Non-toxic nail care at home| My routine

It's already publicly known that nail polish may probably be the big toxic concern. The can be a huge list linked with chemicals in nail polish that scares people off. Skin allergy, affect the central nervous system, cause reproductive harm, disrupt hormones…Not only health issue is a big problem, some people including myself might realize that our nails are fading 'yellow' after just a few times of using nail products.

This may all sound scary, but we don't need to cut off nail beauty as long as we use the right product!

So now, let's talk about how I do my nails, that are toxic free!

[Step 1. Nail polish remover]

FRESH THERAPIES: NATURAL NAIL POLISH REMOVER WIPE

About:

This is a great natural nail polish remover that's worth to invest in. The natural oil won't damage your nails and will help them remain in much more health. One wipe can clean off all your nails. Also, it is known for its fragment smell of fresh lime.

Comments:

This wipe is definitely easy to use, it wipes off all the remaining nail polish in seconds without damaging the nails. Normally nail polish removers are known for strong toxic chemical smells, but you totally wouldn't have to worry about having the chemical scent when using this wipe. The natural oil with a citrus scent to it is definitely an add up point for me! One only downside of this wipe is the nails may feel a bit sticky after wiping. I would recommend to clean your nails or wash your hands before applying nail polish as the remaining product may make it difficult to apply.

Purchase link: http://www.beyorgbeauty.com/productDe...

[Step 2. Cuticle cleaner]

BEAUTY WORLD CRYSTAL SHINER: CUTICLE PUSHER

About:

Wet your fingers in warm water for few minutes, then push and clean the dead skin around the cuticle area.

Comments:

This cuticle cleaner is definitely easy to use as compared to metal cuticle pushers. Still, I would recommend using this tool carefully as you may hurt your cuticle area if pushing too hard.

Purchase link: https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/n...

[Step 3. File]

BEAUTY WORLD CRYSTAL SHINER: NAIL FILE

Comments:

For me, it wouldn't be a must to use this exact nail file as it works the same as other nail files. The only good thing about this file is that it is really narrow, it would be easier for anyone who prefers to work around nail edges or have very thin nails.

Tips:

I would prefer using nail files instead trimming when it comes to getting the desired shape. For anyone who likes a rounded shape, I would recommend to start with the edges of your nails and work slowly around the top. Facing the tip towards yourself would make it easier so as not to file too much on one side than the other. (For detailed process please refer to the video!)

Purchase link: https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/n...

[Step 4. Nail shiner]

BEAUTY WORLD CRYSTAL SHINER: CRYSTAL SHINER

Comments:

This product really works up to its name! If I can only choose one product out of this collection, this would be my No. 1 choice. For someone with really thin nails like me, this product didn't leave me any concerns with thinning my nail surface. This product can defiantly replace clear nail polish if you want to save time!

Purchase link: https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/n...

[Step 5. Cuticle cutter]

Tips:

This is an additional step if you have any dead skin around your nails. Any cuticle cutter would do as they work just the same.

[Step 6. Base coat]

JIN SOON: POWER COAT STRENGTHENING BASE

About:

JINsoon's nail polish is known for its 7-free formulate with no harsh chemicals (Formaldehyde, DBP, Camphor, Parabens, Toluene, Formaldehyde resin and Xylene). It is a vegan product that's not tested on chemicals. This base coat includes vitamin B and diamond particles for durability.

Comment:

One good thing about this nail polish is it dries really fast, which saves up a lot of time waiting. Though it still has a normal nail polish scent, the 'chemical scent' vanishes after dry up with a sweet floral scent remained. The only downside of this product is that I don't feel that it works up to its durability as the nail polish will start peeling off after 3 days of applying. However, even if the nail polish peels of it wouldn't harm my nails as the surface of my nails are being well protected.  

Purchase link: http://www.beyorgbeauty.com/productDe...

[Step 6. Top coat]

JIN SOON: TOP GLOSS

About:

JINSOON's top gloss is also known to be 7-free and suitable for vegans. It helps extend the life of your polish, ensures chip free with a high-gloss manicure.

Comment:

This is really an additional step unless you have applied any colored nail polish. For me, the results are the same as the base coat, only that it shines up your nails a bit.  

Purchase link: http://www.beyorgbeauty.com/productDe...

Best night routine when you can't sleep

Before sharing my night routine, I would like to talk about my personal experience with sleep. 

For the earliest memory which I could remember, sleeping has always been a big issue for me. It takes hours for me to fall asleep, stay asleep and I would say it’s a miracle if I wake up not feeling tired. Sonner enough, I start to realize how important sleep is. It reflects upon our emotional status, things that make us struggle when we are awake, may come to us during sleep. 

If you also have serious sleeping problems like me before, I highly recommend you to also seek for professional help as our sleeping patterns may reflect much more upon our emotional and health status.

So now, let’s talk about the special recipe I have, on how to get better sleep.

[Step 1. Meditation]

To keep your mind empty

CALM APP

Meditation is definitely a super effective tool when it comes to falling asleep faster. To me, it works much better than sleeping pills! It’s not necessary to use an app for this, you can also do this by controlling your breathing patterns, listening to calm music, and trying out yoga before you sleep. All to make the result in keeping your mind empty.

App Results:

I would say that this is a great app to invest in if you have daily sleeping problems. Apart from the sleeping stories, the meditation on achieving deeper sleep has helped me in falling asleep within 10 minutes (which is totally impossible for me before!). The only downside of this is that the annual subscription is quite expensive, but worth it if you need to use it on a daily basis.

[Step 2. Sleeping pill]

PERRICONE MD: SLEEP BOOSTER

How to use:

Take one pill shortly before sleep.

Results:

I tend to fall asleep slightly faster when taking this sleeping booster, and my sleep quality improves as well. It is my go-to step before trying out meditation, now I personally think that meditation works much better than taking sleeping pills.  

Comments:

The great thing about this pill is that it’s natural. Comparing to other sleeping pills, there is no need to worry about the side effects that sleeping pills can give, and you won’t get addicted to relying on it for sleeping.

[Step 3. Eyemask]

Iluminage: anti-aging silk eye mask

Results:

This silk eye masks’ major selling point is to reduce your eye wrinkles naturally. To me, the texture feels much better than using normal cotton eye masks. I don’t know if it’s just my feeling, but I do realize that my under eye wrinkles have reduced a bit after using this eye mask.

Comments:

I would recommend this eyemask if cotton eyemasks don’t work as well for you. The only downside of this mask is that the light still shines through the bottom part of the eye mask. This can be a little struggle for someone super sensitive to light like me, but not much of a big deal. 

[Step 4. Hair mask]

SILK HAIR CAP

How to use:

Place your hair in the hair cap, but I would recommend to leave it above your bangs if you have any. (You’ll know why after waking up in the morning...)

Results:

Reduces hair fizziness and improves hair quality

Comments:

I personally think silk hair masks works great for someone who have frizzy hair like me, and difficult to comb through in the morning. It helped keeping my hair style in shape during the night, so I won’t take much time in styling it when I’m rushing to school in the morning. Any silk hair cap brands can do, which you can find in Hong Kong’s log-on stores or Japan’s drug stores.

5 minutes non-toxic skincare routine | for ALL SKIN TYPES

This is my self-purchased skincare routine for springtime with real reviews. All products used are light in texture while being moisturizing. Suitable for all skin types. 

[Step 1. Facial wash]

The most important step

BELIF: TRUE TINCTURE CLEANING STICK

How to use:

Wet your palm and gently apply the product, then rub until it creates foam

Results:

Creates a soft texture that’s good for all skin types, especially dryer skin. Keeps my skin moisturized and wouldn’t feel dry at all after using.

Comments:

A natural product that I would definitely repurchase. Comes with a good price while having to outweigh quality. It may seem different from a liquid facial wash, but the unique packaging definitely saves up a lot of product. The dry flowers crushed in is also an add up point as it gently melts into the foam when you rub it onto your skin.

[Step 2. Toner]

AESOP: PARSLEY SEED ANTI-OXIDANT FACIAL TONER

How to use:

Gently drip the product on a thin textured cotton pad and apply to face.

 Results:

Refreshing texture with a natural plant scent.

Comments:

Definitely, my go-to recommendation for natural brands that would never go wrong. I enjoyed this toner so much that I’ve been using this toner only after going non-toxic and still haven’t thought of replacing. Though it doesn’t give glamorous results, it does its job just fine.

[Step 3. Serum]

BAREMINERALS: SKINLONGEVITY VITAL POWER INFUSION

How to use:

Rub and dance if you like

Results:

Soft and thin texture, good for all skin types. Moisturising while not being sticky at all, which is a great add-on point for me!

Comments:

This is a newly purchased product which I’ve only used for a week, though there’s not enough time to see significant results as usually it comes after using a while bottle for me. Still, I really like the texture of the product and feeling of my skin taking in the moisture.

[Step 4. Eye serum]

AESOP: PARSLEY SEED ANTI-OXIDANT EYE SERUM

How to use:

Warm up the product with your ring finger and gently pad it around your eye area.

Results:

Reduces wrinkles and moisturizes the eye area, wouldn’t irritate the eye area even if the product gets in.

Comments:

Also, a good product that I have been using for a few months from my go-to brand. It mainly focuses on moisturizing but not reducing dark circles.

[Step 5. Cream]

BAREMINERALS: TRUE OASIS OIL-FREE REPLENISHING GEL CREAM

How to use:

Warm up the product before you rub on.

Results:

Gel light texture and moisturizing suitable for all skin types, with a fresh lemongrass scent to me.

Comments:

Another newly purchased product, originally mainly targeted for combination to oily skin, however, it still worked perfectly for me, loved the texture.