Lancome Bi-Facil Non Oily Instant Cleanser Sensitive Eyes

Product Description
Remove traces of the day with Lancôme’s Bi-Facil – our beautifully simple eye makeup remover.
With a formula that’s suitable for even sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, Bi-Facil gently removes makeup including waterproof mascara. Ophthalmologically tested.

The 125ml bottle was part of the Christmas 2012 set which I have been using on a daily basis. Packaged in a clear plastic bottle with a twist and turn cap, this bi-phase formula needs some shaking to get it mix well before use. It seems gentle and despite its claims as non-oily, it does leave a slight oily residue which contributes to some oil clogs near the undereye area.

With a light fragrance, it removes light eye make-up well and requires more tries on waterproof mascara. On eyeliner marks, I still use a cotton bud for the remaining residue.

Updated ( 18th May 16 ) :
Lancome Bi-Facil Non Oily Instant Cleanser Sensitive Eyes removes their own Lancome mascara effortlessly, as compared to Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Water.

Source : Lancôme

Review : Murad Active Radiance Serum

Product Description
Renews skin for a smoother and more youthful complexion.

Clinically proven to brighten and renew skin in 1 week by :
- improving natural radiance and clarity
- smoothing skin to restore youthful texture and tone

This 3.7ml serum which is part of a birthday pack I received last year from Murad appeared to be an older version of its current serum. Their newer product is known as the Advanced Active Radiance Serum which supposingly gives faster result.

The serum, light orange in colour with a bitter orange scent appears to have a lightweight texture that sinks into the skin well if apply with a light hand. However, on my face, the serum feels heavy and sticky to glide well. At 3.7ml, the quantity may be too little for me to see any obvious improvement on the slight pigmentation on my cheeks.

Paula gives it a poor rating due to its high pH level for the glycolic acid to exfoliate well and a low level of Vitamin C ingredient in it. The 2 forms of menthol along with fragrance chemicals may cause irritation to the skin.

The product scored 4 from 31 users on Makeupalley.

Ingredients :
Water, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Ectoin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Biotin, Mannitol, Chitosan Ascorbate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Pca, Betaine, Sorbitol, Glycine, Alanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Arginine, Lysine, Glutamic Acid, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Menthyl Lactate, Lauryl Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Corn Starch Modified, Xanthan Gum, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance, Yellow 5, Orange 4

Source : PaulaChoice

Review : 100% Pure Cabernet Grape Hydrating Body Wash

Product Description
Delicious and richly foaming Hydrating Body Wash is a luxurious wash that gently cleans while it softens, hydrates, and pampers. Hydrating Body Wash leaves you sparkling clean and refreshed while nourishing your skin with vitamins, antioxidants and skin brightening fruits. No harsh detergents, no synthetic chemicals, no artificial fragrances or any other toxins that can strip, irritate or dehydrate your delicate skin! Truly, 100% Pure.

I love 100% Pure body washes and I can't rave enough on how delicious it smells and the pampering wash I look forward each time. The picture reflected on their website seemed to be more of a vanilla coloured wash but is in fact purple in reality.

This is yet another new scent I picked up recently with cabernet grape scent that smells so much like wine. 4 pumps for a luxurious wash that provides light foamy suds and you can literally feel that its a pampering fun wash. For those who are first timers to 100% Pure body washes, you may not be used to their light airy foam but once you get over it, you will enjoy your bath in no time.

Ingredients :
Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Juice)*, Organic Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Rose Hydrosol)*, Organic Lavendula Angustifolia Aqua (Lavender Hydrosol)*, Cocos Nucifera (Saponified Coconut) Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple Flavor), Extracts of Vitis Vinifera Fruit (Cabernet Grape), Organic Camelia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea)*, Calendula Officinalis Flower (Calendula), Opuntia Tuna Fruit (Prickly Pear), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Euterpe Oleracea Fruit (Acai Berry), Lycium Barbarum Fruit (Goji Berry), Morinda Citrifolia Fruit (Noni), Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry), Sambucus Canadensis (Elderberry), Rubus Fruticosus Fruit (Blackberry), Organic Rubus Idaeus Fruit (Raspberry)*, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed and Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle), Hyaluronic Acid * Certified Organic

Organic Surge + Naruko + Sephora Haul

 

 

Organic Surge Fresh Ocean Shower Gel  $10 ( down from $14.90 from BHG )

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel ( down from $14.90 from BHG )

Thursday Plantation 100% Tea Tree Oil  $13.80

Naruko Rose and Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Jelly Lotion EX  RM$42

VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible BBBB Cream $16.80 ( 30% off Luxola )

HABA Squa Cleansing $40.50 ( 50% off $81 when you bring an old cleanser to their store )

 

Picked up some products during the recent Sephora 20% member sale

GlamGlow Bright Mud Eye Treatment  $73.60 ( down from $92 )
Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealor 01  $33.60 ( down from $42 )
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask  $28 ( down from $35 )
Fresh Rose Face Mask $76 ( down from $95 )
Biotherm Clarifying Cleansing Milk $33.60 ( down from $42 )
Biotherm 48hr Hydration Replenishing Gel $55.20 ( down from $69 )
Complimentary 3 set items from Biotherm with every $100 purchase
Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Serum $66 ( 30% off as this brand will be discontinued at Sephora )
Complimentary Nuxe Whitening Trial Kit

 

Review : One Love Organics Skin Savior

Product Description
A multi-talented, 100 percent natural with organic ingredients, multi-purpose balm that cleans, moisturizes and conditions the skin.
Pure, cold-pressed plant oils, rich mango butter, and three super-critical extracts break down dirt and makeup, cleansing your skin, without stripping its natural protective layer. And you can use the very same balm for moisturizing, illuminizing, hair taming and creating your own custom treatment foundation

The last product from the trial pack is a tiny size but packs a punch and it seems to last forever, because you only need a tiny amount of the balm for the whole face, else you may risk looking like an oily pan.

A multi-purpose product, it can be used as a cleanser, hair tamer, illuminizer, make up remover, moisturizer, pomade, primer for mineral powder and as skin soother. I have tried using it as a make-up remover on its own ( without their Skin Shammy, a microfiber cloth ) but I didn't like it one bit. Its too waxy, clumpy yet stiff to cleanse off my make-up and it leaves a residue on the skin which I dislike.

As a moisturizer, I prefer to layer it after its oil-based serum, Love Springs Eternal or Morning Glory as it provides a good base for the Skin Savior to glide on. Without the facial oils, the Skin Savior on its own, does not get absorbed into the skin that easily.

I love the scent and also how well it glides on the skin easily, giving it ample moisture and making my skin smooth and supple. Dabbing on dehydrated areas on my face is great too.
Apply with a light hand as you may look shiny with the oil-based serum and this waxy balm. Sometimes I use a tissue to just dab gently all over my face to reduce the shine.

Their essential sample pack is a great way for those wanting to get a feel of their products first, before investing in the full size. Check it out here.
Previously, I ordered it via a friend who was travelling to the States for a business trip but if you are residing in Singapore, you can get their products from Lovelula and Naturisimo but the range is limited and you can't get the sample pack from both sites.

Ingredients :
organic cocos nucifera (virgin coconut) oil, organic glycine soja (sweet soy) seed oil, organic beeswax, mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, salvia hispanica (chia) seed extract, avena sativa (oat) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, simmondsia chinesis (jojoba) seed oil, organic vanilla planifolia fruit extract, tocopherol (natural, non-gmo vitamin e)

Source : OLO

Review : One Love Organics Love Springs Eternal

Product Description
An anti-aging serum unlike any other, this miraculous serum boasts some of Mother Earth’s most effective gifts: watermelon seed oil to smooth, dissolve build-up and provide a rich composition of essential fatty acids, Bulgarian Rose Oil to tone and moisturize, and clinically proven D’Orientine S  to help protect skin from environmental sources of aging and wrinkling.

This anti-aging serum is pretty rich so I prefer to use it in the night, followed by OLO Skin Savior. I really like the scent which smells divine. Note that you need some time for the serum to get absorbed into the skin and you will reap the benefits like I did.
After application in the night, my skin usually feels hydrated and looks smooth and glowing the following morning. After a month of usage, I do feel that my skin looks more even-toned.

But the shiny look is something I dislike and I have tried with a light hand but on my combination skin, it still looks slightly greasy. At times, there were tiny bumps on the skin and when I overdose on it, I get zits on my chin. Just need to remember that a little goes a long way.

What is great is that this serum does not contain Petrochemicals, Parabens, Sodium lauryl sulphate, Harsh surfactants, Chemical additives, Preservatives, Synthetics dyes, Synthetic fragrances, Phthalates, Silicones, Synthetic vitamin E and Propylene glycol.

Ingredients :
citrullus vulgaris (watermelon) seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride (and) phoenix dactylifera (date) seed extract, organic rosa damascena (rose) oil, citrus aurantium (neroli) oil, organic boswellia carteri (frankincense) oil, organic cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) Oil, tocopherol (natural vitamin e)

Source : OLO

Review : Schwarzkopf Q10 Recharge Serum

Product Description
Q10 Recharge range brings energy to your hair from the very beginning via pure coenzyme Q10 combined with Liquid Keratin. Pure coenzyme Q10, the energy source of revitalizing scalp, promotes the regeneration of scalp keratin and stimulates full energy born with hair. It gives you up to 100% fuller and more supple hair and strengthens and replenishes the hair from the inside. Unique Liquid Keratin with high permeability, acting as if a highway were opened inside hair, transmits strong energy to every hair cell with max. speed and starts strong hair growth from inside out.

I bought a trio set of the rinse-off treatment at 20ml each from Hainan Island sometime back. Interestingly, I don't think its available on our local shores. According to the Chinese description, this product is to be used once a week as an intensive treatment but I thought each tube is too much for my hair so I use it like a hair conditioner where I decant into a small tub and use it bit by bit.

Nicely fragranced, this serum with its creamy formula glides on the hair smoothly, making the hair softer, smoother and perhaps fuller. I can't comment if the "fuller" effect is that obvious because I have thick hair, to begin with and this serum is not exactly for my hair condition. I bought it, purely as hair nourishment - for hair strengthening.
This hair serum, on my hair feels more like an intensive conditioner.

Source : Schwarzkopf

Review : Korres Wild Rose Instant Brightening Mask

Product Description
A pure white mask for a clear and radiant complexion.
Wild Rose oil is a natural source of vitamin C, which demonstrates significant repairing activity to fine lines and skin marks. At the same time, a complex of herbal extracts targets skin discolorations, adding brightness and radiance to the skin. An instant brightening effect is immediately visible from the first application.

I picked up this 16ml whitening mask from the beautiful country, Greece. Korres is so much cheaper over there than in Singapore. Containing 93.3% natural contents, this is a creamy white mask that looks creamy but is actually thin in application.

It has a similar scent to that of the moisturizer with the same name, which reminds me of some strong spices. The texture is runny and has a cooling sensation. After 15minutes of treatment, it left the skin feeling soft and smooth, with an immediate brightening effect. However, it stings my skin at times, especially on dehydrated parts of my face.

According to Paula, the brightening effect may have come from the titanium dioxide which will usually leave a white cast on the skin and not from the small amount of Vitamin C.
In addition, Vitamin C is an ingredient that needs to be used daily on the skin and not just leaving it on the skin.

This mask scored 3.9 from 65 users from Makeupalley.

Ingredients :
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide (C.I. 77891), Behenyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Mannitol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Allantoin, Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone, Arginine, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Dextrin, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ferulic Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Isohexadecane, Lactic Acid, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Panthenol, Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-8, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil Unsaponifiables, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate-80, Sodium Acrylate/ Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Waltheria Indica Leaf Extract

Source : Korres

Bio-essence Brightening & Revitalizing Eye Mask

Product Description
A unique eye mask which deeply nourishes eye contours with ample minerals and nutrients and revitalizes skin cells to restore skin's elasticity and smoothness. Enriched with excellent whitening ingredient Tranexamic Acid to prevent and lighten dark eye circles, for more radiant and young looking eye contours

Product Efficacies :
- contains rich mineral essence to nourish and revitalize skin around the eyes
- helps to slow down signs of aging
- relives eye tiredness
- helps to invigorate skin to restore skin's radiance for a brighter eye contour

Active Ingredients
Bio Energy Fluid : rich in minerals and trace minerals to nourish skin around the eyes and promote blood and oxygen circulation to help bring away melanin precipitates at the eye area
Tranexamic Acid : inhibits tyrosinase activity and curbs production of melanin to prevent and lighten dark eye circles
Anti Allergy Plus : a plant compound which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which helps to nourish and protect skin around the eyes against harmful free radicals
Anti Shadow Complex : prevents production of melanin and effectively hydrates and rejuvenates skin around the eyes

Touted to reduce wrinkles and crow's feet, eliminate dark eye circles, brighten the eye contour and firm sagging skin to eliminate eye bags without surgery making your eyes firmer and brighter, this new eye mask from Bio-essence has 30g worth of contents which I have been using for 6 months. It purchased from the local Watsons at Ngee Ann City but strangely, its not available on their website.

Sounding like a miracle product, this eye mask is charcoal black in colour, creamy in texture and provides a refreshing feel to the undereye area. It has a nice fragrance but not really that strong. Sadly, I failed to see any visible improvement from using it twice a week. My eye contours were not brighter and my dark circles and eye bags were still apparent.

Review : VDL CC Cream SPF 25 PA++

Product Description
LG's exclusive color control cream finishes the primer - foundation - pact sequence in one go with a 3-in-1 formula that fights off perspriration and oil, generating a lasting and radiant look.

Owning a sachet gives me 2 times of usages but I didn't like it enough to continue using it. The texture does not glides well and is slightly drying on my skin. It tends to emphasize flakiness, if any.
With a slight yellowish tone, it took about 3 minutes to settle in and blend with my skin colour, giving the initial illusion of better skin with redness minimized.

The sachet does not state the shade so I am not sure which color tone this is in. However, its CC cream contains a brightening lumilayer technology that balances a pale or dark skin tone and supposingly completes the look of flawless radiation and clear transparency.

It has a sheer to medium coverage with moderate oil control but poor staying power.
In the list of ingredients, Titanium Dioxide and Ethylhexyl Ethoxycinnamate provides partial UVA and full UVB protection so you definitely requires a good sunscreen to give a full UVA protection.

Ingredients :
WATER, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, NEOPENTYL GLYCOL, DICAPRATE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, STEARIC ACID, ALCOHOL DENAT, HYDROXYPROLINE, ATRACTYLOIDES JAPONICA ROOT OIL, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE , COPOLYMER, SQUALANE, POLYSORBATE 60, PALMITOYL PROLINE, MAGNESIUM PALMITOYL GLUTAMATE, SODIUM, PALMITOYL SARCOSINATE, PALMITIC ACID, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, NYLON-12, XANTHAN GUM, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TRISODIUM EDTA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, TIN OXIDE, BENZYL BENZOATE, CITRONELLOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, FRAGRANCE, IRON OXIDES(CI 77491), IRON OXIDES(CI 77492), IRON OXIDES(CI 77499)

Source : VDL

Review : Skin Food Salmon Dark Circle Powder

Product Description
An instant brightening powder, it is rich in omega-3 fatty acid, vitamins A and E with Nano-coating, to lighten dark eye circles.

At 2.5g, it has taken me ages to even create a dent in it because you only needs a tiny amount for the undereye area. The product comes in a cute pot with a filter between the puff and the powder.

Peach in colour, it blends in well with my skin colour and has a sheer coverage. Using it on top of a concealer, this product helps to minimize my dark circles but not significantly. If your undereye area is dry like mine, I felt that the dark circle powder creases slightly into the fine lines.

Source : Skin Food

Review : Purer Skin Miracle Serum

Product Description
Purer Skin^TM Miracle Serum rejuvenates your skin by visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking younger and more radiant.
This intense formulation is enriched with Purer Source Bird’s Nest^TM and helps:

1. Achieve fairer skin by lightening dark spots 
2. Hydrate and increase skin elasticity 
3. Remove fine lines and wrinkles

Using proprietary scientific processes, Sialic Acid, Collagen and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) are delivered deep into the layers of your skin, while natural bird’s nest proteins help to rejuvenate your skin, restoring it to its original youthfulness. 
Purer Skin^TM Miracle Serum is hypollaergenic, free from parabens and sulphates and registered with the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore and clinically tested at Dermscan Laboratoire, France.

Proud to be using a Made-In-Singapore product, I owned a tiny dropper glass bottle which has provided me with 6 times of usages. Actually just 1 drop from the dropper is sufficient for my whole face but during my first initial usage, I over-apply with 3 drops of serum and ended up with a very sticky face that took a very long time for it to sink into my skin.

Clear in colour, the serum has a thick and concentrated consistency that is sticky on the skin after application. While it is non-greasy, it took a long while to sink into the skin before I can pile on the moisturizer and BB cream. Skin does feel smooth and supple after it gets absorbed but 6 applications are too little to see its effectiveness however, take note that I do find the scent pungent, like the saliva after someone sneezes.

Source : PurerSkin

Review : Biotherm Blue Therapy Serum

Product Description
A new repair serum, BLUE THERAPY, fuses 3 aquatic active extracts - regenerative A. flos-aquae, restructuring L. ochroleuca and strengthening Pure Thermal Plankton - in a highly-concentrated formula for a triple action on firmness, dark spots and wrinkles.

Biotherm was generous enough to provide several sachets during my redemption of their new product which provided me a good initial feel of their product but not impressive enough for me to rush out to get the full size.

The serum is said to provide 9 visible results based on their evaluation tests on 104 subjects over 4 weeks.
One is expected to see
- Firmness : Tonicity, Lifted Skin, Firmness
- Dark Spots : Evenness, Radiance
- Wrinkles : Smoother skin, Reduced fine lines, Younger looking skin, Reduced wrinkles

Blue in colour, this serum has a silicon feel with a slippery texture and provides a coating on the
skin, giving the illusion of velvety smoother skin to the touch.
However, it did not hydrate my skin well, as flakiness on my nose are still apparent on my bad skin days ( read : dehydrated skin before usage ). In terms of other areas, I believe I may not have not use it long enough to determine the efficiacy on firmness, dark spots and wrinkles for the skin.

The 1 week usage include using each 1ml sachet in the morning and 1ml sachet sometimes at night did not provide visible improvement where firmness and dark spots are concerned. I didn't feel that I have radiance or evenness on my face after using for a week.
Smoother skin after usage is temporary till the next face cleansing while I do not have fine lines and wrinkles at this moment to prove its claims.

The serum scored 4.2 from 6 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Biotherm

Review : Laneige White Plus Renew Purifying Mask

Product Description
Effectively and smoothly cares for dead skin cells and oxidized pores for instant brightening effect.
Natural whitening effect of mulberry in AP Snowray Complex Exfoliating and purifying effect of papain enzymes that decompose protein and cellulose powder exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities for instant whitening effect.

A friend to help me to purchase a box of the mask pack from Korea last year. Each box contains 8 tubs of 10g purifying mask that claims to do deep cleansing and whitening. Hence I like to use it on days when my skin is dull, rough or as a supplement to my whitening regime.

For each tub, I can use it for up to 4 times so technically I can get about 32 usages for the whole pack. Logically I think its meant to be a 1 time use for each pack but yet it seemed overpriced and the quantity is too much to be applied liberally all over the face just like that.

White in colour, this wash-off pack has a thick clay-like creamy texture that applies easily but is difficult to cleanse off. However, once the gunk is rinsed off, I felt that my skin is brighter, clearer, smoother and with cleaner pores.

Sometimes I do get a taut feeling due to its deep cleansing properties which may be drying so I will usually add on a hydrating mask thereafter.

Check out other masks and trial kits from Laneige and get free samples with your purchase.
Laneige Water Pocket Sheet Mask Set
Laneige Hydrating Trial Kit
Laneige Pore Care Trial Kit 


Source : Laneige

Review : Naruko Raw Job Tears Brightening Night Gelly

Product Description
This is a sleeping beauty gelly for "wiping rough and dull complexion out at night and refreshing skin in the daytime". Main formulas such as Pore White and Pearl White are integrated in the product. Plus the 5 ingredients of synergetic brightening, it accelerates the pore care focusing on large pores and rough and dull skin and creates white, soft, smooth skin conditions. It also soothes and brightens the skin after sun exposure as well as repair the sunburn during daytime.

From the Raw Job Tears range, I have used its whitening toner, lotion, serum, eye gelly and mask before, with some working better than the others.
I particularly like this night gelly ( as compared to the rest of the products ) as I can see the effects.
I usually alternate between a hydrating and a whitening product in the night, depending on my skin needs because whitening products do not provide sufficient hydration most of the times.

With a delicious barley scent, the night gelly has a light jelly serum-like texture that gets absorbed into the skin easily. Its non-oily and skin feels nourished. However, the hydration ability falls short of
expectations.
The following morning, I can see that my skin looks rested with a glowing radiance. However that was only in the initial phases. After subsequent usages beyond a week, the glowing radiance is no longer there.

On its website, this product is said to be " no paraben series of preservatives, artificial flavours and pigments were added to the product", however note that Phenoxyethethanol  as its 2nd last ingredient is a preservative.

Source : Naruko

Review : Caudalie Moisturizing Cream Mask

Product Description
A moisturizing bath: suitable for all skin types, the Moisturizing Cream-Mask instantly soothes and rehydrates. It restores comfort and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.

The 50ml size costs $48 in Sephora and I got it at 20% lesser when Sephora was having a sale.
Using twice a week, the 50ml size lasts me for 1.5 months. The product does not contain parabens, phenoxyethanol,

In tube form, the moisturizing cream mask has a light creamy consistency that applies well to give a cooling and refreshing sensation on the skin. It stings slightly on severely dehydrated areas and during my initial usage, my skin turns warm and slightly reddish after removing it. Occasionally, I still see redness on my cheeks, especially on the pigmentation area.

It contains a good amount of its key ingredient, Grape Seed Oil, being located as the 4th ingredient which provides good antioxidant benefits to the skin.
I like that it helps maintain the hydration level on optimal skin condition ( at times ) but on severely dehydrated skin, this does not work that effectively but requires daily application to reach the sufficient level that my skin requires.

The cream mask scores 4.1 from 15 users on Makeupalley.

You can purchase the product from Amazon.
Caudalie Moisturizing Cream Mask

Ingredients :
AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN*, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL*, SORBITAN STEARATE*, PEG-100 STEARATE*, GLYCERYL STEARATE*, CETETH-20*, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, SQUALANE*, CETYL ALCOHOL*, CETYL PALMITATE*, DIMETHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL*, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, POLYSORBATE 60*, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), TOCOPHEROL*, CARBOMER, SODIUM PHYTATE*, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT*, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL BETA-GLUCAN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LINALOOL, LIMONENE, BENZYL BENZOATE, CITRONELLOL. (052/023)*Origine végétale - Plant origin
Source : Caudalie

Review : Fancl Whitening Essence

Product Description
FANCL Whitening Essence delivers fresh calendula extracts deep within your skin with Advanced Nano Capsule Technology, activating your skin’s natural power for fairness. This whitening essence is an intensive care essence that provides triple vitamin C effectiveness with immediate whitening results. Formulated with additional VC.VE Complex that works intensively on spots, maximises whitening with triple Vitamin C effectiveness for faster results in a shorter time.

Acitive Ingredients :
Calendula Flower Extract
Eliminate MIF (Macrophage Inhibitory Factor) that triggers production of dark melanin pigments that causes spots, freckles and uneven skin tone
Mellow and Blue Sweet Pea Flower
Contain Malvidin extract that purifies and reactivates skin cells
Olive Leaf Extract
Regenerates oxidized Vitamin C to work even harder on spots and reckless and thus lowers skin darkening effects
VC Ethyl
Lightens dark melanin and prevents melanin accumulation on skin surface thus effectively supporting the delivery of Vitamin C in skin cells
Grapefruit Extract
Support the effect of Sustaniable Vitamin C Derivative in whitening

I purchased the full 18ml size after a pleasant experience with their complimentary samples last year. Its original price is $65 but I bought it for $40.50 due to their closing down sale which had the product's price marked down by 30%.

Free of preservatives, sterilisers, petroleum surfactants, fragrances and mineral oil, this whitening essence is also alcohol-free, a winning formula for all. It comes in a pump bottle with a clean and white sleek packaging. 2 pumps are recommended but I usually use 3 pumps for my cherubic face shape and concentrated more on my cheeks with slight pigmentation.

Light milky yet translucent in colour, this essence has a runny texture that is lightweight and never greasy. I like how it sinks into my skin easily, leaving just a very thin layer of stickiness. I will add on a hydrating moisturizer thereafter, as its just not hydrating enough for my easily dehydrated skin.

I feel that the effect is amplified after using Fancl Facial Stretch Gel prior to using the essence as I can see that my skin appeared to be more radiant than before. On its own, the effects are hardly visible to my naked eye, then again, I am only using it for 2 months for one bottle. Each bottle is expected to last for 1 month but I tend to use it once a day, depending on my skin condition. If its dehydrated, I will rotate between a hydrating serum.

The product scored 3.1 from 13 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Fancl

Review : Innisfree Its Real Avocado Mask

Product Description
Innisfree It's Real Avocado Mask with Avocado and Green Complex infused with the blend of herb complex water and ingredients from nature, adds vitality and energy to your skin. Avocado Mask that feels the skin with nutrition and moisture for smoothness.

Yet another flavor which I bought direct from Korea, via a friend. Containing honey extract, tangerine peel extract, green tea extract, cactus fruit extract,camellia tree leaf extract as well as its key ingredient, Avocado, this sheet mask is touted to provide moisture to the skin.

While it did give me well-moisturized skin, it does not last beyond the following morning. Made of a sturdy thin material, it comes with eye flaps to give a bonus treat to the eyes. The cutting fits and adheres well to my facial contours.

A medicore performance but fares better than its Pomegranate and Manuka flavours.

Source : Amazingsean

Review : Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream

Product Description
Sweet almond meal combines with extracts of anthyllis, calendula, chamomile and St. John's wort to remove dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of moisture. Skin is strengthened while gentle exfoliation reveals skin's vitality.

For all skin conditions. Cleansing Cream gently cleanses, exfoliates, fortifies and refreshes, protecting the skin’s natural protective function for healthy, radiant skin.

Usage :
Cleanse in the morning and evening. Moisten face, neck and décolleté with a warm face cloth. Mix ½-1 inch / 1-2 cm of Cleansing Cream with  warm water in the palms to form a smooth, creamy paste. Press mixture gently onto skin then roll hands up and away in a wave-like motion. Start in the centre of the forehead then slowly work outward and down, ending at the décolleté. Avoid the eye area. Repeat the press and roll action 2-3 times. Do not rub or scrub. Rinse with warm water then finish with a splash of cool, fresh water to close pores.
For sensitive skin use warm water only

Quality

Truly natural and organic cosmetics, certified to NATRUE and/or BDIH standards

Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives

Free from mineral oils, parabens, silicone and PEG

Vegan

Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin

Wherever possible, all raw materials come from controlled organic or Demeter cultivation and are recovered under fair conditions

I received a 10ml trial size as part of my beauty selection box from Lovelula. I have been looking forward to using the brand, since hearing raves about their products a long time ago.

 
The recommended usage for the cream is pretty unique, to use a rolling method, instead of the usual rubbing or scrubbing method.

The methods seem too mild on my skin hence I use my regular method of cleansing and it works fine.
My skin feels refreshed, clean and smooth. I don't use it everyday, because of its exfoliating beads, just on every alternate day or when I think my skin needs a good scrubbing action.

It has a heavy scent which is overpowering for my senses and the exfoliation action is mild enough to prevent any redness or tautness on my sensitive skin. Brown in colour, it feels and looks more like  paste than a cream.

 
This cleanser, while effective and mild, is not on my to-buy list due to its inclusion of alcohol, something that is not needed in my skincare products.

It scored 3.7 from 318 users on Makeupalley.

Where To Purchase : Amazon

Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Alcohol, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Algin.

*component of natural essential oils

Review : Color Combos Q10 Lifting Eye Mask

Product Description
Color Combos Q10 Lifting Eye Mask is specially formulated with Q10, Chamomile Extract and Hydrolyzed Elastin. This eye mask helps to improve elasticity and firmness around eye contour area. Q10, which is rich in moisturizing nutrients, instantly helps to bring nutrients deeply into the inner cells, providing sufficient energy to skin cells, enhancing brightening and anti-oxidant ability. With a regular usage, it uplifts and firms your eye contour area.      

An affordable pack of eye masks, each pack contains 10 pairs of eye masks stacked together. You just have to peel it off one by one before usage.
Each sheet is generous in size and covers the whole stretch of the undereye area. There is a slight tightening effect but the end effect is not that apparent. Keep it within 10 to 15minutes of treatment, anything more, it left my undereye area drying. Then again, the treatment just left my undereye area refreshing but nothing lasting.

Source : Sasa