Growing up, I have a sleeping schedule. I will go to bed on specific time and I must have a minimum of 8-hours beauty sleep. I also have a habit of switching my phone off by 9.30am and the phone was also set to restart itself by 7.30am. I need to rest and so does my phone . Maybe due to my sleeping behaviour, I don’t have dark eye circle and I never understand how does it feel like to have dark eye circle concern nor do I understand why most girls freak out and make screeching complain on their panda eyes.

Ever since I started blogging, that’s when I started to stay up late. I will only sleep at 1.30am and wake up by 5am every day. Oh and my phone? Let’s just say I jump onto my bed by 12.30am and started to fiddling my phone for at least an hour. No explanation needed on what happen next. I’m constantly on the look out for a concealer and that alone said something about my dark eye circle!

Yes. I have dark eye circle now. I refuse to accept the fact that I HAVE DARK EYE CIRCLE now and it shows under my makeup. At first I started to cover up with concealer but that was just a temporary solution. I needed something to combat it so I started to change my eye cream.

While most people would be happily to skip eye cream, I never miss eye cream from my day and night skin care regime. Although I don’t have dark eye circle last time but I do have fine lines from all the eye rubbing bad habit. So all these while my eye cream is targeting towards fine lines. I know eye cream is either a hit or miss product so I’m not willing to splurge this time round considering the fact that I might need to try out a few before getting the one that works. I decided to start from something more affordable and natural. My first choice in mind is Himalaya Under Eye Cream.

Why Himalaya? Well, Himalaya is a range of natural, effective and safe products that use special herbs that is carefully selected from nature. They also combine the best of Ayurveda (a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent and a form of alternative medicine) to effectively restore the skin’s natural health.

Himalaya Under Eye Cream is infused with breakthrough herbal actives such as Cipadessa Baccifera and Bergenia Ligulata that works by reducing the appearance of dark eye circles and to protect the under eyes from sunlight at the same time. This eye cream is also said to detoxifies and intensely moisturizes the under eye area and smoothening fine lines as well as wrinkles. So this eye cream is like a 2-in-1 cream for me. I have fine lines and I have dark eye circles.

This 15ml tube of Under Eye Cream comes in a small tube with fine tip. Got to love this type of tube and dispense nozzle for eye cream. As you know, you don’t need a lot of eye cream each application so this type of fine nozzle will dispense precise amount of eye cream out.

Himalaya Under Eye Cream color is in light beige or nude in color especially after spreaded out. It does have a scent to it but I just couldn’t pin point what exactly it is. It sure do smell a bit herbaly, definitely not fragrant. I love the texture. It is not too solid, not too runny and the texture is just nice to keep under eye moisturize without over doing it that could lead to oil seed. It feels soft to touch but not oily. My under eyes feels comfortable after application with no stingy from the cream at all. It’s weird you know. I can feel the moisture on my under eyes but it’s not oily. It seems like the eye cream just absorb in without feeling heavy at all. It’s velvety without feeling dry

Himalaya claim that within 4 weeks of usage there will be a 80% reduction in dark circles, 28% reduction in fine lines, brighter and smoother eye contour. I’ve been using it for 3 weeks now and here’s my Before and After.

Initially I bought this Himalaya Under Eye Cream for my dark circles without even realising this eye cream also deals with fine lines. I’m expecting to see reduction in dark eye circles but never have I imagine that the fine lines problem that I had is reduced! None the less I do see some reduction with dark eye circles but not much. I would probably see more obvious result if I were to change my sleeping habit. It’s an on-going quest for “the” eye cream that works, I tell you.

Here is the ingredient list. Short and sweet.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

The post Review: Turning to Himalaya Under Eye Cream – a Natural, Effective and Safe Product as My First Attempt in Combating Dark Eye Circle appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Usually I don’t do giveaway winner announcement blog post like this but I have a very good reason to put up one today. Not sure if you girls remember that I had a giveaway for Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream middle of last month. Just a few days before the giveaway ended, I was contacted by Himalaya Malaysia that they are surprised to read that I went and bought Nourishing Skin Cream with my own money so the kind folks at Himalaya decided to sponsor me half of the prize and topping it up with 20 pieces of special price voucher! That’s the reason for the delay with winner announcement

Without further ado, congratulations to below winners!

(1) Jojo Seah – joubaxxxxxxx@yahoo.com
(2) Carrie Ann Long – carriedragonxxxx@yahoo.com
(3) Mabeal Hoh – mabealx@hotmail.com
(4) Evelyn Lee – evelyn_xx@yahoo.com
(5) Sarah S. – babeexxxxxx@gmail.com
(6) Linda Tee – lynndaxxxx@gmail.com
(7) Ashley – verlusxxxxxx@gmail.com (interested commenter)
(8) Melissa Ting – bluestarxxxx@gmail.com (interested commenter)
(9) Jude – mushxxx@hotmail.com (interested commenter)
(10) Novilia – purplexxxx@yahoo.com (interested commenter)

There are a few names above that did not participate in the Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream Giveaway but I’m still sending you one based on your interest from the comment. Isn’t it wonderful?

Each of you will be getting a full size Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream + a Nourishing Skin Cream special price of RM9.90 voucher. What you need to do now is to email me your Name, Address and Contact for Registered Post. I will announce in Facebook after all parcel is delivered

Thank you Himalaya Malaysia for sponsoring five jars of Nourishing Skin Cream and 20 pieces of special price voucher!

The post Winner Announcement: Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream Giveaway appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

For someone that have unstable skin condition like mine will need to change daily moisturizer constantly. There are times where my skin are dry, peeling but oily at the same time and there are times where my skin are just purely oily. To be honest with you I’m a bit addicted in opening up those jars of moisturizer from my stash.

Just to update you a bit on my skin before Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream came along. A few months ago I was having a hard time with the oiliness on my face. My makeup melted frequent, I blot so many times in a day…everything is just too oily for me. I figure that my skin has reached it’s peak whereas I used too much skin care and that I don’t need that much anymore. So I cut down on my serum. From 3-serum to just one and then moisturizer. It was working out great but later on my skin was back to oily. But I was depressed because I love layering my skin care. How am I going to finish my stash?? One day, someone (I forgot who oppss!) told me that it could be that my skin is too dry. She advised me to use moisturizer, although I told her I did use. Maybe not enough

So, I re-look back into my skin care regime and change my moisturizer. To creamier one. The only one I have is Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream and it has been staring at me for months!

There is nothing to shout about on the packaging. I got to admit. It’s not attractive, it’s not screaming “USE ME NOW”, in fact it looked like some Middle Eastern company produced it LOL. The brand name on the other hand doesn’t sound Eastern so it really looked a bit dodgy.

83 years ago (1930), Himalaya Founder; Mr. M. Manal forms The Himalaya Drug Company. His vision is to put ayurveda on par with modern medicine. During a visit to Burma, he saw restless elephants being fed with a root to pacify them. The plant from which this was taken is Rauwolfia serpentina. He was fascinated by the plant’s effect on elephants so he had it scientifically evaluated. After extensive research, Serpina^®, the world’s first anti-hypertensive drug was launched in 1934.

When I was at Himalaya Malaysia office for a blogger get-together session, I was told that Nourishing Skin Cream is the best seller of Himalaya. You can basically use this on the face as moisturizer and on hand and body as lotion. I was literally wow-ed by that because who knew this simple small lil pot is meant for face, hand and body. I was also told that Nourishing Skin Cream used to retail at RM28.90. Tourist would buy them in bulks because this 50ml jar will not last long if you are using it on the face and body. Plus it is cheaper to get it in Malaysia. Then something happened. Instead of hiking up the price, Himalaya Malaysia decided to slash the price to RM15.90 because they want more and more people to enjoy using it without hurting the wallet. For God’s sake! RM28.90 is already cheap! Slashing it down to 50% cheaper is even better! Not only that. Himalaya came out with a jumbo size jar

Nourishing Skin Cream is white in color. It is a cream so do expect this to be creamy. Eventhough so, the cream is surprisingly light and non-greasy, even for daily-use. It contain Indian Aloe (Aloe Vera) that works by nourishes and moisturizes the skin, Withnania somnifera (Winter Cherry) and Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino Tree) is to protect skin from pollution and dry weather.

One thing that convert me to a Nourishing Skin Cream believer is the scent. It smells so good that I can’t stop massaging my face! For me the scent is not too over-powering. But do bear in mind, I’m okay with heavily scented skin care. If you are not then the scent of this cream will be too much for you to take. I would normally use this cream generously on night routine. Basically I just use a simple face massage from the inner to outer corner of my face, massaging the cream in until it’s fully absorbed. Do not dream away during face massage because if you continue massaging once the cream dries down, you might risk pulling and tugging your skin. This will create all the fine lines and wrinkles. Same goes to eye massage too.

The reason why I’m using a generous amount is because I believe that my skin is actually dry on the inside. The only chance I get to moisturize my skin is during night time. So I tend to be generous with my moisturizer.

My Thoughts

I’m also using this cream with moderate amount on day time, before makeup and my face doesn’t oil up more or faster than usual eventhough it is a creamy cream. I think I was even more surprised that I don’t get any break out despite using a generous amount on night time. In just a few days time I can see and feel a big improvement with my skin’s oil secretion. I blot lesser, like just once a day? And my makeup stays on without any melting or smudging. I even tried stopping the usage for a few days to see if my face will go back to the original state and it doesn’t :D. I guess my skin is in fact dehydrated.

What can I say…I love it. No wonder it’s loyal fans will buy this in bulk

Here is the ingredient list for those that are interested. Yes, Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream contain Mineral Oil in it. As for me, it doesn’t give me break out or clog my skin.

Giveaway!

Now. Here’s a good news. I like this cream so much that I want to share it with you. So I walk in to Himalaya store and bought a few of this. I know many of you are searching for “the” moisturizer. I also know that many of you are not willing to splurge on high end brand so this Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream could be the answer to what you are looking for

Although this is not a fancy schmancy product but hey, at least I walk into a store to buy and share with you because I like it so this giveaway is only meant for readers that have at least commented 8 times in my blog. For those that have unlike my Facebook or unsubscribe from email notification, I’m sorry also. If I’m not good enough for you, then you are not good enough for this not-so-fancy-schmancy product lol! I bought just 3 because I’m not sure how you girls will want to have this cream but I don’t mind getting another 7 to make it to 10 jars

What you need to do is:

1) “Like” my Facebook Fan page https://www.facebook.com/StreetLoveMY.

2) “Subscribe for my blog’s update using Feedburner. You must verified your subscription in order to validate your entry. The subscription form is on top right of the page. Make sure your email address is the same with the one submitting for the giveaway.

3) You must have at least left a minimum of 8 comments in the blog. Sorry! This giveaway is meant for my loyal readers only.

4) Tell me what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. – Do you think people with oily skin still need to use moisturizer? Why say so?

5) Email your answer to fiona[at]street-love[dot]net using below format:
Subject: Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream Giveaway
Answer: __________________________________
Facebook Profile Name: __________________
Email:

Terms & Conditions (Please read carefully)
1) Open to Malaysia residents only.
2) Giveaway ends 20th October 2013, 11:59 pm.
3) Winners will be chosen randomly by yours truly and I will announce in this post.
4) Winners will be notified by email and you will need to reply within 48 hours or else the prize will be forfeited and snow ball to the next winner.
5) All prize will be sent out using Registered Post.

Disclaimer: Product reviewed was given to me as door gift during Himalaya Blogger Get-Together Session. I bought all giveaway products myself and there is no way it is sponsored. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post Review: Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream, My Current Favorite Moisturizer + A Little Something Something For My Dear Readers! appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

While Americans want to be tan, we Asians on the other hand wants to be fair. Not sure if you notice this but whitening products is specifically produce and only made available to Asia countries. This is what “Asia exclusive” is about.

The weather here in Malaysia has been blazing hot that causes pigmentation to certain people. Not only that, the increase in age has cause most people to go through pigmentation as well. The quest to find the best whitening product is never ending. Although I don’t have pigmentation on the skin surface, I still feel that it is best for me to prevent the hidden ones from surfacing. Remember, prevention is always better than cure

A few weeks ago I was invited for an intimate get-together at Himalaya office to learn about the brand and also to get a sneak peek of the new Whitening Range.

As there was just a few of us, it was quite fun and a good product learning process for me. I was asked if I have heard and use Himalaya products before and I said that I have heard but never thought of walking in to any outlet to find out more. I guess most of us are the same as time is the main constraint and there are just too many brands out there so most of us will just walk in to enquire about a product if they had used before or read about it before. So this get-together came at the right time for me

Most of us there are quite new to Himalaya so Himalaya had arranged for a demo on how to use their products especially the new Clear Complexion range.

(1) As the model of the day (JQ) had makeup on, the instructor removed all her makeup using makeup remover.
(2) Wash the face with Clear Complexion Whitening Face Wash (NEW), follow by Clear Complexion Whitening Face Scrub (NEW).
(3) We are advised to double-tone using Gentle Refreshing Toner. First time with downward movement to remove all dirt, impurities, excess makeup and dead skin cell. Second time with upward movement to infuse the benefit of the toner into the skin.
(4) End with Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream (REPACKAGED). If your skin is extremely dry, top up with Nourishing Skin Cream.

NEW! Clear Complexion Whitening Face Wash (RM29.90/150ml)

Whitening Face Wash is a soap-free, daily use face wash that cleanses and clarifies skin from impurities, giving you a clear, radiant and even complexion. The main attraction of this face wash is Saffron. Saffron is well-known for its complexion enhancing properties that helps to clear skin from spots and blemishes while Licorice and White Dammer help to regulate melanin synthesis to restore skin’s natural fairness. Pomegranate nourishes while Cucumber soothes the skin. Use morning and evening for visibly brighter, clearer and glowing skin.

Key ingredients:

• Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a rich source of polyphenols. It is reported to possess potent antioxidant and protective benefits against free radicals generated by the environment. Pomegranate softens, hydrates and nourishes the skin.
• Saffron (Crocus sativus) imparts a rich color and is used in various skin care preparations. It effectively moisturizes, soothes and promotes skin fairness. The crocin and crocetin present in Saffron promote a healthy complexion and whiten skin. It is very effective in the treatment of acne, pimples, blemishes and black spots.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhetic acid and flavonoids that have soothing, regenerative and antioxidant properties.  Applied topically, Licorice helps reduce sebum, relieve itching, swelling and redness. It improves skin tone and whitens skin.
• White Dammer (Vateria indica) is a rich source of flavonoids and phenols which exhibit potent antioxidant activity. It soothes and moisturizes damaged skin, and enhances and whitens the complexion.

NEW! Clear Complexion Whitening Face Scrub (RM29.90/150ml)

This Whitening Face Scrub is a complexion enhancing scrub that is with mild exfoliants that brings out natural fairness and reveals glowing skin. Ingredients such as Licorice and White Dammer help to regulate melanin synthesis while Apricot granules gently scrub away dead skin cells, blackheads and deeply embedded impurities. As a result the skin is visibly brighter, soft and glowing skin.

Key ingredients:

• Apricot granules gently exfoliate dead skin cells.
• Licorice helps regulate melanin synthesis
• White Dammer lightens skin, clears spots, enhances complexion and gives the skin an even tone.

Gentle Refreshing Toner (RM27.90/200ml)

This toner is not new but it is from the existing line. It is made from a blend of natural ingredients that control excess oil secretion and cleanse oil from the skin’s surface.

It is enriched with Lemon and Jasmine which refresh and cool your skin. Sensitive Plant extracts control excess oil secretion, and Sweet Marjoram nourishes the skin, to keep it healthy and radiant.

Key ingredients:

• Jasmine cools and aids in healing dry, sensitive and irritated skin. It has skin-softening properties which heal and smoothen cracked skin.
• Sensitive Plant is an anti-inflammatory which is effective for treating dry and injured skin. Its ability to promote healthy cell growth makes it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
• Sweet Marjoram has a host of therapeutic uses. Its leaf is considered a natural disinfectant, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial that has healing properties and fights infection. The saponins are said to help heal wounds and prevent scarring. The flavonoids in the marjoram leaf are believed to have an antioxidant effect against free radicals that can cause cell damage.
• Lemon has antibacterial, astringent and cell-regenerative properties. It refreshes the skin and improves skin tone. It has an overall soothing and relaxing effect and is an effective deodorant. Lemon is an effective cleanser, removing skin debris and impurities, leaving your skin supple, smooth and fresh.

Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream – Repackaged (RM39.90/50ml)

This day cream is a light and non greasy cream that are enriched with extracts of Glycrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) and Vateria Indica (White Dammar) that provides triple whitening action:-

• Regulates melanin synthesis to give a fairer, brighter complexion
• Helps clear dark spots and uneven pigmentation
• Breakthrough herbal Cinnabloc provides UV protection and prevemts skin darkening

Key Ingredients :

• Licorice
• White Dammer
• Spiked Ginger Lily
• Greater Galangal
• Bombax
• Indian Rhubarb

Nourishing Skin Cream (RM15.90/50ml)

If your skin is the extremely dry type, you will need to top up with Nourishing Skin Cream. This is the star product of Himalaya and they have a good reason for it. It is a light, non-greasy, daily-use cream, which provide all day moisturizing, nourishment and protection to the skin.

The cream is blended with the extracts of Aloe Vera, Winter Cherry, Indian Kino Tree and Indian Pennywort, which protect the skin from pollution and dry weather and provide nourishment and moisture.

Key ingredients:

• Aloe Vera, known for its many healing properties, can be used topically or consumed in its juice form. The leaf of this plant has a number of therapeutic properties. It is rich in enzymes, polysaccharides and nutrients which exhibit antibacterial and antifungal action. A natural UV inhibitor, its hydrating, softening and intense moisturizing properties nourish the skin.
• Winter Cherry is an effective anti-stress agent that has a mild tranquilizing action. In skincare, this plant is used for its antioxidant properties, which help skin cell regeneration.
• Indian Kino Tree grows in the hilly regions of India. Its astringent properties work as a skin tonic to tone and rejuvenate facial skin.
• Indian Pennywort is regarded as the best home remedy for skin disorders such as chronic ulcers and persistent eczema.

I have just started on the products so perhaps I will tell you more about it later on :D.

The post Introducing Clear Complexion Whitening Range from Himalaya Herbal Healthcare – The All Herbal and Natural Whitening Range appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona