Review : Apivita Natural Serum Radiance with biberry & vitamin C

Product Description
The natural active ingredients stimulate all the processes for a radiant skin:

• Discolorations reduction and improvement of the overall skin tone, thanks to bilberry and vitamin C
• Micro-relief improvement and skin radiance 28%, thanks to bilberry and vitamin C
• Strong anti-oxidant cell protection, thanks to vitamin C, lycopene, rosehip, pomegranate and propolis
• Cellular longevity maintenance, thanks to coenzyme Q10

Exclusive innovation: APIVITA replaces water in the natural serum line with an organic green tea infusion to enhance the antioxidant action of the products.

Excludes synthetic ingredients that may pose harmful effects to your health and the environment.
Free of: Parabens, Silicones, Propylene glycol, Mineral oil, Ethanolamines, Phthalates, PCM, NM.

DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED

Made up of 96% natural ingredients, this new brand can be found in Ion Orchard. They have a boutique of its own but for some reason, its almost always empty. I first pick up this serum in Greece since this brand originated from there and the prices were so much affordable. I bought it for $28 Euro and I think Singapore is selling it for $75.

Its a green glass bottle with only 15ml in size and it took me about 2 mths to use it up, applying once a day. I started off with using it in the morning, but I noticed that my cheeks turned slightly red several hours later and I vaguely remembered reading about Vitamin C being photosensitive to skin. I switched to using it at night and my skin reacted to it much better.

I prefer to apply products with active ingredients in the night as its been known that some active ingredients are less effective when they are exposed to the sun. This Vitamin C serum comes in at the right time, just as I was trying to battle with the slight pigmentation on my cheeks.

The key ingredient in this product is Ascorbyl Glucoside, which is a stabilized form of Vitamin C. On its packaging, its written that this product is recommended for ladies in the 25-35 age group with Anti-aging, Dark spots, Dull Skin, First Wrinkles concerns.

The Natural Serum Radiance product dispenses the lightweight milky serum via a dropper dispenser which is pretty hygienic although it also meant that each time I use it, the contents are exposed to the air. Being Vitamin C, isn't it bad to get exposed to the air?

Green in colour, the glass bottle looks slightly opaque but is not exactly so, as you can easily see the amount of contents in it. I do hope the Vitamin C contents are well-protected.
It has a nice citrus scent which is really uplifting and can easily perks up my mood. The serum sinks into my skin without leaving any greasiness. And after a month of daily usage, I can feel that my skin is softer, smoother and more radiant. The pigmentation spots on both cheeks look less prominent as well.

Ingredients :

Aqua**, Glycerin, Olus Oil, Dodecane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Punica Granatum Seed Oil*, Propolis Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf* Extract, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Ubiquinone, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Oligosaccharides, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Cetyl Palmitate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf*, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Aqua, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil*, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Dicetyl Phosphate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sclerotium Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Squalane, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Alcohol, Bisabolol, Sodium Gluconate, Lecithin, Retinyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citric Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Diisopropyl Adipate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellol, Linalool

** Camelia Sinensis* Leaf Aqueous Infusion = Green tea* water
* Certified organic cultivation

Source : Apivita

Sephora, Orbis, Crabtree & Evelyn, Innisfree and Fancl

Orbis Whip Soda Pack $34
Orbis Aquaforce Toner $23
Orbis Aquaforce Mask $23.50
Crabtree and Evelyn Body Lotion Set
Crabtree and Evelyn Hand Cream ( gifts from a friend )

My doting mum bought the eye cream for me, though the ingredients are not up to my expectation.

Suisse Eye Contour Lift Cream $55 ( down from $155 )
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 $45.60 ( 20% off $57 )
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster $68 ( 20% off $85 )
Caudalie Vinosource Sorbet Cream $43.20 ( 20% off $54)
Caudalie Moisturizing Cream Mask $38.40 ( 20% off $48 )
Innisfree Sunscreen $11 (direct from Korea)

From Korea
Innisfree Its Real Pomegranate
Innisfree Its Real Avocado
Innisfree Its Real Manuka Honey
Innisfree Its Real Royal Jelly

A sweet friend bought the following masks for me
My Scheming Beauty Herbal Anti-Acne Mask
My Scheming Beauty Pearl Whitening Mask
My Scheming Beauty Aloe Vera + Vitamin E Mask
Naruko Apple Seed and Tranoxeamic Acid Mask
Naruko Brightening and Firming Mask

Pick up some Fancl products when there was a sale.

Fancl HTC Collagen DX Powder Drink $29.40 ( 30% off $42 )
Fancl Beauty Concentrate Treatment Mask $30 ( 50% off $60 )
Fancl Precious Beauty Selection $80
 - Deep Moisture Lotion
 - Beauty Concentrate
 - Moist and Vital Mask x 3 sheets
Fancl Whitening Essence $40.50 ( 30% off $65 )
Fancl Whitening Mask x 1 sheet ( complimentary )

Review : Garden Of Wisdom Majik Tresses Hair Serum Holiday Cheer

Product Description
Majik Tresses Hair Serum gives healthy shine to hair and also works to combat frizziness. This lightweight gel will not weigh your hair down. Leaves hair silky soft, radiant and manageable.

At 0.5oz, the size is small and portable. I ordered it late last year, together with other hair serums and took awhile to reach this product finally. I did not quite fancy the weird scent and thankfully it dissipates awhile after application.

Packaged with a flick-top opening, it is easy to dispense the contents out. The hair serum looks greasy but is in fact pretty lightweight and gets absorbed into my hair ends pretty quickly, without any greasy after-feel on my hair and palms.
I did not notice any significant improvement to my hair texture though.

Spring Water : hydrating, antioxidant
Hyaluronic Acid : hydrates skin, protects skin, can hold up to 1,000 times
its weight in water
Tamarind Extract : hydrating, healing, soothing
Keratin Amino Acid [animal derived] : great for hair, conditioning,
moisturizing
Panthenol B-5 : shine enchancing, moisturizing, hydrating
Hydrolyzed Keratin [animal derived] : great for hair, gives hair shine and
bounce. prevents frizziness
Sodium PCA : hydrating, gives shine
Optiphen : broad spectrum, paraben free preservative
Essential Oils for Scent

Source : GoW

Merry Christmas!

Its that time of the year again, where we will gather with families and loved ones for a day of feasting and exchanging of Christmas pressies.
At its core, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. The holiday's connection to Christ is obvious through its Old English root of "Cristes maesse" or Christ's Mass. For Christians, it is the time to renew one's faith, give generously and consider the past.

I am not a Christian but still, I always love Christmas! I think it will be perfect if we have snow in Singapore, to create that magical white Christmas feeling!

I set out to do some crafting as Christmas gifts, buying glass jars, miniature Christmas trees, glitters, distilled water and hot glue to do up a Snow Globe but disaster strikes as I realized that the Christmas trees are not meant for water because it bleeds, turning the water green! I bought lacquer to spray on the trees to make it waterproof but the glitters seem to get attracted to it. lol

Its extremely difficult for an uncreative person like me to go around looking for ideas and crafts to do, and wondering why our art supplies store is so limited and expensive. :P
But here's the end result.

Here's wishing all of you a Merriest Christmas and may things stay better than last year!

Review : Nuxe Gentle Exfoliating Gel

Product Description
This Gentle Exfoliating Gel exfoliates, eliminates dead cells and refines the skin texture with its combination of 100% botanical exfoliants (Extracts of Lychee Seed, Nutshell Powder). Complexion is clarified and purified (Rosemary Water). Skin is soothed and softened (Damascena Rose
Petal Floral Water, Allantoin).

A friend passed me a trial sized of this product recently. Heavily fragranced with a rose-like scent, the granules from lychee seeds and walnut powders seem abit too abrasive for my skin even though the product is said to be made for sensitive skin.

Combined with Rosemary floral water that is rich in rosmarinic acid and polyphenols with both
purifying and decongesting properties, Rosemary is also rich in tannins, and it is astringent meaning that it helps to tighten the pores and clarify the complexion.
It also does not provide the smooth after-feel which I am expecting from a face scrub. This product is definitely not for me.

Source : Nuxe

Review : Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF 30

Product Description
Lightly-tinted sunscreen with natural humectants in a rich base helps protect against moisture loss and blends easily on face. Ultra-fine porcelain particles of chemical-free, non-irritating Titanium Dioxide reflect the sun's damaging rays. Antioxidant vitamins and soothing botanicals help guard skin against premature aging and irritation. Recommended for sensitized skin

Key Ingredients :
UV Smart Booster Technology: an encapsulated complex of antioxidant
Vitamins C and E; scavenges UV-induced free radicals while enhancing
photoprotection.
UltraCalmingTM Complex: helps reduce sensitivity, redness, irritation and
inflammation.
Sodium PCA: a moisture-binding protein that acts as a humectant to allow
for more effective moisture absorption.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) and Tocopherol (Vitamin E):
antioxidants that improve skin smoothness and softness, and help control
damage caused by free radicals.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed and Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea): soothing
botanical extracts that provide anti-enzyme and antioxidant protection.
Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Leaf and Echinacea Purpurea (Coneflower):
help calm and soothe skin.
Iron Oxides: provide a natural tint to formula.

I received 2 complimentary sachets as part of my purchases some time back. Containing SPF 30, this product contains Titanium Dioxide to defend against partial UVA rays and full UVB rays.

Creamy in texture with a silicon smooth feel, the shade fits my skin tone and blends into my skin seamlessly. It was easy to apply on the skin due to its smooth texture and has a nice subtle fragrance that is soothing to the nose. The coverage is sheer to medium and conceals slight redness and blemishes.

Based on Paula's analysis, this product is loaded with many fragrant oils that are proven to be irritating. Research indicates that components of lavender, specifically linalool, can be cytotoxic, which means that topical application causes skin-cell death
Lavender leaves contain camphor, which is a known skin irritant. Because the fragrance constituents in lavender oil oxidize when exposed to air, lavender oil is a pro-oxidant, and this enhanced oxidation increases its irritancy on skin. Its recommended to avoid Lavender Oil in skin-care products.

New to Dermalogica? Check out Dermalogica Healthy Skin Essentials Set on Amazon!

Ingredients :
Titanium Dioxide (11.00%). Water/Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Arachidyl Alcohol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Bisabolol,
Tocopherol, Lecithin, Panthenol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Sorbitol, Proline, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Glycerin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Silica, Arachidyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Sodium DNA, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Neopentyl Glycol Diisostearate, Alumina, Methicone, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide,
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxy Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diiostearate, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

Source : whatgreatskin

Review : Sara Happ The Lip Scrub ( Brown Sugar )

Product Description
The go-to for those who are finicky about fragrance. Simple, straightforward. A classic. Eliminates dry, flaking skin, leaving lips ridiculously soft and supple. Wonder how you ever lived without it.


I need a lip product. Badly. Dry flaking lips every day in the freezing cold office is no joke. I am self-conscious when I talk to colleagues. So what better way, than to invest in a more expensive brand - Sara Happ, who is touted as a purveyor of luxury lips. 

I purchased Sara Happ The Lip Scrub ( Brown Sugar ) and Sara Happ The Lip Slip, keeping my fingers crossed that they will work. No, make it, that they must work. You can tell how desperate I am.

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub ( Brown Sugar ) comes in this really pretty and feminine chic brown box with a ribbon, as illustrated in the picture above. For the price, the lip scrub was a disappointment, to be stored in a clear plastic tub.

I love the scent though. A very yummy edible and delicious scent, except its not food. It was easy to get the grainy dark brown paste onto the lips and buff gently which made me wonder if using sugar from my kitchen works just as well without the hefty price tag. 

However, it was difficult to wash the stickiness off my fingers.

My lips becomes really soft. Adding the Sara Happ The Lip Slip overnight on my scrubbed lips made my lips so soft and kissable. But for the price, no, I will not re-purchase it. There are better products with a more reasonable price.

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub ( Brown Sugar ) scored 2.8 from 45 users on Makeupalley.

Review : Sara Happ The Lip Slip

Product Description
A balm like no other, The Lip Slip leaves no color, just the richest, glossiest hydration imaginable. Wear it all day. Wear it overnight. Results are immediate. We'd have it no other way.

The most expensive lip balm I have ever bought, I certainly hope it do wonders to compensate for the price tag. At 15g, it costs $32 though I bought it for $28.80 but it still hurts my pocket. Ouch!
At least it wouldn't be so painful if it truly works as it claims. But no, it doesn't. Its such a disappointment, really.

I picked this up from Luxola, after reading the rave reviews on it but it was such a let-down.
The packaging box with a ribbon bow is dainty, sweet and feminine. Open up the box, as though you would open up a gift, a small pink tub ( that looks abit plastic and cheap for its name "One Luxe Balm ) awaits for your first usage. The box packaging looks better than the real tub though.

This is my first lip balm in a tub because I seriously hate the hygiene factor for lip products in a tub. Lipbalms are meant to be convenient and on the go. Being in a tub meant hassle as it requires cleaniness.

I was desperate because my lips are flaking quite badly from the harsh air-conditioning in the office that it almost feels like winter as everyone wrapped themselves under layers and layers.

I wash my fingers and scoop out the sticky pinkish contents onto my lips. The texture is thick, waxy and sticky ( almost tacky for my likes ). Infused with Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Macadamia nut oils, it is colourless, glides well and provides a glossy finishing to well-moisturized lips. Note that if my lips is flaking badly, this does not do the job of hydrating it but made it worse.

I like the sheen. I like the gloss. But the stickiness and the hassle of cleaning my fingers before each usage is pretty inconvenient for me. Once the contents touch the fingers, the stickiness won't go away even if you wash it under water. You need a dry tissue paper to do that job, before washing under water.
This is a lip treatment product, an expensive lip balm that is supposed to do its job for day and night but it clearly doesn't deliver during the day.
When I used it as an overnight treatment, its a different story. I used it after lip scrub ( The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ ) then applied this on. Viola, it actually lasts throughout the night and my lips looked better ( soft and well-moisturised ) the following morning, though its back to the original flaking condition, once I reached office.

But seriously, I don't need an overnight lip treatment, what I need, is one for the day, where I am trying to hide my flaking lips from everyone I meet. For the the price I am paying, this is just a lip balm for the night and is not worth buying when there are so many better ones out there, with more reasonable prices.

This product scored 4.1 from 23 users on Makeupalley.
IngredientsPolybutene, Mineral Oil, Beeswax, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Tocopherol Acetate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Polydecene, Silica, Tin Oxide, Flavor, Saccharin.

Source : Sarahapp, Amazon

Review : Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Powder

Product Description
The HD Powder is a unique, extremely fine powder available in one universal shade to make the skin absolutely radiant. It sets the foundation and mattifies the skin without changing its natural contours. Consisting of mineral silica powder, its talc-free formula is non-drying. Its universal translucent shade matches all skin tones. It can be own alone or over foundation.

I bought this during my business trip to The States sometime back. It is simply sheer bliss to shop in USA because of its wide range of products over there, just take away the atrocious flight duration, please. :P

I bought mine in the 5g size, a smaller version of their usual 10g size. Its a small tub, making it a hassle to use the powder so I usually decant it to a slightly larger tub for a more fuss-free application.
However, due to its lightweight and fine texture, the powder has a tendency to "fly" all over the place so just be careful. I use this like a loose powder, setting it after my BB cream, using a kabuki brush.

This powder, made of 100 percent-mineral silica is said to soften the appearance of imperfections, fine lines, and pores and completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. It is white in colour, dermatologist-tested and talc-free.

The powder is finely-milled and has a lightweight silky texture that adds a soft focus to the skin. Because its white in colour and very fine in texture, the colour is hardly visible on the face but makes your skin feel and look velvety smooth and matte as it seems to minimize the pores near my nose.

When applied with a heavy hand, the powder tends to sit on top of my skin, making me look white, pale and "chalky". Similar to most powder, it may emphasize the dry patches so make sure you have well-moisturized skin. It is supposed to make you look better in photos but I don't really see a difference.

The product scored 3.8 from 731 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Makeupforever

Review : Nuxe Brightening BB Cream SPF 30 PA+++

Product Description
Nuxe Brightening BB Cream SPF 30 PA+++ is the perfect combination of natural active ingredients and the ultra-powerful flowers in an exclusive formula that unifies the complexion, brightens the skin and diminishes the appearance of dark spots.

Key Ingredients :
Green Tea Flowers - antioxidant that reinforces the body's natural defense. Astringent and smoothing action improves the complexion and reduces the size of dilated pores
Mallow - maintains water within the epidermis
White Crocus and Daisy Flowers - depigmenting and brightening effectiveness

The 2 complimentary sachets I owned provided about 6 to 8 times of usages. Available in only one shade, it blends well for my fair skin tone. The texture is creamy with a thick consistency, however it dries up pretty quickly so I need to work my way quickly when I am using the BB cream.

With medium coverage, this BB cream conceals blemishes and redness well. It visibly brightens up my skin tone and has a dewy glow after application. Oil control is moderately well.

Source : Uni

Review : ELF SPF 45 Sunscreen UVA/UVB Protection

Product Description
A portable loose powder sunscreen that can be worn alone or over any makeup for key sun protection. Shields against harmful UVA/UVB rays to prevent premature skin aging and sun damage. The soft translucent powder is infused with healthy ingredients such as Aloe Vera Extract, Grape Seed Extract and Vitamins A,C and E to help nourish and soothe the skin.

E.L.F which stands for eyes, lips and face is a brand with a range of very affordable products that comes from the USA but made in China. You can check out the range here. For a 10g product, it retails for US$6 but you may get it at a higher price products from other online stores that carry it.

I needed sun protection so what better way to load up on it, than using loose powder with high sun protection? Note that loose powder should not be the only method in protecting your skin from the sun as one does not apply thick enough to give the essential coverage that is required.

The packaging comes in a black box, with a sifter and a round puff that is not very travel-friendly as its bulky. I usually use the puff to pat the product on my face and then with a kabuki brush to spread it out.
The loose powder is not finely milled but slightly gritty and chalky with a heavy texture. With its one and only shade - a peachy pink tone, it does not quite match my fair skin at times as it appears darker as compared to my neck but not very obvious unless one peers closely.

It gives an overall matte finishing and adding on a blusher and highlighter works fine for me.
The product scored 3.2 from 20 users on Makeupalley.

Ingredients :

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 23.3% Zinc Oxide 18.7%

Ingredients: Mica, Silica, Talc, Bismuth Oxychloride, Boron Nitride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Va), Tocopheryl Acetate (Ve), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vc), Sodium Dehydroacetate May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77891 77892 77899), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)

Source : ELF

Sukin Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner

Product Description

A gentle daily shampoo to cleanse, nourish and soften any type of hair especially sensitive scalps.

Contains a delicate infusion of aloe vera, nettle, horsetail and burdock.

Product Description
This conditioner adds volume and shine while preventing tangles and static. Combines a delicate infusion of aloe vera, nettle, horsetail and burdock with rosehip, avocado, jojoba and sesame oils.
Suitable for everyday use and normal hair.

I bought the set of the shampoo and conditioner for $15 each in our local Watsons store. Nicely fragranced with rosehip scent, the light yellow contents are fluid enough to lather on the hair which provides light suds. However on my thick hair, it feels slightly dry-out with a straw-like feeling during the washing process. The end result is moderately fine. Clean but not overly dry.

The conditioner, with its white soft creamy texture and the similar lovely fragrance left my hair soft and smooth but it did not detangle my hair. My dry hair ends has kinks that took some effort to brush it out.

Both products are SLS and paraben-free and does not contain artificial fragrances, animal derivatives, harsh detergents,  petro-chemicals, artificial colours, triethanolamine and  mineral oils.

The shampoo scored 3 from 10 users on Makeupalley while the conditioner scored 3.2 from 9 users.

Shampoo Ingredients
Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanillin, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citric Acid, Linalool,* Limonene.*
* Natural component of essential oils.

Conditioner Ingredients
Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanillin, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Linalool,* Limonene.*
* Natural component of essential oils.

Review : Innisfree Its Real Acai Berry Mask

Product Description
Derived from Herb water complex and nature components that invigorates and freshen skin, the main ingredient, Acai berry moisturizes the skin and keeps it healthy with the nutrients and moisture.
Other ingredients includes honey extract, tangerine peel extract, green tea extract, cactus fruit extract and camellia tree leaf extract.

A friend helped to purchase 3 sheets of this facial sheet mask. Acai berry is known to provide anti-aging antioxidant benefits to defend against free radicals that cause aging.

With a hardly detectable fragrance, the sheet mask is made of sturdy yet soft material with a larger cutting that covers all areas but with slight hanging flaps near the cheeks and jaws.
The eye flaps are slightly shorter than I would prefer. The white essence is apparent when I pulled it out from the packaging but it did not leave a dripping mess.

After a 20minutes treatment, skin looked visibly brighter.

Source : koreadepart

Review : Heme Instant Firming and Whitening Eye Mask

Product Description
This innovative cutting of the eye mask gives one refreshed and radiant looking eyes. It is specially formulated with patented active ingredients to brighten, depuff and hydrate all skin around the eyes. It visibly improves fine lines.


I purchased a box of these eye masks from the local Watsons. Bringing these along for my Greece trip for my morning usage just before I don the contact lenses.

Shaped like a butterfly with a masquerade-like design, the generous shape meant you get covered from the eyes to the top of the cheeks however because of the thin material, it tears easily.
It provides an instant refreshing feel for that pick-me-up in the morning.

Review : Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Lipo-drain Serum

Product Description
A pioneering serum that helps restore more harmonious, refined facial features. Indispensable for those whose facial features have become heavy-looking over time. Both the front as well as from the profile, the face looks more refined, its overall beauty is visibly enhanced.

Key Ingredients :
Specific complex (garcinol, caffeine and butcher's broom extract): contours and filters.
Horsetail extract: astringent, smoothes, firms.
Extract of brown algae: hydrates and softens.
Extracts of grape, blackberry, scutellaria and saxifrage: evens the complexion.

After seeing a good friend who has a sharper face contour with this product, it prompted me to get one as well. I have a cherubic face shape and always wanted a sharper contour so I thought it may come in handy for me.

At 50ml, the slim bottle is handy and portable. The press dispenser dispenses the white cream easily without any messiness. The product is said to refine facial features and promotes high definition face contours from the chin up to the cheekbones by encouraging the elimination of excess fatty deposits and fluids. Just what I need. It comes with a Auto-Lifting Manual which indicates the steps to be used together with the product for maximum effectiveness as it aids in lymphatic and blood circulation.

The steps do look tedious initially but after awhile, it becomes easier when I remembered the steps.

 

After a month of using this, followed by the recommended steps from the manual, a friend whom I have not met for awhile commented that my face shape has turned sharper. Personally, I can't really tell that my skin appeared to be lifted or firmer, still the comments from her certainly bring a smile.  However, the result seemed to stay stagnant thereafter.

I don't use the product daily or regularly because it does not hydrate well and I tend to skip this product, depending on my skin needs. And hydration has always been my topmost concern. Alcohol is the 2nd ingredient in the list which I rather do without.

It scored 4.2 from 44 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Clarins

Giovanni Cleanse Moisturizing Body Wash - Raspberry Winter

Product Description
Cleanse luxuriating body wash drenches skin in a mystical raspberry fragrance and contains distinctive foaming agents that lather easily to gently cleanse away the day. Contains the exclusive Giovanni Eco Chi Technology blend, an advanced essential oil complex to soothe, smooth and regenerate skin's lost moisture.

This 310ml pink curvy bottle looks pretty feminine. With its curvature size, it makes a good grip for the hands. Smells like edible raspberry drinks, it is cloying and too sweet for my senses. Some people may like it but I still find it an odd scent for the body.

It foams well and its moisturizing on the skin but I reckon I may just try other scents.

Ingredients :
Aqua (purified water), sodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, cocamidopropyl betaine, vegetable glycerin, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), citric acid, *aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, *sambucus nigra (elderberry) flower extract, *mangifera indica (mango) fruit extract, *macrocystis pyrifera (sea kelp) extract, *rubus idaeus (raspberry) fruit, *echinacea angustifolia (coneflower) extract, *cetraria islandica (iceland moss) extract, phenoxyethanol, fragrance (includes essential oil)
*USDA Organic
100% Vegetarian Ingredients
We do not add parabens, lauryl or laureth sulfate, or dyes to this product

Source : Iherb

Review : Murad Refreshing Cleanser

Product Description
A light weight skin cleansing treatment that removes surface dirt that can clog pores, such as makeup, impurities and daily dirt that accumulates through pollution and the realities of life. However, the ingredients in this cleanser differentiate it. Cucumber Extract soothes your skin for a fresh feel, and White Ginger and Algae Extracts work to soften and smooth skin.

As part of its Age Reform range of products which are specifically designed to combat the breakdown of collagen and weakening of elastin in the skin, this cleanser is the first step to remove complexion-dulling surface dirt and oil as it hydrates the skin.

I received a complimentary 3.7ml sized cleanser during my purchase in August. As mentioned before, I am skeptical in trying out new cleansers. It has to be gentle and nourishing. I am not too impressed with this cleanser's texture which reminds me of those foam cleansers which are usually drying to my skin.

During my initial usage, it left a taut feeling on the skin which is an absolute no-no. White in colour, the texture seemed lightweight and it foams on the skin. It has a light citrus scent. There was no redness and subsequent usage did not leave my skin screaming for more moisture.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate as its 2nd ingredient is definitely not acceptable in my cleanser and products. However, most of the users on Makeupalley seemed pleased with it, scoring 4.1 from 37 of them.

What it is formulated WITHOUT: - Phthalates
This product is dermatologist developed, scientifically proven, and tested on people, not animals.

Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glycol Distearate, Butylene Glycol, Algae Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycolic Acid, Sodium PCA, PEG-8 Distearate, Polyquaternium-4, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Limonene, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Fragrance (Parfum)

Source : Murad