What Your Face Says About Your Health

Forehead acne
According to Chinese medicine, the forehead is closely linked to the digestive system, while the area between the eyebrows is linked to the liver. Over-indulgence of rich foods and alcohol may cause temporary spots in this area, while frequent breakouts could indicate poor nutritional habits. To help get rid of these spots, try to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. You may also wish to get tested for suspected food intolerances, which can affect both the liver and digestive system.

Congested cheeks, and spots on the chin and jaw line
While spots on the cheeks may have simple causes such as cosmetics or unclean pillowcases, this area is also thought to be linked to the lungs. Spots in this region can therefore be indicative of respiratory distress, with smokers, asthmatics and allergy sufferers being prone to breakouts or broken capillaries on the cheeks. Spots on the chin and jaw line are generally thought to be due to hormonal fluctuations and may appear on women at particular stages of their menstrual cycle. Persistent spots in this area, however, may be a symptom of a hormone imbalance or endocrine disorder such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, so it may be worthwhile getting your hormone levels checked if you are experiencing other symptoms such as missed periods or weight gain.

Dark circles and under-eye bags
Dark circles and under-eye bags are mostly hereditary, however if you find they make a sudden appearance or get significantly worse, this may point to certain health problems. The under-eye area is thought to be linked to the kidneys, so changes here may suggest dehydration or a build-up of toxins. To counteract this, drink more water and cut down on alcohol, caffeine and salt. Alternatively, circles could be caused by anaemia, due to vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies.

Unusual tongue
According to Chinese medicine your tongue is a map to your health, and orthodox medical professionals also use the tongue to identify various conditions. Anaemia (caused by a lack of iron, folate or vitamin B12) is one such condition - with symptoms of the illness including a burning, sore or red tongue. Alternatively, a blue discolouration of the tongue (cyanosis) could indicate a lack of oxygen in the blood stream, while white lesions on the tongue could be a sign of oral thrush.

Excessive facial or body hair
For females suffering from excessive body or facial hair (hirsutism), this can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem. However, it can also be a symptom of an underlying endocrine disorder, which may need to be checked out. One of the most common female endocrine disorders is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - a condition which frequently results in excessive body hair as well as acne, weight gain and irregular periods.

Moles
Ending on a high note, moles may often get bad press, however, providing you look after them properly (by applying sunscreen, staying out the sun and checking them regularly), moles may actually be a good sign for your health. A research team from King's College London found that those with over 100 moles have tougher bones and are less likely to develop osteoporosis, while research has also suggested that those with moles are likely to have healthier eyes and heart.

Source : Yahoo

June Quick Review

1)  Ginvera Amethystory Mineral Aqua Gel

Product Description
Uniquely Removes Cornified Dead Skin with Amethyst for a New and Radiant Skin. No colouring, no fragrance, this gentle formula is specially blended with Amethyst, Hyaluronic Acid and Bio Energy Fluid to help enhance the removal of dead, dry and rough skin and promote skin rejuvenation. After removing the dead skin layers that form a barrier, your skin would be in a optimal condition to absorb skincare nutrients!
Instant results after use: skin feels fairer, more hydrated, and clearer.
Make up can glide on easier and more lasting with a natural look.

Key Ingredients :
Amethyst - Enhance skin rejuvenation, improve skin complexion and provide engergizing skin effect
Hyaluronic Acid - Provides intense hydration and supports formation and maintenance of collagen

A sample sachet lasted me for 2 times of usages. It has a weird scent though it hardly lingers on the skin. Using it on dry skin, it produces grey little bits which are supposed to be the dead skin cells from the face. Thereafter, I could feel that there is a layer of sticky and greasy film on the skin where no amount of water seemed to be able to get rid of it.

I followed up with a facial mask and then do a last rinse of the water, before the sticky and greasy film is totally gone. The skin did not feel exceptionally smooth, just slightly better than before.

Source : Ginvera

2) It's Skin Premium Power 10 Formula DUO - WW

Product Description
Whitening, anti-wrinkle care, anti-aging all-in-one serum. Helps to promote collagen, eliminate dull skin tone, leaving skin bright and silky

The 2 sachets which I owned lasted me for about 4times of usages. Absorbs well into the skin and does not leave any greasy after-feel. Too early and too limited usages to see any visible improvement.

Source : Sugar

3) It's Skin Premium Power 10 Formula PRO - AS

Product Description
Wrinkle + stretch PRO-AS (Pro-Astaxan) to improve the wrinkles of functional components. Penetrate to the dermis layer of skin to repair and activate the activity of collagen fibers and elastic fibers, to regain skin's elasticity and glossy. It enhances the skin's moisture level and helps to prevent the formation of fine lines.

The 2 sachets which I owned lasted me for more than 6times of usages. A little goes a long way. The texture is runny and serum-like. It sinks into the skin rapidly, leaving my skin soft and smooth.
Source : Raffles

Understanding the Ingredients in Skin Care Products

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) have become increasingly popular over the last five years. Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen also should be used every morning. To help avoid skin irritation with alpha-hydroxy acids, it is advisable to start with a product with concentrations of AHA of 10 to 15 percent. Also, make sure you ease into it. You want to get your skin used to alpha-hydroxy acids, so you should only initially apply the skin care product every other day, gradually working up to daily application.

Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)
Salicylic acid also has been studied for its effect on skin that has aged prematurely due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It exfoliates skin and can improve the texture and color of the skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also helps with acne. Studies have shown that salicylic acid is less irritating than skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, while providing similar improvement in skin texture and color.

Hydroquinone
Skin care products containing hydroquinone are popularly referred to as bleaching creams or lightening agents. These skin care products are used to lighten hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy (melasma or chloasma). If you are allergic to hydroquinones, you may benefit from use of products containing kojic acid instead.

Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots. Discovered in 1989, kojic acid has a similar effect as hydroquinone. Kojic acid is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, inhibiting production of melanin (brown pigment).

Retinol
This is a derivative of vitamin A, and you will see that a lot of skin care products contain retinol. Retinol’s stronger counterpart is tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova. If your skin is too sensitive to use Retin-A, retinol is an excellent alternative. Here’s why skin responds to skin care products with retinol: vitamin A has a molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin, where it finds collagen and elastin. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin’s hydration levels. You may also hear about retinyl palmitate. This falls into the same family as retinol, but if the skin care product you choose contains retinyl palmitate, you will need to use more of this product than one that contains retinol to get the same effect.

L-Ascorbic Acid
This is the only form of vitamin C that you should look for in your skin care products. There are many skin care products on the market today that boast vitamin C derivatives as an ingredient (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate, for example), but L-ascorbic acid is the only useful form of vitamin C in skin care products. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen as well, which is essential since your body’s natural collagen production decreases as you age. Sun exposure will also accelerate the decrease in collagen. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps to minimize fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic Acid
Skin care products containing this substance are often used in conjunction with vitamin C products to assist in effective penetration. Hyaluronic acid is a component of the body’s connective tissues, and is known to cushion and lubricate. As you age, however, the forces of nature destroy hyaluronic acid. Diet and smoking can also affect your body’s level of hyaluronic acid over time. Skin care products with hyaluronic acid are most frequently used to treat wrinkled skin.

Copper Peptide
Copper peptide is often referred to as the most effective skin regeneration product, even though it’s only been on the market since 1997. Studies have shown that copper peptide promotes collagen and elastin production, and also acts as an antioxidant. It also promotes production of glycosaminoglycans (think hyaluronic acid, as an example). Studies have also shown that copper-dependent enzymes increase the benefits of the body’s natural tissue building processes.The substance helps to firm, smooth, and soften skin, doing it in less time than most other anti-aging skin care products. Clinical studies have found that copper peptides also remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and scar tissue because they activate the skin’s system responsible for those functions.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid
You may have heard of alpha-lipoic acid as "the miracle in a jar" for its anti-aging effects. It’s a newer, ultra-potent antioxidant that helps fight future skin damage and helps repair past damage. Alpha-lipoic acid has been referred to as a "universal antioxidant" because it’s soluble in both water and oil, which permits its entrance to all parts of the cell. Due to this quality, it is believed that alpha-lipoic acid can provide the greatest protection against damaging free radicals when compared with other antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid diminishes fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow, and boosts levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C.

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)
If you’ve heard of fish referred to as brain food, you can thank DMAE. This substance is naturally produced in the brain, but DMAE is also present in anchovies, salmon and sardines, boosting the production of acetylcholine, which is important for proper mental functions. DMAE in skin care products shows remarkable effects when applied topically to skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Source : Clevelandclinic

Drink yourself beautiful

1. Coconut water
Coconut water's benefits lie in the liquid’s high potassium content, which helps to hydrate the body fast and helps to combat fatigue.
“It’s beneficial to our bodies because it contains a lot of natural electrolytes. As a nutritionist, I like it because it’s a low-sugar, fast-hydrating drink. You can compare coconut water to a sports drink but without all the caffeine and sugar in it,” nutritional therapist Susie Perrie explained to British newspaper Metro. However, watch your intake as coconut water can act as a laxative.

2. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranates are branded a super food because of their high antioxidant and vitamin content and has been credited with decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Drinking pure pomegranate juice is said to help burn fat and lower cholesterol levels.
“There are early signs that drinking pomegranate juice can help redistribute fat so it isn’t stored around the stomach area, which can increase risk of diabetes and heart disease. Changing your glass of apple or orange to this may offer health benefits,” nutritionist Angela Dowden told British newspaper The Daily Mail.

3. Green tea
Green tea has become a beauty classic thanks to its multiple health benefits. Named the preferred drink of super models, the tea is packed with antioxidants and has been credited with weight loss and anti-ageing properties.
“Studies in mice show that drinking green tea can slow down weight gain even when accompanied by a fatty diet. The good news is that there is some evidence to suggest this effect on body weight can also be seen in humans,” nutritionist Kate Butler told the British publication Zest.

4. Coffee
While, strictly speaking, caffeine is a toxin, it has some beauty benefits when consumed in its purest form — and in moderation. Forget the cream and caramel concoctions of coffee house chains, instead opt for one or two cups of organic coffee with a dash of organic full-fat milk.
Caffeine can help the body burn fat and it also boosts your performance when exercising. Organic coffee is also packed with antioxidants and it’s great for your digestion

Source : Herworld

Review : LoveMore Swiss Alps Spring and Phytoncide Moisturizing Mask

Product Description
Using ingredients from Alps' spring with Hyaluronic Acid and Phytoncide, the mask will enhance the skin's moisturising abilility to promote absorption. Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate the skin, making it look smoother and radiant.

I have been using this box of 7 mask sheets recently, which I acquired in Taiwan last year. It is also available in our local Watsons. I always have a backup of hydrating and whitening masks, to be used as and when I need it.

Looking at the packaging, you can see they actually do make effort in their design, making it shaped like an envelope, stating the country of their key ingredient on the stamps!
Each individually sheet mask is heavily soaked with essence and dripping wet when I pulled it out. The material is pretty thin and tears easily. It adheres comfortably on the skin with the nose area slightly shorter.

Layered it any longer than the stipulated 20minutes made my skin tighter, even though the sheet mask is still wet, so I kept it to a strict 20minutes before removing it. Skin does feel sufficiently hydrated but not totally hydrated.

Source : Sunnanz

Review : Out Of Africa Organic Shea Butter Lipbalm with Vitamin E

Product Description
Our Shea Butter Lip Balm will melt on your lips. 30% of this formula is unrefined shea butter – the highest amount in the market! Most others have 1 or 2%.
Our luxurious lip balm does more than taste good, it provides natural healing with healthy fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins A, E and F, that provides moisture to keep lips soft and supple.
This smooth formula is never drying or sticky. Cracked lips do not stand a chance.
No parabens, sulfates, petrolatums or propylene glycol. Shea Butter hand made in Benin, West Africa

This was a complimentary gift from iHerb after they read about my haul which was totally unexpected. Mine was the 15oz size. If not for them, I guess I wouldn't have come across this brand because its relatively unknown in Singapore.

My last lip balm review was more than 6 months ago *gasps* because I don't start using a new lipbalm without finishing my current one. The same goes to all my skincare products which is why I am not able to churn out so many reviews on a frequent basis.

I have to say this lipbalm is totally awful and I am glad that I have finally used it all up. I do not have severely cracked or dry lips so lipbalms usually work all right for me but this lipbalm is a test of my patience.

Most lipbalms come in a sleek handy size but this product comes in a chunkier size than norm. The grip is fine but its the usage on the lips. Because its chunky, it meant that the lipbalm covers a larger area on the lips. If you have thinner lips, the lipbalm would cover up till the outside of the lips. Just imagine you are applying a lipstick to your lips and the colour is drawn out of your lips.
In the case of this lipbalm, there will be a layer of greasiness outside your lips, if you are rushing for time and just apply without thinking. Fortunately, this has never happened to me. Gosh, I hope its not because my lips are thicker than the size of the lipbalm!

Most lipbalm is smooth or waxy when applied but not this lipbalm. The texture of this lipbalm is softer than others and has a gritty surface which is never smooth ( mainly because of the shea butter, I guess ), so after application, your lips would have some remnants of the shea butter flakes. You would feel those flaky bits on the lips which you have to dab it gently to clean them off. I hate this feeling because that meant, I always need a mirror whenever I use a lipbalm but thats ridiculous, in my opinion because I am not even using a lipstick. There has never been a need for me to check my lips whenever I use a lipbalm.

If you have severely dry lips, there is more friction between the lips and the lipbalm so there are more flaky bits leftover on the lips after application as the texture is quite soft and thus can be messy at times.

The last 10% of the lipbalm actually dropped out, when I tried to use it. Probably because its not adhered properly onto the base.

In conclusion, while it did leave my lips soft and moisturised and has a nice peppermint scent but the cons outweigh the pros and I have little confidence in this brand.

Source : OutofAfrica

Review : Shu Uemura Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil

Product Description
A lightweight cleansing oil that leaves the skin clean, fresh and refined. It washes away pore concerns-enlarged pores and clogged pores that lead to blackheads with our innovative Natural Origin system for superb cleansing. effectively remove make-up and impurities inside pores while maintaining the skin’s necessary moisture level. empowered with Sakura Complex, this cleansing oil minimizes pores by eliminating excess sebum and visibly smoothes the skin’s surface. Ideal for normal to oily skin types and acne-prone skin.

Key Ingredients :
Sakura Leaf Extract (Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract) - known to reduce inflammatory mediators that can cause skin redness. It also helps to improve skin texture.
Lipo Ha (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) - salicylic acid derivatives helps gentle exfoliation for refined skin
Cherry Extract (Prunus Cerasus Extract) - contains natural AHA to remove dead skin cells, bringing smoothness to the skin and a refined complexion.

My sister passed me 3 sachets as part of the Tangs member's birthday perks. While I did enjoy using Shu Uemura Balancing Cleansing oil  last year, this Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil disappoints greatly.
Similar to cleansing oil in the same range, you use it on dry face, wet it with water to emulsify it into milky texture and off the make-up gunk goes.

I have sensitive combination skin so this cleansing oil is definitely not formulated for my skin type and I am not a fan of salicylic acid due to the possibility of mild irritation to delicate skin.
In this Pore Clarifying Cleansing Oil product, the texture seems lighter and is more runny. It feels as though it does not cleanse as well as the rest. Even after adding water, it does not seem to emulsify as much as the rest of Shu Uemura cleansing oils. It has a light floral scent.

The 3 sachets lasted me for slightly more than a week and I was dismayed to find that after each wash, my skin gets red at the sides of my nose, where my enlarged pores were. I also get many tiny bumps at the same area. Perhaps as the name says, its in the process of cleansing my pores.
You can check out the full range of cleansing oil here. It scored 4.6 from 8 users on Makeupalley

In terms of ingredients, ethylhexyl palmitate and isopropyl myristate may be a source of skin irritant in EWG.
They may also be comedogenic. (Source , Source2) so for those with acne-prone skin, please beware.

Ingredients:
ethylhexyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, capryl/capric triglyceride, polyglyceryl-10 trilaurate, polyglyceryl-6 tricaprylate, octyldodecanol, dicaprylyl carbonate, undecane, tridecane, phenoxyethanol, tocopherol, sqalane, maris aqua, simmondsia chinensis oil, carthamus tinctorius oil, capryloyl salicylic acid, propylene glycol, prunus cerasus extract, prunus yedoensis leaf extract, parfum

Source : Shu Uemura , Sasa

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JB Haul + others

Hada Labo Super HA Moisturizing Milk SPF50 RM$44.91
Loreal Re-nutrition Nourishing Hair Mask RM$9.90
Loreal Total Repair Deep Repairing Hair Mask RM$9.90
Martha Tilaar Body Contour Body Wash  S$11.80 ( after 30% discount )
Yadah Natural Shampoo S$22.90 ( before 20% GSS discount on Yadah)
Yadah Brightening Mask Pack S$9.90 ( before 20% GSS discount )
Skin Factory Honey Eye Dream Honey Patch S$13 ( original $16 from Beautyfinest)

Avene Gentle Eye Make-up Remover
Vichy No Anti-Imperfection Stick
Eye Masks ( from a friend )
Renew Hair Shampoo and Conditioner $19.60

Madara Shampoo and Conditioner S$17.55 each ( 35% discount from LoveNatureLife )

Review : Skin Food Salmon Eye Patch

Product Description
Intensive eye treatment innovatively formulated to penetrate deeply to moisturize and brighten the eye area without any sticky feel. Easy for travel.

This range of eyecare is highly marked up in Singapore. I have used their brightening eye massage serum previously, which was ineffective to alleviate my undereye circles.
A box of these eye patches, containing 8 pairs of eye masks retails for ~$20 in Korea but costs $70 in Singapore. *gasps*

The box is pretty presentable, and housed 8 individual packed sheets. It feels like you are opening a gift box, each time you want to take out a pair of eye masks.
Each pair of eye masks is packaged in a clear plastic tray, layered with several protective sheets inbetween. The patches are jelly-like and provides a comforting cooling sensation when layered on undereye area.

There is hardly any scent and the size is generous enough to cover most of my undereye area. It is slightly sticky to adhere well to the skin without any slipping.
When you first layered it on, the mask sheet feels plumped, and after the stipulated 15 to 20minutes of usage, you can feel that the mask is flatter, which probably meant that the essence has been absorbed into the skin.

Even though my dark circles were not gone, but the fine lines were minimized and the eyes feel rested Note that eye mask is just a temporary measure, proper maintenance is still essential.

I wear spectacles on a daily basis and on days when I like to be specs-free, I use an eye mask prior to skincare application, before donning on my contacts and off I go.

Source : Skin Food

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Review : Mekhala Black Rice Shampoo and Conditioner

Shampoo Product Description
Get silky, healthy and lustrous hair with just one wash. Aloe vera and black rice, a bountiful ingredient packed with anthocyanin antioxidants and Vitamin E, promote hair growth, improve blood circulation in the scalp, and protect hair from damage by oxidation. Powerful antioxidants combat harmful free radicals in the environment while anti-dandruff properties maintain scalp health.

Benefits :
- 100% natural
- promotes hair growth
- improves blood circulation in the scalp for strong, healthy hair
- protects hair from damage by oxidation
- free of parabens, sulphates, added chemicals, artificial preservatives and fragrances that can cause irritation and adverse long-term effects
- gentle on eyes
- for normal/thinning hair or problem scalp

Conditioner Product Description
Get silky, healthy and lustrous hair with just one wash. Moringa Oil and Vitamin E in our Black Rice Conditioner deeply replenish moisture, whilst black rice extract, a bountiful ingredient packed with anthocyanin antioxidants and Vitamin E, protects it from damage by oxidation.

Benefits :
- 100% natural
- replenishes moisture deep within the hair shaft
- protects hair from damage by oxidation
- free of parabens, sulphaes, added chemicals, artificial preservatives and fragrances that can cause irritation and adverse long-term effects
- gentle on eyes
- for thinning hair or problem scalp

I requested a sample sachet of the shampoo and conditioner for a trial from the site. It comes in a generous size of 7ml each, which gave me about 3.5 times of usages. If you have short or fine hair, you can probably utilize more from the sachet.
And because the texture of both the shampoo and conditioner is runny, I tend to use more than I intended too. It just flows out easily from the sachet.

The black rice scent hits me like a powerful punch. Its so strong and the scent lingers on the hair till the next wash. I can literally smell it the whole day and secretly wish that no one can smell it.

Black in contents, the shampoo made my hair straw-like. It lathers well and cleanse well but I didn't enjoy the process.
Adding on the conditioner which is light brown in colour did make it slightly better. The end result of my hair was manageable but not tangle-free. I didn't feel that my hair were sufficiently moisturised though.

I like that both the shampoo and conditioner has  short ingredient lists and are free from parabens, sulphates and artifical preservatives.

 Shampoo Ingredients :
Distilled Water, Hom Nin Rice, Black Rice Extract, Kaffir Lime Extracts, Aloe Vera, White Crane Flower Extract, Natural Glycerine, Jasmine Rice Extract

Conditioner Ingredients
Distilled Water, Black Rice and Whole Grain Rice Extracts, Moringa Oil, Vitamin E, Vegetable Glycerin, Jasmine Rice Extract

Source : Mekhala

Review : Mekhala Soothing Tamarind Facial Cleanser

Product Description
The only cleanser you will ever need! A gentle and effective face wash that removes impurities and even waterproof makeup, whilst soothing the skin and retaining its natural moisture. This unique combination of Tamarind, Honey and Vitamin E nourishes the skin, fights harmful free radicals and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Active botanicals naturally brighten skin for a radiant and luminous complexion.

Benefits:
• 100% natural
• Removes impurities, even waterproof makeup
• Soothes acne inflammation and reduces redness in skin
• Retains and replenishes moisture
• Reduces appearance of fine lines
• Brightens skin
• Ideal substitute for TONER and MAKEUP REMOVER (3-in-1)
• Free of parabens, sulphates, added chemicals, artificial preservatives
and fragrances that can cause irritation and adverse long-term effects
• For NORMAL TO SENSITIVE SKIN

I have been on the lookout for a gentle cleanser since my holy grail cleanser from Dermalogica have changed its formula and no longer suit my skin.
I chanced upon Mekhala during some searches and the cleanser seems like something which may be compatible with my skin and so I sent in my request for a complimentary sample.

I am not adventurous when it comes to cleansers. Bad cleansers made my skin dry, flaky and vulnerable and I hated the havoc it create on my skin which may take days or even weeks to heal.

Mekhala products do not contain artificial flavours, colours, chemicals, fragrances or preservatives Instead, traditional methods, and indigenous spices, herbs, and natural essential oils impart beneficial and luxurious qualities to their products.

This is my first foray into the brand.
The 5ml sachet I received is best for 5 usages and the wonderful scent hits you as you cleanse your skin. It is a mixture of citrus and honey fragrance and smells sweet.

The gel formula with a light yellow colour, is light and gentle but gets too diluted when it mixes with water. I started to use more and creates suds on the skin, to ensure that I am indeed cleansing my skin. I do not use it as a make-up remover, even though it does claim to be able to remove even waterproof make-up which I did not attempt to try because I still prefer double cleansing at the end of the day.

Mekhala Soothing Tamarind Facial Cleanser left my skin feeling wonderfully pampered and soothed. No redness, no tightness, just the way I like it. However, on the first 2 days of usages, 2 zits developed on my chin, one on the first day, another one on the second day which is pretty odd. Do people actually get zits from cleansers that are on the skin for no more than 5 minutes?

Other than that, I really like the cleanser for its short ingredient list as well as being a gentle and effective daily cleanser for my sensitive skin. It retails at $51 for 120ml. Not exactly cheap.
I am still considering if I should get the 120ml size. Anyone can share their favourite gentle cleanser?

Ingredients :
Water, Organic Tamarind, Honey, Vitamin E, Citric Acid, Botanically-Derived Non-Ionic Surfactant

Updated on 28th Aug 15

I purchased the full retail size last month and have been using it as a morning and night cleanser. Unlike 3 years ago, I no longer enjoyed using Mekhala Soothing Tamarind Facial Cleanser. Even though the formula is still the same and the cleanser still feel light and gentle but it is no longer nourishing enough for my aging skin.
I didn't like the after-feel of every cleansing moment. My skin feels parched of nourishment and pampering. No redness but there is the occasional tightness on face.

Source : Mekhala

Review : Crabtree and Evelyn Lavender Bath and Shower Gel

Product Description
This luxurious cleanser conditions the skin with a helping of lavender, peony, white magnolia and elderflower. For a truly indulgent shower, work into a lather all over to soothe, refresh and scent the skin. Alternatively, squeeze a little into running bath water and sink into decadent bubbles.

 
Its vegetable base formula gently cleanses even the driest skin, and is free from parabens, phthaletes, propylene glycol, and mineral oil. Relax with the aromatic and soothing scent of fresh English Lavender, blended with Violet, Lemon Lead, Tonka Bean and Soft Musk.

I owned the 50ml travel sized Lavender shower gel which I have been using recently. It smells wonderfully, very soothing and very calming with the english lavender scent.

The texture is gel-like and does not give any drying feeling, despite containing SLS. It lathers very well and creates lots of foam.

A shower gel, perfect for pampering the senses but I still prefer to use shower washes without Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG 7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cocamide DEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polyquaternium 39, Fragrance (Parfum), Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender), Disodium EDTA, Benzophenone 4, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Linalool, Coumarin, Eugenol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Ext Violet 2 (CI 60730), Red 33 (CI 17200)

Review : Shu Uemura Stage Performer - Instant Glow Immediate Radiance Skin Perfecting Cream

Product Description
Stage-inspired multi-functional beauty cream to enhance makeup finish and deliver a natural glow. contains Ginkgo Leaf extract to fight oxidation. instantly, skin appears more luminous, translucent and smooth. provides 24-hour lasting moisture.

Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant-Glow Immediate Radiance Skin Perfecting Cream can brighten up your skin in just 10 seconds. Yes, in just 10 seconds! This cream is like a magic wand, brightening up the look of tired, slackened skin in just a glance. It boosts skin’s ability to reflect light, leaving your skin appear radiant and stunning. Wonderfully moisturized, deeply nourished and plumped, skin emerges infinitely regenerated. Upon use for 4 weeks, you can tell that your skin is healthier, emerge more radiant and luminous. With Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant-Glow Immediate Radiance Skin Perfecting Cream,your skin can be renewed, refined, resilient and radiant!

I looked forward to using this, because the name itself sounds like a dream. I owned a 10ml size of this product, which was a purchase as part of a charity effort by L'oreal.
The retail price in USA is US$50 for 50ml, S$88 in Tangs Singapore and about S$61 in Hong Kong.

I am not of those who splurge on make-up very often but I am always on the look-up for make-up that can give me the glowy effect without emphasizing on my flaws.

The term "cream" sounds luxurious and rich to me and I was hoping that it would not be too greasy on my combination skin. Thankfully, it isn't.
Initially, I wasn't very sure how to incorporate this product into my make-up routine. Is it a primer or a moisturiser? The description on their website wasn't very clear.
In the end, I decided to use it like a primer. On Sasa, this product is pegged as a day moisturiser.

Touted as a beauty cream to enhance make-up finish, skin would appear to be more  luminous, translucent and smoother, with its optimal light diffusion fortified with patented Chroma Adjuster.

This Skin Perfecting Cream has a creamy consistency in beige colour with tiny beads. The colour looks beautiful when its swatched on the hand. It blends effortlessly, giving a subtle glow to the skin, a lit-within look.

My skin looks brighter and radiant instantly. I like to use it on optimal skin condition and on special dates. It is not shimmery and does not contain hard rock glitters but adding this product onto well-moisturised skin gives a soft dewy look with a smooth canvas that is the perfect base to pile on the liquid foundation.

The product is said to provide 24hr moisture and skin would feel healthier with prolonged use but I still see it as a make-up product rather than a skincare product. For good moisture on the skin, I would still rely on a good moisturiser rather than this beauty cream.

It scored 4.2 from 13 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Shu Uemura , Stage Performer

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Review : Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox Healing BB Cream

Product Description
Triple function of whitening + wrinkle improvement + UV protection. BB cream that presents natural skin tone with soft and moist application.

Focused on dermatological function, this BB contains UVA/UVB protection, collagen for tightening effects, chamomile extract for soothing and arbutin for whitening and brightening. The botanical extracts are excellent at protecting from pollutants and preventing rough and dry skin.

I always thought Dr. Jart BB Creams are more on the expensive side so I never think of purchasing them. Imagine my delight when I was checking out my Mum's drawer for skincare products and chanced upon this BB cream. I have this irritating habit of checking what others use on their face. Don't be mistaken, I don't do that when I am at other people's homes. I am not that rude. lol

It turned out that this Black Label isn't as expensive as I thought, more like S$29 for a 50ml size but prices vary across different stores. The name reminds me of the Burberry's label of bags than a BB Cream. Don't you think so?

According to their website, Dr. Jart products contain ingredients that have been scientifically certified for effectiveness and stability. The brand is touted to include effective consultations from Korean dermatologists as well as medical specialist's know-how on beauty and diet.

The name, packaging and the label sounds luxe to me, and reminds me of a heavy rich cream, so I was actually abit hesitant on using it even though I was itching to try it. I squeezed out enough contents for 3 weeks usage and I gained a zit on my chin on the first day of usage which usually meant that the product is too rich for me. I let the zit healed before I started using it again and thankfully, everything has been fine thereafter.

The colour fits my skintone as you can see above. The texture is creamy and thick with a medium coverage that is able to conceal most blemishes and redness. It is very moisturising but with poor oil control as my combination skin oiled up by noon time. However, it evens out my skintone and gives a natural finishing

It contains SPF25 and PA++ but I will always recommend  to add a layer of sunscreen beneath it since one can never layer so much BB cream to get adequate sun protection.

8 users rated this product 4.1 on Makeupalley.

Ingredients
water, proplyene glycol, cyclomethicone, dimethicone, titanium dioxide, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, isopropyl plamitate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamage, butylene glycol, dicaprylate/dicaparate, methicone, arbutin, talc dipentaerythityl, hexhydroxystearate/hexastearate/hexarosinate, cetyl peg/ppg-10/1, diemthicone, plolyglycerl-5 isostearate, magnesium sulfate, iron oxides, hexyldecyl myrisotyl methylaminopropinoate, diemthicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, silica, aluminum stearat

Source : Jart , Amazon

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Review : Love More Japan Pearls Firming and Whitening Mask

Product Description
Using the latest small molecules technology, the pearls from Japan, Isecity, and white gold penetrate deeply into your skin and firms, smoothens and brightens your skin instantly. The condition of your skin improves drastically becoming smooth, firm and bright!
Firming and Tightening, Whitening, Supple feel

I picked up this box of masks last year. Each box comes with 7 individually wrapped masks. It was based on a leap of faith that I chose Lovemore, since I have never use their masks prior to the trip. Thankfully this range did not give my skin any breakouts.

Its great that their ingredient list is short, with water as the last ingredient on the list. However, it does contain methylisothiazolinone which has been identified as an immune system toxicant by EWG.

Each mask contains 25ml of contents, which include Job's Tears, commonly found in Naruko products and collagen as well as Q10. The sheet mask is pretty thin but adhere well on the skin, with the nose area shorter than usual. It is totally soaked with essence and dripping on my table every 5 minutes when I wore it on, as I use the computer.

The essence is slightly sticky but get absorbed into the skin  a few minutes after removing it. Face appeared slightly brighter and feels supple but no firming and tightening effects yet.

Review : Benefit High Beam

Product Description
Our satiny pink liquid highlighter accents cheek and brow bones for a radiant glow. Use as a spot highlighter or delicately blend all over your complexion. Looks perfectly radiant on all skintones. It's the "supermodel in a bottle"!

How To Apply :
- Dot and blend over makeup on to cheek and brow bones, or anywhere you want a glance to linger.
- To add soft definition to your nose, apply high beam down the bridge of your nose and blend

Benefit High Beam is the celebrity makeup artist's secret... it is a satiny pink highlighter that creates a young, radiant, fresh complexion on all skin tones. You can use it as a spot highlighter or blend it all over your complexion. This soft-focus sheen is enticing and sexy!
# Voted "best luminising lotion/cream" by In Style magazine
# Voted "best face illuminator" by Women's Health and Fitness magazine

I owned a miniature sized High Beam, as part of a palatte which I bought from USA sometime back. I always find Benefits' product names zany, fun and cheeky.
This liquid highlighter is one of my favourites. I do not use it on a daily basis, just on weekends or when I remember it.

I am no highlighter expert, in fact while I like the idea of using highlighter, I don't quite see the WOW effect on me generally, than how I see it on others.
However, using this liquid highlighter has been easy-peasy. Simply dot 3 dots on the high points of your cheekbones and on your brow bones and viola!, you looked radiant instantly.
Alternatively, you can also mix it in with your favourite moisturiser for an all over face glow.

I love how this highlighter imparts a subtle luminous glow to the skin with just a few dots on the cheekbones and brow bones. I don't use it as an all over face glow, in order to reduce the likelihood of bringing attention to my imperfect areas.
The colour is a lovely light pink with a pearly glow and there is no glitter involved, just some slight shimmers. The texture is concentrated and thick so don't overdose on it and note that you need to do the blending quickly because once it dries up, the end-result may look patchy and unnatural.

The bottle comes with a brush on the applicator but I usually use it to dab on my fingertips before applying it bit by bit to my face using my fingers.
It scored 4.1 from 1109 users on Makeupalley

While I really like the highlighter, I can't say it suits me well, because I have slight pigmentation on the cheeks and this product tends to highlight it which is perfectly logical since its a highlighter in its own right. And I cannot use it on the bridge of the nose since I have combination skin, and it may accentuate the oiliness.
So what I usually do, is to use it sparingly, slightly away from my pigmentation, on the high points of my cheeks as well as on the brow bones.

Source : Benefit , adorebeauty

Naruko, Curel and Cetaphil Haul

Rose Hydrating Mask S$29.90 for both masks ( from Naruko.sg )
Magnolia Mask
Apple Seed and T-Acid Soothing White Night Gelly $23.90
Raw Job's Tears Night Eye Gelly $24.90

Curel UV Protection Face Milk

Curel Moisture Lotion II
Curel Moisture Face Milk
Curel Moisture Lip Care Stick sample
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil UltraHydrating Lotion
Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF50+

Get your free Curel samples here and free Cetaphil samples here

Review : Naruko Rose and Snow Fungus Aqua Cubic Complex

Product Description
NARUKO Rose and Snow Fungus Aqua Cubic Complex is a compact collection of moisturizing and anti-aging skin care cream formula. It is a fundamental care that delivers different benefits, including hydrating, vitalizing and anti-aging for dry and dehydrated skin with fine lines and large pores. Contains unique white fungus extraction, it is able to let the fine water molecules penetrate into the underlying skin for deep moisturizing purpose. Added with Vitamin A and E, it can solve the problem of dehydrated skin which causes pores to appear larger. Being readily absorbed, it provides long-lasting moisture and improves skin from inside out, keeping your skin healthy and bright with tightened pores and softer skin.

This Aqua Cubic Complex is an essence which I bought from Taiwan last year. In Singapore, it retails for $26.90 in Naruko and Watsons. At 30ml, it lasts me for less than 2 months, based on daily morning usage. It comes with a dropper where 2 drops are sufficient for my whole face.

As what you see on the picture above, the glass bottle is a clear purple where you can see the remaining contents easily. The dropper is easy to use as you just depress on the button on the top of the dropper to hold the contents, before letting it go to release the essence on your palms.

Milky white in colour, the essence has a light translucent look that is sticky and has a lotion-like texture. It spreads easily on the skin and absorbs well. It is light and provides just enough hydration to my skin.

Even though I do like Naruko products, I am confused with the steps provided on their website. I have a poor grasp of Chinese language and I relied heavily on the English translation. However, after reading Niu-er "Beauty Studio" book recently, I am appalled by the heavy translation errors in the book, hence I have poor faith in their English translation now. I meant, if one wants to translate something, then get a good and proper translator! I paid for the book and I deserve good quality for it. At least, please show some respect for your readers. Urgh.


On the English website, its stated that this essence is to be used after your night time skincare. In their product range, this essence is shown to be used after your moisturiser. My understanding of an essence or serum is to be used before moisturiser but apparently its not the case here.

And if you refer to the Chinese website here, this essence can be used for both morning and night and not just for night only. And press each area for 3 to 5 seconds and not 3 to 5 minutes as what the English site claimed.

Nevertheless, I am currently using it as a day serum, before moisturiser because I like to include hydrating products in the morning, since I worked in an air-conditioned office. You can follow the massage steps indicated above, but I don't follow it that regularly since I am rushing for time every morning.

The rose scent is subtle and the overall experience of using it for the past 1 month plus have been pleasant, giving me less flaky skin. However, it does not combat seriously dehydrated skin. I still need something heavy for that. Other than that, I also did not see any visible improvement to the pores size or tighter and softer skin.
On good days with optimal skin condition, it helped to maintain the hydration on the skin very well, making it plumped with moisture and making soft and supple.

And here's the recycled packaging where you can make it into a small box.

Ingredients
Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Phytoferulin®, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Panthenol, Ceramide, Encapsule Vitamin A Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Encapsule Vitamin E, Tocopheryl Acetate, Serine, Alpha-Arbutin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Essential Oils of Rose (Rosa Damascena), Rosewood (Aniba Rosaeodora), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon Martinii), Petitgrain (Citrus Aurantium Var. Amara)

Source : Naruko