Althea Bare Essentials: 3 Simple Steps to Glowing, Flawless, Crystal Clear Skin!

14:39 becky-wong 0 Comments


We all know the importance of proper skincare routine and how crucial it is to provide our skin with the necessary nutrients that it needed. Hence, we have products ranging from toner to eye cream, serum and many more. But, are we actually slapping on too much products for our skin to handle? Don't you with to cut down the routine duration yet still able to achieve your desired results? If so, you are in luck!

Introducing the brand new skincare from Altea - Bare Essentials.

Bare Essentials is a 3-step skincare that presents only necessary skincare routines for healthy looking, glowy skin, and featuring micro-particles that quickly absorb into the skin without irritation. The products are infused with nourishing and hydrating ingredients from nature to keep your skin at its most optimal and comfortable state, at a reasonable price.

Let's take a look at these 3 simple steps!

Step 1: Contour Cleanser (RM 23 | 150g)

The Contour Cleanser is a rich ad foaming cleanser that removes impurities while improving blood circulation for that V-shaped look. The cleanser contains micro capsules that pop with water to gently but effectively exfoliate and remove impurities from the skin. I like the minimalist white packaging of the cleanser tube.

The cleanser contains 2 key ingredients:

Ice Plant - Hydrates and calms redness
Lemon Myrtle - Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidant to strengthen the skin

How to Use:
1. Dampen the skin, the squeeze out a small amount.
2. Lather onto face, massage in circular motions.
3. Rinse off with water after.

The cleanser has a creamy texture while the micro capsules are very gentle and not abrasive at all. In fact, they melt away in seconds the moment I start to massage onto my face. Despite being a foaming cleanser, it doesn't foam as must but a small pea size is enough to cleanse my face. The best part is, it doesn't dry out my skin! Also, I love the mild lemony scent and cooling sensation from the cleanser after cleansing my face. It is very refreshing, especially in the morning!

2. Prime Water (RM 43 | 200ml)

A 2-in-1 toner and primer that penetrates into the layers of the skin to plump up while prepping your skin at the same time, making it a smooth canvas for products to come.

2 key ingredients of the Primer Water:

Snow Lotus - Smoothens and brightens the skin while evening out its texture.
Patented "dewdrop" Formulation - Revitalizes the skin and provides immediate, effective moisture

How to Use:
1. Pour a small amount and apply evenly onto the face.
2. Gently patting in for better absorption.

Staying true to their minimalist design, the Primer Water comes in a semi-hard plastic bottle with a silver cap. It has an almost balm-like texture but slightly on the runny side, which I find to be "user friendly" as it doesn't drip everywhere and easy to control the amount whenever I pour it out from the bottle. The Primer Water is another favourite of mine from the Bare Essentials range. It's non-sticky, non-greasy, and my face feels soft and smooth whenever I use this. Also, it is lightweight and absorb easily into the skin.

3. Fixer Cream (RM 50 | 50g)

Step 3 is the Fixer Cream. Powerful moisturizing properties are said to pack into this little jar that provides the skin with hydration for up to 24 hours for a fresh, revitalized complexion. It can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to plump them up.

Key ingredients of Fixer Cream:

Trehalose - Powerful humectant that retains moisture on the skin
Wild Green Tea - Hydrating, skin soothing and pack with antioxidants
Baobab Tree Extract - Non-greasy moisturizing agent that helps promote collagen production

How to Use:
- Apply evenly onto the face and gently pat in till absorbed.

Before I talk about the cream itself, I just want to say... it is SO HARD to open the jar at first! It took me quite a while to open it and a word of advice, don't screw it close too tight. The Fixer Cream has a gel-like texture which is non-heavy and has a non-sticky finish once absorbed. However, if you have oily-skin or oily-combination skin, you would probably want to use it during the night and apply a thin layer for starter to test out the amount that your skin actually need.

Overall, I really like the Bare Essentials range especially the Contour Cleanser and Primer Water. One thing for sure, I'm definitely adding these 2 into my skincare routine. With nourishing ingredients and easy execution, this 3-product regime breaks down and simplifies the beauty routine for the urban woman. You can find all 3 products on Althea Website at RM 116 only!

Made with only the best ingredients, it's no surprise that the Bare Essentials line caused quite the craze in the beauty world. Head over to Althea for glowing, flawless, crystal clear skin! Plus, Althea is giving out an additional 10% off with a FREE special edition mirror if you purchase now.

To know more on Althea products and updates, do check out their Website, Facebok and Instagram.

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Ishin Japanese Dining @ Old Klang Road: Kaiseki Style Cuisine

15:32 becky-wong 0 Comments


When it comes to Japanese cuisine, it is hard not to be amazed by their culinary skill and determination in making the art as perfect as they can. With such passion and determination, is no surprise why many people are willing to travel to Japan or spend, splurge at times, on a really good Japanese food.

Ishin Japanese Dining was being introduced to me few months ago and ever since then, they have made it to my list of favourite Japanese Restaurant. Nestling along the busy Old Klang Road, Ishin Japanese Dining has been serving their customers with top-notch ingredients and quality dishes. You have order off their menu or enjoy a meal of Kaiseki style menu, whereby the chef will create a meal using seasonal ingredients.


3 Taste Chawan Mushi (RM 22). The texture of these chawan mushi is truly heavenly - silky smooth and soft.

Each of the chawan mushi comes with different toppings and they are equally good. However, if I really have to choose, my vote would probably goes to the ones with sea urchin.

Shiro Baigai (RM 12/pc). Double boiled Japanese Ivory Shell.

These babies are cooked to perfection, soft and chewy texture that is quite similar to abalone with a hint of clean and sweet taste.

Uni Nanohana Ohitashi (RM 68). Seeing slices of sea urchin sitting beautifully on a bed of nanohana plant gets my heart beat going. LOL!! I really love sea urchin a lot and can't get enough of its briny ocean taste and custard-like creamy texture.

Special Sashimi (Market Price). Though they are air-flown but they are really fresh and the thickness of the fish slices are just nice!

Imagine savouring all these fresh sashimi over dinner while having a nice catch-up with friends. Oh, the wasabi here is freshly-grated too!

Yes, more sea urchins for me!!!

Double Boiled Toro Soup (RM 61). Is time to have something hot to warm ourselves up after the plate of sashimi platter, and what better than a bowl of Double Boiled Toro Soup. The soup is on the thicker side and packed with flavours.

Maguro Kama Shioyaki (RM 150). Perfectly salt-grilled tuna collarbone with crispy skin and tender and juicy meat.

Sakura Ebi Nanohana Tempura (RM 58). The tempura is crispy and I felt is a nice break from all the meat.

Miyazaki Beef (RM 250/100gm).

The marblings on these beef are just beautiful to look at.

The meat is so tender and juicy that it just melts in your mouth. If you are a beef lover, the Miyazaki Beef is definitely not to be missed!

3 Layer Premium Sushi (RM 78/pc). Layers of sea urchin, tuna and salmon roe, the taste is simple and clean.

Our final dishes of the night before moving on to dessert are the Konyaku Soba (RM 30) and Sakura Soba (RM 32). Compared to the usual soba, the dipping sauce at Ishin has stronger flavours, hence, it pairs better with the Sakura Soba.

Sakura Ice Cream (RM 32). Cold and icy dessert is the best way to end a meal, especially when it is a seasonal dessert such as Sakura Ice Cream.

This is my 2nd time at Ishin Japanese Dining but I'm still blown away by their top-notch ingredients and quality of the food. Ishin is definitely worth visiting, if you don't mind to spend more to have a Japanese gastronomic experience.

To know more updates on Ishin Japanese Dining, check out their Website and Facebook.

Address: No.202, Persiaran Kelang Off 3 3/4, Jalan Kelang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur
Operation Hours: 12pm to 2:45pm | 6pm to 9:45pm DAILY
Contact: +603 7980 8228

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Taste of Japan Event

22:52 becky-wong 0 Comments


From ramen, sushi to shabu-shabu, Malaysia is spoilt for option when it comes to Japanese cuisine. But there’s so much more to explore behind these delicacies. With aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of Japanese cuisine among Malaysian, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries have successfully held an exclusive experience session covering Japanese cuisine.

This exclusive experience session was joined by students who are studying culinary arts in YTL International College of Hotel Management, tutors, as well as top chefs in hotels and restaurants at Kuala Lumpur. This one-and-a-half-hour incredible sharing sessions offered the guests the chance to delve into different cooking methods and ingredients revolve around Japanese cuisine as well as get a hands-on experience in Japanese cuisine along with a master chef, Mr Takuji Takahashi.
The session started with Japanese cooking demonstration by Mr Takahashi. Originally from Kyoto, he’s a chef of Kyoto Kinobu, a one-Michelin starred restaurant in Kyoto. Being a Washoku ambassador, Mr Takahashi also shared about the different cooking methods of Japanese cuisine as well as the attractions of Japanese ingredients.

Following that, a talk session was carried out by Mr Hideaki Oritsuki and Mr Cheong Cherng Long. Both of them are top chefs from Sushi Oribe, one of the most famous Japanese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur which is known for its high quality sushi.

Last but not least, guests had the opportunity to experience and enjoy Japanese dishes demonstrated by Mr Takahashi during the earlier session. For those who are interested to know more information about this exclusive event can email their inquiry to n.akashi@sp-ring.co.jp

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Signature by The Hill @ The Roof: Asian-Western Fusion Flair with A View

16:41 becky-wong 0 Comments


Brought to you by the same people behind The Hill, Signature is a premium gastro-lounge serving tantalizing Asian-International fusion cuisine. Located on the penthouse area of First Avenue, Signature has a contemporary settings (nice lighting too if you go before the sun sets) and give its diners a city view of Bandar Utama.

A nice place to enjoy an intimate meal with a view.

Soup of the Day (RM 16). Our soup of the day was a bowl of earthy and creamy mushroom soup.

Chilli Clams (RM 24). A pot of rich and creamy broth packed with umami flavours of the clams, and has a nice kick of spiciness. I love it so much and could have it all to myself. If you are looking for something to awaken your taste buds, the heat in the Chilli Clams would definitely do the trick, but just be careful with the chilli bits in it.

Carbonara Flying Pasta (RM 38). The carbonara is rich and creamy, yet not overwhelmingly cheesy. The pasta hits all the marks for being a good carbonara; and to make it even better, the "flying pasta" is definitely very Insta-worthy.

Beef Bulgogi (RM 32). For an Aisan touch, the Bulgogi is a good choice. At first glance, we thought the beef looked dry but it turn out we were very wrong. The meat was nicely marinated and the mild sweet-savoury flavours were a nice break from the creamy carbonara we were having.

Dessert Platter (RM 28). A meal is incomplete without dessert, and if you are not too sure what to have for dessert, why not have everything on a Dessert Platter? Personally I like my desserts small and dainty, and a dessert platter is just my kind of dessert. Consists of Lychee & Rose Cake, Peaches & Cream Tart, Strawberry Pavlova and Mix Berry Mouse.

The Dessert Platter is just nice to be shared among 2 people.

Apart from the tart, my personal favourite is the pavolva. The sweetness of the meringue and tangy flavours of the strawberries are perfect in cutting through the heavy meal.

Watermelon Slush (RM 40). When it comes to The Hill, many would definitely remember their signature drink - Watermelon Slush. A mixture of Vodka, Midori, Lychee Liqueur and watermelon, the Watermelon Slush is fun and refreshing to have at the same time.

Coco's Nutz (RM 28). A combination of Malibu, Rum, Banana Liqueur and Coconut Cream, one sip of Coco's Nutz will transport you to a tropical island. I was a bit skeptical about this drink, but the creaminess, nutty flavours and sweetness of the coconut was surprisingly good.

So far the dishes we had at Signature were pretty good and satisfying, and I would definitely return for the Chilli Clams as well as their signature cocktails too!

To know more updates about Signature by the Hill @ The Roof, check out their Website and Facebook.

Address: The Roof, 1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation Hours: 5pm to 2am DAILY
Contact: +603 8605 3388

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