Friday, October 16, 2015

IsMé Beauty & Cafe

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe, Empire Subang
IsMé  Beauty & Cafe recently launched it's own skin care range named IsMé Professional Beauty and Skincare. It combines both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, or simply Cosmeceuticals with biologically active ingredients. IsMé Beauty & Cafe claims that this range is personally tested and selected by their team of beauty professionals and skincare experts. Made in the USA, the range promises to treat skin conditions, prevent premature aging and protect skin health and beauty. 
IsMé  Beauty & Cafe - Bar

If you haven't already been to one of the 3 cafe's and have no idea what a beauty cafe is I don't blame you as this concept is new in Malaysia. In fact, IsMé  Beauty & Cafe is the first of it's kind in the country, focusing on beauty and health both from within and on the surface. Just like the old saying "You are what you eat".
Wow! This is how low cal food looks like now

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe Signature drink
Some product testing  and skin analyis
I was privileged to be invited to a briefing and product testing with their expert consultants along with two other bloggers. We were all given different products based on the expert's analysis of our skin to take home and try. My skin is generally healthy, combination skin so I was recommended the O2 Bubble Cleanser. 

How to apply O2 Bubble Cleanser
1. Dot the required amount of product on your cheeks, forehead and chin. 
2. Gently scrub in a circular motion, add a bit of water as you go
3. Once soap suds form, stop and cleanse with water (if you over scrub, the impurities that were lifted off your skin by the soap suds will go back on to your skin)
4. Repeat Steps 1-3 (but you can skip adding more water) to double cleanse. Trust me, your skin will feel noticeably smoother.



O2 Bubble Cleanser. 3 branches in Malaysia
The product is made in USA . Connect with IsMe Beauty & Cafe
The product is clear. You get this size with one pump..

The texture is light, between gel and water and not sticky
Just add some water and gently scrub in circular movements. It's not as bubbly as you would expect.

My thoughts on the product

I like how the product is fragrance free and colourless. The texture and consistency makes it easy to apply. I actually use 2 pumps although you may actually require less. I also like the size of the bottle so that you can use it longer without having to repurchase in a short time.

I recommend that you get their Gentle Foam Milk too. Use the Gentle Foam Milk to remove make up first followed by the O2 Bubble Cleanser and you get a velvety soft feel, You won't stop touching your face (but you should as it may cause breakouts),

I also learned from mi hermana Salma Hayek that you should skip washing your face in the morning to preserve the natural oils that give your skin youth. She always just washes her face before bed. (Yay? Nay? Let me know in the comments below!)


My thoughts on the cafe
I love how everything in the cafe is low in calories, Personally, when I am on a diet, I tend to avoid catching up with friends as it usually involves eating and drinking and being exposed to many temptations, Now, I can meet up with friends in a 'safe' environment! lol 

The ambiance is very cosy too, Perfect for a girls day out.

Perfecto


Sunday, October 11, 2015

Malaysia Urban Retreat Festival - 13 to 15 November 2015

Are you a Fitness Freak? Do you Eat Clean? Do you like to Dance? How about some Music? Yes to any one of those? MURFEST may pique your interest.

BREATHE.CONNECT.MOVE



MURFEST is the first Malaysian Wellness Festival and pegged to be Top 5 in South East Asia. Over the span of 3 days, there will be more than 80 classes and workshops to choose from. Among which are yoga, aqua yoga, zumba, capoeira, motivational speakers, sound healers. 

Get Jiggy to the beat!

Learn to Sway your Hips

Hop on one foot on a tight rope?

According to Festival Founder & Director Shobie Malani, "The main aim of MURFEST is to educate the young and invigorate the souls of our seniors to embrace a wellness or fitness practice that they can adapt into their lifestyles." She acknowledges that most people have been exposed to at least one of these workshops. MURFEST aims to bring communities together to gain knowledge, change mindsets whilst cultivating a mindful and healthy society.

Simon Borg Olivier in his element

Yoga enthusiast? You will be thrilled to know that Simon Borg Olivier, Melissa Smith and Kosta Miachin are part of the line up along side our very own Singing Tinkerbell cum Yoga Fairy, Ms. Atilia Haron who is also the ambassador of MURFEST.

Atilia Haron - MURFEST Ambassador

The newly launched JUST BE Market sounds quite interesting too. Apparently it is a niche place where communities get to connect and network with wellness experts and artisans from all walks of life. Expect to be sipping on organic coffee, meet natural healers and check out semi-precious healing jewels. You can also look forward to getting pampered with an Ayurvedic massage, sample essential oils, explore raw food delicacies, cool off with cold pressed organic juices and shop for unique trinkets and brick a bracts. 

The URBANITE Concert is for all ages and all walks of life

The signature event of MURFEST is the URBANITE Concert that will be happening on 13 November 2015 at the Grand Ballroom, Hotel Pulman Kuala Lumpur. It aims to bring people together with the power of music and dance. Expect to be moved by Artists & Bands performing world music, reggae and fusion while sitting on sustainable up-cycled furniture and bean bags, Expect relaxed, traditional and healing music while you mingle with others.

Bhangra Workshop - No wonder Bollywood actors are so fit ey?

Move to the pumping beat


Some Interesting Workshops I extracted from the 3 Day Schedule:
- Active Movements From Your Core: How to get in to a Posture 
- Masala Bhangra Dance Workout 
- Everything You Need to Know about going Vegan
- Qi Qong Therapy
- Constellation Workshop
- Capoeira
- Living Your Dreams
- Bellydance
- Raggeathon
- How to Speak and Understand "Man Language" (For WOMEN ONLY)

You can see the full schedule here. Seriously! It's packed with awesome workshops and can be so much fun for the family or like minded friends.The cool thing about the schedule on their website is you can bookmark your favorites and sync them to your phone or calendar.That's neat!

Excited yet? Here are the deets:

Venue : Pullman Hotel, Kuala Lumpur - Bangsar
Date : 13 to 15 November 2015
Website : www.murfest.com

BREATHE.CONNECT.MOVE



UPDATE
From left to right : Shobie (Director of MURFEST), me, Atilia Haron (Ambassador of MURFEST), Jojo Struys (Ambassador of MURFEST)

I attended the Press Conference on 16 October and found out a few new things:

- This festival is an ideal Urban Retreat. To fully enjoy the workshops and concert, you can book yourself in at Hotel Pullman Kuala Lumpur where all events will be held or other nearby hotels (5 to 10 mins away) at special negotiated rates. Checkout their website for special packages,

- If you can't find a baby sitter don't worry as there are many activities for the kids as well. In fact you can even bring them to the Urbanite Concert! It will make a great family outing.

- Expect a very relaxed atmosphere and positive vibes during the Urbanite Concert where everyone is encouraged to dress in something white and comfy.

- Aseana Percussion Unit is definitely not to be missed!

- This festival is for anyone and everyone regardless of fitness level.