Review on Kose Sekkisei Lotion Mask


I bought this during a sale at BHG in bugis.
Kose was my very first skincare brand due to the influence of my mother when I was young.

From then on, I always had a good impression of Kose products. However lately, as their prices dropped, the standard of their products do not seem that spectacular anymore.

For 5 masks in a box, it was selling at just $15 which I thought it was too good a deal to be missed and I actually picked up 4 boxes.

Actually, I was skeptical in getting this because I saw the ingredient alcohol in it. I am quite averse to alcohol as I always believe alcohol is not good for the skin in the long run due to the drying effects.

I asked the promoter about it and she says the alcohol content is not alot and that most skincare products will have alcohol in it as it helps to preserve the contents of the product.

Note that actually not all alcohol are bad for the skin.
Some of the alcohols that one should completely avoid are ethanol, ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol.
There are several cosmetic alcohols that are actually very beneficial for the skin. Also known as fatty alcohols, they help skin care formulations to act as efficient skin care products.

However, I am convinced that the alcohol in this mask is not that good.
When I first applied it, I almost choke because the scent is just too strong and being on the 2nd ingredient in the list, it simply meant, the content is quite high.

The mask feels minty on the skin which I highly suspect is due to the alcohol and it dries up pretty fast as compared with other facial mask.
The cut out area is pretty small and my eyes teared whenever the mask just touches the undereye area. The alcohol scent is just too overpowering.
Its best to avoid such alcohol based products for sensitive skin as it may cause drying and irritating effects.

This mask is meant to be a whitening mask with hydrating properties but I do not see any effect.
Most probably, I will not get this product again.

Ingredients :


Review on L’élan Vital Eye Mask

Cosway L’élan Vital Eye Mask Review
A colleague of mine who is a member and a fan of Cosway bought their products frequently.
On an impulse, I decided to take a look at their monthly catalogue since she has always been raving about their products.

Their prices are rather affordable during their monthly sales indicated in their catalogue, so I decided to pick up some of the products.

You may have came across some of the facial masks reviews from Cosway which I have previously done and now is the review for their eye masks.

Actually, I bought 3 boxes of their eye masks (5 pairs in each box) since it was within my budget and I believe that I need more to see results.

L’élan Vital Eye Mask is made from a combination of clinically proven actives, including Eyeliss™ (Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3), Haloxyl™ (Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide) and AC-Dermapeptide Lifting™ to stop serious dark circles and eye bags and prevent their recurrence.

EyelissTM Intense Draining Action
- Strengthens capillaries to prevent leakage of haemoglobin and fluids that causes dark under eye circles
- Eliminates excess fluids to relieve puffiness
- Enhances firmness to reduce slackening of the skin
- Soothes inflammation to reduce swelling

HaloxylTM Lightening Action
- Clears away pigmented, oxidised haemoglobin that gives dark eye circles their tell-tale colour
- Improves skin density for better microvascular network support around the eyes
- Boosts the metabolism of skin cells to improve under-eye skin texture AC

Dermapeptide Lifting™ Tightening & Lifting Actions
- Special protein extracted from sweet almonds which were used by ancient Romans for their toning and smoothing effects
- Tightens and lifts slackened skin to reduce eye bags

Packaged in a small tray just small enough to fit the mask, the 2 corners at the sides of the tray helps to secure the masks.


Wet with essence, though there is a slight chemical smell which may be unbearable to some people, it is comfortable on the under eye area. The almost transparent white cresent moon shaped masks sits securely on the under eye area moisturised the area pretty well.

There is a slight tingling effect followed by a slight tightening feel after wearing it for a few minutes. Even though its recommended to have it for 20minutes, I usually remove it only after 30minutes since its still wet.

Using 3 times per week, the under eye area appears to be moisturised and my eyes looks visibly brighter however my dark eye bags are still around.

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Ingredients :
Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, AC-Dermpeptide Lifting™ (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract), Hydrolysed Collagen, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Eyeliss™ (Dipeptide-2, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3), Haloxyl™ (N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7), Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone & Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance


Source : Cosway

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Review on Biotherm Aquasource Non Stop Oligo Thermal Gel Intense Moisturization

I am so in love with Biotherm moisturiser and usually pack this into my gym bag to be used during my lunch time gym.

Intense moisturizing, this fresh-textured gel is enriched with a patented hydrating complex to provide a reservoir effect on skin. 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 jar. It also contains Vitamins E and F to promote cell regeneration. Skin is instantly refreshed and hydrated, supple and silky soft, perfectly revitalized throughout the day.

Recommended for normal to combination skin, this water gel is fresh and light. Enriched with vitalizing trace minerals (copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium) and with a concentrate of spa water activity, the unique texture, created using a polymer, forms a very close knit mesh over the face, creating a moisture network that gives intense hydration for hours on end.

Upon application, my skin is replenished with moisture and instantly refreshed. Cutaneous discomfort as well as tight, tugging sensations are immediately diminished. Fully quenched, optimally moisturized, supple and silky soft, this is one moisturizer that I cannot do without.
The only complaint is, its not oil-free and you know how hung-up I am about using oil-free products.

So when your skin is dehydrated, if you sleep in an air-conditioned room for hours, this is the one you can consider trying, to treat your parched skin.

Review on Lancome Hydra Zen Moisturising Cream Fluid



I have been eyeing this moisturiser for some time and is elated when I received it during one of the Lancome workshops I attended a few months back.

Recommended for normal to combination skin, this delicious Oil-in-Water texture melts onto the skin. It intensely moisturises and lastingly soothes the skin, leaving it soft, smooth and radiant.

* Lightweight fluid cream that gently soothes & calms skin
* Provides intense, immediate & long-lasting hydration
* Relieves environmental & emotional stress
* Leaves skin soft, smooth & radiant
* Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin

HYDRA ZEN NEUROCALM™ features a unique technology to provide intense, immediate and continuous moisturisation and soothe sensitive skin.

Marketed as a soothing Anti-Stress Moisturising Fluid Cream, the scent is lovely and glides on the skin effortlessly. The only complaint that I have, is that despite claims that its fast absorbing, I hardly find it so. It leaves a sticky feel and takes about 5 minutes to dry up.
It smells good and gives a calming feeling. The cream is lightweight and gives light moisture to my skin.


It can be a hassle when you are rushing in the morning but what I usually do, is to apply my concealer after applying my moisturiser.
Next, stand in front of the fan and let the wind blow onto my face for 1 minute and I can apply my sunscreen.

- MOISTURISES: Lipidure and Hyaluronic acid microcapsules, vectorised ceramides and Glycerol provide the skin with intense, long-lasting hydration.
- SOOTHES AND RELIEVES STRESS: The NEUROCALM™ complex with natural plant extracts combats the negative effects of environmental and emotional stress. Samphire boosts the positive effects of stress by producing beta-endorphins, providing heightened moisturisation.
- SOOTHING FRAGRANCE: Proven calming, anti-stress action.
o Rose and lily-of-the-valley: soothing
o Orange: relaxing
o Apple: anti-stress
o White musk: reassuring

Review on Ahava Gentle Body Exfoliator


A remarkable and natural cleaning agent rich in moisturizing minerals, Gentle Body Exfoliator works deeply to gently lift away impurities and worn-out cells.

I am still on the look-out for a body scrub which is as effective as the TBS Olive scrub but less painful and this is the next one I tried it out.

This is a new brand which I saw in Centerpoint during window-shopping. I guess its been there for quite some time but I never stepped in for a look before, till that day.
Powered by AHAVA’s Mineral Skin Osmoter™ and a wealth of other natural Dead Sea ingredients, they efficiently maintain your skin’s health and moisture balance.
It claimed to give a more vibrant and supple skin tone which is revealed all over your body and is hypoallergenic.
Well, the creamy texture with blue beads are gentle enough but its so gentle that I do not feel any effect at all.

After each session, I do not feel that my skin have become smoother which is quite a disappointment.

This tube is retailing at $31 for a 200ml tube

Facial Masks for Your Skin Type

Its such a mind-blogging decision to choose the right mask for your needs at times, isn't it? With so many brands out there, which should be the correct one to use?

I shared tips courtesy from ShoppingLifestyle
I thought it was quite an excellent article.

No matter what's your skin type, face masks are excellent as an instant skin booster between your monthly appointments with your facialist. But you'll only get the best results if you choose a mask that targets your specific skin type and addresses any problems you have, so here's how to pick the best masks for your skin:

Masks for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Choose Purifying Masks.
- draw out impurities
- purge dirt and grime for oily and combination skin types

Commonly made of mud and clay, they help to tighten your skin tone as they dry, and ridding excess sebum. Look out for antiseptic ingredients to help treat skin problems especially if you're prone to breakouts.

Masks: Mud, Clay, Deep Cleansing, Clarifying, Purifying, Cooling.

Beneficial Ingredients:
kaolin, clay and aluminium magnesium silicate (oil-absorbing)
witch hazel and zinc oxide (antiseptic)
eucalyptus (purge impurities)
pumpkin or papaya extracts (exfoliants)
benzoyl peroxide (acne prevention and treatment)
menthol (invigorating).

Usage: Wear until the mask dries completely, or as directed, then rinse off with warm water.

Masks for Dry Skin
Choose Hydrating Masks.
- hydrate and replenish moisture in dry skin
- make dehydrated skin cells soft and supple
- reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Go for richer formulas such as cream masks if you have very dry or mature skin.

Masks: Hydrating, Moisturizing, Cream, Sheet / Tissue Masks.

Beneficial Ingredients:
avocado, aloe, vitamin B Panthenol, jojoba and oils (moisturizing)
collagen (skin plumping)
buttermilk (soothing)
hyaluronic acid (skin-filling and wrinkle reduction).

Usage: Leave on for 20 minutes, or as indicated, and remove with tissues or lukewarm water. With some masks, the remaining traces can be left on the skin to be absorbed and there's no need to wash off.

Masks for Dull Skin
Choose Exfoliating Masks.
- slough off dead surface cells and dirt
- reveal brighter and more radiant-looking skin

Masks: Exfoliating, Purifying, Whitening, Botanical.

Beneficial Ingredients:
pumpkin and papaya extracts (exfoliants)
menthol and peppermint (invigorating)
AHAs (exfoliant)
eucalyptus (purge impurities).

Usage: These can be used by most skin types but people with sensitive skin should read the labels carefully.

Masks for Sensitive Skin
Choose Gentle Masks.
- calm redness and tightness of the skin
For hyper-sensitive skin, opt for masks that are fragrance- and preservative-free.

Masks: Gentle, Calming, Relaxing, Soothing.

Beneficial Ingredients:
kaolin (oil-absorbing)
caffeine and grapefruit seed extract (reduce redness)
honey (soothing)
aloe and chamomile extract (anti-inflammatory).

Usage: Wear the mask following the instructions, and wipe away gently with tissues or washcloth.

Review on TRUE facial experience

After reading about rave reviews from different bloggers with True Beauty, I decided to give it a try.
Word of mouth is very powerful especially for ladies.
Ever recalled memories of products which your girlfriends deemed as good and we started to go and buy them, in the process of hoping that it will give us better skin as them?

Unfortunately, I am one of them.
Its like a curse - if I do not get the product, I start to think alot of "IFs". If I get this product, my skin will be better, I will not be experiencing this breakout as what I am having now, my skin will be flawless and the list goes on.

Then when I eventually get the product, I will start regretting it with alot of "IFs" again.
If I have not have gotten this product, my skin will have been better. See, what a mess my skin have become? I will have more cash on hand to spend on more practical stuff. I should not have listened to my friend, what can I do with this half-used bottle, its such a waste to throw away and the list goes on again.

Well, so I decided to get my TRUE experience once and for all. Never did I realize that its going to be the biggest mistake of my life.

Actually I always read beauty reviews with a pinch of salt but at times, I just get swayed by the rave reviews and made mistakes along the way.
It may get abit biased especially when the product is sponsored.
One may feel obligated to write some good comments about the product and service when he/she are receiving free gifts in return. If a reader says their review is not true, who is to blame? The reader to believe it or the writer who writes about it?
The writer can just brushed it aside with the excuse that their skin types are different and thats why they are getting good results and the readers are not.

True Beauty uses 100% natural skin care products and their director, Susan Foo is experienced and willing to share her knowledge with her customers.

I am not one who uses natural products but hoping I can get started bit by bit. But because the market is flooded with more and more natural skin products hence I am hesistant to try since I am new to this category. There were too many brands to choose from and I simply do not know where to start.

I visted their outlet located at Winsland House II and it gives me a very posh feel from the exterior right to the interior.
However, if you expect their consultant to be the same, you are wrong.
In fact, their consultants are quite down to earth, speaks better Mandarin than English and have no make-up on at all. Its their rule not to have make-up.
Actually, I was a bit shocked that their skin were not that good, it simply wasn't what I expected it to be.

As what Susan have shared, she believes that make-up contains ingredients that are bad for the skin and advises me strongly not to use it.

The room has a very relaxed ambience and as usual, it actually made me sleep during the mask routine. No machines were used and stroking methods done by Susan to firm up the skin actually gives me instantanous results. I was quite pleased in fact, because its just so amazing!

During the facial process, I also noticed that they frequently wash their hands with an antiseptic lotion. This was one area which I admire and like very much. In fact, I hope all facial salons can follow them because I am quite panaroid with facial salons outside who touched my hair, massage my shoulders and still cleanse my face, all using the same bare hands. I am actually quite horrified by their "cleanliness".

I am impressed with Susan's knowledge and is glad that she is willing to share her experiences and knowledge with me.
However, when it came to buying products, Susan the beautician become Susan the sale person. I found her tactics pretty hard-selling and I was quite turn-off by the whole incident.

She kept insisting me to get the whole product range which costs above $1000. I was reluctant because I have a whole drawer of skincare products at home.
What she said is true though, if I know the products I am using are harmful to the skin, why continue to use it?

In the end, I decided to get their trial size products but it still set me back by $230 which is super expensive because its only 15ml size each and together with the facial, I paid $415 in total.
Since I am new to natural products, I decided to just try their products first to assess if I am suitable for it.

As usual, my topmost concern is hydration and I noticed that their products do not hydrate as much as my normal products and it actually freaked me out abit.
I know my own skin type despite what my beauticians out there told me.

As what she advised, I followed the whole 4 products faithfully for 5 days, hoping my skin will not dry out since I did not follow up with a hydrating mask.
I am refraining from using any non-natural products as I do not want any conflict between the products leaving breakouts on my skin.

Actually I made the very 1st mistake that I know I should not make. I should not have switched the whole skincare range immediately. That is my number #1 skincare sin. I usually follow this rule faithfully but this time round, I actually thought it may not matter that much.
Afterall, I thought natural skincare is good for the skin, there should not be that much of drastic changes.

Boy! Was I wrong. After the 5th day, my skin starts peeling as what I expected because its lacking in hydration. I decided to switch back to my normal products and thats when my skin goes haywired.

My face starts to turn super oily and I had non-stop breakouts. One subside and new ones will form, one after another.
I was very upset with the breakouts that are creating havoc on my skin. It continued for 3 whole weeks until it subsided.

During that 3 weeks period, I was horrified and angry with myself. I was desperately seeking remedies to salvage my skin and went online to search for similar stories like mine. Sadly there was none and I wondered why am I the only one with such a bad case of "natural products turned awry" story.

It should not have happened. Was it due to the drastic change of products? Was my face in the process of purging out toxins? I do not know and no one seems to be able to provide any answers to me.

This review here is actually to share my experience with my readers. If you have similar experiences, share with me, I will love to hear from you.

After this horrifying experience, I was actually pretty reluctant to try natural products. I am back to using my normal products now and my skin have gone back to its normal self.

Review on Beauty Credit Nutritive Royal Jelly Mask

Give yourself a royal treatment with this moisturising mask!

- Nourishes as well as soothes inflamed or damaged skin.
- Made of 100% cotton.
- Prevents skin irritation.

One of my favourite brand for facial sheet masks, I picked this up during my Korea trip earlier this month. Since Royal Jelly is known for being beneficial for skin, I decided to give this a try.
I did not buy alot since I have never use it before.

As with all Beauty Credit sheet masks, it is folded and kept in a transparent plastic tray inside when you first tear open the packaging.

Sad to say, I think this mask is too rich for my skin. I broke out with several small zits at the chin the next day. In fact, my chin have always been the first area to breakout easily, so I guess I will give this mask a miss.

My face did feel smoother and softer after the mask session but the royal jelly scent may be a bit too much for me.

Retailing at $8.90 at Beauty Credit counters

Review on Beauty Credit Waterful Ceramide Mask

Anything with the word "water" is bound to attract me. "Water-based" products, products that claim to be able to moisturise the skin, products with ceramide or hyaluronic acid are examples of products which will have me forking out money to get them.

Why? Because I truly believe hydration is the most important function of the skin. If your skin is hydrated, then you can start caring for your skin in other aspects such as whitening and anti-aging but if your skin is dry, then all the whitening and anti-aging products have to take a backseat.
Once your skin is dry, like what most ladies in the older age group are facing now, all the fine lines will be very much obvious on the skin. Make-up will not be able to stay well, much less able to conceal well. Flakiness on the skin will start to show. One will look so much older than their real age.

Ceramide is a natural ingredient in the human skin that is critical to the skin's good health and youthful appearance. As we age, skin begins to experience a natural loss of ceramide, making it more vulnerable to the signs of aging.

And this is what the mask does.

- Ceramides: one of 3 types of lipids, or fats, that help keep moisture in the skin.
- Helps treat eczema and dry skin.

I love Beauty Credit sheet masks because the size of the cotton mask fits my face perfectly and its made of 100% cotton.
The 100% cotton feels very sturdy yet soft on the skin. The cut-out areas are not too big or too small and fits perfectly on my face.

There is not much of a scent for this mask and its a bonus point for me.
My face stay well hydrated and moist right after the mask is taken off.
My skin immediately feels plumped up and skin no longer looks that dull.

Give this a try if your skin needs to stay hydrated like mine.

Retailing at $8.90 at Beauty Credit counters

Kimchi For Beauty

Since I just came back from Korea recently, I thought I will just discuss about Kimchi as a beauty food.

As one know, Korea is famed for its Kimchi. Koreans take Kimchi is every of their meal. Its their staple diet.
There is even a Kimchi Museum but my itinerary did not cover this. However, I did learn how Kimchi is done, though not very well done.

Its been proclaimed recently that Kimchi brings health and beauty.
Kimchi, South Korea's most famous food -- a pickled and fermented vegetable dish - is the main dish that gives Korean women beautiful skin.

Some experts have agreed that Kimchi helps to delay skin aging. Its lactic acid bacteria and plant chemicals may help retard skin ageing and reduce cholesterol levels and calorie content is very low and its full of fibre and vitamins

Full story can be found here

Lactic Acid Bacteria
The well fermented kimchi has more lactic acid bacteria than yogurt. This bacteria is known to be especially good for the intestines and has anti-germ functions.

Acetic Acid
Acetic acid is produced differently according to the materials used, fermentation temperature and period, and level of salt. The flavor depends on the level of acetic acid. Overall, kimchi that is fermented with less salt at a low temperature has a better taste.

Amino Acids
The special flavor of kimchi depends not only on acetic acid, but also carbon gas, condiments, and amino acids. Amino acids are produced by breaking down protein in pickled fish paste and oysters. Researchers have found that kimchi contains 17 different kinds of amino acid.

Vitamins
Kimchi has high levels Vitamin B, C, and Beta Carotene. The levels of Vitamin B1 and B2, and B12 double after a 3 week-fermentation period.

If you are a Kimchi fan, all the reasons above will provide you with even more excuses to indulge in it.

Read more about Kimchi nutrition here and here.
History of Kimchi can be found here and here.

7 Skin Savers Ingredients

Total Beauty consulted the most sought-after clinical skin care experts to find out which ingredients they believe in the most.
See why these skin savers made the list – and where to find them.

Peptides
What: Short chains of amino acids, found in protein
Why: They act as messengers between the outer layer of skin, (epidermis) and the inner
layer (dermis) to trigger the healing process and rebuild the skin. Different peptide
types (i.e. Metrixyl and Argireline) have different functions, including reducing dark
under-eye circles, lessening the appearance of fine lines and fooling the skin into
thinking it's making more collagen.
Where to find them: Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, US$18.99

Vitamin C
What: An antioxidant that naturally occurs in most animals and plants (but not humans)
Why: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, stimulates collagen and helps protect the skin
from sun damage. Applied topically, it can firm, smooth, improve hyperpigmentation and
lessen fine lines.

Retinol
What: A vitamin A derivative that acts on DNA to promote healthy keratinocytes, cells that
make up most of the epidermis
Why: Retinol is a powerful ingredient that has really benefited skin on a molecular level
It works well even in over-the-counter products to thicken skin, promote collagen production, improve skin tone and elasticity and reduce fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
What: Synthetically produced or naturally occurring acids, often found in plants and milk
Why: AHAs like glycolic, lactic and polyhydroxy fruit acids make a significant impact even
after just several uses by removing dead skin cells. They help exfoliate the skin which is
important for skin renewal

Growth Factors
What: Naturally occurring proteins that stimulate cell growth
Why: Our skin loses 1 percent of its fibrolasts [its structural framework of tissues] and
thickness per year. Growth factors help improve the health of sun-damaged, aging skin by triggering the skin's rejuvenating process, which results in new collagen, new elastic tissue and new blood vessel formation. (Translation: fewer deep lines and wrinkles.)

Olive Leaf Extract
What: Also known as OLE, this antioxidant is derived from an ancient remedy, the leaves of the olive tree.
Why: The olive leaf has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic (or anti-itching)effects. OLE can calm and heal rosacea and even cystic acne. Chronic inflammation will impair the skin's ability to repair itself and will speed up the aging process.

Sunscreen
What: A natural or chemical substance (or series of substances) that helps protect the skin
from the sun's harmful rays
Why: Sunscreen is perhaps the most important anti-aging product to have. Although a modest amount of UV exposure is healthy and promotes Vitamin D production, too much can deplete the skin of antioxidants, promote free radicals and decrease collagen and elastin production. Skin then becomes thinner, weaker and more rigid, with more wrinkles and brown spots. It's critical to find a sunscreen that protects against UVB, which causes sunburn and skin cancer, and UVA, which can cause wrinkles and play a role in skin cancer.

Extracted from Total Beauty

How to Get the Longest, Thickest Lashes Ever

As derived from Total Beauty , here are some tips to get long and thick eyelashes

MAC Makeup Artist Gina Bettelli says there are a few ingredients you should look for in your mascara if you want dramatic lashes:

Soy protein: helps build volume and strengthen lashes.
Try : Wet n Wild MegaProtein Mascara, US$2.29.

Acrylates Copolymer: a film former that enhances lash length.
Try : Try Blinc Kiss Me Mascara, US$24

Panthenol, Pantethine, and Pro Vitamin B-5: conditioners, also found in most hair conditioners are the best ingredients for making lashes stronger and longer.
Try : MAC Mascara X, US$12.50

Chad Hayduk, makeup artist and Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists
To create the illusion of thicker lashes
- apply eyeliner to the upper inner rim of the eye.
- Use a pointed eyeliner brush with a cake eyeliner to apply liner as close to the lash line as possible

Finding the right wand is imperative for lengthening lashes
- look for a smaller wand with lots of teeth bound close together which will reach the lash roots and extend the hair as much as possible to lengthen and separate lashes.
Try: Lancome Definicils Mascara, US$24.

Gina Bettelli
A bigger fluffy wand is best for creating voluptuous lashes. The bendable, pliable teeth hug the lash curves and allow many coats to be applied on top of each other
Try: Benefit BADgal Lash, US$19.

I always, always use at least two different mascaras when I'm doing makeup. I like to use
one that really gets the mascara into the roots of the lashes (like Maybelline Lash Discovery, US$6.59 and another to lengthen and extend the lashes (like Lancome Virtuose Mascara, US$23.50.
Using a primer under mascara will help create denser lashes because it grabs more mascara to the lashes to make them thicker quicker.

Use lengthening mascara first to comb and separate lashes and then build a few coats of a
thickening mascara to create dense drama
Try : MAC Fibre Rich Lash Mascara, US$12 for a lengthening mascara
Try : L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara, US$6.99 to thicken lashes ( TotalBeauty reader favourite )

Having a good amount of mascara at the roots of the lashes makes the lashes look fuller and
thicker, without having to rely on eyeliner." -- Makeup Artist Fiona Stiles

Anti-Aging Secrets of Top Dermatologists

As derived from Total Beauty, these are what the top dermatologists share with us.

Audrey Kunin, M.D., founder of Dermadoctor
- believer in vitamin C treatments to boost collagen
- uses Vitamin C serum on face and decollete.

Amy Wechsler, M.D., author of "The Mind-Beauty Connection"
- believes in protecting her skin from free-radical damage by filling up on anti-oxidant rich foods and beverages.
- drinks green tea and eat anti-oxidants in the form of fruits, and a little dark chocolate.
"Ingesting anti-oxidants combats the oxidant stress and damage done to cells by
aging, stress, smoking and UV rays."

Kathy Fields, M.D., co-founder of Proactiv and Rodan + Fields Dermatologists
- believes in taking Vitamin D3 oil which is the new Vitamin E or A.
- vitamin D has been linked to bone health and cancer risk
According to Fields, the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends taking a supplement
of 1,000 ius a day.

Others :
Be careful with salt and alcohol volume too. Salt collects in the skin and brings water, which in turn causes puffiness. Alcohol causes blood vessels to become leaky, so the water exits skin, causing puffiness in delicate spots, like the under eye area.

Use sunscreen or products containing "zinc or avobenzone"
They should be the called out ingredients in the active ingredient list or you're probably doing your skin more damage.

Review on Vitamin Hydrogel Eye Patch



I picked this up from one of those commonly found pharmacies during my trip to Taipei last month.
I am not sure if its available in Singapore because I have yet to see it anywhere, except in Taipei and Korea.

Made in Korea, this is a pair of hydro gel eye patch made for the prevention for dark circles from this company named Wooshin.

Containing many beneficial ingredients like Vitamin E, A & C and Provitamin B5 and B3, it made me decided to get this box.

Main Ingredients :
Vitamin E, A & C and Provitamin B5 and B3 : prevention of dark circles
Orange Extract : Pore tightening effect
Hydro Gel : To provide moisture

Dark circles is formed due to lack of blood circulation and this patch claimed to be able to prevent it as well as supplying nutrition to the eyes in order to maintain bright and clear eyes.

Vitamin from orange extract claimed to be able to tighten pores and provides enough moisture to the eye area
Hydro Gel which contains moisture helps to maintain healthy and beautiful eyes.
The skin ingredients found in the hydro gel use Transdermal Delivery System to give concentrative nutrition supply to the eye area

Containing 5 pair of patches in a box, I used it before, during and after my Korea trip for about 3 weeks and I feel that my dark circles seem to be slightly lighter. The blue veins are not that protuding.
The sweet scent of Vitamin C is another plus point.
There is a slight tightening effect on the under eye area after 20 minutes of usage, with the patch still on it.

However, at the same time I am also using my eye gel twice daily as well as using a soft eye mask to sleep so I cannot totally contribute this improvement to just this eye patch alone but I am still happy with this improvement for now.

Review on Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Dermalogica's award winning, unique rice-based enzyme powder claim to be able to improve skin tone, texture and pigmentation yet is gentle enough to use every day.

This is a unique, rice-based enzyme powder that activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. The unique Skin Brightening Complex of Aspergillus, Grapefruit and Licorice helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation.

Active agents derived from Rice Bran and Rice Extract help to regulate melanin production while micro-exfoliating dead cells. A super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis.

Rice Enzymes : smooth the skin, loosening dead skin cells that clog the pores.
Salicylic Acid : purges the pores of oil that can clog the pores.
Licorice : evens skin pigmentation, lightening acne scars and age spots.

This is one scrub which I loved so much that I will highly recommend it to anyone who is in need of a facial scrub. My skin is left feeling so smooth and supple after every scrub.

It helps to remove dull surface debris to reveal brighter, smoother skin. With continued usage, it will helps to even out the skin tone.

What is so unique is that, the white powder becomes a creamy paste after water is mixed with it.
However, if your skin is severely dehydrated, its best to use a deeply hydrating mask after your scrub.

Get yours from Amazon with free shipping and tell me if you love it too!

Full Ingredients :
Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Silicate, Sodium Cocoyl Idethionate, Disodiom Lauryl, Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Collodidal Oatmeal, Oryza Sativa Bran, Oryza Sativa Starch, Oryza Sativa Extract, Papain, Salucylic Acid, Aspergillus, Ferment; Extracts Of: Arctostphylos Uva Ursi Leaf, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Citrus Grandis Fruit, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Ginkgo Biloba, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein; Essential Oils Of: Melameuca Alternifolia Leaf, Citrus Grandis Peel, PCA, Cyclodextrin, Allyl Methacrylates, Crosspolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Methylparaben.

Trip To Korea


I have not been updating my blog for a week because I was in Korea! A place which I always wanting to visit because I loved Korean dramas so much and uses their facial masks so often.
This was an 8D trip booked from ASA with a Korean tour guide who spoke Mandarin.

It helps that he is a Bae Yong Jun lookalike and is a pretty good tour guide who takes care of almost all our needs. Eye candy never hurts.

I enjoyed myself under his tour though the family restaurants which he brought us to, weren't that satisfactory. I think I still like Chang@ Dempsey Road.

I bought quite a lot of Korea facial masks as it was almost half of the price as compared to Singapore. There were too many brands to choose from so I only bought from those brands which I have used in Singapore before. Examples like Beauty Credit, Skin Food, Etude House, The Face Shop, Laneige and Missha.

I was disappointed with Laneige though, because Korea carried a different range as compared with Singapore so I did not manage to get what I intended to get.

Its actually too bad that I did not see any good looking Korean guys around. Probably a handful so thankfully I still can look at my tour guide while pretending to be interested in what he was saying. HAHA.

More than 90% of the Korean ladies had make-up on and its so natural looking that one will mistook that as part of their flawless skin. And of course their skin is really superb, very fair and soft.
Definitely what guys are looking for!

Since its a planned tour, I did not really get to shop alot but still manage to hit Dongdaemun and Myeongdong.

The theme parks include Lotte World ( where Stairway To Heaven was filmed ), Everland and the Blue Canyon Water Theme Park.



I definitely will visit Korea again but probably in another season. Hopefully, I will get to bump into my Korean tour guide again. hehe.


Recommended Reading : My 8D Korea Trip + Beauty Shopping + Haul in 2018