Aging Skin - What I learned about in my 30s

I first started to realize that my skin was aging after I passed my 30s which happened to be just after I had my first child. I started to notice that my skin wasn’t as plump anymore. Tiny moles / pigmentation that I had never noticed started to appear on my face. I started to freak out! It was like a double whammy! Do you know that once you hit 30 your estrogen levels start to drop? This results in lower levels of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that give 20-somethings that beautiful taut skin and plump apple cheeks.  I did read though that post pregnancy aging is just ‘temporarily’ caused by the lack of sleep, high stress and yeah being a mom. However, if you are in your 30’s it is time to ramp up your skincare regime already. If you have not been using any creams diligently, it is time to start. If you have, then it may be time to go for a cream with anti-aging properties.

" ..... once you hit 30 your estrogen levels start to drop?"

As the saying goes “You are what you eat”, it is no surprise that the condition of our skin is highly dependent on that factor. A balanced diet often helps to fight the signs of aging but is often not enough as we are undergoing other hormone changes as well.

"You are what you eat."

So, even though according to my Facebook I am still in my 20s and even though I hate to admit it, it is time to seriously start using Anti-Aging Creams. No, it’s not because I want to live in denial of my age but it’s because I want to age gracefully. However, you would agree that most anti-aging creams can burn a hole in your pocket hence why it may be a reason to put off starting to use them.

"I want to age gracefully"

I am using the Olay Regenerist Skincare Range at the moment which I decided to try based on a friend’s advice. The product promise is “ Look Dramatically Younger without spending a fortune”,  which sounds good to me as I didn’t actually plan to spend so much on skincare.

Here is a bit about the product:

A – Miracle Boost Youth Essence; B – Regenerist Micro-sculpting cream; C – Regenerist revitalizing night cream

A - Miracle Boost – Youth Pre Essence

Time of Use : Day & Night

Function : helps skin look energized and strengthens skin barrier function to give healthy looking skin

Texture : Sheer, light texture

Directions of Use : Use twice a day after toner and before serum & moisturizer.

What’s Cool ?!: Unscrew the cap and the product is automatically drawn in to the dropper

A – Miracle Boost Youth Essence; B – Regenerist Micro-sculpting cream; C – Regenerist revitalizing night cream

B – Micro-sculpting Cream

Time of Use : Day & Night

Function : firmer, smoother looking skin + intense hydration

The Promise : 

Day 1: Visibly reduces pores, improves texture & radiance

Day 14: Noticeably firmer skin

Day 28: Reduces years of wrinkles*

Benefits :

- Helps block direct DNA damaging rays to help protect skin and maintain collagen’s structural integrity

- Hydrates to help rebuild cellular surface structure & restore firmness

Product Information : This new anti-ageing formula hydrates to help rebuild cellular* surface structure and restore firmness, regenerating a more youthful appearance SPF 30 helps block direct DNA damaging rays to help protect skin and maintain collagen’s structural integrity. Powerful anti-oxidants help protect the skin’s surface. Premium skin feel, suitable for daily use

Texture : Creamy, light

Directions of Use : Using fingertips, massage a small amount on the face & neck in an upward circular motion , focusing on areas such as the brow & jawline which need more support

A – I would actually pump it on my palms first but this looks nicer for pictures;  B – Apply the micro-sculpting cream on the brow & jawline area; C – Having fun always makes you look and feel  younger hehe

C – Revitalizing Night Cream

Time of Use : Night

Function : Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with moisturization

Texture : Creamy, Light,

Direction of Use: using fingertips, smooth evenly onto clean skin over face & neck every evening

What’s Cool ?!:  Velvety feel & very light

My Verdict

•  My favourite thing about this product is it is very light on the skin. Most anti-aging creams feel heavy and block my pores which is one of the reasons I used to stay away from them.
• My pore size seems to have shrunk and the tiny wrinkles that were forming have lessened so my skin feels smoother to the touch.
• Make-up glides on smoother and looks more flawless thanks to my new supple skin.
• I can feel the skin tightening effect from day 1 and keeps improving
• It’s value for money

I hope this is helpful for you, especially if you are in your 30’s. Whatever your choice may be, don’t forget to smile for a smile has scientifically proven to make you look younger.

For more on Olay products do check out their website https://www.everydayme.com.my/tag/olay

Don't ever complain about Getting Old.

This is not a beauty or make up post. It's just my feelings towards the subject matter.

People complaining about getting old is one of my pet peeves. I'm not talking about those who just joke about it but those who perpetually talk about it like getting old is some kind of disease and their life is so miserable.

How can you complain about being old when it is a gift that not everyone has a privilege of?

'Do not regret growing old...

It is a privilege denied to many...'

I just lost a couple of my friends this year and some friends lost their babies ,, some barely 3 days old. Just reading posts by a mom who lost her first son, expressing how much she misses him, how no other baby smells and feels like him breaks my heart.

Recently I lost one of my friends in her 30s so suddenly caused by an aneurysm she wasn't even aware of (What is an aneurysm?) How devastating it must be for the husband to lose his soulmate? How painful it must be for her 2 little kids to cry every night missing their mom who was a full time stay at home mom that was taken away without any warning? 

Then there is another friend also in his 30s who has been battling cancer. He is such a fighter, you won't even know what's eating him from inside.

So if you have passed your 50s or 60s please don't whine about how you are getting old, that you are going down hill and whatsoever. You don't know how lucky you are to be alive and just in need to pop a few pills to enhance your health. 

Remember, you are the privileged one..you are the one blessed with these extra years that some young ones don't get to see. Count your blessings and live everyday with positivism (because positivity is not a word according to my spell check..)

Here is a summary of Do's and Dont's

DOs

Get a yearly medical screening even if you (think that) you are fine

- Obviously by doing this you can stop playing the guessing game or have unpleasant surprises! If you are fine you will get a peace of mind, if not at least with early detection and treatment your chances of being cured is higher. 

Most hospitals offer annual screening packages. Here are some links with published rates:

Pantai Hospital Health Screening Pacakges

Institut Jantung Negara

Tung Shin

Assunta

*My dad underwent a surgery to remove a growth the size of a golf ball from his lungs at the beginning of the year. My dad didn't even suspect this. It was found out by one doctor who called for further investigations thanks to an annual medical check up. Had my dad thought he was fine and not bothered to go for a medical screening this lump may not have been discovered at an early stage. Thank god.

Eat your greens

Leafy green vegetables have more nutrition per calorie than any other food. Greens make up a significant source vitamins A, C, E and K as well as several B vitamins. They are rich sources of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. 

If you need a reason to go green:

6 health benefits of leafy greens

Cut down sugar

This is a no-brainer isn't it? Some benefits include weight loss (for me almost immediate) and prevention of diabetes. You may also find yourself in a more stable mood and energy levels.

This should be helpful:

10 Easy Ways to Slash Sugar from Your Diet

Exercise

This is the part I hate :p but I try to at least walk more and be more mobile. Don't suddenly over exert yourself if you are not the exercising type. According to Providence.org You don't have to train like an Olympic athlete to have a positive influence on your health.  Take baby steps as sudden over exercising can cause you more harm.

'You don't have to train like an Olympic athlete 

to have a positive influence on your health.'

Here is some advise by Mayo Clinic:

How much should the average adult exercise every day?

Be Thankful

Just being thankful for everything does make a change. At one time (my darkest of times I guess) I used to roll my eyes at the notion till I tried it myself. Something happened. I feel much lighter now mentally.

You may want to check out these posts by people who I guess did some actual research:

10 Reasons Why Gratitude Is Healthy

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round

Don'ts

Complain 

You don't need an explanation for this.

Be Ungrateful

Seriously.

GRANDIÔSE LINER - Revolutionary Eyeliner launching on 15 August 2016

The delectable Penélope Cruz gazes through the lens of Alexi Lubomirski, eyes fringed with Grandiôse liner. The intense line follows the curve of her wide-brimmed hat for ultimate sophistication

One of the trickiest part of doing applying make up for most of us gals would be getting the eyeliner right. It takes years of experience to perfect and sometimes it could still go wrong. I've had my fair share of horror stories that ended in a mental meltdown all because of eyeliner! Mind you, I was in my early 20s then and things have changed. It's pretty hilarious now when I look back and see how something as menial as eyeliner could have dampened my day!

Lancôme Grandiôse Liner - exceptionally fine tip of 0.2mm

That said, I'm looking forward to the launch of the Lancôme Grandiôse Liner on 15 August 2016. 

This cutting edge liner is said to be inspired by the best kept secret techniques of make-up artists: deliberately angled brushes for enhanced flexibility and creativity and more beautiful eyes.

Physical Attributes

• 35-degree curve in the handle (which can be used straight as well)
• Dense, opaque and intensely matte formula
• Exceptionally fine tip (just 0.2 mm)

It's Promise

• unlimited dexterity
• intense finish
• precision and flexibility 

35 degree curved angle is a game changer! Lisa Eldridge, Lancôme’s Make-up Creative Director, used her expertise and knowledge to determine the exact angle 

* Here is what some of the women who tested the Grandiôse Liner had to say:

96% said it dried quickly

95% said it was easy to hold

95% said the tip was flexible

91.1% said it traced a thin line

90.1% felt it offered easier access to the root of the lashes

88.1% said it glided smoothly and easily over the skin during application

86.1% said it was easy to apply

85.1% felt it allowed easier control of the line during application

94.1% felt it boosted their eyes

90.1% thought the colour effect was intense

*Tested on 101 women aged 20–45 in France who use liquid eyeliner daily or who agreed to use it on the eyelids at least once a day for seven days

Available colours:

• carbon black
• sapphire blue
• deep brown

Check Colours on Lancôme UK Website (at time of publishing this post, the product is not yet available in Malaysia)

Finish:

matte

Smudge Proof:

Unaffected by moisture and sebum

Quick Dry:

Yes

As I was adding in the pictures for this post i realised I have a pic similar to Penelope's sans the eyeliner so I just had to share it lol.

Although Grandiôse Liner has exceptional hold it is said to be incredibly simple to remove and washes away easily with hot water which I consider a plus point.

The Lancôme Grandiôse Liner is priced at RM115 and is available at all counters from 15th August 2016 throughout Malaysia. 

Lancôme is giving away free makeup services till 31st August 2016 to all my followers!

All you have to do is follow these simple Simple Steps:

1. Follow me on Instagram @themodelmom

2. Screen shot this post (https://www.instagram.com/p/BIcVMOCj7gc/?taken-by=themodelmom&hl=en) and redeem it at the Lancôme IOI Mall Putrajaya Kiosk. Kindly call 03-82132787 to avoid disappointment. 

Screen shot this post from my instagram @themodelmom

3. Tag your friends and get them to follow me and repeat Step 2! 

Whether you want to try out some Parisian elegance for your next date night, go selfie crazy or get makeup done for any occasion here is your chance. 

Limit to 1 makeup service per person only.

NU Sentral Fashion Fiesta, 27 to 31 July!

Kuala Lumpur, 27 July 2016 - The transumer (transit consumers) lifestyle mall, NU Sentral goes retro electro with its first ever inspiring fashion event, NU Sentral Fashion Fiesta 2016. With trendy Malaysian designer and reputable international brands on showcase from 27 to 31 July 2016, NU Sentral is a fashion haven for fashion aficionados craving the latest trendsetting styles. 

Denise Chan - Host & DJ, Nadine Ann Thomas - Miss universe Malaysia 2010, Linora Low - Mix FM DJ 

The inaugural fashion fiesta was launched with a fashion show featuring over 20 of it's tenant brands namely UNIQLO, AZNUR, Butik Rimba, THECOSRY, KINSLAGER, Factorie, Posse, Puma, Rip Curl, The Executive, dcTribe, Focus Point, Hush Puppies, Ice-Watch, Multi.tude, PANDORA, Skechers, TimeKeeper, Tomei, Victoria’s Secret, whatsBag, and LOKA Malaysia. Established local designers such as Flora Hijab by Razak and Shazrene was also part of the showcase. 

Themodelmom - Clozette Ambassador with her date Ranjinder, and fellow bloggers

Official hair stylist for NU Sentral Fashion Fiesta 2016, Miko Galere and make-up expert, SUB International Beauty School made sure the models on parade from Andrewsmodels looked prim and runway ready. The models' look was complete with manicured digits by the Official Nail Sponsor, Posh Nail Spa.

Themodelmom - Clozette Ambassador, Youtuber Cheryn Tan & Blog Editor Leona Lim

Us with International Model - Deanna Ibrahim

The launch officiated by Yang Berbahagia Datuk Kamalul Arifin Othman, Group Managing Director of Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad (PHB) was a pompous affair attended by bloggers, fashionistas, socialites and local celebrities.

Datuk Kamalul Arifin Othman, Group Managing Director of Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad (PHB)

“During NU Sentral Fashion Fiesta 2016, be ready to be mesmerized and inspired by the newest fashion showcase from our esteemed local and international brands. With more than 200 retail and F&B outlets, everything you need is now available under one roof at NU Sentral Shopping Centre,” says Datuk Kamalul Arifin Othman, Group Managing Director of Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad (PHB).

Opened for business on 29 March 2014, the conveniently located NU Sentral offers 1.3 million sq. ft. of Gross Floor Area (GFA) and 270 retail lots for lease within Kuala Lumpur’s bustling transit and business hub. Access to this urban lifestyle haven is extremely convenient as it offers ample parking with almost 2,600 parking bays, while its location next to Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur (SSKL) means that is also easily accessible by the LRT, monorail and KTM Komuter rail systems. I also found out that parking is flat rate of RM4 after 6pm on weekdays!

Its location and connectivity makes it ideal for suburban shoppers and urban commuters, as well as travellers who use the passenger check-in facility at the Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal (carrying the IATA global code XKL) at SSKL as well as the Express Rail Link to KLIA.

Be part of the fiesta! Join the Instagram Contest!

Show Nu Sentral your ‪#‎NUOOTD‬ because they are picking 2 winners daily to feature on their Instagram from 27 to 31 July!

Follow @NUSentral Instagram and post your #NUOOTD and stand a chance to win mystery prizes too! ‪#‎NUSentral‬ ‪#‎NUFashionFiesta‬

NU Sentral Fashion Fiesta 2016 will also bridge the gap between fashion labels and shoppers as NU Sentral will have various fashion exhibitions featuring installations from Tucz, Levi’s, Dockers and many more for the public to browse and be inspired from!

Visit http://www.nusentral.com/ or follow Nu Sentral on FB for more information om NU Sentral Fashion Fiesta 2016

The Ghostbusters Adventure Live! at Lynton V. Harris Scream Park Sunway Lagoon

Bandar Sunway, 25 July 2016 – Ghosts and Ghouls took over Sunway Lagoon and only one ghost-busting foursome could put the sinister creatures to rest. Sunway Lagoon’s Lynton V. Harris Scream Park unveiled the first Ghostbusters attraction of its kind in the world, The Ghostbusters Adventure Live!

The Ghostbusters arrive to save the day!

Ghostbusters inclusion into the park marks the biggest annual investment to date since the launch of Scream Park some seven years ago. The attraction occupies the entire top level of Scream Park and takes visitors through a 20-minute harrowing journey through locations based on the relaunch of the movie.

Stay Puft - at the main entrance of Sunway Lagoon

“Sunway Lagoon is excited to have such an internationally acclaimed attraction such as Ghostbusters. At Sunway Lagoon we are constantly working to provide our guests with the latest and the best. The Ghostbusters Adventure-Live! provides park-goers and fans alike with a unique and interactive journey through the Ghostbusters world,” said Calvin Ho, Senior General Manager of Sunway Theme Parks.

Entrance to The Ghostbusters Adventure Live!

The good people of Sunway Lagoon graciously invited the media to an exclusive session where they made sure bloggers and members of the media were thoroughly spooked. So, I decided to ask my husband on a date which I suppose worked out to be a good idea as I was holding him tight crushing his hands all the way.

You will sure be safe with a Ghostbuster around

The interesting part of this attraction is the interaction between the spookee and the spooker and a cast of live actors. Be well prepared for unexpected surprises and thrills. 

Make sure to get a shot with the Ecto-1 

After getting our tickets to Sunway Lagoon we were guided straight to the Scream Park entrance. The Scream park is one of the first things you see when you enter the theme park making it hard to miss. To our delight there was Sunway Lagoon's version of the Ecto-1 just outside the entrance and some of us had the chance to snap a picture with it.

Ghostbusters Live entrance at night 

Inside we were given instructions on what to do and what not to do. Pretty simple really. "Don't touch the ghosts. They will jump out, come near but they wont touch you. Remember, don't touch the ghosts." 

Slimer

Our journey started at Slimer's pad, filled with lots of Ghostbusters memorabilia that would surely thrill any fan. So, I would suggest that you watch the movie first to get a full experience though it's not necessary. We then reach the Aldridge Mansion – New York’s oldest private home and museum, where a handsome tour guide introduced us to the story of Gertrude Aldridge.

Getrude Aldridge's Library

No Ghosts

A detour took us to New York Subway’s Seward Street Station and we alighted to visit Old Zhu’s Chinese Restaurant, the new headquarters of the new all-female Ghostbusters. Rowan’s basement was next on the agenda, followed by the infamous Mercado Hotel, set in the iconic Times Square in New York, where our journey ends in a spooky, scary and slimy finale.

Boo!

Rowan's Hideout Basement at the Mercado Hotel

The journey is to be taken in single file so put the bravest of all in front. In our case it was my dear hubby. He seemed pretty cool throughout tho I did here some grown men screaming haha.

I ain't afraid of no ghosts!

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Through The Ghostbusters Adventure Live! Sunway Lagoon continues its successful partnership with Lynton V Harris & The Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company who are responsible for a long list of popular blockbuster themed attractions previously present inside Scream Park including Terminator, Night at The Museum, Prison Break LIVE! And World War Z.

(Left to Right) Sean Choo, General Manager of Sunway Lagoon; Calvin Ho, Senior General Manager of Sunway Theme Parks; Lynton V. Harris, Chairman and CEO of The Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company pose with The Ghostbusters and ‘No Ghosts’ after launch of The Ghostbusters Adventure Live!

“‘Ghostbusters is one of the top 10 most iconic film franchises of all time, and with the new movie, it will be brought to a whole new generation, making it a perfect headline experience for the Lynton V Harris Scream Park at Sunway Lagoon,” said Lynton V. Harris, Chairman & CEO The Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company.

In celebration of this latest introduction, Sunway Lagoon will hosting its first ever ‘Spend and Win’ where Malaysians, aged 18 years or above, will stand a chance to drive away with a brand new Proton Iriz when they spend RM 300 or above in one single receipt.

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The Ghostbusters Adventure Live! at Lynton V. Harris Scream Park opens 14^th of July 2016. 

Opening hours 

11:00am to 6:00pm daily. 

Walk-in Price (includes the whole of Sunway Lagoon theme park with over  90 rides and attractions)

RM150 for those aged 12 years and above

RM120 for children and senior citizens

Checkout MyKad Rates and Special Promotions

Need more info? Who you gonna call? Sunway Lagoon! at +603-5639 000 or visit Sunway Lagoon’s website at www.sunwaylagoon.com.  

Althea Korea Turns 1 and some Seoultastic news for you!

It's 20 July 2016!  Happy 1st Birthday Althea and thank you for bringing innovative, cute products directly from Korea straight to our doorsteps!

What is Althea you say?  Althea is a onestop online shopping centre where anyone and everyone can get their hands on authentic K-beauty products at a reasonable price just like how Korean consumers do.

Althea is celebrating this special day with you by having special deals steals and contests! Sweet! Just check out below and be part of this K-party oK?

Limited Edition Birthday Box + DIY Party Kit

For orders placed on 20/7 onwards. While stocks last.

Free Goodies for first 1,500 shoppers

Full size beauty products. While stocks last.

Birthday Giveaway. Pick 3 Top Sellers for 100% REBATE!

Rebate will be credited into your account.

#AltheaTurns1 Instagram Contest

- Got your Althea party kit? Wish us a happy birthday with #altheaturns1 and stand a chance to win amazing prizes such as Macbook Air, Ipad Air 2, iPhone 6S, Galaxy S6 Edge, Canon EOS M10 Selfie Camera, Althea credits and beauty hampers from Althea!

- Prizes total worth KRW10,000,000 to be won.

- Contest starts from 20th July - 15th August, 2016.

*Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to www.althea.kr and Althea Facebook for more information. 


Since we are on the topic let me share with you what's in my stash!

1. Its Skin - Formula 10 Power Propolis RM57 RM30 

2. Elizavecca - 24k Gold Snail Cleansing Foam RM60 RM25

3. It's My Perfume Hand Cream RM12 RM6

4. Nella - Honey Snail Ultra Moisture Cream RM89 RM39

5. Lala - Pheromone Lip Laquer RM120 RM37

6. Witch's Pouch - Selfie Perfect Eyebrow RM40 RM13

Total : RM378 RM150*

*Free delivery for purchase of RM150 and above :)

So what are you waiting for? Log on to http://my.althea.kr/ and let the party begin!