Bye Bye to Year 2010

Today marks the end of 2010. I wish everyone will have an awesome countdown to bring in a better 2011.
2010 have not been the best year for me, so I really hope that 2011 will bring good news to me.
I have not been in the best of mood this week as my beloved grandpa passed away on Boxing day, 26th December 2010. It is a really depressing week for me as I cried to sleep every night.
Even though the death should be considered a relief to him, bringing him out of his misery, but I still missed him lots and found it difficult to accept the fact that he's no longer with us anymore.
While I understand that death is part and parcel of life but my heart still feel very painful whenever I thought of him.
Nonetheless, I still wish him the best and hope that he will be happy in heaven.

To all my readers,
May year 2011 be a fabulous year for all of you and for myself too.

Review : Estee Lauder Ideal Light Brush On Illuminator

Product Description ( from Amazon )
Reveal radiance. Conceal flaws. A stroke of brilliance. It's a makeup artist's dream--the one tool you'll most want to take wherever you go. With the sweep of a brush, you can highlight and refresh your look. Brighten dark circles, age spots and shadows. Light-reflective Photo Optic technology diffuses light to minimize the look of fine lines, wrinkles and imperfections. Fragrance-free. Dermatologist- and Ophthalmologist-tested.

I have been thinking of this for the longest time even before I went to USA. The promoter at the counter in Las Vegas told me, its a highlighter and not a concealer.
Heading back to Singapore, I decided to get this when I was trying to top up the amount to get the GWPs. The lady at the counter told me its a concealer.
Looking at the description, it seemed to imply that it can be used as both a highlighter and a concealer.

I got the lightest shade 01 for my fair skin tone and tried to use it as a concealer under the eyes but it does not seem to help much. After stumbling upon an Amazon review, a reader commented that 01 is for highlighting while the rest of the shades are for concealer. That said, I wondered how a darker tone can help to conceal the dark circles on my undereye area since I am an obvious 01 shade, I am stupified yet again.

Then I decided to use it as a highlighter and applied along the bridge of my nose after my Estee Lauder Brightening Compact Powder but it looked patchy no how many times I have tried it. Am I doing something wrong?

I wrote in to Estee Lauder and below is the reply from their senior training manager, Marjorie Lee

"The primary function of this product is a concealer and it has properties that will diffuse light away from the area of the skin that is applied onto to so that will not accentuate lines and wrinkles. It may also be used as a highlighter, and hence the confusion.

When selecting a concealer, you should look for a concealer that is as close as possible to your own skintone or just slightly lighter to cover dark circles under the eye. Ideal Light provides a medium finish and if you require more concealing, then you may layer one layer over another for greater coverage. The great thing about Ideal Light is that you may use it to touch up during the day over your existing makeup.

If the Ideal Light Concealer is much lighter than your skintone, you may also double up the usage as a highlighter on the cheekbones or on the bridge of your nose as you had mentioned. One of the reasons as to why it was patchy could be due to the amount that was dispensed. Do try to use a smaller amount and after brushing it on, blend well in a patting motion with your fingers.

I also read the Amazon Review and the Pink Shade that the website is referring to, and this product is not sold in Singapore. This light Pink shade is called Soft Pink, and it may only be used as a highlighter as it has no coverage."

The above reply clarified my confusion though I still think this concealer does not work well for me. The tube is handy and convenient to carry it around for touch-up though I do not do that in general. It dispenses the right amount for usage and I can twist it again, if I do need more of its contents. I usually brush the product on my hands and then blend it on my undereye area using my fingers.

The texture is runny and lightweight hence it does not really do much to cover up my dark eye circles. Its  abit dry on my under eye area area and hence accentuates the fine lines too.

However, it does slightly brighten up the area though my dark eye circles and eye bags are still quite prominent.

It scored 8.2 from 11 users on Total Beauty and 4.0 from 75 users at Makeupalley.

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Review : Organic Blue Mandarin and Ginger Body Scrub

Product Description
An ideal exfoliating shower lotion. We use an infusion of traditional Ayurvedic herbs including anti-bacterial Neem to help tonify the skin. A suspension of peach kernel powder acts as the exfoliating agent.

I bought this body scrub together with the shower gel which I have reviewed previously. However, the body scrub is a disappointment. At $10.90, its considered slightly more expensive than the normal body scrubs, however, I am fine with spending this amount for organic and natural brands since its going to be good for the skin and for the earth.
No synthetic fragrance or artifical colourings and housed in a pretty dark blue opaque bottle, it does remind me of the EO brand.
The material of the bottle is abit slippery when wet so I have actually dropped the bottle several times.
The contents are white in colour with brown tiny beads. The fragrance is uplifting and very soothing to the senses. In fact, I like the fragrance very much.
However, the peach kernel beads are gritty and abit harsh on my delicate skin. My whole body was left feeling dry after each scrub. To sum it up, I would say, it left my skin dry 8 out of 10 times.
Awful and I would not get the scrub every again.

Ingredients
Herbal infusion (Aqua (water), Azadiracta Indica (Neem)*), Glycerine (Vegetable), Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Prunus Persica (Peach Kernel) Powder, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Oil, Citrus Reticulata Oil*, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract*, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract*, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract*, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract*, Zingiber Officinalis Root Oil*, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Aloe Barbadensis, Tocopherol Acetate, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Limonene. (*certified organic)

Source : Organic Blue

Review : Yes To Carrots Lip Butter - Citrus

Product Description

A beautiful smile will brighten your face, but what brightens a beautiful smile? Your lips - soft, smooth and shining! Yes To Carrots USDA Organic Lip Butters conditions, invigorates, and revitalizes your lips, moisturizing to keep them the smoothest and softest they can be.

Its made of all natural ingredients, paraben, petroleum and phthalate free and there is no animal testing

I have not been reviewing lips balms for an awfully long time because it took me ages to finish one.
Previously, I have been using a Badger Lip balm but there was a weird scent which I have since tossed it aside, no review was done for that, since I am not sure if that scent is associated with all Badger lip balms as I was new to the brand.
Anyway, back to this brand, it was something I have tried it out before when it was available in Watsons Singapore but somehow I could not seem to find it anywhere now. Subsequently, I went ahead to order on Drugstore because I really love their lipbalms. Before I started out on natural formulations, I was always buying those mass-produced brands available in Watsons and Guardian but after a recent scare of eczema on the lips, my lips seem to have form a barrier against those un-natural formulations. Even my expensive neutrogena lip balm failed to soothe it. It was swollen and red. I was never keen in spending more than $6 on lip balms so at that time, Neutrogena lipbalms were considered as expensive to me. So imagine my horror that, my lips turned red, burning and hot when I used Neutrogena lip balm for the first time, after my eczema flare-up was subdued. I continued to use it, unknowingly because I never suffered any reactions to my lipbalms before so it was a surprise that I eventually found out that the culprit was my lipbalm.

So now, all my lip balms have to be of natural formulations which is how this review came about. This is a flavour I never try before but it turned out that its not exactly a flavour I like to use on my lips, though that is the only thing that I do not like about it.

I personally feel that all Yes To Carrots lip butter are super-nourishing and conditioning for my lips without the waxy and greasy after-feel. And its such an absolute steal at just US$2.99
It goes on smooth on the lips, non-sticky and non-yucky.
There is absolutely nothing I hate about their lip butters except for this citrus flavour which does not go well with me. Its just a personal preference, of course. You may like it better than me.

An amazing score of 9.6 at Total Beauty by 22 users.

 Ingredients: 

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Citrus (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Limonene, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citral Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Cucumiss Melo Cantalupensis (Melon) Seed Extract, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Carrot Root Extract, Linalool.

Source : Yes To Carrots

5 Nourishing Natural Ingredients

1. Lavender

Known for its therapeutic properties, lavender essential oil is also antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal as well as being able to promote a calm and sound sleep.

Skin benefits:
o Lavender essential oil speeds cell turnover to repair and replenish skin
o Lavender can also benefit acne, small cuts or bruises, burns, fatigue and stress.

2. Macadamia nut oil

Macadamia nut oil is known to help to retain moisture and protect the skin.

Skin benefits:
o Macadamia nut oil is rich in palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that’s similar to skin’s natural sebum. So, it’s an excellent moisturizer.
o It’s especially helpful for mature skin, because sebum production diminishes as we age, contributing to dryness.
o Macadamia nut oil is a potent antioxidant as it contains vitamins E and A so it’s a key factor in protecting skin from damage and signs of aging.

3. Shea butter

Also known as karite because it comes from seeds of the karite tree.

Skin benefits:
o Because it’s an emollient, shea butter helps the skin retain moisture, so the skin is super-soft.
o Shea butter encourages skin repair by helping to heal wounds, burns and other skin injuries

4. Olive oil

Helps protect the skin from damage, strengthen nails and deeply moisturize the skin and hair.

Skin benefits:
o Similar to vitamin E, olive oil’s polyphenols are potent antioxidants. They combat free radical damage, caused by pollution, environmental stressors and UV exposure.
o An olive oil treatment can help treat damaged tresses. To nourish the hair, try this treatment: Massage a few teaspoons of olive oil into your hair and scalp; cover with a plastic cap; let the olive oil soak in for about 30 minutes and rinse well.
o Are your nails brittle and prone to breaking? Soak them in a bowl of olive oil, which “can help new nails grow in stronger,” writes Elizabeth Einstein in Allure.

5. Lemon

It exfoliates the skin and deep cleanses the hair.

Skin benefits:
o Because it contains alpha hydroxy acid, lemon essential oil can effectively exfoliate and clarify the skin. It removes dry, dead skin cells that clog pores and create a dull complexion.
o Is your hair extremely greasy? Lemon juice also acts as a natural cleanser. After shampooing, try this lemon rinse recipe to thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp: Steep a few cut lemons in just-boiled water and let it cool to room temperature. Then, strain and pour over your hair. Be careful to avoid the eyes. Rinse completely and follow with a hydrating conditioner.

Source : Skincare news

Maintain Fabulous Skin On Your Flight

1. Leave no trace. The eyes are one of the first features to show fatigue, especially when traveling. You might experience puffiness, bags or dark circles in addition to dryness and irritation. So, what can you do? Wear glasses and remove your eye makeup every night.

2. De-puff and de-stress. After you’ve removed all eye makeup, be sure to follow with a hydrating and nourishing eye cream

3. Mask dryness. To reduce dryness, apply a moisturizing mask just before boarding and leave on the skin for the duration of the flight.

4. Get creamy. Hands and lips also suffer a great deal during air travel. Long check-in lines, public restrooms and wheeling suitcases or backpacks through security queues and terminals can take their toll. Keep a hydrating hand cream and lip balm in your toiletry kit and use often.

5. Stay hydrated. Don’t underestimate the power of pure water. Forgo drinking sodas or other carbonated beverages during your flight and instead, ask for bottled water. By keeping the body properly hydrated from the inside out, you’ll feel less tired and sluggish after a long flight. In addition, after traveling or when staying in a new place, splashing the face gently with bottled water will help to remove surface impurities.


Source : Skincare news

Review : Baby Skin Collagen Hand Mask

Product Description
It contains essential ingredients which help in moisturising, soothing and promoting anti-aging care for the skin. The intensive care nutrients of the mask also helps to make your hands looking smooth, lovely and healthy with regular usage.
Made in Korea, this hand mask is an easy to use home care product that is specially formulated to improve dry, coarse and dull-looking skin conditions.
The new "sheet type" mask penetrates deeply and instantly to effectively improve the skin tone and texture.

Bought this back in Oct at an incredible $1.95 down from the $4.90, a chance for me to try it out, before investing in the full price. Sadly, it does not deliver.

Unlike the messiness of Missha and Etude House hand masks, this hand mask is quite easy to use. Each packet comes with a pair of vinyl gloves and hand treatment mask in the form of gloves type, located in  2 portions of the packet.

 
The elastic cloth type glove mask is moist with essence and is a joy to just slip into your hands for usage. The vinyl gloves are to be worn over the masks. Both are to be used for up to 30minutes.
The hand treatment mask glove fits securely on my small hands but the elastic portion at the wrist tends to ride up. I think bigger hands would have a problem with this hand mask.

I do not quite like the fragrance although its not foul-smelling. It contains alcohol as the 2nd ingredient too.

 
After 30 minutes, I am supposed to feel smoother and well-moisturised hands but sadly, I do not feel that way about my hands. It feels sticky and dry out, almost as if I do need a hand cream immediately. Not a very pleasant sensation.

7 Secretly Unhealthy Food

I do not really discuss much about health food here but somehow this topic caught my interest as I was munching on a delicious cereal bar.
I bought Kellogg's Special K Bar from Johor Bahru on last Saturday, while on a 1 day trip. Its not available in Singapore and its really delicious.

But a glance at the nutrition label show that its not providing as much fibre and protein as it should be, if I do follow Greaves' requirement as below

< 15 grams of sugar
< 2 grams of saturated fat
>= 3 grams of fiber
>= 5 grams of protein

Energy Bars

Energy bars are not necessarily a healthy choice. In fact, “a lot of them are nothing more than glorified candy bars,” says Sari Greaves, RD, nutrition director for Step Ahead Weight Loss Center in New Jersey. “They can be packed with enriched white flour, high fructose corn syrup, and other sweeteners.” Many are high in saturated fat, too, and low in fiber.

Eat Smart:

If you’re replacing a meal with an energy bar, choose one with 200 to 300 calories; for a snack, shoot for 150 calories or fewer.

Opt for a bar whose ingredient list is short and begins with a whole grain such as brown rice, whole wheat, or whole oat flour.

Make sure your pick meets at least two of Greaves’s requirements: fewer than 15 grams of sugar, less than 2 grams of saturated fat, at least 3 grams of fiber, and at least 5 grams of protein.

If you can’t find one containing that much protein, add it yourself: Spread a low-calorie bar with a thin layer of peanut butter, or enjoy a glass of low-fat milk or a piece of low-fat string cheese with it. “Adding in the protein will help you feel more satisfied longer,” says Greaves.

Granola

“Most have too much sugar and very little fiber. A healthy breakfast cereal should be the exact opposite,” says Keri Gans, RD, author of the forthcoming Small Change Diet
Eat Smart:

Gans recommends picking a cereal that has the same satisfying crunch as granola but contains more grams of fiber than sugar. Add a heaping tablespoon of nuts (try walnuts) and your favorite berry for sweetness.

If you just can’t give up granola, sprinkle a small amount (less than a quarter of a cup—that’s how unhealthy it is!) over low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt with a handful of blueberries or a half-cup of sliced strawberries.

Smoothies

When a smoothie’s main ingredient is fruit juice, it adds calories without providing any of the good-for-you fiber you get from the fruit itself. What’s more, some smoothie spots use sugar-loaded sherbet or frozen yogurt to bump up flavor. “The average smoothie is going to provide enough calories for a meal—400 to 600—but not satisfy you like a meal,” warns Gans. Which means you’ll be adding on the calories later when hunger comes roaring back.

Eat Smart:

On the go, opt for a low-fat yogurt and a piece of fruit.

At home, try Gans’s recipe for a healthy smoothie: Blend a half-cup low-fat yogurt, a half-cup nonfat milk, one serving of fruit (such as a cup of frozen berries or a frozen banana), and a tablespoon of flax seed.

Vitamin Drinks, Sports Drinks, and Other Sweetened Beverages

A growing body of research suggests that ingesting added sugar from sweetened beverages increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Eat Smart:

In restaurants, ask for unsweetened beverages—like ice tea—and add in a zero-calorie sweetener.
Look for sugar-free versions of Vitamin Water and lemonade (like good ol’ Crystal Light), and Gatorade’s G2 reduced-sugar drink.

At home, make your own flavored water, adding in sliced cucumbers, oranges, berries, lemons, or limes. Looking for a boost of vitamins? Pop a multi with your water.

Fat-Free Foods

They sure sound good, but the problem with fat-free foods, says Greaves, is that “people view them as a ticket to eat more.” Which is especially troublesome because when you take fat out of foods, something has to replace the flavor—and that something is generally added sugar and sodium. The right kinds of fats are actually essential to a healthy diet, providing flavor, reducing the risk of heart disease, and even picking up your mood, says Greaves. Furthermore, fat can help you feel full; many food become less satisfying without it, which may lead you to eat more at your next meal.

Eat Smart:

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are typically high in saturated fat; choose fat-free or low-fat versions.

Ditto with commercially processed foods such as stick margarine and frozen meals, which are often high in trans-fats.

Always go with full-fat, natural peanut butter, which is rich in healthy polyunsaturated fats. Reduced-fat versions replace them with hydrogenated oils (which are high in trans fats) and sugar.

Fat-free salad dressings are loaded with sodium and sugar. Instead, mix two teaspoons of olive oil with lemon juice or flavored vinegar.

Salads

Many salads are packed with unhealthy add-ins, such as cheese (100 calories in four dice-sized cubes), bacon bits, creamy dressings, and croutons. Nothing against a big bowl of healthy greens; it’s the company they keep that’s worrisome.

Eat Smart:

When you’re dining out, always ask for dressings on the side. Dip your fork into the dressing first, then spear some greens.

At the salad bar, skip anything that’s mixed with mayonnaise, such as tuna or egg salad. Choose grilled chicken breast, tofu, or a half-cup of chickpeas instead.

If you love cheese, dust a tablespoon of grated Parmesan over your salad before eating, to give it a lot of flavor with way fewer calories.

Instead of chopped ham or croutons, go for a tablespoon of slivered almonds or sunflower seeds for flavor and crunch.

At home, replace dressing with flavorful fresh fruit—such as pears or mandarin oranges.

Wraps

With little leaves of lettuce peeking out and slim slices of deli meats, wraps seem like a solid choice. But the flat breads that give the sandwiches their name can bring 300 calories to the table all on their own, says Marisa Moore, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association in Atlanta. By the time you add in some cheese, cold cuts, and a spread, you can be putting away a 700-calorie meal that feels more like a snack. Plus, wraps are often made from refined grains—which means they don’t give you the fiber you need for a healthy lunch.

Eat Smart:

Check nutrition info, if it’s available: A wrap made of whole grain is best. Barring that, look for the choice that’s highest in fiber, which will help you feel fuller.

Eat only half of the sandwich for lunch, with a piece of fruit and a side of greens; save the other half for a post-exercise or afternoon snack.

Skip the cheese and choose avocado (which is full of heart-healthy fat) instead.

Pile on extra veggies, such as green peppers, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Source : Real Simple

Mini Haul from Korea

Got a friend to purchase some items for me. A couple of the small items like nail polish, toothpaste were sourvenirs from the friend and the sachets are complimentary gifts from Skin Food.

Skin Food Coffee Body Scrub 7700won  (S$9)
Oatmeal Hand Mask 2200won  (S$2.60)
Egg White Pack 4500won  (S$5.30)

Review : Clarins Day Screen High Protection SPF40

Product Description
A cutting-edge formula providing high protection against UV rays combined with protection against pollution and free radicals responsible for dark spots and skin ageing. The incredibly matte, featherlight texture forms an invisible film on the skin. Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
This 100% natural, mineral-based screen provides broad protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. It also protects the skin from free radicals, urban pollution, and electromagnetic waves.
Allergy tested and ophthalmologist tested. Non-comedogenic.


I received this 3ml sample from the Clarins consultant after a lengthy consultation on their products for my skin type. I really like Clarins's policy on introducing their products to us by providing samples to try first. It is how I got started to getting to know their products better nowadays.
Clarins products usually come with an instruction sheet on their application and its application usages are usually different from the norm. For this suncreen, its recommended to apply with light pressing motions from the middle of the face moving outward, then quickly smooth-on with fingertips. It can also be used on the eye contour area which is a surprise to me.

I have been using the 3ml sample for more than 3 weeks which is quite surprising as I thought 3ml may only last me for about a week. So its either I have been using too little of it on my face or 3ml is too much for me. lol.
It has a light plant extract scent which I quite like, but its quite subtle and almost non-existent after application. It is light pink in colour which helps to brighten up the skin complexion without leaving a pinkish or white unnatural tone.
The texture is very light during the initial application but I could feel a slightly slippery and almost greasy film underneath the exterior. And perhaps because of this, I broke out on my chin area the moment I applied it. I skipped the application on the chin area, waiting for the zit to subside for a week. Thereafter I used the sunscreen again, on my chin area and guess what, a newly zit formed so I finally concluded that this suncreen is just not for me.

It contains SPF40 and PA+++ which is an excellent protection to be used daily on the face.
However, it does contain alcohol which seems to be prevalent in the few Clarins products I have used so far.
It scored an average 9 from 10 users in Total Beauty

Ingredients :
Cyclopentasiloxane, Aqua, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Alcohol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Source : Amazon , Clarins

Review : Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Product Description

A hydrating mist, rich in the living energy of rose and marshmallow to restore, tone and hydrate. Leaves the skin balanced and refreshed. Ideal for maintaining balance. Get rosy, radiant, ultra-hydrated skin. Hydrates, freshens, soothes and cools the skin.

Features :
- Balances and tones prior to moisturizing.
- Maintains hydration while travelling or in air-conditioning

Jurlique, from South Australia, boasts of a potent blend of herbs and flowers in each formula in their every product. Many of these botanicals are hand grown and tended on their farm in South Australia.
Jurlique scientists complement their formulas with the finest, most potent, biodynamic, organic and natural ingredients sourced from the world over with ingredients that matched their standards.
There are no artificial colors, fragrance, petrochemical or coal tar ingredients. Its not tested on animals and there are no animal contents

A friend had helped to get Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist for me at US$9 for a 30ml bottle. However, I was quite dismayed to find that it contains alcohol as the 2nd ingredient.

The 30ml bottle (there is a 100ml version too) comes in a small and handy size but its made of glass which made bringing it around abit inconvenient. I quite like how the spray nozzle is, because unlike most other facial sprays I came across, which is either a too fine mist or too loud burst of mist, this Jurlique fits my needs perfectly, falling inbetween the fine and burst kind. Not too much and not too little, just how I like it to be.

Its my first product from Jurlique because their products are pretty much out of my limited budget. So I really look forward to using my first Jurlique product and fortunately, it did not disappoint me.

I used this as a toner, or as a refreshing mist after my regular toner. I love the rose scent. It just perks me up and its very refreshing and soothing. Especially useful when I have a bad day at work and I can just indulge in the scent to keep me at peace.
To be honest, it actually reminded me of the Rose Bandung drink but I like this hydrating mist better, of course.

It kept my skin hydrated and I did not have any flaky issues on my skin during the 2 weeks of usage. Even when I have some blemishes on my chin, the flakiness, usually associated with using my blemish gel was so mild that I was surprised. My zits healed fast too, though I am not sure if this hydrating mist did help to speed up the healing process.

However, its just too expensive for me to do a re-purchase if there is no promotion.
And probably because of the alcohol content, I felt that it evaporates from the skin pretty fast too, though not nearly as fast as the Caudalie Beauty Elixir.

I used up the bottle in 3 weeks. The spritz from the nozzle was getting lesser and lesser near the end of the contents in the bottle, probably due to the short nozzle.

It scored an impressive 9 from 4 users on Total Beauty and 4.1 from 10 users in Makeupalley

Key Plant Ingredients:
Rose, Marshmallow, Aloe Vera Extract and Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Ingredients
Aqua (Water) (Water), Alcohol, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract (Marshmallow), Rosa Gallica Flower Extract (Rose), PEG 7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Fragrance (Parfum) (Parfum, from Natural Essential Oil), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Lactic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract (Grapefruit), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Extract, Geraniol (from Natural Essential Oil), Linalool (from Natural Essential Oil), Citronellol (from Natural Essential Oil), Eugenol (from Natural Essential Oil), Benzyl Benzoate (from Natural Essential Oil)

Update (21st June 2017) :

I purchased the Beautiful Rituals Face Care set at AUD130 ( worth AUD173 ) in Australia last year which comprises of Rosewater Balancing Mist 100ml, Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream Mask 100ml and Skin Balancing Face Oil 50ml. 

7 years since my last purchase, Jurlique still works well for me. Hooray!

You can get the products from Jurlique
Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
Jurlique Rosewater Intense Balancing Mist ( Limited Edition )

Jurlique Glow Set ( Sale )

Review : Etude House Moistfull Peeling Wash

Product Description
Moistfull Peeling Wash is a facial peeling scrub that gently removes dull skin and facial excess while supplying hydrating moisture.

It eases off dehydrated and tensed skin thanks to the content of Baobab Extracts which contains antioxidants, an essential agent for protection against free radicals, maintenance of metabolic processes.

I received a sachet of this cleanser while asking a friend to get some Korea goodies for me and this is one of those complimentary gifts. I was quite hesitant in using this cleanser, as anything with the word "peel" is scary to me. It just reminds me of dehydrated and flaking skin.

Since I did have a pleasant encounter with Moistfull Sheet Mask , I decided to give this a chance.
1 sachet can last me for about 4 times of usage. And since it was in sachet form, there were no instructions at the back and so I did not realize that its supposed to be used on dry skin. I actually used it like a normal cleanser, after wetting my face.

For the first 2 times, I was wary in using too much as I was afraid that my skin may be dehydrated after using it. I rest between days and used it for the 2nd time. I did not massage hard enough for the first 2 times and hence I hardly feel anything on my face. I found it to be too mild and there is no much foam, so I cannot really feel anything after cleansing. In fact, I do not even feel that I have indeed cleanse my face.

The texture is a clear gel but I did not really fancy the scent.
On the 3rd and 4th times, I massaged for a longer time and tiny white balls came off my skin, which I believed are supposed to be dead cells. My skin immediately feels softer and smoother. Seriously. And I am not even using it on dry skin. I supposed the effect would be even better on dry skin though actually I do not fancy using a cleanser on dry skin, it just feels funny. Thankfully, it works well on wet skin, so I am pretty much alright with it.

The pores on my nose look slightly cleaner and my overall skin looked much brighter immediately after use.
However, the softening effects are only temporary. The next evening, I do find that my skin have turned back to its original not-so-smooth texture again.

Source : Etude House , Sasa

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Review : Organic Blue Shower Gel

Product Description
An invigorating and stimulating combination of Mandarin & Ginger with an infusion of anti- bacterial Neem makes this an ideal shower gel.
Neem is reknown in India as a wonderful anti-bacterial agent that is also helpful as a skin-healer. Coconut oil smoothes the skin, while citrusy oils including Mandarin, Lime and Lemon give you that fresh feeling at any time of the day.

Despite the name, this brand actually originated from India. Not that I have anything against India or the name, just that, the name reminds me more to UK than India. You can read more about the brand origins here

I cannot remember where I purchased these products, but I got their shower gel and their body scrub during that purchase, both of which I am currently using it.
Organic Blue products are created without the use of synthetic fragrances and artificial colouring while minimising the use of synthetic ingredients and incorporating in specially chosen essential and base oils.

Organic Blue products are:
• Free from parabens
• Free from SLS
• Free from artificial colours and fragrances
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
• Not tested on animals

The whole packaging closely resembled EO products which I have reviewed before . Dark blue in colour, with an almost opaque bottle, the cap is something which I totally dislike, due to its small opening.
Thankfully, I have not encountered any problems so far, although I believe that when the contents are near to the end, it would not flow out easily to my palms.

Made of ginger and mandarin scents, it is highly refreshing to the senses and provide an uplifting spirit every morning before I left for work. This gel cleanser foams well and is quite a breeze to use.
I bought it for $10.90 at 250ml. Come to think of it, I may have bought this from the Four Seasons Market in City Square Mall (near Fareer Park MRT) though I cannot confirm now.

Ingredients :
Herbal infusion (Aqua (water), Azadiracta Indica (Neem)*), Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerine (Vegetable), Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin) Oil*, Angelica Archangelica (Angelica) Root Extract*, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract*, Sambucus Nigra (Elder) Flower Extract*, Passiflora Incarnata (Passion) Flower Extract*, Zingiber Officinalis (Ginger) Root Oil*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Limonene. (*certified organic)

Source : Organic Blue

Review : Cell Alive Eye Mask

Main Ingredients : EGF, Collagen, L-Ascorbic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid,Vitamin E

Touted to be able to whiten and hydrate, remove puffiness, reduce dark eye circles and wrinkles, I first picked this up from a drugstore in Taipei last year. It comes in a generous packaging of 20 pieces in a box which I later threw away due to trying to do some compact packing before coming back to Singapore.
I had been using this on and on-off basis.

When I first starting using this, I absolutely hated it right to the core. The sealed silver packaging was tightly adhered to each plastic tray where each pair of masks sit in it. It took much strength to peel away the tight silver packaging and sometimes in the process, my eye mask tore. The pair of eye masks was slippery and moist and kept sliding down my under eye area. Very irritating indeed. On top of that, I see no improvement on my under eye area.

I stopped using this for several months and only started using these recently. The silver packaging is still very irritating but I just have to be careful so that I would not tear my eye masks.
The eye masks are not that moist anymore, probably because I have kept it for too long, I guess. Its still slippery and slimy but no longer slide down that easily as the previous time. It was cooling and refreshing.
When I had a good sleep the night before and used these eye masks in the morning, the puffiness and dark eye circles seem better. A subtle difference to seeing my tired and haggard eyes.

Look Younger From Top To Toe

1. Doctor-Approved Grow Getter
Buildup of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a waxlike testosterone by-product, could be to blame, says dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD: “It causes miniaturization of the hair follicle.” She recommends DHT-blasting minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine).
 
2. Fake Fuller Hair
“Hair looks older and thinner when it’s a solid shade,” says Adrian Wallace, a colorist at New York’s Rita Hazan Salon. “Warm-toned highlights, not drab ashy hues, create depth, making strands look thicker,” Wallace adds.
 
3. Shine Quick Fix
A little reflection goes a long way on hair. “A glossy finish always looks smoother, and smooth hair looks younger,” says Matrix celebrity stylist Mark Townsend
 
 4. Turn-Back-the-Clock Haircut
Here’s one cut that’ll take off years, no knife necessary: “Layers that frame the face give an instant lift and are flattering on everyone. I like to start them at the cheekbones,” says Townsend, who styles Amy Adams and Reese Witherspoon.
 
5. Botox for Hair Loss
Some derms have been injecting scalps with Botox in hopes of reactivating growth. Fusco warns that this is “very off-label” and suggests stimulating follicles with a gentle scrub.
 
6. Never Go Gray
Recent research from the UK found grays are caused by too much hydrogen peroxide in the hair shaft. Applied to the roots, an antioxidant serum could help delay natural graying, Fusco says.
 
7. Brow Support
Put down the tweezers—you’ll pay for overprimping. “Women who overpluck can lose their arches later on,” says dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, author of Simple Skin Beauty (Simon & Schuster).

 Source : Elle

Review : Ecru Luxe Treatment Shampoo and Protective Silk Conditioner

 Product Description

A nutrient-rich formulation of Vitamins C, B-5, E and Retinyl Palmitate Virgin Coconut Oil, Oat Amino Acids, Soybean Lipids and Gardenia Flower promote new cell growth, counters UV damage and provides antioxidant benefits for hair and scalp. Other cosmetic-grade ingredients absorb into the hair for moisture, strength and shine. 

Bathe your hair in a rich, thick lather of moisture with Ecru Luxe Treatment Shampoo. Cleansing while it repairs, this luxurious shampoo is enriched with nutrients that absorb into your hair, leaving it smooth, full, glossy and ready for styling.

Counteract UV damage while delivering your hair and scalp with antioxidant benefits with Ecru Luxe Treatment Shampoo. This luxurious, nourishing cleanser has been specially formulated for parched or chemically treated hair, and will leave your locks shining with vitality and renewed strength.

 

                                                                     

Product Description
A 60 second treatment for all hair types.
Panthenol, Sunflower Oil and Hydrolized Wheat Protein assist in moisturizing scalp while conditioning, repairing and providing thickening benefits to hair.

I bought these hair products from the Sephora sale in March this year and only started using these late last month. Too many products in queue and hence it took me some time for me to finally reach for these products. :P
Currently retailing at $30 for the shampoo and $35 for the conditioner in Sephora Singapore, this set of shampoo and conditioner certainly screamed luxe to me.

The whole packaging looks sleek which is in tune with what they are trying to convey. "Luxe" is supposed to give that impression, isn't it?
The cap opening on both bottles are something which I truly dislike. The cap opening is easy enough to open but to get the contents out of the bottle can be a challenge at times, considering that the hole is ultra mini. Its not practical at all. To my dismay, my shower gel and scrub are also using the same type of cap opening as this is, so in all, I have 4 bottles of the same type of opening which I am using on a daily basis. What a bummer!

The bottle itself is slippery when my hands are full of shampoo and conditioner and it can be a tough one, just trying to pour out the conditioner for the 2nd time. The conditioner bottle actually flew out of my hands once, which was such a noisy nusiance, on a late night.

I have no problem with shampoo since I essentially only need to pour out once. However, its a different story when it comes to conditioner as I used alot of conditioner for my hair ends. The first pour-out may not be enough and I tend to reach for the second time but the fear of the bottle being broke or landing on the bathroom floor with a loud "thud" kept me off at times, especially when its late at night and its so quiet.

Light yellow in colour, both shampoo and conditioner had the same colour and scent. The contents of the shampoo is considered thicker than most shampoos but its still slightly runny as compared to its conditioner. It gives one the vibes of being thick and creamy. The shampoo produces alot of foam. So for those foam-lovers, you will love this one!

I can feel the effects of the conditioner when I slather lots of them onto my hair ends. End result is softer, fluffy and healthier tresses. Less tangled ends than normal too.

Hair looks thicker, or rather, more volume, something which my thick and coarse hair can do without.
The great thing about this conditioner is that, it only needs 60s to do its magic, so definitely something efficient for those busy bees.

Keen to try them? Get them from Amazon
Ecru Luxe Treatment Shampoo
ECRU Protective Silk Conditioner

Shampoo Ingredients :

Conditioner Ingredients :

Source : Ecru , Amazon

Review : Amoorea Facial Bar

Product Description
A natural therapeutic pH 5.5 soap free soap formulation from Europe that helps to cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin resulting in a smooth and youthful complexion. Enriched with unique combination of Microalgae Extract and Heilmoor Clay, it soothes and revitalizes your skin from stress after every wash.

Moor is made from ‘Tiefen’ or ‘Deep Moor’ from Austria, a rare form of nutrient-rich peat which was formed during the Ice Age. You can read more about the Moor Facial Bar ingredients here

Containing all the main ingredients as stated below, the facial bar claims to be able to firm, lift and put a shine on the face, reduce and close up big facial pores, remove free radicals and toxins from the face and hair, replenishing them with the right nutrients and enhance complexion.
It is said to be able to replace your cleanser, toner, shampoo and shaving cream.

Active Ingredients :
Polyglucuronic Acid : To soften and moisturize skin.
Fresh Water Microalgae : Rich in Vitamins B1, B2, B12 and Niacin, it helps to boost the energy level of the skin and protect it from various forms of stress.
Heilmoor Clay : Improve skin's cell metabolism, due to its high content in humic acids. It is also rich in nutrients, vitamins and enzymes.
Licorice Extract : High anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect
Tea Tree Leaf Oil : A natural essential oil that helps to control bacteria growth.

Effects on Skin :
- Optimum hydration
- Collagen regeneration
- Cell rejuvenation
- Detoxification
- Radiance revealing
- Firming and lifting
- Face becomes fairer
- Reduce and remove eyebags
- Closes up big facial pores
- Reduce wrinkles
- Smoother skin

After reading all the benefits above, the facial bar certainly sounds wonderful and almost like a miracle to all the problems that one may face. Remember that I mentioned that I am in the process of reviewing a soap cleanser in one of the older blog post? Well, this is the one I mentioned and finally, I think its time for me to review it.

A colleague highly recommended this facial bar to a colleague and myself as his wife had used this bar with astounding results. She had developed much pigmentation on her face during her course of pregnancy and it was all cleared when she used this bar. Their 3 sons are also using this bar with good results. No more sensitive skin.

And so, the colleague and myself bought them to try. We got a good deal as my colleague's brother-in-law is one of the distributor and we managed to get it at a cheaper price than retail. I paid about RM50 for 1 bar but we need to get a box of 4 bars, so I shared with my colleague and each of us bought 2 bars.
He was a close colleague of ours, so I believed that he is trying to share the good news with us. My colleague and myself have slight pigmentation and we hoped that this bar can really lift us out from this pigmentation misery.

I never have any good experience with cleansing soap because it just dries my skin every time. I sincerely hope this is really the miracle bar as claimed. I have been using this bar every night for 1 month but really hated it. I thought of giving it another chance. I stopped using it for a while and usde it on and on-off basis when my skin is not tight or dehydrated but the bar still failed my expectations of it.

It feels natural and smells natural, a very soap-like scent. Its difficult for me to explain.
Brown in colour, its a tiny 25g bar and does not lather very well. I have to use some water and lather for a while, before it foams up and used as a cleanser on my face.

Skin feels tight after cleansing and there were some flakiness on the skin after 5 days of usage. I absolutely hated it. I longed to see some benefits on my skin but seriously, I have no glowing reviews about this bar.
Since my skin felt tight and dehydrated, I decided to use it only when my skin is oily but it still does not deliver its benefits as claimed.

Too bad, this bar is just not for me. My colleague have also reported no good reviews on her end. Her skin does not feel tight but she just does not see any improvement to her skin tone.
RM50 is expensive, considering that its made in Indonesia. Retail prices are even higher. Do find a distributor if you are seriously considering to get this bar.

Source : Amoorea

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Review : Beauty Credit Moisture Collagen Mask

Product Description
- Collagen strengthens and firms up skin, prevents aging
- Reduces free radicals, slows skin degeneration and aging
- Moisturizes as well as soothes inflamed or damaged skin.
- 100% cotton hypoallergenic mask

I bought 5 sheets over in Korea last year and only managed to use it up this year, wanting to reserve it for a special occasion. I simply adore collagen masks, so is always leaving it for some special use. Perhaps due to my feel-good experience with Bioglo Collagen Mask, I feel happy to own collagen masks in my stash for any emergency use.

The sheet is thin, unlike most other Beauty Credit 100% cotton masks. It tears easily and is heavily soaked in essence, which has a heavy fragrance that can be overwhelming. The size is just slightly larger than my face but still fits well. It moisturises very well and gives a dewy glow to my skin.
However, because of the overwhelming fragrance, its not something I would get again.

Source : Beauty Credit

Review : The Beauty Diary Yoghurt Mask

Product Description
- To reduce sebum secretion
- Repair, moisturise and nourish skin

Main Ingredients
Yoghurt : Deeply nourishes and maintains fresh skin condition and moisture content
Witch Hazel : Soothes, moisturises deeper stratum of skin
Hyaluronic Acid : Prevents moisture evaporation, nourishes stratum corneum of skin

This is actually the first box of My Beauty Diary facial sheet masks which I bought all the way from Hong Kong quite some time back. It was not available in Singapore then. At $1 per piece, it was pretty affordable. Subsequently, I got the rest from Taiwan during my vacation trip at less than $1 per piece.

I have not been using this that regularly, as it was recommended for those with oily skin, hence I only use this, when I have blemishes or when my skin turned oily. Recently, I have some breakouts and decided to used up the rest of the masks.
The size of the mask is slightly larger than my face but more or less, alright, as it adheres well to my skin. The texture of the sheet mask is neither too thin nor too thick but is still able to tear, if not careful.
Its soaked with essence but still confined within the sheet and not the kind of dripping mess associated with some masks. The scent reminded me of strawberry milk shake. Lovely and yummy.

The remaining essence is absorbed into the skin, without leaving any stickiness. Its touted to be able to reduce sebum secretion which I agreed to some extent. My oily T-zone seems slightly better the next day at work. Less shine. But only very slightly. The difference is not that great.
I cannot agree with the moisturising part though, as I do not feel that my skin have become hydrated. The areas where my blemish cream have dried them, leaving flakiness in its place did not become better, even after using these masks. Its still flaky and dehydrated.
My pimples did feel slightly better, lesser redness and size become smaller but then again, I am also using my blemish cream so I think it could also be due to the cream too.

This mask received 3.8 scoring from 5 users in Makeupalley

Ingredients :
Purified water, Collagen, Glycerine, Propylene Glycol, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Aloe, Green tea, Witch Hazel, Walnut, Birch, Yogurt extract, Nanospheres, Algae-Yeast complex, Mucopolysaccrides, Hyaluronic acid, Bio-active Silanols, Carbomer, Sodium hydroxide, Xanthan gum, Citric acid, Triethanolamine, Tween 20, Methyl paraben, Butyl paraben, Ethyl paraben, Propyl paraben, Perfume


Source : My Beauty Diary

Review : H20+ Eye Oasis Moisture Replenishing Treatment

Product Description
An oil-free, intensive, hydrating eye treatment that floods skin with moisture helping to diminish fine lines while revitalizing texture and appearance. Penetrating liposomes transplant Provitamin B and vitamins A, C, and E to help protect skin from environmental exposure. Anti-aging sea botanicals help increase cell renewal.

Benefits :
- Floods skin with essential hydration
- Lessens the appearance of fine lines
- Revitalizes texture and overall look of the eye contour area
- Helps protect skin from environmental damage

As part of my H20 haul in March this year, this 4ml sample size was a complimentary gift. I started using this, when I brought it to Japan in early Oct and have been using this since. Its been almost 2 months of usage and I think its time to review them. 4ml certainly last me very long, I still have abit left from the tube but since its neither transparent nor translucent, its difficult for me to judge the exact amount left in it.

The content is a lovely green in colour and the texture is light. Whats great is that its oil-free, definitely suitable for people who are prone to millia seeds around the eyes area.
There is a slight marine scent but nothing too heavy and the application on the under eye area is light and refreshing. Instructions on the tube did suggest that it can also be used as an eye mask but I did not follow thru that as I found it to be abit wasteful, especially since I also have eye mask sheets in stock at home.

However, sadly, I experienced none of the benefits as claimed. It did provide a refreshing feel to my tired under eye area but it did not really increase the hydration level after almost 2 months of usage. Fine lines are still obvious.
For those who do not have heavy eye area concerns, I believe this would be a good eye product as daily maintenance.
You can also check out reviews on Total Beauty which garnered 8 from 4 users

Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Glycereth-7, Glycosaminoglycans, Glycerin, Zea Mays (Corn) Silk Extract, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Carbomer, Panthenol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzophenone-4, Lecithin, Trisodium EDTA, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Himanthalia Elongata Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Blue 1 (CI 42090)

Source : Amazon, H20