[Lifestyle] Malaysia Subscription Box: Cubecrate December Box Featuring King's Cookies, PlasyWalsy&Co, Tinkerberry, & Lina's Little Cottage

Price: RM35/RM44 for Sabah/Sarawak

(Given a free in exchange for an honest review by cubecrate.com) 

Verdict: 7/10

Repurchase: NA

Cubecrate is a surprise subscription box that costs RM35 per month and includes a variety of locally sourced products ranging from beauty to decor and handmade items that you wouldn't think to try out on your own. For three months, the subscription is RM90. They also have a wine subscription if you're into fine wine, personalized boxes for a loved one, or an entire team of people, and many other options. ^^

Subscribe With Cubecrate Here.

Disclaimer: I received this box in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, as usual. ^^ You can also check out: 

2016: October's Box, November's Box, December's Box

2017: January's Box, February's Box, March's Box, April's Box, May's Box, June Box, July's Box, August's Box, September's Box, October's Box, November's Box

December's Box

Cubecrate's last box of the year is very much Christmas Themed! There's not one, but two brands of cookies in here, which I very much approve of because, cookies!

The King Cookies

The first thing that caught my eye is the reappearance of The_Kingcookies. These were available in November's box as well and were pretty good, if a little sweet for my taste.

The cookies are a little sweet for my taste, but pretty good! The packaging is beautifully done, but it's a big package and I kind of hope that they've included included the ingredients there. There's a card with a phone number included in the pack for orders. ^^ Cubecrate's also able to provide more if you're keen on trying them.

Palsy Walsy Candles

There's a heavy scent of ginger and cream, which I later realized is from the Palsy Walsy's gingerbread candle. It's a wonderful scent and I'm looking forward to making my house smell like this.

There's 26 fragrances to choose from, from flowers to fruity scents, cookies, and coffee. Each candle is being sold for RM34 on Carousell and are significantly bigger than the bottle included here, which will surely last longer. :) 

Palsy Walsy Candles: Carousell | Instagram

Lina's Little Cottage

Another cookie brand that made it in the box is Lina's Little Cottage, which provided me with four pieces of red velvet cookies. So good, I wish there were more!

I checked out their website and it seems like it's a little outdated (with the promotion still at Raya 2016), but there are a lot of options! From cupcakes to cakes and cookies and kuih raya! They are, however, quite active on their instagram page. :) 

Lina's Little Cottage: Website | Instagram 

Tinkerberry: Spiced Apple Detox

Tinkerberry is a Dessert-inspired range of bath and body products. Each product is carefully crafted with the finest organic ingredients and hand-made in small batches. I've tried their chocolate face scrub back in May's box and their chocolate lip balm in July's Box and have been pretty happy with their items, so I'm curious to see another one of their sample packs. 

This is a Spiced Apple Detox that is a deep-cleansing clay masque that can de-congest scalp and reduce dandruff. In addition, it can also aid in preventing hairfall. Instructions says to mix Scalp Detox with a little water/apple cider vinegar and apply onto dry scalp, then massage well and wash off after 30 minutes - 2 hours. I've used one of these back in their August, 2017 box and really enjoyed it! 

Tinkerberry: Website | Instagram

Savee Mask

An familiar addition is a Savee Mask. These are locally made masks that, according to my West Malaysian friends, are found easily in markets. I've never seen them in stores here, but online prices start from RM1, which is fairly cheap. The ingredients list looks decent enough, and the bitter melon mask is meant for anti-inflammation and oil control. I have yet to try this. >< Will update when I do. 

Savee Mask: Website

Overall Impression

I really like that they did a poll a few weeks prior to the boxing, asking followers if they would like another calendar like they had last year and when the response was good, they went ahead and delivered. The 2017 calendar was really nice and I'm sure the 2018 calendar will be put to good use as well.

For the last box of the year, I find myself undoubtedly pleased. There's a good variety of products, from food to skincare, and some miscellaneous additions that will no doubt be useful for the entire household.  

If you know anyone who's trying to start their own business, selling their new brands, let them know if they're keen on joining Cubecrate. :) It's a good way to have different people introduced to the new brands. 

Subscribe With Cubecrate Here.

Price: RM35/RM44 for Sabah/Sarawak

(Given a free in exchange for an honest review by cubecrate.com) 

Verdict: 7/10

Repurchase: NA

I also do quick, short reviews on my instagram so if you're up for it, do follow me here too! :D https://www.instagram.com/peachy_amy/

And Like my Facebook page? :D https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianBeautyHaul/

[Mask Review] ID.AZ Dermastic Golden-Fit Mask

Price: RM19.90 in select Watson Stores

(received from ID.AZ in exchange for an honest review)

Verdict: 7/10
Repurchase: Maybe

Product & Packaging

This sheet mask is the ID.AZ Dermastic Golden-Fit Mask for  balanced nutrition, brightening, and improving skin elasticity. It features a sticky, elastic hydrogel mask that provides the skin with enriched nutrition. I received this from the brand and Butterfly Project in exchange for my honest review, but all thoughts are my own, as usual. 

According to their philosopy, ID Pla Cosmetic is based on clinical know how from helping about 60,000 people in the past 18 years. It is created to treat extremely sensitive skin that's the result of facial treatment or operations, which is a pretty interesting concept, imo. These are premium masks, which is cue for them being more mid- to high-end.

This mask is now available at Watsons for RM19.90 per piece, which is about the right price compared to other hydrogel masks in the market. 

Ingredients

Notable ingredients include honey, royal jelly, and propolis. Propolis is used as a sealant in the  bee's hive to protect the colony from viruses, diseases and other outer intruders. In the hive, it acts to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth.  In skincare, propolis acts to supply necesssary oil and moistures, along with trouble care. 

Ceramide is a naturally present component of the skin. It's necessary for their water-retention capacity and adding them to skincare products helps provide replenishing and restoring benefits according to Paula's Choice. Ceramides helps improve skin's texture, suppleness, and help calm signs of sensitivity.

There is also gold, which is supposed to purify and brighten skin. Even though people in cosmetic claims it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, their claims aren't really backed by scientific research. I'm fine with it being in the pack for it's fun factor though. :)

There is also red ginseng, collagen, aloe, and panthenol, which are good for anti-aging, moisturizing, and hydrating. Licorice extract is present in the mask as well, it contains an active called glabridin, which helps diminish appearance of dark circles, discoloration, and age spots.

Fragrance is present in the mask, so if you're sensitive to fragrances, best stay away. There's also butylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and phenoxyethnoal, which some of you might be sensitive to. 

Texture & Directions

This is a two-piece hydrogel mask. I am somewhat disappointed by the fit, which is by no means perfect and a little too small for my face. >< Maybe I just have a big face (*sobs*), but it's the first time I've had trouble linking the first half to the second, leading to the empty spots between the two masks. It's a sticky hydrogel mask, which sticks close to the skin and is able to 'lift sagging skin powerfully'. While it managed to keep on my skin well, I did not find it particularly comfortable to have on, I'm sad to say. 

In addition, I avoid sticky masks like the plague, so having a mask that brags about being sticky isn't exactly comforting. Still, I'm hoping it will work it's magic with my skin while I have it on! :) 

Instructions says to cleanse and apply toner. Peel off, discard the liner, then apply mask adjusting around eyes and mouth. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove the mask. Gently pat remaining essence until it's fully absorbed. 

Performance

Before

Prior to applying the mask, I was suffering from a pretty nasty skin inflammation on the side of my eyes. It's actually a lot more obvious in real life. My front facing camera has the resolution of a potato. It's inflamed, patchy, dry, and itchy. I have to keep reminding myself not to scratch my face, cause that just exacerbates the condition and causes it to get all gross and even itchier. I applied the mask in hopes that it will help reduce the inflammation. 

After

I kept this on for the recommended 20 minutes because, as I've mentioned, I did not really enjoy having it on, which is a pity because hydrogel masks are more expensive and I like to absorb as much of it's goodness as I can. XD I have a habit of leaking masks on for longer. After taking off the mask, I noticed that the inflammation on the side of my face is not as bad. My complexion also looks healthier and more vibrant.

Unfortunately, the brightening did not last long, nor did it's calming effect. If anything, it made my skin itchier. :( It could just be that the rashes reacted badly to one of the ingredients in the sheet mask. The mask left a sticky residue that prompted me to wash my skin with water after. 

Overall, this mask does what it promises. It does it's job of providing skin with nutrition and left my skin more vibrant and glowier. It also helped remove some shine from my skin. XD Sadly, it's just not the mask for me. Even so, I might still get it if it's discounted though, since I'm a fan of hydrogel masks. :) 

Price: RM19.90 in select Watson Stores

(received from ID.AZ in exchange for an honest review)

Verdict: 7/10
Repurchase: Maybe.

I also do quick, short reviews on my instagram so if you're up for it, do follow me here too! :D https://www.instagram.com/peachy_amy/

And Like my Facebook page? :D https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianBeautyHaul/

[Mask Review] ID.AZ Dermastic Bright Fit Mask

Price: RM12.90 in select Watson Stores

(received from ID.AZ in exchange for an honest review)

Verdict: 7/10
Repurchase: Probably Not

Product & Packaging

This sheet mask is the ID.AZ Dermastic Bright-Fit Mask for brightening and improving dark skin tone. It features a microfiber fit, tone-up mask that's able to brighten the skin tone. I received this from the brand and Butterfly Project in exchange for my honest review, but all thoughts are my own, as usual. 

According to their philosopy, ID Pla Cosmetic is based on clinical know how from helping about 60,000 people in the past 18 years. It is created to treat extremely sensitive skin that's the result of facial treatment or operations, which is a pretty interesting concept, imo. These are premium masks, which is cue for them being more mid- to high-end.

This mask is now available at Watsons for RM12.90 per piece, which is about twice the price compared to regular face masks. That said, my expectations for these masks are twice as high. XD

Ingredients

Notable ingredients include hyaluronic acid, green tea, licorice, witch hazel, raspberry, blueberry and trehalose. The hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant that is able to hydrogen bond and thus interact with water. This allows the ability of the skin to retain moisture. 

Green tea in skin care acts as a powerful antioxident that is able to help trap and inactivate free radicals in the skin. Polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavinoids, have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Most of the polyphenols in green tea are catechins. Catechins, which are antioxidants by nature, have been shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. 

Licorice extract contains an active called glabridin, which helps diminish appearance of dark circles, discoloration, and age spots. Witch hazel is something that I really enjoy in my skincare products. It has a high tanin content (potent antioxidant). I have a few witch hazel toners that I use as mists in my daily routine. It helps control sebum production and reduce acne while providing good hydration. Witch hazel is also known for it's ability to refresh skin while locking in moisture and repair skin damage.

Fragrance is present in the mask, so if you're sensitive to fragrances, best stay away. There's also silica, butylene glycol, and cetearyl alcohol, which some of you might be sensitive to. 

Texture & Directions

This is a microfiber-fit mask, though I'm fairly certain the material is more like cotton than any microfiber masks I've ever tried. It's a rather thick mask, but it's pretty soft and is able to be applied to my skin without irritation. It does have a rather thick, creamy essence though, and I predicted (correctly), that the mask would end up being a little too heavy for me. Most creamy masks end up that way, so at least I'm prepared. 

Instructions says to cleanse and apply toner. Peel off, discard the liner, then apply mask adjusting around eyes and mouth. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove the mask. Gently pat remaining essence until it's fully absorbed. 

Performance

Before

As you might be able to tell, I've been suffering from a pretty nasty skin inflammation on the side of my eyes. It's actually a lot more obvious in real life. My front facing camera has the resolution of a potato. It's inflamed, patchy, dry, and itchy. I have to keep reminding myself not to scratch my face, cause that just exacerbates the condition and causes it to get all gross and even itchier. I applied the mask in hopes that the witch hazel will help calm the inflammation and the sodium hyaluranate can help soothe the dryness.

After

I kept this on for the recommended 20 minutes mostly because the mask ended up being a little too heavy after the recommended application time. I have a habit of leaking masks on for longer. After taking off the mask, I noticed that the inflammation on the side of my face is vastly improved! My complexion also looks healthier and more vibrant.

Unfortunately, the picture doesn't show that the mask ended up making my skin itchier than before the application. It could just be that the rashes reacted badly to one of the ingredients in the sheet mask. The cream essence also ended up being a little too heavy so I had to rinse my face after application. 

Overall, this mask does what it promises. It brightens and evens out skin tone perfectly! Unfortunately, it's just not the mask for me, since the cream essence was too heavy and my skin did not react well to the mask.

Price: RM12.90 in select Watson Stores

(received from ID.AZ in exchange for an honest review)

Verdict: 7/10
Repurchase: Probably Not.

I also do quick, short reviews on my instagram so if you're up for it, do follow me here too! :D https://www.instagram.com/peachy_amy/
And Like my Facebook page? :D https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianBeautyHaul/

[Mask Review] ID.AZ Dermastic Water Fit Mask

Price: RM12.90 in select Watson Stores

(received from ID.AZ in exchange for an honest review)

Verdict: 9/10
Repurchase: Yes (During sale) 

Product & Packaging

This sheet mask is the ID.AZ Dermastic Water-Fit Mask for hydration. It features a skin-fit mask that's supposed to provide abundant moisture to the skin. I received this from the brand and Butterfly Project in exchange for my honest review, but all thoughts are my own, as usual. 

According to their philosopy, ID Pla Cosmetic is based on clinical know how from helping about 60,000 people in the past 18 years. It is created to treat extremely sensitive skin that's the result of facial treatment or operations, which is a pretty interesting concept, imo. These are premium masks, which is cue for them being more mid- to high-end.

This mask is now available at Watsons for RM12.90 per piece, which is about twice the price compared to regular face masks. That said, my expectations for these masks are twice as high. XD

Ingredients

Notable ingredients include deep sea water, sea water collagen, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, betaine, and alantoin. Betaine is a hymectant and anti-irritant that is prone to hydrogen bonding (interacting with water) and increases the ability to retain moisture. The hyaluronic acid acts in the same way. Panthenol is a provitamin of B5 and is used as a lubricant, emollient, and moisturizer, providing lubriaction and hydration. Allantoin helps soften and protect the skin while soothing skin. It also stimulates cell regeneration.

Texture & Directions

I'm not quite sure what material is used for this sheet mask, but I am certain that it is ridiculously comfortable! It fit well on my skin and is able to keep the essence in itself and on my skin. XD There's a mild scent to the transparent, slightly sticky essence, but it was a pleasant smell that went away quickly.

Instructions says to cleanse and apply toner. Peel off, discard the liner, then apply mask adjusting around eyes and mouth. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove the mask. Gently pat remaining essence until it's fully absorbed. 

Performance

Before

My skin has been super dry for a while, as you can probably tell from the picture. 

After

I was reluctant to take this off after ~30 minutes of wearing because it was so comfortable and cooling to have it on the entire time. The mask was still wet when I removed it. even after 30 minutes. My skin is really super soft and smooth after! It also helped brighten my acne scars and tone my skin. There's no sticky residue and my skin just soaks this up completely. 

Overall, I'm quite please with this mask! The only thing putting me off is the price tag. However, I've seen this mask being promoted quite often in Watsons Stores. Out of the three types of the ID.AZ Masks that I've tried, including the Golden-Fit and Bright-Fit mask, this is definitely the winner of the bunch. 

Price: RM12.90 in select Watson Stores

(received from ID.AZ in exchange for an honest review)

Verdict: 9/10
Repurchase: Yes (during sales?)

I also do quick, short reviews on my instagram so if you're up for it, do follow me here too! :D https://www.instagram.com/peachy_amy/
And Like my Facebook page? :D https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianBeautyHaul/