A Late-November Win: Why This Face Oil is a Game-Changer for Mature Skin

What a perfect way to wrap up November! Just before leaving the lab today, I finished an order for two 25 ml bottles of our signature face oil [1]. It’s always so fulfilling to send off a product knowing it’s going to someone who truly loves it.

I’ll admit, there was a small hiccup, my trusty portable printer was gasping for ink by the end! Note to self: figure out how to replenish that ink supply, ASAP.

But that little challenge was well worth it. The best part of this work? Hearing from our wonderful customers, many in their 40s and 50s, who keep coming back. Their feedback is the real proof: they consistently tell me how much this oil helps their mature skin.

And I can personally vouch for that.

As someone with mature skin myself, I’ve seen a huge difference. My skin is noticeably calmer and more resilient. Now, that doesn’t mean I’m immune to breakouts, especially when my hormones decide to go haywire during my cycle or as I navigate perimenopause. Add in a lack of sleep or feeling unwell, and my skin definitely lets me know.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? The recovery rate for mature skin is at least 50% slower than it was in my 30s. That reality is exactly why a consistent, thoughtful skincare routine is non-negotiable for me.

This commitment paid off in a big way just last week at my convocation. With my skin in a good place, my makeup applied smoothly. I used less product, and it didn’t settle into my fine lines and wrinkles. It was a win!

While people often tell me I have "good skin," what they don't see is the daily effort behind it. Consistency is everything. I’ve learned to listen to my skin and my body, normalizing daily notes and even pictures to track any changes. It’s my way of staying proactive and maintaining my skin’s best condition.

So, if you’re on your own skincare journey, remember to be kind to your skin. Listen to what it needs, and don't underestimate the power of a great face oil.

Until next time, have fun pampering your skin.

Reference:

[1] My face oil https://serinurulbeauty.blogspot.com/2025/05/3rd-batch-of-improvised-face-oil.html

A Surprise Guest: My Mango Tree is Blooming Again!

Talk about a wonderful way to end the day! I got home a little early this evening of 26 November 2025 and decided to have a look at my garden. To my absolute delight, I spotted tiny new flower buds forming on my mango tree!

It feels like it was just yesterday that we were enjoying the last harvest. I checked my notes, and it was actually 17 October 2025 when we picked the final fruit. It’s been such a busy season that I haven't even had the chance to give the tree its usual post-harvest trim.

Yet, here it is, full of ambition and ready for another round, all on its own. Nature’s resilience never ceases to amaze me.

Now, for the hopeful part. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that these little buds will make it all the way to becoming juicy mangoes. The fact that we’re having frequent night-time rains lately it is a quite a hard sign. Fingers crossed for a bountiful season ahead!

Until then, the gentle, rewarding work of tending continues. There’s nothing quite like the quiet joy of watching a tree you care for decide it’s time to bloom.

To all my fellow gardeners out there, have fun tending to your own green companions! You never know what lovely surprise might be waiting for you.

Nasi Lemak from Pasar Taman Universiti – Finally Got the Real Shot!

 19 June 2025, Morning Update

Snapped these pictures this morning. A freshly packed nasi lemak from Pasar Taman Universiti. I had been meaning to do this ever since a friend asked me about it two days ago. I tried searching online, but the photos I found just didn’t meet my standards. They are blurry, unclear, and definitely not the kind of shots that do justice to the real thing.

So, I decided to head out and get my own. There’s something satisfying about capturing the actual product. From the neatly wrapped packaging to the delicious sambal peeking through. Now I finally have the photos that truly show what makes this local favourite special.

Will be posting more soon if I get my hands on different variations. Until then, here’s to all the nasi lemak lovers out there. Nothing beats the real thing!

Portable fan as part of tool used daily

On the morning of 4 April 2025, I decided to test out my trusty portable fan. I switched it on at 9:40 AM and kept it running until 12:50 PM.

At the start, the battery showed 75%, and by the end of the session it dropped to 35%. Throughout the test, I set the fan on wind speed level 3 out of 5.

A good little check to see how well the battery holds up for a few solid hours of use!

Today’s Makeup Routine & Thoughts

In the morning of 5 November 2025, I wanted to document today’s makeup routine so I can track what works and what needs tweaking. Especially for my combination, maturing skin. Here’s the full sequence I followed this morning:

🧴 Skin Prep & Base

• Washed my face using Facial Wash with niacinamide.
• Applied moisturizing serum for a brightening boost.
• Layered aloe vera moisturizing gel as a hydrating mask.
• Applied face oil under the eyes and on the lips first, then spread the remaining over the entire face for nourishment.
• Applied sunscreen generously.
• Spritzed setting spray to help grip the base.

🎨 Makeup Application

• Applied 0.5 pump of foundation using fingers. 
• Added concealer under the eyes.
• Another light mist of setting spray.
• Set everything with loose powder all over the face and double-checked the under-eye area.
• Filled in eyebrows with brow gel.
• Lined the top waterline with black pencil.
• Used brow gel as eyeliner.
• Applied the darkest brown shade (on the right) to the outer eye corners for depth.
• Applied Elianto Blush in Desert Rose, then layered a soft pink blush (SilkyGirl Shimmer Duo Blusher) on top for a fresher look.
• Added highlighter to the inner eye corners and top of the cheeks.
• Used shading/contour powder along the nose, under the blush, and along the jawline.
• Finished with another setting spray mist.

⏰ Started at 8:30 AM, finished at 9:00 AM.

✅ Conclusion & Self-Notes:

Overall, the finish looked better than yesterday, so the adjustments are working. However, a few improvements for next time:

✨ Use a damp makeup sponge to blend foundation more evenly, especially around textured areas.

✨ Include a primer to minimize visible pores. Especially around the T-zone and nose.

I also watched a makeup tutorial for women aged 70+, and it reminded me how much technique matters for mature skin. Layering lightly, hydrating well, and choosing the right textures truly make a difference.

Happy with today’s progress  slow improvements, but definitely moving in the right direction! 🌸

Still learning, experimenting, and embracing the journey.

My Makeup Routine This Morning: Keeping It Simple and Fresh

This morning of 30 October 2025, I decided to do a light makeup look. Something clean and fresh to let my skin breathe.

I started with my skincare routine: toner, serum, and moisturizer. Once that settled in, I sprayed a light layer of makeup setting spray to prep my skin, then applied sunscreen for protection.

For my base, I skipped foundation and concealer. Just kept it minimal. I applied my 2-way cake compact powder using the MUFE powder brush, and it went on so smoothly. I noticed there were no smudges or uneven spots, probably thanks to the mud mask I’ve been using. After four sessions, it really helped reduce the whiteheads on my nose area. The last time I used it was last night, and it made such a difference!

After the powder, I applied gold brown eyeliner, followed by blush using the MUFE blush brush, and finished with lipstick. I also dabbed a bit of pink lip balm on my lips and cheeks earlier for a soft glow.

To seal everything in, I sprayed another light mist of makeup setting spray. And that’s it. A simple, fresh look for the day. One thing I noticed, portable handheld fan really helps a lot to cut down processing and prepping time. 

This is part of my little preparation routine for my graduation day next month. Hopefully, my skin stays in good shape until then. Wish me luck! 💕

Lunch with grilled lamb sirloin and steamed rice

Taken on the noon of 22 May 2025. 

The fully cooked grilled lamb sirloin in BBQ sauce.

The cooked steamed rice.

Cooking process. Cook in temperature 120̇ C for 15 minutes in oven. 

Until then, have fun enjoying good cooked food for lunch consumption.

DIY Car & Room Freshener – My Essential Oil Blend Experiment

19 June 2025, Morning Notes

This morning, I finally succeeded in making my own car and room freshener using a blend of four essential oils: rose, sandalwood, lavender, and jasmine. It was a fun little project, born out of necessity. Life has been getting busier lately, and my usual go-to (freshly cut pandan leaves) only lasts about 3 to 5 days before losing its scent. Constantly needing to prepare a new batch became a bit too much.

Hang the freshener set inside the car I am using to leave it fragrant. After arrived parking lot student in P06, FKE in the morning. 

The setup for the freshener set for lab usage. 

So, I turned to essential oils. A more lasting and flexible option. The scent combo feels calming and slightly luxurious, perfect for both the car and my room. I’ll be updating soon on how long the fragrance holds up and how it performs in different spaces.

Until then, have fun creating your own custom blends! There’s something deeply satisfying about experimenting with scents that suit your mood and space.

Selfie of the day

This is taken in the morning of 21 May 2025. 

After open spectacles. Can see the obvious melasma on my cheek area. Regardless, I am satisfied with my matured yet clear skin condition.

Until then, have fun in taking selfie of your daily make up for self monitoring on the skin condition.

My new go-to Hydrating & Plumping Face Serum

My secret to a dewy, supple complexion for matured skin.

Meet my simple, yet incredibly powerful, hydrating serum. With just three superstar ingredients, this blend is a moisture magnet, working to plump fine lines and restore that coveted healthy glow. Best of all, it’s gentle enough for every single skin type.

The Magic Trio Inside:

• Rose Water: A natural soothing agent that calms redness, balances your skin’s pH, and provides the first layer of hydration.
• Glycerine: A brilliant humectant that acts like a moisture magnet, drawing water deep into the skin to keep it hydrated, soft, and supple all day long.
• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from environmental stressors and helps to lock in all that precious moisture, supporting your skin’s natural barrier.

How To Use For Best Results:

Unlocking the full potential of this serum is all about technique. Follow these simple steps for maximum hydration:

1.  Apply to Damp Skin: Right after cleansing and toning, while your face is still slightly damp, dispense 3-4 drops into your palm.

2.  Press, Don’t Rub: Gently press the serum into your skin and neck. This helps the humectants pull the water deep into the skin layers.

3.  Seal It In: Immediately follow up with your favorite face oil or moisturizer. This final step is crucial. This helps it to "seals" all that hydration in, ensuring it doesn’t evaporate.

4.  Pro Makeup Tip: This is the perfect pre-makeup step! It creates a smooth, plump canvas, allowing your foundation to glide on flawlessly without settling into fine lines.

My Personal Experience:

After just one week of consistent use, the difference in my mature skin is undeniable. It feels more supple and resilient, looks noticeably moister, and has a clearer, more even tone. I also find it incredibly cooling and refreshing to apply, especially during hot and dry weather. An instant pick-me-up for my skin and my senses!

Give it a try and let your skin drink up the goodness.