Review : One Love Organics Brand New Day

Product Description
Brand New Day lets your skin start fresh every morning. Soothing organic sweet pea flour and fresh pineapple enzymes polish off dead skin cells while helping to protect the new ones. Brand New Day is an exfoliation treat that’s gentle enough for every day, every skin type and every inch of your bod. Tomorrow never looked so good.

FOR A SCRUB:
Mix 1/2–1 teaspoon of Brand New Day with warm water to form a creamy paste. Massage onto damp face and throat using gentle, circular motions. Remove with warm water.
FOR A MASQUE:
In your hand or a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of Brand New Day with 2 teaspoons of water for a luxurious, tightening masque. For an extra treat, mix with 2 teaspoons of plain Greek yogurt for a clarifying masque OR fresh, raw honey for a hydrating masque. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Remove with warm water.

Prior to using this, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant has been my regular facial scrub. Brand New Day is something similar to that, as both use powder to exfoliate the skin. As my age creeps up, Daily Microfoliant proved to be a tad too drying and I turned my attention to this little 4ml pot which was part of a trial kit I purchased from The States.

Brand New Day can be used as either a scrub or as a mask, but I tend to use it as a scrub because its just so convenient. Even though its recommended to use warm water to form a creamy paste but based on my own experience, cold water works as well.

Once the water touches the powder, it turns into a thin milky white paste that works as an exfoliant for the face. Sometimes it makes my skin just a little drying although it did not happen that frequently. The scrub left my skin feeling fresh, clean and smooth. Blackheads were minimized and the pores on my nose were cleaner for up to 3 days.

Ingredients :
Organic Zea Mays (Corn) Starch,Organic Pisum Sativum (Sweet Pea) Flour, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Organic Ananas Comosus (pineapple) fruit extract, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, proprietary natural and organic fragrance compounds

Source : OneLoveOrganics

Review : Innisfree Eco Safety Aqua Sun Gel

Product Description
Organic sun flower oil certified by EcoCert and Jeju organic green tea extracts make your skin healthier

I owned 2 samples of this product, in 1ml sachet each. This product does not contain parabens, artificial coloring, mineral oils, talc, animal materials and artificial fragrance.

Water-based, this sun gel is very lightweight, smells nice and is cooling after application. It absorbs well and there is no greasiness. I like the texture but its a pity about the alcohol.

In terms of ingredients, it contains the following sunscreen ingredients.
- Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate ( also known as Octinoxate ) provides partial UVA protection and full UVB protection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an OTC drug review of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate and did approve it for use in OTC sunscreens up to a concentration of 7.5%. However, it has been known to produce excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, and lead to cell death. ( read more from TIA)

- Ethylhexyl salicylate ( also known as Octyl Slicylate or Octisalate ) provides UVB protection. Although the Cosmetics Ingredient Review notes that reproductive and developmental toxicity can occur in relation to Salicylic Acid, one of the two primary components of Ethylhexyl Salicylate, it has determined that the levels used in cosmetic and beauty products would not cause any adverse reaction. Importantly, the FDA has approved Ethylhexyl Salicylate for use in sunscreen with up to 5% concentration.

Note that this product contains alcohol, fragrance and phenoxyethanol as preservative.

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Review : Loreal White Perfect Instant Radiance Facial Whitening Mask

Product Description
Loreal White Perfect Instant Radiant Facial Whitening Mask is the first whitening mask with Melano Block and Vitamin C which provides your skin an intensive and immediate radiance action, revealing a more luminous and transparent skin in only 10 minutes.

Benefits:
* Intensive Hydration – impregnated with a jelly fresh texture, enriched with hydrating agents
* Instant Radiance Action – contains gently exfoliating complex to remove dark dead skin cells filled with melanin
* Fights against Dark Spots – Melano Block, a powerful whitening ingredient to regulate melanin production
One mask is impregnated with the same quantity as one week of whitening cream treatment.

I bought this pack for $19.14 ( original $29.90) during the Robinson sale some months back. Its been a long while since I last gotten Loreal products because their ingredients are non-friendly and the results are usually quite dismal or ineffective.

I was also surprised to read that there is an article in the South China Morning Post, stating that this mask is full of bacteria that could cause skin infections. Food for Thought?

5 individually wrapped sheet masks that contained 22ml contents each. The material of the sheet mask is sturdy and thick, with a alcohol scent that is offensive on the nose. While it feels refreshing on the skin, probably due to the alcohol, it did not provide the brightening effect as mentioned. The hydration capability is not apparent too.

Ingredients :
Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Xanthan Gum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Citrate, Triethanolamine, Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate, Fagus Sylvatica (Fagus Sylvatica Extract), Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Butylphenyl Methypropional

Review : Giovanni Eco Chic Hair Care Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner with

Shampoo Description
Uses Chinese botanicals known to be beneficial for hair and scalp
Scalp and follicle-focused holistic formulation
Soothes dry and itchy scalp
Strengthens hair roots
Deep nourishment for healthy hair
Mild formula will not strip or change hair color
Lauryl and laureth sulfate free

Conditioner Description
Uses Chinese botanicals known to be beneficial for hair and scalp
Scalp and follicle-focused holistic formulation
Soothes dry and itchy scalp
Strengthens hair roots
Deep nourishment for healthy hair
Mild formula will not strip or change hair color

There was a promotion for Giovanni haircare several months earlier which made me pick up this set of Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner.
The brand is also available in Iherb ( Quote OKI787 to get US$10 off your first purchase ) where its slightly cheaper than buying in Singapore.

Shampoo Key Ingredients :
An Mole - antioxidant and keeps hair elastic
Hei Zhi Ma - soothes a dry itchy scalp
Jia Ma Chi Xian - strengthens hair roots
Mo Han Lian – strengthens hair and helps keep color
Wu Huan Zi - restores lustre
Panax Ginseng - promotes healthy hair growth
Mulberry Fruit - increases circulation to hair roots

Conditioner Key Ingredients :
An Mole - antioxidant and keeps hair elastic
Hei Zhi Ma - soothes a dry itchy scalp
Jia Ma Chi Xian - strengthens hair roots
Mo Han Lian – strengthens hair and helps keep color
Wu Huan Zi - restores lustre
Proanthocyanidins - improves hair texture
Rehmannia Radix - calms and soothes the scalp

Both bottles are green in colour, with a dark orange gel-like texture for the shampoo and dark brown creamy texture for the conditioner. Both the shampoo and conditioner have a light herbal scent that hardly lingers on the hair, after bath. The herbal scent from the shampoo is definitely better than the conditioner, with an essential oil fragrance.
The shampoo lathers moderately well with light suds but made the hair slightly straw-like during shampoo-ing. The conditioner has a slight minty feel and conditions the hair well enough to combat the straw-like effects from the shampoo. Although hair is softer with using both the shampoo and conditioner but it made my hair look frizzy and there are lots of flyaway ends.

The shampoo cleanses well with a medicore performance. It soothes my dry itchy scalp but it neither make a remarkable difference to keeping the colour on my hair nor promotes healthy hair growth. Perhaps, its not obvious on my hair condition.

In terms of the conditioner, I felt that it calms and soothes the scalp because of the minty refreshing feel on the scalp.

The products are free of paraben, animal by-products and animal cruelty.

Shampoo Ingredients :
Aqua (purified water), *aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, *sesamum indicum (sesame) seed extract [hei zhi ma], emblica officinalis fruit extract [an mole], *eclipta prostrata extract [mo han lion], sopindus mukorossi fruit extract [wu huan zi], *bacopa moniera extract [jia ma chi xian], morus alba (mulberrry) fruit extract, panax ginseng (ginsenosides) root extract, serenoa serrulata (saw palmetto) fruit extract, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, urtica dioica (nettle) extract,
camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoamphoacetate, lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, hydroxypropyl guar, panthenol (pro vitamin B5), glycerin, menthol, mehtyl lactate, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, citric acid.
*Certified Organic.

Conditioner Ingredients :
Aqua (Purified Water), *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract [Hei Zhi Ma], Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract [An Mole], *Eclipta Prostrata Extract [Mo Han Lian], Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract [Wu Huan Zi], *Bacopa Moniera Extract [Jia Ma Chi Xian], Rehmannia Glutinosa (Chinese Foxglove) Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract [Proanthocyanidins], Serenoa Serrulata (Saw Palmetto) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Cetyl Alcohol,Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Menthol, Menthyl Lactate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol *Certified Organic

Source : Giovani , Giovani2

Review : Celebrity’s Choice Inchloss Body Cream Extra Strength

Product Description
Introducing the new high performance Celebrity’s Choice InchLoss Body Cream Extra Strength-- power packed with 2X more firming ingredients to speed up the reduction of stubborn fatty deposits under the skin with increased unique natural and breakthrough bio-heat active ingredients .

"7 Days, Slims ½ Inch!-Arms, tummy, thighs and legs
Unique with Bio Heat Ingredients. Burn Fats the Whole Day"

Benefits:
Achieve a Slimmer Silhouette
Enriched with bio-heat active ingredients of Bio Mineral Amino Acid Essence and natural ingredients of Capsicum, Ginger and Pineapple Essence to enhance blood and oxygen microcirculation to stimulate metabolism and reduce the appearance of excess subcutaneous fats

Moisturizes and Smoothens Skin Enriched
with rice extract and ginseng to nourish skin, keeping the skin soft and supple.

Tummy, Thighs and Arms Looks Firmer
Experience the pleasant fragrance and increased heat sensation every time you massage the cream. It is the sign of the process to a more slender you. Trims bulgy tummy and firms sagging thighs or arms. 

Feel the instant results:
• An increased heat sensation
• Flabby skin feels tighter
• Skin becomes firmer and smoother

After 28 days of twice daily usage:
• Tummy, thighs and arms look firmer
• Achieve a slimmer silhouette and lose ½ inch in 7 days!
• Stretch marks and cellulite look less obvious

Key Ingredients :
Bio Energy Fluid: promotes the renewal of skin cells and refines body contours.
Bio Mineral Amino Acid Essence: provide effective nourishment to skin cells to burns excess fats and accelerate the firming process.
Capsicum: helps slim and refine body contours.
Ginseng: enhances the renewal of skin cells and slows down the signs of fatigue and aging.
Caffeine: speeds up the process to achieve a smooth and slender body.

Usage Direction :
For Arms – Apply the InchLoss Body Cream on the arms in circular movements, moving towards the shoulders
For Tummy – To tone the tummy area, apply InchLoss Body Cream with body hands and massage in circular movements to enhance the fat burning process.
For Thighs - Massage the InchLoss Body Cream on your thighs in upward circular movements in a few minutes

I redeemed a 20g sample of this popular body slimming cream some time back. The cream reminds of an apricot and pineapple scent with a creamy texture. I used it largely on my thighs and hips area once a day, in the evening.

While the cream appears to absorb well into the skin, however it still left a tiny film of greasiness on my skin. It made the skin feel smooth. After 5 minutes, the heat sensation started and gets more intensifying as each minute passed. I really dislike the burning hot sensation because it is indeed very hot for the next 20 minutes before it subsides.

Be reminded to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes after using the cream as it really stings the eyes and made the eyes stinging hot.

Strangely, my wrists, instead of the applied area are allergic to the product. Each time I used this cream, my wrists will get itchy and I tend to scratch it, leaving it slightly red. Thankfully, its just a mild reaction that goes away after 10 minutes but it still feels strange that my wrists, of all areas, will be affected by the product.

During the duration of using this cream, I have been losing my appetite due to wind in stomach so I lost weight hence I can't say that the cream is the main cause of my weight loss but I believe it helps somehow. My jeans fit is looser too.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon
Scala Cellulite Massager and Remover Brush Mitt
Dry Skin Body Brush
Anti Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil
Bio Essence Celebrity's Choice Inchloss Body Sculpting Cream ( Shopee )

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Review : Avene Gentle Eye Make-up Remover

Product Description
Aqueous gel formulated to gently remove make-up around the delicate eye area.

Benefits :
Non-abrasive exfoliating gel gently eliminates surface impurities and unclogs pores
• Safely removes eye make-up, including waterproof eye make-up
• Aqueous gel formulation will not drip into eyes
• Hydrates and soothes the sensitive eye area
• Same pH as natural tears, will not sting or burn sensitive eyes
• Suitable for contact lenses wearers
• Ophthalmologists tested for safety
• Oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free
• Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes and softens the skin
• Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

I have been using this remover for the eyes for the past one month, though not on a daily basis as my Bioderma cleansing water can do the job on normal days with light eye make-up. I strictly reserve this eye make-up remover to removing heavier eye make-up, mainly with eyeliner, eyeshadow
and mascara.

The clear bottle with its clear gel contents and its name "gentle" gave the impression that its a gentle product but looking at the ingredients, you may be surprised it contains a few irritants.
The gel texture meant that I need to spread it on the cotton pads before usage on the eye area.

While it has no problem removing my eye make-up, I can't say the same for waterproof ones as I don't use that. However, it stings when it gets into the eyes so beware if you have sensitive eyes because the name for this product is pretty misleading.

In terms of ingredients, even though it has a short list, but it contains "Triethanolamine" as the 2nd ingredient which is one of the dirty dozens that has the potential to turn into an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA) which causes cancer.

This product scored 2.8 from 35 users on Makeupalley.

Where To Purchase : Shopee

Ingredients :
Avene Thermal Spring Water, Triethanolamine, Sodium Chloride, Poloxamer 188, Acrylates/C10 30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Water (Aqua)

Review : Burts Bee Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry

Product Description
Super fruit meet stunning lips. We tapped the power-packed Açaí berry for a healthy infusion of Vitamins A, C, D, and E, antioxidants and moisturizing Omega Oils. The result? A 100% natural lip balm born to beautify and revitalize your lovely lips.

Compared to the last two lipbalms from Burts Bee which I purchased before, the packaging and the ink used in this product seemed to be of poorer quality. By the end of a 3months usage period, the packaging on the lip balm is beyond decent, with words fading off.

This is my 3rd lip balm from Burts Bee and sad to say, their lipbalms just didn't work out well for my lips despite what everyone is saying on the blogsphere.

Containing Acai Berry, this 4.25g lipbalm smells berry-yummy and tastes sweet on the lips. The packaging comes with a hygienic seal and is simple and functional with a pull-out cap and a retractable and opaque tube that is common in most lipbalms.

The balm itself is clear in colour with no tinted colour. It glides on well, with a slight waxy feel but it was a major disappointment in trying to improve the condition of my chapped lips.

It made my chapped lips even more flaky with a white layer on it. The more I re-apply, the worse my lips look.

The product scored 3.6 from 59 users on Makeupalley

Ingredients:
helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, cera alba (beeswax, cire d’abeille), aroma (flavor)*, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, lanolin, euterpe oleracea fruit oil**,
ammonium glycyrrhizinate, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, tocopherol, glycine soja (soybean) oil, canola oil (huile de colza), anise alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, citral, farnesol, limonene, linalool. *natural flavor **açaí berry

Source : Burts Bee

Review : Philosophy Hope In A Jar Oil Free Gel Moisturizer

Product Description
This hope in a jar provides much more than that. Imagine skin that is rejuvenated, revitalized and moisturized for its youngest looking possible. This oil-free gel moisturizer for normal to oily skin is lightweight and a joy to use. Your skin feels refreshed and replenished as it adds moisture and helps to maintain your natural moisture barrier.

Features
· Defends against free radicals with antioxidant protection
· Deliver superb skin-conditioning benefits
· Gel formula absorbs on contact
· Leaves skin comfortably moisturized and hydrated

I purchased this from Changi Airport late last year at $44 for the 60ml size. Packaged in a plastic tub which may bring bacteria with each opening and fingers-dipping, I usually prefer to wash my hands before using different fingers if I need to dip or scoop out the contents several times. Using a spatula is still quite a hassle in the morning when I am pressed for time.
I am not exactly impressed by its twist-and-turn cap with a layer of tracing paper in it that gets "dirty" easily by the moisturizer, leaving glops or stains on it. It looks yucky and "cheapo" to me.

I have been using this as a day moisturizer for the past 4 months and the scent can be off-putting for first time users like me. It took awhile for me to get used to its pungent scent. Contents that were exposed to air turns orange, instead of its original light yellowish colour.

The texture is like a lightweight creamy moisturizer which hardly resembles a gel as what the name proclaims. It goes on light onto the skin and hardly hydrates well under the harsh air-conditioning office I am in. It is good for daily maintenance but not for dehydrated skin like mine, which requires something stronger.

Source : Bellabox

Review : Organic Surge Lavender Meadow Shower Gel

Product Description
Lavender Meadow Shower Gel blends essential oils of calming lavender and uplifting geranium. This moisturising shower gel balances body and mind while it cleanses. Natural antioxidant vitamin E helps to soothe any skin irritation while glycerine actively attracts moisture to the skin, allowing it to remain soft and hydrated.

Benefits :
- Untouched by harsh chemicals
- 100% natural foaming action safeguards skin's natural moisture
- Enriched with organic lavender and geranium essential oils
- Calms, soothes and rebalances all skin types
- Delicate, comforting natural fragrance
- Animal-friendly, suitable for vegetarians and vegans

Key Ingredients :
Lavender essential oil - naturally soothes, relaxes the senses
Geranium essential oil - naturally uplifting mood-enhancer
Natural glycerine - a natural humectant which attracts moisture to the skin, helping it to remain hydrated and soft
Aloe vera - naturally calms and moisturises the skin
Vitamin E - reduces skin irritation, provides natural anti-oxidant properties

Organic Surge was first sold in Guardian many years ago then they were pulled out of shelves and now that its back again, I quickly purchase its shower gel which I have been wanting to try, for its friendly ingredients and affordable pricing.

Packaged in a tube, the light orange gel contents oozes out easily with some light depressing on the tube. The lavender scent is soothing and relaxing to the nose and the body. It cleanses well, leaving no film on the body and is non-drying. The foaming suds provides a good lathering experience too.

I like that it does not contain SLS, parabens, synthetic fragrances and colorants.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin (Veg)**, Sodium Chloride, Linalool, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Sucrose Laurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Citronellol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Alcohol Denat, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil*, Sorbic Acid. *ingredient from organic farming. **made using organic ingredients. Naturally occurring within essential oils.

OPI Nail Polish Remover

Product Description
Mild acetone formula with Aloe Vera removes all traces of nail lacquer without streaking or staining

I picked this up from Hong Kong for HKD48 which is about S$8 for a 120ml bottle. It removes my OPI nail polishes relatively well, but the formulation contains acetone and there is still a slight drying after-feel.

With glitter nail polishes, it still requires abit of effort and time to remove it from the nails totally.

Source : Lenawhite

Estee Lauder Cyber White HD Advanced Spot Correcting Essence

Product Description
This powerful essence brightens the look of dark spots to virtual invisibility. Dullness disappears. Light seems to come from deep within your skin. Up close, your skin looks flawless, fair, translucent, with High Definition clarity.
Dermatologist-tested, Ophthalmologist-tested and Non-acnegenic

Inspired by new findings that exposure to pollution can cause irritation, activating a receptor called AhR that triggers an inflammatory pathway that can lead to the excess production of melanin, Estee Lauder introduces the next generation of advanced spot correcting and brightening with New CyberWhite HD.

This extraordinary brightening system is empowered  by NEW HD-90 Technology, which features a potent, unprecedented level of 90% active Baicalin, an ingredient derived from a botanical known for its exceptional soothing power, that helps inhibit irritation caused by AhR activation.
Designed especially for the needs of Asian skin, CyberWhite HD with HD-90 Technology whitens and helps prevent dark spots and discoloration caused by UVA/UVB, stress, aging and even pollution with unprecedented power.
Visibly reducing and helping prevent dark spots, the Quasi-Drug Whitening essence reveals “high definition” clarity. Infusing skin with moisture and maintaining moisture balance, skin’s suppleness is improved. The comprehensive formula is also Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Chapping and Anti-Acne.

I picked up 5 complimentary sachets for a 5-day usage and have been using it on either morning or night times. This essence boasts of concentrated ingredients to visibly reduces and help prevent dark spots, while infusing skin with moisture and maintaining moisture balance to improve on the skin's suppleness.

Benefits:
PREVENT - Counteract the visible effects of histamine release, which can lead to an increase in melanin production and help minimize the irritation from pollution that can contribute to the formation of spots. The result is the prevention of new spots and discoloration, which helps keep skin
looking bright and flawless.
CORRECT - Correct spots and overall tone by visibly reducing the look of discoloration. Working immediately to quickly shed away darkened dead skin cells and surface debris, skin is left radiant and even-looking and other active ingredients can now absorb further in to skin. Over time, helps
boost the support structure underneath age spots while also helping to break down pockets of melanin.
REVEAL - Magnify brightness and deliver a more flawless, translucent look
overall.

Key Ingredients:
90% Active Baicalin - neutralize irritation caused by AhR activation, to help minimize associated spot formation.
Melanin Interception Technology - counteracts the skin-darkening effects of histamine release, which can lead to the activation of melanocytes and hyper-pigmentation. Skin is kept in a constant state of calm, helping to prevent future spots from surfacing and keeping skin looking crystal clear and even-toned.
N Acetyl Glucosamine - focuses on the small surface spots that are melanin build-up in and around pore openings, and speeds them away to reveal brighter, beautifully even-toned skin.
Clarity Recovering Protein - working with skin's natural repair systems, it helps to maintain skin's support structure beneath large, stubborn age spots.
Melanin Dissolving Technology - penetrates the deepest layers of skin's surface to break down stubborn age spots until they become virtually invisible.
Anti-irritant Calming Complex - dramatically reduces irritation to help make skin less vulnerable to recurring spots. It helps inhibit the over production of melanin to help keep skin looking flawlessly radiant.

Lightweight in texture, the serum glides on well on my skin with its water and silicon-based formula. It contains substantial amount of Vitamin C to brighten up the skin with a mixture of antioxidants which is good stuff for the skin.

However the hefty price tag of $160 for a 30ml size just seemed too much for the pocket.
At this current stage with 5 sachets, I am unable to judge the brightening efficacy but it does makes the skin softer and smoother, making it a suitable candidate to layer under a hydrating moisturiser and reaping the best of both whitening and hydrating worlds.

It gives a soft focus feel to the skin, probably due to its mineral pigments mica contents.


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


Source : Estee Lauder , Media

Guardian + Blackbox + Murad + Watsons Haul

Marie Veronique Organics Cleanser US$32
Marie Veronique Organics Face Oil sample (complimentary)
Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Coverage Light Tint SPF 30 sample (complimentary)

Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser $23.95
Vichy Anti-Imperfection Stick

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Belif First Aid Overnight Brightening Mask sachet
Belif First Aid Transforming Peel Off Mask sachet
Loreal Mythic Oil sachet

- received the Blackbox in late July and realized that the Cetaphil cleanser expires in end Sept. Not a good experience receiving soon-to-expire goods.

Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream ( complimentary )
Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum $92 ( after $30 discount )
Murad Hydrating Toner $60
Murad White Brilliance Gentle Cleanser sachet
Murad White Brilliance Wrinkle and Pore Refining Treatment sachet
Murad Active Radiance Serum
Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15
Murad Refreshing Cleanser
Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer
Murad Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30

- my first foray into the Murad brand with an unpleasant experience. The matured lady named Angela at the BHG counter was manipulative ( as well as being hard-sell )  as she quoted a discount for both purchased products but when I was making payment, I realized that the discount is only for one product. When I confronted her with what she told me, she said the discount is only applicable for one product. Unethical tactics. Definitely the first and last time I will visit her counter.
I don't mind trying new products with lesser discount but I dislike her manipulative techniques. Yet another service staff bringing a bad name to Singapore.

Bioessence Eye Mask $55.90
Bioessence eye serum ampoule free sample with purchase
Dr. Morita Repair Eye Mask $10.70
Dr. Morita Syn Ake Eye Mask $11.90
Sunplay Skin Aqua Sunblock $12
Bioderma Cleansing Water $39.90
Philosophy Hope In A Jar (original version ) free sample

Review : Naruko VC Brightening and Deep Hydration Mask

Product Description
Instantly brightens and hydrates tired skin to restore a healthy, clear complexion.

I purchased it for $14.95 ( 50% off ) when there was a promotion on their website. Containing 10 individually packed pieces in a box, it was literally a steal for that price. Sadly, it doesn't perform up to my expectation.

The packaging has a "oldie" feel, which is pretty funny when I first lay my eyes on it. Just doesn't seem to fit into the Naruko line of products.
This mask is said to moisturize, brighten and improve skin dullness.

Soaked totally in its essence, the sheet mask provided a comfortable fit for my face shape. The material of the sheet mask is thin but sturdy. It has a heavy scent which seemed to be a mixture of lemon and orange but its hardly detectable once layered on the skin.

Its best to layer it on the face for the stipulated 20 minutes and nothing more. I tried it for 30 minutes and my skin was really taut and drying even though the sheet mask was still pretty wet.
After a 20 minutes' treatment , my skin was moderately moisturized from the outlook but still has a slightly drying feel which I dislike.
The brightening effect is there temporarily but did nothing much for my overall complexion the following morning.

Based on the ingredient list, collagen and vitamin C are not that high on the list. Even though Hyaluronic Acid is the 7th ingredient but I feel that it does nothing fantastic in terms of moisturising my skin. It will be good if the preservative, Phenoxyethanol can be found lower in the list though.