Korean Haul & Review

Two things that I would always get whenever I set my foot in South Korea; skincare products and snacks. I actually spend a lot of quality time on my skincare routine than I do on makeup. My skin complexion was in a pretty bad condition before I started using my first dark spot corrector on my freckles almost ten years ago. 

It was worse before my dad enforced the habit of applying sunblock and my mum with the habit of applying body lotion on a daily basis. These were because I got quite tanned when I was in primary school as I used to swim a lot back then which also led to drier skin. Freckles also started to develop, probably due to genetic factors. 

Also, many do not know the fact that I used to have Vitiligo around my lips back in lower secondary school. Vitiligo actually refers to white patches that are formed on skin. This happens when a certain type of cell fails to produce melanin. I guess I do have serious melanin issues huh.... It was considered a miracle to me that it was cured because the skin specialist whom I consulted couldn't guarantee a complete recovery from the disease. So blessed! You have no idea how much self-esteem has depleted. I remember how a boy teased me about it (ugh, thank God I was in an all-girls school) but that's another story for another time.

This traumatising experience was probably the main reason why I put more effort into my skincare regime as I grow up. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not an expertise in this area so I usually try and test products before committing to one. The following products that I got in Seoul may not be suitable for everyone so I shall leave it to your discretion to decide whether they are good.

Innisfree Real Squeeze Masks

Each of the different types of real squeeze masks by Innisfree that are made from natural ingredients serve different functions; whether for brightening, mosturising, skin tightening, anti-aging or pore care. As for me, I use shea butter, honey, green tea, oatmeal and coconut to replenish moisture as my skin is a little dry. However, I usually opt for Innisfree's second skin masks as I feel that my skin absorbs the nutrients better because the masks fit relatively better on my face.

Where? Almost anywhere in Seoul. I usually get my skincare products specifically in Myeongdong (명동). You can find both high-end and budget skincare products there. If you have time to survey, you may find pretty good deals as some stores may have different offers. Alternatively, you can find many skincare products near Ewha Womans University, a very popular shopping district in Seoul. I heard some products are cheaper there compared to Myeongdong so it's worth a try too.

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution

Dr Jart+ Water Fuse Hydro Sleep Mask

No doubt some of my favourite loots. Ever since my first experience of Dr. Jart+ sheet masks, I have always wanted to try every product of theirs. This is why I bought the Water Fuse Hydro Sleep Mask to give it a try after reading many favourable reviews about it. The quality of the sheet mask is good and it allows my skin to absorb the essential nutrients very quickly even after I remove the masks. On the other hand, the sleep mask keeps my skin moisturised overnight and surprisingly, it doesn't feel sticky at all. Overall, the hydrating effect of both products is very satisfying. 

Besides having dry skin, I have minimal pore issues as well. To counter this problem, I tried the Clear Skin Lover Rubber Mask also by Dr. Jart+ to help tighten and deep cleanse my skin pores. A pack of ampoule serum is provided together with the rubber mask to nourish the skin before placing the mask on your face. Unfortunately, my first try of this product was a little underwhelming. The rubber mask was quite delicate and even though I handled it as gently as I could, the mask tore. I still tried it anyway and for some reason, the mask did not stay on my face like any other sheet masks. I gave up after 5 minutes, sigh. There are people who raved about it and there are people who criticized it. I guess I will give it a second chance to provide better evaluations about the product next time!

Where? I got these at the Lotte Duty Free Shop (롯데면세점) in the Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong. Just bring your passport along and save the hassle of claiming taxes at the airport by making tax-free payments. Note that the beauty products there are usually sold in bulks and not individually!

Too Cool For School Egg Cream Mask Hydration

Behold, my all-time favourite mask to date. I was very pleased with the fact that the mask fits perfectly on my face with zero crease. It's infused with egg extracts and coconut water which offer hydrating and brightening benefits. My skin was moist and soothing when the mask was applied and it felt pleasantly cooling as well. Mama Heng actually asked if the mask was taken out from the refrigerator! I love that it's extremely moisturising even after I've removed the mask although it takes some time for the excess liquid to be absorbed by the skin. 

Where? Anywhere! Myeongdong. Ewha Womans University shopping street. Gangnam (강남). Hongdae(홍대). And once again, the Lotte Duty Free Shop only sells it in a packet of 20 sheets, if my memory serves me right. But trust me, it's definitely worth it!

Holika Holika Prime Youth Gold Caviar Capsule Cream

Korean skincare products do not surprise me anymore. We can find all kinds of ingredients such as snail secretion, donkey milk, broccoli to name a few being incorporated into the products. Holika Holika now has a product that contains caviar extracts which supposedly have strong anti-aging components. I was pretty skeptical about it at first but Mama Heng bought it anyway. Disclaimer: Mama Heng used this product but not me.  She has been using it for more than 3 weeks now, and we could see a slight visible lift to her skin. I'm not sure if other products that she applied actually contributed to the result but in my opinion, there are many other great anti-aging products out there that are relatively better. Who knows?

Where? We got this in Myeongdong but one can easily find a Holika Holika store almost anywhere in Seoul.

Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon

Another product that I would highly recommend because it works wonders on my skin. These are exfoliating pads that remove any impurities and dead skin cells. My skin texture became smoother and brighter after a single use of it, I'm not even exaggerating. This is because lemon is a good source of vitamin C which is an excellent skin brightening and correcting agent! Hence, it's suitable for people with pigmentation issues like me. Other than Lemon Bio-Peel, there are also Wine and Green Tea Bio-Peel. Wine has great antioxidant properties and this version provides firming and anti-aging benefits whereas the green tea version has pore-minimising benefits. 

Where? This can be found in any Olive Young stores. I got it at one of the Myeongdong branches. You can find quite a number of Korean cosmetics, skincare and beauty products here. You'll be spoilt for choice.

Banila Co. Clean It Zero (Classic)

Banila Co. Clean It Zero has become a staple in my skincare routine for quite some time. It's by far the best oil cleanser that I have used. It comes in solid form and turns into smooth and silky oil form when it's rubbed gently on face. It easily removes any stubborn pore-clogging impurities and makeup on my face and I'm amazed that it does not make my skin dry as well! Other than the Classic version, there are also options to choose from that provide different functions and also depending on your skin type; Resveratrol (anti-aging), Purity (for sensitive skin) & Radiance (brightening).

Where? I bought this in Myeongdong and again, it can be almost everywhere in Seoul. It's also available in the Lotte Duty Free Shop!

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

This product is similar to and presumed to be better than any other regular clay masks. Apart from its deep and thorough pore-cleansing properties, its high entertainment value has piqued my interest and curiosity. After applying it for about a minute, the mask would froth and it makes one look like a comical-looking Michelin Man, I'm not even kidding! I must say it's pretty interesting during my first try, heh. After a few times of usage alongside with other products, my skin feels softer but it's slightly difficult to remove after applying it. Overall, I feel it's a little overrated but it's worth trying at least once!

Where? I got this at a Olive Young store in Myeongdong.

Holika Holika Golden Monkey Glamour Lip 3-Step Kit

This is arguably the best remedy for dry and chapped lips. If you know me, I always bring a lip balm along because I'm prone to having chapped lips especially in winter or when the weather is dry. My first attempt of this lip mask instantly made my lips feel moist, soft and plump overnight and only one pack is needed to achieve such result. Pretty amazing right? One pack comes with an exfoliating sheet, a hydrogel mask soaked in serum and luxe lip oil. Follow the steps accordingly and results would be delivered within 20 minutes! But of course, drinking lots of water is undoubtedly the best way to avoid having chapped lips.

Where? I bought a bulk of this in the Lotte Duty Free Shop. It can be found at any Holika Holika branch too!

Age 20's Essence Cover Pact

My knowledge on Korean makeup products is limited, I must say. The only Korean cushion that I knew and have used before was Moonshot Microfit Cushion. This was also because of a friend's recommendation. Recently, I've came to know about the existence of Age 20's. I had no idea how popular the brand is - especially with the Chinese - until my mum's friend and another friend of mine seek help from us to get this for them. Mama Heng got a few for herself too and so, I gave it a try. 

Verdict: It's lightweight, long-lasting and the coverage is low, thus giving a natural look. If you don't mind that it gives an oily and dewy finish, then go ahead and give it a shot.

Where? The only place I know that has it is the Lotte Duty Free Shop. It's always sold out but don't worry, they'd have it restocked daily. My advice is to go there early in the morning, enquire the time they restock and reach as early as 15 minutes before the designated time. Don't be surprised by the queue though!

Su:m 37's Secret Repair Set

Su:m37, well-known for utilising naturally fermented ingredients, is one of many leading Korean brands of skincare products. It has became Mama Heng's favourite ever since Jessica & I got it for her birthday. I'm glad that the products complement her skin which ultimately produce great results; her skin elasticity has improved and her skin now looks healthy and revitalised! They have many other products available for different functions but the Secret Repair Set aims to combat aging. This set comprises

Secret Repair Toner (150ml + 20ml)

Secret Repair Emulsion (130ml + 20ml)

Concentrated Cream (30ml)

Cleansing Foam (40ml)

Concentrated Serum (8ml)

Essence (20ml)

Where? It's available at Lotte Deparment Store in Myeongdong or probably any other department stores that you can find in Seoul!

______________________________________________________________________________________

Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream

This product is supposedly very effective in hydrating eyes and diminishing fine lines as well as dark eye circles, thus brightening our eye areas which make us look more awake. I may not seem like it but I'm pretty much a nocturnal person and I don't sleep sufficiently sometimes. So...it seems like the perfect product for me, yes? I have been looking high and low for this in Seoul but it's a pity I did not manage to get it.

Where? In the end, I found out that this can be purchased at Boons Apothecary in Gangnam. But I may be wrong!

______________________________________________________________________________________

And of course, local snacks are a must-have for Jess & I wherever we go! They are everywhere but different places may offer the same snacks at different price levels. Food markets (i.e. Namdaemun Market (남대문시장),

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) ) usually offer a variety of snacks at dirt cheap prices as compared to those in convenience stores. These are some but not all of the Korean snacks that I've had and are worth getting. I'm a glutton, I know. I'll try to list as many as I can remember.

My favourite Lotte Sunflower Seed Chocolate Ball. Don't ask me why it's named like that in English but these sunflower seeds coated in chocolate are the bomb. I had at least two packets of this everyday during the trip because it's that addictive. Don't judge.

Green Tea Milk Spread. Do I still have to explain?

Honey Choco Stick. This was quite a disappointment though. The biscuit was soft as if it was already exposed to air for some time. I'd still stick to having Pepero.

This Crispy Layer Snack totally satisfied my cravings for savoury snacks. The taste is similar to the Bento Squid snack from Thailand but the texture of this snack is crunchier as each piece comes with a layer of seaweed. I'm missing it already!

Nothing ever goes wrong with Oreo. If you're a fan of Oreo, do try the Post Oreo O's cereal! It was discontinued globally but it can only be acquired in South Korea unless your local Korean marts have this imported for sale. It took me a while to look for one in Seoul but I finally managed to find it at a convenience store near Isaac Toast in Myeongdong. Don't fret because I have good news! It recently made a comeback and would be available in America's supermarkets after a decade hiatus. Let's just hope that it will be brought to our local supermarkets soon.

Honey butter is an all-time favourite flavor of many people. Remember the honey butter hysteria when Honey Butter Chips was introduced into the market? It was crazy. It's now available almost everywhere globally but unfortunately they're offered at exorbitant prices (at least in Malaysia) when compared to South Korea. The Honey Butter Almonds, Cashewnut & Mixed Nuts are highly sought-after too.

Also, Binggrae banana milk is a must-try in South Korea. It became a norm for me to drink one everyday when I was there. That shows how much I loveeee it. Get the ones that are packaged in jar-shaped plastic bottles instead of the ones in packs. There are other flavours as well such as melon, strawberry and coffee but I would always stick to banana milk, duhh!

I guess I overdid it again with my post, heh. It's a bit lengthy this time but I hope it's comprehensive and informative enough. I would share a list of cafes and restaurants that I've been to and also those that I plan to explore the next time I visit Seoul in my next post. It won't be as long-winded as this post, I promise. Good things in life are meant to be shared, am I right?

Summer Trip to Italy; Rome & Vatican City

R O M E  &  V A T I C A N  C I T Y    

Of all the cities that I've been to in Italy, Rome and Vatican City's schedule was relatively tighter as it is not quite possible to visit all the top tourist attractions in three days. I only picked a few places of interest and left some time for me to hunt for.....what else? Gelato, duh. Guilty as charged! We rome around on foot and every corner of the city seemed to have a story to tell. Almost everywhere is worth more than a stop for just a photo. You'll be sure to come across with many beautiful squares such as Piazza Navona. The open space with beautiful fountains was lively and was congested by tourists who were enjoying the Summer sun at many cafes and restaurants along the street.

And a few minutes walk away from the square lies the Pantheon. It's pretty amazing how the historic two-thousand year old building is so well-preserved and protected while still being witnessed everyday by people from every nook and cranny of the world. It is currently a church and the admission is free for everyone. I did not manage to even take a glimpse of the interior because the place was crazily jam-packed! Don't get me started on the weather again.

Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) is a must-visit when one is in Rome. Legend says that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder using your right hand into the water, it would assure your return to Rome in the future. Throwing a second time would lead you to new romance and the third time brings you marriage. I'm quite a superstitious person and of course I did throw my share of coin into the fountain. (Just one, if you're wondering, heh.)

I suggest going as early as possible to have a closer look at the fountain and to avoid the madding crowd surrounding the fountain later during the day. It'll save you so much trouble trying to have a perfect shot of yourself with the picturesque monument. You may thank me later! Don't ask how I was able to sit at the edge of the fountain. Apparently it's prohibited and I only realised it after I left when I heard endless blasts of whistle by the security guards at other tourists who sat at the edge. I consider myself lucky I guess!

"You have not visited Rome if you did not see the Colosseum" "You must, must visit the Colosseum!" So many people have repeatedly told me these before I left to Italy. There was a slight sense of regret, I must say. It's really a pity that I did not enter the Colosseum because everyone else was not particularly interested in the history and architecture of the most famous ruins in Rome. Or it was probably just because of the weather... Anyway, the admission tickets can be purchased in advance online so you can save time by skipping the line at the entrance!

Did I mention that you can practically go everywhere on foot to visit most of the popular tourist sites? I recommend staying near the Pantheon as it's really convenient! You would be able to find many grocery stores and fine restaurants nearby as well. And yes, it is also possible to walk to the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City. The distinctive landmarks here would be the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums and the St. Peter's Basilica. As usual I got my tickets online (for the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica is free.) and when we were heading to the entrance for the Sistine Chapel and museums, one of my worst travel nightmares actually turned into reality. The queue to the museums was horrendous; approximately two to three-hour wait. I secretly hoped it wasn't the queue to the museums but who was I kidding.... 

We were then approached by a man in professional attire who apparently was an agent of a nearby tour company. He suggested for us to upgrade our tickets (The thought of being in the sun for hours made Mama Heng agreed to the upgrade without having second thoughts. That's how much she detested the weather.) which offered a few perks;

1. Bypass the queue (including the line to St. Peter's Basilica) using the fast track lane.

2. A group tour in the museums & Sistine Chapel with a personal guide.

The tour guide was very informative and we came to learn about Michelangelo's works of painting that are demonstrated on the ceiling and altar wall of the Sistine Chapel besides some of the intriguing historical events that have taken place at the Vatican.

 Also, don't forget to catch the breathtaking aerial view of the St. Peter's square at the cupola! Tickets to the St. Peter's cupola can't be pre-booked but the tickets can be obtained easily there. There are two ways to get to the dome; either walk over 500 steps on the spiral staircase (€5) or take the elevator to the base of the dome then walk over 200 steps on the stairs (€7). Jess and I chose the easy way up but the relatively shorter climb already felt as though it was leg day at the gym. People who are claustrophobic are advised to think twice as the stairs are pretty steep and narrow. Nonetheless, it was definitely worth the climb despite it being crowded (what's new right?).

Many people rave about the flat bread pizzas at Forno Campo di 'Fiori near the Fontana di Trevi. They were light, crispy and were freshly baked. Well, in my opinion, these pocket-friendly pizzas are not worth the hype but just nice to fill up our tummies.

Vicolo del Gallo, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

There are way too many pizza places in Rome alone. I always prefer to grab quick bites whenever there is time constraint (especially when I know that I have to brace for long queues at the tourist sites which I dread the most...). Pizzas served at La Boccaccia & Alice are the real deal. Large assortment of pizzas are prepared at a time so service is swift. Jess and I love pizzas and we were spoilt for choice the moment we got to the counters. Do you know what's the best thing? They offer custom sizes and they are priced by weight! You have no idea how thrilled we were. The pizzas are served warm too. 

Many pizzas in Rome are actually prepared and served this way. Such a manner should be introduced and spread to my country; pizza lovers like me would be contented. Variety is the spice of life, yes? Heh.

La Boccaccia
Via di Santa Dorotea, 2, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Alice

Via delle Grazie, 7/9, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

I came to know about Mama' Ristobistrot through Ladyironchef's Instagram so I thought of giving it a try after my Vatican tour. The menu offers an extensive selection of seafood and pasta dishes. The pasta with generous portion of seafood were beautifully presented and of top quality; my appetite increased the moment the food was placed on the table. Overall, our dining experience was positive.

Via Sforza Pallavicini, 19/21, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

It's pretty tough to pick where to go when there is a myriad of Gelato shops that are of commendable quality in Rome. The dilemma was real... Thankfully, every Gelato that I've savored in Rome was lip-smacking good. The queue, the scorching weather (ugh) and the long walks were all well-worth the Gelato, you have my word. Here is the list of the places that I've tried, starting from my favourite in descending order (don't get me wrong, they were all yum! But not all made me want to have a second try. ) ;

Old Bridge Gelateria

Viale dei Bastioni Di Michelangelo, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Frigidarium

Via del Governo Vecchio, 112, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Gelateria del Teatro

Via dei Coronari, 65-66, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

The Gelatist

Via Tuscolana, 989, 00175 Roma RM, Italy

Italy is probably one of the very few European countries which I personally would not get tired of. It's indeed a big country with so much to learn and discover. I shall leave Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Florence, Genoa to name a few for the future me to explore & I can't wait already!

Summer Trip to Italy; Venice

V E N I C E

Venice is famous for its intricate network of canals. Don't be surprised, but the only mode of transport is either on foot or by water. It's possible to go anywhere in Venice on foot but it can get really tiring to travel from one point to another although the city is relatively small. The only way to cross over the interconnected canals is to use bridges. There are water taxis and buses as an alternative means of transportation. Always hope that the vaporetto (a term for water taxi or water bus) tickets do not run out, especially if you need a lift from the train station to your accommodation. You wouldn't want to end up like me who had to struggle through the crowd while lugging my luggage for 45 minutes in the sweltering heat. 

The city is certainly full of character; every corner of the city offers a delightful surprise and little-known gems to be discovered. Souvenir stores are everywhere. You can easily find Venetian masquerade masks, authentic Murano glasses, miniature gondolas or other novelty items as souvenirs in Venice. If you're wondering how to get around Venice with the complex canal system, Google Maps would suffice as long as you know the name or the address of the location you're heading to! But sometimes, exploring without being overly dependent on technology would lead one to discovering the best of the city, yes?

Those who pay a visit to Venice would highly unlikely miss the Saint Mark's Basilica which is located at probably the most lively and popular square in Venice, Piazza San Marco. There are many cafes at this historical site that is surrounded by stunning architecture. Enjoy a cup of coffee or aperitif and the live orchestra at Caffè Florian, which is believed to be the world's oldest cafe. Don't be startled by an additional per-person fee charged on your bill for the music!

Of course, a ride on the Gondolas is a must when you're in Venice. There are many places in Venice where you can get a Gondola ride. If my memory serves me right, a 40-minute Gondola ride costs €80. The rate varies at night and it's a tad more expensive. I remember the ride I took lasted for only 20 minutes or so.. what a rip-off. The gondolier seemed to be rushing off for other customers. Just our luck! Gondoliers who sing or play instruments are available as well, but there is an extra charge for it. Other than that, the view from the canals was pretty amazing especially with the glowing sunset in the background at the Rialto Bridge. 

Remember when I stated that not all tourist traps is bad? Trattoria Al Gazzettino is a good example. Although I do avoid tourist traps most of the time, I gave this place a try as it was near to my accommodation in Venice, and Mama Heng was also famished after a long walk. The lobster pasta and seafood were tasty and perfectly-seasoned. However, I was disappointed by the squid ink risotto (one of my favourite Italian dishes!) as it was a little bland to me. The service, on the other hand, is top-notch. We were greeted warmly and were given some complementary pasta after we were seated. Then after the meal, we were served a slice of complementary chocolate cake, some biscuits, a few shots of grappa and the owner also gave us a bottle of wine as a gift. Maybe it's an Italian thing; they really do know how to treat their customers.

Sottoportego delle Acque, 30124 San Marco, Venezia VE, Italy

 Osteria Ae Sconte possesses all the key qualities of a good restaurant; delectable food, reasonable prices, excellent customer service, unhurried atmosphere and unruffled environment. The tables were set up in a welcoming manner at a small courtyard along a quiet alleyway upon our arrival. Nothing went wrong and the meal was yum!

Castello 5533, Corte Perini - S. Lio, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Tucked away in a small alley, Caffe del Doge is an ideal place to have the quintessential Italian breakfast; an espresso and a pastry. Their pastries were served fresh; the croissants were buttery but the crusts were not flaky enough. I did not try their espresso because I was (and still am) trying to cut down on caffeine. Their cappuccino was pretty good though and overall, it's a decent underrated place that one should give it a try.

Venezia Rialto, Calle dei Cinque, San Polo, 609, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

Chanced upon a cafe that has an attractive array of cakes and open-faced sandwiches on display while we were exploring and roaming around the city. What seemed to be the most appealing was the fact that the shop was air-conditioned, hehe. Although I was born and raised in a hot and humid environment, the Summer heat in Europe is quite unbearable for me. You have no idea how much sunscreen I have applied on my skin! Anyway, the sandwiches there were nice and we also tried Prosciutto e Melone, a typical Italian antipasti. I rarely (almost never) consume cured-meat so I'm not sure what's a good Prosciutto e Melone is like. Also, do you know most sandwiches found in Italy's coffee shops are served cold and they would not warm it up even upon request? Yep. 

P/S: I totally forgot to take note of the name of the cafe.. All I remember was a church nearby - I don't think that was very helpful though. Sorry!

Suso easily hits one of my top 5 places to satisfy Gelato cravings in Italy. Trust me, it probably has the best Gelato in Venice. I've tried a few random Gelato shops but the Gelato was not velvety and creamy as it ought to be. Many used artificial flavors and preservatives that were too sweet even for me. The crowd at the shop proves everything.

Calle della Bissa, 5453, 30124 San Marco, Venezia VE, Italy

The pasta at Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta to Go is recommended if you're looking for a cheap grab-and-go meal! The price ranges between €5-7 which is considered inexpensive and most importantly, the tastes were satisfactory and the portions were generous and filling. The spaghetti was cooked al dente and I personally didn't really enjoy it because it was too chewy although this seems to be the right way to cook pasta. The Pesto pasta was much preferred over the Arrabiata if you ask me.

Calle Casseleria, 5324, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Nonetheless, Venice still and forever will hold a piece of my heart. It's arguably one of the best destinations to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Ciao for now, Venice. I will come back for you, some day!