Definitely at an age now where some sort of firming product is a must in my routine. Loss of volume is real and that's where anti-ageing or products that help firm and lifts the skin comes in. I have tried quite a few firming products with varying degrees of efficacy. Some may not be as desirable as others, for example a suspended cheeks episode I had with this one product which changed the look of face, a story for another day. Perhaps my face wasn't ready yet for such an outcome. So currently what I look for is something that works, with natural results.

I've been trying out The Body Shop Roots of Strength Firming Shaping Serum over the past month and a half, and I like what I see. It's a new range targeted at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, plumping and firming. The outcome is meant to make your face contour appear as if 're-shaped'. This serum is infused with three root extracts, including ginger from Madagascar, ginseng from China and ruscus from Europe and Community Trade soy oil from Brazil.

I love the lightweight gel-like texture that not only absorbs easily but also gives extra hydration to the skin. Hydration is always important in any anti-ageing routine. It has subtle earthy scent which doesn't linger. I did actually start noticing promising results after two weeks. Six weeks on, my face is looking firm, a bit more plump when I first started and my laugh lines are less visible. The noticeability of my lines is usually how I gauge whether firming product is actually working, because they can get really obvious. With regards to the serum giving that 're-shaping' effect, I would say that it gives my face a natural lift, giving it that youthful look. Instead of a, "My face is looking kind of different" look, never what I go for. I only use one pump of this, spread it evenly and do a quick lifting massage. More of often than not I only use this serum as night only as I prefer minimal products during the day, but it is recommended to be used twice a day.

So if you are looking around for a firming product at an affordable price, I recommend you try this out, I'm loving the results. There is also a Firming Shaping Essence Lotion and Firming Shaping Day Cream from the Roots of Strength if you want to compliment the serum better. Best things about this serum - it's 100% vegan, 99% of ingredients are of natural origin, dermatologically tested and formulated without mineral oil, paraffin and silicone.

The Body Shop Roots of Strength Firming Shaping Serum is priced at RM168.87 (30ml) and is available at all stores and online.

*Product has been provided for review. Opinion is entirely my own.

Well, it has been too long. All I can say is damn I miss writing! I figured I would start with a simple post and it's about hair. I have generally been sticking to the usual products because I have difficult hair that seems to know what it likes. When it comes to styling I haven't strayed much from the hair oils and wax. Although it has been challenging to say the least when it comes to looking for wax that works for my hair. I recently decided to try out some Ouai products after hearing all the hype. I got a set of minis because there is no better way to try new things just in case it doesn't work out. So I picked up the Smooth Spray, Texturizing Hair Spray and Dry Shampoo.

The Smooth Spray is a pre-style product meant to act as a hydrating leave-in conditioner, detangler and heat protectant in one. It is enriched with amino acids, vitamin E and strengthening proteins. The texture is light, really easy to work it into the hair. It did a good job at detangling my hair and help smooth out frizz when styling but.. yes there is a but. My curls did come back as it naturally would after I blow dried or after a quick run through with an iron. It was just really smooth without the curly bounce. A good option if you are going for a straighter smooth look but. Unfortunately I didn't fancy that type of look very much.

The Texturizing Hair Spray is halfway between hairspray and dry shampoo. Formulated with volcanic primers and flexible polymers to amplify 'oomph' and create 'grip' for styling. I feel this is a good introduction to a texturizing spray. It gives a light hold and offers enough grit to give the hair a soft texture, nothing crazy. It leaves no residue. I like using this when my hair is feeling a bit meh to give it some life.

Now, dry shampoo for me is life especially since I don't wash my hair everyday. The Dry Shampoo not only absorbs excess oil but is also a great option to extend the longevity of your blow dry. The super-fine formula doesn't weigh down my hair and it doesn't leave behind any residue. Does a good good job at absorbing oil in between washes. Due to the light texture, I find that there's minimal build up which is great. The scent also helps with getting rid of any smells. Although I liked using this, I wasn't particularly blown away. Maybe because I already have my favourites.

As a whole the packaging is simple and aesthetically pleasing. And all three products smell really nice. However I probably wouldn't purchase the full size to these unless I really needed a texturizing spray. I got these at Sephora in case anyone wants to have a look.

Nars never disappoints when it comes to their Holiday collection. This year Nars has collaborated with Sarah Moon, the iconic French photographer, for a 22 piece collection. It is inspired by the 1927 science fiction film Metropolis. The collection hit stores a little over 2 weeks ago so drop by and check it out.

It's a different type of Christmas at The Body Shop this year. It was all kinds of wild!

Completing the Olay Regenerist Miracle Duo is the latest Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence. It is meant to complement the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. The Miracle Duo is targeted at boosting cell renewal for youthful skin. I attended the launch of the Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence in Singapore some time late September and got to learn first hand the science behind the essence. Thanks loads Olay Malaysia for taking me along and Olay Singapore for having me!

Base products get luxurious with La Mer. Skincolour De La Mer is the first full range of color cosmetics from the luxury skin-care brand. Unlike your usual  base products the latest La Mer Skincolour De La Mer range is infused with its potent legendary Miracle Broth - made from nutrient rich kelp and other natural ingredients which renews and helps to restore skin. Which basically means it's a skincare makeup. According to La Mer, "it (referring to the foundation) works like a skin-care product and even after someone takes it off at night, it’s still making their skin better. The more you use it, the better results you see." I am already a huge fan of the La Mer Moisturising Soft Lotion (review here), so I was well excited to try the Skincolour range.

It's that time of year again! The Bobbi Brown Wine & Chocolate Collection for Christmas as well as Holiday Gift Sets are already in stores. Wine and Chocolate make for a beautiful Christmas inspiration. As Bobbi Brown puts it - "Dark chocolate and red wine are two of my favorite indulgences. And over the years, the rich shades of both chocolate and wine have inspired some of our most popular and gorgeous colors. To celebrate our 25th of the year, I’m introducing the Wine & Chocolate Collection featuring our most irresistible pairing yet."

The new La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Lotion, is an advanced formula with micro-crafted 'Soft Lotion Capsules' that drive Miracle Broth and Lime Tea Concentrate deep into the skin to help heal dryness, replenish energy reserves and soften signs of age.

The Body Shop Drops of Light range has been in stores for a little while now and if any of you guys are still wondering as to how effective this range is, well I have recently tried out the entire range -  Pure Clarifying Face Wash, Pure Tranlucency Brightening Lotion, Pure Healthy Brightening Serum and Pure Healthy Purifying Day Cream, and here is what I thought of it.

Energie De Vie, Lancome latest skincare line is created for a today's woman who is always on the go. Lancome's Energie De Vie is a simple routine, and extremely efficacious, that works to reawaken tired, dull skin, giving you an instant glow. Inspired by Asian beauty rituals and their love for lightweight texures, this line takes hydration to another level. With the tagline Made of Unstoppable Energy, this line helps women to live the life they want without comprimising good skin.

I needed a new scrub and after looking around I settled for The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Mirodermabasion. I'm not  one for a super gentle sort of scrub where you can hardly feel anything happening while it's on your face, so I had a feeling I was going to get on really well with this one after trying out the texture when I was at The Body Shop KLCC. I have been using the Vitamin C Glow Boosting Mirodermabasion since early September and I love it.

Ok so this is two months too late but I wanted to put it up anyway. I am also aware that I haven't been updating regularly, believe me I really wanted to but I have been occupied and I have been trying to look for someone that could redesign the blog because I feel like it's looking like a right mess, unfortunately I have had no luck. I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things while continuing my search.

Sometime in August Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2016 happened and I got to hang out backstage with Bobbi Brown. It's something I look forward to because I love watching the transformations done and looks created by the talented makeup artists. The looks this year varied from a very simple look to something bold and different. I picked out some of my favourite shots to share with you guys. I also posted some photos on my instagram through out the five days so check out @fatinchocoatecats if you want to see more.

I believe I don't really to say much about the iconic Nars Orgasm Blush except that it just got bigger! This peachy-pink blush with golden shimmer has been a hit since its introduction in 1999. And to celebrate Spring/Summer this year Nars has brought out a limited edition XXL version of the blush. It's really big, bigger than.. my hand, that's it. The oversized compact, designed by famed French art-editorial director Fabien Baron, features a twist on the NARS logo, a rather cheeky hashtag #whatmakesyoublush etched into the mirror, and illustrated packaging so pretty that you will want to keep on your vanity forever.

#whatmakesyoublush

me : that smile from the guy that makes my hot chocolate. (feeling cheeky)

Hari Raya is next week and if you are looking for gifts or hampers all you have to do is check out The Body Shop. They have an amazing choice with seriously pretty packaging. Heck you might just decide to treat yourself to something nice.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick comes in four new shades for Summer 2016 which compliments the Beach Nudes Collection beautifully - Truffle, Nude Beach, Stone and Malted Pink. If you are not already familiar with this cream shadow stick, it's a swipe and go cream eye shadow that's designed to be fuss-free.

This new release from Bobbi Brown comes in time for long Summer days or in our case long humid weather almost everyday. A gel that makes brows that stay put yet still look natural? Yes please. I'm a brow powder on weekdays and brow shaper on Sundays kinda girl. So I wasn't too sure how this would turn out on me.

Bobbi Brown completely killed it with the Luxe Lips range late last year.  This summer there's the Bobbi Brown Nourishing Lip Colour Oil-Infused Shine and I love how it wears. It combines deeply emollient natural oils with an incredible lush, comfortable texture and luminous shine.

What I'd give to be on a dreamy beach right now. Then again that's what I said about Coldplay at Wembley a few days ago. Ok so I would rather be somewhere more exciting at this point of time. That said, say hello to the Bobbi Brown Summer 2016 Beach Nudes Collection. Simple and sexy, this collection is inspired by the perfect, sun-kissed glow. Beach Nudes features three eye palettes perfect for an easy summer eye, two new bronzer shades and limited edition sheer lip colour shades.

One thing for sure is that Kiehl's is committed to make the Earth a better place to live in. It's longstanding mission is to preserve and protect the environment. In conjunction with this year's campaign, "Working Towards A Better Earth", a campaign dedicated to the mission of a better environment through education and activation, Kiehl's also introduces the "new generation" of the Kiehl's Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Minizmizing Collection to commemorate it. Let me just quickly talk about the Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Minizmizing Collection and then get back to the campaign.

The Body Shop sure knows how to kick start Summer! With a new special edition body care range, a new fragrance range and the first ever sun block, they thought of it all. So I was at the newly opened The Body Shop KLCC yesterday to check out all these new Summer releases, ok so I already tried them out last week but it was like a small session thing yesterday, and I was excited, impressed and felt like going on a Caribbean holiday right after.