Review: MIVVA Box, Happy January 2014!

My first surprise of the year!! Thank you MIVVA for so much of love, 

since my first MIVVA beauty box in April 2013. 

Something different from the usual black and white polka box, this time the latest MIVVA box is double the usual size! As I unopen the box, the amount of surprises also doubles because there are 4 FULL-SIZED items inside!! Excited or not?

It's an exclusive beauty box by the Japanese Kao Corporation, featuring few beauty brands under one roof including my favourite hair care brand, Liese, and popular beauty brand, Biore. 

I usually have love-hate relationship with oil-based remover. As much as I love the effectiveness of removing the waterproof mascara, I dislike the stickiness it creates on my skin. But Biore is different!! I swear I fall in love with it after reading Xiaxue's review and her Guide to Life video.

#1 Bioré Makeup Remover Wipes (44 sheets / packet)

This is the highly recommended product by Xiaxue!! And now it comes in newly improved formula- with hyaluronic acid and moisturizing essence, no wonder my skin feels so soft and supple after using it! 

The wipes come in a vacuum sealed package inside an airtight container, to maintain the moisture level of the cottony sheet. Maximum level of protection for the Biore wipes! 

Let's try it on my waterproof and anti-smudge eye makeup... Wow, the result is amazing! I can remove all traces of makeup around the eye instantly in just..... ONE wipe! To remove stubborn mascara, remember to place the sheet on closed eyes for 5 seconds before wiping off. 

Each cotton sheet is sufficient to remove thick makeups (even for your party look!) for the entire face. No joking! For daily basic makeup like mine, I only use half of the cloth to completely remove everything about the face, eye, lips and even neck. 

 AMAZING!!! 

Despite of being oil-based, it doesn't leave the skin oily, sticky or greasy at all. To my surprise, my skin feels fresh after wiping. Now I know why so many bloggers WOWed about it.

The product is so easy to use, convenient and REFILLABLE. 

Definitely a must-bring item for travels!

 #2 Bioré Mild Cleansing Liquid (230ml)

I know I feel wasted when I didn't utilize the whole sheet of the wipe. For a more economic alternative, it is good to have a bottle of mild cleansing liquid at home, because it is water-based yet able to remove waterproof makeup gently and quickly on the skin. It feels similarly soft and smooth after wiping! 

Liese has been so popular over the years, and this brand is no longer a stranger to you. As for myself, I have used so many Liese hair care products from styling milk, hair serum to juicy shower. But the best product I love from them is their bubble hair color!  

 #3 Liese Bubble Hair Color

Now... time to have a new hair color for new year? Sometimes I just don't enjoy going for hair dye at saloon, yet end up not satisfied with the result. So let's DIY with Liese Bubble Hair Color! Just mix the solutions, massage your scalp and voila... the final color will be evenly spreaded.

I have blogged about it in October 2010 (more than 3 years back, and the product is still very popular now!). It retails at RM38.80 normal price but I usually wait for promotions at Watsons as the discount can go up to 20%. 

 #4 Liese Smooth Hair Cocktail (140ml)

The hair cocktail is a Bi-layer detangler that contains Repairing Water and Moisture Milk to hydrate, lock in moisture and coat hair smoothly for easy combing. It's another convenient hydrating hair spray I love bringing for travel because it is tightly capped and doesn't leak easily.

Remember to shake well, and just spray on the tangled portion of the hair and comb it smooth. Did I forget to mention that it smells great like grape juice? Must be delicious for my hair ;)

This is, by far, my favourite MIVVA box ever! Must get one if you haven't!

MIVVA helps women discover beauty. 

If you want to be surprised with deluxe beauty products, MIVVA is a great choice!

Subscribe for a month at RM38 each, 

or RM114 for 3 months with 190 points,

or RM228 for 6 months with 570 points.

More information available at www.MIVVA.com

 Facebook: fb.com/MIVVAcom

Twitter: twitter.com/MIVVAcom 

Instagram: instagram.com/MIVVAbeauty

Review: MIVVA Box, September Edition: Glow Gizmo

The September 2013 MIVVA Beauty Box features a great number of sample-sized products to make you glow from head to toe. Well, I mean a healthy glow on the hair, eyes, cheek and face. As soon as I saw the product guide with the phrase "Glow Gizmo", I'm excited to explore the content of the box. Oh ya, I am glad that MIVVA introduces me to some new makeup brands this month.

I have arranged the product according to my liking. 

Rank #1 is the item I loved most, Rank #10 is my least preferred item.

#1 ARTY Professional Mania Face Color (FULL-SIZED!) @ RM45

Face Color originates from the craziness of color makeup. It contains natural extracts (Apple, peach, avocado and cranberry) to nourish the skin and give a healthy glow. It comes in over 60 vibrant, highly pigmented colours, in either matte or shimmer finish. 

The shade in my box is F8, a shimmery coral pink color that gives an instant vibrant complexion to the skin. I think this color suits the summer look when applied as eyeshadow, but I personally prefer using it as a blusher instead. 

Beauty Tips: Lightly sweep the brush through the blush and tap it to remove the excess. 

ARTY Face Color is very intense and highly pigmented, so just start off with a little blush.

It has a highly pigmented soft texture that makes blending so easy and comfortable on the skin. And I love the shimmer finish that is suitable for use during the day and night. I should really try out other colors like the mesmerizing Muted Turquoise for a pair of stunning eyes! =)

#2 MIAcare Monthly Silicon Hydrogel Soft Contact Lens (1 Pair) @ RM138 for 6 pcs

Colourless contact lens for monthly wear with smart base curve design, 

Almoist Plus (Dual moisture and cell activation mechanism) and UV protection. 

Being a contact lens wearer since 8 years ago, I love trying different brands before I find the perfect pair for my eyes. Special thanks to MIVVA for providing the lens of my power, this is the right time for me to try on another new brand. 

#3 ASIENCE Hair Care 

ASIENCE moisturise, repair, protect and soften the hair with the nourishing benefits of 5 essences including Korean Ginseng Camellia Oil and Pearl Protein. Now everyone can has supple and bouncy hair from root to tip! Available exclusively at Watsons, JUSCO and AEON Wellness. 

Oh the hair care products came in just at the nick of time! I was thinking about switching to another brand, coz' my hair is getting more and more frizzy and rebellious :( And Asience hair products are good for both the scalp and hair, so why not give it a try?

#4 ASIENCE Shine Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner (15ml per sachet)

Shampoo: RM14.90 for 220ml, RM26.80 for 530ml

Conditioner: RM14.90 for 220ml, RM26.80 for 530ml

Best for my dry hair, as it is able to repair, strengthen and protect damaged hair while replenishing lost moisture and nutrients. The shampoo may not have sweet floral scent, but I love the smell of herbs that soothe the scalp.

#5 ASIENCE Nature Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner (15ml per sachet)

Shampoo: RM14.90 for 220ml, RM26.80 for 530ml

Conditioner: RM14.90 for 220ml, RM26.80 for 530ml

Using new Asian Beauty Formula, it helps to soften dull hair and balance the scalp's moisture. Honestly speaking, my hair is slightly smoother immediately after the hair wash. I hope the smoothing effect is long-lasting for my untamed hair...

#6 SOMANG EcoPure Perfect White Sun Cream SPF50+/PA+++ 

(2ml per sachet) @ RM89.90 for 50ml

This whitening sun cream provides strong UV protection, while reducing uneven pigmentation

and create a barrier that protects the skin  against wrinkles and sun-induced age spots. 

My favourite sunblock is always lightweight and fluid. I'm not a fan of creamy type of sunblock because of its stickiness. But luckily SOMANG sun cream feels moisturized on the skin and gives a light coverage when applied under makeup. 

Whenever I feel like going out without makeup, applying this alone is good enough for a glowing skin. 

#7 SOMANG Like A Dessert Air-Bliss BB SPF30/PA++

(2ml per sachet) @ RM94.90 for 50ml

Korean BB cream is always a good choice for those who love light, smooth coverage on the skin. It is quite fluid, weightless and therefore enables the skin to breathe and doesn't clog the pores. I am sure it comes in different shades, but the shade I got here is one tone lighter than my original skin.

The coverage is rather moderate, but I love the way it stays moisturized on the skin 
without any stickiness for long hours. 

#8 SOMANG Danahan Bon Yeon Jin Toner and Emulsion

(5ml per bottle) @ RM174.90 for 160ml

Time to regain the skin's original power back with the harmony of Yin and Yang! The anti-wrinkle emulsion and toner improve blood circulation while enhancing skin's absorbing power and flexibility. It keeps skin moistured and soft too. 

Similar to the toner and emulsion from MIVVA Box July edition, this round it has anti-wrinkle property to combat aging. Both toner and emulsion have light gel-like consistency, that forms a smooth, thin protective layer on the skin. 

For more information for SOMANG, visit www.facebook.com/SomangMalaysia 

#9 BEAUTYMATE Purifying and Brightening Nano Mask (美肌之志净白淡斑纳米面膜) 

(25g per piece) @ RM36.90 for 7 pcs

Contains gentiana lutea root, kiwi, coconut, aloe and natural black pearl powder. Helps lock in moisture, nourish and improve skin tone through brightening, whitening and hydrating effects. Suitable for all skin types especially those with uneven skin tone. 

Beautymate is a trusted brand for me now, after few encounters of Beautymate products in previous MIVVA box. For the mask range, I've tried Beautymate Polypeptide Collagen Revitalizing Mask (Blogged: HERE). For this Nano Mask, the quality of the mask sheet is slightly better (Thicker now) with lots of essence in it.

My Verdict:

Material: ★★☆☆☆

Functionality: ★★★☆☆ 

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★★

Overall: 3.5/5

#10 IGEL Aire Multipurpose Disinfecting Solution (360ml) (FULL-SIZED!) - Price unknown

Specifically design for all Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses but can also be used on other soft contact lenses. Its double moisturizing advantage provides the wearers with greater comfort and a proper clean and virtually microbe-free contact lens.

Each bottle comes with an anti microbial lens casing. Unfortunately I am very particular with eye care, and only trust one brand so far. But I have tried this, and the result is satisfying. No more feeling dry and stinging on the eyes!

#11 Bonus Item: Mirror Mirror on the wall

Little treat from MIVVA is definitely not be missed! The bonus item of the month is a magnifying handheld mirror in wooden frame, which is a must-have in every girl's bag. 

 VERDICT

What I like about MIVVA Box, September Edition:

• Value for money! The total value in this month's box is over RM100++ but it costs only RM38.
• Loaded with a variety of products, for self-pampering from hair to eyes.
• 2 Full Sized Items! ARTY Face Color itself is already my fave among all!

What I don't like about MIVVA Box, September Edition:

• Nothing! I totally have no complaints bout this month's box. Hopefully next month would be another great surprise for me.

MIVVA helps women discover beauty. 

If you want to be surprised with deluxe beauty products, MIVVA is a great choice!

Subscribe for a month at RM38 each, 

or RM114 for 3 months with 190 points,

or RM228 for 6 months with 570 points.

More information available at www.MIVVA.com

 Facebook: fb.com/MIVVAcom

Twitter: twitter.com/MIVVAcom 

Instagram: instagram.com/MIVVAbeauty

AUPRES Pampering Workshop x MIVVA Beauty

MIVVA never fails to surprise me with happy news. After introducing me the AUPRES  Aqua Sleeping Mask which I adore so much from May Edition beauty box, I'm glad this time MIVVA organized an intimate session with AUPRES for the girls to chill, relax and have fun. 

The beauty date with Aupres was held at Zang Toi Cafe, Level 4 of Parkson Pavilion KL. The cafe was tastefully decorated with beautiful mirrors under a modern English setting. Felt so relaxed upon entering this space.

AUPRES, meaning "Next to you, close to you" in French, is an exclusive cosmetic brand specially created by Asians for Asians using one of the best Japanese skincare technology. I'm impressed to see lots of AUPRES skincare and makeup products in pretty shiny packages, don't you just fall in love with them at the first sight too? :) 

AUPRES Pro-Balancing Series

AUPRES Ultimate White Series

AUPRES Premium Range: Cell Renewing Series

We were introduced to these new product range in AUPRES. In terms of functionality, 

they have moisturizing, whitening, anti-aging and lots more for you to choose from.

After having a brief skin consultation by AUPRES staff, I was brought to a makeover booth where the makeup artist would try the latest makeup range on me. 

It was me, during the makeover session.

(1) Highlighter
(2) Bronzer
(3) Blusher

Newest in the collection was the AUPRES Dimensional Face Creator, which came in a classy packaging with a dual-function brush and a palette for contouring and for the cheeks. I love the tri-tone blusher where I can achieve a great balance of rosiness around the cheeks.

Next was the lip makeup using the newly introduced AUPRES Lip Glaze, which came in more than 6 tones. Out of all, my best pick was the peachy tone, which gave a natural glittery touch in the lips.

For final touch, the makeup guru used AUPRES Lively Finished Pressed Powder which incorporated different hues that create an instant glowy look on the skin. Again, I adore the peach and pinky tones that made me look more radiant!

Before and After: I look so different, right?

Ok face was done. Next was to pamper my hand! The friendly AUPRES staff also had a hand massage booth so that we could try out their most exclusive product under AUPRES Premium Range: (1) Cell Renewing Lotion II and (2) Cell Renewing Emulsion III. My hand felt so velvety soft after massaging with these!! 

Tell you a little secret, I always love girly event like this because the organizer is always so sweet to delight us with sweet treats. Here we had a DIY Cupcake Decorating corner where we squeezed some creative brain juice to the cupcakes.

The plain cupcake base in pastel pink. Mad loveee!

And I brought mine home to delight my Mummy! :)

The remaining hours we spent there were of course to indulge into the heavenly desserts 

while sipping on a glass of thirst-quenching citrus juice.

Chocolate banana cake is highly recommended at Zang Toi! Must try!

Picture time with my favourite girls: Chenelle, Bendan, FrankieRoseUni

Bendan, yours truly, Chenelle, Sarah

 Thank you AUPRES and Michelle from MIVVA for having us there!

For more information about AUPRES, kindly go to facebook.com/aupresmalaysia

To know more about MIVVA Box, please visit:
Website: www.MIVVA.com

 Facebook: fb.com/MIVVAcom

Twitter: twitter.com/MIVVAcom 

Instagram: instagram.com/MIVVAbeauty