remove dead and damaged skin to improve the tone and texture of skin

Ingredients:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water*, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Decyl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Kaolin, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Glycerine*, Argania Spinosa Shell Powder, Squalane, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Seed Powder, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract*, Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Nut Oil*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract*, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract

Smell: Cocoa scent that reminds me of chocolate milk

Cost: $27 for 100ml


Product Rating: 10/10
I love this, made with natural exfoliating beads, this facial scrub is not only gentle to the environment with its biodegradable beads, it works even better than all the physical scrubs I've used so far! Mix it with their facial cleanser or even their shower gel for a good yet gentle scrub!

Bodycare Range

Calendula Shower Gel

A hydrating body wash with anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties to effectively cleanse, moisturise and protect the skin

Benefits:

• Gentle on the skin with moisturising properties
• Beneficial for allergy prone and sensitive skin
• Contains ingredient that is high in anti-oxidants to counteract the effects of premature ageing
• Contains ingredient that is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties which helps to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions
• Contains ingredient that has antiseptic and moisturising properties to protect the skin

Ingredients:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water*, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerine*, Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) Extract* Xanthan Gum, Vetivera Zizaniodes Root Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil*, Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil*, Linalool^, Limonene^

Smell: Faint Chamomile scent with a hint of lavender

Cost: $20 for 200ml

Product Rating: 8/10
I faced the same issue with the cleanser because this comes in a tube, so there's a chance of squeezing out too much product. It's a gentle wash that doesn't foam up too much (which I'm used to), but if you are an individual that loves shower gel that foams a lot, I would recommend using a net or a brush while showering to help create the foam you love! Overall, I like how it doesn't leave your skin tight after use, and I recokon this will be good for kids too! But I didn't experience any improvement to skin conditions like my eczema on my fingers or my occasional breakouts on my back.

Macadamia Hand and Body Lotion

A lovely scented lotion enriched with Vitamin E to help promote cell renewal and skin elasticity, hydrate and soothe the skin from sunburn and other skin irritations

Benefits:

• Helps to improve the appearance of scars, aids with sunburn and other skin irritation
• Promotes skin elasticity, youthful appearance and restore skin’s barrier function
• Contains ingredient that is high in antioxidant which promotes cell renewal, skin elasticity and helps prevent the signs of ageing
• Contains ingredient that is anti-inflammatory and soothing, beneficial for allergy prone and sensitive skin

Ingredient:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Nut Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Nut Extract*, Glycerine*, Cetyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch*, Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) Extract*, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Tocopherol, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Bentonite, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum

Smell: Faint macadamia and chamomile scent

Cost: $19 for 100ml

Product Rating: 10/10

I've seen improvement in my skin texture after a period of usage. I have what people would call, scaly skin on my leg, if I don't keep them hydrated. Over the month, with the use of adding the scrub with the shower gel and hydrating my skin after, I've noticed that my skin is now fairer without the scaly texture!

I also like that this lotion doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy, which is perfect for a climate as humid as Singapore! And if you are not a fan of overly scented lotion, you'll be glad to know that this scent fades after a few minutes of application.

Macadamia Hand Cream

A beautifully-scented hand cream enriched with Vitamin E to help promote cell renewal and skin elasticity, hydrate and soothe the skin. It comes in a small travel-sized tube that makes it convenient for stashing into the bag, travel luggage or in the office.

Benefits:

• Helps to improve the appearance of scars, aids with sunburn and other skin irritation
• Promotes skin elasticity, youthful appearance and restore skin’s barrier function
• Contains ingredient that is high in antioxidant which promotes cell renewal, skin elasticity and help prevent the signs of ageing
• Contains ingredient that is anti-inflammatory and soothing, beneficial for allergy prone and sensitive skin

Ingredient:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Nut Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Nut Extract*, Glycerine*, Cetyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch*, Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) Extract*, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Tocopherol, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Bentonite, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum

Smell: Macadamia scent

Cost: $9.90 for 30ml

Product Rating: 10/10

Looking for a hand cream that absorbs fast in our climate? Look no further, this absorbs really well while keeping the hands hydrated with a protective layer that heals and nourish without leaving those oily streaky marks on things after like regular hand cream.

I think this makes a great gift for anyone for any occasion or even to get it to anyone you know who may have dry wrinkled hands!

OVERALL THOUGHTS

After using this range of products for a month, I've got to admit that I'm impressed with some of the products they carry especially at the current price point! If you have the habit of reading product's ingredient list, then rejoice in knowing that Winter Organics uses Aloe Vera Juice and Coconut water as its main base, which is why their product is so hydrating and effective in repairing and nourishing the skin.

Before: Scale-like skin
Consistent use of their shower gel with a mix of their scrub occasionally to keep in-grown bumps away with their Hand & Body lotion
After: Fair, hydrated skin!

If you are uncertain about which product to start off with, I would highly recommend getting their facial scrub and Hand & Body lotion at a start and work your well to testing the rest! And I'm not just saying this because I'm sponsored, but their scrub is as effective as Creme Simon's Facial Scrub, and I've seen how effective the lotion is on my legs... I suspect it's also the reason why I have lesser ingrown hairs these days!

PROMOTION

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Merry Christmas, Everyone!

This post has been brought to you by Winter Organics, the products are sponsored but the review (as always) are 100% honest and based on my personal usage of the products for a minimum of 1-month before writing.