Movie Review: Mural

Went to watch Mural with my mom and bro last saturday. Although it isn't the type of movie I would usually watch (my sort of genre being more of sci-fi, thriller, or action), it was still quite enjoyable.

Mural is directed by Hong Kong director Gordon Chan (陳嘉上) , who previously directed Painted Skin (畫皮). Mural's story comes from the sixth chapter of a book called Liao Zhai (聊斋), a collection of nearly five hundred (mostly) supernatural short stories written in the Qing Dynasty.

The story starts with scholar Zhu XiaoLian and his servant Hou Xia being accosted by swordsman Meng Longtan, who attempts to rob them. They all end up at a Taoist hillside temple where a monk named Budong calms them down. Zhu, intrigued by a painting of six beautiful women, finds one comes to life in front of his eyes, then disappearing into a doorway that previously wasn't there. The scholar, entranced, follows her through the tunnel that leads to the Land of Ten Thousand Blossoms, a beautiful place filled with fairy-like maidens, where males aren't allowed to trespass.

The environment and costumes are quite breathtaking, with Cyrus Ho's impressive sets, and Bobo Ng's filigree costuming. The attention to detail in the girls' clothing is apparent in the complex layering, though the hairstyles and glitter patterns on their arms are a little kitschy (and not in a good way).

The ensemble of actresses are fittingly beautiful, each according to the nature of their characters. The acting isn't too bad either, but the plot is quite contrived. The story goes off into tangents, with sub-plots that don't really add on to the story. Though a high-budget production, visual effects were a little lacking at times, reminiscent of old wuxia films (especially the part where the tortoise god ferries them on its back).

So while the visuals are mostly good, and the story sufficiently dramatic (essentially a tearjerker nearing the end of the movie), it falls short of being great. It feels like patchwork -- beautiful women, magical fireworks, cgi monsters, and lots of love triangles. It would probably be an epic if the effort was more focused on a single plot line, rather than that of multiple characters'.

All in all though, it's still quite an enjoyable movie, as long as you don't nitpick at the details and enjoy the eyecandy.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Product Review : ShiroMomo Hada Whitening Water

Hello hello people!!! Before I head off to my event later on today, I shall blog :D I have to admit, I've been a really slackish blogger these days. But I've been losing weight hardworking-ly. I'll share it with you guys next time so no one needs to get cheated again =3

Remember the ShiroMomo Hada Whitening Mist I reviewed awhile ago? I know that there're some of you out there don't really like mists, so here you go, a real toner!

So if you don't like mist, you'll be glad to know they have this ShiroMomo Hada Whitening Water for you to try!

This toner's a clear runny liquid that is almost similar to the Hada Labo one. Actually, I find this to be a cousin of the Hada Labo one... The texture is similar, the effect is similar, except that the Hada Labo one is unscented. However as mentioned previously, I'm a fan of peaches.

I'm not someone who's really sensitive or allergic to scents so to me, it's like a refreshing burst of peaches each time I use it. This toner absorbs quickly too.

Leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, just like the mist, but slightly more moisturizing. Mist haters, get the toner instead! I use this like how I use Hada Labo. Three drops, then pat pat pat till it all absorbs. Alternatively, you can purchase compressed masks from SASA and use this toner like a mask!

Do note that if used that way, it takes a longer time to absorb fully into the skin. I've described more about the ShiroMomo Hada series before, so check the ShiroMomo Hada Whitening Mist review if you've forgotten! Also, remember that whitening =/= making you few shades fairer, it simply brightens your skin.

This ShiroMomo Hada Whitening Water is available for $16.90 at BHG outlets if I'm not wrong! Well if I am, you can always head over to their Facebook page to ask them about it~

Effectivenes: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (No whitening, brightening! Slightly less hydrating than Hada Labo but the scent...)

Scent: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (My cuppa tea!)

Texture: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (Slightly sticky, but still really easily absorbed)

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (It's pretty cheap, it works well and it smells good. One of my favorite toners now!)

Love,
Chiharu ❤

Disclaimer : I bought this water for reviewing purposes and because I love peaches!

Product Review : Talika Cream Booster

If you all read THIS POST earlier, you'd know that I've received this product to review!

The how to use is on the front of the box and by daily skincare product, it refers to your cream! This cream booster should not be used alone, otherwise you might not see any effects at all.

That's the metal panel thing that you're supposed to rest your finger on.

It will activate the booster so you'll get that yellow light you see in the picture.

This booster makes use of three technologies as I've mentioned previously :

"IONOTHERAPY increases permeability of the skin, allowing active ingredients to penetrate directly to the targeted zone, and then tightening pores after absorption so that ingredients remain active within the cells. Cellular metabolic activity is stimulated and ingredients are delivered and perform in depth, rather than on the
surface of the skin.

MICRO-VIBRATION external massage of the skin accelerates blood and lymphatic circulation, causing increased cellular exchanges and enhanced cell function.

PHOTO THERAPY yellow LED on wavelength 590nm heals deep within the dermis level of the skin by activating fibroblasts and stimulating collagen synthesis. On the surface, visible results include the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and dissipation of spots and redness." - Extracted from the Press Release sent to me by Talika.

This is how I use my cream booster, instead of only using it like the way it's mentioned on the box, I do a few extra steps. Following the direction of the arrow, continuously move the booster upwards to firm and lift your skin. I swear it works in giving you a slimmer V shaped face. Also, you can use this on your laugh lines to "disperse/soften" it. It will look less obvious instantly too.

Then again, I am positive that there will be people saying stuff like... You're just twenty, how saggy can your skin be?! Here's the secret, my mom "stole" my cream booster to use =/

Verdict? She loved it! She agreed that it helps to firm her skin too and give her a slimmer face. She also listened to my tip and used this on her laugh lines, it works like a charm! Of course I'd recommend a good firming/lifting cream to go along for best effects. She even asked if there's a bigger version because this cream booster's pretty small and she wants something that can cover a bigger surface area. Perhaps Talika can look into that!

You'll also notice that your cream will get rapidly absorbed, leaving your skin really plump and soft. One thing I must warn everyone is that you must ensure the usage of a sufficient amount of cream. Otherwise, dragging this across dry skin will equate to tugging and pulling and that leads to saggy skin.

The down side of this product other than the size is...

Yeap, it's a whopping $179. If you're 20, I wouldn't say it's a must to get this. However if you're of a more mature age and facing problems with saggy skin or wrinkles, this will be a good buy. Of course, I'm not going to tell anyone to skip meals to get this product. Get this if you have the money to, or gradually save up for it!

If you're looking for other forms of light therapy, you can always visit Talika to see what kind of products they have! Alternatively, if you're waiting for a discount that I'm sure will come along once in a while (maybe), check out their Facebook page!

Because this is not your usual product, it won't be having the usual ratings. I personally give it a 4/5 stars with one star off for the price.

Cheers,

Chiharu ❤

Disclaimer : This product was sent to me for reviewing purposes by Talika Singapore. It does not affect the honesty of my review in any way. Do take note that results may vary with individuals as all of us have different skin / ages.

Product Review : Steam Cream

Okay, I don't know how to start off this post so I'm just going plunge right into it.

Today's product will be STEAM CREAM.

This is the design I chose!

Image taken from Steam Cream Singapore

Just like what you see in the above picture, there are tons of design and each one's "limited edition" because once it's OOS, it's OOS FOREVER. So remember to keep your tin!

"Natural and revitalising, STEAMCREAM is the ultimate multi-tasking moisture injection. Our unique STEAM process blends fresh, natural and traceable vegan ingredients for a deeper-reaching all-in-one cream.

STEAMCREAM breaks down immediately on contact with the skin, dispersing each ingredient directly to the area it’s designed to benefit. Plant extracts including oatmeal, orange flower water, organic jojoba and lavender oils can reach where they are needed instantly." - Extracted from Steam Cream Singapore.

Here's what the cream looks like! So white and beautiful, like a thick whipped cream~ Okay in all honesty it looks like a tasty cream. It smells really beautiful, with lavender being the dominant scent. If you don't know, the scent of Lavender can help you relax and sleep better. Using this at night will most like soothe your sense and send you plunging into a deep sleep.

Here's a swatch of the cream. Initially, I was truly expecting a light and airy whipped texture but that was not the case. In fact, the texture is quite a thick, solid cream that's actually pretty stiff. However, like the description from Steam Cream Singapore, this cream really started melting into my skin once I started massaging it in.

No residue after being fully absorbed

Personally, I'd say that people with oily skin will probably hate this as it's not really a lightweight cream. It does absorb and leave my skin very well moisturized. However, it takes time. You can feel it on your skin if you've not let it fully absorb. On the other hand, people with dry skin will positively adore this!!! It does its job well.

I love using this with my Talika Cream Booster which I will be reviewing soon too. This cream costs $29.90 if I remembered correctly. I will definitely keep my tin and use it for storage of possibly my rings and bracelets and necklaces. After all, I love the tin I chose! Hearts FTW~

Scent : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (As much as I like lavender, I'm still a fruit person!)

Texture : ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ (Very creamy, but a little on the heavier side. Takes awhile to absorb)

Effectiveness : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (Very moisturizing for sure.)

Overall : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (One cream, a gazillion designs, there's definitely one you'll love!)

Cheers,

Chiharu ❤

Disclaimer : My boy bought this for me :D You can always psycho your SO into getting one for you too > o <

Book Review: An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro

Forgive the present lull while I explore more things to talk about. Currently, I'm planning to delve into crafting more, so if I get the chance, I'll post some tutorials and the likes.

For now, An Artist of the Floating World, a book review. (I know right? Of all things, a book? But I'm a bibliophile and happen to think everyone should read. Plus, the library's free!)

An Artist of the Floating World is a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, a British-Japanese author. Unlike the other Japanese writer I know of (Haruki Murakami), Ishiguro writes in English, and in truth, has been a British citizen since 1982. But the novel still typifies a Japanese viewpoint, especially that of 'mono no aware' (literally, the 'pathos of things').

Here is a post-WWII story narrated by an aging, retired painter, Masuji Ono. Outwardly tranquil, Ono spends most of his days tending his garden, repairing the house, drinking with old associates and worrying over his two grown-up daughters. But it is a tranquility marred by his past. The celebrated painter slowly finds himself emotionally dogged by his old career - paintings and works that were deeply affected by the rise of Japanese militraism.

Unlike Murakami's surrealism, Ishiguro writes stories that are more grounded in reality, with subtle storytelling. Superficially, not much is happening. Ono's younger daughter, whose miai (matchmake) had failed last year, is going through another miai again. There is also the young grandson, and Ono's ambivalence to the western heroes his grandson idolizes (Popeye the Sailor man, the horse-riding cowboy). Here and there, the narrator slips smoothly into reminiscence, recounting his days as a younger artist. And it is in those flashbacks that the reader gets to piece together the details of the protagonist's life, as well as his underlying personality.

The entirety of the book is written from Ono's first-person viewpoint, having no input from other characters at all. And at times you get the sense that Ono is an unreliable narrator, who tries to get over his mistakes by downplaying them, as well as having his own brand of false humility.

It's slow in pacing, and whatever tension there is is not shown head-on, but rather, obliquely, through the distorted lenses of the main character. Its strength is also its weakness. The subtlety and evenness of its delivery can feel flat depending on your own personal preference. The conclusion of the novel, like many of Ishiguro's novels, is non-conclusive, and you are left with a vague sense that you have ended up in the place where you have first began.

However, it is still a rich novel, showing the clashing viewpoints of the postwar generation and Ono's older generation, the cultural and lifestyle changes, if only as an offshoot rather than a full-out discussion. Readers new to Ishiguro's works should give this a try (or perhaps 'The Remains of The Day' his later work, which I heard was more matured.)

Love,
Ringo

Product Review : ShiroMomo Hada Whitening Mist

It has been over a week since the Eternity Inter-Trade private sales and it's about time to review some of the products that I've bought from them! As mentioned on our Facebook page, I got both the ShiroMomo Hada Whitening Mist AND the Water. Well what can I say, I love my peaches. They smell absolutely lovely and got me lusting after them immediately.

The bottle's quite cute to me, like a chubby kinda bottle? I know that sounds strange. However I'm also slightly disturbed by the baby's head in the peach =/ I guess it kinda signifies getting soft, baby-like skin with the usage of the ShiroMomo series but... Babies' heads are creepy > o < (Off topic but I had a nightmare about being haunted by a baby's ghost LOL)

Here's the mist after spritzing on my hand. If you can tell, it's quite a fine mist and you'll not end up with big water droplets all over your face.

Firstly, there will be a lack of photos in this review because... The mist I bought was from the sales so they didn't have any English translation or ingredients list! HOWEVER, I have received information that this mist is...

MINERAL OIL FREE
ALCOHOL FREE
COLOURANT FREE

Finally, an alcohol free face mist!!! I hate alcohol in my face mist. I once had a toner/mist thingy from Etude house that was raved by other bloggers. But upon usage, it stung my face like mad and I had to trash the whole bottle. This mist also contains goodies like peach leaf extract, hyaluronic acid and placenta for fair and dewy skin. Do not ask me what placenta it is because I have no idea at all~

However, what I know is that this is an awesomez face mist!!! It smells super good and refreshing. And if you ever accidentally OD on your powder / foundation, this is an easy fix for you. Spray this all over your face, take a make up sponge and dab off all the excess :D I like using this as a finishing spray so that my face won't look too dry and powdered. According to Eternity Inter-Trade Singapore, you can use this on your body too! I sometimes use this as my toner too. Really makes my face soft and plump, probably like a "baby's skin".

In terms of fairness however, probably because this is just a mist, I haven't really noticed any difference? I'm not a mega pale person and my skin tone has been the same for years already. I would say it more of refreshes a tired face and brightens it instead of making your face fair.

This bottle costs $16.90 and I'd say it's quite a good buy, especially if it's on sale! A bottle will last you for quite some time and it smells so good... So... Why not? :D

Effectiveness : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (Everything's good, just no fairness really, just brightens~)

Scent: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (What can I say? I love peaches!)

Texture: Similar to water.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (I'd buy it again for sure when mine runs out :D)

Love,
Chiharu ❤

Disclaimer : I bought this mist for reviewing purposes and because I love peaches!

Product Review : Grace Plateau Salvia-Root Illuminating Facial Mask

Hello my Domokies! Once again it's been awhile since my last review~ I still have a peach range review coming up and I've yet to do the Nishino Kana inspired look! All in due time :D

And as all of you know, I have an obsession with masks. They make your skin look and feel good. Simply adore them, just that they're a bit of a hassle to do at night! Despite that, I still try to mask twice a week. Today, the mask I'm sharing is the...

Doesn't the summarized points sound good?

Okay seriously, if I read this mask description, I'd be really tempted to purchase it just to test how good it truly is. Plus, take a look at the ingredients list.

It's as though the mask is packed with a whole lot of awesomeness and it's just not possible for it to fail.

For me, I did not soak it in warm water because the weather wasn't very cold that night. I did not wipe off the excess liquid after using too. Instead, I massaged it into my face and let it absorb.

Here's what it looks like, pardon the messy hair, I just took a shower. This is the second time I'm using a mask with the eye flap thingy.Probably, all of you should lie down, chill and take a short nap with this mask. If you need to do some work, you can choose not to cover your eyes.

In terms of fitness, this is the FIRST mask that really covers my entire bulbous nose. Yet at the same time, it's slightly too big at the mouth area for me. Other than that, this is a pretty big mask and it's pretty safe to say that it'll completely cover everyone's face? UNLESS yours is the extra huge kind?

The essence of this mask is thicker than usual, more viscous than that of other masks I've tried. It feels almost jelly like and initially I was afraid of it being too "heavy" for my face to take in. It makes the mask slightly more slippery than others too.

L - Before / R - After

I have to say, the difference is not so obvious in the pictures because sometimes my wonky camera just does that. In reality, my complexion was really brightened. In my own mirror, I could see a smooth radiant complexion even though I was about to go to bed. My face still looked radiant when I woke up in the morning. The best part of this mask is that it really makes my face so moisturized and soft! The downside for me is the ginseng like smell, not a fan of TCM scents! But then again the main ingredient of this mask IS the TCM so you don't have a choice if you want the good stuff~

Strangely, despite the thicker essence, this absorbed well into my face. I personally wouldn't recommend wiping the essence off because... Why remove the goodies from your face?! Of course, this is up to your individual preference.

This mask is available in a pack of 10 pieces for $29 at Guardians ONLY. I'm prolly going to get it once I finish my tons of mask because, I like it. Simple as that! They have other variations too, I wish I had the sheep placenta one =/ Gonna check check check it out!

Texture : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (Absorbs strangely quickly despite its jelly like texture.)

Effectiveness : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (Loving it~)

Scent : ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (Me no likey TCM > o <)

Overall : ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ (One star off for the scent and one off for the slightly more expensive pricing. Other than that it's all good!)

Also, remember to like their Facebook Page for more updates AND promotions!

Love,
Chiharu ❤

Disclaimer : This mask was sent to me for reviewing purposes by Confirm Trading (S) Pte Ltd but it does not affect the honesty of my reviews in any way. Do note that results may vary with individuals.