Review on Skinvitals Eye Brighten Eye Treatment Masks

Skinvitals cloth eye treatment masks use advanced technology to deliver intense hydration and treatment benefits to your skin.
Each pack contains 3 x Eye Brighten cloth eye treatment masks (one month supply), making it easy to incorporate the benefits of a weekly spa eye treatment into your personal skincare program.
Its recommended to use this mask if the skin around your eyes is feeling tired, dehydrated and has the appearance of dark circles. Infused with a concentrated serum of vital skin nutrients, Skinvitals Eye Brighten cloth eye treatment mask effectively replaces lost moisture and quickly invigorates and brightens the skin.

Nutrients such as Vitamin C and Liquorice in the Eye-Brighten treatment mask act as an aid to help replace lost moisture and reduce fine lines whilst boosting your complexion and brightening skin tones. The toning and expectorant qualities of liquorice may also assist in lightening dark circles around the eyes.

Main Ingredients :
Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) - With preservative and antioxidant properties to moisturise, smooth fine lines, boost the complexion and brighten skin tone
Licorice Extract - With toning and firming qualitites, it also has soothing and rejuvenating benefits

I was looking forward to using this mask after repeaing good benefits from the previous eye mask from Skin Vitals. Their star ingredient like Vitamin C also attracts me.
However despite using the 3 eye masks for the past 1.5 weeks, I did not see any improvement in appearance. My dark circles remained the same.
It may be good as a refreshing eye mask when the eyes are tired but thats about it.

I do feel an itch after 20mins of usage though but its still bearable.

Full Ingredients :
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C (Sodium ascorbyl phosphate) has preservative and anti-oxidant properties to moisturize, smooth fine lines, boost the complexion and brighten skin tone. Licorice Extract known to have toning and expectorant qualities, and be soothing, rejuvenating and highly nutritive.
Other Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium hyaluronate, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Clycyrrbiza glabra (licorice) extract, Citrus medica limonum (lemon) extract, Polyquartemium-10, Zingiber officinale (ginger) root extract, Soluble collagen, Pentylene glycol, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Citric acid, PEC-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Trioctanoin, Xanthan gum, Sodium citrate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, BHT, Methyldibromo glutaronitrile, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium polyacrylate.

Review on Dermalogica Chroma White Tri Active Cleanse

Dermalogica Tri-Active Cleanse is triple-active concentrated cleanser that improves surface clarity, lifts dulling skin cells and prepares skin for maximum penetration of our unique comples of enzymnes, peptides and active brighteners. Skin is left feeling ultra clean and conditioned.

This cleanser will deep clean the skin and will prepare your skin for maximum absorbency of the other brightening products. The Lactic Acid will exfoliate and remove dulling skin cells improving the skin texture.

Its recommended for hyperpigmented skin and uneven skin tone

Product Benefits
Deep cleanse and prepares skin for optimum penetration of brightening agents.
Removes dulling surface cells for improved skin clarity.

I was slightly disappointed with this product. Initially, I was quite excited of the new whitening range from my favourite brand, Dermalogica and could not wait to get my hands on it.

However, after using this cleanser, it actually leaves my skin feeling tight and dry. I followed up with Dermalogica hydrating masque and feels better thereafter.

Each time, I used this cleanser, the tight feeling is there and I need to follow up with a hydrating mask. The creamy white texture is almost similar to those Loreal cleansers which I used before. Such texture always leave my skin dry.
I guess, gel cleanser is still more suitable for me, its more mild for my delicate and sensitive skin.

I do feel my face looks brighter though and skin tone looks more even.
However, I definitely will not be getting this product.

Key Ingredients :
- Lactic Acids lifts dulling, discoloured skin cells to improve surface clarity.
- Ascorby Glucoside (Vitamin C), Glycine Soya (Soybean) Seed Extract, Morus Alba (Mulberry) Root Extract and Ferula Foetide (Giant Fennel) Root Extract help brighten surface spots.
- Antioxidant Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extract and Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C) control oxidation critical to skin brightness.
- Niacinamide helps minimise colour deposits into new cells for improved luminosity.
- Butyrosperum Parkii (Shea Butter) and Hyaluronic Acid provide critical moisturisation.

Full Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Sodium Cocoyl !sethionate, Stearic Acid, Butyrosperum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cetearyi Aicohol, Laureth-4, Phytic Acid, Lactic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Morus Alba Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ferula Foetida Root Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactamide MEA, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Lactate, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium PCA, Glyceryl Oleate, Sorbnol, Proline, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cananga Odoiata Flower Oil, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Citric Acid, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Benzyl PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA.

Review on Its Skin i code wrinkle BB Cream

I have been meaning to try BB cream ever since I knew about it last year but never seem to get round to actual doing it.

There is such a mind-blogging array of Bb creams out there that I simply do not know where to start.

Recently, a good friend of mine passed me this BB cream from Its Skin after her haul from Korea.

The craze for BB cream which is a short form for Blemish Balm Cream actually started from Korea and their celebrities who sweared by them.
The product originated from Germany and is used by dermatologists to help patients who have gone through laser skin surgery to soothe and regenerate the skin.

BB creams have numerous skincare properties combined in just 1 product and therefore have the advantages of both a makeup and skincare product.

- acts as a foundation, sunscreen and concealer
- evens out skin tone, camouflage undereye circles, acne scars, sun spots
- add radiance
- improves the overall skin condition
- hydrating, whitens, controls oil, tighten pores

Prolonged usage of these creams are said to improve the skin texture, increase radiance and even out skin tone.

After all the rave reviews on BB creams, I was actually looking forward to using one. Sadly, this cream disappoints me greatly.

I have never heard of this brand prior to using it and is not sure how good it was among the celebrities.

I skipped my daily sunscreen and used this after my moisturiser. The texture feels and looks heavier than my Stila illuminating liquid foundation.
It evens out my skin tone and my skin looks smoother but about 2 hours later, my skin starts to shine, secreting oil shine. My face looks greasy, especially on the sides of my nose.

I dab on it with my tissue and it looks better. However, the shine continues throughout the day and I need to dab on those oily spots often.
Areas like my T zone since I have combination skin.

Thankfully, I did not break out on this product. No pimples at all.
Usually greasy products leave pimples on my chin area as thats my most pimple-prone area.

To summarize, I will say that this BB cream is most suited for normal to dry skin and is really not suitable for combination to oily skin.
I hate how my face looks like, after 2 hours and will not continue this product any more.

According to its claims, it is most recommended for most Skin, especially on drying/aging skin. It comes with SPF 17, PA++ and has whitening and anti wrinkle properties
Caviar & Aloe added for healthy glowing skin.

Full range of products from http://www.itsskin.com/

Review on Estee Lauder Cyber White Ex Extra Brightening Moisture Lotion

An advanced treatment lotion to give a surge of hydration, it acts more like a toner than a moisture lotion. The name itself is actually quite misleading.

It claims to refreshes, softens and conditions skin to prepare skin in receiving the full benefits of other CyberWhite EX formulas.

As part of Cyber White Ex Brightening regimen, Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Brightening Moisture Lotion nourishes and hydrates the skin's surface.

- Strengthens surface lipids to combat against pollution.

- Corrects and evens out the appearance of dark spots revealing more luminous, healthy skin.

Initially I used this right after the cleanser in the same range but did not see any dramatic improvement in the clarity of the skin. Perhaps it will be more effective if I used it both morning and night but I usually used it at night as I need hydration in the morning since I worked in an air-conditioned office for long hours.

Frankly speaking, I do not think I will be buying this again since I did not see any fantastic results, for the price I paid.

As with all Estee Lauder products, there is a slight fragrance but not too overpowering.
I pour this on my cotton pads from Muji and swipe all over my face gently.
Do I see a touch of radiance? Not really.
In fact, it acts like a normal toner to me.

Review on Estee Lauder Cyber White Ex Extra Concentrated Brightening Essence

This powerful formula claims to be able to dissolve the look of age spots, intercept and stop multiple pathways that can lead to hyper pigmentation. Stubborn age spots are dissolved into virtual invisibility.

I am no fan of Estee Lauder skincare products as I always find their products either too greasy or has a overwhelming fragrance scent or too expensive for what it is worth.

But what am I am doing with this bottle of essence?

Well, I was shopping for Estee Lauder compact powder that day and was persuaded by the promoter that its good so I decided to just give it a go.

Of course, needless to say, their own promoters will promote their own products but well, I am just lured by their brightening system.

CyberWhite EX boasts new technology and a customized and targeted approach to address three types of spots most commonly found in Asian skin:

- EXtra Protection to help prevent Barely Visible Spots

- EXtra Re-Surfacing to eliminate Small Surface Spots

- EXtra Correction to fight Stubborn Age Spots

Read more from here

It carries a beautiful scent created in Japan, which embodies the purity, tranquility and peacefulness of the color “white”. The first impression is of apple and juicy apricot. The floral accord includes iris, rose and lily of the valley. The base comprises sandalwood, mosses and musk notes.

Serums, or essences as they are sometimes called, are the best products for all-over whitening as they contain higher concentrations of such ingredients compared to moisturisers. Its meant to be used before your moisturiser.

The scent is abit overwhelming for me so its a negative point.

Despite using it on a nightly basis for 2 months, I have yet to see any significant improvement on my skin tone.

I guess, I am on the quest for a better brightening product.

Recession Proof Your Skin

What to look out for in the different age categories?

20s
- Preventing sun damage
- Reducing inflammation
=> to minimize effects of aging

How?
Naturally calming, antioxidants help combat inflammation and will help reverse sun damage if you use them at night, says Chapas. These powerful molecules also counteract damage from smoke, pollution, and other environmental stressors.

Skin is thinnest around the eyes, which is the first area where fine lines will appear. Sunglasses and a moisturizer with sunscreen will keep crow's-feet at bay.

30s
- Boost cell turnover
- Gets rid of dead cells
- Creates new collagen
- Makes pores look smaller
=> Complexion does not glow as brightly once you hit 30 years old as cells are not regenerating as quickly.
Dead-cell buildup dulls the skin's surface so its recommended to use retinols to boost cell turnover so skin gets rid of dead cells and creates new collagen faster. They also fade brown spots and plump skin, which makes pores look smaller.

How?
Exfoliate skin on a regular basis or use products with Retinol.

To depuff puffy eyebags, go for eyecreams which contains caffeine and anti-inflammatories like ginseng.

40s
- Brown spots
- Sagging
- Rosacea-induced redness
=> due to cummulative UV damage

How?
Anti-inflammatories can help to reduce redness and amping up exfoliation ensures that active antiaging ingredients like peptides and skin-brightening kojic acid can penetrate.

3 factors that speed up aging

1. DRIVING
Car windows don't block UVA rays hence most drivers end up with more sun damage on their cheeks.

2. RUNNING
Bouncing up and down makes skin sag faster, so runners should start using firming peptides at an earlier age.

3. SLEEPING
If you sleep at the sides all the time, the wrinkles will be more compressed, and you might have an unnatural line next to your nose from the pressure. Its recommended to sleep faceup.

Courtesy from Marie Claire

Beauty Bites

Top 10 Beauty Foods

1. Wild salmon: A primo source for omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce skin inflammation, preventing redness, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. It’s also potent in antioxidants and vitamins B and D.

2. Low-fat yogurt: Good for strong bones, nails, and teeth. One cup of plain low-fat yogurt has more calcium than a glass of skim milk.

3. Oysters: Zinc helps build collagen, which supports the structure of skin and speeds up renewal and repair.

4. Blueberries: Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that prevent long-term cell damage.

5. Kiwifruit: Another good source of antioxidants, kiwis are also a great source of vitamin C and potassium, all which help prevent wrinkles.

6. Sweet potatoes: Chock-full of beta-carotene, something the body converts to vitamin A, which keeps skin smooth and is thought to protect against sun damage.

7. Spinach: This nutrient-dense leafy green is a great source of beta-carotene and lutein, which protects the eyes.

8. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a major source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant also thought to protect against sunburn.

9. Walnuts: A key source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The omega-3s found in walnuts also help fight against skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

10. Dark chocolate: Full of antioxidants and nutrients, cocoa (choose chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa) increases blood flow to the skin, which in turn boosts hydration, smoothness, and protection against sun exposure.

Courtesy from Marie Claire

Makeup Tips to play up your assets

Make the most of what you have with these simple makeup tips that play-up and downplay
your best and not-so-loved features accordingly

NOSE SHAPE
• To downplay a prominent nose, Jerrod Blandino, CEO of Too Faced Cosmetics, suggests dabbing an eyeshadow brush into bronzer or taupe shadow: "Draw a straight, soft line down both sides of the nose. Add an upward swipe underneath the tip to make it look shorter."
Try: Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Shadow in Bronzinger

• You can make a slightly crooked nose appear aligned by blending a dab of creamy highlighter down the bridge in a perfect straight line—it tricks the eye and reflects light away from the bend.
Try: MAC Strobe Cream

FACE SHAPE
• To make a round face appear more defined, dust bronzer down your temples, along your jaw line, and down your neck. Then, pop your cheekbones with bright blush.
Try: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Natural Radiance Bronzer

• If you have a narrow face and you'd like to make it seem more balanced, Tarte's makeup team suggests being generous with blush: "Apply it on the cheekbones and the apples of the cheeks."
Try: Clinique Powder Blush

• To minimize a large forehead, sweep an illuminating bronzer along your hairline, creating a shadow across the top of your face—remember to blend well! Also, try a dramatic lip to draw attention downward.
Try: Estée Lauder Bronzer Goddess Soft Shimmer Bronzer

• If you're looking for cheekbone definition without a stripy, 1980s effect, try sweeping your regular blush on the apples of the cheeks in a circular motion and dabbing a shimmery cream in a horizontal line above it, blending outward.
Try: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Cream

EYES
• Emphasize your eye color with complementary shades. "Blue eyes look brilliant in toasty suede tones, brown look rich when you wear slate or navy, and green eyes really pop with purple," says Blandino.
Try: L'Oréal Made for Me Shadows

• If your eyes are wide-set, play up the inner corners: Use a fine-tip pencil in black or plum and pull the liner all across the lash line, making sure not to go past the last lash. Try a mascara with a mini wand to coat even the smallest lashes.
Try: Tarte EmphasEyes pencil and Bottoms Up mascara

• To transform small eyes into sultry doe-eyes, Tarte's makeup team recommends lining the top, inner rim of the eye. "It brings attention to the eyes and creates the look of fuller lashes," says founder Maureen Kelly. Use a nude pencil along the bottom.
Try: Smashbox Cream Eyeliner, Paula Dorf Baby Eyes

• If you have Asian eyes, don't try to fake a crease—enjoy your natural almond shape! Try a diffused smoky eye that starts along the lashes and gradually fades. Finish it off with a sweep of black liquid liner.
Try: Almay Liquid eyeliner

• Make downturned eyes appear more awake with a quick stroke of liner. Draw from the center of the lashes towards the outside of the eye and sweep up to create a slight cat-eye.
Try: Too Faced Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner

• You can easily make too-close-together eyes seem more balanced by adding pale shimmer to the inside corners of the eyes, sweeping it towards the center of the eyelid. Focus mascara and liner on the outer half of your eyes.
Try: Maybelline Eyeshadow in Elegant Pearl

EYE CIRCLES AND PUFFINESS
• Whether those dark circles are genetic or from a sleepless night, you can make them disappear: Tap on a yellow-based concealer to cancel out bluish undertones and set it with loose powder in your regular shade.
Try: Sue Devitt Automatic Camouflage

• Hiding eye puffiness is all about optical illusion: Start with an eye cream that contains light-reflecting particles. Then, pat on an equally illuminating concealer. (Avoid powder—it traps light and makes the problem look worse.)
Try: Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Eye Serum, Givenchy Mister Light Corrective Pen


LIPS
• If you'd like your lips to look fuller, opt for a light, shimmery gloss and a dab of highlighter in your cupids bow. (Avoid the overdrawn pencil—it's an obvious giveaway that you're trying to fake something.)
Try: Stila Silk Shimmer Lipgloss

• If your lips don't have a lot of natural pigment, try a stain in a pinky-nude shade. Dab it all over, allowing it to set, and then apply your favorite gloss on top. While the gloss may fade, the stain will give you all-day color.
Try: Tarte 24/7 Lipsheer in Thursday

COMPLEXION
• To warm up a sallow complexion, start with a pink-based primer, focusing along your forehead and cheeks. Then, tap on a foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your natural skintone.
Try: Makeup Forever HD Primer

• For a ruddy complexion, Blandino recommends using an illuminating foundation through the center of the face. "Redness tends to concentrate on the cheeks and nose," he explains. Buff the edges out clean with a makeup sponge.
Try: Too Faced Magic Wand Foundation

Courtesy from Marie Claire

Review on Lancome Clarifying Exfoliating Gel

This scrub used to be my all time favourite facial scrub many years ago. Its the only skincare product from Lancome which I really like.

It exfoliates the dead skin cells, leaving my skin smooth to the touch.

Formulated with pineapple and papaya extracts and fine grains to remove dulling impurities, this blue coloured scrub with micro beads claimed to leave skin smooth, balanced, clean and radiant.

Recommended for normal and combination skin.

I am using this on an on-off basis as my skin tends to get dry so its not really suitable for me now. Beside, after discovering the Dermalogica Mircofoliant which is so much better, I decided not to get this if I used up the current tube.

As better products came up, I feel that the beads are not as fine as the newer products.

After so many years, I believe Lancome may need to relook into this scrub to make it more competitive as the rest.

Review on Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

As my age rolls up, my skin tends to get drier hence my beautician at Posh Wellness recommended this hydrating masque to me.

Dermalogica is the skin care system researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute. Known worldwide as the "professionals' choice", Dermalogica's formulas have pioneered new standards for product performance. Using only the finest ingredients available, all Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and contain no occlusive mineral oil or lanolin, no irritating artificial colors or fragrance, and no drying S.D. alcohol.

This is a hydrating, oil-free gel that restores critical moisture to dry skin without unwanted oiliness, helping to restore suppleness and reduce the appearance of fine, dry lines.

Calming botanical extracts of Bitter Orange, Hops, Cucumber and Arnica reduce inflammation, while antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E and Pro-Vitamin B5 help to nourish and replenish the skin.

Because it is so gentle, it is also excellent for the delicate eye area. Best of all, its fragrance free.

Main Ingredients :
Botanical extracts of Bitter Orange, Hops, Cucumber and Arnica : reduce inflammation. Antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E : repair daily damage caused by free radicals.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) : nourishes and replenishes skin and promote cell regeneration.

Full Ingredients :
Bitter Orange (Citrus Aurantium Amara) Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Phytonadione, Retinyl Palmitate, Extracts of: Camellia Oleifera, Dog Rose (Rosa Canina) Hips, Mallow (Malva Sylvestris), Ivy (Hedera Helix), Cucumber (Cuucumis Sativus), Sambucus Nigra, Arnica Montana, Pellitory (Parietaria Officinalis); Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Ricinoleth-40, Panthenol, Allantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Carbomer, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben

I was not impressed with this masque during my first tube despite rave reviews from all over the world. In my opinion, it just wasn't hydrating enough.

It dries up pretty quickly when I layered on my face, before the 10 minutes was up. In comparison with my previous hydrating masks, I do not feel any immediate moisturised feel on my face.

After a year, I decided to give it 1 more try and bought my 2nd tube. This time round, I decided that if it still doesn't work that well, I can use it as an eye masque too.

My personal feel is that it can be used to help to maintain the moisture level on the skin but its not enough for severely dry skin.
It works well on a daily basis but not when I need it as an emergency hydrating rescue to parched skin.

But I like the natural ingredients in it and the light gel texture of the mask. And its oil-free and fragrance free!
I really like Dermalogica products and is slightly disappointed that this masque was not as hydrating as I thought it will be.

It was named the Best Hydating Masque by Instyle magazine.

Review on Lancome Primordiale Yeux Skin Recharge

Lancome Primordiale Yeux Visible Smoothing Renewing Eye Cream is a smoothing renewing eye moisturiser to protect against the first signs of aging. It helps to fight against oxidation and aging.

It is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as Vitamin E, extracts of Helianthus and the Mexoryl®SX that help to smooth the eye contour area, providing an effective defence for the delicate skin against UVA.
It helps to tackle the aging problems including the first sign of wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.

An ultra-smoothing cream-gel for a targeted action against fine lines around the eye contour area. It protects your eye contours against premature ageing. Visibly smoother, the eyes glow with luminosity.

I used to use Lancome products a few years back but found no fantastic improvement that I can rave about and have since switched to other brands.

Recently, after attended an eye make-up workshop by Lancome, I was introduced to their new range of products and decided to give them a try.

Sad to say, I am again disappointed as I do not see any reduction on the fine lines around my eye area.
It feels like a normal eye cream to me. Its not greasy and gets absorbed fast.

This product is highly recommended by the popular Taiwan Beauty Magazine “BEAUTY”. So what does not work for me may actually works for you.

I will not be buying it again but if you are keen, you can get it from major departmental stores.

How much do you know about the anti-aging process?

Take the quiz from Total Beauty
Quiz : What is your Anti- Aging IQ ?

Is your diet making you old?
Quiz : Is your diet making you look old ?

Skincare products recommended by make-up artists

I summarized some of the favorite products as recommended by Singapore make-up artists, published in the weekly Urban.

Clarence Lee
(1) Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment $57
- lip balm without a glossy sheen
(2) Bvlgari Source Defense Emulsion $300
- lightweight moisturiser which leaves skin feeling velvety smooth

Peter Khor
(1) SKII Facial Essence Treatment Masks ($116 for 6pcs)
- perk up the skin for a fresher and radiant complexion
(2) Chanel Hydramax + Active Moisture Boost Serum $112
- refreshing scent and no sticky feel

Marjorie Teo Aldridge
(1) SKII Facial Treatment Essence $96-$188
- used as toner and essence. Keeps skin radiant, smooth and free of pigmentation
(2) La Mer Lip Balm $82
- instant relief to chapped lips
(3) YSL Soin Beaute Instantanee (Instant Firming Gel)
- perks up fatigued skin and has a firming effect

Larry Yeo
(1) Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray $47
- hydrating facial mist to rehydrate skin before make-up and set make-up

Marc Teng
(1) Benefit Dr. Feelgood $58
- lightweight skin balm which can be used both under and over make-up, gives a velvety finish

Ginger Lynette Leong
(1) Julie Hewett Persian Rose Mist $45 (from Hide & Seek)
- used before make-up to soothe sensitive skin or freshen up make-up during the day

Review on Redken Curl Force 17 Texturizing Spray-gel

I received this as a gift when I spent above a certain amount in one of the hair salons in Raffles City last year.
I am not the type who like to use styling tools in my hair because I am one of those low mantainence gals. However, since I like to perm my hair, I need to use styling aids to define those curls.

I used this Curl Force on an on-off basis hence it actually lasted me for quite a number of months.

This texturizing spray gel is designed to awaken, define, and enhance exhausted waves for alert curls full of bounce, energy, and high-shine movement.

It helps to energizes curls with maximum control and protect hair against environmental aggressors.

Through Redken's exclusive Bonding System*, ceramide and xylose sugar, hair is restored, conditioned and protected. Construct strong hair styles with ultimate, long-lasting results. Key Redken’s exclusive Bonding System helps block humidity for a frizz-controlled finish.

It claims to be able to lock in long lasting hold, giving your hair a fresh, anti-crunch, frizz-free finish.

Directions of use:
Mist Curl Force over your damp hair.
Style as usual.
Reapply on dry hair for added lift.

It comes with a light fragrance and is easy to use. I usually just spray over my damp hair and twist my hair thereafter.

It did help to define the curls but not as what it claimed : dramatic definition

I did not see any shine on the hair and I did not feel and see any difference in my hair frizziness though.

As with all spray gels, its difficult to maintain a control on how much is enough for curl definition. I just try to spray as much as I can, hoping the end effect will not be that stiff-looking.

Its not greasy or sticky and is convenient to use.

Review on SkinVitals Eye Lift Treatment Mask

Skinvitals is a collection of cloth facial treatment masks launched by Australia's Beauty Direct and distributed in the United States by Bonne Bell Co.

Their eye lift treatment mask uses advanced technology to deliver intense hydration and treatment benefits to your skin. This pack contains 3 x Eye Lift cloth eye treatment masks (one months supply), making it easy to incorporate the benefits of a weekly spa eye treatment into your personal skincare program.

I actually use it twice weekly but because I only bought a pack, I think 3 pieces may not be able to produce much obvious results.

Its recommended to use this mask if the skin around your eyes is showing fine lines or prone to puffiness or eye bags. Infused with a concentrated serum of vital skin nutrients, Skinvitals Eye Lift cloth eye treatment mask claims to effectively replenishes lost moisture and quickly promotes firmness and elasticity to the skin.

All masks also contain Hydrolite 5, a patented ingredient that is designed to boost moisture levels.

There was an itchy sensation after a few minutes on the eye area but its not that irritating to the point that I need to remove the pads.
I also do feel a firming and tightening effect around the eye area which also meant the pads are indeed doing its job.

I believe with continuous usage, I may be able to see an improvement on my undereye area.

Active Ingredients:
Soy Protein (Natto gum) - reinforces the skin's support structure to energize cells, stimulating the production of lipids and renewal of the epidermis. It leaves the skin replenished, nourished, smoother and plumper.
Coenzyme O10 (Ubiquinone) - a powerful anti-oxidant that regenerates protects and decreases the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It supports the skin's repair mechanisms and promotes firmness and elasticity.

Full Ingredients:
Aqua, Sodium hyaluronate, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Vitus vinifera (grape) seed oil, Polyquartemium-10, Pentylene glycol, Avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, Ubiquinone, Silkpeptide, Citric add, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Trioctanoin, Natto gum, Xanthan gum, Sodium citrate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, BHT, Methyldibromo glutaronitrile, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium polyacrylate.

Single sachet cloth treatment mask is priced at $4.95 each and $13.95 for a 3-sachet value pack. I got it at a promotional price of $9.90 for the 3 pack sachets.

Read more about it here

Review on Estee Lauder CyberWhite EX Extra Intensive Clarifying Treatment

I was in love with this previous scrub. It was pretty good and I do see an immediate radiance right after my scrub. Sadly, it had been replaced by this clarifying treatment, as part of their Cyberwhite EX range.

It claimed to be a refinishing treatment to target small surface spots and helps eliminate small surface spots to reveal skin’s true clarity by dissolving melanin-darkened skin cells within pores.

And what is my verdict?

- well, I will not get it ever again

Its worse than the previous scrub, regardless how good the marketing campaign claimed to be.

It feels unclean on the face after rinsing it off and I feel that there is still a layer of the oily stuff on the face. I need to use more water and a toner to make myself feel better.

Unlike the previous scrub, I do not see an immediate radiance. My skin still feels rough. A good scrub would have made my face feel smooth but its not.

Review on Estee Lauder Hydra Complete Multi-Level Moisture Gel

I bought this moisturiser in April after I have almost used up my previous favourite Biotherm moisturiser. It is oil-free which is an absolute point I need for all my face moisturisers because I feared of getting oil clogs from rich and heavy moisturiser.

Being oil-free, this moisturiser is actually recommended for oily skin. Mine belonged to the sensitive and combination skin with dehydrated surface so I thought it will suit my skin type as well.

I have never use Estee Lauder moisturisers before so I was afraid of getting breakouts from new products. The lady from the counter told me, its possible to exchange the moisturiser, should it not be suitable for me. With that assurance, I bought it on the spot for $86.

Its pretty expensive considering that there are not much of other benefits in the bottle and its only 50ml. Its just a hydrating moisturiser.

It claims to

1) be able to absorb into the skin due to its lightweight texture

2) drenches your skin in moisture

3) helps revitalize and condition your skin

4) greatly moisturizes and softens your complexion

5) able to achieve a smooth and healthy-looking appearance

Its not as lightweight as the Biotherm moisturiser but it did helps to keep my skin hydrated. There is a slight fragrance in it, as with all Estee Lauder products. Texture is not the watery gel type but inclines more towards the gel-cream category. It gets absorbed into the skin pretty well and fast.

In comparison, I will still prefer the Biotherm moisturiser beacause its so much more lightweight, the texture is very light and watery and I do feel the spa goodness in my skin. I guess, it also have to do with the fact that I have always been inclined towards brands which are water-based.

What I do not like is the bottle. If the moisturiser is almost to the end, there is difficulty in using it.

SKII free samples redemption is just a gimmick!

Still remember that I posted a link for you all to redeem free SKII samples? ( link).
Well, usually free samples are in hot demand and being SKII, I believe, its even more so.

But what I am disgusted with SKII is that they are not even generous enough to give out free samples to those who had bothered to answer their questionaire.
If this is just their gimmick to make people visit their counter, then I certainly think they failed badly.

If one have answered the questionaire, the database would have been able to capture the exact number of people who have actually answered the questionaire and be able to redeem the free sample that should have righfully belonged to them.

If samples are not even enough to feed the population, why bother to publicise it on so many online media?

I visited the Bugis counter on Tuesday night which was the 2nd day of the launch of the free sample ( it started on Mon). The beauty adviser told me its fully redeemed.
I was surprised and asked if the samples are limited. She says, its not, but it just happened that Tuesday samples were fully redeemed and that I can visit the counter the next day.

I visited the Robinson counter at City Hall on Thursday noon and before I even get to speak to her, she saw the paper in my hand and just told me its fully redeemed.
I was flabbergasted.

Finally on Friday, I visited the Isetan Scotts counter at night but no one was manning the counter and there and then, I gave up. Totally.

Thank goodness, I did not travel down specially to redeem the samples else I will have been even more upset than what I am feeling now. I think I felt more cheated than being upset or angry.

I am just so disgusted with the cheap gimmick that SKII is using to lure consumers. They are not even confident enough to cater enough samples for the masses, despite having a hefty price on their products.
Isn't the main focus point of the free samples is for people to try their products?

A good friend of mine have yet to redeem the free sample. She was confident enough to tell me that because she have the printed email after answering the questionaire, she was bound to get the free sample.
Boy! How wrong she was. She thought too highly of SKII like how I previously did too.

Free Lancome Genifique skincare sample

Lancome have recently launched a new skincare product, touted in being able to reactivate youth back from your genes.
Sounds unbelievable? It certainly sounds that way to me.

So how does Lancome convince users to believe it?
Try their complimentary sample. Click here to redeem a sample for yourself.

Read more about their product here