Review on Skinvitals Eye Brighten Eye Treatment Masks

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review on Dermalogica Chroma White Tri Active Cleanse

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

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

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

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

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

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

I do feel my face looks brighter though and skin tone looks more even though. You may want to consider using this product if you do not have dehydrated skin like mine.

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

Review on Its Skin i code wrinkle BB Cream

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review on Estee Lauder Cyber White Ex Extra Brightening Moisture Lotion

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

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

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

- Strengthens surface lipids to combat against pollution.

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

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

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

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

Review on Estee Lauder Cyber White Ex Extra Concentrated Brightening Essence

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

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

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

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

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

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

- EXtra Protection to help prevent Barely Visible Spots

- EXtra Re-Surfacing to eliminate Small Surface Spots

- EXtra Correction to fight Stubborn Age Spots

Read more from here

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

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

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

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

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

Recession Proof Your Skin

What to look out for in the different age categories?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 factors that speed up aging

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

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

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

Courtesy from Marie Claire

Review on Lancome Clarifying Exfoliating Gel

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

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

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

Recommended for normal and combination skin.

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

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

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

Review on Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was named the Best Hydating Masque by Instyle magazine.

Review on Lancome Primordiale Yeux Skin Recharge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review on Redken Curl Force 17 Texturizing Spray-gel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Its not greasy or sticky and is convenient to use.

Review on SkinVitals Eye Lift Treatment Mask

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more about it here