Review on Lavera Faces Organic Aloe Vera Toner

Product Description
Lavera's Organic Aloe Vera Toner contains moisturising hyaluronic acid to gently refresh as it restores harmony to your skin. Powerful liquorice root extracts strengthen and soothe the skin as they protect it from external irritants. Naturally pure aloe vera gel bring moisture and refreshment to your skin after cleansing your face. The mildly acid pH level stabilises the acid protective mantel of your skin and thus prevents skin irritation.

Containing certified organic plant extracts, organic aloe vera and anti-inflammatory licorice root, it claims to be able to strengthen delicate skin and guard againsts environmental irritants.
I bought this when Watsons was having a sale and stock up for quite some time before I started using it a couple of weeks earlier.
I tend to finish one product first before starting a new product as I wanted to see the benefits of each product before jumping to another. It really needs lots of discipline on my part though. :)

This is actually my first organic face product and I was actually looking forward to try it out.
Its BDIH certified, pH value: 5.0-5.5, certified vegan by the Vegan Society and contains NO synthetic aromas or colours, NO parabens, NO mineral oils and NO animal testing.

Sadly, it contains alcohol in it which saddens me greatly. I know I will never get this product again because it smells of alcohol which I really hated. Thankfully, its only 50ml and I only used it at night to avoid drying out my skin.
So far so good. My skin is still behaving normally. It feels minty and refreshing on the skin and I think it could be due to the alcohol content.
The toner range also include Calendula and Wild Rose but I picked this as I prefer something with soothing properties. Calendula is recommended for combination skin while the wild rose is recommened for dry and mature skin.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Alcohol*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Echinace Purpurea Extract*, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract*, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract*, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Extract*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water*, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Citral**, Citronellol**, Benzyl Benzoate**, Geraniol**, Limonene**, Linalool**

* Ingredients from certified organic agriculture
** Natural essential Oils.
 
Source : Feel Unique ,

Review on Estee Lauder Cyber White Extra Brightening Moisture Cream

Product Description
This skin-cushioning creme provides deep down hydration and extra comfort as part of your complete CyberWhite EX Extra Brightening regimen.

- Helps strengthen skin's surface lipid barrier : its first line of defense against pollution and other external assaults that can cause sallow skin.
- Provides deep down hydration & extra comfort
- Strengthens skin surface lipid barriers
- Fights against pollution & other external aggressors
- Corrects appearance of dark spots
- Leaves skin smooth, supple, luminous & better toned

This product can be used as either a day or night cream or as both. I started out using it as a day cream but on my first day of usage, I developed a zit on the chin after several hours. I have not even apply any sunscreen yet.

Horrified, I used it as a night cream after my zit have subsided a few days later. It performed well on my skin, without any breakouts.

Light in texture, it has a floral-like fragrance. It absorbs well into my skin without leaving any greasy feel and made my face feel smooth and supple. Hydration is not high on this product but it did help to soothe some of the light flakiness on my nose when I was using it as a night cream.

Someone whom I have not seen for 2 months commented that I have looked fairer. As I am also using a whitening moisturiser during the day so I cannot attribute the whitening effectiveness to this product alone.
However, I am happy with the overall results so far.

Check out the improved formula HERE and get free standard shipping with every order.

Ingredients :
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Yeast Extract, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Morus Nigra (Mulberry) Root Extract, Sucrose, Acetyl Glucosamine, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Whey Protein/Lactis Protein/Proteine Du Petit-Lait, Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract, PEG-32, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, PEG-6, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caffeine, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium RNA, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Pheytosphingosine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract.

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Review on Somang Keratin Aqua Essence

Product Description
Silky hair with keratin protein that supplies moisture and nutrition necessary to build a smooth, silky hair for healthy and shiny hair. This product also helps to restore hair from dryness and puffiness to maintain a healthy looking hair.

It contains keratin, the most important component of healthy hair, and together with other ingredients, can supply moisture and nutrition to hair damaged by too much dyeing and perming, helping to have a shiny, healthy and smooth hair again.

This water type treatment, recommended to spray on wet hair or slightly dried hair is a very handy and convenient tool for dry and damaged hair.
I love it for its convenience and effectiveness. Its very easy to just spray and go.
I have to admit that I do have a weakness for water type treatment in a spray bottle because it really works and is hassle-free for a busy woman getting ready for work.

The verdict on this, is I simply love it for its simplicity. The fragrance is nice and the treatment made my hair goes soft and moisturised.
I bought this for HK$20 at Sasa when I was in Hong Kong last year and I wondered how affordable it would be in Korea itself. :)

Source : Somang

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Review on Beauty Credit Banana Milk Sheet Mask

Product Description
- Rich in Vitamin A from banana extracts.
- Milk helps to exfoliate, whiten and moisturise skin to reduce lines and wrinkles
- Has the same desired effect as a bottle of Essence.

I am a big fan of Beauty Credit sheet masks and that was after I have tried out Skin Food, The Face Shop and Beauty Credit masks for the past 2 years. Skin Food facial sheet masks has too much fragrance while The Face Shop sheet masks gives me zits after every use.
Beauty Credit masks gives me good results and I am sticking to it but then again not all their masks are suitable for me so thats why my review is here, to serve as a reminder for myself and perhaps just to help you along with your next purchase.

Similar to its Strawberry mask, it smells yummy when I first took out from the packaging but when I laid it on the face, there is a weird smell which was mixed in with this banana scent. Its hard for me to describe the scent but its not that terrible, just not the kind I was expecting it to be associated with my favourite Beauty Credit masks.
Its moist and is good enough as a daily maintenance for the face. Providing just the right amount of moisture to my skin, I love soaking in the essence of the mask during each treatment.

After using 3 sheets over the week, I hardly see any visible whitening improvement but my skin does feel much better. Plump with moisture.
A pity about the smell though.

Source : Beauty Credit

Review on Aromatic Silk Elastin

Product Description
Specially formulated to fix dry and damaged hair instantly and prevent hair ends from further splitting.  It transforms your stressed hair, infusing it with high-gloss vitality and resilience, oil-free.
It also gives hair humidity resistance, reduce static and increase shine. It smoothes the surface of damaged cuticles, prevents friction damage and protects against harsh weather conditions

I love this leave-in conditioner. This is a brand not known to many people and here I shared this little secret with those who are reading this now.
Proudly made and developed in Malaysia, this product falls under the exclusive license from Gemroad Pte. Ltd, Australia.

It was highly raved by a colleague of mine who rarely spent on expensive hair products and so from her, I discovered this little gem which is pretty affordable when its on sale.
Costing $18 for 150ml, its pretty reasonable but if you ever come across its sale, it costs only $9.
You can get this product from Beauty Language shops around Singapore.

I have been using this for almost a year because of inconsistency as I have too many hair products to fall back on. I usually left this in the office so as to use it after my lunch-time gym.
Now that the corporate gym membership have ceased, I have brought it home to use it on a daily basis.

The white creamy-like treatment cream smells nice, just like you have stepped out of the salon. Texture is smooth and after application, you do not even feel that the hands are oily. My colleague feels that it performs better on her dry hair while I prefer to use it on my towel-dried hair every morning.
It gives my curled tresses a subtle glossy vitality, especially on the hair ends where I usually applied on.
It smoothens the dry damaged ends and made it look so much better.

Before I permed my hair, I was using it on my almost-straight hair and this leave-in conditioner left my hair smooth and tangle-free. My fingers can easily comb thru my thick and coarse hair without any tangled mess.

Give it a try. I hope you love this as much as I do.

Review : Ola Tropical Organics Coconut Lemongrass Pure Shampoo & Conditioner

Shampoo Product Description
Nourishing, moisturizing and strengthening with organic Hibiscus Flowers, Bamboo and Hawaiian Honey. A delicate, nourishing and strengthening fusion of a pure plant based formula with:

- Moisturizing and softening Hawaiian Honey and Fresh Coconut Milk
- Hibiscus for a healthy scalp
- Hair strengthening Rice Amino Proteins and Bamboo
- Clarifying Coconut Vinegar
- Collagen building MSM
- Moisturizing Kukui and Macadamia Nut Oils
- Noni for its restorative properties
- Aloe for hair production, softness and shine
- Hyaluronic Acid for hydration
 
Ingredients
Tea of: Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis), Hibiscus Flower (Hibiscus Sabdariffa), Disodium Cocoglucoside Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Extracts of: Noni (Morinda Citrifolia), Awapuhi Ginger (Zingiber Zerumbet), Disodium Coco-Glucoside Tartrate, Noni Distillate (Morinda Citrifolia), Olena Root Distillate (Curcuma Longa), Aloe Vera Distillate (Aloe Barbadensis), Hawaiian Honey (Mel), Coconut Milk (Cocos Nucifera), Dextrose (Glucose), Starch Hydroxypropyl Trimonium Chloride, Rice Protein, Coconut Vinegar (Cocos Nucifera), Vegetable Glycerin,
Natural Pro-Vitamin B5 (Calcium d-Pantothenate), Macadamia Nut Oil (Macadamia Ternifolia), Kukui Nut Oil (Aleurites Moluccana), Coconut Lemongrass Fragrance blend including: Natural Coconut Aroma, Coconut Fragrance, Natural Vanilla Oil, Essential Oil of Lemongrass, MSM, Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Xanthan Gum

Conditioner Product Description
Conditioning, softening and strengthening with Organic Hibiscus Flowers, Bamboo and Fresh Noni. A conditioning, softening and strengthening fusion of a pure plant based formula with:

•Hibiscus for a healthy scalp
•Awapuhi Ginger for cleansing
•Hair strengthening Rice Amino Acids
•Collagen building MSM
•Luxurious moisturizing Virgin Coconut Butter, Kukui and Macadamia Nut Oils
•Noni to help cleanse scalp of impurities
•Aloe for hair production, softness and shine
•Hydrating and amino acid filled Taro Root extract
•Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredients
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis), Extracts of: Taro (Colocasia Esculenta), Noni (Morinda Citrifolia), Awapuhi Ginger (Zingiber Zerumbet), Noni Distillate (Morinda Citrifolia), Olena Root Distillate (Curcuma Longa),
Aloe Vera Distillate (Aloe Barbadensis), Rice Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Rice Proteins, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Glyceryl Monostearate (and) Stearalkonium Chloride, Virgin Coconut Butter (Cocos Nucifera),
Macadamia Nut Oil (Macadamia Ternifolia), Kukui Nut Oil (Aleurites Moluccana), Natural Pro-Vitamin B5 (Calcium d-Pantothenate), MSM, Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Starch Hydroxypropyl Trimonium Chloride, Citric Acid

When I first used the shampoo and conditioner, the strong smell of the coconut mixed with other scents totally put me off but after the 3rd usage, I actually found the fragrance to be pretty lulling.
However, my hubby totally hated the scent on my hair and refused to go near it. It was kind of hilarious as my hubby never have such a big reaction before.

I bought the 60ml size for both the shampoo and conditioner as I wanted to try it out first to see if it suited me fine.

 
The shampoo is quite fluid-like and is unlike those thick creamy shampoo type. Foam is not much but the lathering for the shampoo was slightly better than TBS Buriti Baby Shampoo though at times if my hair is oilier, I used twice as much else I would feel that my hair is not clean enough.
The conditioner is the thick creamy type and goes on well on the hair ends.

After using both shampoo and conditioner for the last 1 month, my hair was left feeling softer though the hair ends still looks dry. It seems to give my hair more volume and body although my thick hair does not need it.

Review on Neutrogena Radiance Boost Eye Cream

Product Description
Radiance Boost Eye Cream with Protient ( a powerful antioxidant) works immediately to help alleviate puffiness and help fade undereye dark circles. It also significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines, soothing and moisturizing the overall eye area. This luxurious, lightweight cream is suitable for contact lens wearers.

Clinically proven to :
- brighten eye area and overall eye appearance
- immediately reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness
- significantly reduce the appearanceof fine lines
- immediately soothe and moisturize the overall eye area

I purchased this for just $7 from a sale near my company and have been using it faithfully day and night for the past 3 months.
The term "cream" always give me the impression of a heavy and rich emollient but I was pleasantly surprised that the texture of this eye cream is pretty light and goes on smoothly on the eye area. It dries up pretty soon and does not leave any greasy or sticky feel.
Sad to say, I did not see any improvement to my under eye area. My dark circles and puffiness remain the same. Slight fine lines are still there too.

I would say, its a great daily eye cream as maintenance for those with no under eye area concerns.

Scoring a 5.8 from Total Beauty, its not exactly a favourite from the users too. There were some users who reported a foul smell from the eye cream but I totally have no concern with its fragrance. In fact, I found it to be quite soothing to my nose. :P

Ingredients:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecaine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethyl MEA, Citric Acid, Petrolatum, Ozokerite, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cety PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Panthenol, Tyrosine, Bisabolol, BHT, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

TBS and Sephora Warehouse Sale Hauls

A very unhealthy obsession of mine is to stock up on beauty products. I have a soft spot for skin care items, body and haircare products.
It was still manageable in the past but it has becoming more erractic ever since I started this blog.

A recent big damage on my pocket is the drugstore.com purchase, which set me back by almost $300 inclusive of shipping charges.

Well, lets see what I got from The Bodyshop Sale, its just a mini haul of 3 items.
The other 2 items are purchases from Sephora and Robinsons a couple of weeks back.

A lovely friend who was on a Korea business trip kindly offered to help me to get some Etude House and The Face Shop purchases. I was actually more interested in Beauty Credit but she was unable to find the shop ( as I expected ).
Etude House Hologram Hair Serum, Moistfull Mist and TFS Raspberry Roots Eye Mask were my purchases. The rest were gifts and complimentary samples from my lovely friend.

So what did I get from the latest Sephora Sale? Only hair and body products. I was kinda disappointed that I did not manage to get any make-up items, was actually looking forward to buying more eyeshadows. :)
The colours available were not able to entice me.

Review on Q10 Firming Eye Mask

Product Description
Q10 delayed skin aging and smooth fine lines. Containing hyaluronic acid, it is a powerful moisturising factor

This is one of the many eye masks I picked up from Taiwan, either in Watsons or somewhere else.
I was actually shocked that the packaging of the eye mask is so cheapo.
2 cresent moon patches are pasted on a white flimsy paper and packaged into 5 individual sealed sachets in this box.
Not a very pleasant sight when I teared it open.

I cannot remember its price now but if its expensive, I think I would scream.
Q10 is an important ingredient to fight against free radicals and gives anti-aging benefits. Read more about it here
The ingredients also reveal some other good ones like caffeine, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E.

The scent of the mask reminds me of glue but its not very distinct unless you brought it near to your nose. Once layered under the eyes, the smell dissipate and you can hardly sense it.
It feels cooling on the eye area and there is a slight tingling firming effect but sadly there were no visible difference when I removed the mask 30mins later.

Ingredients

Review on Clarins Hydra Quench Cream Mask

Product Description

A cream-mask that intensively hydrates and revitalizes dehydrated skin, in all climates, at all times. Thanks to Katafray bark extract, in 5 to 10 minutes the mask's creamy texture quickly restores the skin's ideal moisture balance.

- Ensures balanced hydration and preserves skin’s freshness all day long.
- Recreates skin’s perfect “climate”, ensuring unrivaled radiance.
- Soothing, creamy texture and new, pleasant scent.
- Allergy tested. Non-comedogenic.

I am actually quite obsessed in using hydrating masks and so, I jumped at the chance at being able to try this out, before deciding if I should get the full retail size.

I received 2 sachets samples (7ml each) from Clarins during a skin consultation and here I share my thoughts on how it fares on my skin.
For your information, this is also one of the Instyle Best Beauty Buys 2009 and also named a 'Consumer Choice' at Allure magazine.

White in colour with a creamy texture, the scent is abit floral-like, same as its bi-phase serum, which is pretty soothing and calming.

I like it to be thick so I applied 1 sachet to my whole face in order to reap all the hydrating benefits and well, it did not disappoint greatly although I still think my Beauty Credit Waterful Ceramide mask does a better job.

The first time I used it, without a scrub before that, it was pretty hydrating. My skin feels plumped and moisturised.
The second time I used it after a facial scrub where my skin was feeling taut, so I followed up with this mask, hoping that it can soothe but it only manage to hydrate my skin partially. After 30 minutes, I rinise it off my face, my skin still feels in need of hydration even though it was slightly better than before using it.

One complaint is that its pretty difficult to wash it off the skin. I am one who prefers the easy way out, to be able to cleanse all the gunk before going to bed.
In conclusion, I would say that its good for a alternate day treat but not for those who needs it as a rescue mask.

Active Ingredients

- Katafray Bark Extract prevents moisture loss and ensures transformation of Filaggrin (a protein) into NMFs (natural moisturization factors).

- Hyaluronic acid, a natural skin component capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water, increases hydration.
- Sorbier bud activates skin microcirculation to help reduce the signs of aging and restore radiance for healthy-looking skin.

Ingredients

Review on Beauty Credit Milk Sheet Mask

Product Description
Milk has been used to exfoliate, whiten and nourish the skin since the days of Cleopatra. It also helps in  diminishing wrinkles and photoaging.
Rich nutritive elements including milk extract and squalene with excellent moisturising keeps skin moist, bright and elastic.
1 sheet has a the desired effect as a bottle of essence.

Made of 100% cotton, the scent of this milk sheet mask reminds me strongly of milk powder which I took when I was young. Initially, the scent may be abit overwhelming but it soon become the last thing on my mind as my skin gets soaked in the moisture, giving an almost radiant and rested look to my face after each treatment.
 
I have always believed in the goodness of milk and I am glad that this mask lived up to its expectation.
It provides much needed moisture to my skin. If only I can see whitening efficacy on my face, that would be most perfect!
I will definitely stock up on this mask.

Source : Beauty Credit

Review on Etude House Aqua Sherbet Lotion

Product Description
Aqua Sherbet contains mineral rich glacial water from Alaska and vitamin rich grapefruit water to supply skin cooling complexion care. This moisturising lotion replenishes and restores moisture balance to complexion. It helps to whiten skin and is ideal for summer use as it prevents pigmentation. Very good for those with dry skin.

I love this lotion which is my current moisturiser. Its light and it works to provide moisture. There is a nice fragrance which is not too overpowering.
Light blue in colour, the texture is like what the name proclaims - lotion which is slighty watery but not overly so. Once applied on the skin, its gives a refreshing and cooling feeling.
However, its best for those with normal skin type as its not able to provide more moisture than whats needed on my dehydrated skin. On a normal skin day, it works pretty well on me.
Contrary to what the description says, I do not see any whitening efficacy from the product and would probably treat this as a hydrating moisturiser when my skin in its optimal state. I am satisfied with this but would probably not get it again.


Source : Etude House

Review on The Body Shop Buriti Baby Body Wash

Product Description
Giggly splashy tear-free cleansing gel, enriched with oil from the precious Amazonian burrito tree. A gentle and caring body wash to tenderly cleanse baby's delicate skin. Contains a careful blend of the mildest, most caring ingredients to nurture and protect.
The mild and protective formula containing a Community Trade cocoa butter derived cleansing ingredient and buriti oil to help soothe, soften and protect, makes this a sweetly cleansing experience for your baby.
Paediatrician approved, tear-free and suitable for sensitive skin


Containing the same fragrance as the shampoo, it is quite a mild body wash but still able to produce a slight lathering foam. I have nothing much to comment about this body wash as its nothing spectacular and gives me any "wow" feeling.
Perhaps its just the best for babies' soft skin.

Key Ingredients
Buriti Oil : From the Amazonian "tree of life", the oil of the Buriti nut contains one of the richest sources of beta-carotene and pro-vitamin A and helps soothe, soften and protect the skin against over-drying.
Cocoa butter : An excellent moisturizer that melts at body temperature, leaving the skin feeling soft and silky smooth.
Sunflower Seed Oil : Moisturizes and helps to soften the skin.

Full Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Sodium Cocoa Butter Amphoacetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide

Retailing at $16.90 at all Body Shop outlets

Source : The Body Shop

Drugstore.com purchases and H20 from Isetan

My drugstore items finally arrived last week. Here's my haul.

Garnier Fructis Haircare Fortifying Cream Conditioner, Color-Treated or Permed Hair US$3.43
Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray  US$3.43
Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glistening Drops US$3.43
Sunsilk Waves of Envy US$3.99
Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist US$22
Juice Beauty Organics To Travel US$16
Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask US$41.60
Say Yes To Carrots Lip Butter US$2.22 each

Its cheaper than normal because of the Family & Friends sale, which was up to 20% discount.


With the Isetan Private Sale, how can I resist this chance to stock up on more beauty buys? This time round, I am eyeing on H20, a new brand which I am trying out. Water-based and oil-free, I have high expectations of it.

The items on the first row are my purchases and the trial sized items are freebies.
I am surprised that the freebies are clearly stated on the receipt.

Dual Eye Make-up Remover $36.70
Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment $62.10
Oasis Moisture Mist $34.20
Face Oasis Cleansing Water $51

Review on Superdrug Naturals Tea Tree and Peppermint Conditioner

Product Description
Let nature do the work with this conditioner for greasy or lackluster hair. Richly formulated with natural extracts of anti-bacterial tea tree and invigorating peppermint for dry or greasy/flaky scalps, leaving your hair soft, clean and shiny and help promote a healthy scalp.

I picked this up when it was going for a steal at just $1.95 in Watsons. I think the original price was like $3.95, if I remembered correctly.
For those who are unfamiliar with this brand, its actually one of the best-selling drugstore brands from the UK. You can read more about the brand here

This conditioner is a lovely, shimmering green with a mousey-like texture. The texture is very different from the normal conditioners I came across.
As the name implies, it smells of peppermint, a very minty and refreshing scent, I would say.
On the hair, it feels very tingly-like and minty, as such, it made me feel that my hair has undergone a invigorating wash.

However, I have to comment that its moisturising ability is very poor, it hardly was about to provide any moisturising relief to my dry hair. One good thing is that, my dandruff seems lesser at times and hair does not feel greasy at the end of a full work day.
I cannot fully say that it have improve my dandruff condition because sometimes it seems to be working yet at times, it does not seem to be working. It still perplexes me. :)

For $1.95, its a value for money conditioner, especially for those who have normal hair condition.

Ingredients

Source : Superdrug

Eyeing The Problem

Dark Eye Rings

Fix or Cheat:

• Get enough rest.
• Drink enough water to curb dehydration.
• Use cool tea bag compression as the caffeine in tea helps in skin microcirculation.
• Place slices of raw potato over your eyes as they contain catecholase, an enzyme with skin lightening properties.

Ingredients to look out for:

• Vitamin K - Inhibits bruising in broken capillaries
• Kojic Acid, Vitamin C or Licorice extract - Natural skin lighteners
• Haloxyl - Flushes out pigmented blood

Puffiness

Fix or Cheat:

• Get enough rest.
• Watch your sodium intake.
• Do not drink large amounts of fluids just before you sleep
• Sleep with your head propped up so that fluids do not accumulate in your eye area.
• Massage your eye regularly to flush out excess fluid.
• Place chilled cucumber slices/cold spoons on your eye area to constrict blood vessels, diminish the flow of fluid into tissues and reduce swelling.
• Limit yourself to just one cocktail during drinking session. Drink water before and after. The effects of alcohol can contribute to swelling and puffiness, especially under your eyes.
• Use chilled eye pillows. The slight pressure will help to firm up the eye bags.

Ingredients to look out for:

• Caffeine - Shrinks blood vessels, draws out water and deflate puffiness
• Retinol - Firms the skin to prevent saggy eye bags
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Vitamin C - Tightens skin
• Eyeliss - Increases lymphatic drainage

DIY Massage for Puffiness

Step 1
Apply cold compress on the eyes for 5 mins. Chilled slices of cucumber or cold tea bags are ideal as they contain natural enzymes that will help reduce puffiness. Store eye care products in the fridge for emergency. They work well in such time tight situations. If you are using chilled eye mask, do not wash off the ingredients left on your eye area (wipe away the cream eye mask with tissue). Pat lightly to increase the absorption of the leftover ingredients

Step 2 
Apply a small amount of chilled eye gel around the eye area. Gel based products have a better instantaneous tightening effect. By using your middle finger, use a patting motion to spread the gel out. Apply slight pressure while patting. It helps to loosen out any congestion around the eye area.

Step 3
Do a quick mini massage to ease the puffiness around the eyes. Starting from the bottom of your lower eye lid, use your middle finger to sweep inwards towards the nose bridge then to the upper lid and back to the starting point. Repeat this action for 20 times for each eye. This action promotes circulation and also helps the product to be absorbed thoroughly.

Saggy Eye Area Fix or Cheat:

• Placing cucumber slices on the eye area can tighten skin and reduce puffiness.
• Tea bags, with its high tannin content, on your eye area helps to maintain the tautness.

Ingredients to look out:

• Vitamin E - Keeps the skin healthy and youthful
• Ceramide - Strengthens skin's moisture barrier
• Retinol or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) - Promotes collagen growth
• Cynergy Tk or Eyeliss - Helps to plump up and tighten the eye area
• Astaxanthin - Improves fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity and moisture

Fine Lines

Fix or Cheat:

• Drink more water to keep hydrated.
• Apply egg white or unscented castor oil to nourish and plump the skin.
• Eat a diet full of antioxidants for good blood circulation and hydrated cells.
• Apply mashed banana or avocado to tighten and hydrate the skin.

Ingredients to look out for:

• Retinol or Alpha Hydroxy acids - Promotes collagen growth
• Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Kinetin and soy - Strengthens collagen matrix
• Natural botanicals such as sea algae and chamomile - Firms the eye area
• Hyaluronic acid - Hydrates the skin
• SPF protection - Protects against the sun's collagen depleting rays.
• CoQ10 - Repairs collagen damage and promotes skin cell growth

Source : Beautymap

L'officiel + Ed Pinaud

After reading various beauty blogs about the Ed Pinaud Eyeshadow Quad which comes free with L'officiel magazine, I was tempted to get them but it was sold out in Kinokuniya.

Imagine my delight when I chanced upon it in Shell at Macpherson, a most unlikely place. There were only 2 magazines left on the stand and I quickly grabbed one.

Thankfully, this is shade 01, quite a versatile shade, I thought.
Worth $59, it comes packed in a box and a velvet pouch. The compact has a mirror, a sponge and a brush applicator.
Everything about it screams chic!

Review on The Body Shop Buriti Baby Shampoo

Product Description
A caring, tear free shampoo to gently cleanse baby's hair. Bubbly tear-free suds for baby’s first locks, enriched with oil from the precious Amazonian buriti tree.With buriti oil from the Amazonian 'tree of life' to help keep baby's hair beautifully soft and silky. PH balanced. Paediatrician approved, tear-free, alcohol free, dermatologically-tested and suitable for sensitive skin. Contain no artificial colours or added preservatives.

This is a natural range from The Body Shop which I supposed is for babies since its named that way. However, surprisingly, this item was given to me as part of a Christmas gift set. Made me confused if its suitable for adults. Anyway, since I had it, I thought I would just used up the 60ml size bottle and give a review for those who are interested to get it.
The natural ingredients in this tear free natural shampoo are water, coconut oils, coconut butters, fruit oils, glycerin, buriti oil and natural fragrance. These ingredients also help prevent your children's scalps from drying out and becoming itchy which is really nice to have in a natural baby shampoo.
Buriti Oil is a mild and gentle natural ingredient that helps to soothe, soften and protect the skin against over-drying. Its an an oil rich in beta carotene, pro-vitamin A, oleic fatty acids and essential fatty acids.

Because of all these natural and gentle ingredients and the fact that its named for a baby, I have expectations that it would be too mild for adults' usage.
The colour and texture-wise reminds me too much of Johnson No More Tears, its very mild and I am surprised that it does my hair no good at all. In fact, after washing my hair, it just feels like a tangled-up mess and very straw-like, especially in its wet state.
It does not foam very well and as such, I tend to use twice as much than what I would normally used for a shampoo.

I have to say that I really do not like this shampoo at all. Perhaps it may be better for babies.
If you are keen, its retailing at $19.90 for 250ml at all The Body Shop outlets.

Ingredients
Water, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Sodium Cocoa Butter Amphoacetate, Fragrance, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA.

Source : The Body Shop

Review on Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment

The Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment is a single–use rinse–off treatment. It contains ingredients designed to revitalize the damaged cuticle of the hair by helping to restore the protective layer that mimics hair's naturally–occurring "F–layer" of 18–MEA fatty acids. Best results if used at least once a week.

Its Amino Pro-Vitamins instantly penetrate the hair strands and the formula hydrates the inside of severely damaged hair.

How it works :
The cuticle is the outermost layer of the shaft and protects the hair structure. Its natural protective layer of fatty acid 18–MEA molecules, or what is commonly known as the "F–layer", gives hair its smoothness, softness and hydrophobic properties, which is important to ensure hair remains healthy–looking.

BT Mac, one of the unique ingredients in the Pantene 3–Minute Miracle formula, has a strong positive head which then deposits on the negatively charged hair surface, forming an artificial F–layer which mimics the behavior of the hair's natural F–layer, thus restoring the cuticle. Therefore hair surface becomes healthier and feels softer and smoother

I picked up a tube of this treatment from Watsons for $3.50 and wanted to see if it lived up to its claims.
I have always known that Pantene has the ability to give smooth silky hair strands as I have seen it on my sister's hair but sadly, it made her drop more hair so she decided to stop all Pantene hair products many years ago.

Initially I was quite hesitant in trying out this product since I just permed my hair a month ago. I am so afraid that it would made my hair so soft that it straightened out my curls.
But then drats!, the hours spent in assessing the damaged ends of my hair made me want to try an intensive treatment to solve it once and for all.
Following their 3 minute theory, I applied to my hair from the middle to the ends and leave it for 3 minutes.
However, I felt that the 15ml treatment product is too much so I decided to use it for 2 times. The second time usage was a week after.

Even when I was rinsing off my hair, I can literally feel that my hair have become so much softer and manageable.
I was duly impressed with the efficacy of the product or rather I had expected it based on past experiences with Pantene.

The formula is pretty rich and the texture can be quite slippery and runny-like that the bathroom floor and my hands become slippery. However, the end result is that my tresses become tangle-free and silky smooth. Almost a silicon-like coating on the tresses.
It smells wonderful and the hair ends look so much better.
You just have to try it and you would thank me for it. I am serious. Its that good.

I do not think I would use it on a daily basis since its so intensive but once a week treatment would be a good pampering treat for the hair, don't you think so?

Ingredients

Source : Pantene

Review on Beauty Credit Strawberry Milk Sheet Mask

Product Description
Strawberries are popularly used as exfoliant and anti-aging remedy for skin since the French Revolution.
It is rich in Vitamin C and gives your skin immediate radiance

In this strawberry milk sheet mask, its filled with various nutritive elements including rich vitamin C of strawberry extracts and excellent moisturising milk extracts to keep the skin moist.
1 sheet has the desirable effects of 1 bottle of essence.
I am a big fan of Beauty Credit masks but it seems like I hardly can find like-minded beauty junkies with a soft spot for their masks.
All their sheet masks are made of 100% cotton which is pretty soft on the skin.

The scent is of course strawberry but it seems that its also mixed with something else which gave it a weird strawberry scent, nothing smelly but its not as "edible-delicious" strawberry scent as I thought it would be.
The cut out area on the nose is pretty small and so, it did not manage to cover my whole nose area.
Wet with essence, it gave me the feeling of feeding my skin with much moisture but in actual fact, the moisture is not alot. For people with normal skin, this mask works pretty fine but not to me, as I prefer those with deep hydration factor.

After each treatment, I do notice a very slight dewy glow on my skin.

Source : Beauty Credit

1 Day in Johor Bahru

I went to JB for a day of shopping and dining, its not something I do very often and in fact its my first time there. It must be quite laughable since JB is such a short distance from Singapore.
Since we only reached JB around 3pm, its actually a pretty short shopping and "makan" trip there.
We went to City Square and later to Giant.

At City Square, it was quite a long wait at Kim Gary. After being used to the efficiency standards in Singapore, we can get pretty impatient with the long waiting time in other parts of the world, except for Japan, maybe?

We waited 35mins for our order and upon our request, they checked and realized they have mixed up our order. I think "forgot our order" would be the actual reason.
And there, we have wasted more an hour during this short trip.

I was pleasantly surprised that The Face Shop and Skin Food were having massive discounts. Up to 50% for The Face Shop and Up to 20% for Skin Food.
There were never such discounts in Singapore.
Since my friend will be visiting Korea for a business trip next week, I thought I would just ask her to get some products for me, hence I decided not to get anything from these 2 shops.
In fact, if you have been to Korea, you will not bear to spend that much on Korea products in other countries because of its mark-up prices.

And of course, the next stop to Sasas and Watsons and here's my beauty haul, not alot, I know. Haha.

Any other places to suggest for shopping in JB? Do share with me.

Review on Etude House Aqua Sherbet Skin

Product Description
Aqua Sherbet contains mineral rich glacial water from Alaska and vitamin rich grapefruit water to supply skin cooling complexion care.
Toner moisturizes skin and cleans away deep pore facial residues. Oil-Free solution supplies moisture, clears away complexion troubles and alleviates hot skin with cool.

I was abit upset that this toner contains alcohol. In fact, the scent of the alcohol was pretty strong so there is no way that someone will mistake it.
I am uncomfortable with using any toner with alcohol in it as it basically dries up the skin if used for long term.

Scent aside, its almost like normal regular toner to me but its definitely something I would not get again because of its high content of alcohol.

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How to Make a Round Face Appear Oval

A round face is virtually as wide as it is long and tends to look full in the cheek region. If you'd like to make your face resemble a more oval shape.

Hairstyle
A round face will look longer and leaner if you choose a long, sleek hairstyle. So if possible grow your hair to your shoulders or longer and keep it straight until it passes the chin. You want to avoid any fullness through the cheek region, because this will only make your face appear rounder. In addition you want to choose a side part, rather than a center part and make sure you style your hair to achieve volume at the top of your head. This will add visual length to your face.

Makeup
You can significantly help to influence the visual proportions of your facial appearance by contouring and highlighting with makeup. Try applying a contouring powder, or blush in the hollows of your cheekbones, rather than the center of your cheeks. Then apply a highlighter to the top of your cheekbones just under the eyes. This will help to structure cheekbones and improve the wide, flat appearance of your face shape. Make sure you define your eyes and mouth well, because this will also help make your face appear a little more structured.

Neckline
When it comes to clothing choices, make sure you avoid high, round neck styles, because these will draw further attention to your round face. Try to choose slightly lower neckline styles, because these will help to add visual length to your face area. V necks are a good choice because they draw the eye downwards.

Accessories
Your accessories can also influence the appearance of your face, so make sure you also make wise choices in this department. For sunglasses or prescription frames look for styles that are rectangular or cat eye shaped. When it comes to hats, choose styles that feature a small brim, but lots of height at the top. Choose necklaces that are long, rather than choker styles because these will widen your face. Avoid round hoop earrings in favor of long dangly styles or simply small studs.

Eyebrow shape
When it comes to your eyebrows, you want to create as much arch as possible, because this draws the eyes up rather than outwards, consequently creating more visual length. It can also be beneficial to trim your eyebrow ends in line with a diagonal line out from your inner eye or nose end. This will help stop eyes from traveling the full width of your face.

Source : Associated Content

Review on Cest Naturel Instant Body Glow

Product Description
Apricot seeds and Dead Sea Salt gently exfoliate to revitalise sluggish skin. It helps quicken the skin’s
regeneration process and nourishes it with essential minerals. Blood circulation improves and water
retention reduces.

I bought this product online, from Cest Naturel. It is a delight to shop online as its essentially a breeze to buy products from Cest Naturel as the people are willing to meet up at quite a number of stations. Most, if not all local online stores do not do that and in fact, charges an unreasonable postage fee for the products. Its one of the sore points which I have against online stores, becauase I simply do not believe in paying for expensive postage fees.

When I first bought this, I had an inkling of it being a body scrub but the texture is actually pretty gentle, almost like a creamy body lotion with exfoliating beads in it, to reveal radiant glowing skin.
Recommended to be used 3 times per week, it left my skin feeling smooth ( though not as smooth as I thought it would be, in fact, The Body Shop scrub works better ) and I can actually see a soft glowing subtle sheen on both of my arms, immediately after using it.

So the name "Instant Body Glow" is pretty apt for this product and it can actually be doubled up as a 2-in-1 product, forgoing the body glow lotion and scrub. Isn't that great?

Key Ingredients :
Glycerin: A moisturiser that effectively improves softness and provides maximum hydration.
Orange flower oil: Soothes and relieves skin irritation and redness. Slows down the signs of ageing skin as
it removes dead skin cells and stimulates the cell regeneration process.
Vitamin E: Well known for its antioxidant capabilities, it protects skin from harmful free radicals.
Smoothes, soothes sun-damaged skin and promotes suppleness.
Dead Sea Salt: The natural blend of minerals including magnesium, potassium, sodium, bromine, iodine,
silicon and lithium smooth, nourish and protect the skin. Research has proven the benefits of Dead Sea
minerals to the skin and body, and its efficacy in alleviating and preventing certain skin conditions such
as psoriasis, eczema and acne.

Ingredients :
Demineralized water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Apricot
(Prunus Armeniaca) Seed Powder, Cocamide DEA, Polyetylen, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol,
Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Dead Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Fragrance (Parfum), Orange (Citrus Aorantium
Dulcis) Flower Oil, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit E), D & C Yellow No. 10, FD & C Red No 4.

Retailing at $24.90

Source : Cest Naturel