It’s never easy being a scuba diver. Even more so if you’re not exactly the recreational type and is passionate about conservation work and making the ocean and environment a better and safer place. Not everyone understands the stuff that you do and some would even question your sanity for even volunteering. The worst part is that sometimes, your efforts are not appreciated and instead you are criticized for all the things you’ve been doing. I’m the sort of person who will always take a step back and evaluate on whether my time, efforts and yes, even money is worth investing again in the future when it comes to volunteerism, cuz sometimes all I get in return is just some stupidly bad sunburns.😂

Let’s face it. I don’t have a sugar daddy funding me for all the things that I’d like to do. And I have no talent to get myself one either. My limit is as deep as my pocket. Which isn’t exactly deep at all, at least for now. My time, efforts and money is not free, so regardless of passion, the personal gratification and return of investment comes first.

The only thing that kept me going most of the time is because of my awesome buddies, especially the non-judgemental ones who are generous with encouragement and support, especially from the mermaid side of my buddies. Skin badly damaged, and sunburned? Scuba divers usually don’t really care that much, they’re the ‘sunburned, don’t care type’, but merbuddies and mersisters? They’ll start fussing and pampering me like crazy.

And here’s using a facial mask that I got from a mermaid gathering to sooth my stupidly sunburned skin after my most recent conservation work- Akimia Monster Condition mask. The mask comes in a real cute monster packaging where the mask and the fluids are in two separated compartments and you would need to tear off the middle part of the packaging for the mask to absorb the fluid to enable usage. I’m not sure why they designed it this way but I supposed it’s to keep the mask fresh prior to usage, I guess?

Anyway, if you ever got this, make sure the mask sheets are properly soaked up before you put it into your face. And do feel free to use those excess fluids on your neck, your hands or even your legs if you want. There is ample of it after the mask sheets fully absorb the fluids in the packaging.

It’s a really cool moisturizing mask, I kid you not. It soothes the skin and gives your skin the boink-boink effect in a jiffy and it makes me a happier gal. After a few usage, my sunburns were visibly lessened. 🥰😍😍😍

I would highly recommend this Akimia Master condition mask to those who suffer from bad sunburns or those who have particularly dry skin.

Interested in getting your hands on this mask? Well, then, hop over to their page here: https://www.facebook.com/Akimia.Malaysia

Blackheads and oily skin are amongst the top skin concerns faced by teenagers. When teens hit puberty, their oil glands become overactive thereby resulting in the production of excessive sebum. The excess sebum and built-up of dead skin cells in the hair follicles then forms blackheads.

The need to use a facemask during this time of the pandemic can worsen one’s skin condition as it traps dirt and bacteria underneath it. Without proper care and treatment, blackheads will potentially lead to enlarged pores.

OXY the skincare brand for teens has introduced the new Anti-Blackhead Gel that is specially formulated to treat blackheads. It is gentle on the skin yet effective in diminishing blackheads which is usually found on the nose.

Effective ingredients found in its formulation include:

Glycolic Acid (AHA) and Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid are both active ingredients that targets different layers of the skin. While Glycolic Acid exfoliates and removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, Salicylic Acid is able to penetrate deep into the skin and clear out impurities such as dirt and sebum from the pores to ensure skin around the nose area is clear and smooth.

Salicylic Acid used in the new OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel is derived from Wintergreen Leaf Extract, which is 100% natural Salicylic Acid that comes with skincare benefits such as purifying the skin, removing excess sebum and ultimately helping to get rid of blackheads.

Witch Hazel Leaf Extract
With the possibility of inflammation caused by exfoliation, the new OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel is packed with Witch Hazel Leaf Extract to soothe the skin and bring down inflammation. Other than its soothing properties, the Witch Hazel Leaf Extract also helps to tighten the pores to reduce the appearance of pores on the problemed area.

High Purify Centella Asiatica Extract
Centella Asiatica Extract promotes collagen reproduction in the skin, which is important, as collagen helps the skin cells to renew and repair themselves. This ingredient has also been found to calm inflammation, soothe redness, and repair damaged skin to achieve an overall even complexion.

The OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel is to be applied after cleansing the skin. Pat dry, squeeze out an appropriate amount of the gel on the fingertip and apply a thin layer on the nose. Leave it to dry for about 3-5 minutes. Then, gently massage to exfoliate and remove blackheads. Lastly, wash thoroughly with water.

This product is recommended to be used 2-3 times a week. Traditional blackheads removal methods such as using tools or our fingers to squeeze them out may risk permanent scarring on the skin and cause damage to the epidermis layers of the skin; therefore, gentle chemical exfoliation is the way to go.

The new OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel retails at RM14.90 (18g) and is available at leading pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide. For more information about the new OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel, kindly log on to oxy.com.my.

Salon is closed due to endless lockdown in Malaysia and my hair is getting too long and unruly. It’s been exactly a year and two days since I last had a haircut and here’s sharing with you how I cut my own hair and give myself a small makeover, in case you would like to do the same too.

I learnt this from TikTok, so here’s sharing with you ladies who might want to give yourselves a hair makeover.

I don’t have any professional haircutting tools, so I just made a grab for my kitchen scissors to get it done in just two easy steps.

1. First use a rubber band and tie it up at the front to give it a trim with scissors.
2. Second if you want your hair layered, pull all your hair in front and tie it up with a rubber band and cut off about an inch for a soft layer. If you want an obvious sharp layer with a side bang, give it a two inch.

My hair colour has already faded and it looks annoyingly unsightly with my black hair growing out, so I decided to colour it too. I’m not hair colouring expert so I used this idiot-proof hair dye; Liese Bubble Hair Color. It’s as easy to use. All you need to do is just mix it up and apply the solution as if you would a shampoo, let it sit for 30mins before washing it off.

Before and after a haircut and a slight soft layer and colouring with Liese Bubble Hair Color: Milky Beige.

Not too bad, coverage is okay and I think it does make me look brighter and more cheerful. The hair colour should be brighter under the sun in a few days, so hopefully it’ll look more striking after a few more wash.

Can finally sport my favourite ‘Dragonball’s Bulma’ hairstyle after the haircut as the hair is no longer so long and heavy.

My favourite look whenever I go for events or covering for press conferences before Covid era.

The ponytail I usually pull up into whenever I dance to Kpop cardio workout songs or when I’m practicing Qigong and Taichi.

Used to tie up a half ponytail like this whenever I chillax with my friends over a cuppa in cafés before Covid.

Ladies, just because you are in a lockdown and you have to stay home does not mean you should just give up on looking presentable. Trust me, looking presentable will also bring yourselves good vibes and pleasant feelings for the people around you, so yea, if you feel like giving yourselves a haircut, a makeover or dress up simply because you feel like it, just go ahead and do it.

I hope this post will be beneficial for you and I wish you good health and happiness.

Bimbang dengan keadaan ibu berdepan dengan dua masalah kulit seperti kayap dan kulit melecur sejak beberapa bulan lalu, pelajar di sebuah politeknik ibu negara jadi tidak senang duduk.

Itulah yang dirasai anak bongsu enam beradik, Nur Farahana Arshat, 22, terhadap situasi tidak menyenangkan dialami ibunya,
Zarina Zakaria yang kini berusia 57 tahun.

Sebagai anak, Nur Farahana yang berasal dari Kedah sampai tahap buntu memikirkan solusi yang boleh dicari demi menyenangkan hati ibunya.

Hinggalah dia tidak semena mena melihat iklan produk Saapuu keluaran Mawar Shazni Sdn Bhd di Facebook yang didakwanya penuh dengan mukjizat dan keajaiban dengan izin-Nya.

“Insiden tertumpah kuah laksa yang panas menggelegak di bahagian kakinya. Ini antara pengalaman memeritkan ibu saya kerana sampai tak senang duduk dan meraung

“Ketika insiden itu terjadi, ibu saya menjerit dan seperti tak tentu arah. Solusi pantas, saya ambil minyak masak dan disapu di bahagian yang terkena kuah laksa itu. Bagaimanapun sakit yang ditanggung beransur seketika.

“Lama kelamaan, bahagia melecur itu jadi seperti gelembung besar. Kalau terkena air masa mandi contohnya memang terasa pedih. Lama juga ibu menanggung kesakitan. Tapi sejak mencuba Saapuu, perubahan ketara mula kelihatan dalam tempoh masa 10 hari penggunaannya,” katanya.

Kata Nur Farahana lagi, selepas hilang sengsara kulit melecur, ibunya tiba tiba diserang kayap di bahagian perut pula.

“Namun sejak ada produk Saapuu, nampaknya masalah kayap pun hilang serta merta.

“Kayap itu bermula dengan rasa gatal dan kulit jadi kemerah merahan. Seterusnya wujud seperti gelembung di bahagian terkena kayap itu.

“Terbukti produk keluaran bumiputera ini sangat berbaloi dengan harga berpatutan.
Ia dibuat daripada bahan organik yang sememangnya terbukti untuk kebaikan kulit. Antaranya seperti minyak argan,madu, daun sirih, daun pegaga,curcumin, daun gelenggang dan aloe vera.

“Lebih utama, produk ini ada kelulusan daripada Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia(KKM). Jadi ia memang diakui selamat digunakan tanpa rasa was-was.
Masalah kulit ibu saya tiada lagi. Saya sudah tidak risau lagi tentangnya,” katanya

Sementara itu, pengasas produk terbabit, Rosniwati Beharom, 45, mensasarkan untuk menjual lebih 40,000 set rangkaian Saapuu.

“Set rangkaian produk Saapu dihadirkan dalam dua jenis iaitu dalam bentuk gel sabun dan gel sapu. Harga untuk dua produk itu dalam lingkungan harga RM150. Kita juga jual secara berasingan untuk dengan harga istimewa.

“Ada yang anggap harga produk ini mahal di saat situasi pandemik Covid-19. Tapi jika mahu dibandingkan dengan kualiti dan manfaatnya, harga yang ditawarkan cukup berbaloi.

“Malah kita juga mahu terus berusaha melakukan penjenamaan untuk produk ini secara habis-habisan. Kalau diizinkan saya sendiri mahu digelar Ratu Saapuu.

“Kita juga ada strategi menawarkan hadiah termasuk wang tunai untuk stokis, agen, dropship dan pembeli,” katanya

Bagi yang ingin membeli atau mendapatkan maklumat tambahan mengenai produk Saapuu boleh layari www.online.saapuu.my

Berdepan masalah kulit kusam, tona tak sekata dan penuh bintik hitam bukan satu keinginan yang didambakan sesiapapun dalam dunia ini.

Tambahan pula Malaysia berdepan iklim panas yang berpanjangan.

Bagi Sharon Teh atau nama sebenarnya Teh Swee Lin masalah bintik hitam di lengan dan tangannya dialami sejak 20 tahun lalu benar benar menyesakkan matanya.

Wanita berusia 52 tahun dari Taiping, Perak yang bekerja dalam bidang jualan ini pada satu tahap rimas dengan masalah yang bagai tiada pengakhirannya.

Kerap ‘berjemur’ dek komitmen keluar bekerja di bawah panas terik matahari antara punca masalah bintik hitam mula bermaharajalela.

“Puas mencuba pelbagai produk kulit di pasaran, hasilnya tetap mengecewakan saya. Kesudahannya lebur semua wang begitu saja.

“Pernah juga terfikir mahu melakukan rawatan laser di kulit tangan itu. Tapi difikirkan kosnya memang sangat mahal. Saya amat realistik namun tidaklah sampai tahap membazir wang.

“Pada satu tahap, saya hampir putus asa mencari solusi terbaik merawat masalah dialami. Biasalah golongan wanita mahupun lelaki zaman sekarang ini semua pentingkan kecantikan diri,” katanya

Malah pada satu tahap Sharon terlalu geram hingga tidak sanggup melihat lengan sendiri.

“Nak pakai baju tidak berlengan pun tak sanggup. Saya jadi geram, tak selesa dan malu nak berpakaian mendedahkan kulit

“Pendek kata, saya akan cari solusi untuk menyarung jaket, kot atau memakai baju berlengan panjang,” katanya.

Bagaimanapun dipendekkan cerita, sekitar Mei lalu, iklan produk kesihatan kulit Saapuu pantas mencuri perhatiannya.

“Sejujurnya saya tidak tahu kenapa iklan produk berkenaan begitu pantas menangkap pandangan mata dan hati. Lantas saya menghubungi pihak mereka untuk bertanyakan lanjut mengenai produk itu.

“Saya masih ingat lagi tanggal 11 Mei produk itu selamat sampai di rumah untuk dicuba.
Selepas beberapa kali menyapu krim dan gel kulitnya berturut turut, kesan bintik hitam kian pudar. Kulit saya perlahan demi perlahan nampak kecerahannya. Bintik hitam juga sudah berkurangan.

“Dalam hati saya sendiri tertanya mukjizat apa yang ada dalam produk ini sampai begitu hebat sekali kesannya. Tak sangka dengan kos minimun, saya boleh lihat kesan dalam masa singkat,” katanya

Tambah Sharon lagi selepas meneliti kandungan yang digunakan dalam produk Saapuu ternyata ia satu pelaburan berbaloi

“Produk SaaPuu mengandungi pelbagai bahan organik yang sememangnya terbukti untuk kebaikan kulit. Contohnya seperti minyak argan, madu, daun sirih, daun pegaga, curcumin, daun gelenggang dan aloe vera.

“Tambahan pula, paling utama dan meyakinkan saya kerana produk ini mendapat kelulusan daripada Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM). Jadi memang diakui produk ini selamat untuk dipakai tanpa rasa was-was.

“Hati saya kini meloncat kegembiraan apabila ‘penderitaan’ masalah kulit saya akhirnya selesai begitu sahaja selepas menggunakan produk berkenaan. Kini saya boleh menjalani hidup dan bekerja dengan lebih berkeyakinan,” katanya tersenyum.

Bagi yang ingin membeli atau mendapatkan maklumat tambahan mengenai produk Saapuu boleh layari
www.online.saapuu.my

I’m 36 going on 37. I gave birth really young and now my only son is already 16 years old. Family and friends alike are always asking me; when am I going to get pregnant and expand my little family? Don’t I want a bigger family? Don’t I want a baby daughter to dote on?

Well, feeling miffed on the questions that I considered as an invasion of privacy aside, I have to say that pregnancy is a huge thing for me, and it’s not something I’d consider lightly. I didn’t enjoy much of my pregnancy when I was pregnant with my son. I felt sick all the time, walks around like a zombie throughout the entire pregnancy and worst, I can barely keep anything that I eat down, no matter what I do. Everything seems to disagree with me. I was so physically worn and emotionally distressed during my pregnancy. My conditions only improved towards the end of the pregnancy, so excuse me if I blatantly tell you that I don’t feel like going through a repeated experience just so that I can hold a bundle of joy in my arms.

Anyway, speaking of pregnancy, one of my friends is pregnant and we happened to catch up via Google Meet. You know how it’s like now. My friends and I missed each other very much. We used to go for hi-teas every other weekend but since we’re still fighting the pandemic now, we called each other via Google meet often to catch up. And catch up we did. We spoke about pregnancy woes and she was sharing about how terrible her pregnancy is as well. Apart from the regular morning sickness, she’s also suffering from poor digestion, fatigue, bloating, loose stools and anemia, but her condition slowly improves as she changed her diet to light &easy to digest food and taking probiotics. She mentioned that her doctor said that all her problems actually point to a weak gut and that’s what actually ails most pregnant women, and prescribe some light diet for her to follow alongside with probiotics to help her with her symptoms.

I listened intently when she was sharing her experience and I was taken aback a little. I suffered the same thing she did during my pregnancy; poor digestion, fatigue, bloating, loose stools and anemia, and I wondered if I had the same problems and I could have improved my situation back then by taking care of my gut? You see, the gut is part of the digesting system and is a vital organ in the body that absorbs all the nutrients that we eat and expels it as feces. If this organ is unhealthy, it will definitely affect our entire bodily system.

And so, I did some Googling and discovered that taking care of the gut, especially during pregnancy is really important. It helps to dispel unnecessary pregnancy discomfort such as poor digestion, fatigue, bloating and helps

Apart from practicing light exercises and healthy diet, one way to take care of the gut’s health during pregnancy is to take probiotics as probiotics good for pregnancy. Not familiar with the term probiotics? Simply put, probiotics are made of good live bacteria and it naturally lives in your body. Yes. Generally, bacteria are portrayed as a villain and something bad. But this is not true. Not all bacteria are bad. You actually have good bacteria in your body too, and they’re working behind the scene to keep you healthy. For example, if you have an infection or gets sick, that means there are a lot of bad bacteria is attacking your system. This is when the good bacteria in your body will counter-attack to keep your system in balance and help you get better. Basically, the role of good bacteria in your body helps to eliminate the bad bacteria and keep your body in a good condition. One way to add good bacteria is by consuming probiotics supplements.

There are plenty of probiotics in the market but here’s one that’s great for pregnant ladies; Yourgutt.

YourGutt is a fermented rice bran powder that’s beneficial for overall gut health, and it is the first in Malaysia and Asia to have the complete-biotics, the prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotics.

The best part? YourGutt not only taste good, but it’s practically allergent-free, made from natural, ingredients and is vegan and vegetarian friendly.

So ladies, whether you are pregnant or not, your gut health matters, as it helps your entire bodily system runs healthily. If you haven’t included any probiotics in your diet or your family’s diet, you might want to look into this to improve your lifestyle and health in whole. I regret not discovering this earlier. It could have save me alot from unnecessary ailments.