Talika Body Shaping Challenge: Wrap Up & Giveaway Results!

I think I first started blogging about the Talika Body Shaping Challenge, way back in July and that was when I was approached by the awesome ladies from Talika to be a part of this challenge. And looking back, it’s been an amazing journey, being able to try these products and then giving you the first hand honest review about these products. I rarely believe in products which promised a lot, I’m pretty much sceptical like that. But I was indeed amazed by what the Talika products have been able to do for my body. You read about them here; http://www.carmenhong.com/search/label/Talika.

Of all the products I tried, I really loved the Bust Phytoserum and Back Up 3D. What is there not to love about the products especially for a petite sized girl like me? I have not been so lucky to be blessed with *ahem*, and with these products I am so much more confident with my body compared to previously. Seriously, just read my posts on them and you’ll know why these two are my favourite products.

Talika Body Shaping Challenge: Zero Stretch Marks, Stage 2

For the past one or two months or so, I have been blogging about the Talika Body Shaping Challenge (you can read all the previous post on the challenge here; http://www.carmenhong.com/search/label/Talika). Do read those posts to know what the challenge was about. For the second stage, there was two products I was given to use and write about it after that. The first product of the Stage 2 was the Shaping Serum and the second product was Zero Stretch Marks. I wrote my review on the Shaping Serum, where I was amazed by the huge difference that I had not expected on my petite body.

And now, I’ll be talking about the Zero Stretch Marks, from my mom’s perspective because I had given it to her to test it out because I don’t have any stretch marks yet (lucky me, I know :3). Like the previous products, this product was tested for a period of 28 days and more. I gave her a brief explanation on how to apply the product and when she was to apply it. Before she started using the product, I decided it was best to have some pictures taken before and then, after she used the product.  

I will be showing you gals the picture, but I will warn you first that it isn’t glamorous. To be honest, there is nothing glamorous about stretch marks which is why there are tonnes of product out there to help combat these unsightly marks. This is where my sceptical self kicks in place, “the products might not always work as promised”.  Show me results, and I’ll believe what the product can do.

Not that I am bias with Talika products throughout the challenge, but hey, I have seen the results and you have seen the pictures that I posted of the results from using those products. :) So, I pretty much have faith that the Zero Stretch Marks will deliver. (Again, this depends and will vary from one person to another. What I posted here on my blog is my personal experience.)

Before I go on to the results that my mom have experienced, let me tell you what her impression on the product are. Similar to the Talika products I have tried, she said that it was very absorbent and it was easy to apply. It didn’t leave any residue or a sticky feeling after applying. She liked how light weight it felt. As for the smell, she mentioned that there wasn’t any strong or particular smell from the product, so it didn’t smell much. Haha. I have personally always loved the natural smell from Talika products. 

Talika Body Shaping Challenge: Shaping Serum, Stage 2

Hello girls! It’s been a while since my last Talika Body Shaping Challenge’s update, close to one month to be exact. Gee, how time flies! Super short recap on what the Stage 2 of this challenge entails; well, I was given two other products to use which are the Shaping Serum and Zero Stretch Marks. The Zero Stretch Marks are supposed to help lighten the appearance of the stretch marks to make them less noticeable. I will be talking about the Zero Stretch Marks in another post as I have given them to my mom to test it.

So back to the Shaping Serum. The serum is supposed help with shaping problem areas by converting fat cells into energy by using any light source. This feels like a Chemistry equation. From a ‘scientific’ point of view, I’m thinking that the serum combined with the light activates the fatty cells to vibrate and when that happens, energy is then released. Obviously, it is not an obvious reaction that we can all see with our naked eyes, but that happens under our skin anyway.

Shaping Serum + Light + Fatty Cells -------------> ENERGY 

Talika Body Shaping Challenge: Giveaway’s Results & Stage 2 updates!

About few weeks back, I held my first ever giveaway which was graciously sponsored by Talika. If you have been reading my blog, then you would know that I’m actually on the #TalikaBodyShapingChallenge. Do click on the link to know in details what the challenge entails and what my progress were. Anyway, I have started out on two products first as part of the first stage; Bust Phytoserum and Back Up 3D. Read my previous post where I gave my final feedback after using the products for 28 days. Click here.

In that last post, I have also announced a mini giveaway for my followers on Twitter and Instagram, where I had three miniatures sets of Bust Phytoserum and Back Up 3D. The picture below was the promo picture I made for the giveaway, which ended on 30 September 2013, about one week ago.

Talika Body Shaping Challenge [Pt.4] – Stage One’s Wrap Up + Giveaway!

I never saw myself as pretty, let alone beautiful; I never could. But no, I don’t go around telling everyone that I think I’m ugly either. I just do that to myself in my head, which drives me crazy sometimes. How do you look into the mirror, stare straight into it, examining every inch of your body and feel good? There is bound to be some flaws somewhere, and the insecure mind would search that out, magnify it and then proceed to make you feel unconfident. 

I briefly mentioned here how I had my confidence crushed and how the two products from Talika (Bust Phytoserum and Back Up 3D) helped me gain back that confidence bit by bit. The last couple of months have been rather crazy with work piling all over, and having too many emotional issues to deal with, I stopped working out and that didn’t help with feeling good about myself. But the saving grace was that I accepted the Talika Body Shaping Challenge and was given the two products I mentioned above.

The challenge went on for 28 days, and I was meaning to post a final closure on the results of the challenge but I was down with a stupid infection (which I have to wear a bandage all the time and I can’t get it wet). To make it worse, I’m constantly feeling lethargic, although I’m not sure if it’s related. But anyway, I feel better now and managed to shoot in a few pictures to show the results of the challenge.

So, the pictures I’m posting in this entry is one hundred per cent my body and not enhanced using Photoshop in any way. At the point of the shoot, I have only been applying the two products occasionally, just to show you that the results from the Talika Body Shaping Challenge is not temporary. :)

Previously, I wouldn’t have dared to fit myself into a low V-neck, figure hugging dress and one in the colour grey. Why? Grey is a lighter colour and with a dress that hugs so tightly like a second skin, you’re likely to expose your flaws while wearing the dress. But, look! The dress fits me and I actually wore it out to a food review dinner, where I would meet people I don’t know. We’re all more likely to be self-conscious with strangers. If before the Body Shaping Challenge, I am more likely to just lust at the dress and wish I could wear it out with confidence instead.

But now, woot, give me any figure hugging dress please and thank you, I will wear them out. Just the other day, I went out shopping and got myself 10 dresses in a couple of hours only, because I can’t wait to wear more pretty dresses with this new found confidence. If you have been reading my posts throughout the journey, or you’ve just read this post and after reading, you’re planning to get these products…. then I have some good news for you!

Talika have been ever so kindly sponsored me with three (3) miniature set of the Bust Phytoserum and Back Up 3D (15ml each) for me to give away to my readers/followers. So, I’m going to have a mini giveaway. Yay! My first giveaway too. ;)

This giveaway is only open to residents of Malaysia, with winners chosen by random and it ends on 30 September 2013!

Do make sure you follow all the steps to qualify as an entry, and you can only win once! But you are more than welcomed to ask your friends and family to join too. I’ll be throwing in some other goodies too, like *ahem* make-up products and infinity rings/bracelets from my online blogshop. So, share away!

Talika Body Shaping Challenge [Pt.3] – New Challenge!

I first blogged about the #TalikaBodyShapingChallenge here, and that was the first part of the challenge where I briefly mentioned about the two products, Bust Phytoserum and Back Up 3D that I was given an opportunity to test, under the Body Shaping Challenge. (To know more about the challenge, read my earlier posts; "So, challenge me." , " #TalikaBodyShapingChallenge [Pt.1] " , " #TalikaBodyShapingChallenge [Pt.2] ".

The duration for the first half of the #TalikaBodyShapingChallenge had been for 28 days, approximately one month with two products for the bust area and the derrière (butt) area. I have completed the first half of the challenge with pretty satisfying results which I will post about in another blog post. You might want to look out for that because *hint*give*hint*away!

And now, it’s time for the second half of the Talika’s Body Shaping Challenge with two all new products! One of which I am pretty excited to test because well, I’m chubby. So, which product is it? They are the Shaping Serum and Zero Stretch Marks. Since I don’t have much of stretch marks, I have asked my mom to do the review for me instead, that means she’ll be testing, using and then reviewing the Talika’s Zero Stretch Marks product. As for myself, I’ll be using the Shaping Serum, for my chubby face, slightly bulgy tummy and flubby upper thighs. And yes, thin people have fats too, okay. 0.0

Anyhow, let’s meet the products! :)

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Zero Stretch Marks | RM159 for 100ml

Shaping Serum | RM260 for 200ml

Shaping Serum | The product comes in a tube, and to apply you’ll need to squeeze the bottle. Something I don’t quite like, but we’ll see.

I haven’t actually begin using this product yet but seeing that Monday is tomorrow, I decided to start the challenge on Monday itself so that it’ll be easier for me to keep track of the days. This product can be use on any problem areas from below the nose area onwards. Which is why I’m pretty much excited to try and see if it can shape my chubby cheeks. I have always wanted a sharper and more defined jawline, I am hoping to see results for this. I have other problem areas too, it’s nothing major but I do hope it can be improved with this product. Will leave the details of that in another post.

This picture is part of my Project 52, which I have yet to post up. Meet picture #35.

Meet my chubby cheeks which needs shaping! Haha. I never liked my picture from a side angle like this, it’s just so meh. I really do hope the Shaping Serum will slim those puffy cheeks. Anyway, I promise I will do a proper before and after post, plus a review of the Shaping Serum. Will keep you girls posted on my mom’s progress of the other Zero Stretch Marks products as well.

Talika Body Shaping Challenge [Pt.2] – Week 3

I first blogged about the #TalikaBodyShapingChallenge here, and that was the first part of the challenge where I briefly mentioned about the two products I was given an opportunity to test, under the Body Shaping Challenge. (To know more about the challenge, read my two earlier posts; "So, challenge me." and " #TalikaBodyShapingChallenge [Pt.1] ".

In the last post, I promised an update on the progress of the products, whether had they worked or is it just another cream to add into the list of products I probably won’t ever use. Yesterday was exactly the third week, Week 3 since I started using the products which means I’m about 75% till the completion of the 28 days period of promised results. I was to diligently apply the Bust Phytoserum and Back Up 3D products day and night, daily. Which I have, it’s like a regime now for me.

And I’m glad I did so, because I did see the results after using it for this long now. I wouldn’t say that the results have been so obvious that one can definitely tell that I had my butt and bust done. It’s 100% naturale, which is pretty what I’m fine with. I needed to look better sans putting in the hours in gym, since with my schedule I hardly have time for anything other than work.

One of the obvious results was when I was trying on absolutely gorgeous piece of leather spliced dress in H&M, which hugged my figure so well like a second skin. I could really see the difference then. I usually find shopping for clothes disappointing because they more often don’t fit me than when they do. But, now they fit better than they used to!

It helps that I feel more confident with my body now, especially when I was once thrown with a comment that another girl had worn a dress better than I did just because her cleavage was showing. I never had issues with my body, until then. To get thrown with a comment like that, it really hurts your confidence. I’d be so conscious with wearing my clothes, I ended up resisting myself from getting any clothes with a sweetheart neckline and opted over boat neckline. It was a really awful time for me, and I’m slowly trying to get over it. It hurts more because it came from someone who meant a lot to me.

PSA: Please think it through before you say something mean about another person’s body. Words said, can’t be unsaid. And sorry doesn’t change the fact that you said it too.

So, despite what happened and having to be picked to join the challenge which have been a really apt timing. I have been slowly helping me get my confidence back again and I recently got a really gorgeous lace dress with a sweetheart neckline, maybe I ‘d do a shoot with that for the next part of the challenge? ;)

#TalikaBodyShapingChallenge [Pt.1]

If you read my last post - "So, challenge me.", I wrote a little teaser post on partnering with a beauty brand which starts with a “T” and was from Paris. The picture I posted with that post probably gave away the brand name, and if you have stalked their Facebook page then you would have known which brand it was. Even before I announce it here. ;)

And ta-da! The brand I’m working with for this Body Shaping Challenge is none other than Talika. As part of the #TalikeBodyShapingChallenge, there are four products under this challenge. It would be carried out in two parts, with the Bust Phytoserum and Back Up 3D for Part 1 of the challenge.

I won’t be going in depth on the products, like how I would do with a review. But rather, I’d give a brief impression of what I felt about the products, before and after using it a couple of times. These products are said to have a noticeable results in just 28 days, something that not many brands would dare to claim. Because once you put it out, market and sell your product that way, we (the users) would have an expectation. I know I already do, once I heard about the products. It’s pretty convincing to believe that the products can show the results in that short period of time. I won’t be elaborating much on the products, most of the information are on the box anyway. :p

Bust Phytoserum | RM215 for 50ml

 Back Up 3D | RM190 for 50ml

First impression: For both the products, similar packaging were used. Plastic containers (although it looks like glass), with a pump. Always have loved creams that dispenses using pump because it’s so much more convenient and hygienic.I’m so careless to have dropped it once, and I half expected it to crack but it didn’t.

 Right: Bust Phytoserum | Left: Back Up 3D

Application: The instructions given for these creams were pretty straight forward and easy to grasp. All you had to do was to apply to the targeted area in circular motion. For the Bust Phytoserum, you’ll need to massage in a 8-shaped movement. In the picture above, you’ll see both products right next to each other. They both used pretty similar natural ingredients which explains the similar scent and the colour too. The one my left is the Bust Phytoserum and my right is the Back Up 3D. I really loved the scent of these two products. They have the really green natural smell, but so so nice to smell. It’s almost like perfume, could smell it after one whole day.

Verdict: Probably too early to give any verdict or conclusions at the moment, I have only started using it for a couple of days. But I have been diligently applying them in the morning and the night. *fingers crossed* I hope to see the results by Week 1, because I really believe these products work. So, look out for more posts on this, maybe a little more detailed one on each products. I could do that, so we’ll just see and wait, for the results? ;)

So, challenge me.

Every time I’m back here after an unannounced hiatus, I’ll either rant about something or … erm, well, rant more about stuffs that I’m going through. I do that so often, you’d probably think I’m forever upset or in an unhappy state. Partially true and partially not true. Well, imagine this, how do you go through days where everyday feels like a freaking challenge? Like you get thrown with one challenge after another, it feels like it was never going to end.

It’s mid of July, my birthday month and I’m not even egg-cited about it. It’s almost sad really, but there is a saving grace for this month of July. You wouldn’t believe it, but I am thrown with yet another challenge? And believe it or not, it’s one that I am actually looking forward to taking up this challenge.

I have been invited by a cosmetic brand to participate in their Body Shaping Challenge. You’d probably think the challenge involves losing weight and getting fit, to which you will wonder why in the world am I trying to lose more weight. Well, just because it’s a challenge which shapes the body, it doesn’t only concern weight loss. You can be thin, but really there are parts of my body that I am still looking to shape. Why else would I head to the gym?

I won’t whisper another word about the challenge (this is an announcement and basically, a teaser post) but of course, you’d be wondering which brand am I partnering with for this. It starts with big T, and a brand which is pretty famous for their eyelash serum that work wonders. Any ideas yet?

To know more about the Body Shaping Challenge, stalk their Facebook page here. There will be an official announcement on the challenge, and you’ll know what the challenge is about. Alternatively, stalk my blog because I will be blogging about it in the next couple of days. :p

Till then, love you loads (for reading), and stay awesome. :)

Photo: Just because I can.

Nearing the end of March, I mentioned here that I collaborated with Joe and Pearl for a photo shoot. I posted up the first picture of the shoot titled; What I am, Who am I about two weeks ago and only now, I’m posting up the second picture from the shoot. (Been busy with exams!) Actually, this picture is already on Joe’s and Pearl’s FB pages and in fact, I already shared it on Facebook as well. So, you might have already seen it there. Heh.

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Anyways, before the shoot, I actually met up with both Joe and Pearl to discuss about the themes, ideas and the feel of the shoot. Also, since this was my first time so it’ll be better to have pre-production meeting, just so I know what I’m getting myself into. Haha. Since it was a collaboration, we were trying to merge the three elements into the shoot. We talked about make-up, nails, clothes …. basically the usual stuff.

And then, I asked about my hair. I brought that up because as you know, I naturally have frizzy hair but I rebonded it. At that time of the meeting, I was deciding whether to rebond my hair or not. So, I asked and I told them just how fluffy-ly huge my hair could go. I thought rebonding my hair would look neater, but Pearl thought it’ll be harder to style and work with rebonded hair, since it’s flat iron straight.

In the end, we decided on keeping my hair as it is and……. and……. to puff my hair even more, for the dramatic effect! Hehe. I must say that this was the first time anyone saw just how huge my hair could go to. Of course, for the shoot, it was hair sprayed so it looks bigger. I remember Joe telling Pearl, “I want it like a sunflower!”

I have some of my friends telling me I don’t look nice with all that puffy huge hair, or as Tarrant have aptly named it; lion’s mane. But really, I love this shot. For the first time, I’m embracing my puffy hair, just because I can. Jelly?

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Photographed by: Joe Low

Make up + Hair by: Pearl Tan extraODDinary

Nails: Nature's Republic RD501

 

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