Risale-i Nur

Risale-I Nur

Lepas terdelete semua buku dalam app Book, sedih makan masa jugak walaupun memang salah sendiri. Kemudian baru la slow slow download balik buku-buku mana yang berkenan dan transfer Risale-I Nur and few interesting journals dalam google drive ke app Book. Hehe baru rasa alive balik. Tapi buku yang terdelete yang belum baca tu memang dah tak download balik sebab tak ingat dah buku apa. 

Risale-I Nur.

First time dengar dan tahu kewujudan Risale-I Nur bila baca buku arwah Ahmad Ammar in 2014. Antara benda yang seronok bila kau tahu satu-satu buku melalui buku-buku lain.

Masatu tengah beratur tunggu kelas lain keluar dari bilik (lupa dah nama apa, yang bersebelahan tangga banin). Nampak satu buku ni kat beranda koridor. Pastu nampak budak budak laki kelas tukar-tukar tangan buku tu, tengok sekejap sekejap. Dorang pun perlahan-lahan masuk kelas then aku cepat cepat la pergi dekat buku tu. Aku belek perlahan, kemudian perasan ada nama perempuan pada awal helaian. Rasa macam kenal, rasanya budak tingkatan bawah dorm sebelah.

Minggu tu minggu balik, terus niat nak ajak mama pergi kedai buku cari buku Ahmad Ammar. Petang khamis tu singgah SMO Kuala Berang dan thank God, ada! Cuma tak banyak dah. Nasib sempat! Seronok tak payah cakap lah. 

Bila dah habis baca buku tu, panjang aku termenung berfikir. His parents really did a great job, raising him into such a fine man. Kemudian ada la simpan niat nanti nak download Risale-I Nur sebab nak tahu isi dia sebab arwah Ammar siap hafal dan ajar balik pada junior-junior dia kat Turki. It is believed he was on his way pada kawan-kawan dia untuk ajar Risale-I Nur but unfortunately he couldn't make it.

Few years later, Kekra kahwin dengan Abang Ijam. And later I found out Abang Ijam dulu sekolah RMC! Arwah Ahmad Ammar pun dulu sekolah RMC! Abang Ijam bagitahu, haah, arwah senior dia dulu. Dia tanya balik macam mana kenal, aku jawab lah buku. Lepastu Abang Ijam selalu share cerita dia masa sekolah dulu. Ahmad Ammar dulu senior dia. Memang baik dengan junior-junior. His description of Ahmad Ammar is exactly like what I read in the book. 

I started to read Risale-I Nur in 2016 kalau tak silap. Tapi tak lah secara disiplin pun, macam sikit sikit sebelum tidur, lepas boring study, bila rasa nak macam something deep and heavy. Sebab baca Risale-I Nur ni bukan macam baca those boring fictional books, asal tangkap main points, jalan cerita and asal habis, sudah. Risale-I Nur ni aku baca in English translation, bahasa dia agak tinggi tapi itu bukan masalah. Masalahnya aku. Aku memang niat nak take my time baca sikit sikit sebab those writing precious do, kau tak nak treat dia sembarangan. And bila habis satu satu bahagian, memang akan buat aku termenung panjang. Kadang repeat baca the same perenggan over and over again. Sebab kadang rasa macam tak cukup hadam. 

Apa yang buat aku rasa dekat ialah, tiap kali baca, tiap kali tu lah rasa macam those words speak well to me, dengan my current situation. It resonates well with what I was/am facing. Kadang selalu rasa those words adalah kiriman Tuhan untuk aku tenangkan hati. Kadang sampai menangis tak boleh berhenti. Gigit bantal, tekan dada cuba kawal tangis sendiri. Biasa lah. Manusia mana je takde masalah cuma bergantung macam mana masing-masing deal dengan masalah sendiri. 

I rarely tell people what I really feel inside. Sebab in most cases, aku yang dengar luahan orang. They said I look wise (lol), they said I always seem to know the solutions, they said because I am attentive and so on. Selalu aku gelak je bila dorang cakap macam tu sebab aku pun tak tahu benda tu betul atau tak, aku cuma try my best to offer comfort. Aku jenis bottler sebab aku tak pandai sangat nak bercerita masalah aku, menulis macam ni boleh la, tapi kalau bercerita in terms of approaching people and tell them your exact problems tu, aku tak pasti. Aku takde sangat keyakinan untuk tu. So aku selalu resort to bottle them up, much easier to me. Selalu bila rasa dah tak tertahan, aku cari distractions. Biasa aku distract diri dari masalah dengan buku lah. Kadang, makin berat rasa tertahan, makin heavy reading materials aku. 

Okay tu je untuk malam ni. Aku niat nak menulis balik tapi tak nak lah fikir sangat goals ke apa, I just wanna write those things yang selama ni tertangguh. Cerita-cerita yang aku rasa sayang kalau lupa, dan those deep feelings and thoughts yang aku tak nak hilang ditelan masa. Nanti kalau aku tercari, at least aku tahu mana nak pergi.

Book Review: Black Milk by Elif Shafak

Reading Elif Shafak’s book is like reading love letters from your beloved ones. You couldn’t get enough of them. You keep repeating the same sentences over and over again as if you are scared the moment you move on to the next one, you might forget all about it and you couldn’t bear the idea of forgetting it. You couldn’t stop smiling either, as your eyes dancing on the letters, you imagine them sitting close beside you, listening to you, reading their words. Sometimes, you get so emotional that you couldn’t stop crying over it, either because the sad stories they been told, or because you’re touched with their words which reflect pure sincerity. For me, it is always the latter. Those letters always feel like warm hugs and could draw a happy smile over my face. That’s how brilliant her books are.  

Black Milk is her second book I read and I’d rate it 9.5/10. It is a non – fiction one, somewhat a memoir of her early life before being a mother and the early months after being a mother. It basically brings you on tours of two. The first part will bring you closer on womanhood, motherhood and authorship. The second part discusses the lives and works of various women writers, in past and present, seeing on how they dealt with similar topics, successfully or unsuccessfully. You may know their names or their works but getting to know how they live their life could be another thing. This book is the story of how Elif Shafak faced her 6 inner voices; struggling and negotiating with them most of the times and then learned to be One. (I’ll try elaborating more regarding these mental voices on my next time review, The Untethered Soul by Michael A.Singer) 

This book tells us about how at first she really against the idea of getting married, fretting if the phase might burden her to pursue her writing passionately like she currently does. She tried her best to make peace with all her inner voices which most of them against her getting married yet a part of her wanted to experience it and have babies of her own. Things started to change when she met Eyub, who has all the opposite sides of her and out of her control, Elif fell in love with him.

“Elif, I stopped expecting anything normal from you the day you quoted Neil Gaiman as your motto on love. We will do the best we can. You will be the nomad, I will be the settler. You will bring me magic fruits from lands afar, I will grow oranges for you in the backyard. We will find balance.” (Eyub)

 After 2 years married to Eyub, she got pregnant with their first baby. Her pregnancy journal was so fun to read and the contents are so hilarious as she was being forced to do all the unusual things; listening to all the nature sounds instead of listening to her music preferences; punk, postpunk and industrial metal. 

After giving birth to her beautiful daughter, she suffered postpartum depression and writer’s block for almost a year. I love the way she addressed this postpartum depression issue in this book since it is rarely discussed (I believe so) among our society since it is a taboo issue. She was fighting this alone since Eyub had to abroad for months. As she said, the only way to get away from problems is to acknowledge them. This book told me a lot about her and the writers she lived for. 

A beautiful one if you want to try a different genre than your usual ones. For my case, I wanted to understand better, get a good a picture about motherhood, this postpartum depression thingy and those obstacles that might be on my way. This book is not just for woman, but also for everyone who finds it difficult, at times, to balance the multiplicity of roles and responsibility in lives.

#AiniMentariReads

Huxley Glow & Brightness Sheet Mask (review)

Huxley Sheet Mask Glow & Brightness 

What is it?

-A unique, brigtening dual-pouch facial sheet mask that combines Prickly Pear Seed Oil and watery essence that soothes and reveals a bright, radiant skin.

How to use?

-Apply pressure from the bottom pouch towards the upper pouch, until there's an opening between the 2 pouch, allowing the oil (bottom pouch) to go down the upper pouch, consisting of the sheet mask and the essence. Next, press the surface evenly in order to mix well the essence and the oil until it turns milky down there. As the instruction said, apply this sheet mask after cleansing and toning and leave on for a good 10-20 minutes.

Key ingredients: Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Cactus Extract, Arbian Cotton, Edelweiss, Glutathione, Nectar Pure

Thoughts: Besides the key ingredients stated, it also contains niacinamide, fourth on the list, allantoin and caffeine. I rarely enjoy sheet mask since they usually irritate my skin but I tremendously enjoy using this sheet mask from Huxley, I have to swear by it. I experienced zero irritation from the moment it touched my face until the end of usage, which is rare. The fact that this mask used high quality of microfiber sheet, it provides me maximum comfort, adheres well on my skin and the mixture of oil and essence, deeply soothe, moisturise and offer me instant glow. Ooooh, so much love for this mask! It contains alcohol and fragrance but all is well for me.

🌟:5/5

Huxley came with 3 types of sheet masks; Oil & Extract, Moisture & Freshness and this one I'm using is Glow & Brightness. Each box consists of 3 sheet masks. 

Thank you so much for StyleKorean for this amazing opportunity for me to try this Huxley sheet masks.

Review on Isntree Sensitive Balancing Moisture Cream 80ml

Isntree Sensitive Balancing Moisture Cream 80ml 

What is it?

-A very creamy moisturiser packed with natural moisturising factors and natural oils; avocado oil, jojoba oil, palm oil, macadamia seed oil and palm kernel oil to deeply moisturise your skin and protect from harmful environment.

Best for?

-Sensitive dry skin to super dry skin

Scent?

-No noticeable scent

Does it work for me?

-No. My face was very dry when I bought this but still, my pores get randomly clogged. How I know? Because I only used this at night for few days straight. Frankly, I didn't expect much from this because it is heavy but the texture is not thick like cerave, more to the creamier side and the finishing is a bit greasy even though how I little I used. It's expected since avocado oil is second on the list. If you ever own any 100% cold-pressed avocado oil, you'll know, it's naturally a heavy oil, rich with oleic acid, nourishing oil, which supposed to work amazingly to dry skin people. 

So what did I do with it? Ahha, you know me. I applied this on my whole body, right after shower, on a damp skin, religiously for almost 2 weeks without a miss. Yes, I have a dry skin and my body loving it so much, post-application it doesn't feel tacky or heavy, just deeply moisturised, resulting in glossy and plump skin. Now, after religious application for almost 2 weeks, my skin is so much better ehek! 

I'm planning to keep trying Isntree products because they really make full use of amazing ingredients! 

🌟:4/5 (as a body moisturiser)

🌟1.5/5 (as a face moisturiser)

Bought this at shopee narrsha.my for RM30, after I redeemed a lot of my hard earn coins.

#ainimentarireview #ainimentarimoisturiser #skincarecommitment #emptied #moisturizer #skincaremalaysia #skincareroutine 

My Sunscreens Collection!

Sunscreens assemble! 🔅🌳

1) Biossance Squalene + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30 20ml

2) Hada Labo Air UV Sunscreen (Fresh) SPF50 PA+++ 30ml

3) Garnier Sensitive Advanced UV Face Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF50+ 40ml

4) Etude House Sun-prise Mild Airy Finish Sunscreen (Olaf edition) SPF50+ PA+++ 55ml

5) Hada Labo Air UV Sunscreen (Moist) SPF50 PA+++ 30ml

6) Garnier Super UV Spot Proof Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ 30ml

7) Nivea Sun Protect & Light Moisture Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ 70ml

8) Watsons UV Aqua Sun Protection Gel SPF50 PA++++ 50ml

9) Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml

10) Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence 50ml SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml 

11) Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml

12) B.Lab I Am Sorry Just Sun Cream  SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml

13) Nivea Protect & Light Brightening Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++70ml 

14) Cosrx Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun 35ml SPF 50+ PA++++

#ainimentarisunscreen #sunscreen #skincare #skincaremalaysia #skincareroutine #biossance #etudehouse #hadalabomalaysia #garnieruk #garnier #nivea #watsons #keepcoolsunscreen #keepcool_global #blab #cosrx #justobsessed #birthdayproject #frommetome

4 Aspects of Strong Relationship

 

This is what came in my mind when I was brushing my teeth in my sister’s bathroom in Subang. Come to think of it, lots of inspiration for my writings really happened when I was brushing my teeth in that bathroom.

Here are 4 main things you want to check if you want a successful relationship, doesn’t matter what kind of relationship. This applies to all kind of relationships out there.

First, good choice of words. It’s easy to say good things when we are happy but is it really easy to say good things when we are angry and so consumed with our emotions? It could be hard to keep the clean records. This is why, it is very important to train ourselves to think before we speak, in any kinds of situations. If we really don’t want to live our lives full of regrets, train ourselves hard to think before we speak. In the moment when you think right before you say something, we also need to think who we are to the person we are talking to, or in other words, to know where we are standing. When we are aware of who we are to the person we are talking to, and who the person we are talking to, it’s easier to talk since we know what kind of words we are going to use with the full grasp of the situation. Here comes the hardest part, to stay silent when we are angry, when we are burning on the inside and we feel like we just want to say what should be said so that we could feel satisfied.

For example, when someone said something bad to us, or cursed us, maybe because she’s in a bad mood or both of you are fighting over something, it is always tempting to hurl the harsh words back. Because in that moment, we feel the urge to lash out everything so that we could feel satisfied. We imagine the satisfaction will be so real but the question is, does it really worth it all?

It might be satisfying for a good few minutes but later you will sit down with full shot of regrets. Could apologies erase everything you said before? No. It is hard to hold back but the real satisfaction is when you are able to stay sane and rational in this kind of situations. This is why our Prophet said,

One who cools and controls his anger is regarded as a wrestler (a strong person). [Bukhari & Muslim]

I understand we all are made of limits. But remember, there are always ways to talk things through. Always. But if some people treat you way too much and you could feel your blood is boiling, face them heads up. Those people might seem strong and capable of saying things so hurtful that you think you could die listening to them, but the real fact is, they might not be the way they seem. They might have more issues inside them, they might struggling with a list of insecurities. Nobody knows.

Normalise saying what should be said not what they want to hear, because most of the times, it’s far from realistic. Stay true to your words. Stay true to yourself.

Second, touch. I’m just going to be real here, physical touch really plays a big role in relationships especially family bonds, romantic relationship, friendship, you name it. We are not talking about a tasteless touch or what, we are talking about physical touch wraps with compassion and love. Good physical touch at the early age could contribute a lot in kids’ developments, it could affect how the kids perceive themselves as a person, has impacts on their social skills and so on. Here’s the question, should it be done in an excessive way? It depends on your definition of excessive itself and of course, personal preferences. But for married couple, seriously speaking, it’s not great to show too much of love in the public because instead of proving how much you love your partner, it could prove the other way round. Moderately is always the best way to do something. Sometimes, I like to touch those people who I am so comfortable with, because those touches give me a sense of security and contentment. I couldn’t help but smiling and surely, I don’t feel that way with everyone. Of course this got something to do oxytocin, or known as cuddle hormones. It gives you the sense of closeness and security. Oxytocin is also known to promote bonding between mother and child. Take yourself as an example. How you feel when you touch your beloved mother? It feels good right? It feels like you just took an injection that could make you feel so content and safe thus making you feel you are capable of doing anything and could go through anything the world throws at you.

In our culture, unfortunately, we do not appreciate touch like how it should be and ended up, our feelings are suppressed because they are not expressed enough. Touch those people who are meant the world to you, those people you care so much, mean it. It doesn’t have to be that hard, you could just hold their arm dearly and look deep into their eyes and just smile. It won’t take you long though hahahaha. We should normalise a good amount of touch and of course, do not go around touching those non-mahrams. It’s haram.

Ma’qil b. Yasar R.A berkata bahawa Rasulullah saw brsabda yang bermaksud:

“Sekiranya dicucuk kepala salah seorang daripada kamu dengan jarum daripada besi, nescaya itu lebih baik buatnya berbanding dia menyentuh seorang wanita yang tidak halal baginya (bukan mahram).” Riwayat Al – Thabrani

Touch those people you love, either physically or through words. They deserve to know that they are so much loved and those good feelings within you deserved to be expressed.

To me personally, it’s always easy to make sure my words or actions are impactful; always mean it. From the deepest of your heart.

To be continued.

Consistency

So, hi. This is what came in my mind when I was lying still while trying my best to hold back the pain.

Few days ago, in our first class for Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC), my lecturer asked us, in our understanding, what is IMC?

IMC is basically combining all sorts of channels and platforms, whether it is traditional or non-traditional channel, in delivering a consistent message to specific target groups or non-target groups while allowing the consumers to interact with them.

What is the keyword here?

Consistency, yes.

Even in human relationships, consistency plays such a big role. How? Let me explain.

First, we need to know how to be consistent. We can be consistent with getting clear with our objectives, with what we want. Being consistent, does not mean being pushy. Remember, people never like it to feel pressured in any ways. Do it in a gentle manner, like how they want to be approached. How to know? Try to imagine yourself being in their shoes, would you like it if people keep pushing you, selling their products without considering what you feel even for a moment? We all are humans after all. Imagine how you want to be approached; then, try to apply it in the same way. Yes, every individual is different, so what works for you, might not work for others. How you want things to work, might not be how they want things to work. But remember, in general, people are just the same.

Second, when people start to feel comfortable with the way you approach them, there will be a slight interest in them, even if they do not notice. They will start to find out more about you, asking around, make a background check, anything to feed their curiosity. Slowly, trust will be built in them. They started to be more open.  

One thing you need to remember, certain people do not like it when you say something out loud. Something that both sides already know. Especially when things are still at the early stage. I don’t know to whom this applies but it could ruin the fun if the timing is wrong.

If there are 3 things I could state here, what people in general always crave for, they are; space, time and understanding.

When you see the trust is finally and fully built, that’s might be the time you tell your intention. Or, if you are a brand and the trust is finally built in consumers, they will say “Okay, let’s give their product a try since it does look promising and see if it’s worth it.”

So when people finally open up and give their trust to you, do you think they want to be disappointed? Heck no. And of course you want to do your best in serving and winning their hearts right?

But the problem is, over times, people tend to forget why they are doing it at the first place. They started to forget how hard it is to earn such trust and started to be nonchalant with their actions. As if they don’t care. This is what usually happened in human relationship, either in romantic relationship, or any kind of relationship. When we started to see their true colours, we get disappointed, as if we are so perfect and as if we don’t have the sides that people could be disappointed at. Funny isn’t it?

We tend to expect others to be perfect for us but forget we are all humans after all, the flaws are always there, and we forget the fact that love is all about accepting and to work things out together.

Or maybe we are never clear with what we want at the first place?

This is why the word ‘reminder’ exists, so those who forget can be reminded.

We seriously need to tone down with our never ending expectations. It’s never wrong to have expectations but we need to be realistic. We need to bear in our minds that we are dealing with people; ever-changing creatures, either in feelings or being. Let’s just give our best and if things don’t work the way we want, then it’s okay.

Review on Watsons UV Aqua Sun Protection Gel SPF50 PA++++

Watsons UV Aqua Sun Protection Gel SPF 50 PA++++ 50ml

UV filters used: Uvinul A Plus (absorbs UVA) and Uvinul T 150 (absorbs UVB). Both filters are highly photostable and Uvinul T 150 is known to be the most photostable UVB filter out there. 

Star ingredients🌟:

-Glycerin 

-Niacinamide 

-Adenosine

-Hyaluronic acid 

-Tocopherol 

✔️No whitecast 

✔️Fine absorption 

✔️Light gel-cream texture

✔️No noticeable scent

✔️Free from fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohol 

Real story: I was panicking when I almost ran out of my sunscreen; totally finished Yadah sunscreen and reluctant to finish the Keep Cool sunscreen just yet. My sister brought me to Watsons to get a new sunscreen, which I didn't know what to get for myself. I just skimmed through the shelves and the back of every sunscreen packaging for ingredients checking and this one really catched my attention. And I was more excited got to influence my sister to get herself a good sunscreen too! (finally!)

When we came back home, I studied the ingredients each and the more I searched for the ingredients used, the more I surprised. It feels so good when I applied on the back of my hand. Super moisturising and it feels rather gentle on my skin! The texture reminds me a lot of Keep Cool sunscreen, it feels so similar! 

On the next day, I used this sunscreen to confirm if I could call this Keep Cool sunscreen dupe. Everything is almost the same but the finishing couldn't beat Keep Cool even though it feels similar at the beginning of the application. But still it's not that bad tho. The time it touches your face, it feels like light gel cream which later turns watery. It finished a bit greasy for 2 and half fingers rule but when I top it with Innisfree No Sebum compact powder, the result is boom! I loveeee! Still, I'm gonna call this Keep Cool dupe. It feels soothing, hydrating and very moisturising!

One thing I noticed about this sunscreen, it softens my skin, even after I wash it off. It makes me want to touch my face even more. I believe this is because of ethylhexyl olivate; a skin conditioning fatty acid that derived from olive oil which it helps to keep important hydrating substances escaping from our skin.

This sunscreen used 3 olive oil based; ethylhexyl olivate, cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate, which we know how nourishing it is for people with dry skin. People with dry to super dry skin should check this out! 

🌟:3/5

I bought this at Watsons for RM28.80 during sales. You can get this either Watsons online or walk-in stores. Retail price is at RM33.

Garnier Ultra Light Sensitive Advanced UV Face Fluid SPF50 Broad Spectrum 40ml

UV Filters used: Ethylhexyl Salicylate (UVB filter), Ethylhexyl Triazone (UVB filter), Tinosorb S (broad spectrum filter), Avobenzone (UVA filter), Mexoryl XL (broad spectrum filter).

Key ingrdients: Glycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment.

Full ingredients: Aqua / Water Alcohol Denat. Diisopropyl Sebacate Silica Isopropyl Myristate Ethylhexyl Salicylate Ethylhexyl Triazone Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane Glycerin C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer Propanediol Drometrizole Trisiloxane Perlite Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Tocopherol Hydroxyacetophenone Hydroxyethylcellulose Sodium Hyaluronate Thermus Thermophillus Ferment Phenoxyethanol Triethanolamine Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Caprylyl Glycol Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Potassium Sorbate

-Free from any essential oils and fragrance but alcohol denat. Is second on the ingredients list

-Super fast absorption (should I say faster than Keep Cool sunscreen absorption?)

-Leaves no white cast at all

-Doesn’t feel heavy upon reapplication

-Doesn’t feel greasy at all even after 2 hours of application

-Has almost a matte finish with a nice velvety feels on skin

The texture is runny liquid and highly fast absorbing!

Thoughts: I like the fact that it is free from any essential oils and fragrance but mind you, this sunscreen contains high level of denatured alcohol, second on the list, thus contributing to the highly chemical smell. I experience no irritation for the first few times of usage and this sunscreen doesn’t sting my eyes or makes my eyes watery, which is great. But overtime, I could feel my skin feels burdened with the fact, this sunscreen is high in denatured alcohol. My skin felt less burdened compared to when I was using the Garnier Super UV Spot-Proof sunscreen (but still could feel it is burdened). Post-application, it doesn’t feel drying but the drying effect could be felt and seen overtime. It sucks up my skin moisture, making my skin feels so dry. I knew since day one that my skin couldn’t handle well with products that are high with drying alcohol but few weeks ago, my skin felt fine, back to its combination state and I thought maybe I should give it a try.

 Here’s the best thing. This sunscreen sinks in really fast, or maybe I should say faster than Keep Cool Soothe sunscreen? Thanks to the high percentage of denatured alcohol in it. Do you want to know how I apply this? I apply a really good amount of this sunscreen on my face and I DO NOT RUB IT IN, instead, I let it sink naturally while doing other things, like checking my emails or scrolling my instagram or just sitting while lost in deep thoughts. Since it took only few seconds to sink in, so I don't see why I should exert much effort to help it to sink in hahahaha. Then with the residue left, either I used beauty sponge or I used my fingers to even it out.

And mind you, this sunscreen is really, highly water resistant.

It has almost a matte finish but overtime, it turns to powdery matte. It doesn't feel powdery on my face, like how Anessa sunscreen felt like, it feels velvety, if it's the best word to describe the feel.

🌟:3/5

Sadly, I wouldn't repurchase this as it really took a toll on my skin moisture and I would trade my skin moisture with anything, doesn't matter I great it is, and I badly I want to love it.

O Allah, 

Guide me to learn to imitate the habit of twilight, taking time to open the well of colour that fosters the brightness of day.

May every ounce of fatigue felt only be meant to please You, please ease all of my works, grant me barakah and multiple rewards unseen.

Dan Tuhanku, 

Sisipkanlah dalam hatinya ketenangan, walau sepayah mana keadaan, 

Sisipkanlah dalam hatinya ketenangan walau sekeras mana pun ujian dan permudahkanlah jalannya menuntut ilmu demi ummah dan agama. 

Golongkanlah kami antara mereka yang sentiasa merasa rehat dalam solat.

Rahmatilah dia ya Allah. 

Rahmatilah kedua ibu bapa kami ya Allah. 

Maafkan kami atas keculasan tidak meletakkanMu yang pertama dalam banyak hal Ya Allah. Pimpinlah kami ya Allah, Ya Rahman, Ya Rahim.

Amin, amin, amin ya rabbal 'alamin.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is one of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family, derived from milk, although most forms used in cosmetics (including skincare) are synthetic, means that, they are mostly formulate in labs. This is because, it is easier to formulate and stabilise.

It is usually in pH 3-4 and in concentrations between 5 and 12%, lactic acid exfoliates on the surface of the skin by breaking down the materials that hold all the dead skin cells together, allowing the dead skin cells to shed away and new skin cells to surface.

And this will help with better products absorption. 

Lactic acid may cause sensitivity in certain cases, even though it is not common. Starts slow! When it comes to actives, especially exfoliating acids, always remember to go slow. Most of the times, we always refuse to listen to our skin (been there, done that), and it’s always easy for us to over exfoliate and overdoing it especially when we started to see the result is quite promising, in the early first to second month of using.

Besides helps to brighten up skin and helps with uneven skin tone, lactic acid also has hydrating properties, just like other AHA family members.

More reasons to love lactic acid are, besides being a gentle exfoliator, which is great for sensitive, dry skin, it inhibits (hinders) tyrosinase, enzymes that break down tyrosine (basically an amino acid) which leads to melanin production. When more melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) produced, the dark spots will become darker. So when tyrosinase being inhibited, over time, you will see improvement on your hyperpigmentation.

I’ve mentioned earlier, lactic acid has hydrating properties, which basically means it is a humectant. This means it helps in retaining the moisture of your skin. So, here’s a tip. After cleanse your face, on a damp face, apply any hydrating toner you have and then, proceed with your leave-on chemical exfoliant. Let it absorbs into your skin for a good few minutes and end your routine with a good moisturiser. If you have serums to incorporate, apply them after applying the chemical exfoliant and end your routine with a good moisturiser.

But personally, I don’t prefer myself going more than 4 steps in my skincare regimen, especially when I use any chemical exfoliants that time.

Some of us might not know this but lactic acid also helps with fine lines by stimulating fibroblasts (cells which produce collagen and other fibres) and it also increases ceramides production in our skin.

Because of the size if bigger compared to the glycolic acid, some dermatologists recommend lactic acid to those with sensitive or dry skin. But surely, among AHA, mandelic acid is the most gentlest because its size is the biggest among other AHA members. It is said the gentlest because when it is biggest in size, it means it’s gonna penetrate less deeper, resulting in slight to no irritation at all.

Here’s the most important part, I believe. According to FDA, based on few studies conducted, it has been confirmed using/applying any AHAs to the skin shows it increased UV sensitivity.

Taken from FDA websites;

“After 4 weeks of AHA application, volunteers’ sensitivity to skin reddening produced by UV increased by 18 percent. However, the studies also indicated that this increase in sensitivity is reversible and does not last long after discontinuing use of AHA cream. One week after the treatments were halted, researchers found no significant differences in UV sensitivity among the various skin sites.”  

So what do we do when we incorporate AHA into our routine?

SUNSCREEN! REAPPLY YOUR SUNSCREEN! It’s frankly not really a big deal if you work your ass out for it to be a habit.

After all, know your limits, know your warrior, wear your sunscreen and listen well to your skin!