Review : Crabtree & Evelyn Himalayan Blue Hand Cream



Product Description
Lock in lashings of moisture with our Himalayan Blue Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy. Infused with macadamia nut oil, shea butter and extracts of golden champaca, ginger and tea oil, this intensive cream nourishes skin so it’s noticeably smoother after each luxurious application.
  • Contains hydrating ceramides and antioxidant-rich vitamin E
  • Myrrh extract helps condition nails and cuticles
  • Formulated without mineral oil, parabens, phthalates or propylene glycol
I received this as a Christmas gift a year ago. It is definitely worthwhile if you are a member of Crabtree and Evelyn because you get significant savings during Christmas time, as compared to the discounts from credit cards.

Hand creams are lovely gifts because most females use hand cream! Himalayan Blue has a fresh scent that is not exactly as appealing as that of the Rose Hand Cream but is still bearable.

The pliable aluminium tube is a disaster waiting to happen, because it literally broke at the sides, even though I did not toss it in my bag, but just sitting on my office table for regular usage.

The daily depressions on the tube caused the sides to break which reflects poor quality. I have used several of their hand creams without experiencing this issue before, so perhaps there is a quality issue with this batch or that, there is a change in the packaging material.

Crabtree and Evelyn Himalayan Blue Hand Cream has a fresh scent with a white cream that is neither too thick nor too light but is moisturising though not as much as what my hands need. It doesn't leave a greasy after feel on the skin but because my hands are dry and flaky after coming back from the winter weather, I still require frequent application.
It is more moisturising than most hand creams but it doesn't really combat the after winter hands yet is still moderately sufficient to be used in the air-conditioned office.



Review : Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile Body Wash





Product Description
Deep Steep's refreshing Body Wash offers a rich, creamy lather with gentle, effective cleansing. Our unique formula combines Shea and Cocoa Butters to hydrate and restore skin's elasticity while organic plant extracts moisturize and tone. Leaves skin feeling fresh, healthy and clean.
We are committed to providing luxury without compromise. All of our formulas are free of artificial ingredients and chemical preservatives. Instead, we use only the finest natural oils, botanicals and aromas.

Certified by the 'Cruelty Free Bunny'
* No Parabens * No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate * No Mineral Oil
* No Artificial Fragrances * No Chemical Preservatives
* Gluten Free * Not Tested On Animals * Vegan

Deep Steep is a new brand which I gotten to try out. It prides itself as clean, pure and natural that look, feel, and smell like superior luxury, but are priced for you to indulge every day.       
The packaging itself screams luxe and has an English feel.

Made in USA, the 237ml Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile Body Wash runs out pretty quickly, in less than a month. The gel texture has a subtle scent of lavender and chamomile but is hardly obvious unless you really sniff on it.

The body wash comes in a tube form that is easy to depress to get the contents out. Gentle and lightweight, the body wash lathers moderately well without drying out the skin. Even though it is touted as a luxurious lather, I found it to be on par with that of other ingredients-friendly body washes. It feels too light to be moisturizing and the lathering is moderate.

INGREDIENTS:
Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Infusion of Organic Herbs; Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Coco Glucoside, Aroma (Organic and Wildcrafted Aroma Blend), Glycerin (Vegan), Caprylic Acid (Coconut Fatty Acid), Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Natural, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Organic Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid.

Source : Deep Steep

Review : Desert Essence Exfoliating Shea Butter Body Scrub




Product Description
Desert Essence Exfoliating Shea Butter Body Scrub helps to eliminate dead surface skin cells, softens and renews appearance of skin and is gentle enough for daily use. Enriched with a restorative blend of ten natural extracts, including succulent Vanilla Cactus and Prickly Pear, this high-performance, foaming exfoliator combines Walnut Shell Powder with Shea Butter to leave skin ultra soft and smooth.

I purchased this 177ml body scrub from Iherb (quote OKI787 to get up to US$10 off your first purchase) at close to S$10 several months earlier. Runny in texture, with little beads in it, it has a unique scent which does not linger long on the body. I considered it as a gentle scrub that is non-abrasive and non-drying but does not provide the smooth after-feel that I expect to get from an exfoliating scrub.

Ingredients :
Water (Aqua),Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Coco-Glucoside, Pumice, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Cereus Grandiflorus (Vanilla Cactus) Extract, Opuntia Vulgaris Leaf Extract (Prickly Pear Cactus), Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Royal Jelly, Honey, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Natural Fragrance (Parfum) *Certified Organic

Source : DesertEssence

Review : Biotherm White D-tox CC Cream SPF50 PA++ (Evenness)



Product Description
A 5-in-one color + correction base in 5 different shades.                     
  1. Corrects: 5 color corrective shades tailored to address every skin-tone problem be it darkness, dullness, unevenness, yellowness or redness
  2. Hydrates: Each base leaves skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
  3. Smoothes: The formula's uniform consistency further corrects skin by smoothing irregularities and providing the subtlest of coverage for a nude finish.
  4. Protects: Greater broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF50+ and PA++ prevents dark spots from forming in the first place.
  5. Illuminates: Brightens skin with new Lumina Marina triple action brightening Complex
Skin color correction and texture retouch work inseparable to achieve ideal fairness and luminosity. C.C. base erases skin irregulatitiesm, offers more smoothness, uniformity and hydration for your skin.

Colors:
Green - Anti Redness
White - Bright Color
Violet - Evenness
Coral - Glow
Blue - Luminous

Made in France and paraben-free, I received a 5ml sample with the Biotherm moisturizer purchase in Sephora some time back. I received the one in violet, meant to make the skin tone appear more even, illuminated and translucent.

Biotherm White D-tox CC Cream SPF50 PA++ has a slightly thick consistency and requires effort to blend into skin, even with its slight silicon texture. Purple in colour, it literally disappears into skin to nothingness. It also has a heavy fragrance which I rather do without.



When I first started using the CC Cream, it made my skin pretty oily, and I have to dab on my T-zone every 2 to 3 hours, especially on the nose and the wings area. My skin tone appears slightly more even but coverage is very sheer, and is unable to conceal any blemishes at all, so its best to use on very good skin or pair with a liquid foundation.

However, strangely, with time, my skin seems to adapt to the CC Cream much better, without the initial oiliness but the "looking even-tone" appearance is no longer present. In fact, I hardly see any difference to my skin with or without using it, so I treat it as a sunscreen protection for the skin.



Source : Biotherm , Tangs

Review : Biotherm Aquasource 48h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel



Product Description
Biotherm Aquasource 48h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel instantly quenches dry skin with intense moisture for 48 hours, non-stop. Suitable for sensitive skin.
With a uniquely fresh and light gel texture that melts on the skin, leaving skin with a sensation of ultra-freshness, this gel has an invigorating fragrance of refreshing mint and citrus fruits combined with Jasmine and Musk to help awaken the sense every day. Paraben and Mineral Oil free.

Active Ingredients :
With Mannose, a new exclusive patented hydrator – a sugar extract responsible for stocking water in vegetal life and stimulating the regeneration cycle of the skin.
Thermal Plankton Cellular Water – 36 nutrients-rich fluid responsible for preventing moisture loss from the skin's surface.

Specially designed for normal to combination skin, I bought Biotherm Aquasource 48h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel in Sephora when there was a 20% storewide sale with a complimentary 3 samples gift. It has been a long while since I use Biotherm moisturisers as the prices have been climbing uphill then and with some old favourites giving way to new product formulaes.

A 50ml moisturizer costs $69 and I brought it along to combat the harsh winter weather. Hydration is key when I am overseas so I always load up on hydrating products for travels. Biotherm moisturisers never fail me, including this Aquasource 48h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel.

Housed in a jar, it may be considered unhygienic to most people but I usually just ensure my fingers are clean before dipping into it, and use a different finger if I need to dip in a 2nd time.

The gel texture is refreshing and cooling and provides an immediate relief to dehydrated skin, leaving it comfortable, soft and supple. There is no stickiness or greasiness and I like how comfortable and hydrated my skin feels. 48h is too much to ask for and since I usually wash my face twice a day so I can't really comment on its efficacy.
In winter weather, this moisturizer alone does not suffice as I need to layer essence, serum and moisturizer.

The only gripe is that, the ingredient list is not at all natural. Alcohol is listed as the 4th ingredient while the refreshing feeling after application is due to the irritating ingredient, menthol derivative menthoxypropanediol, And Menthol, in general is not good for the skin.

For the uninitiated, alcohol in skincare products causes dryness and free-radical damage, and impairs the skin’s ability to heal. The irritation it causes ( as well as irritation, in general ) damages healthy collagen production and can stimulate oil production at the base of the pore, making oily skin worse.


Check out Biotherm Aquasource 48H Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel on Amazon

Source : Biotherm

Happy New Year 2015 !

 
 
 

Here's wishing all Review Galore readers a very happy Chinese New Year! May the "mare mare" year of the Goat brings you smooth tidings. Huat ah!

Schwarzkopf Hydro Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner



Shampoo Description
The moisturizing formula contains collagen and hyaluronan. Intensive moisture. Helps restore moisture balance for softer, shinier hair.




Conditioner Description
The moisturizing formula contains collagen and hylauron. Perfect combability and intensive moisture. Helps restore moisture balance for softer, shinier hair.

The Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hydro Collagen range has been formulated to perfectly rebalance the hair’s moisture levels. The special moisturizing formula contains two key ingredients: Collagen and Hyaluronan. Collagen recovers the hair’s elasticity, making it tangle free and easy to manage; therefore leaving it with a healthy shine. And Hyaluronan recharges the hair with essential moisture without overburdening it, combating dryness and leaving your hair smooth and soft. It’s the first hair care range to use Liquid Keratin which repairs the inner structure of the hair cell as well as the hair surface with identical substances

I received a set of the shampoo and conditioner from a good friend as a Christmas gift which comes in handy during travelling and off these 2 products were tossed in my luggage for my China trip.
The packaging is rather pretty with its striking and soothing baby blue colour.

Meant for longer hair prone to split ends, this hydro collagen shampoo and conditioner fall under the extra care range, meant to moisturize your hair with collagen and hyaluronan.
Under the harsh winter weather in China, this set of hair products serve my needs well. The shampoo, with its gel formula lathers pretty well, leaving it clean and fresh. The conditioner, with its creamy contents conditions my hair, leaving it smooth and soft.

However, once I continue using them in Singapore, they made my hair look slightly frizzy with flyaway ends. The shampoo is drying and the conditioner is much needed. Note that the 2 said ingredients - collagen and hyaluronan are at the bottom of the ingredient list, which meant that the percentage is not high.

Shampoo




Conditioner




Source : Schwarzkopf

Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Argan & Grapeseed Bath & Shower Gel



Product Description
Caress and cleanse skin in one scented sweep with Pomegranate, Argan and Grapeseed Bath and Shower Gel. This beautifully fragranced, gently cleansing gel creates a smooth lather in the shower, brilliant bubbles in the bath and a splash of luxury in your daily routine.
  • Conditions with antioxidant-rich pomegranate and grapeseed extracts
  • Formulated without mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate or propylene glycol
I bought a set of their travel-sized shower gels during one of the member sales and brought along the 50ml of Crabtree and Evelyn Pomegranate Argan and Grapeseed Bath and Shower Gel to my recent China trip.

Fragranced with pomegranate, zesty citrus and fig leaf, it has a scent that is a tad too sweet for my senses. The formula contains argan oil, which is full of Vitamin E and nutrients although this ingredient is not too high up in the ingredient list.

It provides good lathering, with its sodium laureth sulfate as its 2nd ingredient but is not drying on my skin, even in the winter weather. Just a decent body wash that keeps your skin feeling clean and fresh.



Source : CE

Review : Cowshed Lazy Cow Soothing Bath & Shower Gel


Product Description
When you're ready to kick back, do it in style with our Lazy Cow range. Featuring a potent combination of calm-inducing Chamomile and Sandalwood which is known to aid contemplation, our Bath and Shower Gel will soothe and provide that perfect moment of peace.
No Parabens • No Petrochemicals • No Sulphates • No Artificial Colours • Suitable for Vegetarians.

Cowshed Lazy Cow Soothing Bath and Shower Gel is the last of my travel sized products from the brand. It has a soothing scent which soothes the tired senses. But because it does not lather much, one tends to use more, so the 30ml size does not last long for me.

A nice shower gel to be used in the bathroom!

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water), Lauryl glucoside, Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Glycerin, Sodium chloride, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, Gluconolactone, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Coco-glucoside, Glyceryl oleate, Isopropyl alcohol, Boswellia carterii oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Styrax benzoin gum, Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile) oil, Calcium gluconate, Citrus aurantium amara (Bitter orange), Jasminum grandiflorum (Jasmine) oil, Santalum album (Sandalwood) oil, Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate, Tocopherol, *Benzyl benzoate, *Limonene, *Linalool. *potential allergens from natural sources.



A cowshed pocket cow travel kit to consider...perfect for travelling and on the go. ( Click on the picture to see more details )



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


Source : Cowshed

Review : Innisfree Cactus Hydro Gel Mask



Product Description
A hydrogel mask with jeju cactus ingredients to replenish skin moisture and elasticity while creating resilient and healthy skin

Benefits :
1. Hydro gel
The moist jelly type gel adheres tightly to the skin, delivering active ingredients to the skin without any stickiness, and keeps your skin hydrated and smooth until the next morning.

2. Green complex
The all-natural green complex certified by ECOCERT enhances your skin complexion.

3. Firming and moisturizing effects of the Jeju cactus
With its high water retention capacity, Jeju cactus provide nutrients to your skin for healthy and elastic skin

4. Temperature-sensitive water soluble hydrogel [Patent No. 0506543]
A new gel type mask, which melts on the skin when it comes in contact with the skin, delivers active ingredients to the skin. 

A dear friend helped to purchase 3 pieces of the Innisfree Cactus Hydro Gel Mask which I brought them along on my 10D China trip.
Enveloped within a protective layer, the sheet mask is made up of 2 jelly-like portions, one for the upper face area and one for the lower face area.

It has an artificial sweet scent that does not linger for long. Due to its jelly glooey like material, it can gets slippery when you try to layer on the face.
Used under the winter weather averaging 8 degrees, skin feels soothed and hydrated.



Check out Innisfree Cactus Hydro Gel Mask on Amazon

Source : Innisfree

Review : Cowshed Moody Cow Balancing Bath & Shower Gel



Product Description
When chocolate seems to be the only answer and you're lacking that zest for life, turn to our Moody Cow range. Featuring a balancing blend of Rose Geranium, Linden Blossom and Frankincense, our restorative Bath & Shower Gel will act as an instant pick-me-up if you're feeling low.

I brought the 30ml travel sized Cowshed Moody Cow Balancing Bath and Shower Gel to my trip in China and used it up within a few days. It has an unique scent but is not unbearable, just requires some time to get used to it. The shower gel does not lather much and hence I tend to use more, for a luxurious bath. It cleans well and is a decent shower gel.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water), Lauryl glucoside, Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Glycerin, Sodium chloride, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, Gluconolactone, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Coco-glucoside, Glyceryl oleate, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil, Isopropyl alcohol, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) oil, Cananga odorata (Ylang ylang) oil, Cinnamomum zeylanicum leaf oil, Citrus aurantium amara (Bitter orange) oil, Rosa centifolia (Rose) oil, Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile) oil, Calcium gluconate, Boswellia carterii oil, Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove) bud oil, Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate, Tocopherol, *Citronellol, *Eugenol, *Geraniol, *Linalool. *potential allergens from natural sources.


The Cowshed Knackered Cow Relaxing Essentials Gift Set would be great as a gift for your loved ones, who are always travelling. ( Click on the set to see more details )



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


Source : Cowshed

Trip to Hunan/Chong Qing + Beauty Haul



Its been more than a month since I came back from my 10D trip to China. I visited Changsha, the capital of Hunan where the places of interests include the Phoenix Ancient Town ( picture above ), ZhangJiajie , Yuan Jiajie, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve among others as well as taken a Yangtze river cruise to visit the Three Gorges and finally the last stop at Chong Qing.

I have not been to China much, other than Shenzhen and Hainan Island so this 10D trip was an eye-opener for me. They always say its best to visit China when you are young and its easy to understand why, because you walk a lot, in general. But ask the youths today, they will rather visit Europe or USA, than visit China. I don't really like shopping in China so visiting scenic spots is preferred. However, this trip came at a bad time for me. I sprained my ankle a week before and fell sick 3 days before embarking on the trip. It was pretty tough for me, since you have to walk a lot and I coughed and sniffed pretty much, under the winter weather.

During the trip, several members fell sick, either from exhaustion from all the walking or due to poor knee condition as well as diarrhea and vomiting, perhaps from the oily and salty food.



I experienced snow on Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve ( picture above ) in Zhangjiajie which wasn't expected even by the locals so we were lucky to catch it then.

On this trip, it mostly comprised of families which was expected and from each trip, you get to experience and interact with different classes of people. I shared the same table with a family of 6, they appeared well-groomed and are good-looking but when they attacked the food, they chose what they like, with their chopsticks stirring the ingredients and dipping them into soup and drinking up the coke ( only 2 bottles on each table ) without any consideration for others. You can certainly behave this "lovely" way when you are with your loved ones, but I just think proper table manners matter when you are with others. It is just pure courtesy.

Toilet is something I feared of when I think of China. On this trip, I have experienced toilets without doors, without locks, low partitions and without lights. You can see the locals leaving their "shit" in them or spit around the cubicle and even spit on the floors in supermarkets. I don't know why they can't love their country like how Japanese does ( who will even bring their dirty tissue papers back home to throw away instead of littering the compound ). Its a culture that stems from young.



Being a skincare fanatic, I am always most concerned about skincare when I travel because you can't predict how your skin will react to the overseas weather condition and if you bring the wrong skincare, that's it. Flaking skin with make-up is such a terrible combination. And hence, I brought along my trusted brands and it works so well for me. No flaking skin at all throughout the trip.


Pairing The Body Shop round cotton pads with Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution to remove face and eye make-up. Skin Origin Cleansing milk as cleanser. Biotherm Life Plankton essence with Biotherm Aquasource Deep Serum and Biotherm Aquasource Replenishing Gel for combination skin for day and night use. A daily sheet mask to keep skin hydrated in the winter condition. Eye masks to use either in the day or night, depending if I wear contact lenses as I prefer to don an eye mask in the morning to reduce puffiness and keep my eyes refreshed if I decided to wear lenses that day.

A mini beauty haul when I visited Watsons in Chong Qing and picked up mainly masks for myself.

Review : The Body Shop Almond Hand and Nail Cream



Product Description
This effective daily hand cream cares for nails as well as hands and contains two manicurist’s essentials: sweet almond oil and panthenol.

Most hand creams just doesn't deliver and this is the worse of the lot. I brought the 30ml of The Body Shop Almond Hand and Nail Cream to my last vacation and under the winter condition, this hand cream just doesn't work at all. Period.

The full new product seems to contain too much in its little tube, so when you twist open the lid, the contents oozes out, making a mess.
In its pliable aluminum tube form, where the tube gets out of shape from all the depressions, it gets worse when the sides tore and contents oozes out from the sides instead of just from the cap. Not a travel-friendly companion at all. How can I throw such poorly made product into my bag, knowing that the hand cream will get smeared around in my bag pockets?

While the hand cream has a slight almond scent, with a light creamy texture, the product is hardly moisturizing at all. It gets absorbed into the skin into nothingness and I tend to re-apply multiple times.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Solvent/Diluent), Glycerin (Humectant), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Butyrospermum Parkii (Skin-Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Ethylhexyl Palmitate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Myristyl Myristate (Emollient), Propylene Glycol (Humectant), Isopropyl Palmitate (Emollient), Glycine Soja Oil (Emollient/Skin Conditioner), Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Benzyl Alcohol (Preservative), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifier), Mel (Natural Additive), Panthenol (Skin/Hair Conditioning Agent), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Phenethyl Alcohol (Fragrance Ingredient), Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil (Emollient), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Parfum (Fragrance), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Dicetyl Phosphate (Emulsifier), Ceteth-10 Phosphate (Emulsifier), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (Chelating Agent), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables (Skin Conditioning Agent), Hydroxycitronellal (Fragrance Ingredient), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Coumarin (Fragrance Ingredient), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), CI 15985 (Colour).

Source : TBS

Review : Organic Surge Fresh Ocean Shower Gel


Shower Gel without SLS

Product Description
Fresh Ocean Shower Gel is the natural solution for dry or dull skin, this shower gel is enriched with intense natural moisturisers. Organic lemon and lime essential oils cleanse and revive the skin, while rosemary essential oil helps to tone and help to soothe any skin irritation.

Why We Love It

  • 98.9% natural shower gel
  • Enriched with organic lime, rosemary and lemon essential oils
  • Conditions and soothes all skin types
  • Delicious, reviving natural fragrance
  • Animal-friendly, suitable for vegetarians and vegans

Organic Surge used to be readily available in Guardian Pharmacy many years ago but pulled out thereafter and in recent years, they are back to our local shores again, although the range seems smaller this time round.

I purchased 2 shower gels from BHG when there was a promotion of $14.90 for 2, instead of 1. Organic Surge Fresh Ocean Shower Gel comes in a tube form, with a flick-top cap to dispense the gel formula. As what the name implies, it has a fresh ocean scent, but not particularly uplifting as I thought. It lathers well, with light suds and skin feels clean and fresh.

However, despite its claims of containing intense natural moisturisers, I feel that the shower gel is slightly drying although not very obvious. But the difference is noticeable, if I compare it with my previous EO shower gel. While I didn't experience any flakiness or squeaking clean sound, but I certainly prefer a much more hydrating formula since I don't use body lotion most of the time.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Glycerin**, Sodium Chloride, Limonene, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Sucrose Laurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil Expressed, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Alcohol Denat., Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Geraniol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Linalool, Sorbic Acid. *ingredient from organic farming. **made using organic ingredients Naturally occurring within essential oils.

Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT Greenlife. 98.99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. 20.7% of the ingredients are from Organic Farming.

Source : OrganicSurge

Review : Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster


Vitamin C Serum from Ole Hernriksen

Product Description
Like a daily vitamin for your face, this high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles and prevents further damage. Loaded with antioxidants to fight off environmental aggressors and moisture-binding ingredients to keep your skin nourished and protected, this aromatic serum is absorbed instantly and penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin to provide long term results. Sensitive skin prone to irritation will benefit immensely from the calming properties of this oil-free serum.
 
Benefits
  • Grapefruit and orange extract Purifying, astringent, brightening
  • Green tea extract Protects against damage with antioxidants
  • Rosehips extract Repairs and strengthens with concentrated vitamin C
  • Sodium hyaluronate Binds moisture to the skin
  • Vitamin C Calms, heals and strengthens collagen
  • Vitamin E Heals, restores and nourishes
 
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster has been on my list for the longest time. Truth be told, I actually have a small notebook with a list of products that I want to get my hands on and this collagen booster is one of them.
 
When Sephora Singapore has a 20% storewide discount, I took the chance to snag the 30ml size for $68 instead of $85 and I learnt it later that Sephora will no longer be stocking Ole Henriksen products. Thankfully, I manage to get them before its gone!

The Truth Serum Collagen Booster is housed in glass bottle with a dispenser that squirts out the liquid gel-like texture easily. I usually use about 1 to 2 pumps and smoothens it all over the face.
 
Formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates, Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster has a light citrus scent to it which smells pretty yummy with its subtle orange scent and is uplifting to the moods. The texture is non-greasy but slightly sticky hence I prefer to use it in the night, just before I hit the bedsheets. I don't apply any moisturizer thereafter. Just the good old serum. It takes awhile for the serum to get absorbed into my skin.

Even though the formula is not particularly moisturizing, my skin did not experience flakiness during the initial time I am using the serum. After 2 weeks of using it, I can tell that my skin has a more even tone, appears brighter, feels smoother and has a subtle glow.
Note that in the initial stages, the Vitamin C stings on the drier or flaky areas on my skin but I hardly experience that now, though I tend to use it only on well-moisturized skin nowadays.

However, after 3 months of usage, I feel that it starts to make my skin feel dry and I try to use it on optimal skin condition days.  
 
In this product, it contains 2 types of Vitamin C - Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Calcium Ascorbate. It also contains Vitamin E which is known to increase the efficacy of Vitamin C. However, it is strange that the product is stored in a clear glass bottle, and not opaque or dark coloured bottles. It would be good sense to store Vitamin C products in dark glass bottles to protect against oxidation from sunlight.
That said, I have been using it for 3 months and I have not experience any change in colour in the contents.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster scores 3.4 from 260 users on Makeupalley.

Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Calcium Ascorbate, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Oleth-20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thioctic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 6

Source : Ole

Review : Orbis Aquaforce Lotion M Oil Cut



Made in Japan, Orbis products are 100% oil-free and non-sensitive. Its theory is that, if there is oil residual leave on the skin, it will cause dry lines, dehydration, dullness upon oxidation with sunray and air. The Aquaforce series contain pure aqua essence made up of oceanic mineral, seaweed, hyaluronic acid and plant extracts.

Orbis Aquaforce Lotion M Oil Cut is oil-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, surfactant-free, free of artificial colors, with mild acidity and allergy tested. This product is their best seller and was highly recommended to me, so I decided to get it since I was running low on toner that time.

Orbis skincare is pretty affordable when it was first launched, I am not sure if prices have been increased since. This 180ml toner costs me $23 but its ingredients are not that "friendly".

Known as a facial lotion, I believe it can be used as a lotion mask or as a toner. I have used it both ways but its performance isn't spectacular.

Housed in a green almost-clear bottle, with a flick top cap, the lotion has a light consistency, without being sticky or greasy on skin. As a toner, it is medicore and as a lotion mask, it is downright disappointing. I didn't feel a difference with or without using the product. And even if my skin is in a dehydrated skin, this product just doesn't help in increasing the hydration levels. It is a product with average performance, on my skin.

However, when I brought it along for my last trip during the winter weather, this lotion proves to be hydrating, paving my skin to better penetration of the rest of my Biotherm hydrating essence, serum and moisturizer. 
In Singapore, I can do without this lotion but under the winter weather, I feel that it can be a good companion.

Where To Purchase : Shopee
Orbis Defencera