VMV Hypoallergenics Moisture Rich Creammy Cleansing Milk

Product Description
A very gentle, moisturizing and ultra-rich facial cream cleanser for dry — even very dry — skin.
Contains a blend of organic and hypoallergenic ingredients to revive dry skin, including:

• Organic virgin coconut oil (grown and cold-1st-pressed on our own farms) whose fatty acids are native to skin for ideal moisturization and barrier therapy care.
• Glycerin for added moisturization.
• Monolaurin, a coconut-derived anti-microbial to help prevent itching and infection.

Rich with soothing antioxidants. Gently washes away dirt while soothing, calming and adding supple moisture to extra-sensitive dry skin. Helps prevent flaking, discomfort, tightness + other concerns that can be common to over-treated or irritated dry skin.

Validated Hypoallergenic:VH -76/76. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% SLS + Allergenic Surfactant-Free. 100%, Dye-Phthalate-Paraben + Preservative-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Usage + Patch Tested. For men, women, teens and younger (ages 9+).

With their Skintangible "Faint"ation BBBB cream as my all-time favourite BB cream, I added the VMV Hypoallergenics Moisture Rich Creammy Cleansing Milk into my shopping cart, thinking it might be suitable for my skin type as well, together with the BBBB cream purchase direct from their USA site sometime back. The 30ml size costs US$8 but unfortunately, it doesn't quite work for me.

I have a soft spot for cleansing milk as it is known to be nourishing and gentle for sensitive skin. VMV Hypoallergenics Moisture Rich Creammy Cleansing Milk seems like the perfect cleanser to what I am looking for.

It has no scent and the white creamy milky texture looks delicious and mild but only until it touches the skin. I could feel a slight squeaky sensation that causes a tad drying feeling on my face. And that is my telling cue of the suitability of this cleanser for my skin. My sensitive nose wings turned red and is flaky and dry after the first use. Subsequent usage yields the same result and that is a definitely no-no for me.

Source : VMV

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask

Product Description
FAB Ultra Repair® Instant Oatmeal Mask is the perfect antidote to dry or distressed skin. With this 10 minute fix, skin is rehydrated and soothed. The result: soft, smooth, supple skin. The formula blends a duo of protective oats (Colloidal Oatmeal and Avena Sativa Oat Bran) with botanical antioxidants and skin nourishing ingredients to repair and revive the skin.


BENEFITSCalms, nourishes and soothes distressed skin. Rehydrates and smoothes parched, rough skin. Combats free radicals. 
FEATURES
No Parabens, Harsh Chemicals or Colorants. 
Safe for Sensitive Skin.

Key Ingredients :
RELIEVE ITCHING and IRRITATION: Colloidal Oatmeal
REDUCE INFLAMMATION: Bisabolol
MOISTURIZE and NOURISH: Shea Butter
COMBAT FREE RADICALS: Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract (Sea Buckthorn), FAB Antioxidant Booster

I have a mini notebook which I will usually record down the list of products that I wanted to try out and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is one of them. With the Sephora 20% storewide sale, it was a good chance for me to snag them at $28 instead of the original $35.

In the facial salon which I visited regularly, they usually use oatmeal mask on my skin for nourishment, hence I have some expectations where it comes to First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask. Unfortunately, it is a very medicore mask which hardly does much on my skin.

Made in USA, this instant oatmeal mask is allergic tested, fragrance free, paraben-free, phthalates-free and colorant-free and you only need 10 minutes to get the job done. At 56.7g, the tube is travel-friendly and depletes pretty quickly too, as you need to use a generous layer on the skin.

The instant oatmeal mask, with a medium consistency and tiny bits of oatmeal which thankfully, isn't too difficult to remove with water, looks and feels like a creamy oatmeal spread on the skin. The scent smells delicious too.

While it is a gentle and mild product, feels almost cooling, calming and comfortable during usage and makes my skin pretty smooth after treatment but it doesn't do much to improve the hydration level on my dehydrated skin at times.

The product description states that it is recommended to use 2 ~3 times per week but despite that, I didn't feel that it nourishes the skin as much as I thought. In fact, I hardly feel a difference on dehydrated skin after each treatment. On optimal skin, it works well, to maintain its condition.

In terms of itchiness and irritation, I tried to test its effectiveness by using it whenever I have slight eczema flare-ups between the eyebrows and it virtually does nothing at all, to improve the condition.

A product which I can use to maintain my daily skin condition but not one which I will reach as an emergency fix.

According to Paula, the instant oatmeal mask actually has a moisturising and emollient formula with an impressive amount of skin-soothing oatmeal, with rich plant butters and oils that function as antioxidants. So, with a leap of faith, you may consider trying it, who knows, your skin type may have better luck than mine.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water, Eau), Colloidal Oatmeal, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Polysorbate 20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Decyl Glucoside, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Bisabolol, Vanillin, Polysorbate 60, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA

Source : FAB

15-second trick for smaller pores and a V-shaped face

Here’s the hangover recipe you never knew you needed. My beauty hack requires the most perfunctory prep the night before. Decant the tiniest bit of toner into water straight from the tap – I’d say approximately one to five, proportions-wise – then give everything a good stir before chucking your container into the fridge. Done? Good, you’re free to shuffle off to bed.

The morning after, simply step out of the shower and dunk your clean face into the deliciously cold brew, then caress the contours for 15 seconds or so. (Pay special heed to the cheek and jowl areas, where most of the sagging and bagging occurs.)

The result? You’ll see an instant depuffing effect, alongside a reduction in ruddiness, pore size and such – essentially any and every cosmetic concern.

How does all of this work? Let me explain. You may be aware that irritated post-party facial bloatedness (“erythema” in derm-speak) is due to the dilation of pores and blood vessels on the skin’s surface. To dial back the blotchiness, you’ll need to shrink said pores and vessels, which is where the cool liquid comes into play. (And sceptics out there: I have science to back me up on this!)

Wait, why not use plain ol’ toner, “neat” out of the bottle? Besides the (pun alert) cool factor, there’s also the inconvenient fact that most toner-type products are quite dear on the purse. It’s also really shiok to be able to use as much of this watered down (but still pretty darn effective) solution as you like; carefully dispensing one measly drop of toner on a sorry square of cotton pad is not the way to live, guys.

Want to be the ultimate budget Barbie? Skip the toner altogether and splash off with water spiked with cucumber slices instead. 

Source : Herworld

3 best Singapore foods for acne & brightening

1. GREEN TEA FOR ACNE

Green tea is great for your skin and when taken orally, the potent polyphenols in the emerald elixir sops up harmful radiation from solar rays, making it a useful adjunct to your daily dose of sunscreen.

It is also peerless in terms of fighting age-accelerating free radicals. A growing body of research in the Archives of Dermatology points to your calming cuppa’s anti-inflammatory potential – these come courtesy of catechins, which are antioxidants that help to ease skin inflammation in the form of blotchiness and blemishes.

2. SEAWEED FOR SKIN BRIGHTENING

Here’s why this marine manna is so good for you. The most direct beautifying benefits stem from seaweed’s stress-alleviating stockpile of riboflavin and pantothenic acids.

These B-vitamins bolster your body against fatigue by fortifying your adrenal glands, helping to soothe stress-induced skin sallowness.

In short, don’t forget to eat your sea veggies – ask the canteen auntie for an extra spoonful in your fish soup the next time you’re lunching!

3. SUNFLOWER & OTHER SEED OILS FOR DRY SKIN

The essential fatty acids (the “Omegas”) found in flax seeds and nut oils have the most cosmetic cache.

Like lubricating an engine, Omega 3 and Omega 6 – they’re found in most vegetable oils used for Asian stir-fries – serve as reinforcers for fragile cell membranes, allowing said membranes to sop up precious moisture for plumper, younger-looking skin.

To maximise your oil’s hydrating powers, splash out on top-notch products labelled “expeller-processed” or “cold-pressed”; these salad-quality condiments are only gently heated, which means all of their enzymes and essential fatty acid goodness can work their magic on your dry, flaky skin.

Now for a small caveat. “Good” oils are still calorific treats best partaken of in modest quantities (no more than two tablespoonfuls, ideally). Everything in moderation!

Source : Her World

Review : Dermalogica UltraCalming Redness Relief Primer SPF20

Product Description
Counteract telltale skin redness and balance skin tone with this soothing, translucent primer tinted with natural green botanical extracts. Velvety silicones smooth the skin and strengthen barrier protection while physical sunscreen shields the skin from irritating UV rays. Oat Extracts and Oat Kernel Oil help soothe and condition the skin. Contains our exclusive UltraCalming Complex, which helps soothe and strengthen the skin. Formulated without artificial fragrances, colors or parabens.

Benefits :
- A make-up primer, sunscreen and redness-reducing treatment in one
- Green tint to help counter redness
- Broad spectrum helps defend against skin-irritating UV rays

I have not been using Dermalogica products for awhile, straying to other brands as none caught my eye. However, when I recently signed up a new facial package with Aster Spring ( I have been with Posh Wellness for the last 4~5 years ), I was given some samples to try out and that marks my return to trying out some of their new products.

They are very strict in giving out samples nowadays, even with their own customers which was a far cry from their old policy where anyone can step in to get some samples for trial. Only 1 miserable sachet of each product is provided each time, which is totally off-putting. I can easily request for samples with my purchases when I ordered Dermalogica products online, from USA. Cheaper and with efficient service too.

After my recent facial, I requested for a sample sachet of the Dermalogica UltraCalming Redness Relief Primer SPF20, hoping that it can counteract the redness at the wings of my nose, caused by broken capillaries and an on-off flu.

My sole purpose is to use it as a redness-reducing treatment which doesn't seem to work on my broken capillaries immediately, however, I have noticed that the redness has calmed down considerably ( note: minimized but did not disappear ) and is much less obvious after almost 30 minutes of wearing it beneath my VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible "Faint"ation BBBB Cream and RMS Beauty "Un"Powder. Note that both the BB Cream and the loose powder I use does not have much concealing power on their own so I can only contribute it to the Dermalogica UltraCalming Redness Relief Primer SPF20.

On eczema flare up days ( redness near the brows ), the UltraCalming Redness Relief Primer SPF20 helps to minimize it slightly but redness is still apparent. I don't have a habit to conceal eczema as it tends to get scaly when make-up is piled on top of it but with this product, the scaly visibility is not that obvious while the redness is toned down slightly.

However, on dehydrated skin, like the edges at the sides of my nose, it can be flaky and the UltraCalming Redness Relief Primer SPF20 does not help at all. The area gets more obvious with flakes after application so I rather skip in using the product.

The Redness Relief Primer SPF20 has a silicon texture, making the skin velvety smooth. It feels like a combination of Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer and Hourglass Veil Mineral Mineral Primer which I have used before.

There is a belief that such silicon primers are not good for the skin, causing breakouts and preventing the skin from performing its normal activities. ( read more about it here ). On the other hand, it is also said that the silicon helps to fill in imperfections like pores and fine lines, so that make-up glides on smoothly and skin looks flawless perfect.

A little goes a long way so a tube actually can lasts you for awhile. As a primer, it works to make my skin looks better and while I didn't notice that my make-up has become much long wearing, I can't complain about it too, since I don't really have such a problem nowadays ( with my skin being in optimal condition ( hydrated sufficiently ) so my make-up doesn't slide off ).

I don't use it as a sunscreen because SPF 20 is too little to be of any usefulness in Singapore, but it is still an added bonus, on top of my sunblock and BB cream.

In conclusion, it may be a worthwhile investment as a redness-reducing treatment and as a primer but for those who are wary of silicon ingredients, it is best to avoid this product.

Need a primer? Check out the latest Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer from Amazon.

Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (3.0%), Zinc Oxide (8.5%)
Other ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris (Trimethylsiloxy) Silylethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/
Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyhydroxystearic
Acid, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Bisabolol, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Seed Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Amber Powder, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/ Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Tumeric) Leaf Extract, Pearl Powder, Dodecene, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alumina, PEG-10, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides CI 77492, CI 77499

Crabtree & Evelyn Revitalising Bath & Shower Gel

Product Description
This Bath and Shower Gel is formulated with conditioning avocado extract, rejuvenating olive fruit extract, and soothing basil extract for skin, leaving it fresh and gently moisturised. Creates a smooth lather in the shower, brillant bubbles in the bath and an extra splash of moisture in your daily bath. 

Benefits :

• Avocado and olive extracts help condition skin
• Basil extract soothes skin
• Formulated without mineral oil, parabens, phthalates or propylene glycol

I recently had a staycation at The Mandarin Orchard Hotel and brought along the Crabtree and Evelyn Revitalising Bath and Shower Gel as the complimentary ones are usually too drying for my skin. I tend to have a bad habit to check out the toiletries in hotels but most are just not too impressive.

The Hotel Intercontinental provides  L'occitane range of toiletries in my bridal suite some years back. However, I am not too sure if the brand of toiletries are extended for all rooms. Toiletries, in my opinion tells alot about the hotel's customer focus.One should feel pampered, isn't it? Else why choose hotels over hostels?

Infused with avocado olive and basil extracts, this shower gel has a lovely and fresh fragrance that uplifts one's mood in the mornings. Crabtree and Evelyn bath products are always well-received with their well-formulated fragrances, however their list of ingredients are not at all natural/organic so it may not receive much love from the natural/organic community. Great news is, they are paraben and sulphate-free.

It lathers well with moderate suds and provides a clean, pampered wash.

Review : Nature Republic Snail Solution Mask Sheet

Product Description
Contains snail mucus filtrate ( 1000mg ) to create moisturised and healthy skin.

A hydrogel sheet mask with excellent adhesive power, Nature Republic Snail Solution Mask Sheet is said to offer enriched nutrition to weak skin caused by external stress.

Owning 3 sheets of the masks which I have requested a dear friend to get it for me on his Korea trip, I have been using it once a week recently. Soaked in essence, the material of the sheet mask is thin and adheres well on my skin. The nose flap is slightly shorter than what I would prefer but the rest of the cut-outs still fit well. There is a perfume-scented fragrance, commonly associated with Korean masks but is still something I rather do without.

After each 15 minute treatment mask, my skin looks clearer, smoother and fresher. However, as with most sheet masks, the effects do not last beyond the following morning.

Review : Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ Anti-Aging (Face/Body)

Product Description
The sun is definitely not man's best friend. Get comprehensive coverage against its harmful UV rays with advanced anti-aging protection thrown in for good measure. Lightweight texture wears comfortably, even over the body. Micronised physical sunscreen provides the first level of protection by blocking UV rays on skin's surface. Antioxidant Gingko Biloba Leaf extract and skin-revitalising amino acids back it up by fighting damage at the cellular level

After coming across rave reviews on Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ on Luxola, I decided to try it out myself. At $108 for a 50ml size, it is not exactly cheap and doesn't contain Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide in its list of ingredients. It is not a physical sunscreen ( read difference between physical and chemical sunscreen ) and uses the following sunscreen ingredients :

Octocrylene protects against partial UVA and full UVB rays
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane ( also known as avobenzone ) protects against full UVA and partial UVB rays
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate protects against partial UVA and full UVB rays


Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Maximum recommended by FDA: 7.5%) :
Often listed on sunscreen products as Octinoxate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (also called Octyl Methoxycinnamate) is used in products that are applied to the skin to absorb, reflect or scatter UV rays; it protects the skin from sunburn and other damaging effects of the sun. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate also protects cosmetics and personal care products from deterioration caused by UV rays and allows them to last longer in high UV conditions.

It is a chemical sun blocking agent that absorbs ultraviolet radiation in UVB range.
However, when Octinoxate is exposed to sunlight, "it is converted into a less UV absorbent form hence it is not very stable. This conversion can be partly prevented by certain other UV blockers, particularly bemotrizinol (Tinosorb M). 
Note that if Octinoxate combined with Avobenzone, it degrades even faster.

According to the EWG, Octinoxate is a moderate hazard, primarily because it can lead to developmental and reproductive toxicity through enhanced skin absorption. It can produce estrogen-like effects and should not be used by pregnant women and children. 

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane : 
In the United States, when this ingredient is used in sun protection products, it will be listed on the label as Avobenzone. Avobenzone, when applied to the skin, absorbs UV rays. In addition to causing sunburn, UV radiation is a significant cause of premature aging of the skin and contributes to the development of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

According to this source, tests have revealed Avobenzone’s tendency to significantly degrade in light over time, lessening its sun protection capabilities. For this reason, most sunscreens containing the ingredient also include photo-stabilizing ingredients likeoctocrylene. 
Avobenzone appears to be relatively non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. However, because it is often used in conjunction with photo-stabilizers, there is a greater risk for skin irritation and low-level toxicity. Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated it to be absorbed by the body and secreted into urine, and is therefore not recommended to use on children or pregnant women

In this link, the writer mentioned that though this ingredient may be a somewhat more safe product than oxybenzone but after it has been on the skin for a period of time, it could actually lead to increased reactive oxygen series (free radical damage) from what has penetrated a little deeper into the skin.

Octocrylene :
According to TIA, Octocrylene can penetrate into the skin and act as a photosensitizer, resulting in an increased production of free radicals. Free radicals can induce indirect DNA damage and potentially contribute to the increased incidence of malignant melanoma in sunscreen-users. Maximum recommended by FDA is 3%. You can also read more about it in EWG.
From this source, Octocrylene appears to be a strong allergen leading to contact dermatitis in children and mostly photoallergic contact dermatitis in adults with an often-associated history of photoallergy from ketoprofen. Patients with photoallergy from ketoprofen frequently have positive photopatch test reactions to octocrylene. These patients need to be informed of sunscreen products not containing octocrylene, benzophenone-3, or fragrances. There is a conflicting theory about this ingredient here. 

4-Methylbenzyibene Camphor :

According to this source, 4-Methylbenzyibene Camphor is an ultraviolet light blocker used in cosmetics and sunscreen preparations that has estrogenic activities, resulting in changes to the reproductive organ and brain development in both males and females. When applied topically, it is absorbed systemically and can be detected in urine. This ingredient is not approved as an ingredient in sunscreens in the USA as it may be an endocrine disruptor and lead to hypothyroidism as well as causing photo-allergic dermatitis. 


Dr. Georgia Lee is a renowned doctor with an interest in well-being and skincare ( as claimed on her website ) and this is my first foray into her brand. Frankly speaking, I really love this sunblock, in terms of application and texture but unfortunately, I will prefer a physical sunblock, rather than a chemical one. You can read more about the ingredients used in a chemical sunblock here. 

I managed to snag Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ at $68, instead of the retail $108 due to a 40% storewide discount on Luxola. Made in Korea, the packaging is simple and sleek with a clinical vibe to it. The sunblock is kept in an opaque bottle which makes it difficult to gauge the quantity and whether its truly depleted or just because the pump dispenser cannot reach it. It lasts me for a short while as I used it on both hands and body. That is how much I like the texture. 

 A tiny nozzle on the bottle makes it easy to dispense the sunblock in a white creamy form that is never greasy or sticky. It has a light silicon feel which makes it smooth and glides well onto the skin. Lightweight and fast-absorbing makes this sunblock a winner in our hot and humid condition.

Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ also offers advanced anti-aging benefits, hydrating the skin and improving blood circulation while neutralising free radicals and fighting the sun's damaging effects. 

As the 3rd last ingredient in the list, Oligopeptide-34 is a revolutionary synthesized peptide that consists of 13 amino acids strung together to create a highly efficient and active molecule to address melanin formation. ( source )

An awesome product, in my personal opinion but a pity about its ingredients. Try it out, if you prefer a chemical sunblock.

Source : DrGL

My Beauty Diary Puffiness Intensive Care Eye Mask

Product Description
A mild eye mask contains double nourishing ingredients, vitamins and plant essences, for soothing eye from tiredness and avoid puffiness. It is specially designed in a "butterfly" shape of mask for easy wearing and nourishment on skin around the eyes. Can be put in fridge as a "cooling mask" for an alternative skincare experience.

I requested a friend to get a box of My Beauty Diary Puffiness Intensive Care Eye Mask from her Taiwan trip late last year. Each box contains 5 individually packed sheets, with 3ml soaked essence in each eye mask sheet.

The orange coloured packaging looks so cheerful and pretty. In each indivdually packed sachet, an eye mask shaped like a butterfly ( or petals ) awaits you as you layered it on the undereye area. The material is soft and cottony, feels comfortably on the skin and fits well. My partner thinks I look like a catwoman, with it!

I enjoyed the pampering eye care experience. The butterfly eye mask sheet is moist but not overly wet so there is no dripping messiness. My eyes look much fresher as with all eye masks do and feels hydrated but the puffiness is still apparent.

Ingredients :
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Glycirrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Steareth-20, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Aesulus Hippcastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Palmitoyl, Tetra Peptide-7, Dipotassium Glyccyrhizate, Clorphenesin, Triethanolamine, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Palmitoyl oligopeptide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Dipeptide-2, Sodium Ascorbate Phosphate, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, N-Hydroxusccinimide, Chrysin, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Ammonium Glycyrrhzate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Citris Medica Limonum (Lemon Peel) Ectract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract, Saccharum Oficinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Carbomer, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, 3-o-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Penthanol, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Citric Acid, Xantham Gum, Sodium Hydoxide.

Source : Amazon

Review : Surya Brasil Restorative Hair Mask

Product Description

A creamy restorative mask that hydrates and revitalizes dyed or damaged hair. Formulated to provide a deep treatment to dry or colored hair, it is rich in natural oils with emollient properties that make it ideal for a hair spa treatment with a thermal cap or hot towel. This hair mask can also be used as a periodic intensive treatment for maintaining healthy hair for all hair types. Surya Brasil's Restorative mask extends the life of the color because cupuaçu butter and buriti oil are included to absorb the sunÍs ultraviolet rays. The formula is enriched with rice proteins that strengthen the cuticle of the hair restoring shine and manageability. Its 15 herbal extracts and fruits from India and the Amazon forest complete the formulas deep hydrating and conditioning effect, restoring the health of your hair. No GMOs, no animal ingredients. Never tested on animals.

With my newly coloured touch-up on the roots of my hair and getting the Shikai range of colour care products, Surya Brasil Restorative Hair Mask is a new brand and product which I have added to provide an additional boost of moisture.

Surya Brasil is famed for its henna colorants, using 100% plant ingredients and has certifications for being organic and vegan. The red tub with its white creamy contents has a lingering odd scent which I didn't quite fancy but is still bearable. It is recommended to apply on the hair ends for 15 minutes before rinsing it off but I usually can't wait till that long, so I tend to rinse it off after 5 minutes. I use it once every few days in replace of the Shikai Colour Intensive Conditioner for added deep conditioning to my long hair.

After each treatment, my coloured hair feels much softer and looks shinier. Colour lasts slightly longer than the usual 1.5 weeks ( with color shampoo and conditioner usage ) without much greys peeking through.

Shop Surya Brasil Restorative Hair Mask on Iherb and quote OKI787 to get up to US$10 off your first purchase.

Ingredients: 
Deionized Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Sorbitol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Essential Oils (Rose Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale Oil and Santalum Album Oil), Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Paullinia Cupana Fruit Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Genipa Americana Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Corylus Rostrata Seed Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Zizyphus Joaseiro Bark Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Malpighia Punicifolia Fruit Extract, Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil Nut) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Hydrolized Rice Protein,Tocopheryl Acetate

Source : Surya

Review : VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin Saving Clark Wash

Product Description
A rich, soothing, non-drying, non-irritating and rash-flaking and acne preventing alternative for hair, scalp and body cleansing with super results. Provides important prevention for active therapies by keeping problems like acne, rashes and hyperpigmentation from recurring.
Skincredibly mild, hydrating and non pore-clogging. Safe for cleansing sensitive areas. Safe for children as well as adults who shower frequently and even those with medically-managed conditions.
Wonderful even on very dry, breakage-prone or treated hair and hypersensitive scalps.

I received 5 4ml capsule samples of the VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin Saving Clark Wash during my last purchase, which enabled me with 5 usages. I have tried it as a body cleanser, hair and scalp shampoo but all tries were not that fantastic.

With soothing antioxidants and monolaurin for gentle yet powerful antimicrobial protection, the Essence Skin Saving Clarke Wash is also dye, fragrance, paraben, preservative-free as well as being SLES, SLS, "anine" and other allergenic-surfactant-free.

With all the beautiful descriptions, I thought this Essence Skin Saving Clark Wash will be a gentle wash for me, but unfortunately, it is not.
Scent non-withstanding, the gel-like textured cleanser left a slight drying feel on the body during cleansing and after cleansing however, it provides much suds and lathers well.
As a shampoo, it left my hair feeling slightly straw-like and dry. A conditioner is definitely recommended.

Ingredients :
Aqua/Water/Eau, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Glyceryl Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate.

Source : VMV

Review : Etude House I Need You Mugwort Mask

Product Description
A 100% cotton sheet to provide essence ingredients to the skin. It helps to brighten skin and soothe tiredness from external irritation.

A complimentary mask sheet that comes with my Korea mask sheets haul via a friend, this Etude House Mugwort mask, with a lovely soothing scent, has a thin material that fits snugly on my skin like a glove. However, the cutouts are not meant for my cherubic face, with too short nose flaps, tiny cutouts for the eyes and the lips. 

Having it on my skin for 20 minutes doesn't have any spectacular impact on my skin tone though. That said, I only have one mask sheet to try out. 

Review : Naturalmente Breathe Skin Therapy Mango Light Peeling

Product Description
A gentle glycolic acid and fruit acid-based exfoliant elixir which improves cellular replacement to allow the skin to regain its natural luminosity and a more even complexion. The fruit acids increase the skin’s suppleness and effectively fight against signs of skin aging.

I received 2 sachet samples during my last purchase at Adonica Kube. With all things new, I usually prefer to use them at night, to minimize leaving the house with a red face, should my skin reacts badly to it. 

It is said that the vegetable extract of Aloe has dehydrating and refreshing properties while the vegetable extract of Malva helps to reduce the irritating effect of fruit acids and alleviates the redness of the skin, with its decongestant and soothing properties. The extract of Althaea ( marshmallow ) with its softening properties is said to make the skin soft and smooth. 

However, it seems that I may have used it wrongly, because instead of using it from the cotton pad ( pour contents on pad to be used ), I use it directly on the skin. There isn't any description on the sachet but I happened to stumble upon the usage description online though by then I have already used it up. 

Runny in texture, Breathe Mango Light Peeling feels like an AHA product in liquid form. It stings slightly on sensitive skin and makes the dry area slightly red. I didn't like it one bit. It looks gentle but isn't so, on my skin. 

Ingredients : 
Aqua [Water], Glycolic acid, *Alcohol denat., Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, *Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow) root extract, *Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) fruit extract, *Malva sylvestris (Mallow) flower/ leaf/stem extract, Mangifera indica (Mango) fruit extract, *Passiflora edulis flower extract, *Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) peel oil, Hydroxyethylethylcellulose, Ammonium hydroxide, Glycerin, Limonene, Lactic acid, Citral

Source :  AdonikaKube , EvivaOrganics

Review : Shikai Color Reflect Intensive Repair Conditioner

Product Description
This ultra-rich natural treatment revives hair with soy protein, avocado oil, glycerin, panthenol and shea butter. Natural sunflower extract (Heliogenol) and UV filters extend the life of color treatments. Glycerin and panthenol (provitamin B5) moisturize and nourish hair.

When I touch-up the roots of my hair colour, I decided to purchase back the same shampoo - Shikai Color Care Shampoo  and tried a new conditioner since the daily conditioner was out of stock. The shampoo is drying so a conditioner is definitely required. The intensive repair conditioner, with its white creamy texture does the job moderately well, in its flick-top opening tube. I prefer this over the daily conditioner.

It has a nice scent, left the hair feeling soft and slightly detangled but not the best conditioner around. Together with the shampoo, it is still able to retain the colour well enough to slightly more than 1.5 months, with little specks of grey peeking through.

Few months down the road, the packaging has changed to an opaque design.

I like how the new packaging allows all contents to be used up cleanly, without the need to cut it. Note that this was my first time cutting it, so I can't comment if previous packaging has wastage.

Shikai Color Reflect Intensive Repair Conditioner scored a 5 on EWG due to its inclusion of fragrance. Get 5% off your order on Iherb by quoting OKI787 or shop here.

Alternatively, you can purchase it on Amazon.
Shikai Color Reflect Intensive Repair Conditioner 
Shikai Color Reflect Intensive Repair Conditioner ( 3 tubes )

Ingredients :
water, glycerin, avocado oil, hydrolyzed soy protein, cetearyl alcohol, amodimethicone, behentrimonium chloride, panthenol, shea butter, sunflower extract, guar powder, behenetrimonium methosulfate, diazolidinyl urea, octyl methoxycinnamate, natural fragrance

Source : Iherb

Review : Klorane Leave-In Spray with Magnolia

Product Description
Klorane Leave-In Spray protects and restores the hair with its polyphenol-rich, magnolia-infused formula. Designed to add instant shine, body and bounce to the hair, it detangles, softens and strengthens, while protecting from harsh environmental and styling stressors

I had Klorane Leave-In Spray with Magnolia for the longest time and only started to use it early last month, prior to applying the curling cream on my long tresses. Containing 95% natural ingredients, paraben-free, sulfate-free, silicon-free and cruelty-free, Klorane Leave-In Spray contains magnolia, known for the resistance and shine of its leaves and is said to help detangle stubborn snarls and protects hair with antioxidants.

Housed in a thin and slim clear bottle, the clear cap reveals a nozzle which dispenses the mist in tiny bursts with a floral scent that lingers on the hair for awhile. There isn't any spectacular difference to my hair condition, while using this leave-in spray. In fact, I feel that its slightly drying on the hair. Hair is not detangled or shiny as claimed.

Ingredients : 
Water, SD alcohol 39-C, vinegar, inulin, olive oil glycereth-8 esters, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, benzyl salicylate, BHT, butylparaben, cetrimonium chloride,citronellol, ethylparaben, fragrance, geraniol, isobutylparaben, limonene, linalool, magnolia grandiflora leaf extract, methylparaben, oleth-10, phenoxyethanol,polyquaternium-68, propylparaben