My Everyday Heroes: A Closer Look at My Real Techniques Collection

It's funny how certain things become such a staple in your routine that you almost forget how you ever managed without them. While I'm no beauty guru, I do appreciate tools that make my daily makeup ritual feel less like a chore and more like a little moment of joy.

For the past two years, I've been using Real Techniques when my husband bought RT's "The Everyday Essentials Set" for me. So, after two years or so, I can say I totally get the hype. So, I thought I'd share a few of my favourite RT products in this little journal entry.

My RT Lineup

Here are the goodies that have made their way onto my vanity.

The Everyday Essentials Set

This felt like the perfect place to start. It's a beautifully curated kit that literally has you covered for your entire base routine: face, eyes, and cheeks. The pretty metallic pink and purple handles are a lovely touch!

RT 400 Blush Brush: A big, fluffy brush that's perfect for sweeping on a natural flush of blush.

RT 200 Expert Face Brush: This one has dense bristles, and I can already tell it's going to be amazing for buffing in liquid or cream foundation for fuller coverage.

RT 402 Setting Brush: Such a cute, small, and soft brush. It looks like it'll be my new best friend for setting my under-eye area with powder.

RT 300 Deluxe Crease Brush: A short, dense brush for eyeshadow.

Miracle Complexion Sponge: And of course, the set includes their iconic orange sponge!

The Miracle Complexion Sponge

Yes, the set came with one, but this sponge is so legendary I had to grab a single one too. There's a reason it's labelled the "#1 Makeup Sponge." It helps makes my foundation and BB cream blend so seamlessly, melting the product into the skin for a natural, non-cakey finish. The three-in-one design is genius: the flat edge is great for patting and blending, the precision tip is perfect for getting around the nose and under the eyes, and the rounded sides are for buffing all over.

The Makeupsaver Sponge

Now this one really intrigued me. It claims to absorb 90% less makeup than a traditional sponge, thanks to its "innovative fingerprint technology." The idea is that more product ends up on your skin, not soaked up by your tool. You're supposed to use it dry, and it mimics a finger application for a natural, streak-free finish. I'm currently using this one on days when I want a lighter coverage.

The Miracle 2-in-1 Powder Puff + Travel Case

This might be the one I'm most excited about for on-the-go touch-ups! It's a dual-sided puff that comes in a super handy and bright orange travel case. Side one is a plush, pink puff for applying any powder. Side two has a silicone-like texture that’s meant for blending liquids and creams. It's such a clever, space-saving idea for my makeup bag when I'm travelling!

Final Thoughts

For me, makeup is about having fun and feeling good, and these tools really make the process a joy. They're not just products; they're reliable little helpers I can see myself reaching for every single day.

Where to Buy

Real Techniques is available on Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora, and if I remember correctly, RT is also available at selected Watsons outlets in Malaysia.

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Mixing Life into a Bowl of Guilin Rice Noodles

When I think back on my trip to Club Med Guilin, one of the most memorable experiences wasn't the mountains, the shows, or even the Zen pool. It was a simple bowl of Guilin mi xian (rice noodles).

What makes this dish special isn't just the noodles themselves, but the way you prepare before you eat this dish. You don't just sit down and slurp — you build it. Start with the soft, springy rice noodles, add a ladle of the broth/brine, then toss in your toppings: fried peanuts, Guilin chili, sour pickles. Most people will also add chopped spring onion and coriander but I won't.

Next, mix it up, taste, and adjust. Maybe you'll want a little more crunch, a bit more sour, or an extra kick of spice. In the end, no two bowls are ever exactly the same.

And that's when it hit me: Guilin mi xian is more than food. It's a reminder that life is meant to be customised. You don't have to follow the same "recipe" as everyone else — you get to decide how spicy, how simple, or how bold your own bowl should be.

That felt especially true for me in Guilin. At Club Med, the schedule is packed with activities — trapeze, pool games, archery. But instead of running around trying to do it all, I chose to slow down, sit back, and savour small things. Like a mojito at sunset. Like the mist curling around the mountains. And yes — like this bowl of noodles, layered with flavour, just the way I liked it.

Sometimes the best memories aren't about doing everything, but about choosing what to mix in and what to leave out. Just like Guilin mi xian, life is better when you make it your own.

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The Art of Doing Nothing in Club Med Guilin (And Loving It)

I’ll admit it: I’m an indoor person. Whenever I go to Club Med, I never touch the trapeze, the archery, or the pool games — that’s just not me. My idea of a holiday isn’t chasing a schedule, it’s avoiding one. So when I arrived at Club Med Guilin, surrounded by those breathtaking karst mountains, I had zero intention of doing “all the things.”

And honestly? That felt like the perfect plan. No schedules, no running around. Just… nothing. And you know what? It was glorious.

My version of rebellion looked like this: wandering to the bar, picking a drink I’d never tried before, and carrying it straight to the pool. I’d sit there with my mobile phone, sip slowly, and let my eyes wander. Suddenly, I noticed things I’d completely missed the day before — the greeneries, the light shifting as the day passed, the quiet hum of life happening around me.

That became my new routine. Different drinks, same mission: find the best corner to do absolutely nothing. Afternoon clouds at the noodle bar patio with a cold beer. Sunset on my balcony with an unfamiliar cocktail in hand (my personal favourite ritual). Watching the sky turn fiery orange without once checking the time.

Meanwhile, the resort carried on — parties, shows, laughter in the distance. I didn’t feel FOMO (quoting Wednesday, I have FOBI - 'Fear of Being Included'). I felt at peace, like I was watching another movie play out while I got my own private screening of Guilin’s beauty.

And here’s what I realised: sometimes the real luxury isn’t in doing everything, but in giving yourself permission to do nothing. To just sit. Breathe. Notice.

If you ever find yourself in a place buzzing with activities, try it. Grab a drink, step away from the noise, and let yourself be still. Trust me — it might just be the best thing you “don’t do” on your whole trip. 😉

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When Hospital Visits Bring Good News and Gratitude

Recapping one of those "adulting" days at the hospital that turned out surprisingly great! 😊

Now that I'm in my mid-40s 🥹 and with a family history of heart issues (my late dad ❤️), I figured it was time for my first-ever stress test. I got myself the Stress Test package at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. A huge thank you to Dr. Ernest Ng for being so reassuring. The verdict is in: my heart is in good shape at this point! Such a weight off my shoulders. Phew!

Then, it was off to see my OBGYN, Dr. Paul Ng at the same hospital. This was a follow-up appointment for my IUD (treatment for heavy bleeding and cramps). When he looked at the ultrasound and let out a chuckle, my heart (which I just confirmed was fine) nearly leapt out of my chest. For a solid three seconds, I thought I was pregnant! Spoiler alert: I'm not! 😆

Turns out, he was just happy that the IUD is sitting perfectly in place – a huge relief after a previous one went rogue. It’s doing its job beautifully, and for that, I am so grateful. 🙏

So here's a summary: My heart is good, and my uterus is good! 🎉

The fun fact of the day? As the staff at the payment counter cheerfully pointed out, I had just seen the Ng brothers! "Ah, after seeing the younger brother (Dr. Ernest), now you are seeing the older brother (Dr. Paul)!" I think I got the sequence correct? 😆

I'm incredibly thankful for good doctors and good news. 🫶

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My Favourite Activity During My Taipei Holiday: Souvenir Stamps Collection

When most people think of souvenirs, they think of keychains, postcards, or local snacks. Well, I do too. But, during my recent trip to Taipei, I discovered a different, more personal way to capture my memories: collecting souvenir stamps. This small, simple activity quickly became my favourite part of exploring the city. It turned every metro ride into an adventure and every visit to a landmark into a treasure hunt.

What's Special About These Stamps?

For those who haven't been to Taiwan, the idea of souvenir stamps might be new. You can find these unique, often beautifully designed rubber stamps at nearly every metro station, tourist attraction, and even some government buildings. Each one features a design that represents the specific location – from the iconic architecture of Taipei 101 to the local character of a particular neighbourhood.

The quest for stamps often led me to places I might not have visited otherwise. It encouraged me to explore every corner of a museum and to stop at metro stations just to see what design they had. Then, when I flip through my notebook with the souvenir stamps in it, it is like taking a walk down memory lane. Each stamp tells a story and brings back a flood of memories from that day. This impromptu hobby gave my trip a fun, underlying mission. It made me pay more attention to the details of the city.

How to Start Your Own Taipei Stamp Collection

If you are heading to Taipei and want to start your own collection, get a notebook. Any small notebook will do! I used a simple, pocket-sized one that was easy to carry around. You can also find special stamp-collecting notebooks in many gift shops around the city.

Where to Look for These Souvenir Stamps?

Metro stations are perhaps, the easiest and most straightforward place to start. Most stations have a small table near the information counter with the stamp and an ink pad. Just have to look for them.

Tourist attractions like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and various temples all have their own unique stamps, often at the information or ticket counters. Or if you chance upon visitor information centre, you might be able to get special edition or city-themed stamps. Anyway, if you can't find a stamp, just ask the staff at these places! Most are happy to help and will point you in the right direction.

My Collection

Let me share some of my favourite stamps from my trip!

More souvenir stamps that I have collected on my Facebook page's album (MRT Stations & Impression Stamps in Taipei).

If you’re looking for a unique, personal, and budget-friendly way to remember your travels, I can’t recommend collecting souvenir stamps enough. It’s a simple joy that adds a whole new layer to exploring a city.

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Latest Family Favourite: Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack)

Photo source: Kpop Wiki

Thank you Netflix for this beautiful movie, "KPop Demon Hunters," with all its head-banging, jaw-dropping songs! My favourite song is the very inspirational "What It Sounds Like."

You need to watch the whole movie to understand the significance of "What It Sounds Like."

We broke into a million pieces, and we can't go back

But now we're seeing all the beauty in the broken glass

The scars are part of me, darkness and harmony

My voice without the lies, this is what it sounds like

Why did we cover up the colours stuck inside our head?

Get up and let the jagged edges meet the light instead

Show me what's underneath, I'll find your harmony

Fearless and undefined, this is what it sounds like

KPop Demon Hunters' full soundtrack album on Spotify

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