It is the season of gifting and celebrations! Christmas has always held a special place in my heart and I was always looking forward to it as a child. I remember watching programmes on the television picturing families huddling together in front of the fire pit with the joyous bells of laughters of kids ringing across the background. Christmas is simple and filled with so much love and happiness. Oh, and let's not forget the magical element of Santa! Who believes in Santa? I still do and I always hope Santa would visit me one day.

Side note, it's the 21st century so nobody goes through Christmas without gifts. It has become the center of attraction for the entire holiday and to be honest, who would ever say no to gifts? This time, I've rounded up a couple of top favourites to make your shopping easier. Of course, Christmas is all about love, giving, sharing and spending quality time with your loved ones. There is no need to break your bank to make another "happy". And let's not forget to always be kind to the less fortunate. Something small to us might change another's outlook in life. Ramblings aside, let's start! I promise, I'll be typing lesser this time round. Enjoy! ;)

Stocking stuffers has probably come a long way since the OG Christmas days! This time round, we have very functional and amazing beauty saviours that are bound to make any happy. These are easy on the budget and yet sizeable enough for the user to gauge the product's efficacy. Whether if it's a gift or for your personal use, you are definitely in for a treat!

1. FRESH Frequent Flyer Skincare Set - $30
2. Fenty Beauty Mini Fairy Bomb Fun-Sized Glittering Pom Pom - $33
3. Kora Organics Luminizer - $39
4. INNISFREE My Lip Balm Holiday Gift Set - $11
5. L'Occitane Castel Shea Holiday Minis - $26
6. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - $30
7. PIXI Best of Bright Travel Kit - $34
8. Crabtree & Evelyn Join Hands Therapy Trio - $33
9. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Travel Ornament - $22
10. Philosophy Amazing Grace EDT Ornament - $38
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Of course, being a jet setter myself, I can never forget this category for the girl that is always on-the-go. She's a multitasker, a GOAL digger and one that never takes no for an answer. Everything listed here guarantees a supple glowing skin after a restful sleep. Oh and might I add, on top of makeup and skin savers, she definitely needs a good organizer to keep her in check! ;)

​1. FRESH Rose Retreat Petal Soft Skincare Set - $85
2. Crabtree & Evelyn Stairway to Sleep La Source Beauty Sleep Box - $85
3. Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil - $145
4. Urban Decay Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette - $76
5. FOREO Luna Mini 2 - $225
6. SKININC Rose Gold Optimizer Tri-Light Voyage - $398
7. Mark & Scribe Watch and Jewellery Case - $79.95
​8. GHD Gold Styler - $295
9. The Paper Bunny 2019 Compact Planner - $36.90

Last but not least, it is not a @winterchee gift guide without a touch of luxe! I love pampering myself and of course, it doesn't hurt if a certain someone in my life showers me with some luxurious gifts. If you want to surprise your loved ones with a little something extra, this category has it all sorted out! 

1. Cutler & Gross Square Frame Gold Tone Sunglass - $529.56
2. Chantecaille Gold Recovery Mask - $ 379.86
​3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream - $76.72
4. Chantecaille  Moonlit Perle Glow Powder - $118.56
5. Maison Margiela REPLICA Lazy Sunday Morning EDT - $145
6. Gucci Marmont Circle Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag - $1220.14
7. Charlotte Tilbury Bar Of Gold Palette - $57.90
8. 111SKIN Multi-Masking Planner - $68.12
9. Tom Ford Classic Eye & Lip Set - $203

Being at the mercy of time, I often find myself in denial, thinking that I can always be young. Sadly, some truths can never be hidden and I am definitely not shy of having one (or two) wrinkles slowly making its way to my face. I also see my skin looking dull and appearing older than it is. On top of that, due to the hectic pace of my ultra packed schedule and many late nights, I can NEVER find the energy to commit to an extensive night skincare regime. Usually, I will only slap on a thin layer of sleeping mask when my skin is feeling dry. I know, I am not the best with my skin, but I promise I am working on it!

That being said, there is finally some light on my constant lookout for a fuss-free night-time skincare product to treat the worry about my dull ageing skin. Eucerin® recently launched a 2-in-1 Hyaluron-Filler Overnight Treatment that not only sloughs away the signs of time, it also hydrates the skin. Eucerin® has been around the skincare market for a WHOPPING 130 YEARS so I'm sure they know what works and what doesn't! This dermatological brand is renowned for creating efficacious skincare that works even for sensitive skin. Sounds too good to be true? Read on and be amazed, the Hyaluron-Filler Overnight Treatment has been on my top-shelf ever since I tried it for the first time!

Prior to my trip, I had no idea what to expect and little information about this magnificent country was available online. Luckily, I was recommended Dragon Trails Tour after doing a vote on Instagram & it was honestly the best decision I have ever made. FYI, independent travel is forbidden in Bhutan therefore you will need to go through some form of an agency to get your trip sorted. I actually tried a couple concurrently but felt that Dragon Trails Tour were the most sincere in making my Bhutan experience a memorable one.

Today's post is going to be one of the most highly requested travel post because everyone is so curious about this "exotic" country. I will try my best to fill you in and give all the tips that I have but trust me, the experience is unique to each & is definitely not one to be missed. I went there with an open heart and now it is filled with beautiful memories. I can't wait to go back. 

Makeup removal, a habitual thing for all beauty addicts. With the surge of waterproof & long-lasting makeup in the market, makeup removal has certainly become a hassle if you are not using the right products. What more, everyone has different skin concerns so it is almost impossible to find a one-size-fits-all wonder. 

Having tested out a whole bunch of makeup removers, I sure do have a good idea on what works and what doesn't. Imagine my joy when I attended the exciting launch event of Bifesta's NEW Cleansing Lotions earlier this year! Boasting a whopping range of 5 different variations to target different skin type, the new  Bifesta Cleansing Lotion  definitely did shake up the beauty industry with their exciting revamp! Now 12x stronger to remove our high performance makeup, it still promises to be gentle on the skin. Not convinced? Read on as I put this new cleansing lotion to the test!

Lo and behold, the HIGHLY anticipated blog post that took me forever to write. You would think I am used to showing my bare (horrifying) skin even after being on social media for a good year or two. Turns out, immortalising the scary acne-filled predicament of my skin is probably one of the toughest decision I have ever done. Y'all know, acne is literally the bane of my existence and I am constantly so embarrassed by the state of my skin that I would NEVER leave the house without concealing my blemishes. Someone even referred to my face as a Magnum. If you do not understand, here's why:

Yup, tell me about it. Coincidentally, this is my favourite Magnum flavour too so props to a good reminder on how sad my skin was every time I take a bite out of this delicious goodness! Acne definitely packed a punch against my self-confidence. I did EVERYTHING to solve my acne problem and today, I will be sharing with you what works, and the other methods you should never waste your time on. Even till now, I still catch myself being overly critical about my physical appearance. Hence, writing this post not only serves as a reminder to myself, but to let you guys know that you should take a breather & be kinder to yourself! ​♥

Before I begin, I just want to highlight that acne is YOUR BODY telling you that it has enough. Enough of all the stress you put it through, enough of all the junk you ingest & enough of self-inflicted emotional/physical harm to yourself. There are many causes of acne, be it diet, stress, skincare etc; YOU need to find your cause and work towards solving that issue. Throughout the recent 2 years, I have discovered different causes of my acne and I will be sharing my journey along the way.

Wow, after a billion years of going MIA this year, I am finally back with a post and hopefully, just in time for you to snag up some amazing skincare must-haves! 2018 not only flew by for me, I barely have enough time to even sit down and talk to you guys. Nuff' said though, we have much to go through cuz' this 15% sale is definitely not one you want to miss! We only have a couple of hours left so let's get cracking!
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This limited edition baby is one you may one to invest in this sale. I have been putting this to the test for awhile before officially sharing my thoughts but so far, it has been nothing but an absolute pleasant experience. My skin LOOKS brighter, refreshed and rejuvenated after each use.

Light therapy has been an on-going aesthetic trend and it is great to give yourself an at-home facial instead of heading down to your aesthetic clinic. I used to pay about S$150 for a blue light treatment to get rid of my zits but now, I can do it at ease in my bedroom. Of course, the intensity is lower compared to the one in the clinic but having the Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light just beside my bed stand makes it so much more accessible. This device is updated with 2 additional therapy lights on top of their usual 3. The main function of the lights can be selected according to your skin's needs. The only downside is the hefty price tag. If you are looking to invest in this and can't wait for the annual 20% sale, this is definitely worth looking into!

I swear by REFA because it literally gives you an INSTANT face-lift without much hassle! You are advised to use this with their Face Up Cream but I use it on my bare skin every morning to give me a V jawline. However, do note that it does not work with any oil-based products so if you are unsure, just be like me! Bare skin is the way to go. ;)

If you are bored of your average sheet masking experience, take it to the next level with this nifty UFO device from Foreo! Tried, tested & loved, it is such a efficacious product that transforms your entire masking experience. Implementing LED Light Therapy & Advanced Hyper-Infusion Technology, the device helps to infuse all the goodness of the masks into your skin. Expect an ultimate, quick and easy facial for instant glowing skin. My personal favourite is the night selection as it has a calming heat treatment + sonic pulsations to calm my stressed out skin.
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I am SOY-OBSESSED and this is probably my all-time favourite cleanser that removes all my makeup without over stripping my skin. The limited edition version has 50ml more product but unfortunately, it is sold out online. You can always head down in stores to grab it. Trust me, this is definitely a deal you do not want to miss and once you go soy, you'll never go back! 

The Solid Cleansing Oil in this Double Cleanse is basically my ride-or-die! It is so powerful, it even removes your sunblock which is a well-known culprit for clogged pores! The Cleansing Cream isn't revolutionary but it does the job of being a good step-2 of your daily double cleanse. I love this so much and I will definitely repurchase it when it's out. 

Caolion is an underdog skincare brand in Sephora but their products are definitely formulated with a goal in mind! This Magic Black Powder Foam Cleanser gives a nice fluffy foam and effectively removes residual makeup and gunk from your skin. It is now permanently stashed in my luggage.
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I'm sure you saw this coming. A cult favourite of many and an instant sell-out in Sephora, this is definitely one not to be missed. It is a gentle exfoliating toner that leaves you with brighter, smoother & bouncier skin. My tough skin definitely needs some acid love so it is such a dream for me!

This is such a great calming toner for your skin and plus, it smells divine! I love soaking a couple of cotton pads with this toner and leaving it on my face like a face mask. After just 5 minutes, my skin feels refreshed and hydrated. If you have yet to try anything from Mamonde, I would highly recommend this toner that is well-loved by many!
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I only have one recommendation under this category cuz' nothing beats this powerhouse that works on ALL skin types. I have oily skin and it worked like a dream. I gave this to my friend who suffers from severe dry skin and it worked like magic for her too. It is a must-have for everyone and if you are a frequent flyer, this moisturiser will be your skin's best friend! 
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If you are new to Sunday Riley, I highly recommend getting the power couple set that consists of Good Genes & Luna Oil. Good Genes, used in the morning, is formulated with Lactic Acid to exfoliate your skin. Lactic Acid has the largest molecule size so it is much more gentler compared to other acids and suits even those with sensitive skin.
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A viral oil that is probably in every beauty junkie's shelf, Sunday Riley's Luna Sleeping Night Oil is one of the few oils that I truly enjoy. Applied nightly, the retinol in this oil helps to reverse the signs of ageing as well as minimise your pores for smoother, younger skin. Awake to a revitalised canvas every morning and watch your skin gradually improve with each use!

With a rose quartz ball applicator, this is the ultimate eye pampering experience to hydrate and refresh your eyes. It is not oily at all and I use this both day & night just cuz' I wanna be a step closer to being as gorgeous as Miranda Kerr. 
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​Starskin Pro Micro-Filler Mask Pack

You have no idea how AMAZING this makes your skin feel until you've tried it yourself. I had a small patch test on the top of my hand during Sephora's Fall Press Day and the results were AMAZING! My skin was bouncier, softer, brighter, hydrated & all the other good stuffs, I was instantly blown away!

It has HA micro-pyramids that is meant to create tiny holes in your skin (just like micro-needling). When you apply the bio cellulose mask after, it instantly dissolves the little Hyaluronic Acid pyramids which is then absorbed into your skin. The "injury" on the skin provides better absorption of the product. It is such a great mask but you definitely gotta be rich af to use it frequently! Nonetheless, it is still a product that I highly recommend.

Another instant miracle worker, Dr Jart+ firming rubber mask gives you an instant tighter jawline. My only issue? It is severely overpriced here in Sephora! If you can, get it in Korea. Otherwise, snag this baby up during the 15% sale.

Oh my goodness, this Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask is god-sent for those who are after the Korean glass skin trend. The first time I had it on, I woke up to glossy, plumped and perfect skin. It was love at first use and I wish I can have an infinite stash of this. BOMB AF, it is a mask-have for all luminous skin lovers!
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10 points for those who already guessed that this is going to be on my list. I am so obsessed with this mask (it smells funky though). Whenever my skin is looking a little tired or dull, I'll whip this out for a quick 5 minute pick-me-up and bam! My glow returns and my skin feels so loved right after! I have recommended this to many and they all tell me how much they love it. So if you have yet to invest in this, now's the right time to do so!

Strangely, Arcona is a brand that is not highly talked about even though their products are so good! This is my favourite out of the lot. A volcanic exfoliating mask that heats up when in contact with your skin. The heat opens up the pores for the clay to draw out any impurities. As you wash it off with water, the volcanic sand exfoliates the skin leaving you with smoother, brighter and ultra clean skin. It is my go-to heavy duty clay mask whenever my skin is looking like it has gone through the worst of hell and came back again. 
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The KING of all sleeping masks, Laneige Water Sleeping Mask should be in everyone's beauty stash just cuz' it is basically what started the sleeping mask trend. Not only does it actively restores moisture back to the skin, it even promotes better and deeper sleep all thanks to its fragrance technology! My favourite is the Lavender version as it instantly calms my nerves and puts me into a deep, restful sleep.

To be honest, this is the only product that I have tried once and made the list. I used it right before taking a 13 hour red-eye flight to Europe and for once, I had ZERO breakouts after the journey. I can only attribute it to this product and thank it for protecting my skin from all the germs on air. I will continue to put this to the test but first impression, score!!!
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Healthy, glowing skin is all that I am looking for right now and this is a clear winner amongst all the other skin mists in the industry. I can never leave my house without dousing my face with this! It is a cult-favourite for a reason and if you spot someone with glorious dewy skin, it's probably this!

Phew! That is a hefty post of recommendations. I hope you guys enjoyed reading through my quick thoughts on every product. I have tried them all personally myself so these are all my top-shelves which I highly recommend. Thank you for reading and see y'all in the next one!

xx
​Winter