Merry Christmas to ALL !



Here's wishing all Review Galore readers a Merry Christmas! Thanks for being with me all through the years and I truly appreciate each and every one of you who have been following my blog.

I will be taking a hiatus for 2 weeks due to an upcoming trip with my loved ones. In the meantime, hope you have a lovely Christmas with your loved ones too, be it in Singapore or overseas. Give and receive lots of pressies and have a blasting day!

Review : My Scheming Crystal Whitening Brightening Eye Mask




Product Description
My Scheming Crystal Whitening Brightening Eye Mask helps reduce pigmentation and melanin formation. With the help of the natural moisturizing factor - Hyaluronic acid, it also reduces dullness around the under eye area. The presence of anti-oxidant agents help to protect skin from stress and free radicals damage while whitens and brightens eye contour and smoothes wrinkles.

A dear friend has purchased some eye masks for me from JB Watsons. I didn't think it was totally worth the price because JB Watsons sell it in single pieces and it is not cheap. Still, it is the thought that counts.

I only own a piece of this My Scheming Crystal Whitening Brightening Eye Mask. Stored in a clear plastic try, the eye masks were not in its original place when I push out the tray from its blue packaging. One is still in its cache, while the other piece were in the packaging.

With a jelly-like texture, it feels glooey and sticky but surprisingly, adheres very well on my undereye area. It does not slip down easily and stay in its place for as long as I place it.

My Scheming Crystal Whitening Brightening Eye Mask is cooling and refreshing. After 30 minutes, the jelly texture has flattened which probably meant that the "nutrients" has been absorbed into the skin.

I didn't see any astounding difference, considering that it is not cheap, probably RM$6.90 or so. My eyes just feels relaxed and soothed but no improvement to the dark circles and eye bags.






Charis Naturals + Luxola + Ioma + Korea Haul




Kahina Giving Eye Serum $97.20  ( 10% off $108 )

Purchased from Charis Naturals. Communication isn't that smooth and there is a lack of transparency and sincerity, although they were professional with their replies.

(1) Shipping fee deducted from my refund, after I was charged twice and requested for a refund. There was no proper explanation until I asked about the $6 charge and then was told that its for shipping, that it is not applicable for promotional item. Then why does their system reflect as free shipping when I first made the purchase? That was never explained fully to me.

(2) Stating that 2 samples worth $10 each were provided with my order but I only received 1.
"We definitely will make a point to send u more samples next round to make up for this, apologies for the concerns caused. Otherwise, we can also send you one sample via normal mail if you like.  (Usually, we give one sample for $100 purchase. ) "
I meant, Hello, you made it sound like I should be grateful for it, when you were the one who states that there will be 2 samples.

SKII Spots Whitening Set $36 ( down from $176 as staff purchase via a friend )
My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask ( souvenir gifts from Taiwan )
My Beauty Diary Luffa Mask ( souvenir gifts from Taiwan )
Dr. GL Restore Gel Mask $40.80  ( 40% off $68 from Luxola )
Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF30 PA++  $64.80  ( 40% off $108 from Luxola )

A dear friend helped to purchase the masks for me, direct from Korea

Innisfree Berry Hydro Gel Mask  
Innisfree Cactus Hydro Gel Mask  
Innisfree Eco ScienceWhite C Cheek Mask 
Innisfree Black Purifying Eye Mask ( S$4 in SG )
Its Skin Butterfly Eye Mask Sheet
Its Skin Nutrition Daily Mask 5500won
Its Skin Moisture Daily Mask 5500won
Nature Republic Snail Solution 10 000 Hydrogel Eye Patch ( 4500won x 10 ) 
Nature Republic Given By Nature Argan Aqua Gel Mask  
Skin Food Miracle Food 10 Solution Eye Patch and Mask
Skin Food Everyday Beauty Berry Facial Mask Sheet ( S$5 in SG ) 
Skin Food Blanc Pearl Caviar Cream Mask
Etude House Petite Beauty Bright Eyes Patch ( 25000won for 10 vs S$5 each in SG )
Etude House I Need You! Korean Ginseng Mask Sheet  




There was a Tangs 12% members sale and with $150 purchase of Ioma products, you get a further 15% off so I took the chance to get their repair gel and add on the mask.

Ioma Repair Gel Day and Night $89.25 ( 15% off $105 )
Ioma Anti-Dryness Mask  $76.50 ( 15% off $90 )
Ioma Repair Gel Day and Night in tab forms ( complimentary samples )
Ioma Absorbent Mask sachets ( complimentary )
Ioma Flash Youth Eye Contour Concentrate ( complimentary )





I will be experiencing winter this Christmas and I just trust Biotherm moisturisers, so I decided to pick up the Christmas set at Tangs, with an additional 10% off. I top up the amount with a cleansing milk in order to get some free gifts. However, the cleansing milk has changed its formula, which is another sore point I have with Biotherm. They are always changing formulaes for my beloved products.

Biotherm Silky Fluid Clarifying Cleanser $42 less 10%
Biotherm Plankton Essence + 48h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel $125 less 10%

Review : Ioma Optimum Moisture Cream Day and Night




Product Description
A light cream that quickly penetrates the skin.

Benefits :
- Ensures the hydration supply to the skin
- Restores and protects skin’s hydrolipidic film
- Normalizes skin exfoliation

Usage Steps :
Morning and evening, place a small amount of IOMA Optimum Moisture Day and Night Cream in the palm of your hand and rub until warm; then gently apply it to the whole face and neck, avoiding the eye contour area. This skincare product leaves your skin soft, hydrated and protected.       

I received a complimentary 7day tabs of Ioma Optimum Moisture Cream Day and Night where I used it daily for a week. I was told to use 1/2 tab for day and the other 1/2 tab for night but I used 1/2 tab for face and 1/2 tab for the neck instead.
The tabs are pretty convenient for on the go, where I use it as a daily day cream after SKII facial essence and Cellumination Essence EX. My focus is on hydration in the day but unfortunately, this product does not impress me much.

It has a thick whipped cream-like texture and does not glide easily on the skin. That said, I have to proclaim that I apply the cream like what I do normally with other creams (massage on the skin), but did not warm it up like what it said. So perhaps it may have alter the results.

It feels thick and does not absorb into the skin as quickly as I hope, and is slightly sticky. And despite being termed as Optimum Moisture Cream, it just does not hydrate my dehydrated skin, I felt that it just sits on the surface. The flakiness around my nostrils and chin area are still apparent.

You can read more about an interview with Ioma founder here.




Source: Ioma                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 


Review : Balm Balm Hibiscus Face Mask




Exfoliant

Product Description
The wonderfully gentle yet effective combination of brown rice flour, ground hibiscus and rose geranium essential oil, make the perfect Face Mask to deep cleanse and exfoliate your skin.

As the last item from my trial size pack, this 5g Balm Balm Hibiscus Face Mask packs a punch despite being a tiny pot. In powder form, the contents exude a nice fragrance that is a joy to the senses. Just add water to this fragrant powder to create an absorbent paste which gently draws out impurities from the skin as it dries.

The powder is finely milled yet very dry even though I have added water to it. It didn't form into a paste as claimed and I seem to be exfoliating the skin with dry coarse powder. It hurts and feels abrasive on the skin.

I like that it is 100% organic and left my skin feeling super smooth and soft as well as minimizing the pores near my nose area. The only pet peeve is the abrasive nature.






Read :  Balm Balm Witch Hazel Toner
            Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum
           


Ingredients :
Oryza Sativa Powder (Brown Rice), Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Powder (Hibiscus), Pelagonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium), Citral, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene

Source : Balm Balm

Review : Ioma Repair Gel Day and Night


Blemish gel

Product Description
This non-greasy liquid-gel provides an easy application and a perfect assimilation by your skin. Apply the IOMA Day and Night Repair Gel daily morning and evening. Its non-greasy texture eliminates toxins, reduces inflammatory lesions and regulates sebum secretion. Your skin is pretty and clear, your face shines with pureness.

Active Ingredients :
Sesame Seed Oil (vegetal) : Increased suppleness, Softens and Smoothes
Grapefruit Extract (vegetal) : Astringent, Tones, Hydrates, Restores the hydrolipidic film
Boswellia Extract (vegetal) : Contains Boswellic Acid which has powerful anti-flammatory properties

I received a 1.5ml sachet of the Ioma Repair Gel Day and Night during my last visit to Ioma counter.
While other skincare brands coined it as acne, in Ioma terminology, it is simply known as bacteria infections.

My skin is complicated - sensitive combination skin with surface dehydration. When I received the IOMA Day and Night Repair Gel which is a moisturizer, I thought it may be either too dry ( if its used for acne, it is usually too harsh for my skin. Think OXY ) or isn't effective.

The repair gel has a smooth texture that is non-greasy and gets absorbed into the skin with a slight cooling sensation, probably due to the inclusion of alcohol. I was actually dismayed to see alcohol in the ingredient list initially but still decided to give it a try.

Surprisingly, I actually like the product, or rather I see improvement in my skin. I use it on the chin area which is usually prone to redness and inflammation. Within a week of nightly use, my inflammation is much lesser and the redness on my chin seems to subside. Blemishes were almost non-existent or rather, I have pretty problem-free skin on my chin during the period of usage. I am so impressed! I will be getting the full retail size soon - 50ml for $105



Source : Ioma

Review : Ioma Beneficial Mask



Product Description
The favourite mask for sensitive skin, your skin shall be soothed, moisturized and softened.

Benefits :
- Fights against skin redness
- Soothes thanks to its anti-inflammatory active ingredients
- Restores a clear and even-toned complexion

After a pleasant experience at Ioma Tangs Vivocity during my birthday month, I decided to get the Ioma Beneficial Mask, hoping to improve the redness on my chin area and the red capillaries near the wings of my nose.

Ioma uses their devices to make a skin analysis of the face according to 7 major imperfections :
(1) dehydrated skin
(2) fine lines
(3) wrinkles and lack of firmness
(4) redness
(5) bacterial activity
(6) oily skin
(7) dark spots

Made in France, their products are said to be without parabens and are developed and tested by dermatologists.

Ioma beneficial mask is labeled as number 4, to combat and diffuse redness. The 50ml contents are housed in a pliable tube which depleted pretty quickly, when I used it up to 3 times weekly, lasting me for about 1.5 months.

The translucent gel mask provides a soothing and calming effect on the skin. I enjoyed using it, as it calms the skin and seems to reduce the redness of the red capillaries slightly. Complexion feels smooth and baby-soft. However, it doesn't seem to work every time though, despite using a generous layer of the mask. And even if it does, the effect is temporary and doesn't really last till the following morning. Personally, I felt that the mask works better on freshly exfoliated skin. Hydration capability is moderate too.

At the retail price of $90 for a 50ml size, I expect the performance to be better.



Source : Ioma

Review : Dr. Morita Whitening Essence Eye Mask




Product Description
The best anti aging skin care products contain no harmful or toxic ingredients and are able to penetrate skin pores, reaching and nourishing cells forming in the layers beneath.
Dr. Morita Whitening Essence Eye Mask helps to improve dark circles with its whitening and moisturizing benefits.

Made in Taiwan, Dr. Morita Whitening Essence Eye Mask pack contains 8 individually packed sheets in each box. In each sheet, there is a pair of eye masks that are stacked together. Peel from each other and layered it under the eyes.

Refreshing but it does nothing much for the eyes. I have experienced stinging effect twice, on the last 2 sheets in the box which is pretty odd. The eye mask has a subtle perfumery scent though.




Review : HABA Squalane Oil


HABA Squalane Oil Review

Product Description
HABA’s Squalane is 99.9% pure; it is so pure and lightweight that it gets absorbed quickly without leaving any greasy residue. Squalane in the skin is lost as we age, causing fine lines and wrinkles to appear. Squalane naturally replaces this lost moisture leading to smoother, finer skin. 

Squalane can help acne sufferers by curbing excess oil production. Its anti-bacterial properties can treat eczema prone skin. It can also be applied to hair to condition and strengthen it. Over time, Squalane can treat scars, dark spots and sun damage. 15ml $29 / 30ml $49 / 60ml $90 / 120ml $185

As the last step in my skincare regime, after White Lady and VC Lotion, Squalane Oil is said to be multi-purpose, which can be used for skin, body, nails and hair, to provide the much needed moisture as well as treating scars, dark spots and sun damage. 

It is recommended not to over apply Squalene as the ideal skin moisture-oil balance is a generous amount of moisture plus a little oil. Spread them on the palms and press them lightly on moist skin.

HABA Squalane Oil has a heavier texture than White Lady and VC Lotion which explains why it is the last step in the skincare regime. Even though it looks and feels greasy, the Squalene oil absorbs into skin after a short while after application

I tend to get overzealous and apply more than required, which left me with greasy and shiny skin. I still require some practice to get the ratio just right enough for my skin type. One drop is recommended yet I feel that it is insufficient to hydrate my skin. Anything more, it left my skin looking shiny.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon

The product scored 4.0 from 23 users on Makeupalley.

Review : HABA VC Lotion




Product Description
A moisturizing alcohol-free lotion infused with vitamin C derivative and ceramide nanosome to lighten dark spots caused by sun damage and acne scars. Improves skin elasticity and keeps skin soft and moisturized.

Vitamin C Derivative:
Natural vitamin C is normally prone to oxidation and is unable to easily penetrate the skin; it can cause skin irritation. Instead, we use a Vitamin C derivative which can penetrate skin better and is non-irritating to skin.

Ceramide Nanosome:
Ceramide is made into nano-sized capsules (100 to 150nm) and acts as an intercellular glue to bind corneum cells. The capsules are small enough to penetrate the stratum corneum deeply, keeping moisture levels for a longer time. Melano Block Mixture Contains Averrhoa Caramboia Leaf extract, Touki Ekisu and Horse Chestnut extract, which regulates the process of melanin production comprehensively.

How To Use:
Cleanse →VC Lotion → Protect

1. Apply VC Lotion by patting lightly on the skin with both hands. Do not apply a lot of lotion at a time but repeat this five times in smaller amounts to achieve maximum results.
2. For an intensive moisturizing treatment, soak a cotton pad with VC Lotion and place it on the dry area. Leave the pack on for 5-10 minutes.

Other than a 20ml trial size bottle, I was also given a sample sachet of HABA VC Lotion. Runny in texture like a toner, the lotion is recommended to be used after White Lady application. I use patting motions on the skin and my skin feels better moisturized after White Lady as White Lady alone is really too mild for my skin to feel anything. Still, I don't find VC Lotion to be performing well enough to hydrate my skin and prefer to use it on optimal skin condition. Occasionally, I experienced itchiness and redness barely a few minutes after application.

I have also tried it as an intensive masking experience, by soaking it on Naruko cotton pads, tear it to a few pieces and layered on the skin. It certainly feels better than tapping on skin using my hands.
However, I feel that the effects are more pronounced with using White Lady, VC Lotion and Squalene . At times, VC Lotion gives rise to slight itchiness on my jaws and cheeks, after intensive masking.

The product scored 4.1 from 39 users on Makeupalley.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon

Ingredients:
Water, butylene glycol, glycerin, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, pentylene glycol, betaine, malitol, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, averrhoa carambola leaf extract, angelica acutiloba root extract, aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) extract, glycosphingolipids, oryza sativa bran (rice bran) extract, magnesium aspartate, sea salt, sodium riboflavin phosphate, sodium carboxymethyl dextran, citric acid, sodium citrate, lysolecithin.

Review : HABA White Lady


HABA White Lady with Vitamin C


Product Description
Developed from a doctor's formula, this intensive skin care serum contains Sasa Kurilensis water and water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is both stable and penetrating. Within a week of using White Lady, you can see visible results on your skin; it becomes fairer, firmer and more hydrated because White Lady helps collagen production. The high concentration of vitamin C derivative help lighten pigmentation, sun spots, even out skin tone and brightens skin. Your pores also become tighter because White Lady can suppress the excess secretion of sebum

Sasa Kurilensis Water:
Water derived from a low-striped bamboo, Sasa Kurilensis water is a natural mineral essence. It has moisturizing, antiseptic and sterilizing effects, and is an excellent aid for removing bacteria that exist in the skin.

Water-Soluble Vitamin C Derivative:
Vitamin C is normally prone to be oxidized and unable to easily penetrate the skin, but this water-soluble vitamin C derivative is designed to be safe and penetrating.

A trial kit which consists of HABA Squa Cleansing, White Lady, VC Lotion and Squalene costs me $25. HABA White Lady is said to be their bestseller and it certainly made me look forward to trying it. The smallest bottle at 10ml costs $29.

The 8ml trial size, housed in a similar colored bottle to their retail size, has a surprising runny texture that feels so much like liquid. It feels so mild on my skin that I wonder if it can truly create the miracles that it claims to be able to do so.

I have paired it with VC Lotion (whitening) and G lotion (hydrating) before but I didn't see any astounding difference between them.
 
Initially, I use it as a morning skincare, with White Lady followed by VC Lotion/ G Lotion and Squalene, but they were not able to hydrate my skin sufficiently well in air-conditioned office, leaving me with dehydrated skin.

Personally, hydration is the core for me and I believe whitening only works well with optimal skin condition hence I left the 3 step skincare to the night. Other than that, I don't feel comfortable in using Vitamin C in the day, because it can make my sensitive skin more sun-sensitive. 

For those who have no issues using Vitamin C products in the morning, please do remember to wear sunscreen. 

On its own, HABA White Lady sinks easily into the skin, with its runny texture. I usually pump 4 times into my palms and tap the contents all over my face. 

Unfortunately, I am not particularly impressed with White Lady as the effects are hardly visible on my fair skin with slight pigmentation on the cheeks. No difference to my pores while hydration fares poorly on my combination skin with dehydrated surface.

White Lady scores 4.2 from 57 users on Makeupalley.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon

Check out my reviews on HABA VC LotionHABA Squalane Oil and HABA Squa Cleansing.

Ingredients:
Water, sasa kurilensis (bamboo) water, glycerin, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, pentylene glycol, polyquaternium-51, sodium hyaluronate, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, citric acid

Hair Colouring at Michelle's Hair & Beauty Studio


Salon : Michelle's Hair and Beauty Studio
Location : 148, Potong Pasir Ave 1, #01-41, S(350148)
Tel : 6858 3813 / 9641 0488
Stylist : Michelle

Came across an Techna NCC poster, on ammonia-free hair colouring outside a neighbourhood salon and decided to pop in for the job. Its been a long while since I last visit neighborhood salons and I hesitated for several weeks before deciding on it.
I remembered seeing something similar elsewhere and reckon that it should be cheaper in neighbourhood salons.

Michelle owns and works alone in the salon hence appointments are definitely required. She takes some time to warm up to people and does not chat much initially. After telling her that my last organic hair colour job left my hair too dry, she assures me that Nook, hailing from Italy ( ammonia-free ), is less drying than norm but also more expensive than the conventional hair dye. 90% of her customers use Nook, rather than Techna as Nook colour dyes absorb easily into the hair, as compared to Techna which is organic.



Recalling my last organic hair colouring job, from Organic Hair Professional gives me the creeps and I certainly hope the nightmare won't repeat itself.

The small but neat hair salon has magazines stacked neatly in a shelf where she selects the latest English magazines for me. No hair washing was done prior to colouring. Unlike most stylists, she does not suggest colour for me, but instead ask for my preference - like brown or red, and choose one for me, with suggestion to add in some black to cover my greys as brown may be too light.

She does a very thorough job with the dye but it stings badly. Very badly, as she shrink-wrap my hair for almost 20minutes or so, and left on for another couple of minutes to ensure that the dye is totally absorbed into the hair. The 20minutes wait seems like eternity as my scalps stings. It reminds me of my last non-ammonia hair dye and I wonder why my scalp reacts badly to them. Isn't it suppose to be a healthier alternative, with lesser chemicals?

My scalp is raw and with each stroke during the hair washing left me in pain, probably due to the sensitive scalp. When she realized that my top is wet due to the dripping hair, she is thoughtful enough to blow dry it.

My hair looks shiny, softer and healthier. Beautiful and natural. Funnily, despite seeing that I have curls, she chose to blow them straight, saying blowing dry them in curls requires more effort and requires top-up. Funny analogy.

When I finally did wash my hair 2 days later, my nightmare came true. It was straw-like and in clumps (when wet) and large white flakes appeared in my hair (when dry). This is probably due to the hair dye making my hair too dry and difficult to wash the shampoo out of my straw-like hair state. Or perhaps its due to my sensitive scalp that is flaking. When I use a conditioner, my hair is soft but white flakes continue to haunt me, even after 3 rounds of shampoo-ing on the first day.
My scalp and hair seems to react badly to non-ammonia hair colour and I am at a loss for words. On my path to seeking natural alternatives, I met with more obstacles instead.

The flakes become lesser as days went by and my scalp recovered after a week. While I like that my hair looks much healthier and greys were mainly covered, the stinging scalp and the flaking are not experiences I enjoyed.

Charges : $100

Updated ( 16th Oct 15 ) :
Post was updated with Nook Hair Colour as I realized today that Michelle is using Nook instead of Techna which wasn't displayed anywhere in her salon.


Review : Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream


Product Description
A three-in-one naturally active eye cream which is rich but not heavy and absorbs beautifully. We like products that are multi-functional as it just saves time and money! This eye cream has been formulated to revitalise weary eyes, smooth away dark circles and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Blended with Roman chamomile and skin-brightening lemon, cucumber oil and witch hazel with super hydrating hyaluronic acid, anti-oxidant spruce knot, softening and smoothing virgin coconut, rosehip and carrot oils, all to help brighten and smooth the delicate skin around your eyes.

A 7ml tube of the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream was included in my last LoveLula purchase from the UK and I have been using it for the past 2 months, on a daily basis.

The eye cream has a subtle herbal scent with a slight hint of lavender, with a heavy texture that feels light on skin. At times, I do feel that the eye cream is too much for my undereye area which is dehydrated yet is easily stimulated by too rich eye creams resulting in milia seeds.

I have not seen any visible improvement for now and is quite careful in using too much, because I notice a light milia seed, right after I started using it.
Interestingly, I went for a Skin Analyzer Test at Ioma counter and is surprised that my dark circles improved but puffiness and fine lines increased, during the same period I was using the eye cream. You can shop Lovelula here.

Ingredients :
Aqua, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cucumis Satvus (Cucumber) Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Oil, Hydroxystearic/ Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Abies Picea (Spruce Knot) Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile), Citrus Limonum (Lemon), Daucus Carrota (Carrot) Seed, Cymbopogon Martini (Palma Rosa), Pelargonium Roseum Asperum (Rose Geranium), Styrax Benzoin (Benzoin), , Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Lactate, Coco Caprylate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellol Natural Pure Essential Oil Naturally Occurring In Essential Oils Certified Organic Ingredient

Shop Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream

Source : Luxola