Review on Bioglo Lift And Firm Eye Mask

Quoted :
" Bioglo Lift & Firm Eye Mask with advanced Marine Filling Spheres™ delivers amazing results from the very first application:

• Wrinkles, fine lines and crows' feet are dramatically reduced
• Eye contours are visibly lifted and skin feels firmer "

Marine Filling Spheres™ is the state-of-the-art technology that combines marine derived polysaccharides and collagen to deliver intense skin-firming, smoothening and hydrating action.

Containing 4 pairs in a box, the generous eye patches are soaked with essence to be placed on the under eye area. There is a slight tingling tightening feeling but I do not really see and feel that my eye contours are lifted as claimed.

I cannot comment much on wrinkles and crow feets for now, but from the first application, I do feel that my eye area does seem more radiant and brighter.
After each application, my under eye area also feels smoother to the touch.

I have used up 2 boxes, 1 pair twice a week for close to a month and while my under eye area is not lifted up and my fine lines are still there but my eye bags looked less puffy and more radiant.
Still, nothing beats Bioessence. Read my previous review here

This is a product of Taiwan and its shelf life is 3 years.
You can get this product from all Cosway distributors.

The packaging seems abit silly because it can fill up to almost 8 pairs of the masks but it only contain 4 pairs. Perhaps its a marketing gimmick as a visual appreciation but I find the space wasteful.

Ingredients :
Water, Witch Hazel Plant Extract, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Collagen, Xantan Gum, Pentaerylthrityl Tetraisostearate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Fragrance, Methylisothiazolinone

Skin Care: Best Eye Cream Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides.
For plump skin cells nothing beats hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture from the air and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In addition to hyaluronic acid, ceramides also help maintain hydration. A powerful new formula that includes both: Estée Lauder Time Zone Anti-Line/Wrinkle Eye Crème.

Retinol.
A vitamin A derivative, retinol stimulates cell turnover and collagen production, helping to strengthen skin and reduce complexion imperfections like sun spots and fine lines. Just remember that a little goes a long way; retinol creams make skin more sun-sensitive and can be overly drying, so apply sparingly before bedtime only. To get your nightly retinol dose, Day suggests Olay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex.

Neuropeptides.
Supersensitive skin types might opt for a peptide-packed eye cream instead of a retinoic acid one. Like retinol, neuropeptides also stimulate collagen and elastin production, but are gentler on the dermis. “In studies applying various neuropeptide preparations directly to the skin, exciting clinical benefits were observed almost immediately upon application,” says Nicholas Perricone, MD. “There was visible improvement of the skin’s resilience, tone, and texture.” Try Perricone MD Neuropeptide Eye Contour to brighten your baby blues and for a double dose of peptides, look for Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Eye Shadow.

Vitamins C and E.
Besides vitamin A (in the form of topical retinol), vitamins C and E are also potent antiaging ingredients. While vitamin C aids in collagen production and skin elasticity, vitamin E soothes and protects.
 
Source : Elle

How to fix flat hair

When the humidity gets sucked out of the air, you need to pump up the volume.
Here's how to lift the heaviness.

Keep hair close to one length. "When you overlayer it, you risk taking away too much bulk and actually decreasing the volume," says hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins, who thinks "an angled or graduated bob that's lightly layered works beautifully."

Lighten your base color one or two shades. This "gives the look of more volume," says colorist Rita Hazan of the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City.

If you don't want to change your color, you can still consider using dye for texture—it ruffles the cuticle just enough to create body.

Condition before you shampoo. "You'll still get the moisture and elasticity, but you'll wash out any residue that can weigh down fine hair," says Hawkins.

Blowdry in moderation. Creating volume in fine hair is like making a soufflé—overwork it and the whole thing falls flat. When blow-drying, work on large sections, holding the nozzle a few inches from hair and keeping it moving.

Spray it. To boost volume once the hair is dry, lift three-inch sections and allow them to drop through a mist of medium-hold hair spray, says hairstylist Jimmy Paul, "then spray your entire head with dry shampoo and scrunch; the result is hair with lift and a lovely seemingly no-product finish.

Source : Allure

Review on Fekkai Protein RX Reparative Conditioner

I stumbled upon this conditioner when I was in Bath and Body Works in Las Vegas.
Bath and Body Works is one of those must-visit places recommended by a close friend of mine.
She was crazy over their range of body lotions and thinks its really good.

Well, I stepped in there but was overwhelmed by their range of body lotions.
I just didn't know what I want and since I am not one of those who uses body lotions on a daily basis, I thought I might as well pick up their hair products.

Protein Rx Reparative Conditioner is ideal for brittle, broken hair that has been weakened from coloring, relaxing, or heat styling. An exclusive soy and milk protein complex restores and reinforces hair preventing future breakage, leaving hair stronger and more manageable.

Daily reparative conditioner with soy and milk proteins moisturizes, rebuilds and strengthens. With daily use, it helps to eliminate and prevent breakage.

Scoring a 9.3 from Total Beauty readers, its considered quite a good conditioner.

However, some of them have commented that this conditioner is not meant to be used as a daily conditioner as its protein-based therefore, it may create more frizz.

I used this as a daily conditioner and it does made my hair softer and manageable.

The texture is thick and creamy and smells heavenly.

However, I do not really find that my hair have become more moisturised. It still feels dry.

Tangled ends and frizziness are still apparent.

I bought it at US$22 which is a tad too expensive though.

Ingredients :

Water, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearamine Oxide, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Propylene Glycol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Hydroxycetyl Hydroxyethyl Dimonium Chloride, Quaternium-26, Isododecane, Glycerin, Dimethiconol, Fragrance, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Buttermilk Powder, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Octyldodecanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lecithin, Arachidyl Propionate, Benzophenone-4, Citric Acid, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

Reviews from Total Beauty, Amazon, Associated Content

Review on True Bio Skin Care Moisturising Cleanser

If you have read about my True facial experience, you may have realized I bought this cleanser as part of the trial size.

It costs a whopping $415 for 4 small bottles.
It was quite a heartache actually but I thought I will just give this trial kit a go, since this cleanser is one of their bestseller.

Enriched with Rosemary Oil, Lemon Oil and Cucumber Extracts to nourish all skin types. It gently deep cleanses the skin by removing all traces of dirt, dead cells and impurities from the pores. Its natural antiseptic properties reduce inflammation, refresh and tighten the skin.

This is my first natural cleanser and I was filled with hope.
I made Skincare SIN #1 a few months ago, which was to switch all my current products to all new natural products. It caused a massive breakout on my face and I never forgive myself for that.

I allow my skin to heal back by switching back to my normal skincare products thereafter and thankfully my skin have gone back to its normal behaviour.

Recently, I was back to using this 15ml cleanser on a nightly basis.

Compared to most other cleansers, I will consider this as a mild cleanser which is something I like, since I really like Dermalogica Calming Cleanser.
Its so suitable for sensitive skin like mine!
In fact, its touted that its gentle enough even for babies.

This clear gel foams when in contact with water and does not contain any harsh ingredients like SLS.

It contains a slight scent of rosemary which is nothing to hate about.

Since its so gentle, I thought it should not have given me a tight feeling after cleansing but surprisingly, each time after using the cleanser, my skin feels tight and dry. Its not one of those very tight feeling after using some harsh cleanser but I am still uncomfortable with it.
Thereafter, I usually follow up with a hydrating mask or hydrating serum.

So, to say that its even suitable for babies, I beg to differ. Babies have the perfect soft skin and I cannot imagine them telling their mummies that the cleanser is not suitable for them. Ouch! Do they brawl their eyes out?

The plant essences used in TRUE Bio Skin Care products are obtained by a highly scientific, non-destructive, low pressure process of extraction that is touted to be the best method for producing high quality botanical extracts.

This ensures that a high level of beneficial enzymes, vitamins, protoplasm and collagen in the plants are retained and kept alive.

They are then able to penetrate deep into the dermis in a matter of seconds to treat the root of the problem.

Ingredients :
Cucumber Extracts, Lemon Oil, Rosemary Oil.

The hefty price may actually turn off some potential customers. Its retailing at $210 for 100ml.
But if it truly works, why not invest in it? It may be your best investment in years to come.

As for myself, I guess I will not be buying this, after using this trial size because its just not so suitable for me.
In fact I will have been devastated if I have bought their full 100ml cleanser since $210 is not so cheap.

Sources :
True Bio Skin
True Beauty

Review on Beauty Credit Hyaluronic Acid Cotton Mask

I stocked up on quite a number of this mask when I was in Hong Kong because its such a steal at just $2 per piece.
Thereafter, I stocked up more of these masks when I was in Korea. It was even cheaper than $2.

Hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizing factor, maintains the even level of moisture in the skin.
The highly concentrated ultra moisturizing essential cotton sheet mask protects the moisture in the skin as well as supply nutrients deep into the skin to prevent dryness and roughness.

If you are still in the dark about what Hyaluronic Acid is all about, read my previous post.

Its claims :
- Hyaluronic acid helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines

- Concentrated moisturising factor helps maintain moisture and nutrients in your skin
- 100% cotton hypoallergenic mask

This lightly blue tinted cotton sheet is soaked with its essence and is hydrating to the skin.
However, compared with its Ceramide Mask, I will actually prefer the latter.

After each treatment, my skin feels plumped and rested but I need to use it quite regularly to reap its benefits.
With Ceramide Mask, I feel the after-effects immediately.

There is light scent which reminded me of the sea breeze and if accompanied with some soothing music in the background, its actually quite a relaxing treat.

If given a choice, I will stock up more on the Ceramide Mask than Hyaluronic Acid Cotton Mask.

Beauty Food to prevent wrinkles

Eat Lots of Fresh Fruit Fruit, because of its antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, has a huge effect on the health of your skin. The antioxidants too help prevent wrinkles, so make sure you get enough. Some of the best fruits for good skin are blueberries (high in antioxidants), melon, apples, bananas, mango and papaya. Eat Lots of Fresh Vegetables Dark leafy vegetables are best as they're great for things like iron and vitamin B, but all veggies are great for good skin care. Eat Fresh Fish Tuna and salmon are some of the best fish you can eat to ensure you have healthy skin. They give you high doses of Omega 3, an essential fatty acid that has a big impact on skin elasticity and health. Fish is also healthy for your heart, so make sure you eat it at least 2-3 times a day. The Japanese eat a lot of fish, in fact it's in almost every meal, and some studies think it may be one of the reasons why the Japanese are the longest-living people in the world on average. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is awesome for skin health as well as for heart health. In some countries, a couple of teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil is mixed with garlic and used on food as a condiment - thus ensuring a healthy heart, and healthy skin. Olive oil is better for you as, unlike the cheaper olive oils, it's not heated to a high temperature so doesn't lose nutrients. Eat Brazil Nuts Brazil nuts are amazing for skin as they contain selenium, which can actually prevent sunburn and thus prevent wrinkles. Just don't eat too many brazil nuts as they are very high in calories and fat. Just 2-3 a day will give your skin the benefits it needs. Drink Green Tea It's packed with antioxidants, absolutely essential for healthy skin and preventing wrinkles, and it also is now known to be useful in preventing cancer (and in some cases, maybe even treating cancer). It also reduces the damage from ultra violet rays, thus preventing your skin from getting wrinkles. In a Monash study, less skin wrinkling in the elderly was associated with higher intakes of: - Total fat - Mono-unsaturated fat - Olive oil and olives - Fish (especially fatty fish, such as sardines) - Reduced fat milk and milk products, such as yogurt - Eggs - Nuts and legumes (especially lima and broad beans) - Vegetables (especially leafy greens, spinach, eggplant, asparagus, celery, onions, leeks and garlic) - Wholegrain cereals - Fruit and fruit products (especially prunes, cherries, apples and jams) - Tea - Water - Zinc (foods which contain zinc include seafood, lean meat, milk and nuts). Foods associated with more wrinkling In another Monash study, more skin wrinkling in the elderly was associated with higher intakes of: - Saturated fat - Meat (especially fatty processed meats) - Full fat dairy products (especially unfermented products and ice cream) - Soft drinks and cordials - Cakes, pastries and desserts - Potatoes - Butter - Margarine 

Beat the credit crunch with home-made cosmetics

Staying beautiful when you can't afford cosmetics is easy with the following tips.

Tip #1 – Make your own microderm abrasion product

Mix a few grains of sugar crystals in with your favorite skin cream and apply to freshly washed skin. Gently massage the cream in small circular motions around the face and neck area. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Your skin will look almost as good as an expensive spa treatment.

Tip #2 - Extend existing foundation

Instead of using foundation straight out of the bottle, mix it with moisturizer. That way you take care of two birds with one stone. You continue to moisturize the skin - the most important treatment of all - and still add a touch of healthy-looking color. You may want to play with the mixture to get the ratio the way you want it; however, two parts moisturizer to one part foundation works well for most women.

Tip #3 – Ditch those under-eye bags and dark circles

Instead of throwing away tea bags after you brew your morning tea, put them in a zipper bag and place them in the refrigerator. When those nasty eye puffiness comes calling, lay down for about 10 minutes with the cool damp tea bags on your eyes. Tannin, one of tea’s main ingredients, works naturally to reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Tip #4 – Add natural highlights to your hair

If you can’t afford hair color, try highlighting instead, done the natural way. Mix one part lemon juice with three parts water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the hair, or paint on highlights using pure lemon juice and a small paintbrush. Then blow-dry or let your hair dry naturally in the sun. Be sure to condition it afterwards to keep hair from becoming too brittle.

Tip # 5 – Shine up that hair

Any number of items from coconut milk, to honey or even vinegar, will add vibrancy and shine when used during a hair rinse. A few drops of glycerine or olive oil applied directly to freshly washed and dried hair will also do the trick.

Tip # 6 – Make your own blush

Mix one cup of strawberries, raspberries, or cherries with a teaspoon of glycerin or liquid vitamin E. Blend thoroughly in blender. Mix a small amount of the berry mixture into your loose face powder to create a smooth creamy blush that will brighten any complexion. Add more berries if a deeper color is desired.

Tip # 7 – Rejuvenate skin with a natural toner

Cucumber does wonders for the skin whether you use it directly or just throw in your morning facial bath. Because the vegetable has amazing hydrating properties, it will give your skin the same youthful, beautiful glow as your favorite, more expensive, facial cream.

Importance of the Sun and how to stay protected

Know how to select and apply a good sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and other skin damage

Sunscreen absorbs, reflects or scatters UV light. It's divided into three wavelength bands — ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC). Only UVA and UVB rays reach the earth.

Sunscreens provide either physical or chemical protection from UV light.

Physical sunscreens :
form an opaque film that reflects or scatters UV light before it can penetrate the skin. These sunscreens contain ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Original formulations of physical sunscreens remained white when applied to the skin. Newer formulations blend more with your skin tone and are less noticeable.

Chemical sunscreens :
absorb UV rays before they can cause any damage. They contain one or more ingredients, such as avobenzone or oxybenzone, which absorb UVA or UVB rays. For broad protection, chemical sunscreens often contain more than one ingredient to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. A newer over-the-counter sunscreen contains mexoryl (Anthelios SX) and offers protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Be safe in the sun

Vitamin D
Vitamin D from the sun helps us absorb calcium and prevent osteoporosis (porous bones) - simply eating calcium-rich foods without the vitamin is not enough, as the calcium may end up depositing itself in areas other than the bones, which is not good news.

More evidence from researchers is showing an increased link between vitamin D from sunlight and the reduction in cancer risk. People who live in areas where there is more sun have reduced risk of breast and prostate cancer (IIAA Issue Autumn 2005). For more information on the correlation between vitamin D and cancer, read here

In addition, researchers at Aberdeen University have revealed that lack of vitamin D from sunlight contributes to obesity. Vitamin D controls the hormone leptin which signals to the brain when you are full. They found that those who were obese had lower levels of vitamin D; in fact they produced a tenth less vitamin D than those of average weight.

Sunlight (or its ultraviolet component to be exact) is needed for the body to produce vitamin D, whose deficiency leads to bone loss, poor immunity and, possibly, increased cancer risk. Experts believe that adequate vitamin D status requires ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen. Some people, especially those with darker skin or unusually low rate of skin synthesis of vitamin D, may require more. Furthermore, recent research indicates that vitamin D levels above what's minimally adequate may have various health and longevity benefits.

Avoid sunbeds
Topping up on a sunbed is not a good way to supplement your exposure. Sunbeds mostly block out the UVB rays but not the UVA rays, and it is the UVB that makes the vitamin D in your skin. All you’ll get from a sunbed is a tan and wrinkles as a result of the accelerated ageing from UVA.

Supplements
Protect yourself well on the inside as well as the outside. Build up your store of vitamins A and C by eating foods that are rich in these vitamins and other anti-oxidants, and apply skin products that have potent quantities of vitamins A, C and E, as these get destroyed by the sun so need replacing.

Source :
Mayo Clinic
SmartSkin

Ditch Dark Circles and Puffiness for Good

Dark circles
In order to treat your circles properly, you first need to know what's causing them. Dark circles may be due to pigmentation, blood vessels or an effect of the shadow of the tear through [the muscles and ligaments near the eyes on either side of the nose]. If you pull the skin under your eyes taught and the circles seem to go away, your issue is likely the effect of a shadow.
If not, your circles are likely blood vessels. As you age, your skin gets thinner, making red and blue vessels show through. If your circles don't look red and bluish though, pigmentation could be the cause of your circles.

Treat dark circles caused by pigmentation
If your dark circles are caused by pigmentation, you can treat the area with topical retinoids, hydroquinone or laser treatments

Treat dark circles caused by visible blood vessels
If your dark circles are caused by visible blood vessels, look for "anything that vasoconstricts," to help reduce the darkness, Waldorf says. Caffeine is the most common ingredient found in skin care products that fits that bill

Treat dark circles caused by shadows
If shadows are causing your dark circles, you can fill the area between the bridge of your nose and the inner corners of your eyes (the tear through) with fillers. Beyond that, there isn't much you can do with skin care products to lessen the shadowy effect. However, all dark circles look worse when your skin is dry, so improving the texture of your skin with proper moisturization is important

Camouflage dark circles
Step 1: Massage on an eye cream in a circular motion with a cool fingertip to improve circulation. Step 2: Use a firm tapered brush to apply creamy concealer that's half a shade lighter than your skin and slightly peachy in tone over the dark areas. Avoid shades that are too light or cool in tone or the area will look ashy. Also, don't forget to cover the darkness on the inner corners of your eyes.
Step 3: Tap a fingertip over the concealer to further blend it into your skin.
Step 4: If your eyes appear very sunken in and shadowy, apply a luminizing cream or powder over the concealer to make the area pop and appear brighter.

Puffy eyes
Puff is usually caused from one of two things -- "swelling from fluid shifts," causes puffiness that comes and goes and "the protrusion of the fat pad," causes persistent puffiness

Reduce temporary puff
Apply a cool compress for 10 or so minutes to temporarily puffy eyes to deflate them. Follow the compress with an eye cream that contains caffeine to further deflate the area.

Reduce constant puff
If your eyes are constantly puffy due to a significant protrusion of the fad pads under your eyes, you will only get major improvement with surgery or injections -- creams and home remedies just won't cut it.

Camouflage puffiness
Step 1: Run your fingertips under cool water, dry them off then apply a cold eye gel or cream (keep your eye cream in the fridge for extra depuffing benefits). Press the puffy area with your cool fingertips in a circular, clockwise direction.
Step 2: Apply illuminating concealer in the half moon shape that surrounds the puffy area -- you want to "pop out that indention,"
Step 3: Draw attention away from your eyes by dusting pink blush on the apples of your cheeks.
Step 4: Curl your lashes and groom your brows to open up your eye area. Also, avoid wearing dark shadow or liner on your eyes, it will make them appear smaller and more tired

Courtesy from Total Beauty

Christy Chung's Beauty Stash

From September issue of Woman's Weekly, here's what the spokesperson for Marie France Bodyline shares :

For great health and skin
- she takes Omega 3, DHA, Q10 and antioxidant pycnogenol

To maintain figure
- she eats before 7pm and drink only green tea and water

Beauty advice
- drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning

Review on Lancôme Hydra-Intense Mask Hydrating Gel Mask

Lancome produces 2 different types for this mask, similar to its exfoliating gel. One with botantical extracts and the other with water captors.

I am not sure why Lancome always have to do that, its so confusing to the consumer. I am suspecting that it changes according to the climate in that country.

I bought the water captors version in Singapore and the Botantical extracts version from USA last year.

I was not aware of the difference when I first bought it. I thought it was the same since the whole packaging is exactly the same except for the tiny word "with botantical extracts" or "with water captors" which I overlooked.

If your skin is dehydrated, this 5-minute moisture facial mask is said to restore  moisture balance and
diminish the appearance of dry lines, leaving skin looking smooth and perfectly hydrated.

After using both types, I really cannot discern any differences. Both types feel the same to me.
Main ingredients and descriptions are almost the same, if I remembered correctly.
I am unable to do a direct comparison now as I have finished the tube with botantical extracts.

This fresh-gel mask is infused with active ingredients to intensely hydrate the skin, leaving it relaxed, refreshed and deeply moisturized.

Suitable for normal to combination skin, its glooey and sticky texture can be pretty difficult to wash off. It dries up pretty fast so its recommended to layer it for only 5 minutes.

This formula is enriched with Imperata Cylindrica extract to moisturise the upper-most layers of the epidermis. (This sub-tropical plant from the southern hemisphere known for its amazing capacity to resist the worst droughts). Combined with glycerol, it traps water in the cells to ensure optimal hydration.

On the tube, its recommended to leave on for five minutes, then remove any excess with a cotton ball. Do not rinse.

I am not comfortable with the "do not rinse" part" as its quite sticky and leave a film on the face even after I cleanse it off with water. Hence, I will usually use wet cotton pads to cleanse the first round and then rinse with lots of water to clear the gel off my face.

I will say this mask is more suitable for those mildly dehydrated skin.

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Review : Lierac Diopticerne

Product Description
This dark circle correcting cream is specially formulated to brighten and illuminate the delicate skin of your under-eye area with a revitalizing complex vitamin-rich botanicals. Anti-bruising arnica and buddleja extracts diminish blue dark circles caused by hereditary disposition. Vitamins C and E reduce brown circles caused by hyperpigmentation and melisma as they support collagen and neutralize free radicals for a radiant and even appearance.


This is the first product from the brand Lierac which I picked up from Sasa. I was intrigued by their range of eye treatment products that claim to be able to improve the under eye area condition.
Their website illustrates their expertise in the subject, with every product undergoing a clinical study.

The skin of the eye area is the thinnest and most fragile of the entire face. Squinting and blinking, coupled with hostile factors like ageing, stress and over-exposure to the sun, result in problems like wrinkles, crow's feet, eye bags and dark circles which intensify with age. These threaten the beauty and youthfulness of the eyes. Lierac's specific plant-based formulations effectively treat these problems to restore youthful-looking eyes.

Their claims :
-Effectively fades and diminishes dark circles
-Improves poor blood circulation

Formulated with venotonic herbs Arnica and Butcher's Broom, Diopticerne stimulates and improves poor blood circulation which is the cause of dark circles around the eye area. It does not contain alcohol or any animal ingredients.

Active ingredients include the duo of medicinal plants arnica and ruscus which helps to activate the micro-circulation
Arnica : The ultimate remedy for bruises, this plant is very rich in flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and stimulating benefits for the skin tissue.
Lierac depigmenting complex :
stabilized vitamin C + mandresy extracts + micro-algae
Regulate the formation of melanin and of lipofuscine
Mandresy : Botanical extract of mandresy, also called the “butterfly tree” of Madagascar, acts on the synthesis and distribution of melanin to help prevent the appearance of dark spots and the accentuation of dark circles.

Lierac Diopticerne comes in both tinted and non-tinted version and I bought the tinted version so that I can use it over my eye gel. It can act as a corrector and concealer for undereye dark circles.

This double-action cream actively corrects the appearance of both types of dark circles:
- blue circles caused by vascular problems,
- brown circles caused by melanin.

Blue circles: With age or for genetic reasons, blood microcirculation under the eyes becomes less effective. The walls of the blood capillaries, mainly composed of collagen, become slacker. Their distension promotes “venous stasis”, a process that greatly slows “return” blood circulation in the vessels. Sanguine liquid is diffused outside of the vessels, pigmenting the skin.

Brown circles: As the epidermis and dermis under the eyes measure less than 0.6 mm in thickness, excess pigment easily shows through the skin, and particularly the accumulation of melanin pigments in the upper layers of the epidermis, which intensifies the color of dark circles.

To counteract “blue” circles, this high-power formula uses a duo of medicinal plants – butcherbroom and arnica – widely used and renowned for its “anti-bruising” and stimulating action. For maximum effectiveness, this phytotherapic duo is accompanied by vitamin E, a potent free radical scavenger, which helps to protect the skin against external aggressions.

To counteract “brown” circles, the exclusive LIERAC depigmenting complex is used: this combination of stabilized vitamin C, mandresy extracts and microalgae has demonstrated its effectiveness in helping lighten the appearance of hyperpigmented areas.

After using this for close to 6 months on a daily morning basis, I cannot find any improvement on my under eye area. It acts almost like a light concealer to me, helping to hide slight shadows under my eyes but once I washed it off, my eyebags and under eye circles remained the same.

There is only 1 shade from the tinted version and thankfully, it blends in well with my skin tone. The texture is of a light consistency unlike a normal concealer but 3 dots on the under eye area does the job just fine.

For such a tiny 5ml tube, it actually lasted me for quite a while since a bit goes a long way. However, note that once its opened, its best to use it within 6 months as stated on the tube. I will not recommend it for those with very dark eye circles, you will be better off with a real concealer.

You can get the product from Amazon :
Lierac Diopticerne
Lierac Diopti Gel
Lierac Diopticalm Balm

Ingredients :
Water (aqua), Hydrogenated palm/palm kernel oil peg-6 esters, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ruscus aculeatus root extract, Ascorbyl glucoside, Arnica montana flower extract, Buddleja axillaris leaf extract, Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Propylene glycol, Potassium sorbate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Sodium benzoate, Sodium salicylate, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium metabisulfite, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Maltodextrin, Sodium hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Tocopherol, Silica. Botanical origin (d'origine végétale).


Quoted from Lierac

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Review on Garnier Brightening Eye Roll-on anti-Bags Dark Circles

Garnier Brightening Eye Roll-on is a new invention with a massaging roll-on that combines caffeine with the draining effect of a massage to reduce bags and dark circles and brighten the eye contour.

Massage is a technique used by experts to boost natural draining and decongest tired eyes. The formula, enriched with caffeine, known for its stimulating properties on micro-circulation, helps to brighten the skin and boost radiance.

Its claims :
In 14 Days, skin looks brighter and more radiant
In 28 days, bags and dark circles are reduced

Caffeine is also well-known for its stimulating properties on micro-circulation. It has been associated to pro-vitamin B5, to provide hydration hence I was very excited when I first came to know about this product.

And at just $19.90, its so affordable for me to get one and try it out.

I always believe some massage is needed to decongest the puffy eye bags that I have and someone finally came out with this eye treatment product with a roll-on.

I really wanted this product to work on me, to get rid of my unslightly eye bags.
With so many rave reviews online, I was filled with hope.
But goodness know why it just did not work out for me?

I have been using it faithfully twice daily for 5 months but I really did not see much improvement. At times, my under eye area looks brighter if I have enough sleep, coupled with this roll-on. Otherwise, my undereye area looks the same. In fact I usually have 6 to 7 hours of sleep.
Cool and moist, its actually quite lovely to roll it under your tired eyes. The cool metal tip glided well and delivered just enough serum for the under eye area.

Just a special note stated on the tube that its best to discard it after 6 months once opened

Ingredients :
Aqua/Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Biosaccharide Gum -1, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caffeine, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Escin Guanosine, Hydroxyproline, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Laureth-7, Methylparaben, Mica, Panthenol, Polyacrylamide, sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum ( F.I.L. B32720/1)

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Review on Clinique Derma White Micro Motion C Serum

I picked this up onboard my NorthWest Flight from USA back to Singapore last year. In general, Clinque purchases are usually cheaper in USA than Singapore because its made in USA.

I was bent on erasing some slight dark spots on my cheeks and came across this serum in their catalog during the flight home.

This cooling gel-serum of super concentrated, antioxidant whiteners and brighteners works like a whitening spot corrector. It claims to to be able to slough off dead, melanin-filled surface cells with a tri-ball dispenser.

Its key ingredients is comprised of marine collagen & lecithin. Rich in vitamin C to combat dark spots, it features a tri-ball massage roller dispenser that releases a cocktail of brighteners on point of contact. Aids in exfoliation of dead skin cells from surface leaving smoother and more radiant skin.

Vitamin C
- skin brightener

Black Out Yeast Extracts
- blasts melanin clusters apart and disperse them throughout the skin

Scutellaria and Mulberrry Root Extracts
- renew clarity

Yan Kuei Fei and Citrus Unshiu Peel
- for heightened glow

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
- fragments to signal skin's natural repair process, mop up damage before it takes hold

I have been using this on the 2 small dark areas on my cheeks for almost half a year every morning and certain nights. Its a slow and long process but I do see a very slight improvement on the spots, the dark spots look slightly lighter and the area looks brighter.

The roller ball is quite cooling to the touch and to the face and it acts as a massaging ball as I apply it on the face.
I actually enjoyed the motion using the roller ball. Its quite fun.

However, in consideration of the steep price for a 10ml serum and the long process for it to work, its not that worth it.

Even though this serum lasted me for quite a while, close to 9 months and its oil-free and fragrance-free but the long list of ingredients kind of put me off.

Its recommended to use twice daily for best results.

How to use :
1) Press button in base to release serum onto roller balls
2) Massage roller ball head into dark spot for five to ten seconds
3) Gently pat spot with fingertip until serum is absorbed

Review on Beauty Credit Orange C Cotton Mask

I picked this up from Hong Kong Sasa at just $2 per sheet which is quite affordable. Beauty Credit facial masks in Singapore is usually selling at double the price or more.
However, upon returned back to Singapore, I realized that this mask is actually not available locally.

There were no English description on the mask itself ( in Korean only )but since it contains orange extracts, I am guessing that it is meant for the purpose of brightening effect.

With orange scented cotton mask, its quite a refreshing scent. There is a tinge of orange colour in the 100% cotton mask.

However, I did not see any spectacular effect after using this twice a week. I giuess I will not be buying this again.

Ingredients :