Interview with Dr. Murad

As quoted from Vogue

As a dermatologist, pharmacist and Professor of Medicine and California's UCLA, and with an accumulated mass of 50,000 clients throughout his career, Dr. Howard Murad's credentials as a skincare guru need no further introduction. Here he discusses his unique, holistic approach to treating the skin.

Q: What's more important, caring for your skin on the inside or the out?
Since eighty per cent of the skin is made up of the dermal layer, which sits below the surface, the single most important way to care for your skin is to treat it internally, through proper nutrition and supplementation. That said, taking care of the other twenty percent through cleansing, treatments and moisturizers is essential to keep your skin looking wonderful, too.

Q: What else can we do to keep skin nourished during the winter months, aside from a rich moisturiser?
It's important to remember that skin needs to be hydrated from the inside as well as the outside. That means more than just drinking water - it means taking targeted supplements that contain lipids like Omega 3 EFAs to help your body build strong cells that retain and attract water, and antioxidants to help protect cells against free radical damage that can make them weak and leaky.

Q: What is the one major mistake most women make with their skincare regime?
While many people have a skincare regimen that includes cleansing, toning and moisturising, they frequently ignore the most important step - the treatment product. Incorporating a treatment product that targets your specific concerns - such as wrinkles, acne or sun damage - is the surest and fastest way to see a noticeable improvement in your skin.

Visit www.murad.com for more information.

Skin Care Ingredient : Hydroquinone

This is my first entry on beauty ingredients.
I have always been so ignorant on the ingredients used in my beauty products but ever since I started on this blog and reading about others' blogs, I decided to start reading up on skin care ingredients so that I know what I have been using all along on my face.

Knowing the name of ingredients and whats in your daily beauty essentials meant :
- you know what you are paying for
- you know what its expected to perform
- you know how effective it may be
- you know if it will be harmful to you with prolonged usage

These are things which no one will ever tell you, not your beautician, your dermatologist or your beauty promoter.
So lets us start sharing our beauty knowledge from this entry onwards.
Look out for my skin care ingredient glossary list.

Asians have always been quite obsessed with whitening, including myself so I started with this ingredient :

Hydroquinone

Some whitening face creams in the market use this ingredient, claiming it to be able to whiten your skin tone.
In short, its a skin bleaching lightening ingredient, a maximum of 2% is sold over the counter; higher concentrations available by prescription.

Hydroquinone products are popular for their skin-lightening properties, usually marketed for reducing age spots and blemishes.
It works by decreasing the production and increasing the breakdown of melanosomes (melanin pigment granules) in the skin's pigment cells (melanocytes). It does this by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme needed to make melanin.

Hydroquinone tends to thin the skin, making it more photosensitive, but the sun in turn increases melanin production, reducing the effects of hydroquinone. As such, hydroquinone should always be used with a sunscreen.

Hydroquinone has been linked to
- the medical condition known as ochronosis in which the skin becomes dark and thick
- being harmful to an unborn baby and nursing baby
- cancer
- liver and kidney failure
- developmental toxicity
- mercury poisoning

A more detailed read on the dangers of Hydroquinone can be found here

" Prolonged use of Hydroquinone will thicken collagen fibers damaging the connective tissues resulting in rough blotchy skin leaving it with a spotty darkened appearance. These dangerous products can also thin the skin, leaving it with irreversible stretch marks. A common result of skin bleaching with these dangerous ingredients is a condition called ocronosis in which the pigment drops into the dermis making it almost impossible to remove. Many have reported a blackening of the skin that looks worse than the original brown spots ever did. And sadly, once this damage has been done, it is usually irreversible. Mercury will slowly accumulate within the skin cells striping the skin of it’s natural pigment leaving behind a grayish/blue pigmentation in the folds of the skin. In the long term the chemical will damage vital organs and lead to liver and kidney failure and mercury poisoning. "

Note :
- Do not use benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products when using hydroquinone.
- Do not use when you are pregnant or breast-feeding

Its been reported to be used in the following product types:
- skin fading/lightener
- facial moisturiser/treatment
- products with SPF
- anti-aging
- hair colour & bleaching
- concealer
- facial cleanser
- toners/astringents

Products with Hydroquinone are considered as "gold-standard" products used by dermatologist to lighten your skin.

Read the label on your beauty products now.
Does it contain hydroquinone?

DIY on volume, curls and straightened hair

Great Volume

Use volumizing shampoos with the ingredient polyquaternium-10

To style: Choose a volumizing mousse that contains copolymers, such as polyquaternium-4. These ingredients hold your hair away from your scalp, creating long-lasting lift. Enhance the lift by flipping your hair over while you blow-dry and using a big, round brush to finish styling.

Create Curls

For one-day curls: Tears up an old T-shirt into 12 to 15 cloth strips and dousing them with volumizing spray. Next, roll up your damp hair in the strips, knotting the ends to secure them. Last, blow-dry the strips, then allow the curls to set for an additional 15 minutes. Undo and finger-comb hair.

Iron out the kinks

Prep damp hair with straightening lotion, then blowing it dry using a medium-to-large round, natural-bristle brush. Work in small sections, starting around your face (where waves emerge first). Finish with a flatiron.

Are you beauty savvy enough?

I came across these questions from Marie Claire and thought I just include in my blog for some fun.
Do you know the answers?

1) Which of these are natural teeth whiteners?
A. Green tea
B. Strawberries
C. Lemons
D. Bananas

2) What's the best kind of lip balm to prevent chapping?
A. Petroleum jelly
B. Flavored
C. Cocoa Butter
D. Tinted

And the answers are...

1) B & C

2) C
Cocoa butter. Some common ingredients in lip balm can actually have an adverse effect. Mineral oil (petroleum jelly) creates an artificial film on your lips, signaling your skin to stop producing lipids, while funky flavors, perfumes, and colors can also dry out skin. To prevent chapping, look for natural-oil-infused balms or those with shea and cocoa butter.

Nicole Ritchie's beauty products

Style icon, jewellery designer, yummy mummy du jour – after a turbulent teendom, it now seems Nicole Richie can do no wrong in the eyes of the press and wannabe fashionistas everywhere

Her essential beauty products :
- Kiehls Lip Balm #1 : the one beauty prdouct alays in her bag
- Rodial Tummy Tuck : a cult product which is a favourite with A-list yummy mummy (incl Madonna & Elle), contains figextract and neuro-peptide formula that really works

Review on Loreal White Perfect Zooming Spot Corrector

L’Oreal White Perfect Re-Lighting Whitening Zooming Spot Corrector contains Ellagic Acid, which is an anti-oxidant that prevents dark spots from forming. Enriched with Ellagic Acid and Melano-Block™, it also helps to lighten dark spots by reducing the appearance of melanin.

Commonly found in some vegetables, nuts and fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates, walnuts and cranberries, Ellagic Acid contains contains polyphenolic, a naturally occurring compound that has strong antioxidant properties.

After starting to develop a slight pigmentation on the right cheek, I started to source for a spot corrector. For some unknown reason, I have always been attracted to Loreal products due to its claims and affordable price range.
Not surprisingly, I picked up a Loreal spot corrector to give it a try.

And as with all other Loreal products which I tried ( cleansers, toners, eye gel, etc ), it was another disappointing Loreal product for me. It simply did not work out.

My slight pigmentation did improve but I believe its largely due to my TDF C scrape serum (read my review here) than anything else because of the fact that once I stopped the serum, my pigmentation stayed the same.

Review on Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser

This cleanser under the Dermalogica brand, is usually highly recommended for those with sensitive skin so it comes as no surprise that my beautican recommended me this.

I have never look back since, because this cleanser is simply awesome!

This extremely gentle cleansing gel-cream that combats environmental assault with Dermalogica's exclusive Anti-Ozonate Complex can be used for the face and eyes. It helps to protect and soothe skin sensitized by pollution, temperature extremes, irritating cosmetic products, harsh detergents, chemical exposure, stress, poor diet or hormonal factors.

It claimed to be effective enough to remove eye make-up, and can be either rinsed off or gently removed with cotton. Leaves no irritating residue and is formulated for even the most hypersensitive skin that cannot tolerate water. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Main Ingredients :

• Anti-Ozonate Complex helps to shield skin from environmental assault.
• Lavender, Echinacea, Raspberry and Cucumber extracts help calm the skin.
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) help heal irritated skin.

All Ingredients :

Lavandula Angustifolia(Lavendar) Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Citrus Medica Limonium (Lemon) Extract, Fumaria Officinalis Extract, Fumaric Acid, Cucumis Sativis (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium CHloride Phosphate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Cetrimonium Bromide, Acrylkates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, AMinomethyl Propanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Why I like it :

- does not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

- gentle for daily use

- does not make my skin feels tight

- comes highly recommended for sensitive skin

Its available in Leonard Drake salons and salons which sells Dermalogica products, however note that if you get it via strawberrynet or US sites, its much cheaper.

Type of facial masks

Recharge and revive your complexion with a twice-weekly facial mask.

A face mask is designed to deliver a concentrated dose of conditioning or deep cleansing ingredients where your skin needs them most. Left on for only a short time they have fabulous skin enhancing benefits.

I love masks and is a mask-fanatic.
I feel very relaxed when I have a mask on my face.
So usually, after a scrub, I will apply a mask.

Depending on my needs, it can be a tube mask or a sheet mask.
Sheet mask is very convenient, just use and throw away while tube mask can last you for a while. Whatever it is, so long it works for you, its a keeper!

Skin condition : Clogged pores, blackheads, oily
Type of mask : Clarifying, detox or purifying

Skin condition : Tired, stressed and dull
Type of mask : Soothing, anti-fatigue, nourishing, replenishing or revitalising

Skin condition : Hyperpigments, freckles and uneven tone
Type of mask : Whitening or brightening

Skin condition : Dehydrated, jet-lagged and sensitised
Type of mask : Soothing, hydrating or moisturising

Skin condition : Sagging, wrinkles, lines and dehydration due to hormone changes
Type of mask : Contouring, firming, rejuvenating, anti-aging and lifting
Recommendation : Read my review

Review on Bioglo Collagen Mask

This is one of my all-time favourite mask.

An intensive hydrating and firming treatment mask with hydrolised marine collagen, moisturising hyaluronic acidand age-defying antioxidants, it helps to

- stimulates collagen production and replenishes collagen in the skin

- reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- reduces sagging and firms skin
- rehydrates and moisturises dry skin

Ingredients:
Water, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Dibromo-2, 4-Dicyanobutane, Vitamin E

Collagen, which accounts up to 75% of skin tissue, plays an essential role in maintaining skin tone, suppleness and elasticity. It helps create that smooth, firm skin and natural healthy glow we all had when we were young. Unfortunately, the production of collagen declines at a rate of 1.5% yearly after age 25. The gradual degradation of collagen in the skin results in visibly dry, dull, wrinkled, and sagging skin.

I love this mask for

- being hydrating enough

- gives smooth and supple skin

- having a nice relaxing fragrance

- gives slightly firmer skin

Just one sheet alone helps to replenish the moisture back to my skin so whats not to love about this mask? It beats applying hydrating mask day after day.

It gives me smooth and supple skin just after the first application.

You can get it from any Cosway supplier.

Learn Julie Roberts's hair trick

Quoted from Glamour, part the front couple of inches of your hair at an angle and then brush the back half of your hair straight back, so you get a little lift back there (though a bit of backcombing will help if you need it).
This is just so simple, yet looks so chic!
Don't you think Julie Roberts look so pretty?

What's Cindy Crawford beauty secret?

At 41 and mother of twp, Cindy Crawford still looks so good.
So whats her tip?

She keeps her complexion fresh by spraying her face with a mist of whole milk and mineral water. This creates a dewy, fresh-faced effect that lasts all day long!

"You can get any plastic surgery in the world, but hair color is what enables women to look younger longer. I've also become more aware of hair health...I give myself a hair treatment when I'm in my sauna to keep it conditioned."

Indian Beauties

Did you notice all Indians, regardless of gender have beautiful luscious eyelashes?
One wonders what is in their genes to get those super long and super curly black eyelashes?

Other than their beautiful eyelashes, they also have beautiful eyes and skin.
So what is their beauty secret?

Aishwarya Rai
- keeps to her skin regimen
- drinks at least eight glasses each day, if not more.

Sushma Reddy
- begin her day with a huge jar of watermelon juice to body-cleanse.
- meditate to find inner peace.

Yana Gupta
- drinks coconut water more than normal water
- uses coconut paste to cleanse her skin.

Aditi Govitrikar
- follows the Rainbow Diet : adds 3 colours to her diet every day. Green/Red/Orange
- moisturises her skin faithfully

Review on The Natural Source Hi-Shine Hair Mask

I bought this hair mask quite some time back and have been using this on a weekly basis.

This product have earned itself "Best Hi-Shine Mask" from The Cleo Beauty Hall of Fame 2005 and have gotten some faithful followers from around the world.

A protein packed hair-glossing treatment for all hair types, it brings dull, tired and stressed hair back to life and gives the hair an incredible softness, fluidity and glossy appearance.

It is supposed to

- Provides hair with high concentrations of protein and other nutrients to strengthen and improve the overall health of the hair and scalp.

- Revitalises hair, giving it incredible softness, fluidity and shine.

- Protects hair from breaking and makes hair more resilient to stresses such as heat treatments (hair drying) and sun exposure.

- Smooths hair strands, coating them with the finest glossy protective film.

- Keeps hair hydrated to prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.

Main active ingredients:

Wheat Germ Protein - contains a combination of lipids, pure mineral salts and vitamin E that help to optimise the balance between hair texture and suppleness.

Silk protein - Derived from silk polymers. Facilitates brushing, provides protection against the sun and drying, and coats the hair with a fine, protective glossy film.

Panthenol - Boost tissue reproduction and is an effective supplement to nourish and strengthen the hair roots and strands.

So is this product effective on my hair?

I will give an absolute yes.

It smells good, detangle my hair and made it smooth.

I did not see any shine though but the pros outweighs the cons so it does not matter to me.

Upon application, you can feel an immediate difference. Its silky smooth to the touch.

After washing it off, you can still feel the silkness and softness.

In fact, shampoos or conditioners with Panthenol always made the hair silk smooth.

So what is exactly Panthenol?

It is usually known as a humectant, emollient and moisturizer. It binds to the hair shaft readily and is a frequent component of shampoos and hair conditioners (in concentrations of 0.1-1%).

If you want silky soft hair, then you definitely have to try this hair mask.

After shampoo, just apply this for a 5 to 10mins and then wash it off.

You do not even need to follow up with any conditioner.

How to look slim with the right hairstyle

Many years ago, I never really care about my hairstyle. To me, so long its neat and fuss-free, its considered good. I had short hair during my school days as its easy to maintain.

When I started work. I decided to perm my hair and it totally transformed my look from a young girl to a lady. Its from that point that I realize that hairstyle is actually one way to transform your look, other than make-up.

As I have cherubic cheeks, I am always finding ways on what kind of hairstyles suit me and
hair above the chin is an absolute no-no.

So, am I glad that Elle have came up with an interesting article which made you look slimmer with the right hairstyle. Now, isn't that the best news in the world for ladies who always wanted to look slim?

According to Elle , you can look as though you have shed pounds without actually doing so.
How? With the right hairstyle for your look.

Loose Half-Updo
If hair is pulled straight back, face looks rounder because the temple is the widest part of the face. To soften the look, pull some hair down around your cheekbones to create a frame around the face.

Wispy Ponytail
When wearing a ponytail, make sure it’s soft and high, then play around with what type of fringe looks best with your bone structure.

Heightened Crown
Adds length to the face by coaching it up vertically. The added height makes the face look slimmer: Elongates the face and adds visual interest

Lovely Layers
Don’t wear long hair longer than the chest and create movement with layers that frame the face.

Side-Swept Bangs
For round face, a straight-across bang is a no-no.
Cut bangs gently around your face and cheekbones and watch out for bangs cut too short.

Review on The Body Shop Vitamin C Eye Reviver

Containing Vitamin C as a brightening radiance boost to the eye area, it also helps to neutralise free radicals.
Its white gel-cream form is light and non-greasy, suitable for everyday use.

Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant that fights off free radicals that damage the skin, aids the skin in producing collagen to help prevent wrinkles and reduces melanin formation.

Ingredients :
Vitamin C - powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin against damaging environmental elements, such as the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke. Helps neutralise free radicals, which are destructive molecules that attack cells and harm the skin.
Orange flower water - Gently refreshes and hydrates the skin. Is known to be beneficial for dry and more mature skin.

So how does this product fares?

Well, it does nothing to my eye area. There is no brightening effect and it does nothing to help to reduce my dark circles.

In general, how well a skincare product with Vitamin C fares, depends on its formulation, as in some products, the formulation may not be enough to make an impact.

At $32.90 for 15ml, you can forget about it.

 

Full Ingredients :

Aqua (Water) (Solvent/Diluent), Cyclomethicone (Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Persea gratissima (Avocado Oil) (Emollient), PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate (Emollient/Skin Conditioner), Zea mays (Corn Oil) (Emollient), Lecithin (Stabiliser/Emulsifier), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer (Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer) (Emulsion Stabilizer), Mica (Opacifier), Benzyl Alcohol (Preservative), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Antioxidant), Lanolin (Emollient), Polysilicone-11 (Film Former), Hydroxyethylcellulose (Stabiliser/Thickener), Barium Sulfate (Opacifier), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster), Sodium Gluconate (Chelating Agent), Methylparaben (Preservative), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Butylparaben (Preservative), Ethylparaben (Preservative), Isobutylparaben (Preservative), Propylparaben (Preservative), CI 77891 (Colour).

Review on Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

This is one of my all-time favourite.

Super-saturated hydration for the driest skin conditions, this intensive hydrating fluid revitalizes parched skin. Hydrates, smoothes and minimizes fine lines with a concentrated blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Glycolipids and Algae Extract to restore moisture balance.

Hyaluronic Acid: provides increased hydration and improved elasticity.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): aids in skin repair and hydration.
Algae Extract: nutrient rich; helps restore moisture balance while softening skin.

I love this product because it never fails to hydrate my skin.
As this is meant to be a booster to add hydration to your moisturiser, I use this before my moisturiser, after my cleanser and toner whenever my skin feels dry or as a daily supplement to my usual skincare to boost up my hydration.
Its transparent gel is light and non-greasy.

You just need to squeeze a small amount and gently massage all over your face and throat.

You can get it at $115 in major salons which carries Dermalogica products.
Its expensive but its worth it and lasts me for almost 8 months.
Alternatively, get it overseas from USA websites, its much cheaper.

Update (10th Nov 2011) :
After using several bottles of this booster, I no longer found this to be effective on my skin. It made no difference with or without using this. I have to let it go now.

Review on Dermalogica Special Clearing Booster

I use this product whenever I have the occassional zit which usually occurred on my chin area.

This is a topical gel treatment to combat breakouts.
Containing 5% concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide fortified with Alginated Zinc Triplex and soothing botancials, helps to speed blemish clearing.
Soothing Alginated Zinc Triplex helps to control acne-causing bacteria while controlling sebum production.

Benzoyl Peroxide is an ingredient widely used in association with acne treatment.
It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent which can helps to reduce blemishes and pimples.

However, as a side note, note that Benzoyl Peroxide can be drying and irritating so use sparingly and apply to problem area only.
It can also cause sun sensitivity so its best to apply at night before you sleep and thats what I usually did.

I actually find this pretty drying and may leave the area around my zit peeling.
As far as I know, some blemish gel works by drying up the pimple but I do find this gel pretty harsh.
My beautician did advise me to apply this together with the hydrating mask but I never did got round to doing it.

I just try to avoid reapply it too many times and when it did peel, I will use a hydrating mask over the peeling area.
However, as I mentioned before, Dermalogica hydrating masque is just too mild to be efficient on the peeling area.

Application :
Squeeze a small amount onto fingertip and apply directly to breakout and allow to dry.
Repeat application every 6-8 hours.
Use sparingly.

I got it at $83 for 30ml and last me quite a long time.

Clarins 10 Day supply samples

Don't you just love it, if you can try out samples first, before getting the full size?
To try out if the product suits your skin, before spending to get the full size, only to realize with dismay that its not working.
Thats what Clarins is doing now.

If you are keen in trying out Clarins sample, now is the best time to try it.
They are generous in giving out samples.
The 3 small tubes are more than enough to use over 10 days.
Just follow this link to choose among their popular products.

Review on Vichy Normaderm Drying & Concealing Anti-imperfection stick

My best kept secret on fighting against zits!

This is a natural camouflaging cover stick that dries up and clears imperfections.
It contains salicylic acid which is best known for its use in anti-acne treatments. It dries blemishes and makes them disappear.

With its tint, it helps to camouflage the blemish/zit while treating it at the same time.

Why I love this product :

• tinted which blend into my skin tone, so that I can use it to cover my zit
• treat at the same time, who doesn't want that?
• not too drying on my skin so that it doesn't peel
• effective and fast
• handy and convenient to carry it around

Usually if a zit is coming up, the affected area would turn slightly red, so thats a sign to alert me that a zit is on its way. What do I do then?

Every morning, after my moisturiser, I will apply my tinted sunscreen first, followed by this concealer. Blend it well so that the spot will not be that obvious.

At night, I will follow with my Dermalogica special clearing booster

Main Ingredients :
Lipo-hydroxy-acid and Vichy Thermal Spa Water

You can get this product at $23.90 at Guardians or Watsons. Try it and tell me if it works for you.

Kate Moss Beauty Products

Quoted from Glamour Magazine, Kate Moss uses

(1) Crème De La Mer Moisturising Cream
Made her skin feel fresh and glowy. With a formula that boasts of sea kelp, calcium, potassium, iron, Vitamins C, E and B12, plus oils of citrus, eucalyptus and sunflower, it’s not hard to see why Kate trusts her supermodel skin to such a super anti-ageing buy.

(2) Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel
With a hectic lifestyle, Kate is prone to the odd spot of problem skin. This overnight treatment is an A-list favourite and designed to help clear skin congestion, slough off pore-clogging skin cells and banish future break-outs.

(3) Jo Wood Tula Exfoliating Salt Scrub
La Moss calls upon gal pal Jo Wood to keep her skin in check with this oh-so luxurious salt scrub. Formulated with dead sea salt and extracts of both jojoba and apricot, it helps moisturise and gently exfoliate the skin to leave bods invigorated, smooth and smelling sublime.

(4) Philosophy Kiss Me
This kiwi, vitamin E and sweet almond-rich wonder creates a natural sheen and leaves lips super smooth and super soft.

(5) Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Body Lotion
Kate trusts her supermodel skin to this cult classic and award-winning body cream. Super-enriched and ultra-nourishing , with a deliciously creamy, buttery texture and, being stacked with oodles of skin-loving ingredients like cocoa butter and sesame seed oil, it leaves your bod silky smooth and begging to be touched.

(6) Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil
This hero product from beauty giants Clarins – the rich essential oil instantly nourishes and revitalises dehydrated skins, which makes it an essential buy for party girls too!

(7) James Brown Hair Reviving Dry Shampoo
Shake up your locks á la Kate and spritz this ultra-fine powder spray through the roots and ends to absorb oil, minimise static and give locks that signature James Brown London scent to really freshen up your style

Review on Vichy Rehydrating Thermal Mask

After having good experiences with Vichy products (read my review on its concealing wand), I did not hesitate when I saw this in Watsons.

At that time, I was in need of getting a hydrating mask so when I chanced upon this mask, with its signature thermal water, I decided to get it.

This mask, with a cream-gel texture, containing its signature thermal spa water, also incorporates Serine and Enteline to give intense and rehydration. It also helps to smoothens and softens skin and is suitable for all skin types.

Active Ingredients :

Vichy Thermal Spa Water, rich in calcium, magnesium and zinc.

Serine, a powerful natural water fixing agent.

Enteline, soothing and softening seaweed extract.

I kept this in the fridge and after my normal cleansing, I will use it twice a week for 10 mins. Just apply a generous layer to the skin for 10mins.

So whats my verdict on the mask?

Sad to say, it was a sore disappointment.

I develop an allergic reaction to the mask.

Upon the first few minutes of application, my face turns flushing hot, red and itchy.

Even after washing it off, it was still hot, red and very itchy.

At that point, I did not realize it was due to this mask. I thought my skin was being too sensitive on that night, it did not occur to me that it could be due to this mask.

After 2 more subsequent usages, I realized it was my allergic reaction to this cream-gel mask and I was quite upset and worried that my skin may not recover properly.

Thank goodness, my skin recovered thereafter.

It was a very bad experience.

Other than the sensitivity issue, the mask does not provide much moisture to the skin.

Before and after effects remained the same, but then again, it could also be underperforming due to my allergic reactions.

Do share your experience with me if you are one of the users, do you like this mask?

Review on Clinique skin calming moisture mask

I am always on the quest for good hydrating mask.
During my trip to USA last year, I saw this in the duty-free shop, it was real affordable as compared to Singapore, at about S$20 so I decided to give it a try.

Actually, I have always been a bit anti-clinique, since secondary school days.
It could largely be due to the fact that I used to accompany a good friend of mine to Clinique counters to get products. She is a big fan of Clinique products and believe in it. But I saw her skin broke out in pimples whenever she tried those products that she bought and the promoter says its normal as it is to purge out those toxins.
I was highly skeptical of the effectiveness of the products. Serious.
Another good friend of mine also sweared by this product.

The image have always been in my head so I never want to try Clinique products. I meant, if its going to give me pimples, no way am I getting close to them.

But seeing this affordable good deal, I decided to give it a shot. Sadly, its a disappointment. Its just not for me.
This moisture mask is a light creamy white mask served to give in-depth comfort to dry, dehydrated skin. It can also helps to soothe redness.

But it did not materialized for me. In fact, after 5mins of application, my face becomes itchy.
I quickly washes it off. Thankfully, my face did not turn red, which happened to some of the masks which are not suitable for me.

I cannot comment further on the soothing effect since I have developed an allergic reaction to it. It would not be fair to Clinique.
There was also no moisturising effect as well. In fact, I do not feel any difference after the mask.

So I guess, I will not be using this product anymore.

Review on The Body Shop Honey Moisturising Shampoo

According to The Body Shop, this is a rich, creamy, moisturising and gently cleansing shampoo that leaves the hair softer, more manageable and healthy-looking meant for Dry/Damaged/Chemically Treated Hair.

It contains much goodness :

Organic honey from Zambia - Moisturises and helps condition the hair, aiding combing and adding shine.
Brazil Nut Oil - Moisturises the hair, helping to leave it feeling soft.
Organic Olive oil - Moisturises the hair.

But the shampoo itself did not mention anything about having no lather at all.
I am not used to shampoos that cannot lather because it almost felt that I am not washing my hair which in turn made me feel that my hair is still greasy after shampoo-ing.

If you are one of those who do not mind using shampoos which do not lather, then try getting this for its moisturising ingredients.

As for myself, I guess I will not be seeing this product in my bathroom again.

Review on Biotherm UV DETOX Detoxifying Multi-Defense Fluid SPF 50

I used to love this product and was already in my 3rd tube before realizing that its no longer that effective on me. Perhaps I needed something stronger.

This UV Detox fluid is a liquid-like sunscreen which combines anti-UVB filters with patented Mexoryl® SX, a powerful, light-stable sunscreen for optimum protection from UVA/UVB light (SPF 50).
It also contains a detox complex (sericoside and detoxylase) to neutralize epidermal toxins* generated by pollution and Pure Extract of Thermal Plankton to soothe the skin. Instantly freshens and evens complexion.
With optimum protection from pollution and UV light every day, the skin regains its natural radiance.

Just remember UVA - A for aging and UVB - B for burning.

MEXORYL SX is the most effective FDA-approved organic filter designed to protect against short UVA rays (maximum absorption at 344nm) with high photostability, a key factor in sunscreen protection efficacy. This high photostability means the sunscreen will maintain a higher UVA protective ability longer and not degrade as quickly as other FDA approved UVA filters when exposed to the sun.

I was keen in this product due to its Mexoryl® SX.
I also like the fact that its SPF 50 and is light and not as greasy as I thought it will be.
The addition of Pure Extract of Thermal Plankton to soothe my skin is an added bonus.

However, after using the 3rd tube and reading up on sunscreen protection, I just feel that this
sunscreen may not be providing the adequate protection that I need because I am starting to develop a slight pigmentation.
Is my application not thorough enough? Or was it wrongly applied?
There have been some debate that chemical sunscreen should be applied on clean skin before moisturiser.

Anyhow, I am now looking out for a physical sunscreen which includes Titanium Dioxide and Zine Oxide or a PA+++ for broad spectrum protection. ( PA+++ usually used in Japanese products )
Titanium Dioxide for sensitive skin and Zine Oxide to protect myself against long UVA rays.
The SPF factor measures how long you are protected from burning.

If you were intending to get this, I will suggest you to try the first tube, before deciding on its effectiveness.

There have been industry claims that Mexoryl® is the most photostable organic filter for UVA/UVB rays yet in this article from Environmental Protection Agency , it states that zinc oxide is the best ingredient to protect against UVA/UVB rays.
Another article which supports the use of zinc oxide - read here
FAQ on make-up palley - read here

Donate your unwanted watch

Donate your unwanted watch to 25 Hours Watch Gallery where it reworks them to be donated to The Salvation Army.
In return, get a rebate up to $150 when you buy their Champion Watch C804 (UP : $248)
Or get up to $60 rebate when you buy a design from the Contemporary collection ( from $69 onwards )

You can take your unwanted watches to any of the 14 oulets island-wide before 29th March 2009.

Home Facial

The phrase " What you do on a regular basis is more important than what you do occasionally " rings true for many things in life, like your studies, work, sports and even skincare.

The monthly facial to your beautician will not bring you flawless skin if you do not take care of your skin on a regular or daily basis.

So other than my own monthly facial to the beautician, I do my home facial twice weekly as I skipped some of the steps below.
I enjoyed facials because I feel its a ME-time, a time for me to relax and rejuvenate.
If you follow all steps below, its recommended to do once a week.

Steps For Applying Home Facial:

Cleanse : Remove make-up with your regular make-up remover and eye make up remover, followed by your regular cleanser. This is to remove dirt and impurities. Use gentle, upward strokes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Its important to start with a well-cleansed skin.

Exfoliate : This is to get rid of dead cells for better penetration of skincare products as well as to reveal radiant skin. Exfoliate your face with a gentle face scrub. You can use a grain-based scrub, the finer it is, the better. Rub in a circular motion. You can concentrate more on the nose area since thats where most blackheads accumulate. Rinse with lukewarm water.

I skip this step as I have sensitive skin but most people whom I came across include this step as part of their home facial routine.
Steam : With a towel on the head, lean your head towards a basin of warm water and allow the steam to cover your face. This is to open the pores, hydrate skin and loosen any leftover oil and debris on the skin.

Steaming the face helps to loosen debris that may be embedded into the skin and is also considered as deep cleansing the skin.
When steaming the face the pores are widen and soften , hence extraction will be easier.

I also skipped this step
Extraction : Use a tissue paper to gently press on areas where blackheads or whiteheads form. If its not ready, do not stress on it. Move on to other areas.
Alternatively, some pharmacies sell blackhead-remover but I would not advise you to use it unless you are a professional as it may result in broken capillaries if you do it incorrectly.

I skipped this step
Facial Massage : If you know how to do a facial massage, by all means, go ahead. Its can be quite stimulating. Avoid a facial massage if you have a breakout as it may cause an even heavier breakout due to the stimulation.

Mask :This my favourite step. Choose a hydrating mask for dry skin or clay-based mask for oily skin. Avoid the areas around the eyes as its a very sensitive area. Allow the mask to set for 15 minutes or the time specified on the product’s directions. If its a sheet mask, I usually have it on for 30mins. After the stipulated time, rinse the mask thoroughly with warm water and pat the face dry with a towel.

Using facial mask helps to stimulate blood circulation, smoothens and relax the facial features. it revitalizes and replenishes skin's optimum moisture.

Choose a face mask that suits your skin type and apply it once or twice a week after exfoliation.
There are a wide range of facial masks out in the market, depending on your needs.
Whitening mask to brighten and brings a glow to your skin.
Firming mask to firm up the skin
Hydrating mask to hydrates your skin.

Moisturise : Followed by your favourite moisturiser.

Tips :
(1) Don't push/pull the skin. Always be gentle to your skin, even when applying your skin products
(2) Do not neglect the neck area which usually is the first area to show the first signs of aging. If you do not want to get a separate neck cream for the area, just use your normal moisturiser. I will usually use whats left over after my face application to use it on the neck and stroke upwards.

Review on Biotherm Biotherm Aquasource ultra-cool hydrating water-gel

This is my all-time favourite face moisturiser. I cannot do without it.

This ultra-cool water–gel is enriched with a patented hydrating complex to provide a reservoir effect on skin. Biotherm's pure concentrate of mineral-rich Thermal Spring Water revitalizes skin and improves skin texture with the equivalent of 5,000 liters of enriched water in each bottle. Light and oil-free it is quickly absorbed into skin. Skin is instantly refreshed and hydrated, toned and radiant, perfectly revitalized throughout the day. Store in a cool place to enjoy invigorating icy coolness over the face.

Reasons why I am crazy about it :
(1) Its oil-free, definitely a plus point for me
(2) I can hardly find face moisturiser which is oil-free
(3) It is hydrating enough, which is suitable for my parched skin
(4) It is cooling when applied directly to the face and I do not even need to store in the fridge to get the cooling feel
(5) It is in gel form, light and non-greasy. Another plus point for me.
(6) Get absorbed into the skin easily

Its difficult to get a good moisturiser that is oil-free, non-greasy, won't clog pores, have a light texture but yet can contain all the goodness that is beneficial for the skin. This moisturiser, though not the best in the market, does not have any antioxidant properties but fits my needs for now.

If you are looking for an oil-free hydrating moisturiser, look no further, this is it, although Biotherm best-seller is Aquasource non-stop moisturiser.

I tied Aquasource non-stop moisturiser but I still decided to stick to this one due to its oil-free properties and non-greasy texture. In this humid weather, I definitely need oil-free products.

However if you are looking for an all-in-one moisturiser with antioxidant properties, then this might not be the one you are looking for.

Its just one simple moisturiser to HYDRATE, HYDRATE and HYDRATE.

Updated on 10th June 09:

Guess what? I cannot believe it when I realized that this moisturiser is out of Biotherm line! How can they do this to me? Its the second time that my favourite Biotherm product have been replaced by another supposingly better product. The first one being their D-stress mask and their replaced product was not even on par, to say the least. And then I went on a hydrating mask quest. And now this! Goodness, I wondered when I can find a moisturiser like this?