47th Diamond: Etude House I Need You! Alphabetical Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Yogurt Strawberry

Yogurt Strawberry

Claim:

Soft and moist

One thing I like the most from this mask is the fragrance. It smells really nice and I had to say, it's quite effective as well. If only it's shape fits my face really well, I'll buy this mask again. It smells faintly like roses and it is also fresh at the same time. Definitely relaxing. 

Regarding the effectiveness, my face also feels soft and moist after wearing this mask for 15-20 minutes. I really recommend this mask.

Overall, I personally think Etude House's face sheets are moisturizing and has a lot of different choices to choose from; however, as I have mentioned a lot before, the mask shape doesn't really fit me. Next up would be the Face Shop face sheets haul! I hope the reviews I have been making so far helped. If it does, I'm glad. See you in my next post!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

46th Diamond: Etude House I Need You! Alphabetical Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Tea Tree

Tea Tree

Because I couldn't find any online photo of the face sheet...I decided to go with this one. Cheers to whoever put this on the internet.

Claim:

Troublecare

So this one is suppose to treat acne and sensitive skin. It smells like the elder flower one, only worse. But the essence feels really light to my skin although it did not treat my acne. 

I recommend this mask for those with sensitive skin; however if you're looking for a mask that treats acne and recedes the irritation, then I won't recommend this mask. 

As usual, expected of these korean brands, they have lots of extra essence in the pack. 

On to the next face mask!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

45th Diamond: Etude House I Need You! Alphabetical Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Elder Flower

Elder Flower

c: goodwillbeauty.com.hk

Claim:

Soothing and moisturizing

The first thing I realized was the smell of the mask. It smells like those traditional herbal aromatherapy, but not the nice one. At least not for me. 

As for the effectiveness of the mask, I must say it is quite effective. I really liked my face for the next 2 days because it's so soft and bouncy. Moisturizing indeed.

Overall, I'd give this mask a 3/5. If only my face fits the face mask shape well...

Something to keep in mind, from here on I'm going to post a lot about face sheets because I have been trying a lot of them and I actually made a really long post but later decided that I should just make a different post for each one. Each post will be simple and fully 100% tested by me sincerely. Hope you'll follow me to the next post!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

44th Diamond: Etude House I Need You! Alphabetical Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Bulgarian Rose

Bulgarian Rose

So here goes my first face sheet review. For your information, my skin is the oily/normal type and do keep in mind that every skin type reacts differently to each products. Here it goes. 

I LOVE the cover, don't know why I just love it ;)

Claim:

 Brightening

I had to say, my face does not really fit Etude's mask that well, because I think they are made for those with round small faces and small round eyes. No I am not trying to be racist or anything, 

As for the effectiveness of the mask, it does not brighten my face that much, although it moisturizes it. So I guess it is not really effective. 

The fragrance though, is not bad. Smells a bit like rose but in a very subtle way. It feels clean and refreshing, but probably because I put it in the refrigerator for 5 min before using them. 

A tip on using masks, if the essence irritates your skin at contact or you feel really itchy while wearing it, take it off and wash your face immediately. It's better to not irritate your facial skin because it can lead to a lot of other things such as acne problems or such. 

That would be it for my first post on face sheets. Don't worry, more posts coming up soon <3

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

43rd Diamond: Crazy Rich Asians

Here goes a drama story of crazy rich asians

Kevin Kwan, I must say you have a talent in writing books. Crazy Rich Asians would be his first published book and to be honest, I enjoyed reading it. Perhaps it's because I live in Asia to a Chinese background family so some of the things in this book are totally relatable. No I am not crazy rich, but Asians, especially Chinese, have similar worldview and base. Let's just say when the characters in this book judge people by their parents or grandparents, I can totally relate to them.

Now let's continue with the story

Isn't the cover just fabulous! Okay let's continue. Setting:

The story mainly takes place in Singapore, and several scenes in America, Paris, Hong Kong, and a private island somewhere in Indonesia. YES, you did not read it wrong, private island. As for the time, it's in the 21st century. There was a scene of a maid playing with her tablet yelling "Stupid birds!" so I'm pretty sure it's Angry Birds or maybe the oh-so-popular rage game Flappy Bird. I don't get that game, it's so easy yet so hard. WTF.


Plot Overview:

The story starts in New York City, America, with Rachel Chu and her boyfriend Nicholas Young (or  just Nick). They have been dating for a while and Nick, who's family and relatives are in Singapore, is invited to be the best f man of Colin, his best friend. So, Nick decided Rachel should come with him to Singapore to meet his friends and family. Dun dun duunnnnn. After dating for years, Rachel finally gets to meet Nick's family. What does that mean?? I hear wedding bells! Well Rachel thought Nick was about to finally propose to her in the near future, but Nick didn't thought so. He only wanted to introduce her to his family and friends.

Back in Singapore, Nick's family who turns out to be conglomerates along with his uncles and aunts, have heard the news that Nick is bringing home a girl. Of course, hearing this, Nick's mother did what any normal rich mother with one son would do. Panic and stalk the girl her son is interested in, well in this case dating. Words spread really fast and everyone thought Nick and Rachel will definitely get married. Words spread that Rachel is into Nick for the money, etc. Little did they know that Rachel knows nothing of the world she's going into or even Nick's background.

the family tree in this story. Click on picture to enlarge.

A few weeks later, Rachel and Nick arrived in Singapore. This is where the drama gets even bigger. Nick's mom started stalking and using her sources to make sure that Rachel will not marry Nick cause she found out that Rachel did not come from a royal or rich lineage. Some girls who wanted Nick bullied Rachel on Araminta's (Colin's friendly bride to be who grew close to Rachel first thing when she landed in SG) bachelor party. And the list just goes on.

A side story to the drama that's going on (like there isn't enough drama already) is regarding Nick's cousin, Astrid Leong. Astrid was described as the most gorgeous and perfect woman in this story. Her drama was around her husband. She had a husband named Michael and a son named Cassian. The drama is that Michael was intimidated by the lifestyle and Astrid's family that he ends up making up a story that he is cheating on her. Of course, along the book Astrid was shown to be devastated because she thought that her husband is cheating on her. Regardless that, she still wears the most awesome dresses and outfits in every event in this story. As the story comes to an end, Astrid's drama also comes to an end as she got help from a former husband-to-be whom his heart she has broken. Just look at how complicated the relationship and drama in this story is.

Back to the Rachel and Nick story. In the end, through the turmoils and also Nick's mother + grandmother, Nick finally proposed to Rachel. This is after weeks of Rachel not eating and crying in her best friend Peik Lin's house because she found out about her not so dead father that was discovered by Nick's mom. It's kind of a complicated story Rachel's background... So her mom was married to some powerful guy in the government but she bore a daughter (yes it was that important for some families to have a son back then, considering the rule in China that one family is only allowed one child) so the family was about to hurt the daughter in order to be able to have another child. Finding out this, the mother ran away with Rachel. But there's a catch. Rachel's mother's husband was abusive, so she was rescues a lot the neighbor.Now Mr. Neighbor (I forgot his name) was the one who is the real father of Rachel.  

And after that, they live happily ever after.

Fin

Honestly after reading that book, I'm so glad all the drama is over but I am also kind of sad that I have to say good bye to the story. It has an interesting flow and although the drama can get a lil bit too much, I like how a lot of worldviews in the book is relatable. I kind of disagree of how some people choose their spouse only because of the lineage or power but I guess that's how things are in this world. I just don't agree with it. Anyways, if you're looking for a book that is quite long, funny, and contains lots of drama with the setting of a fab life, then I would recommend this book to you. 

As for the next book, I am already reading another book which is the sequel to The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire by Abigail Gibbs. Yep, the sequel is finally out! I've just read 40 pages and honestly, I still have a hard time adjusting to the world of Dark Heroine series again. Perhaps because I've been reading books that are quite realistic lately....yes perhaps that. Or maybe because it's the uncorrected version hahahaha. Don't ask how I get this version, you know I torrent sometimes. 

That would be it for this post. Thank you for reading and I'll see you in my next post!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

42nd Diamond: The Kite Runner

Good afternooon

Today I would like to talk about a book entitled The Kite Runner. I was actually assigned to read this book for American Literature class and I had to say, this book is frikkin emotional. I cried and laughed and cried again then laughed again, then cried again. Why? CUZ I'M A SENSITIVE PERSON. 

The setting of this book is in Pakistan and USA. Our main character is named Amir and his loyal servant/companion is Hassan. This story revolves around Amir's guilt and wanting to retribute for his sins. I would say this book is rated as an adult book, it is definitely not a young adult book. Trust me, I know very well how a young adult book would be. Now let's begin. 

Plot review (spoiler alert)

It all started with a boy, Amir, who lived with his father, called Baba, and his loyal companion, Hassan. Amir can actually be considered as a moderately rich boy as he had a house with a spacious garden and he had servants. Amir however, have never experience the warmth of a mother as his mother died giving birth to him. Because of this, Amir thought that Baba hated him, because he took away his mother's life. 

c: therunkiterfiles.wordpress

The first parts of the book revolves around Amir's and Hassan's friendship. How Amir was always rescued by Hassan, and how Hassan would do anything for Amir. The times they spent together, Amir teaching Hassan how to read while reading him stories, and of course, playing kite. So in Amir's hometown, there is this kite competition tradition. The game was, whosoever cut the last kite flying and caught the kite will win. That's why there are those who were called "kite runners." Hassan was known as the best kite runner in town. While other kids will run around, chasing after the kite, Hassan will just wait in a place and the kite will fall there. He just knows where the kite will land.

c: ncowie.wordpress

One day, there was a big competition and Amir really wanted to win so he can win Baba's heart. All this time, he was jealous of Hassan because Hassan was also given Baba's love. Such as an operation to fix his hare-lip and gifts on his birthdays. Amir also rreceived gifts, but he always felt that Baba is cold towards him. So one the day of the competition, Amir was controlling the kite, with Hassan supporting him. Then when he cut the last kite, Hassan ran for the kite, saying "For you, a thousand times over." As Hassan ran for the kite, he was caught by the 3 bullies hated Amir and Hassan. Hassan was then sexually abused and Amir watched as it happened on an alley. Hassan ran and then late find Amir limping as he was returning to give the kite.

After this event, their friendship started to go downwards as Amir felt really guilty and was mad at himself at the same time; however, he vent it out on Hassan. There was even a scene where Amir threw pomegranates on Hassan. Poor Hassan...not long after that, Hassan and his father Abi decided to get out of the house and went to another place. Of course Baba dodn't agree with them leaving, but there's nothing he can do. 

Then the war came and Baba and Amir had to smuggle themselves out fo Pakistan. They then went to  America. And here comes te second part of the book. In America, a lot of things happened. Amir became a writer, he met his wife, and long story short Baba died out of cancer. But Baba died a happy man. Amir then became a successful writer. Then one day, Baba's assitant, Rahim Khan, called from Pakistan, telling Amir that he might have a chance to retribute for his sins.

The third part of the book focuses on Amir's trip to Pakistan. He searched for Hassan's son, Sohrab, who was lost. He found him, captured by the Talibans and also sexually abused. It turns out that the leader of the Talibans who captured him was Assef. What a coincidence! Amir had to fight to get Sohrab, and he was badly beaten. They would not make it if Sohrab did not slighshot a metal ball into Assef's eyes. Then they ran away and Sohrab was then adopted by Amir and his wife.

Long story short, Amir told Sohrab

 "For you, a thousand times over."

The end

I really love the book. It's really emotional and touchy! At first, I hated the book because it's really tragic and sad and it made me cry A LOT. But when I got to the ending, I find the book really good. I actually gave it a five star out of five on goodreads. This book has a clear and consistent historical background as well as the Islamic culture. I actually learn a lot of things from this book. But nevertheless, I must say goodbye to this story and move on to another book. Wiiii

Yes I did watch the movie. It was good, but just okay. The movie is 6.5/10. 

I am already reading another book right now and it is entitled Crazy Rich Asians. It's a Singaporean book and the drama revolves around Singaporean high socialites. And I do mean the high and regal socialites. The ones that were rich and influential since their great grandfathers. So far, I have reached part 2, and I'm convinced that this is a drama book. Do look forward to the book review. It would most probably come in April. Thank you for reading and I'll see you in my next post!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

41st Diamond: Tuesdays with Morrie

Good evening everyone

Here's a little book I was recommended by a friend. I am actually on my fifth book of the Percy Jackson series, but hey, Tuesdays with Morrie is a short book and I figured I can finish it in no time. Well friends, I WAS WRONG. I did not finish this book in one day. It actually took 2-3 weeks...well normal books are usually 300-600 pages, this book is only 180ish. See! It's short!

Without further complaints, I'll now talk about this book. It is actually a memoir, which means there was someone whose name is Morrie and is the teacher of our author, Mitch Albom. He's an interesting man I must say. He thinks differently. He's wise. To be honest, I have heard all the ideas before. I swear I've read them somewhere, but nevertheless, it is still a good book and it actually serves as a reminder for me. 

I was reminded of a lot of things from this book. One is to listen to the person you're talking to like it's the last time you guys will be talking together. Giving your full attention to someone means a lot to them. I am the type of person who tends to be distracted so this is gonna be a challenge but I'll do my best. Another point is about money. People always focus on money, and it became the highest goal of their life. To have more and more money. Mainly it's because they want to impress others. While here is how Morrie lay it out. If you try to impress those who are higher than you, then you'll never make it. Why? Because they will always be higher than you. And if you show off to those who are below you, they will do nothing of help and will only envy you. The right way is to have an open heart and be nice to everyone. One thing he didn't mentioned though (or maybe he did but I forgot he did) is that you can't please everyone. It doesn't matter how nice you are, there is always someone who will talk bad about you. It's just how it is. But that does not mean that you shouldn't be nice to everyone. The golden rule: Do to others what you want others to do to you. Another important point is that everyone needs a teacher, a mentor to guide them because nobody is created to be alone. Well I pray that all of you guys will found your mentors :)

c: mitchalbom.com

What I don't like about this book, it's sad. It's a good book, great infact! and I'm pretty sure a lot of people can learn a lot from this book, but I am never a fan of goodbyes. In this book, Morrie is slowly dying. And Mitch Albom, being his student, came to visit every Tuesdays to talk about a lot of things. I guess when a person is dying, all you can do to help him is to spend time with him. At the end of the book, Albom described his last goodbye and I cried. THIS IS WHY I DON'T LIKE THIS BOOK. IT MADE ME CRY. I guess it is a great book to read. It's one of those books you would want to read when you're in need of something deep. 

Overall I would give this book a 4 out of 5. It's sad, but still a good book I must admit. It's not my cup of tea for now though. Thank you to my friends though for recommending me this book. Reading this book is like going through a journey. 

Now I would be continuing my Percy Jackson reading. Yeaay! Thank you for reading and I'll see you in my next post!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V