Review : Giovanni 50:50 Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo

Product Description
When hair is dry, it needs a drink. Give it the hydration it needs, and wants, with a balance of ingredients that infuse moisture while locking in color. 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo balances the art of clean with supreme protection. Gentle enough for every day, superior shine is on the way. Smile. This is happy hour...for your hair.

• Adds Moisture and Manageability
• Hydrating Botanical Extracts Smooth Frizz
• Leaves Hair Perfectly pH Balanced and Clean
• Ideal for Overworked, Environmentally Stressed Hair
• Lauryl and Laureth Sulfates Free

I was looking for a hydrating shampoo and chanced upon the Giovanni 50:50 Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo on Iherb. I was skeptical about including a clarifying shampoo into my hair care regime but the reviews were not bad, and it was supposed to be hydrating enough as an everyday shampoo.

Housed in a clear bottle, the  Giovanni 50:50 Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo has a lightweight runny texture with a slight scent. It creates foam and is easy to use on the hair.
I would pegged it as a clarifying shampoo which cleanses well and clear the build-up in the hair, but leaving the hair drying with more frizz and flyaway ends.

I have rotated my hair care regime to include a conditioner or hair masque but it did not really help in the frizz and flyaway ends although my hair was softer, with the inclusion of the treatment products.

Giovanni 50:50 Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo scored 4 from 106 users on Makeupalley. 1st time shopper gets $5 off your first purchase on Iherb.

Ingredients : 

Aqua (purified water), sodium cocoamphoacetate, lauryl glucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, decyl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, vegetable glycerin, panthenol, potassium sorbate, citric acid, polysorbate 20, phenoxyethanol, natural fragrance, *aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, *helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, *glycine soja (soybean) seed extract, *betula alba extract, *malva sylvestris (mallow) extract, *achillea millefolium extract, *chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, *equisetum arvense extract, *lavandula angustifolia (lavender) extract, *rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, *salvia sclarea (clary) extract, *thymus vulgaris (thyme) extract, *tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) flower extract, *urtica dioica (nettle) extract.

*USDA Certified Organic

100% Vegetarian Ingredients

Source : Giovanni

Review : It's Skin Aloe Soothing Mask Sheet

Product Description
A soothing mask sheet, non-greasy formula to relieve dry skin and leave your skin feeling silky soft as it absorbs to soothe skin irritations.

At 1400 won each, It's Skin Aloe Soothing Mask Sheet is fronted by this Korean celebrity which I guessed to be Nichkhun from 2PM ( kindly correct me if I am wrong ). Having boyish celebrities certainly makes the packaging pleasing to the eye although it doesn't affect my buying decision.

The thin material does not tear easily and is easy to use on the skin, however the cutouts does not really fit my face due to the slightly longer nose flaps and larger nose and lips cut-outs. It's Skin Aloe Soothing Mask Sheet has a distinct fragrance but dissipates once layered on skin.

As what the name implies, the mask is indeed soothing and cooling on the skin. Skin feels comfortable, refreshed and soothed. A treat for the skin after its been out in the sun for several hours.

Source : Testerkorea

Review : Decleor Flash Radiance Mask

Product Description
This clear gel, free from any grains, is ideal for those with sensitive or combination skin types and those with open pores. With a beautifully sweet, floral scent, it transforms dull skin in just three minutes with a real burst of radiance. Active ingredients include Elemi Essential Oil to boost micro-circulation, Saro Essential Oil to strengthen the skin’s natural defences and refine texture and an AHA Fruit Acid Complex of Passion Fruit, Grape and Pineapple to remove any dullness on the skin’s surface and reduce the signs of fatigue. The result is smooth, even skin that glows with natural radiance and vitality.
This paraben-free mask is suitable for all skin types in need of an instant, luminous boost.

Decleor Flash Radiance Mask comes right to the rescue to those who are sheer lazy to slather on a mask and to those who are always pressed for time, simply because this mask is said to work its magic in just 3 minutes flat. How awesome is that?

Decleor Flash Radiance Mask is a refreshing gel with hints of a sweet and floral scent. I was initially skeptical and worried about the reaction of AHA Fruit Acid with my sensitive skin but surprisingly, the mask was so gentle. It feels like a refreshing and cooling mask, so mild that you wonder if it ever does anything to the skin.

It does. It made my skin smoother and softer to the touch, although I had it for more than 5 minutes for it to weave its magic. I didn't feel any difference when I cleanse it off after 3 minutes but it works better after I had it for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it away. However, I did not experience any of the glowing even skin with radiance and vitality as touted.

After each session, I will follow up with a hydrating mask, as Decleor Flash Radiance Mask contains AHA Fruit Acid Complex, which to me, is another type of exfoliation, hence hydration is important.

Source : Decleor

Review : SK-II Stempower Essence

Product Description
SK-II revolutionary stempower essence is concocted with a new and powerful Stem-Acanax ES Complex that targets and transforms the regenerative functions of the skin's youth activity. It also contains Artichoke extract to slow down the signs of aging.

I purchased SK-II Stempower Essence as part of the Stempower Essence Kit which consists of the Facial Treatment Essence, Stempower Essence and the Signature 3D Defining Mask.

Texture is slightly thicker than SK-II FTE and Whitening Spots Specialist and feels more like a serum. I used this after the Whitening Spots Specialist so that I can incorporate both anti-aging and whitening benefits in a skincare regime.

The SK-II Stempower Essence is kept in an opaque bottle with a dropper to dispense the contents. Again, you can't really tell the remaining amount ( because of the heavy weight of the bottle ) and even though the whole packaging may seems hygienic but you have to consider the rubber top as a consideration because you will constantly touch it.

I see results after almost 2 months of usage, a gradual shift from dull to slightly fairer and radiant skin. Skin also feels smoother to the touch. I have strangers thinking I am still in school too. How laughable is that? Is that the magic touch of SK-II?

However, despite having Nacinamide in the list of ingredients, it does not provide the much hydration which my skin is always craving for, so a good hydrating moisturiser is definitely required.

Even though my skin feels softer, without any hint of dehydration but the essence seems to just sit on the surface of skin. After cleansing, my skin is back to its dehydrated state, so definitely there is a need to top it off with a moisturiser to seal in all the goodness.

Review : SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

Product Description
SKII Whitening Spots Specialist contains an unique SKII whitening complex " ultimate spots corrector" that sinks into the deep layers of your skin. Melanin production is regulated at the source, preventing spots even before they appear. Appearance of existing dark spots is reduced.

It was a value deal which I could not refuse so I bought the SK-II Spots Whitening Set, which consists of the facial treatment essence, whitening spots specialist and 1 piece of the whitening source derm-survial mask. The Whitening Spots Specialist has since been replaced by the Whitening Power Spots Specialist.

At 30ml, the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist has taken a long while to be used up, as you typically only need 2 drops, via the dropper for the whole face. I get over-zealous at times and used up to 3 drops which were too much and I just spread it all over my face, right to the neck, decollete and sometimes on my upper arms as well.

Red dots tend to appear on my upper arms which become tiny moles after a while. I noticed that SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist has managed to keep the red dots at bay so I will still continue to monitor the situation.

The whitening spots specialist is kept in a silver opaque dropper bottle, which makes the whole application process seamless and convenient without contamination, however, my only pet peeve is that, I won't know how much is left, before the need to restock a new item. The bottle is heavy itself so it is difficult to judge if the weight is due to the bottle or the contents.

The texture is runny, akin to a lotion and is easy to spread. I use SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist after FTE. You can feel an immediate softness and skin feels smooth to the touch. However, it does not hydrate significantly well, a hydrating moisturiser is definitely required.
And the following morning, my skin appeared to be shiny and looks slightly oily, on the area between my nose and cheeks ( where the pores are slightly more open too ). Thankfully, no zits appeared.

With consistent use, the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist, together with the FTE and the Stempower Essence, has provided my skin a slightly more radiant look. The pigmentation spots on my cheeks are somewhat less obvious. You can feel and see the difference when you switch to other skincare.

Note that, the hydration ability is poor, at least on my dehydrated sensitive skin. Skin feels smooth only after application and last as long till the next cleanse, thereafter my skin is back to its rough dehydrated skin. Counteract this, with a good moisturiser.

Recommended Reading : SKII Hacks

Source : Sasa

Review : Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

Product Description
This hydrating mask will help brighten uneven skin tones and gently minimize the look of old acne scars and discolorations from the sun. Skin lightening, natural ingredients like Kojic Acid, Licorice and Mulberry make this mask gentle for all skin types. Contains no Alpha Hydroxy Acids making it safe and gentle for acne erupted or very sensitive skin.

Founded by Mario Badescru who is both a chemist and a cosmetologist, his products are known to be affordable yet comes with quality. 

I purchased the Mario Badescu Whitening Mask when my whitening product supply runs low last year. The no-frills packaging has a clinical vibe to it, that looks like it belongs to a laboratory at times. The tub form also meant there may be sanitary concerns. 

I was skeptical when I read that its a clay mask because clay is commonly known to be drying, yet the description states that it is a hydrating whitening mask. 
My skepticism came true when the mask is indeed drying since the first application. Hence I only use it when my skin is oily or in need of brightening effect and follow up with a hydrating or soothing mask thereafter. 

Mario Badescu Whitening Mask is creamy in texture but dries up to a hard clay finishing that makes skin feel tight and uncomfortable. Wet cotton pads are required to swipe all the gunk off else it would be difficult to just cleanse it off with water and hands only. 

Most people seem to see scar-reducing effect with this mask so it is definitely a rejoice for those who have been looking for such products. Thankfully I do not have scars on my face but only hope to see a long term brightening effect to outcast that dreary tired look at times.

Mario Badescu Whitening Mask is formulated to be used 2 to 3 times a week and that is when you can see the immediate effect, with consistent use. However, in my case, because of the drying nature, I don't use this mask as often as I would like, hence any long term effect ( if any ) will probably takes a long while to show up on my skin.

That said, my skin did look brighter immediately with each use. It also double up to dry up newly formed zits and remove blackheads near my nose.

One pet peeve is that, Mario Badescu Whitening Mask  is recommended to be used up to 6 months, once the tub has been opened which is a pretty short time for a mask since you don't use it every day and each tub contains 59ml worth of contents. Then again, active ingredients in a tub will lose its potent effects with time.

The product scored 3.6 from 122 users on Makeupalley.

Trip to Sydney/ Melbourne + Haul

I had a wonderful time travelling around Sydney and Melbourne for 11 days. Taken a day tour to Great Ocean Road and another day tour out to Phillip Island. Love Pancakes On The Rocks and considered Cre Asion in Sydney as my best find.

Popular events and day trips from Klook with savings :

Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium
Great Ocean Road Day Tour
Philip Island ( Penguin Parade )

And of course, not forgetting to get some Australia skincare in the process as my skincare and bodycare products were running out. It was fun picking up some essentials at Chemist Warehouse and Priceline as they seem to be running different sales all the time.

Jurlique Beautiful Rituals Face Care  AUD130
Grown Alchemist Skin Strengthening Prescription Kit  AUD119.95
Grown Alchemist Balancing Toner ( Rose, Ginger, Chamomile )  AUD22.46 ( after less 25% )
AESOP Parsley Seed Antioxidant Eye Serum ( not featured )  AUD81
AESOP Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil sample ( not featured )
AESOP Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste sample ( not featured )
AESOP Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream sample ( not featured )
Clinique All About Eyes  AUD46.40
MooGoo Milk Wash  AUD18
MooGoo Soothing MSM Cream  AUD19.75
MooGoo Cow Lick Lipbalm  AUD4.95
Sukin Renewing Body Scrub  AUD12.69
Sukin Energising Body Scrub  AUD12.69
Sanctum Gentle Face Exfoliant  AUD21.95
Thursday Plantation 100% tea Tree Oil 50ml  AUD13.99
Nature's Care All Natural Paw Paw Lipbalm
Lucas Papaw Ointment  AUD5.99

Review : RMS Beauty "Un" Powder

Product Description
The one and only powder you will ever need. This ultra-fine, light reflective powder is the ultimate finish to perfect looking skin. A virtually invisible powder that minimizes the appearance of pores, softens the skin and absorbs oil. Works synergistically with rms beauty "un" cover-up to create a silky second skin. Suits every skin tone and adds no white residue. Talc free, silicone free, perfume free and paraben free.

Simplicity at its best, with understated elegance is how I would describe RMS products and their packaging. Looking at RMS Beauty "Un" Powder, it just looks so clean yet so chic!

Containing pure silica, the Beauty "Un" Powder is white in colour, yet does not leave any "white face" effect after application, hence it is suitable for all types of skin tones. The powder is very lightweight and finely-milled. It is recommended to use it as a finishing powder to keep the shine at bay but I usually prefer to use it on its own, after my BB cream application.

Housed in a white round tub, it has a sifter with 4 holes and has a puff enclosed as shown in the picture above. Patience is required to get the powder out due to having only 4 holes. It is not an issue for me, in general though.

Redness is minimized, skin feels silky soft, pores look almost unnoticeable and excess shine is kept away with an overall soft focus effect. I mainly use it with my EcoTools Kabuki brush to make spreading it easier as its difficult to control the amount with the included puff.

However, using the included puff tends to help just a tad better, in minimizing the redness as more powder is picked up. Just roll the puff ( with the powder ) over and over in small sections on the face.

Note that, if you are used to a full face make-up, then using it the way I used it, will not be suitable for you as coverage is not high and slight redness is still apparent. Hence, using RMS "Un" Powder as a finishing powder may be more suitable.

Katfood, Iherb, Testerkorea, Naturisimo Haul

Picked up these 2 products during a recent Naiise sale, while on a quest to get rid of the cellulite at the back of my thighs.
Tip : Do compare prices on their individual websites VS Naiise website as there may be price differences. 

Katfood Expresso Yourself Body Scrub  $20.80 ( down from $26 )
Handmade Heroes Butt Kicking Deep Detoxing Coffee Scrub $17.52  ( down from $21.90 )

- SKII Pitera Essence Set Pink Flower Limited Edition $30 ( down from $99 in staff sale )
- Yves Rocher Wrinkles and Radiance Express Beauty Vials $16 ( down from $20 as part of GSS )
- Cetaphil complimentary sample set - cleanser and body lotion
- The History of Whoo complimentary samples
   - Foam Cleanser
   - Soon Hwan Essence
   - Ja Saeng Essence
   - Ja Yoon Cream
- Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Skin Purifier complimentary samples

- Biotherm shower gel and body milk set ( souvenir from a friend who came back from Germany )
- Bioderma Micellar Water $40.90 each ( buy 2 get 1 free from Watsons ) 
- Jane Iredale Hydration Spray ( from my aunt, product not in picture )

Luxasia 2016 Haul :
- OPI 18K Gold Top Coat $15
- Decleor Hydra-Nourishing Duo Mask $25
- Payot Hydra Mask $35
- Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil $20
- Philosophy Microrenewal Hydrating Mist $9
- By Terry Cellularose Blush Glace ( 03 Frozen Petal ) $19
- By Terry Cellularose Moisturizing CC Cream ( 01 CC Nude ) $25

I have been restraining myself from buying more skin and body products unless I really need it and its been close to 4 months since my last haul from Iherb.

Madre Labs Creme Brulee Body Wash S$11.95
Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo S$8.66
Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Shampoo S$8.66
Andalou Naturals Luminous Eye Serum S$22.10
Wiseway Herbals All Heal Salve S$5.62
Shikai Natural Color Care Shampoo S$8.48
Surya Henna Leave-In Conditioner S$11.27
Weleda Birch Body Scrub  S$12.74

Always blessed to have friends who get masks for me when they travel. Couldn't be more thankful for that!

Kose Cosmeport Clear Turn White ( from a friend who has just returned from Osaka )
Ayurbio Damaged Extra Rich Shampoo & Mask ( from a friend who has just returned from Taiwan )
Hanaka Facial Tighten Mask
Dr. Jou Glycoprotein Moisturizing Essence Facial Mask 
My Beauty Diary Rose Moisturising Essence Mask
Lovemore Collagen Eye Firming Patch
Cremorlab White Bloom Triple Bright Floral Mask

Physiogel complimentary trial set
- cleanser, face cream

Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF30 Dry Sunscreen ( Translucent ) 25 pounds ( ~S$52 )
Super 7 trial samples

( I ordered Jane Iredale product from Naturisimo on 8th Jan, which was dispatched on 11th Jan and I received it on 21st Jan. )

My very first haul from testerkorea. The haul above costs me ( 74700 won products  + 12000 won shipping ) S$110. The pet peeve is, they will convert won to usd before converting to sg dollar.

Skinfood Beauty in a food mask Bird's Nest 1000won
Skinfood Beauty in a food mask Propolis and Bee Venom 1000won
Skinfood Beauty in a food mask Black Bean 1000won
Skinfood Beauty in a food mask Rice 1000won
Skinfood Beauty in a food mask Jeju Tangerine 1000won
Skinfood Beauty in a food mask Ginseng 1000won
Skinfood Everyday Green Tea Facial Mask Sheet 1000won
Skinfood Everyday Super Nut Facial Mask Sheet 1000won
Skinfood Everyday Broccoli Facial Mask Sheet 1000won
Skinfood Pomegranate Collagen Eye Mask 2500won
Its Skin Aloe Soothing Mask Sheet 1400won
Its Skin Collagen Eye Mask 2000won
Petifee Gold and EGF Eye Patch 7000won
Mediheal Black eye anti-wrinkle mask 8500won
Beyond Aloe Soothing Mask Sheet 2000won
Beyond Ultra Hydro Mask Sheet 2000won
Beyond Phyto Collagenic Lifting Mask Sheet 2000won
Beyond The God of Patches Bye Bye Panda Eyes 2500won
Beyond Mushroom Repair Mask Sheet 2000won
A'Pieu Pure Block Natural Daily Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++  7800won

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact - Nectar

Product Description
Handmade in Italy, this compact features superfine pigments that reflect radiance and light. This shimmering brush-on powder creates a soft, coral glow.

The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact is housed in a sleek black glossy box, with a mirror, which is convenient for travels or touch-up. Meant to be swept over cheekbones, layered over your regular blush, the nectar shade has a coral-ish colour that imparts a sun kissed look with light shimmers. .

The powder does not get picked up easily, hence it is build-able, giving you the level of intensity you can control. You just need to sweep it several times.
Personally, I feel that the nectar shade does not suit my fair skin tone as the shades tend to appear darker on my cheeks making it seems like I am wearing a bronzer on the high points of my face.
I would think it is more suitable for medium skin tone.

The product scored 4.3 from 42 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Bobbibrown