Review on SONY CP Laboratories Inc. Blackhead Off Stick



Made in Japan, this blackhead off stick from CP Sony Labs claims to effectively remove your blackheads and dirt while improving your skin at the same time.
I first read about this product in a magazine about 2 years ago and was really intrigued by it as a local celebrity swears by Sony CP products.

I almost couldn't believe it when I heard its from Sony CP as the company is mainly associated with electronic consumer products so what are they doing with beauty products?
Anyway, when I came across it in Nishino Pharmacy in Liang Court, I knew I had to get it.
I cannot remember the price as it was quite some time back but it should be below $15.

This cute little tube comes in a lovely chirpy yellow colour, almost like a lipbalm and revealed a beige coloured waxy head which I am supposed to rub on the nose in order to remove those detestable blackheads.

Main Ingredients :
AHA soften skin and remove the dirt easily
Witch hazel helps tighten pores and improve skin

Direction:
Use it after cleansing. Face must be dry when using. Rub it on nose or chin. Follow with toner and moisturizer.
Use it 1-2 times per week. Do not use it when face is reddish.

A little goes a long way. How much can you possible rub on a tiny nose, I wonder?
I found it to be particularly drying on my nose as it peels after each rub so I do not really like using it.
In fact, I hardly found any benefits in using this as my blackheads are still there and the constant rubbing motion is causing friction and making my nose redder and flaking.

I definitely would not be buying this again as its pretty useless.

Review on Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray


Product Description:
Mist on this environmental shield to immediately reduce the redness and inflammation associated with stress, pollution, climatic extremes or allergies. Unique Anti-Ozonate Complex helps heal skin and prevent future attacks. Ideal for all sensitized skin conditions.

Suitable for flushed, irritated and sensitive skin, this ultra-calming spray formulated with Anti-Ozonate Complex help protect skin from reactive ozone while active botanicals to help reduce irritation and redness is a soothing treat for all those who have used it before.

I received this as a free gift when I bought my Dermalogica products online and was really happy to be able to get a chance to try it. I have been battling with sensitive and flushed skin for the major part of my life. Its not serious but I prefer my skin to be normal, instead of turning red easily under sun or playing sports. My skin has calmed down tremendously ever since I started using Dermalogica products which is also why you may have found many reviews with Dermalogica products in my blog.

Everytime, my skin is flushed, I found myself reaching out for this spray. 4 spritzes are all I need for my face and thereafter I will just lightly tap on my skin.
I cannot describe the scent but I actually hated it very much.
It also irritates and stings my eyes easily so beware to avoid the eye area.

It could be a psychological feel-good feeling that caused me to believe in it because I actually did not really see a marked improvement in my skin sensitivity after using this and its not an immediate recovery from flushed to normal. I still need some time before my skin recovers to its original state after the spray.
As with all Dermalogica products, it contains no artificial colour or fragrance which made it suitable for sensitive skin.

I usually used it as a toner, after cleansing. However, it is kind of sticky which I do not really like. Even after I have lightly tap on my skin to get it absorbed, waited for a while, before I applied my Dermalogica Hydrating Booster, it still feels sticky. Ahhh...

Recommended Use:
Apply after cleansing with Dermalogica's Ultra Calming Cleanser for Face and Eyes. Spray directly over entire face, throat and decollete. Can also be sprayed onto figertips or cotton and pad and applied to skin in light, upward strokes. 

Main Ingredients:
Anti-Ozonate Complex, Green Tea, Balm Mint, Cucumber, Licorice, Raspberry, Canadian Willow Herb

• Natural moisturizer Sodium PCA helps maintain hydration.
• Canadian Willow Herb, Licorice, Raspberry and Cucumber help reduce redness and irritation.
• Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E helps combat visible dryness and protect

Review on The Skin Food Herb Salad Mask Sheet



Product Description
Facial mask sheet to soothe extra sensitive skin. Reduces irritation and controls redness
Mask with herb extracts which provides moisture and comfort to sensitive skin.

The Herb Salad range for sensitive skin comprises various herbs and plant ingredients that are devoid of colors and preservatives so I decided to get a few sheet masks from this range while in Korea.
Containing a herbal smell which is not really pleasant to my nose though its bearable, the sheet size is abit too big for my face and the cut out areas for the eyes, nose and lips are too big.
At 20ml, its quite a good treat for the skin while I relax to enjoy the treatment.

It does not sting and is soothing to the skin. No breakouts after my first mask and it moisturises my skin pretty well.
Skin feels sticky after each session but after rinsing it with water, my face feels much softer and smoother.

I was supposed to say its a keeper but sadly, the next morning, a couple of white small zits appeared on my chin. My skin was pretty fine after the 1st mask usage but these white zits occurred after my 2nd mask usage.
Gee. I think its just not for me.

INGREDIENTS
WATER. GLYCERIN. BETA GLUCAN. ALCOHOL. PPG-26-BUTETH-26. PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL. CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT. PROPYLENE GLYCOL. HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) EXTRACT. BAMBUSA TEXTILIS STEM EXTRACT. BUTYLENE GLYCOL. IMIDAZOLIOINYL UREA. METHYLPARABEN. CARBOMER. TRIETHANOLAMINE. CETYL HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE. CITRUS UNSHIU EXTRACT. DISODIUM EDTA, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE. TILIA CORDATA FLOWER EXTRACT. EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT. HYPERICUM PERFORATUM EXTRACT. SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT. ACHILLEA MILLE FOLIUM EXTRACT. MALVA SYLVESTRIS (MALLOW) EXTRACT. CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) EXTRACT. CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT

Review on Sebastian Laminates Sheer Conditioner


Range of Products
Laminates Sheer care and styling products feel weightless and create free-flowing styles that are ideal for fine hair. These same products also offer light-weight styling options for those with coarse hair. So you can capture all the brilliance of Laminates, with a lighter approach to classic shine. Infused with the brilliance of Shine Innovation Complex, so you get nothing but soft, sexy styles with radiant shine and movement.

Product Description
Sebastian Laminates Sheer Conditioner Weightless Shine Rinse is a weightless, sensual luminescence for smoothness and soft styles. Infused with the brilliance of Lamines Shine Innovation Complex, Laminates Sheer Conditioner offers natural moisture with beautiful shine. Its color safe and suitable for all hair types.

Infused with a slight citrus and floral fragrance, this conditioner with a milky-white silky texture is quite pleasant to use. After using it every night for the past 1 month, it leaves my hair feeling soft and manageable. 
I used to get knotted ends on my hair quite frequently but after using this conditioner, my knotted ends have improved alot, the knots have been much lesser and my hair have never felt better and tangle-free for so long.
My hair does look slightly shinier than before.
 
The bottle belongs to those squeezable type, one or two squeezes are all you need, to get the cream flowing out. I bought this for $19.90 at Venus at City Square Mall, near Boon Keng.

Ingredients

Review on Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream - Sheer Glowing Skin




Product Description
Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream promotes silky complexion with pearl infused sheer coverage. Contains adenosine & arbutin for anti-wrinkle & whitening efficiencies. SPF for UV protection

After seeing how it gave my sister a flawless and radiant look, I decided to get this when I was in Korea, its such a steal with more than 50% cheaper ( $16 in Korea ) than Singapore stores ( $39.90 in Singapore )

Since I have never use any mineral cream before, I cannot discern the difference between a normal mineral cream and this product. It just seems like a usual liquid foundation to me.

The free sample which I have (Courtesy from Taiwan Etude House, when I bought their items some time back), comes in a tube which oozes out easily and may get messy at times, as it may gives out more than its required.

Thank goodness that the retail size which I bought ( after liking the sample ) is a pump dispenser type which is good for travelling without the messiness. However the pump dispenses more than what I required ( even with just one squirtz ) so it can be quite wasteful.
A little goes a long way and its so affordable so you actually can save money from this tube alone.
As with all BB creams, it offers SPF protection, whitening properties and provides good anti-aging benefits with prolonged usage.

Slightly scented with a floral fragrance, its seems to be more suitable for ladies with fair skin as it made me look brighter and fairer. Thankfully I am on the fair skinned tone and hence it suits me quite well. For my sister, as she is of a darker tone, this BB cream made her looked "whitish" and she have to follow up with her normal compact powder to even out the skin tone.

Recommended for dry skin, I thought it will provide moisture to my skin however, it still feels dry on my skin at times so if my skin is flaking, I will not use it as it would make the flakiness even more obvious.

This cream has a slight pinkish under tone and provides good enough coverage on its own, a better coverage than my own Stila Illuminating liquid foundation.
I have been using it regularly every morning for the past 4 months, either on its own or with my compact powder.

On its own, it blends in well with my skin tone to give good enough coverage and skin tone looks more even. A colleague have also commented that my skin looks better ( when I applied this product ) and radiant. Its good enough to cover small blemishes and light scars.
However, there is not much of oil control perhaps thats why its recommended for dry skin as I still experienced T-zone oilness by mid day which is fine with me, as I can dab the little shine away. Still, it would be a bonus if it can help to keep my shine at bay.

If I used it with my own Estee Lauder brightening compact powder, it provides a flawless finish but somehow, my face looks "whiter", a slight different shade than my neck which I do not really like. Hence I will still use my Stila Illuminating liquid foundation with my powder.

Since I have always been mistaken to be younger than my real age, I cannot comment much on its anti-aging properties or its wrinkle properties.
However, after the 4 months usage, I do notice that my slight pigmentaion on the cheeks did not look any worser so its SPF30 is doing its job well, I would say. My skin did not turn darker but it doesn't appear to be fairer too.
A recent visit to my beautician have also revealed that I have better skin to boot.

Ingredients :



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Review on Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand & Nail Treatment

Product Description 
Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand & Nail Treatment is an intense, non-greasy treatment to protect and repair chapped hands while strengthening the nails against splitting and peeling.

Key Ingredients :
- Provitamin B5 and soothing Algae Extract combined with pure Sweet Almond Oil to help heal dry, rough hands and provide an invisible barrier against environmental damage from weather and sunlight.
- Licorice Extract and Vitamin C help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation ("age spots"), while SPF15 sunscreens, including Avobenzone, shield the skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation.
- Antioxidant extracts of Ginkgo Biloba and Grape Seed plus Vitamin E neutralise free radical activity, guarding against further damage.

Comes in a tube, its looks and feels like a thick creamy white hand cream but when applied on the hands, its actually quite light and non-greasy. 

It has a very pleasant fragrance which reminds me of oranges and the cream gets absorbed into the skin very easily without leaving a greasy feel. However, it feels abit mild and light for my dehydrated hands and thus needs frequent application especially after washing my hands.

If you just need a hand cream to maintain the condition of your hands, this is a good one to try out.
With so much goodness in a tube, I may just get a second tube but may alternate with a denser hand cream so that I can get the best of both worlds.  

Full Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Sodium Dihydroxycetyl Phosphate; Extracts Of: Rosa Centifolia Flower, Algae, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Vitis Vinifera (grape) Seed, Lupinus Albus Seed, Spirulina Maxima; Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methylheptyl Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Limonene, Citrus Grandis (grapefruit) Peel Oil.

Review on Avene Treatment Cream For Localized Redness


Avene's Anti-Redness Cream is a unique localised treatment to help reduce redness caused by broken capillaries.

A new generation anti-redness treatment cream with dual preventive and corrective action on localized redness. Its formula combines complementary active ingredients: Retinaldehyde C.T. to energize cell metabolism, H.M.C. and Dextran Sulfate with decongestant properties. The light green tint partially neutralizes skin redness.

Soothes skin and relieves irritation while increasing it's strength and thickness as well as strengthening blood vessel walls. It is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

Relieves irritation : Avène Thermal Spring Water is naturally soothing and anti-irritating; it relieves heating sensation

To decongest : Dextran sulfate decongests, softens diffuse redness and prevents the appearance of new red patches

At that time of purchase, I was looking for a product to soothe the redness on my skin as my sensitive skin is quite prone to redness. I always have a good impression of Avene because of its famous Thermal Spring Water widely known to soothe the skin.
That was like almost 2 years back.

Ha, I guess that meant I have been keeping this product for that long. Frankly speaking, I usually used up my skincare products pretty fast, as compared to the average lady because I am quite disciplined when it comes to skincare and uses it religiously as I believe thats the fastest way to see results.

Its only when you use it consistently, you can then see an improvement. The same mantra goes for your studies. Isn't that what your parents usually nag to you about? LOL.

However, when it comes to this product, it took me a very long time to use this up, in fact, I still have about 70% of it remaining in the tube.

At that point in time, I was intent in getting another Avene product but was recommended by the promoter to use this, to soothe the redness on my hormonal chin area. My chin area broke out frequently during that period hence I was not able to follow the 3 months routine as recommended.

I usually used it at night, on the wings of my nose as I got some broken capillaries there and on my chin area as its slightly red and raw due to frequent breakouts on that area.
But because I have breakouts on my chin area on an on-off basis, I usually apply blemish gel only and skipped the treatment cream as I do not like to over-use products on breakout areas since its already inflamed.
Because of this, I was not able to follow the 3 months strictly as recommended in order to see results.

This treatment cream comes in a tube and is green tinted in colour. Its looks creamy but is actually quite light and not that greasy. On red sensitive areas, it helps to reduce the redness due to the green tint and feels abit minty which is good since it can cool down the sensation of heat.

After starting this treatment cream regime, my hormonal chin area did feel and look better but I cannot attribute the results to this product entirely because by then, I have started to visit a beautician, using Dermalogica products and having lesser breakouts on my chin area.

I feel that all of the changes have brought an improvement to my chin area and I am happy with the results however, the broken capillaries on the wings of my nose are still there. Its not that bad but it will still turn red under extreme weather changes.
At times, I still get little white zits at my chin the next morning, if I have applied this product the night before.

If you are keen in getting this product, you might want to follow on a strict 3 months routine and you may be able to see results in a shorter basis.

Key Ingredients:
Retinaldehyde C.T., H.M.C and Dextran Sulfate, Avene Thermal Spring Water All Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Squalane, Propylene Glycol, Glycol Montanate, PEG-40

Direction for Use:
Apply in the evening to problem areas (cheeks and nose) as an intensive skincare program for at least three (3) months. Avoid exposure to the sun, which can aggravate redness.

Get Antirougeurs Day Redness Relief Soothing Cream SPF25 from HERE with free shipping and samples.

Review on Kawae Q10 eye mask



I bought this box (5 sheets) of eye masks from Taiwan at quite an affordable price. Apologies that I have threw away the box in Taiwan as I was trying to save space for all my beauty haul. It was simply filled to the brim with different brands of eye masks and The Beauty Diary facial masks.
My girlfriends were simply horrified with my haul of eye masks. LOL. Do watch out for more eye masks reviews coming your way.

The packaging is pretty cute, kawaii and chirpy. I am actually pretty poor and slow in reading Mandarin but I grabbed this when Q10 seems to be screaming at me from the shelves.
Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid caught my attention too.

Its packed in a transparent tray with 2 inserts for the eye masks so that its not that messy when I took it out.
However, out of the 5 pieces, 1 piece failed as that pair of eye masks still slipped out from the tray and I need to wringle my fingers into the packaging to pick it up.

Its dripping wet and may drip when I tried to lay them on my undereye area.  However, if you rest in bed while doing the eye masks, I think it should not bother you that much.
And because its so wet, it does not dries up that soon and its still pretty wet after 30minutes.
After removing the eye pads at every session, the area feels sticky too.
However the smell is quite unbearable. It reminds me of glue and its really smelly.

After using the whole box for a week, I hardly see any visible improvement to my undereye area.
My undereye area was hydrated after each night session but it does not last to the next morning.

Refer to my previous post on what Q10 can do to your skin.

Ingredients :

Review on Sebastian Potion 9




Product Description

Sebastian Potion 9 Wearable Styling Treatment is the ultimate versatile styling cream infused with 9 Botanical extracts to help restore lost moisture, repairs damaged, environmentally stressed hair and rejuvenate the healthy look of your hair. Perfect for styling your hair into multiple looks with flexible hold.

Active-oil botanicals restore hair's natural condition, leaving hair with renewed shine. Protective agent cocktail enhances manageable styling.
 
Key ingredients include safflower, rose hips and borage seed oil, to renew your hair's natural protective barrier eliminating unwanted water loss, repairing brittle portions of your hair and restoring pliability.

Potion 9 refers to the 9 essential extracts to help restore lost moisture, revitalize damage and rejuvenate the condition of hair. They are; jojoba seed oil, safflower seed oil, sesame seed oil, babassu oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, rice bran oil, willow bark extract and green tea leaf extract. And the magic doesn’t stop there. This treatment is also wearable, making it perfect for styling hair.

I have been hearing good things about this magical potion and I was really looking forward to getting this product. However, I found it to be expensive in those salons I visited and was hesitant in getting it.

Imagine my delight when I chanced upon this product while shopping in Hong Kong. It costs a mere HK$65 or S$13 for the 150ml tube. It was such a real steal.

It comes in a tube which gets dented easily hence may result in accidental spilled-over at times.
Orangy in colour and glooey in texture, this leave-in treatment spreads easily from the hands to the hair. The scent is not something I like but its still bearable for the magic that it can create.

Garnering a 8.5 rating in Total Beauty , this is one product which gets good comments from all over the world. After using it for more than 3 months, I would say that its a great potion that helps to condition my hair and keeps it soft and manageable.
Its recommended to use on damp hair so I usually used this after my shampooed hair.
A dollop goes a long way and helps to define my curls by giving it a slight hold without weighing my hair down.
Its great that it acts as both a leave-in treatment gel as well as a styling product.

Sad to say, it does nothing to my frizziness though. Thats my only complaint and if the tube can be changed to a more resilent one, that would be even better.

Ingredients :

Review on Imselene Olive Olive and Amino Repair Shampoo

I bought the small trial size 100g from Watsons at $1.99 and decided to give it a try since olive is widely known for its shine properties on hair.

A special home tip : using normal olive oil ( can get it at Watsons ) regularly on your hair can give you sleek and shiny tresses.

Product Description
Made in Korea and suitable for damaged and dry hair, this is a special formula of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, amino acids, Pro-vitamin B5 and Natural Plant Extracts designed to repair, moisturize and nourish the hair cuticles leaving hair soft and shiny.

White and creamy, it smells quite alright, I am not sure what the scent is but I am fine with both the scent and the texture.
Since this is for dry and damaged hair, I certainly thinks my hair does need a little TLC as I usually coloured and permed my hair once a year which is not much, considering, today's standards but its still damaging to the hair.

Filled with so much goodness in a shampoo, I have high expectations of its performance and how it can measures up to my standard, especially on the shine properties.

After almost a month of daily usage, I do not exactly see and feel any difference. No shinier hair too. Its quite disappointing actually.

Ingredients :


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Review on Burts Bee Honey Lip Balm


Product Description
Burts Bees is famous for their lip balms and now get yourself rewarded with a sweet treat from their new flavour - honey.

Made with sweet, soothing honey, this natural lip balm moisturises and nourishes lips. Plus, it’s packed with beeswax, shea butter, almond oil, cocoa butter and lanolin to keep your lips soft and healthy.
Its also chocking full of pain relieving protective ingredients to help soothe cracked, chapped or burning lips.

Honey: This sweet, fragrant, syrupy substance produced by bees soothes and adds softness to the skin, and is an excellent natural moisturizer.

Honey is created by bees as a food source for times when other sources are scarce. It is made up of a mixture of sugars and other compounds, and contains many vitamins and essential minerals including B-vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, copper, iron and magnesium, as well as several different amino acids.

Since it is a humectant, honey easily attracts and retains water, making it a great skin and hair moisturizer. Its antioxidant properties make it an effective ingredient for improving aging or sun-damaged skin, helping it to look smoother and younger. And, since it also has anti-irritant properties, skin care formulas for babies and others with delicate or sensitive skin often include honey to soothe.

The scent is rather light, with a slight whiff of honey.
It feels waxy when applied to the lips. Although it did provide moisturising relief for my sometimes chapped lips but somehow its still not that creamy enough to combat harsher conditions.
I would say its better than an average lip balm but I believe there are better ones out there.

Ingredients: cera alba (beeswax, cire d'abeille), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, lanolin, aroma (flavor), mel (honey, miel), tocopherol, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, glycine soja (soybean) oil, canola oil (huile de colza), benzyl benzoate, coumarin

More brief reviews from here

Review on Burts Bee Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil






I bought this from one of the Indian-owned souvenirs store in old Las Vegas in last May and only start using it now. I always love lip balms in a twist tube as its so much more hygenic and easier to apply on the dry chapped lips.

This is a replenishing and hydrating lip balm infused with the antioxidant goodness of pomegranate oil to replenishes moisture and restores texture to reveal smooth, healthy, supple lips.

Made up of natural ingredients, this lip balm contains no petroleums and only uses the natural colours found in the natural ingredients used in the product. Pomegrante is well-known for its antioxidant benefits in fighting free radicals and thats what made me choose this over other lip balms.

Deep red in colour, it is slightly tinted and leaves a slight red tinge on the lips. I actually did not fancy such lip balms but I was not aware of it when I bought it, so now I have to live with it.
It has a hint of fruity flavour but not too overpowering and despite rave reviews from fans, its just not suitable for me. Its not moisturing enough and is too mild for my sometimes chapped lips.

If my lips is flaking and I tried to use this lip balm, it does not seem to help at all. Its a miserable flop, in my view. It practically dries up my lips when it should be helping to moisturise it.

However, if my lips is already well-moisturised, the light red tint from this lip balm actually enhances my lip colour pretty well, giving it a lovely sheen.

You can get them from Amazon :
Burts Bee 100% Natural Lip Balm ( Multipack ) - makes a great Christmas gift
Burts Bee Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
Burts Bee Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil ( Pack of 5 )

Burts Bee Lip balm is one of the bestsellers on the Amazon. You can check out the Amazon Bestseller in Skincare here or refer to my resource and savings page.

Ingredients :
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil, cena alba (beeswax/cire d'abeille), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, castor oil, lanolin, symphytum officinale (comfrey) root, punica granatum (pomegranate) oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, pimpinella anisum (anise) fruit oil, cinnamomum cassia (cassia) oil, cinnamomum zeylancium leaf oil, salvia officinalis oil, citrus nobilis (mandarin orange) peel oil, tocopheryl acetate & tocopherol, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, carmine (CI 75470) parfum. Not tested on animals. 99.6% Natural.

Source : Burts Bee

Review on Puretree Home Aesthe Firming Collagen Gel Eye Patch




Product Description
Containing nourishing extracts from collagen, elastin and swiss alphine herb extracts to regain elasticity, moisture and health to the exhausted eye area.

I picked this up for HK$25 at Hong Kong SASA which is about $5 in late May.
I only started using this recently on a 5 day consecutive basis.

Containing 5 pairs of eye patches in a box, a pair of patches comes packed in a light transparent plastic tray in each individually sealed packet.
There is a slight herbal scent which I suspect it may be due to the Swiss Alphine Herb which reminded me of Ricola, the sweet, although I think Ricola smells much better.

Once taken out, the eye patch is quite slippery and slightly oily and may take several tries to place it correctly on the under eye area. This translucent gel-like patch does not drip and its almost dry after about 10mins and feels coolling and minty on the area.

However, despite claiming it as a firming collagen eye gel patch, I cannot feel any firming or tightening effects and my under eye area still looks as per normal after 5 days.

Ingredients :

5 Rules To Reading Product Labels

Rule 1: Understand common terminology.

Oil-free.
On the Web site, Real Self, dermatologist Jeannette Graf, M.D., explains that ”oil-free” originally described products that contained no industrial mineral oil. Long ago, mineral oil was “extremely thick, impure and clogging,” she writes. However, industrial oils are no longer used in skincare and cosmetics. Today, the term means that a product isn’t oil-based, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, dermatologist Diane V. Duvall, M.D., tells Fine Living Network.

Noncomedogenic.
This means that ingredients have been tested and don’t appear to clog pores, according to Dr. Duvall.

Hypoallergenic.
Most people assume that a “hypoallergenic” product won’t cause an allergic reaction and is better for sensitive skin. Though it does mean that these ingredients have a lower chance of causing allergic reactions than others, everyone won’t react to an ingredient in the same way.

Alcohol-free.
These products don’t contain ethyl alcohol (also known as SD Alcohol), an ingredient that’s typically too harsh and drying on the skin. However, alcohol-free products can still contain fatty alcohols, which are actually beneficial to the skin.

Dermatologist-recommended (or dermatologist-tested).
Any product can make this claim — even if one dermatologist has tried the product or used it on a single patient. Thus, these labels don’t mean that the product is recommended by all dermatologists to treat all patients.

Natural.
No federal guidelines dictate exactly what “natural” means or what percent of the ingredients must come from natural sources. Also, natural ingredients aren’t inherently superior to synthetic ingredients. Natural products can also cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin. Common irritating culprits include rosemary, chamomile, mint and lemon, according to Allure. Natural products can contain synthetic ingredients, too.

Organic.
In theory, this label means that ingredients have been grown organically, without the use of pesticides or chemical processing. But, as is the case with natural products, there are no standards for defining “organic” and the term isn’t controlled by the government. Essentially, skincare companies can use the term as they please.


Rule 2: Know the different types of ingredients.

Humectants bring moisture to skin’s upper layers. Examples include glycerin, urea, panthenol and ceramides.

Emollients make skin feel smoother, filling in cracks or rough spots caused by dryness or irritation. Popular emollients are oils from plants and fruits, like grapes, avocados, almonds, coconuts and sunflowers. Some alcohols (like cetyl alcohol and isostearyl alcohol) are also emollients.

Occlusives create a layer of “film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping,” writes Celeste Hilling for the Web site, Skin Health TODAY. But they can make skin cells clump together, clog pores and cause acne. Common occlusives include paraffin, mineral oil, cetyl palmitate and dimethicone.

Surfactants promote lather and foaming action in cleansers. They also make creams easier to apply. Examples include ammonium laurel sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine and ingredients ending in “stearates.”

Botanicals are derived from plants and/or trees. Examples include aloe vera and tea tree extract.

Vitamins protect against free radicals, sun damage, moisture loss and environmental threats and encourage healthy cell renewal, writes Anita Shannon in New Life Journal. Vitamins can be listed under different names on product labels: Vitamin A is retinol; vitamin C is ascorbic acid; and vitamin E is tocopherol.

Acids slough off dead, dry skin to reveal a fresh, smooth complexion. These include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acids, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid.


Rule 3: Identify (and understand) active ingredients.

When choosing your product, look for active ingredients that are known for effectively treating your particular concern. This way you avoid the marketing hype and let the active ingredients speak for themselves.

Rule 4: Pay attention to the order of ingredients.

Some companies might highlight certain natural ingredients on the front of the product, but the ingredients label can tell a different story. In reality, these products might contain a negligible amount of the ingredient. So focusing on the order of ingredients is key to knowing if you’re getting an effective product.

The general rule of thumb is that ingredients that are present in high concentrations will be listed at the beginning of the label. Because many products are water-based, water is often the first ingredient, and may be followed by oils like mineral oil or petrolatum. Ingredients present in lower concentrations are usually included toward the end of the list.

However, there are several exceptions to the rule:

If one of the ingredients is classified as a drug, then the drug is listed prior to all other ingredients regardless of its concentration,” notes G. Todorov, Ph.D., of Smart Skin Care.

Fragrances, dyes and colors are often the last ingredients listed, no matter what concentrations are present.

Ingredients below 1 percent can be listed in any order, but they must be listed after ingredients that are at or above 1 percent.

Keep in mind that active ingredients don’t have to be listed toward the top of the list. Some ingredients are effective at 1 to 2 percent, such as salicylic acid, while other ingredients, like vitamin C, are potent at 10 to 15 percent concentrations or higher.

Rule 5: Watch for possible irritants.

You might want to stay away from these ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin:

Sulfates.
Like surfactants, sulfates allow shampoos and cleansers to foam up and remove oil. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common ingredient, which can exacerbate dryness and irritation.

Parabens.
These commonly used synthetic preservatives attack bacteria, mold or other microbes that can spoil a product. Most people won’t have an adverse reaction to parabens. But, if you’d like to avoid these preservatives, look for the following on the label: Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben and Butylparaben.

Artificial colors and fragrances.
These ingredients have no benefit for your skin, and they can lead to sensitivity, irritation and breakouts. To avoid colors, look for FD&C or D&C on the label. Smart Skin Care lists the following as an example: FD&C Red No. 6.



A note on sunscreen

Since sunscreen is key to maintaining younger-looking, healthy skin, it’s important you’re grabbing the right bottle. Here’s how to be sure:

SPF (sun protection factor). Not sure what SPF to get? Multiply the SPF by how many minutes it takes your unprotected skin to burn. This number tells you how many minutes you can stay in the sun before burning. Do you usually burn in 10 minutes? SPF 15 would keep you from burning for 150 minutes and SPF 30 for 300 minutes.

Note, though, that SPF ratings only describe protection from UVB rays (linked to sunburn and skin cancer), not UVA rays (linked to premature aging and some skin cancers). SPF 15 blocks out about 93 percent of UVB rays, and SPF 30 blocks out approximately 97 percent. SPF 15 is OK for everyday wear, but choose a higher SPF when you’ll be outdoors for long periods of time.

Broad-spectrum protection. Opt for broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the label lists ingredients like oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789). Avobenzone can cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
 

Beauty Ingredients To Be Careful About

Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) is launching Careful Beauty to give consumers the information they need to choose cosmetics they can trust.

However, the brands quoted are not based in Singapore, hence this is a write-up on the ingredients which they deemed as harmful.
“While beauty products are designed to make us look and feel better about ourselves the majority of modern cosmetics are complex mixtures of industrially produced synthetic chemicals,” says Laureen Benton, Health Officer at WEN. “The problem is that some of these chemicals are bio-accumulative. This means that small amounts absorbed when we wash our hair, paint our nails or spray on deodorant don’t go away and gradually build up to create a chemical cocktail in our bodies. To prevent this we need to choose products which avoid those potentially harmful ingredients. And that’s what Careful Beauty helps us to do.”

Free from synthetic preservatives - parabens
Synthetic preservatives are those ingredients of an unnatural source or origin used as a preservative system in products. Due to the fact that parabens are one of the most widely used preservatives they are the primary exclusion on the list. Formaldehyde can be found as a preservative in various cosmetics, soap, nail hardeners and varnish. Ingesting formaldehyde can cause internal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, coma and death. Formaldehyde is a proven neurotoxin, genotoxin, carcinogen and skin irritant. It is involved in DNA damage and inhibits its repair and in conjunction with other chemical ingredients can produce mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Preservatives are the second most common cause of allergic and irritant reactions to cosmetics.

Free from synthetic fragrances - phthalates
Phthalates are used as a plasticiser and a solvent in cosmetics. They may be listed as dibutyl, dithylhexyl, DEHP, DBP. Some phthalates may not appear on a label as they are components of ‘fragrances’, ‘parfum’, ‘perfume’ and other synthetic fragrances. Research strongly demonstrates that DEHP is linked to adverse affects to male and female reproductive systems and the EU has banned the use of some phthalates in PVC toys as well as listing it as a ‘substance of very high concern.’ Phthalates can be found in cosmetics such as nail varnishes, deodorants, fragrances, hair gels and sprays, hand and body lotions.

Free from bleaching agents
Bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone and mercury, are added to skincare products to help lighten skin. Although banned in the EU they are still manufactured in Asia and Africa. These bleaching chemicals are highly toxic – hydroquinone can cause brown patches on skin and is an irritant, mercury can cause serious poisoning as well as cancer.

Free from chemically manufactured / synthetic made / nature identical ingredients
Nature identical ingredients are produced synthetically or processed but are chemically identical to substances that are found in nature, e.g.silicones, paraffin and other fossil fuel-derived products. See petrochemicals below.

Free from detergents
Detergents are alternatives to soap and are derived from petroleum based products. Some commonly used detergents are Ethoxylated Alcohols (EA) including PEG, SLS - Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Amines and Derivatives (DEA etc.). Many used for their foaming action in shampoo, conditioners, facial cleansers, hair dyes, lotions, soaps, baby shampoo, baby wipes, shaving cream and acne treatment. Detergents can dry skin and hair, cause irritations to eyes and skin, and can react with impurities and nitrate preservatives, some of which may cause cancer. DEA causes liver and kidney tumours, can damage testicles and reduce sperm activity. Research demonstrates a strong relationship to toxicity to kidneys and nervous system.

Free from GM ingredients
Genetically modified organisms are highly contested ingredients on a global scale. Consumer concerns have caused European companies to work at removing GM ingredients from their products, however many US companies maintain there is not enough evidence of harm from GMOs in cosmetics.

Free from lanolin
A natural emulsifier and emollient, lanolin is used extensively in cosmetics. Lanolin is found in moisturisers, especially those for lips. It is found in shampoo, ointments, face washes and creams, lip balms, hand creams, cold creams and face powders. Lanolin can be an irritant and can cause chapping of the lips. If the cosmetic product does not use certified organic lanolin then there is a risk of exposure to traces of DDT, dieldrin, lindane and other neurotoxic pesticides.

Free from nanoparticles
Nanoparticles, such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide, are used in cosmetics and as UV filters in sun creams. It has shown to be possible for nanoparticles to enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier, thus entering the brain itself. Fullerenes are another example of nanoparticles used in anti-aging products. Research associated with the health affects of fullerenes and titanium dioxide indicate that certain nanoparticles may be genotoxic and photogenotoxic.

Free from petrochemicals
Petrol based products, such as petroleum, mineral oil, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, paraffin, petroleum and petroleum by-products are used as penetration enhancers, lubricants and emollients in such products as cold creams, lipsticks, mascaras, baby creams, moisturising creams, shaving creams, hair conditioners, makeup removers to name a few. Petroleum based products can irritate and sensitise skin, may compromise skin’s own moisturising system as well as contain harmful impurities.

Free from retinol
Retinol, in its many forms, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and retinyl is are used in moisturizers and night creams with the suggestion of offering anti-ageing effects. Predominantly found in anti-ageing skin creams and moisturisers as well as psoriasis and acne care. When exposed to large doses of retinol during pregnancy research shows that it may harm the development of the embryo. Side effects associated with topical tretinoin are skin irritation, dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity and with persistent use, skin damage and accelerate ageing. Adapalene and tazarotene both indicate similar side effects from usage, along with redness, burning sensation and rash.

Free from synthetic colours
Crude oil, coal tar and mineral derived dyes and lakes may contain carcinogenic arsenic and lead. These ingredients are found in products such as lip glosses, children’s toothpaste and hair colours. Some synthetic colours have been linked to childhood hyperactivity disorders as well as cancers.

Source : Careful Beauty
Read more on facts about cosmetics in Wen

Review on Skin Food White Chocolate Firming Mask Sheet



Product Description :
Infused with tasty white chocolate which helps to contour the face and increase skin’s elasticity, with prolonged use, it will gradually lead to the impression of slimmer and more defined features.

I bought 5 sheets of masks in Korea, using it on every alternate day when I came back.
The cut out area does not really fit my features as its abit too big on the eyes, nose and lips area.

The chocolate scent smells heavenly and skin feels smooth after each use.
There is a slight firming effect during the 20mins of usage when layered on the face but I see no difference after I removed it off.

I will stock up more if I cannot find better firming masks.
Retailing at $5 per sheet.

Review on Kose Cosmeport Clear Turn Eye Zone Mask Q10



I picked up this box of masks in Hong Kong for HK40 which is about $8.

Featured in "Nu Ren Wo Zui Da", KOSE Clear Turn Eye Zone Mask Q10 is a refreshing day/night face mask soaked with beauty liquid designed specifically for the under eye areas to repair elasticity and moisture loss for a more youthful, brighter, rejuvenated look.

The masks have added coenzyme Q10 and glycerine to help add and maintain the natural moisture of your skin while boosting the strength for your skin to fight the signs of aging. With just 10 minutes of consistent use, your skin will begin to look visibly softer and younger. Made with 100% cotton.

Since it was made in Japan and recommended by the famous TV program, I was filled with high expectations of it. However, I was appalled that there were alcohol in it. In fact, the fragrance of the mask smelt of alcohol which I believe will dry up the area.

The eye mask dries up pretty quickly too, within 20min which may largely be attributed to the alcohol.
My under eye area does not feel moisturised and my slight fine lines were still there, after using the box of 5  masks within a week. It feels sticky after removing it so I need to cleanse the area usually after each treatment.

I will not be getting this mask again but if you are interested, you can get this box of masks in online stores or in Hong Kong.

Ingredients :
water, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, alcohol, butylene glycol, diglycerin, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil pca isostearate, acetyl glutamic acid, succinyl atelocollagen, sodium hyaluronate, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, ubiquinone, disodium edta, ppg-8-ceteth-20, squalane, glyceryl tripalmate/palm kernelate/olivate/macadamiate/rapeseedate , triethyl hexanoine, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, ethylparaben, caramel



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Review on The Body Shop Jojoba Hydrating Toner




Product Description :
Recommended for normal/dry skin, this toning liquid with organic jojoba oil and peach kernel oil soothes and softens whilst preparing skin to better absorb moisturiser.

Jojaba oil is well known for its use as an ideal beauty product which helps to fight wrinkles, smooth frizzy strands, and remove stubborn makeup.
Peach Kernel Oil is known for its fatty acids which can helps to nourish the skin.
 
In this product, the fragrance is quite heavy for me. I cannot describe the scent but when I first use it, my first impression is that its smelly. Oops.
 
Even though its recommended for normal and dry skin, however when my skin is peeling at times and I used it on my skin, I feel that it dries up my skin. Hence I avoid it when my skin is in its dehydrated state.
I cannot feel any moisturing factor on my skin and do not feel any difference with or without using it.
 
I am starting to lose faith in TBS products as it does not seem to deliver its claims on most of the products which I tried before.
 
Ingredients :
 
 
Read more on Jojoba Oil  and Peach Kernel Oil

Functional categories of skin care ingredients

A brief description of main categories of skin care ingredients by their function/activity.

Antioxidants:
Substances that neutralize free radicals. Damage by free radicals is one of the key mechanisms of the aging process. Also, free radicals mediate many forms of inflammation. Antioxidants reduce the skin's exposure to free radicals. Not all antioxidants are not created equal, they vary by the range of activity, solubility in oil and water, and other properties.

Binding Agents:
Substances that hold products together and prevents separation of the water and lipid components. The most important binding agents in skin care are emulsifiers (see below).

Bioactive agents:
A diverse, imprecisely defined group of substances affecting biological processes. Many, such as growth factors and hormones, works as molecular signals activating or suppressing particular biological functions in cells.

Delivery Enhancers/Systems:
Ingredients that enhance delivery of other ingredients into the skin and/or insider skin cells.

Emulsifiers:
A smooth blend of oil and water. Since most skin care product formulas include both water and oil soluble ingredients, emulsions are very popular in skin care. Most creams and lotions are emulsions. However, emulsions are unstable and quickly separate. Emulsifiers are substances that stabilize emulsions and prevent products from separating.

Emollients:
Substances that smooth and soften the skin. There exist a wide variety of emollients, each providing its own individual texture to the skin.

Humectants:
Substances that can attract water, usually out of the air. By definition, all are also moisturizers. In fact, any good moisturizer has to contain potent humectants.

Lubricants:
Substances that make skin feel smoother to the touch and reduce friction; more common in hand creams.

Preservatives:
Substances that kill detrimental bacteria, yeast and/or molds, thus prevent spoilage. While some preservatives may occasionally be irritating to the skin, the use of products spoiled by microorganisms may be equally or more damaging. Sometimes antioxidants and stabilizers are also referred to as preservatives because they inhibit chemical degradation of products.

Solvents:
Substances, such as alcohol or water, which dissolve other ingredients.

Surfactants:
Wetting agents, substances capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved. In skin care, surfactants enable a topical product to easily spread and glide across the skin.

Vehicle:
The base that carries the active ingredients.

Vitamins, nutrients, metabolites:
A diverse group of substances needed for proper nutrition, metabolism and other functions of skin cells. Some have proven clinical benefits. Many others are unproven as far as skin care applications are concerned.

Source : Smartskincare

Review on Lifecella Milky Lotion Sheet Mask C0Q10 For Eye Contour



Highly recommended by the famous TV show “Nu Ren Wo Zui Da”, Hisamitsu Lifecella Milky Lotion Sheet Mask CoQ10 Squalane for Eye Contour reduces the appearance of wrinkles by firming the fragile eye area. Smooth and softening lotion will leave a thin layer of protection around eye contour, making it firmer and smoother.

I picked this up during my TW trip in July this year, without realizing that its recommended by "Nu Ren Wo Zui Da". Now, I wished that I had bought more.

Actually I only bought 2 pieces so it may be an unfair review and comparison even though I had used it on 2 consecutive days.

Made in Japan, the cresent moon patch comes in a generous size ( similar to Bioglo ) and fits comfortably on my undereye area without slipping down easily and its not dripping wet with essence. It dries pretty fast, within the stipulated 15minutes time frame.

There is not much scent and it feels comfortable after layering it on my undereye area for 15minutes.
At my age, I cannot comment on any wrinkles improvement but I do not see any firmness or smoothness after 2 days though.

Main Ingredients :
Coenzyme Q10: anti-ageing ingredients in every cell, body contains the most during 20s and dramatically fall after 40s.
Squalane: close to body needs, easy for absorbing and moisturizing skin.

Ingredients :




Read my previous post on CoQ10

Review on Skin Food Repairing Mask Sheet



Product Description
Rejuvenates the skin with rich oriental nutrients of red ginseng extracts and royal jelly extracts. Effective for anti-aging and firming.

This 20ml mask claimed to beeffective in anti-aging and skin firming. Blended with rich nutrients of red ginseng, royal jelly extract, and danggui extract, it rejuvenates the skin and effectively reduces blemishes. Its oriental medicine also moisturizes and nourishes dehydrated skin, making it more resilient, and effective in healing erythema.

Similar to all Skin Food mask sheets, it comes folded in the mask pack. Heavily scented with ginseng, it can be quite a turn off point. In fact, I dislike the scent alot.
Royal Jelly is widely known to halt or control the aging process, nourish the skin, erase facial blemishes and wrinkles and gives healthier skin and hair,

After my first usage of this mask, I developed several little white bumps on my hormonal chin area which signified that the mask may be too rich for my skin.
I let my skin rested for about 3 days to allow my skin to recover, before using the second mask.
Thankfully, no breakouts developed after my next few masks over several weeks.
My skin appears more radiant the next day. Softer and with a slight radiant glow.

However, I do not think I will be getting this mask again since its abit rich and comes with a heavy scent.
Apparently, it seems that any masks with royal jelly extracts can be too rich for my skin. Read my previous post on Beauty Credit Royal Jelly Mask

Ingredients :
WATER, GLYCERIN, BETA GLUCAN, ALCOHOL, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT, PPG-26-BUTETH-26, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, TRIETHANOLAMINE, CETYL HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, ANGELICA TENUISSIMA ROOT EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT, PERFUME. DISODIUM EDTA

Retailing at $5

Review on Ahava Mineral Hand Cream


Product Description
This extremely rich cream provides your hands with deep nourishment and hydration, instantly soothing chapped, dry surfaces and imparting healthy, satiny softness for increased comfort throughout the day. Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feeling and restores vitality for supple, softer and younger looking hands.

Paraben-free. Approved for Sensitive Skin. Hypoallergenic. Dermatologically Tested

Specially enriched with Mineral Skim Osmoter™ - AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Complex and a wealth of other natural dead sea ingredients, this hand cream is much raved about by all users who have used it.
I am probably the only one who does not like this cream.

I have been using it daily in my office for almost a month but I found no improvement to the condition of my hands. The scent also reminds me of coconut oil which is something I do not like.
The cream leaves a shiny sheen with a light greasy feel and takes some time for it to be absorbed into the skin. However, I do not feel that my hands are deeply moisturised as claimed.

A good friend of mine likes this hand cream very much and felt that it moisturised her hands.

I will be on the way to look out for another hand cream once I used up this. Its just not for me.

Key Ingredients :
Dead Sea Salt and Water are calming, soothing, and softening for the skin.
Allantoin is hydrating and comforting.
Witch Hazel clarifies and brightens.

Full Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alc. and PEG-20 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alc. and Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Perfume), Sea Salt & Water (Dead Sea Water), Allantoin, 2-Bromo-2-Nitroproane-1,3-Diol

Retailing at $24

Review on The Body Shop Brazil Nut Moisture Mask


This product receives a 3.2/5 rating from Makeupally and 9.3/10 from Total Beauty, which is quite surprising as its a stark contrast between both groups of users.
Its a either you-hate-it or like-it situation.

Product Description
Best if you want to: Restore and strengthen your tresses with a rich, moisturizing pre-wash mask that deeply penetrates dry, fragile hair.

Best for: dry, damaged or chemically-treated hair

How it works:
Community Trade Brazil nut oil, Community Trade organic olive oil and Community Trade sesame seed oil moisturize, condition and soften hair.

What it does :
Community Trade organic honey : moisturizes and conditions hair and adds shine.
Wheat and Brazil nut amino acids : add moisture, softness and manageability.
Brazil nut oil : Moisturizes and helps to leave skin feeling soft.
Organic olive oil : a natural moisturizer for normal to dry skin. It also helps condition hair, and give it a silky shine.
Sesame oil : Moisturizes and helps to soften the skin.
Lanolin : one of nature's richest moisturizers, its readily absorbed by the skin and provides good protection for rough, dry hands.
 
White and creamy texture in a tub, there is a slight scent of coconut which was a turn-off point for me. 
Unlike most conditioning mask, this mask actually feels dry on my hair when I first slathered it on my hair. 
Slathering even more of this treatment mask gave me the same effect and made my hair feels straw-like. Its abit strange for even myself to describe it but it definitely was not what I expected a moisturizing mask to behave like.

According to the instruction stated on the tub, its supposed to be used as a pre-treatment mask. However, I found it funny to use it on my dirty hair, before my shampoo. Anyway, I followed the instruction, after the pre-treatment mask, then followed by my regular shampoo and conditioner.

After the treatment, although my hair feels softer but its does not help in the detangling and stills feels somehow dry.  
I did not quite like the texture when applied on the hair and I believed that there are tons of hair masks better than this.

Ingredients :
Water (Solvent/Diluent), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (Emollient), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil) Nut Oil (Emollient), Stearic Acid (Emulsifier), Lanolin (Emollient), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (Emollient), Ceteareth-20 (Emulsifier), Amodimethicone (Hair Conditioning Agent), Fragrance (Fragrance), Glycerin (Humectant), Honey (Natural Additive), Propylene Glycol (Humectant), Steartrimonium Methosulfate (Antistatic Agent), Benzyl Alcohol (Preservative), Methylparaben (Preservative), Isopropyl Alcohol (Solvent), Aminomethyl Propanol (pH Adjuster), Propylparaben (Preservative), Wheat Amino Acids (Hair Conditioning Agent), Sodium Chloride (Viscosity Modifier), Cetrimonium Chloride (Hair Conditioner), Trideceth-12 (Surfactant), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative).

Review on Skin Food Lettuce & Cucumber Water Essence Mask Sheet



Refreshing mask sheet containing lettuce and cucumber extracts which are rich in minerals and vitamins, to make skin hydrated and fresh. Hyaluronic acids provide prolonged moisture and beta-glucans for skin resilience.

I bought 2 sheets of this mask when I was in Korea as it did not really appeal to me but I just want to see the effect before getting more of this mask next time.

Compared to Beauty Credit which uses 100% cotton sheet mask, this is a pretty thin, almost translucent sheet mask. Heavily scented ( which is a no-no to me), its soaked with essence and was a refreshing treat when layered on the skin.

The cut-out area was abit too small though it may be a welcome treat for some ladies out there. I have female friends who like to get the whole mask to almost cover their whole face to make it more "worthwhile". :)

If my face is still damp, the mask sheet actually adheres much better than when its dried. Other than the cut-out area, the mask sheet actually pretty much adheres well and fits my face almost perfectly.

However, sad to say, I did not feel that my face is well-moisturised after the treatment. It feels abit sticky though which I do not really like, hence I cleansed it off with water.

It may not be the ideal review since I have only used up 2 sheet masks but I do not think this is one of those masks which I will get in future. The scent just put me off.

Retailing at $8 per sheet

Get Thick Shiny Hair

1. Go natural. Daily brushing and styling can take a toll on your tresses, robbing them of natural oils and leading to breakage. Trade in your plastic brush for one with natural bristles (look for boar), which redistribute oils throughout hair as you brush, boosting shine. "The only time I use anything but a boar-bristle brush is to detangle wet hair," says Harry Josh, creative consultant for John Frieda Collection. Natural bristles are also less likely to break hairs. Use them consistently for fewer flyaways.

2. Avoid alcohol-laced products. "Alcohol, pollution, and humidity all rob hair of its natural shine," notes Arsen Gurgov, a top hairstylist at the Louis Licari salons in New York City and Beverly Hills, whose clients include Susan Sarandon and Melanie Griffith. "Most mousses contain alcohol, so if your hair is dry, try a cream or serum instead," adds Josh. All of the shine-enhancing products in Aveda's Brilliant line are blissfully alcohol free ($12-$23).

3. Wash the right way. Though many of us lather up daily, experts insist that washing a few times a week is sufficient. Skipping shampoo helps hair retain shine but can also leave it limp. "I tell my clients who wash every day to apply conditioner first, keeping it away from the roots," says Gurgov. "Then, without rinsing in between, apply shampoo just to the roots, lather, and rinse everything out," he instructs. "Your roots will be lifted, but the rest of your hair will retain its shine." Try L'Oréal Paris Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Conditioner (US$4.99).

4. Rinse with cold. Rinsing hair with cold water closes the cuticle, leaving a smooth, shiny surface. Blasting with cold air after a blow-dry has a similar smoothing effect, and most dryers have a cold setting for this purpose.

5. Fight frizz. Hair is porous, absorbing moisture from the environment, which is what causes it to frizz in humid climates. To prevent midday flyaways, make sure your hair is dry before you head out; any water left in your locks can lead to frizzing later on. Gurgov recommends using a flatiron on the hair that frames your face after you blow-dry, which will remove any excess moisture.

6. Smooth with silicone. Products with silicones lie on top of the hair shaft to seal the cuticle and create a barrier between styling tools and hair, reducing friction and limiting heat damage. Try John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum (US$9.99). But like many other things, silicone works best in moderation. "Use too much of it and your hair will fall flat or begin to look greasy," warns stylist Tommy Buckett, a spokesman for Kérastase Paris. Buckett advises his clients with thinner tresses, like Rachel McAdams, to use a misting of a silicone shine spray instead. Try Kérastase Paris Vernis Nutri-Sculpt (US$29).

Source : Harper Bazaar

Look Younger Without Plastic Surgery

Easy Makeup Tricks

As tempting as it can be to skip the makeup, throw on sunglasses, and hope your lip color makes you look "done," Lancôme makeup artist Sandy Linter warns, "Less is less; less is not more." Linter, who has made up her fair share of celebrities, gives lessons to real women at New York's Rita Hazan Salon and says you don't have to spend hours to look terrific. "But if you're going to do just one thing, do your eyes. Nothing is more aging than wearing just lipstick."

"Radiant skin is youthful skin," says Pati Dubroff, a makeup artist for Dior who works with Gwyneth Paltrow and Sharon Stone. Use a luminizing primer like Sephora Base Primer (US$18). "And stick to liquid or cream foundation, as powder can be drying," adds makeup artist Sam Fine, whose clients include Iman and Vanessa Williams. He likes Vincent Longo Liquid Canvas (US$48.50). "Women can look washed out as they age, so make sure your foundation is not too pale. Lighter is not more natural," says Linter. It's easy to use too much, so pat a damp sponge into skin to pick up any excess, suggests Linter, who loves the sheer coverage of Patricia Wexler M.D. Daily Defense Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 (US$29.50). Set with powder only where you are oily.

Concealer is your friend. "Use it not just to conceal redness but also to highlight," explains Fine. Try Yves Saint Laurent Touche éclat (US$40). Brush or pat it under your eyes, blending it down so it fans out into the middle of your face. "It can be very aging if it sinks into wrinkles, so use as little as possible," says Linter.

Spend time on your eyes. "Eyes are the area that show your age fastest," says Fine. "A touch of glowing shadow on the center of your lid and inner corner will instantly brighten your eyes," says Dubroff. "But avoid shimmer, which brings out texture like fine lines," notes Fine. Try Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour shadows (US$22 each). And to give your eyes a lift, line the top lash line with a brown pencil or shadow and highlight your brow bone, which adds a beautiful halo around the eye.

Always define your brows. "Use a pencil in a tone slightly lighter than your hair color," says Dubroff, and blend well with a spool brush.
Max out your lashes. "A few individual false lashes create a youthful and wide-eyed look," says Fine. Linter relies on tons of mascara: "Thickening mascara can weigh down thin lashes and cause clumps," so look for one that separates and curls, like Shiseido Perfect Mascara (US$22). "And Latisse works!" insists Linter, who uses the prescription lash enhancer on herself.

Cream blush adds an instant glow. "Apply it with a foundation brush so you can control where it goes," says Dubroff. We like Philosophy Healthy Cream Blush in Look on the Bright Side ($22.50). Oily skin or large pores? Use a powder instead. Try CoverGirl TruBlend Blush in Pure Romance ($8.47).

Lip liner can work miracles. In your 40s, the sides of your top lip lose fullness, explains Linter. Use a neutral lip pencil to softly round the outer corners of the lips and soften the Cupid's bow. Apply a clear silicone formula like Mally Beauty Lip Fence (US$12.50) along the outer edge of your lip contour. "This fills in lines and acts as a barrier for lipstick leaks," says Dubroff. A satin-finish lipstick will add moisture and give good coverage. Linter likes Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge in Rich Cashmere ($29). Says Fine, "Anything that's rosy or beigey is most flattering." Another good pick: Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani in No. 19 ($30).

Glowing, Smooth Skin

The pros agree: Must-haves are sunscreen, an exfoliant, and an antioxidant product. "Skin is a renewable organ, and you can definitely slow the aging process," says Tammy Fender, owner of Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care in West Palm Beach, Florida. "With a regimen, you can see a 30 to 40 percent improvement in two to three weeks," adds Neal Schultz, a New York dermatologist.

Use SPF 30. It not only protects, it makes skin look younger. "The skin has an incredible ability to heal itself once you start blocking UVA and UVB rays. You'll see an improvement in both texture and tone," notes Chanel Jenae, co-owner of Arcona Studio in Los Angeles, where Scarlett Johansson and Michelle Pfeiffer get treatments.

Use an antioxidant serum or moisturizer. "Vitamin C is the best," says Schultz, "but apply it at night because it's sun sensitive." Vitamin C will brighten the skin, and it helps with skin damage and melasma. Other antioxidants to look for: vitamin E, resveratrol, and green tea. Try Tammy Fender Essential C Tonic (US$55). Products with firming ingredients like red algae can also help.

Use some form of retinol. "You'll notice a real transformation with this ingredient," says Jenae. It smooths wrinkles, retexturizes, boosts collagen, and lightens spots.

"Exfoliation is pivotal to facial rejuvenation," explains Schultz. "Ultimately, it increases dermal volume, making skin look less wrinkly." It will also help brown spots. You can use a physical exfoliant, like a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, such as a glycolic peel. Your dermatologist or facialist can advise which is best for you.

Eat a healthy diet. "Your skin reflects what you eat. Chemicals and processed foods are toxic to your cells and cause degeneration, making you look older. Your skin is an eliminating organ, and if you've got a poor diet, your complexion will show it," says Fender, who recommends plenty of fresh fruit and veggies to help alleviate dull skin.

Gorgeous, Bouncy Hair

"I don't believe that you have to cut your hair at a certain age. You just have to keep it flattering to your face," says Mark Townsend, Matrix celebrity stylist and Reese Witherspoon's mane man.
Consider face-framing layers, which will give you a lift and "emphasize your bone structure," explains New York stylist Oscar Blandi, who works with Jennifer Garner. "And adding bangs can distract from forehead lines."

A bob is a flattering look, and you can adjust the length depending on your hair type.

Be realistic about your hair texture. Are your locks thin and scraggly? Then stay on the shorter side. "Length should be based on the thickness of your hair," says Blandi. If you've got long and thick hair, flaunt it.

Keep your hair away from your face, suggests stylist Tippi Shorter, who coifs Rihanna. "When you pull hair back, it draws the eye up and away so you look younger. You don't have to cut it, but give it volume on top." Tease the roots and spritz Ojon Swa+ Instant Hold Hairspray (US$27) to keep it in place.

Shiny, Luminous Hair Color

"Your color needs to be simple but current," explains Amanda George, colorist and co-owner of L.A.'s Neil George Salon, where Cameron Diaz is often spotted. To look younger, "never go too dark around the hairline," advises colorist Sharon Dorram, co-owner of her own New York salon and color guru to Kate Hudson and Linda Evangelista. "You need softness around your face or you'll look severe."
Don't go too blonde. You must keep depth in the blonde, so ask for both highlights and lowlights, says George.

The right highlights can light up your face. "For a quick boost, we do T-zone highlighting, which highlights along the hairline and the part, then follow it with a high-shine gloss," says George. "It adds instant brightness."

Gray can be fabulous. Got salt and pepper? "Bring out the salt and make it sparkle so it looks glamorous," says Dorram. Adds George, "Gray hair can get dehydrated. I recommend Rene Furterer Okara Silver Shampoo [US$23]."

Avoid products with alcohol. "Alcohols can dull color," explains Dorram, so use color-preserving products like Nexxus Dualiste Color Protection + Intense Hydration Shampoo (US$11.99) and Conditioner (US$15.70).

Source : Harper Bazaar