Review : Purete Duo Care Eye & Lip Cream

Product Description
Pureté Duo Care Eye and Lip Cream can increase blood circulation and reduces puffiness, under-eye shadows and fine eye-area and lip lines effectively. Sorbitol and Grape Seed Oil help to make the fragile eye-area skin stronger and better protected. Precious Frankincense and Tocopheryl Acetate soothe and comfort the eye area by protecting skin against environmental damage.

This 5ml product was in the August Glama Beauty Box which I have been using on a daily basis for the past one month. White in colour, the eye cream has a light creamy consistency that did not leave a greasy film on the undereye area.

Formulated in France, this product has slight emollient texture that glides well and provide subtle hydration to my dry undereye area but there was no visible improvement to the puffiness, undereye shadows or fine lines.

Source : Jeban

Review : HABA Time Share Mask

Product Description
HABA’s first anti-aging and moisturizing sheet mask focuses on the details - on aging skin cells. This beauty mask contains baicalin, chamomile extract, zanthoxylum piperitum seed extract and other natural ingredients.
Continued usage of the mask results in youthful and fine skin characterized by resiliency and a healthy glow. This stretch sheet mask perfectly fits skin to induce thorough and deep penetration of an invaluable serum. The serum contained in the mask is of a translucent pink color which is derived
from one of the ingredients cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12).

Key Ingredients :
Baicin, an antioxidant ingredient : enhances resiliency and the youthfulness of skin.
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Seed Extract, from a Japanese pepper : protects the translucency and firmness of skin
Micro-hyaluronic Acid : gives skin excellent hydration.
Ceramide 2 : aids moisture retention in skin by enhancing the barrier function of skin making it resistant to irritation.
Squalane : supports the permeation of all the beauty ingredients which supports the softness and suppleness of skin.

During my last HABA purchases at Ngee Ann City, I was given 2 sheets of the Time Care masks together with some mask purchases. The mask is sweet pink in colour, soaked with essence and is made up of a soft thin material.

I brought it along for my short Bangkok trip and it moisturizes the skin well, making it soft and supple.

Source : Haba

Apivita Express Gold With Rose Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Eye Patches

Product Description
Express Gold Anti-fatigue Moisturizing Eye Patches have a rich formula and contain 96% natural ingredients. It contains rose water, ivy extract, marshmallow extract, prickly pear extract, hibiscus extract, vitamin E, sunflower oil and chamomile infusion.
Excludes synthetic ingredients that may pose harmful effects to your health and the environment.

Key Ingredients :
Rose offers instant hydration and radiance to the skin
Ivy and marshmallow have anti-fatigue properties, tone microcirculation and decongest the eye area
Prickly pear has moisturizing and soothing properties and provides a unique sense of rejuvenation to the skin

A pair of small dry eye patches awaits you as you tear open the packaging. It has a plastic smell which is hardly welcoming. The product is free of Parabens, Silicones and Propylene Glycol.

Expensive to boot, I hardly see any visible improvement after one use. Then again, I don't really expect miracles from a one-time usage.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water), Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Sucrose, Glycerin, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water*, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Dextrin, Althaea Officinalis Root* Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf* Extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid
* Certified organic cultivation

Source : Apivita

Review : Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Shower Gel

Product Description
When you're burnt out, struggling to concentrate and longing for that extra hour in bed, fast-track to relaxation using our Knackered Cow range. Featuring a herbaceous blend of Lavender to calm and Eucalyptus to clarify and uplift, our Bath & Shower Gel will naturally cleanse and de-stress.
It contains no parabens, SLS or petrochemicals and is 100% vegetarian and has not been tested on animals.

The 50ml size I owned is a lovely treat on my recent Bangkok trip. It foams well but I thought the scent smells odd, perhaps I am not used to the combination of the various essential oils used in the gel. Its also non-drying.

Check out other products in the same line which I have reviewed
Cowshed Lazy Cow Soothing Cow Bath and Shower Gel
Cowshed Moody Cow Balancing Bath and Shower Gel
Cowshed Horny Cow Seductive Bath and Shower Gel 
Cowshed Wild Cow Invigorating Bath and Shower Gel


Source : Cowshed

Review : Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

Product Description
Gentle enough to use daily, our mild exfoliating facial skin cleanser is designed to effectively cleanse and replenish skin, while providing resurfacing benefits.

Philosophy products seemed to be more of a miss than a hit on my skin. I received a 30ml sample while shopping in Sephora. A friend raved about their products so I thought I will give it a try.

I never really buy into the theory of using an exfoliating cleanser. Its either a cleanser or a scrub but nothing inbetween for me. Why would I want to use an exfoliating cleanser everyday on my delicate skin?

This product claimed to be gentle for everyday use but it wasn't. It made my skin feel taut immediately after cleansing. And then my cheeks turned red and warm for a couple of hours.
That said, I have to say that the exfoliating beads contained within a gel texture are really fine like sand but the after effects are still harsh on my skin though it did make it smoother.

It scored 4.1 from 316 users on Makeupalley.

Ingredients :
aqua/water/eau, sodium cocoyl apple amino acids, solum diatomeae/diatomaceous earth/terre de diatomees, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate crosspolymer, glycerin, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, borago officinalis seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, tocopherol, tocotrienols, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, panthenol, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, sodium chloride, sodium glycolate, propylene glycol, magnesium chloride, sodium benzoate, magnesium nitrate, tetrasodium edta, sodium hydroxide, citric acid, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone

Source : Philosophy

Review : REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel

Product Description
A light and cooling gel formulated with mucilages from Fig to cool, refresh and revive tired eyes,
Arnica, Ginseng and Jiaogulan extracts reduce puffiness while tyrosinase inhibitor from Wild Rumex and Vitamin P address dark circles under the eyes. Sea Grass and natural hyaluronic acid from Corn smooth and tone the eye contour, providing lasting hydration to facilitate make up application.

I have heard so much about REN that I opted for some complimentary samples while purchasing from Lovelula. REN is known for skipping unfriendly ingredients like synthetic fragrance, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents, synthetic colors, animals ingredients, silicone and parabens.

The complimentary sample is a 3ml eye gel in a tube form. It is said to contain 7 active ingredients ( hence, the name ) like mucilages, wild rumex, arnica, ginseng, and jiaogulan, pectins, and hyaluronic acid.

Clear in colour, the lightweight gel sinks into the skin pretty quickly and is refreshing cool on the undereye area. It helps to perk up tired eyes but did nothing to alleviate my dark circles or deflat the eye bags.

In terms of ingredients, note that Arnica has potential to be irritating so if you have a sensitive eye area, its best to avoid.

Ingredients :
Rosa Damascena (Bulgarian Rose) Flower Water, Glycerin (Source Coconut Oil), Ficus Carcia (Fig) Fruit Extract, Arnica Montana (Montana Flower) Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Kelp) Extract, Zostera Marina Pectin, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans (source Corn), Gynostemma Pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan) Leaf Extract, Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) Root Extract, Rumex Occidentalis Extract, Faex (Yeast) Extract, Phenoxyethanol (Source Aromatic Ether), Sodium Carbomer (source Polymer), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (source Amino Acids)

Source : Beauty

Estee Lauder Nutritious Radiant Vitality Energy Lotion Intense Moist

Product Description
This high-performance, energizing treatment lotion with anti-oxidants deeply hydrates skin. Rich, cushioning lotion infuses skin with comforting moisture and energy for a look of radiant vitality. From the Nutritious Collection, powered by pomegranate. See a new look of active, radiant health

From the newly launched range from Estee Lauder last year, I picked up a complimentary 15ml sample to try out. You can also check out their range here.

It has a pomegranate scent mixed with other fragrances that gives it an overall heavy scent. The texture is gel-like that requires some spreading with my fingers on the cotton pads before using on the face.

I like that it feels nourishing and is hydrating on my skin. Smooth and supple after application that preps the skin for the next skincare product.

Get the improved formula of Estee Lauder Nutritious Vitality Radiant Energy Lotion Intense Moist from HERE with free shipping.

Source : Macys

Review : Naruko Raw Job Tears Supercritical Co2 Whitening Serum

Product Description
NARUKO Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Serum combines concentrated whitening and comprehensive repairing benefits to form a dual-purpose protective mechanism to defend healthy skin. Raw Job's Tears extract helps whiten, moisturize, revitalize, soothe skin while providing antioxidants. Tranexamic Acid to eliminate and to prevent melanin formation dark spots on the skin. Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine maintains healthy skin. The serum is formulated with Raw Job's Tears oil extract, Glucono Lactone, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, and collagen. These ingredients work together to promote healthy skin by providing antioxidants to the skin, improving the skin's metabolism, and maintaining the skin's health.

I owned a 5ml sample that is part of a trial pack which I bought from Watsons in JB mid last year. Made in Taiwan, please be reminded that the serums in Naruko products are meant to be used before lotion, so to me, it works like a moisturizer, despite the name.

The whitening serum has a light refreshing barley scent that smells nice. The texture is lightweight and get absorbed into the skin pretty quickly. However, its not hydrating enough as my skin flakes under air-conditioning places. My skin looks slightly brighter but its pretty subtle. To be fair, for a 5ml usage, I can't expect much within a short period.

Ingredients :
Purified Water (Aqua), Taiwan Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Raw Jobs Tears) Seed/Shell Extract, Taiwan Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Raw Jobs Tears) Seed/Shell Oil Extract, Phytoferulin® Extract [Kalanchoe Spathulata Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Alpine Skullcap (Scutellaria Alpina) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Masterword (Peucedanum Ostruthium) Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Alps Wormwood (Artemisia Umbelliformis) Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Alpine Willowherb (Epilobium Fleischeri) Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamolmilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract], Snow Fungus (Tremella Fuciformis) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tranexamic Acid, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glucono Lactone, Malic Acid, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Calactoarabinan, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sclerotium Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Source : Amazon, Naruko

Review : Orbis Oil Cut Aquaforce Mask

This new brand landed on our local shores in August last year. I chanced upon it while shopping in Robinsons Orchard and bought some products to try out since its pretty affordable on the pockets.

Orbis is a Japanese brand under the POLA cosmetic Group where their products are 100% oil-free. The Oil Cut Aquaforce Mask is from their popular Aquaforce range meant for moisturizing purposes.
On top of being oil-free, the mask is also fragrance-free, alcohol-free, surfactant-free, free of artificial colors, with mild acidity and is allergy tested.

Made in Japan, each pack contains 5 individually-packed sheets and retails for $23.50. The mask is wet but not a dripping mess and is refreshing when its layered on the skin. Only 5 minutes is required to do its job well.

I am disappointed that the cutting of the sheet mask does not seem to cater to those with large faces or cherubic face shapes like mine. Its so small and makes it an uncomfortable fit for my face. While it has no scent and the material is durable enough not to get torn easily, the cutouts for the eyes and the lips are just too small. The whole mask does not even cover the full sides of my face.

Its not hydrating enough as there's a slight taut feeling barely 5 minutes after removing the sheet mask. On severely dehydrated skin, it stings slightly during the treatment process. Affordable product but not effective on me.
In terms of ingredients, I also didn't like that their preservative and paraben has a higher concentration.

Review : Etude House Milk Talk Body Wash (Choco Milk)

Product Description
Moisturizing body wash supplies rich foam, texture and fragrant scent for soft, cleansed skin. Milk extract makes moist body and sweet scent makes feeling better.      

This was a gift from a dear friend, direct from Korea. At 200ml, this makes a good travelling companion with its cute packaging, portable size and yummy scent.
The flick-top cap is easy to dispense the light creamy contents by turning the bottle upside-down and with light depressing motions.

I am loving this body wash so much, with foam that gives a luxurious wash and the delectable chocolate scent that is unbeatable.

Source : Sasa

Gransenbon Gran Blush 01

This is an old product from my blusher stash which has been discontinued in Singapore. It used to be one of the hot favourites among Japanese blushers. I bought mine at $15, down from the original $29.90 at BHG.

The blusher has 2 separate compartments, one for the brush and one with the blush. The brush bristles are soft, small and portable to be carried around. With the mirror included in the compact, its very travel friendly. I like to slip this into my bag for touch-ups.

It has moderate shimmers and looks rather pinkish but goes on beautifully and naturally on my fair skin. The texture is soft and has good staying power on well-moisturized skin. Lovely blush, indeed.

Review : My Beauty Diary Caviar Mask

Product Description
My Beauty Diary Caviar Mask specially extracted from sturgeon contains luxurious skin beautifying elements that deeply moisturize and nourish the skin. Natural plant moisturizing ingredient bladderwrack extract penetrates deep into the skin to provide intensive hydration effectively reviving tired skin. Rescue your skin from damage and wrinkles with this enhancement and regain your elasticity again.

Caviar essence Combined with various youth-restoring plant essence compounds such as pure rice essence and ginkgo extract, this mask effectively lifts and firms your skin through the effect of hydrolyzed elastin. Cheeks are lifted and your facial contours are tightened and revitalized, making your skin appear younger and giving you a V-shaped face.

Using this on a weekly basis whenever I am at my mum's place, this sheet mask is made of Japanese-imported multi-layer cotton sheet that is supposed to be able to hold additional nutrients and moisture. It is said that the use of nano-technology makes the cotton sheet ultra soft and adheres closer to the skin, so nutrients can be effectively delivered without running off.

The material of the sheet mask is thin and extremely wet, so wet that it kept dripping from my face. leaving a sticky mess behind. I like that it moisturizes my skin very well although I failed to see any lifting effect on my skin. It visibly brightens up my skin immediately after removing the mask.

Source : Sasa , Beautykat , prettyandcute

Review : Haba Amino Collagen Moisture & White Pack

Product Description
Specially produced for Asian women with dry skin and skin troubles caused by UV rays such as dark spot and suntan. It enhances moisture of the skin surface with collagen pack which has high water retention ability. Amino acid (Glycine, Hydroxyproline) penetrates into the skin and makes skin
supple from inside. The effect on dark spot and suntan is expected by oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative contained. It would not give sticky feel after washing off.

Made in Japan, this is a new brand that I recently ventured into, after stumbling into the shop in Takashimaya. Their $30 promotion caught my eye and I bought this for just $30 instead of $52.
Contained in a white soft tube, the almost clear gel is dispensed through light depression on the tube. The texture is jelly-like and applies like a glob on the skin and you need to spread it around with your fingers.

It feels refreshing cooling on the skin but it does not do much to relieve any dryness or flakiness on the skin. In fact, I hardly see any visible difference with or without using the product.

Washing it off the skin is yet another troublesome affair as its extremely difficult to cleanse it off because of its jelly clingy texture to the skin. Wetting cotton pads and using clear water do not work. Using Scottish tissue works but its too rough on my delicate skin as a long time measure.
I spent much time using clear water to splash and clean all off the face but my skin still feels sticky. A spritz of the Avene thermal spray made it a more complete cleansing job.

Source : Amazon

Review : Skin Food Glacier Water Mask Sheet

Product Description
A cotton sheet mask that helps tone and soothe skin with glacier water in a lightweight, yet hydrating serum.  Pure glacier water is naturally alkalescent and enriched with oxygen, pottasium, calcium, magnesium and other beneficial minerals.

Its amazing how Korea brands are always formulating new sheet masks to keep beauty addicts like me, to keep trying them out. My skin has been in a bad phase recently, probably due to the up-coming menses.
My skin is dehydrated with rough surface, yet oily enough to sprout out zits one after another. I am trying to combat both issues during this period, as well as trying to recover from a running nose. The harsh air-conditioning in the office is the sole culprit.

Made of sturdy material, the cut-out area at the lips area is pretty small, making it an uncomfy fit. The mask stings on the zits-affected areas for about 5 minutes after layering it, but disappeared thereafter.
After a good 15minutes mask treatment, the rough areas were much minimized and my skin feels smoother and more supple. The light redness on my skin subsided and my overall skin looks rested.
However, barely 5 minutes later, my skin feels tighter.

Source : Kpoptown