Review : Fancl Skin Renewal Pack

Product Description
A rinse-off mask that supports skin cell regeneration to restore skin clarity, softness, plumpness and smoothness. Helps to boost penetration of skincare products deep into skin.

At 40g, it originally costs $46 but I bought it when it has a 50% discount during its closing down sale. It is said that its key ingredient, Malvidin aids in repairing compromised skin cells and halting skin damage at its source. Combined with royal jelly extract, this renewal pack will help to jumpstart the skin's assembly of aquaporin, a protein crucial in lubricating cell walls. Sea minerals salts and hyaluronic acid work in tandem to remove rough patches of keratin and draw water into parched skin via osmosis.

Free of preservatives, sterilisers, petroleum surfactants, fragrances and mineral oil, this Made In Japan rinse-off mask is also alcohol free. At 40g, it lasts me for about 1.5 months with twice weekly usage.

Housed in a silver-coloured tube, the design is just simplicity at its best. With a twist and turn cap and a sticker seal to note the opening date of the product, you can't help but feel impressed with the thoughtfulness of the Japanese. They really care about the customer.

The instruction sheet in the box is all written in Japanese, hardly useful for non-Japanese like us, but the description on the box is written in English. Still, if Fancl wants to do a good job in its thoughtfulness, I would prefer them to translate the words to English in its instruction sheet instead.
In the instruction sheet, it teaches how you can open the cap in a correct way because its "locked" in its ingenious method to retain its freshness.

The honey-coloured gel is sticky and applies thick on the skin but the rinsing off is really bothersome because its gummy and glooey in texture. I like that it plumps up my skin, leaving it soft, smooth and supple with a hydrated bounce. It works best after a good exfoliation. At times, the mask stings though.

Following the mask application, you can do a simple massage as indicated in the instruction sheet.

Source : Fancl 

Biotherm Biosource Total and Instant Cleansing Micellar Water

Product Description
Provides a comprehensive cleansing and makeup-removing application experience combining time-saving efficacy and a gentle solution

I have always been a fan of cleansing micellar water and is glad that I got a chance to try out its 30ml size during a Christmas coffret set purchase. It has a light subtle fragrance that is not overpowering but it is still a potential irritant that can be excluded.

Effective and efficient, it cleanses off my make-up gunk well ( use with cotton pads ), including glitter left behind by blushers. Impressed, indeed. Great for the eyes and the face!
However, if I overdose on it ( over-zealous pouring onto the cotton pad ), it stings my skin. Not a pleasant experience, considering that it is supposed to contain gentle cleansing agents and skin-softening ingredients.
Double cleansing is a must for me, so I will still follow up with my regular cleanser.

Ingredients :
Water, PEG-7 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Poloxamer 184, Poloxamer 124, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Magnesium PCA, Copper PCA, Zinc PCA, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Manganese Gluconate, Fragrance

Source : Biotherm

Review : Earth Therapeutics Rejuvenal-C Orange Eye Pads

Product Description
Infused with real Orange extract, Vitamin C, and a beneficial blend of nutrients, these pre-moistened treatment pads cool and refresh on contact - offering a convenient, one-step solution for restoring and rejuvenating the delicate skin around the eyes.

Orange and Chamomile revitalize, replenish, and calm - while Vitamin C, Ginkgo Biloba, and Green Tea polyphenols are natural, yet powerful anti-oxidants that help to protect skin from the aging and damaging effects of free radicals and environmental exposure.

Used regularly over time, these treatment pads help renew skin - and may even help to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Tired eyes are revived. Tired skin is revitalized. Puffiness and swelling are relieved. Dark circles are visibly diminished. Your skin will look as good as it feels  fresh and new, soft and smooth.
Just look at them, uber cute orange shaped like eye pads for the eyes! Individually packed, there are 5 sheets in each pack which I bought from Drugstore a while back.
Made in Korea, the eye pads claim to refresh and rejuvenate the eyes with many antioxidants.

I can't say it scores as well as it sounds though. Moist, with a light orange scent, the cute orange pads are placed on closed eyes for a refreshing and pampering treat. I tend to have a habit to press on the pads to reach the eye area as our eye area is never flat.

Cooling and refreshing, it left a slight sticky feeling after each treatment. My eyes feel rested but nothing much more that I can say.

INGREDIENTS:
Aqua, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Orange Extract, Vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate), Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Green Tea Extract, Chamomile Extract, Betaglucan, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Rose Floral water, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Trhalose, PPG-26(and) PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Methylparaben, Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate), Ethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose

Source : Earth Therapeutics

9 Foods That Fight UV Damage

Rosemary

This fragrant, pine-scented herb helps fight inflammation in the body, undoing damage done by the sun and harmful environmental elements. Rosemary, sage, parsley, and basil are considered to be the most beneficial herbs. In particular, rosemary has been proven to possess high radical-scavenging abilities and anti-microbial benefits.

Read 5 Natural Beauty Tips From Your Kitchen Cabinet to use Rosemary as an anti-dandruff and hair fall reducer.

Salmon

Sure, there are always warnings about mercury in fish, but luckily, salmon is one of the healthy ones. Packed with essential fatty acids like omega 3's, they're good for the brain, but also great for the skin. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in fatty fish like salmon and herring act as a fountain of youth and a disease-fighter. Salmon is considered as one of the 6 budget superfood and it is one of the Secrets To Healthy Glowing Skin By Victoria Beckham.

Broccoli

Okay, so you may not love cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or kale, but you'll want to get out your roasting pan when you hear the facts. Research has shown that these fibrous foods may protect against cancer and inhibit the growth of unhealthy cells. It is also important as part of the Pretty Skin Diet in order to give you smoother and line-free skin.

Turmeric

Did you know that the rates of colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease in India are particularly low? It's believed to be due in large part to the amount of curcumin in their diet, a compound that protects against free radical damage. A key spice in yellow curries, tumeric is high in the disease-fighting antioxidant. It is also one of the 8 Anti-aging Super Food To Look Younger.

Red bell peppers

Vitamin C is key for building strong collagen and fighting wrinkles. While your first instinct might be to reach for an orange, red bell peppers contain even more of the youth-boosting vitamin. Plus, they're lower in sugar, which actually causes skin inflammation.

Olive oil

You may already know that olive oil — a staple of the Mediterranean diet — is a healthier alternative than fatty butter or processed margarine. What you might not know though is that it's high in omega-3 fats, with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Not only does it lower your risk of skin cancer, but it wards off signs of aging as well.

Read Beauty Secrets From Around The World where Olive Oil is a hit with the women in Greece.

Green or white tea

Next time you stop into your local coffee place, you may want to skip the java and opt for a hot cup of green or white tea instead. Green and white teas are rich in polyphenols — particularly catechins — which have an inhibitory effect on cancer cells. It is known as one of the 8 Green Food For Healthy Glowing Skin and read What Green Tea Can Or Cannot Do For Your Skin.

Pumpkin seeds

Instead of tossing those squash seeds, you may want to toast them up for a skin-saving snack. They're a great source of zinc, a trace mineral that acts as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, protecting against UV radiation, enhancing wound healing, and boosting the immune system. Not only does it reverse photodamage, but it can also slow down the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It is one of the 4 Food That Make Your Skin Glow.

Tomatoes

Bright red tomatoes — the redder, the better — are loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant known to protect your skin from the sun. Adding tomato paste to your diet has been proven to help protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage. It's most easily absorbed when the tomatoes have been cooked because the process helps release the lycopene from the plant cells. Use Tomato as one of the 10 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Acne Scars.



Source : EverydayHealth

Review : Mentholatum Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Mild Milk

Product Description
This sunscreen is designed for sensitive skin without adding alcohol, fragrance, coloring and mineral oil. It can be used on face and body to protect fragile skin. With exclusive formulation Solarex-3 which gives you

sun protection, re-hydrating and anti-aging benefits. Combines RonaCare Ectoin and Biotech Marine for enhancing the healthiness of your skin for youthful appearance. Blends with moisturizing agents, MPC Moisturizing Factor, Carrot Root Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, for locking in the natural moisture of your skin. calming redness and improving dryness caused by sun exposure.

I have a love-hate relationship with sunscreens, its always about trying to find a balance between effective ingredients and texture. And when I read online that this sunscreen is non-sticky, I decided to grab one from the local Watsons.

Contained in a slim tube, the twist and turn cap and portable size makes it a breeze to lug it around on travels. The tube is simple yet pretty with a pink and white colour combination that has a white sheen finishing.

I like the light milky texture that is non-greasy and non-sticky. It does not leave a film on the skin and is easy to apply without any offensive sunscreen scent. It feels slightly cooling on the skin and absorbs well without any cast. I use this sunscreen for both the arms and face.

SPF25 with PA++ is less than perfect, I prefer to opt for at least SPF30 and PA+++ and note its inclusion of high concentration of preservative and paraben. And if you are outdoor most of the times, this sunscreen may not be suitable for you.

Philosophy Full Of Promise Treatment Duo ( Serum for Uplifting Days & Voluminous Nights )

Product Description
we developed a dynamic a.m./p.m. protocol that follows skin's natural rhythms by inspiring uplifting days that visibly defy gravity and volumizing nights that help restore skin's youthfully sculpted appearance. in the morning, apply our uplifting daytime serum for an instant tightening sensation and visible lifting results. formulated with peptides and extracts of rye seed and kigelia, a rare bio-active fruit. in the evening, apply our volumizing nighttime serum, a blend of kigelia with our exclusive high-performance retinoid, known for its ability to support natural collagen and address multiple signs of aging. the result: facial contours are more defined; skin looks lifted, volumes are visibly restored and a more youthful look revealed.

I have a 2ml sachet which I uses in the morning for only 3 times so I won't be able to gauge its effectiveness.
Containing silicon-laden ingredients, the day serum has a plastic scent and provides a smooth feel on the skin. Clear white in colour, the serum provides a good base for moisturiser and bb cream to be pile on the skin. However, the usage is too short for me to see any improvement as yet.

According to Paula, the day serum formula contains several antioxidants as well as some cell-communicating ingredients but they are not capable of lifting skin or refining facial contours, though they can help to stimulate collagen production for firmer and smoother skin.

I own another 2ml sachet for the night serum which allows me 4 usages. Citrus in colour, with a plastic scent, the night serum has a light creamy texture that gives velvety smooth and soft skin. It contains Vitamin C ( tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate ), several anti-oxidants and a peptide.

The treatment duo does not contain parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, pthalates, GMOs and triclosan.

Ingredients :
day treatment: aqua/water/eau, glycerin, cyclopentasiloxane, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, butylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, ethyl macadamiate, squalane, ascorbyl glucoside, secale cereale (rye) seed extract, kigelia africana fruit extract, tropolone, cocoyl pentapeptide-9, glutathione, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, acrylates/c12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer, chondrus crispus extract, myristoyl pentapeptide-9, jojoba esters, beta-glucan, tocopherol, dimethicone crosspolymer, polysorbate 60, tocopheryl acetate, sclerotium gum, dimethicone, pentylene glycol, arginine, disodium edta, sodium hydroxide, hydroxyethylcellulose, lysolecithin, sodium benzoate, malic acid, sorbitan isostearate, alcohol denat., benzoic acid, ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol.

night treatment: cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone crosspolymer, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, hexyldecanol, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, ethoxydiglycol, oryza sativa (rice) bran extract, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, kigelia africana fruit extract, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, camellia sinensis leaf extract, brassica campestris (rapeseed) sterols, laureth-4, cyclohexasiloxane, aqua/water/eau, butylene glycol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, bisabolol, cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide, stearic acid, stearalkonium hectorite, propylene carbonate. 

Source : Philosophy

Review : Sasatinnie Antioxidant Regenerating Eye Mask

Product Description
Specially made of clove extract and pearl protein extract, this eye mask gives superb anti-oxidant effect and lower the probabilities of the formation of dark circles and fine lines effectively. The loquat leaf essence and honey suckle flower extract offer powerful anti-aging protection and add energy to the eye areas with recovering and astringent effect. With collagen and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates the skin, raise the density of skin cells and firms as well as tones the deliucate eye area, leaving your eyes bright and shiny.

My mum purchased a pack of 3 pairs of eye masks for RM$4.90. Each pair is stacked upon one another and you have to tear it apart before using on the undereye area. Shaped like cresent moon, the wet eye masks lie comfortably on the eye area, giving it a tightening effect.
After treatment, my undereye area looks slightly brighter and fine lines were minimized temporarily.

You can check out the list of ingredients on cosdna. It contains many hydrating ingredients but with fragrance and paraben in the middle of the ingredient list.

Avalon Organics Shine Ylang Ylang Shampoo & Conditioner

Shampoo Description
Gentle plant-derived cleansers enriched with Babassu Oil, Vitamin E, Wheat Protein and Ylang Ylang cleanse, moisturize and smooth the hair cuticle, washing away dullness for naturally reflective, extra shiny hair.Gentle plant-derived cleansers enriched with Babassu Oil, Vitamin E, Wheat Protein and Ylang Ylang cleanse, moisturize and smooth the hair cuticle, washing away dullness for naturally reflective, extra shiny hair.

Conditioner Description
Rich plant emollients plus Wheat Protein, Jojoba, Vitamin E, Guar and Ylang Ylang condition and smooth the hair cuticle to combat dullness for naturally reflective, extra shiny hair.

Containing 70% organic ingredient, I bought the 325ml bottles of shampoo and conditioner, hoping to make my hair shine but instead it failed to impress.

Both the shampoo and conditioner are housed in opaque bottles with a flick-top cap opening. Both products have a similar nice ylang ylang essential oil fragrance. The shampoo has a light gel texture while the shampoo is white and creamy. 

However the contents of the conditioner is too creamy and thick to be dispensed easily through its tiny hole opening so I tend to remove the cap and just try to "pump" it out from the bottle.

Containing wheat protein, this is a no-no ingredient for my hair, as it made my hair straw-like and dry. Adding to that, I have hair fall during rinsing and combing. Definitely a horrible process!

The conditioner failed to soften the hair by much but is much needed after the shampoo process.
Using both products has failed to impress me, because it left my hair slightly drying and frizzy, with brittle hair strength. Hair seemed to fall easily as I run my fingers through my hair or just a simple combing.

Shampoo Ingredients
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (1), Aqua (Water), Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sorbitol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract(1), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (1), Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract (1), Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Bark Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Babassu Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters, Bisabolol, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Inulin (1), Sodium Sulfate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol (1), Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

(1) Certified Organic Ingredient

Conditioner Ingredients
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (1), Aqua (Water), Glyceryl Stearate SE, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (1), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (1), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (1), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (1), Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract (1), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) (1), Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Bark Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (1), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol (1), Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool

(1) Certified Organic Ingredient

Dark circles? Natural concealers that work and how to use them

1. Hydrate the eye area
Is your finger or brush dragging on dry skin? The skin around the eyes is thinner and has fewer oil glands than the rest of the face. So you may need to hydrate the area first with something creamy first, then smooth on your concealer.

2. If concealer is too drying, use a creamy foundation
Often concealer is too thick or cakey like corrective makeup. So use a creamy foundation that feels more like a second skin, and yet provides some coverage. You should love the way it lies on the skin.

3. Use concealer under a tinted moisturizer
This creates a barely-there makeup look that conceals a few flaws then illuminates your skin, if your tinted moisturizer uses mica, a mineral with light-reflecting properties.

4. Don’t windshield-wiper the concealer under your eye.
Instead, apply it on the sides of your nose, from the corner of your eye up to where your eyebrow begins, and blend. This is where the shadow’s darkest, and it evens out the skin tone around your eyes.

5. Diffuse light
Use a lighter shade concealer, a luminizer or highlighter, or a light-reflecting mineral eye shadow on the inside corner of your eye and over the top of the tear duct. This makes eyes pop.

6. Buy concealers in two shades
We have this idea that one concealer should do the trick. Its recommended that women have two concealer shades in their arsenal. Buy one concealer that matches your skin—you should literally be able to use it all over your face—and a lighter concealer. Or buy a palette.

7. Don’t use a concealer brush
They pick up too much product, and don’t drag enough off. Instead put a thicker amount on, go brush your teeth and let it sink in. Then do a little blending. You’re pulling less on this area then, not affecting the fragile elasticity.

Source : WellnGood

7 natural ways to erase under-eye circles

1. Sleep. Lack of sleep is the number-one cause of dark circles under the eyes. Turn in early and begin winding down and distancing yourself from all electronics 30 minutes before you want to go to sleep.

2. Avoid sugar; load up on antioxidants. What you eat matters! A diet rich in antioxidants and low in processed sugars will decrease inflammation in your body, including your skin. Load up on berries, beans, Brussels sprouts, and dark leafy greens and avoid alcohol.

3. See an allergist. One of the biggest dark circle contributors is allergies. When your body detects an allergen, it goes into inflammation mode and the eyes are one of the first places to show it. A saline solution can help with nasal congestion, as can manual lymphatic drainage—a gentle massage around the eyes, face, and neck.

4. Wear sunglasses. No, not to cover up those circles. Sun weakens the collagen in blood vessels, weak collagen means the blood vessels are more likely to rupture, releasing blood into the tissues.

5. Try tea. Two black tea bags, steeped in warm water. Squeeze them so they don’t leak, lay down, and relax. The tannins in black tea help reduce blood vessel dilation. Green tea bags, chilled works too. The cold reduces puffiness and ECGC (a phytochemical in green tea) is a potent antioxidant that helps repair damaged cells.

6. Or a milk mask. A milk compress will help brighten dull, dark skin and soothe irritation thanks to its combo of fat and lactic acid. Simply soak a compress in whole milk and rest it over your face or eyes for a few minutes.

7. Moisturize. Hydrating your under-eyes, which get irritated just by rubbing them too much, can help with overall quality. Look for a light moisturizer with soothing ingredients.

Review : Philosophy Eye Hope

Product Description
Philosophy Eye Hope™ Multitasking Eye Cream For Dark Circles, Puffiness and Lines provides moisture and protection for the delicate eye area. It is designed to diminish dark circles, reduce puffiness, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A dose of antioxidants fortifies skin against future damage.
This formula contains beta glucan, an agent that has been shown to help address aging concerns such as wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity and tone. In this product, beta glucan works synergistically with a team of age-fighting counterparts to deliver serious results.

I received 2x 2ml sachets of Eye Hope during my last visit to Philosphy counters. I like that they are generous with samples and that a close friend of mine is a fan of their products, however after various tries with the brand, I no longer hold expectations for it. Their products just do not work for me.

This eye cream, with a milky white colour and light creamy formula has a weird scent with slight silicon feel and glides well on the undereye area. It oxidises to a dark orange colour when exposed to air, probably due to ascorbyl glucoside which is a form of Vitamin C combined with glucose.

The eye cream stings slightly after application and the texture feels too heavy for day yet too light for night. It doesn't really do any miracles to my aging undereye area though.

Ingredients :
water (aqua), glycerin, behenyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, silica, isononyl isononanoate, ascorbyl glucoside, hordeum distichon (barley) extract, cetearyl glucoside, cetearyl alcohol, phenyl trimethicone, niacinamide, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, potassium cetyl phosphate, retinyl palmitate, palmitoyl tripeptide-3, beta-glucan, sodium hyaluronate, arginine, allantoin, santalum album (sandalwood) extract, phellodendron amurense bark extract, jojoba esters, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), coffea arabica (coffee) leaf/seed extract, camellia sinensis leaf powder, tocopheryl acetate, glucosyl hesperidin, c13-15 alkane, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, c13-16 isoparaffin, c12-14 isoparaffin, tris (tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate, xanthan gum, disodium edta, potassium hydroxide, potassium sorbate, hexylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, caprylyl glycol, mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891).

Source : Sephora, Philosophy

Review : Sierra Bees Organic Cocoa Butter Lip Balm

Product Description

USDA Organic

Non-GMO Vitamin E Derived From Sunflower Seed Oil

Our Lip Balms Are Not Made With Ingredients That Contain Gluten

Organic Compliant Natural Flavors Do Not Contain MSG

Complimentary from Iherb during my purchase, the 4.25g lip balm housed in a twist and turn tube has a natural scent of cocoa butter that reminds me slightly of Palmers. Its waxy and moisturizing enough for my chapped lips making it soft and smooth.
Some may find it greasy as it left a shiny look on the lips but I liken it to being moisturizing.

Ingredients :
Extra virgin olive oil*, beeswax*, cocoa butter*, sunflower seed oil*, non GMO vitamin E.
*Organic

Source : Iherb

Review : DeVita Solar Body Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF30+

Product Description
Raise shields to full intensity, you are now protected by one of the most effective body moisturizer and natural sunscreen all in one! 100% natural, absorbs quickly and is never oily or greasy. Offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection with a USFDA Monograph Sun Protection Factor Determination test level of 32. This is a gentle, soothing, physical sun block that is skin-friendly and suitable for sensitive skin. It also contains our signature Sun Damage Repair System. This strengthening formula helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps prevent signs of premature aging with skin-defending vitamins. Penetrates deep into your skin giving it back the look and feel of it's elasticity after just a few applications. Revitalizes, softens and moisturizes skin leaving it with a satin sheen. Titanium Dioxide Free. NO NANO TECHNOLOGY! (average particle size is 240 nm)
DeVita skin care products are 100 percent Vegan and Paraben Free. They are considered Gluten Sensitive Safe and never contain GMO's.

I was looking for a body sunscreen which I use on the arms on a daily basis and chanced upon this on Iherb with glowing reviews. Quote OKI787 to get up to US$10 off your first order.

Housed in an opaque tube, the contents with a flick-top cap are dispensed easily with some depression on the pliable tube.
Made in the USA, the texture of the sunscreen is smooth with a whipped cream feel, without any unpleasant scent. However, at times, there are tiny white lumps during application which requires thorough blending and an oily residue that oozes out from the tube.
It is definitely not suitable for the face because of the white flakes that can be frustrating during application.

In terms of ingredients, it contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (a stable vitamin C derivative) and rosehip oil.
Containing a high percentage of zinc oxide, it protects against UVA and UVB rays. However it also contains Retinyl Palmitate, a form of Vitamin A which is said to be photosensitive and linked to skin cancer and tumour growth.

The product scored 3.4 from 114 users on Makeupalley.

According to Paula, here's her summary :

Pros:

• Contains beneficial antioxidants and skin-identical ingredients.
• Contains 19% zinc oxide, which in a properly labeled product should provide broad-spectrum protection.

Cons:

• No Drug Facts Label, so you can't be sure if it's passed FDA-required testing and rated to provide broad-spectrum protection.
• Questionable and inadequate preservative system.
• Ingredient label doesn't comply with FDA or (global) INCI cosmetics regulations, so you really don't know what you are putting on your face.

Ingredients :
ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Zinc oxide 19%
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Aloe barbadensis (certified organic aloe vera gel), Water (purified), Camellia sinensis (Japanese green tea) leaf extract, Capric/caprylic triglycerides (derived from coconut oil), Glycerin (vegetable), Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Olea europaea (olive) oil, Lecithin phospholipid, Hyaluronic acid (vegan source), Simmondsia chinensis* (jojoba) seed oil, Squalane (olive), Panthenol (vitamin B5), Tocopherol (vitamin E), NaPCA, Rosa moschata (rose hips) oil, Centella asiatica (goto kola), Copper gluconate, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Fucus vesiculosis (seaweed) extract, Allantoin, Sodium riboflavin phosphate, Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), Lavandula officinalis* (lavender) essential oil, Anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower essential oil, Vitis vinifera* (grape) seed extract. Ingredient labeling adheres to international INCI standards.

Source : DeVita

Review : Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk

Product Description
This velvety milk cleanses and removes make-up from the face and eyes. Enriched with nourishing and soothing agents, it leaves the skin clean, soft and comfortable. Appropriate for sensitive skin and eyes, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Non-comedogenic. Hypoallergenic.
Use: morning and evening, apply with a cotton pad to face and eyes. With or without rinsing. All skin types.

I bought the 100ml size from Sephora late last year which I have been using it as a make-up remover. Caudalie products have a distinct scent, most probably from the grape seed though I felt that it smells more like saliva. It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs and triclosan.

The clear green bottle comes with a pump dispenser that dispenses the white cleansing milk easily without any excess spillage.

 
I normally warm the milk in my palms and then use it all over the face, without any cotton pads to remove it. I just use normal water to rinse it. However, I dislike the residue that is left over on the skin ( which feels unclean ), so I tend to follow up with a cleanser which is a norm practice for me. Double cleansing is a must for me.

Initial usage has made my skin slightly more sensitive, warm and red on the cheeks. I stopped using it for awhile and continued using it when my skin recovered. Nowadays, there is no adverse reaction to it and I use every evening to remove my light make-up and skip the eye area. However, it does not work so well on heavier make-up and did not remove shimmery particles effectively.

 
Cotton pads with cleansing milk does not appear to be better in heavier make-up removal, in fact this cleansing milk is too mild for that.

I believe there are much better products out there.

Where To Purchase : Shopee

 Ingredients :
AQUA (WATER), CETEARYL ISONONANOATE*, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN*, CETYL ALCOHOL*, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL*, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL*, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE*, DECYL GLUCOSIDE*, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER EXTRACT*, MALTODEXTRIN*, CARBOMER, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN*, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TREHALOSE, TOCOPHEROL*, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM GLUTAMATE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), SODIUM CHLORIDE, COCONUT ACID*, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL EXTRACT*, CENTAUREA CYANUS FLOWER EXTRACT*, PALMITOYL GRAPE SEED EXTRACT*, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LINALOOL, LIMONENE. (049/022)*Origine végétale - Plant origin

Review : L'oreal Extraordinary Oil

Product Description
A precious blend of 6 flower extracts ( Lotus, Tiare, Rose, Flax, Chamomile and Marticaria )  with nourishing properties for sumptuous softness and luxurious shine.

The extraordinary oil is touted to give hair a glowing shine, makes the hair intensely nourished, flows with silky softness, makes it smooth and beautifully perfected. Use it before shampooing ( to restore, nourish and prep hair for washing ), before blow-drying ( to protect hair ) and as a finishing touch.

I received 3 sachets of 3.5ml size that I have been using it on an on-off basis recently. The golden colour with its floral scent has a runny and thin texture that feels greasy at first touch but is hardly so on the hair. I use it mainly as a serum on the hair which coats the hair, making it soft, smooth and silky. However, once the serum is off the hair, I do not see any dramatic difference to my hair health. Its just something that is obvious when its in use. This product is not for you if you are looking for something beneficial in the long term.

And use it sparingly as a bit too much may result in making the hair looks greasy and limpy.

There are many uses for the oil
1) As a daily nourishing care : to nourish and tame frizz by applying on the lengths of hair
2) As a nourishing mask : to smooth the fibre and restore your hair's texture by applying on the hair 10mins before shampoo-ing
3) As a night treatment to recharge hair : apply generously to dry hair and leave overnight for deep nourishment. Use a shower cap to boost the effect
4) Protect your hair from heat : coat your hair before blowing to protect against heat damage
5) Protects your hair from humidity : tame frizz caused by humidity in hot temperatures by applying a few drops on the hair as oil keeps water out of the cuticle to make hair smooth
6) Illuminates your hair : bring shine and suppleness to strands by applying a few drops to hair
7) Helps create the wavy look : apply a few drops to hair, braid it and leave overnight or until hair is dry and untie the braid
8) Curl definition : apply a few drops on the hair, place it in a towel  and squeeze gently and curls will be more defined
9) Protect the hair from the pool : add few drops to the hair before swimming to protect from chlorine and dryness
10) Anti-frizz smoothing - apply a few drops to hair and detangle with a wide-toothed comb

Do note that this is a silicon-based product which is what makes the tresses smooth and silky. The name "extraordinary" just seemed over the top.
The product scored 3.7 from 68 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Boots, Loreal