Beauty Keeper - skincare review

Received some Beauty Keepers (pun intended) recently just in time for the lunar new year. Beauty Keeper originated from Taiwan and is a platform specially made for people to pick various highly-raved beauty brands and products all from one place.

Beauty Keeper offers premium items, but keep them at affordable pricing by getting products directly from the manufacturers.

Here are a few which I think are worth mentioning! :)

Left to right: MM/DA Jiao Pulsed Mask Foaming Face Cleanser; Aurelia Aurita Moisture JellyToner; Bravura Essence Mask

MM/DA Jiao Pulsed Mask Foaming Face Cleanser $52

I'm glad to be introduced to this acid-free and antibiotic-free skincare brand used by dermatologists for oily and sensitive skin. This cleanser serves to achieve maximum oil-water balancing during cleansing. Its exclusive formula that is filled with liposome via advanced technology absorbs oxygen and forms rich lather without any rubbing required! Meanwhile, it also delivers oxygen to our skin that way.

I applied a thin layer above my lips..

The cleanser absorbs oxygen and oxygenates the skin within a minute!

Aurelia Aurita Moisture JellyToner

Researched and produced by Evemed Medical Laboratory, the newest smart technology combines natural ingredients adding ultra-aquatic system to stimulate the skin for better absorption. The toner soothes and softens the skin, while flushing out the pores and minimizing their appearances. The Aurelia aurita collagen maintains a natural protective layer to lock in moisture, repairing dull and aging skin and regaining radiance and transparency.

Bravura Essence Mask

These masks aims to whiten and moisturize the skin - simply apply for 15 minutes to say goodbye to dark skin spots and say hello to bright and even-looking skin!

The refined wood pulp facial mask fits the face gently and almost perfectly. Infused with Arbutin and Tranexamic acid, this mask brightens the skin, promoting a porcelain skin tone.

Signing off to check out more interesting skincare on Beauty Keeper!

Kay's Instant Macaroni review

Whipping up a macaroni meal is now as easy as in 1…2…3 mins! All thanks to Kay’s Singapore instant macaroni packets!

About Kay’s

“In 2008, we started as an import and distribution company that serve healthy and natural food products. After gaining profound knowledge of food industry for 8 years, the experience that we have gathered allowed us to identify specific requirements in the consumers lifestyle and food industry. Therefore with this foresight, we open our doors in 2015 and committed to cater consumer only the finest, high-quality and affordable food products in Singapore. We believe that anyone can prepare food quickly and easily for themselves and their loved ones by using our food products, which is made in Singapore. In line with this belief in preparing food conveniently, we introduce our first instant macaroni that can help customers to save time and money in their busy and time-tight lifestyle.”

These are the instant macaroni flavours available currently:

Anchovy

“Anchovy stock is one of the most important parts in enhancing the soup-based flavourful. Making anchovies stock is fast and convenient and usually takes 10-15 minute, unlike making chicken or vegetable stock.

However, if using our anchovy macaroni, anchovy macaroni will be ready after 3 minutes.”

Curry

“Spice it up with our curry flavour with only 3 minutes of your time. It is so simple that you do not require to prepare a variety of herbs to bring out the spiciness of the curry.”

Tom Yum

“Eat it fresh and eat it warm! Our Tom yum macaroni flavour gives you hot and sour soup that you had ever experience and achieve it with a few simple steps”

Chicken

“Preparing chicken soup is tedious as it requires a lot of chopping and cleaning of the chicken. Also, it is time-consuming. By using our chicken macaroni, you are able to achieve the full and soothing soup base in less than 10 minutes.”

Vegetable

“Broth is one of the most important components in any vegetable-related food. By making a hearty and filling vegetable macaroni, you only need the broth, which is in the macaroni packet, macaroni and the rest of the ingredients that gives you a delicious meal.”

My personal favourite is the tom yum flavour as it has just the right amount of spiciness (not spicy at all if you’re a chili kind of person) and tanginess that is extremely refreshing.

You may even want to add ingredients of your choice to make it more nutritious – I added some fresh clams to create the seafood tom yum flavour.

Garlic 1 clove

White wine 100ml

Fresh clams 12-15

Instant macaroni pack

Boiling water 250ml

1) Stir-fry the garlic till golden brown. You may add some chili flakes

2) Add 100ml white wine for 10 seconds

3) Add the clams to simmer for 3-5 mins, till all the clams are popped open.

4) While the clams are cooking, add the boiling water to the macaroni and seasoning in a separate bowl to simmer

5) Once the clams are done, transfer the clams and broth to the ready macaroni and ta-dah!

Kay’s Macaroni is available at $3.20 (pack of three) from Sheng Siong Supermarket, Fairprice stores, Prime Supermarket and more. Latest list of outlets can be found at their Facebook page.

BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Review

Experience collagen at its finest with BRAND'S® InnerShine® latest breakthrough innovation - RubySignatureTM formula. 

Unlike normal collagen, RubySignature™ formula is created with a unique and precious blend of ingredients derived from natural sources. It contains micro-collagen and one of mother nature’s most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin (micro-algae extract). Scientifically proven, its anti-oxidant power is 6000 times more powerful than Vitamin C, 800 times more powerful than CoQ10 and 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E.

We all know collagen is necessary to support the skin’s structural foundation to improve firmness and elasticity for youthful and supple skin. Astaxanthin serves as the perfect complement by acting as a natural shield against the collagen-depleting procedure. In containing both micro-collagen and astaxanthin, RubySignature™ formula defies the ageing process by performing a vital triple-action of supplying collagen, protecting against collagen degradation and delivering collagen effectively to skin cells. Designed to complement your topical skincare routine - in 6 weeks, experience skin rejuvenating power with  BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence*. Daily consumption will help to ensure that your body is adequately supplied with the essential nutrients for optimal skin support and protection. For optimum efficacy, it is recommended that BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen be consumed twice daily to experience the skin age-reversing difference in 6 weeks*.

*Results may vary according to individuals

After my recent beach getaway (more on Instagram @OYHZ), I definitely need new RubyCollagen Essence range by BRAND’S® InnerShine® even more to fight the collagen-depleting rays of the sun. 

If I had been reminded earlier, I would have brought with me a few bottles or stripes for the holiday. Still, better late than never! In order to fend of the visual signs of aging, it is necessary to not only replenish lost collagen, but also prevent further collagen degradation in the skin from occurring. Inspired by this insight, BRAND’S® InnerShine® developed RubySignature™, a formulation designed specifically to challenge the existing paradigm in anti-aging skin care.

Both packaging are rather slim and compact for slotting into our ladies bags :) This is how you could simply bring it along for a day trip or for consumption!

If you had read my previous review on the marine collagen here, I personally find that the RubyCollagen Essence suits my palate better with the more tangy taste.  BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence is infused with natural pomegranate juice that gives the invigorating and zesty flavour. Being so delicious, it is certainly an added bonus to addressing the needs of aging skin.

I had been drinking BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence for the past week and so far my skin has been recovering well from the slight sunburnt on my cheeks. The burnt cheeks didn’t turn patchy or flaky (thankfully!) and the bumps that appeared on my face right after the trip are disappearing fast. This may be the effect of the RubyCollagen Essence, coupled with the hydrating and soothing products I spammed right after I got home. Plus some deep-cleansing and exfoliating masks which I have been more diligently using too. 

According to Isabella Tan, Vice President and General Manager of Cerebos Pacific Limited Singapore, Brunei, and Philippines, “The creation of the RubyCollagen Essence range has enabled BRAND’S® InnerShine® to capitalize on an underserved realm within the anti-aging beauty space, addressing women’s needs for a more complete and holistic anti-aging skin care regimen that also nourishes from the inside out.”

There are 2 formats to RubyCollagen:

1. BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence (50ml x 12) SGD $62.90

http://www.brandsworld.com.sg/Our-Products/InnerShine/RubyCollagen-Drink

2. BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence Strip (15g x 10): SGD $36.00

http://www.brandsworld.com.sg/Our-Products/InnerShine/RubyCollagen-Strip

You may buy BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence now on e-store (store.brandsworld.com.sg) or find out more info on Rubycollagen here: https://store.brandsworld.com.sg/index.php/gallery-index-.html?scontent=n,rubycollagen

***

About BRAND’S®

Operating across six major markets namely, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China, BRAND’S® is the market leader in Asia with over 80 per cent market share. The company-owned manufacturing plants located in Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia and China ensures that products meet the highest quality and safety standards. Keeping relevant with consumers’ demands and changing needs is one of the company’s topmost priorities.

About InnerShine®

Developed with a winning combination of scientifically proven health-enhancing ingredients, BRAND'S® InnerShine® is a modern range of beauty wellness supplements to help you promote beauty from within. Don’t let your lifestyle stand in the way of feeling great and looking fabulous. Let BRAND'S® InnerShine® bring out the best in you. For more information about BRAND’S®, please visit www.brandsworld.com.sg.

Cha Thai

I have been hoping to try Cha Thai for the longest time. This rather new restaurant doesn’t just serve authentic Thai food, they are bringing to us fine Thai. 

At Cha Thai, you can often see its Founder, Permsiri Sirijindapan, also affectionately known as Leah, rolling up her sleeves and working her wok magic in the kitchen, whipping up Thai cuisine from the central region we all love. This certainly makes Cha Thai quite a newfound treasure and dining pleasure.

Most of us see Thai food as generally street food that comes at affordable prices. Cha Thai is more than that with Leah’s strong culinary passion got her admitted to schools in France and Thailand, which explains why she is able to  marry the best of East and West, adapting the West’s technology while keeping to the East’s traditions, to bring Thai food to another level. “Thai food is just like food from any other culture. In Japanese food, we have the street food, as well as the finer quality food. In Chinese food, likewise. Even Western food, we have street food or fast food and fine dining. Thai food is not just about street food”, said Leah. “The quality of Cha Thai’s food is the result of premium quality ingredients, along with traditional (not authentic) recipes cooked with modern techniques, to bring out another dimension in the taste of Thai, so our customers experience the best of Fine Thai Food”, Leah shared.

At Cha Thai, there is one thing you will definitely notice - the portions are so large you should always come with friends. It is in the Thai’s tradition and culture to gather, and therefore, their food always comes in portions large enough for sharing. Food always tastes the best in good company.

Besides the large serving portions, Leah insists on great quality ingredients. Seafood is sourced locally from kelongs for freshness. Meat is sous vide to achieve tenderness. Dips, curries, pastes, sauces, gravy, milk teas, refreshing drinks and all are made from scratch as well. 

The Smoothies are $4.50 each. Cold and hot drinks are at $2.90.

Cha Thai Signatures

Creamy Crab Roll $15

Deep dried spring roll sticks served with crab cream sauce made of finger roots herbs, and the fragrance of the crab cream sauce tastes like Thai laksa in a creamy state.

Crispy Prawn Cake $15

Deep fried thick juicy prawn cakes made with tiger prawns (not the usual shrimps used by many), served with sweet plum sauce

Lemongrass Prawn Salad $28

Not your normal salad, this is savoury yet refreshing at the same time!


Another 'salad' - Pomelo Salad

Signature Tiger Prawn ‘Panang’ Curry $28

Thai saffron curry with tiger prawns and juicy sweet lychees, glazed with coconut cream

Sauteed Kai Lan with Roasted Pork $16

Stir fry baby kai lan with sous vide roasted pork, garlic and oyster sauce

Garlic Chicken with Bird’s Chilli $18

Tom Yum Vegetarian Dumplings $18



I don't usually take vegetarian dishes specially, but this is one I wouldn't mind going for!

Simmered Pork $22

Simmered pork knuckle with kai lan, pork knuckle is super tender from 14 hours of sous vide, served with fresh chilli sauce made of fermented chilli sauce 

Premium Giant Tiger Prawns Claypot Glass Noodles $159 / Tiger Prawns Claypot Glass Noodles $55 (for 4 pax) (giant tiger prawn is about 35-40cm)

Thai baked claypot prawn tang hoon seasoned with spices, ginger, pepper and spring onions. Savour the good quality tang hoon which should be QQ in texture, not soggy.

Pad Thai $22

Charcoal Toast $8

Adapted from Cha Thai’s signature toast, Charcoal kaya toast is even fluffier and softer, paired with kaya dip. The orange dip at the background is milk tea flavour, which is good as well! Absolutely my favourite! Please go and try it for yourselves!

Coming to the desserts which sadly, I couldn't stomach much after the heavy dinner.

Emerald Jade (green ruby) $8

Red Ruby $8

Red Ruby with pandan fragrance fresh coconut milk

Sweet Corn Herbal Jelly $8

If you are looking for an enjoyable fine Thai meal of high quality, Cha Thai is certainly the right place for you :)

Cha Thai

80 Telok Ayer Street #01-01 Singapore 048466

Tel: 6636 3696

www.chathaisg.com

www.facebook.com/chathaisg

www.instagram.com/chathaisg

South & North Okinawa Gelato

Mia and I dropped by South & North Okinawa Gelato pop-up stall last night and sampled their gelato made in the island of natural goodness - Okinawa.

I believe most of us know how different gelato is from ice-cream. Gelato is commonly known to be more flavourful, has less fats contained and healthier in that aspect, uses fewer egg yolks in comparison to average ice-creams.

The more unique point of Okinawan Gelato is that they use only Hokkaido & Yamakawa milk and natural flavours. Their gelato is made using tradition confectionery method i.e. in line with Okinawa tradition. What's more, being a Japanese brand, they visit farmers and producers personally to select only the finest and most suitable ingredients to produce the Gelato. In addition, there are no artificial essence used.

There are 8 flavours available for sampling at the pop-up store at Raffles Xchange. To start off, here are 3 of my personal favourites:
(In clockwise direction, beginning with the purple flavour)

❤ Purple sweet potato : From Yomitan villange and Miyako island. The purple sweet potato is made into velvety paste before blending into the gelato. The overall taste combined a mild sweetness and intense potato “punch”. I was initially skeptical towards this with thoughts of it as a savory flavour. However, it gave my tongue quite a lovely surprise. After sampling all 8 flavours, this left quite a deep impression on me as the taste of the sweet potato was powerful yet not overwhelming. I eventually bag it home!

❤ Shikuwasa sorbert : Made in ogimi village. The tangy sweetness of the green fruit is surprising refreshing and fruity, with a sweet orangey aftertaste which is really invigorating.

❤ Black Tea : Made in Kunigami Village. A unique Okinawa tea leaves from Inzatsu Assam variety offer an full aroma character. I like how fragrant and refreshingly light this is, bagged it home too!

(In clockwise direction, beginning with the green flavour)

❤ Matcha : Using tea leaves from Shizouka Prefecture, this gelato has intense yet slightly bitter after-taste. Great for matcha lover who is looking for the real matcha “punch”.

❤ Salted milk : Made using Nuchi masu salt. Seawater is drawn off the coast of Miyagi Island. This sea salt contain high in minerals and it can accentuated the creaminess of the milk flavor. Reminds me slightly of salted caramel, milky version!

❤ Brown Sugar : Made in Tarama Village. This gelato offer a sweetness with a complex, mineral-rich finish.

❤ Okinawa Tofu : Made in Nanho city. Okinawan tofu, being extremely high in protein, is often referred to as “longevity food”. The overall gelao is gently rich with Okinawa soyabeans.

The remaining two flavours (not pictured close-up:

❤ Meyer Lemon yogurt : Meyer Lemon is a natural hybrid of lemon and orange. The tanginess is much more powerful than the Shikuwasa sorbet above. This unique yogurt can be suitable after-dinner.

❤ Cheese : Made in Ishigaki Island using milk from Jersey cows. It’s very mild, almost like a milk gelato. A great alternative if you fancy the "plain vanilla" kind of flavour (pun not intended).

Each tub of gelato retails at $4.90 currently. As South & North Okinawan Gelato does not have a permanent store in Singapore yet, do visit the pop-up store at Raffles Xchange instead, available until 29th July! :)