Review : Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask

Product Description
The ultimate luxurious anti-aging treatment, this rich mask is infused with Pure 24K Gold and Colloidal Gold to help improve the appearance of firmness and impart an opulent glow. Known from the time of Cleopatra to have powerful anti-aging benefits, 24K Gold helps firm, lift, brighten and calm the appearance of skin. Caffeine helps skin appear firmer and tighter while Peridot, an exquisite gemstone rich in magnesium, re-energizes and helps reduce the look of aging and stress. Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin deliver intense hydration for a more lifted appearance. This lavish, pampering treatment helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking silky smooth, firmer, radiant, revitalized and youthful.

Products from Peter Thomas Roth always sound so intriguing and interesting that it tends to make one wonder if they really do work. I have previously tried out Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches and Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 which worked moderately well on my skin. So does Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask live up to its hype? Lets find out!

Review : Secret Key Nature Recipe Pomegranate Mask Pack

Product Description
Now that pomegranate season is over and not readily available to eat during the summer months, it’s time to look for skin products with pomegranate extracts! Pomegranate is known for being a superfood full of powerful antioxidants that aid in heart health and anti-cancer benefits. When placed topically on the skin, anything with pomegranate extracts works to give your skin elasticity and suppleness. This sheet mask will not only provide elasticity but also revive tired and worn out skin to become smooth and lively again!

I received 2 complimentary Secret Key Nature Recipe Pomegranate Sheet Masks with my purchases in Seoul some time back. Unfortunately, there were not much information about the brand and I am also not familiar with it but according to Reddit, the consensus is that the brand is a dupe for the more popular Korean brands.

Secret Key Nature Recipe Mask Pack is available in 5 natural masks to take care of different skin concerns for a healthy skin.

Honey Mask : Improve skin elasticity
Pomegranate Mask : Improve skin elasticity.
Aloe Mask : Offers deep hydration to your skin.
Pearl Mask : For bright and clear skin.
Tea Tree Mask : Calming effect and provides you healthy skin.

I used 2 Pomegranate Mask sheets on 2 consecutive days as my skin was slightly dehydrated on the chin and tip of my nose with some pimples on the chin area.

The scent was pretty artificial and I can't detect much pomegranate scent. The material is thin and adheres nicely with a good cutting for my cherubic face shape. After a 20 minute masking session, my skin is smooth, supple and brimming with moisture but with slight redness around my nose where the broken capillaries are.

The smooth and supple condition lasted well to the following morning but by noon time, my skin is back to its dehydrated and rough state.

You can check out other Secret Key products on Iherb and quote OKI787 to get an instant 5% ( or 10% if its iHerb house brand ) additional discount and start to accumulate 5% credit rewards credit for every order placed.

Other popular Secret Key products on Amazon :
Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner - Amazon's Popular Choice
Secret Key Nature Recipe Tea Tree Mask Pack 

Description in Korean :

Source : Facetory

6 Surprising Things That Are Causing You To Have Dark Circles

1) Genetics 
Hereditary conditions that run in families and no amount of sleep will make a difference. Laser treatment at the dermatologist may help to reduce the pigmentation.

2) Alcohol
If dark circles popped up during periods where you have been drinking than usual, then you can blame it on the booze. Alcohol is dehydrating and affects the blood circulation in your body, causing the puffiness the next day.
To test : Gently press on your eyebags with your finger, if the darkened skin momentarily brightens up, then it is likely that poor circulation/water retention is to blame.
What to do : Reduce alcohol, drink plenty of water, don an eye mask.

3) Excessive Force 
If you have been removing your eye make-up alittle too aggressively, don't! Skin under the eyes are delicate and prone to bruising and if you rub too hard, it increases the risk of swelling, inflammation and broken blood vessels which gives the appearance of undereye circles.
To test : Check if your eyelashes come off during your make-up removal process
What to do : Use an oil-based make-up remover if your usual make-up remover does not work too well.

4) The Sun 
Skipping the sunblock is the one of the worst things you can do to your skin. The eyelid skin is the thinnest so any sun damage will show up quickly in the form of dilating and increased blood flow, causing a dark glow to come through the skin.
What to do : Apply undereye SPF protection creams

Shop these top-rated eye creams with SPF
Origins A Perfect World Age Defense White Tea Eye Cream SPF 20 Travel Size 
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50
Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream Spf 34
Origins A Perfect World SPF 20 Age-Defense Eye Cream with White Tea

5) Too Much Screen Time
Excessive screen time put lots of stress on the blood vessels around the eyes, which forces them to work harder. When these blood vessels dilate, the skin around them tends to look darker.
What to do : Take short breaks by looking at a faraway object or something green. Avoid using your mobile phones and tablets in a dark room as this further strains the eyes.

6) Allergies 
Leaking nose, itching and hives cause the body to release histamines that can cause blood vessels to dilate which leads to the appearance of dark circles. Rubbing them with tissues increases inflammation, swelling and broken blood vessels, further aggravating the situation.
What to do : Take antihistamines to reduce swelling and use a cold compress over the eyes to reduce redness.


Recommended Reading :
Banish The Bags Under Your Eyes
Natural Treatment For Undereye Circles 
Eye Care Tips


Source : HerWorld

Review : This Works Stress Check Hair Elixir

Product Description
A leave in, calming conditioning hair mist to tackle stress head on.

WHEN:  This calming de-stressing hair mist spray can be used at any time of the day to boost hair shine and combat stress levels. 

HOW: A concentrated, light weight, non-greasy hair treatment incorporating a Superblend of encapsulated Neroli, Patchouli, Lavender, Vetivert and Camomile to dispel feelings of anxiety and stress and Mongogo and Tamanu oils to calm, condition and protect.  The intelligent encapsulation means the fragrance is activated by your own movement and will continue to aid your stress levels throughout the day.

WHY: A fast-acting daily mood and hair booster to support stressful lives.


This Works is an award-winning, natural beauty brand, with targeted skin solutions formulated to work in harmony with your natural body clock and maximize skin performance 24 hours a day.

Powered by a Superblend of proven actives from nature + botanical oils + 100% natural essential oils, each product aligned with a phase of the 24 hour body clock and is formulated without parabens, phthalates, GMOs, sulfates, synthetic dyes and fragrances, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and petrolatum. Ethically-sourced environmental ingredients and packaging.

This Works Stress Check Hair Elixir is one of the products contained in the Sephora Favourites Hair Saviour Kit which I purchased several months ago. The 5ml sample/travel sized product has a spritz which allows one to dispense the hair mist all over the hair.

The scent which is a combination of Neroli, Patchouli, Lavender, Vetivert and Camomile is strong at first but subsequently dissipates as time goes by. Occasionally, some movement may "activate" the scent again but it does not happen often. While most really like the scent which is said to be calming, I am not really a fan of it. It smells alittle odd and does not calm or relaxes me. Adding on to that, I don't see any particular shine on my hair too.

Check out my previous review on This Works Clean Skin 5-In-1 Water.

You can get the products from Sephora or Amazon.
This Works Stress Check Hair Elixir
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray  ( Amazon's Popular Choice )
This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle


INGREDIENTS: 
Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B), Aqua (Water/Eau), Parfum (Fragrance), Linalool*, Phospholipids, Betaine, Creatine, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Flower Oil, Allantoin, Callophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Phytantriol, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis (Chamomile) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides (Vetivert) Root Oil, Acacia Senegal Gum, Gelatin, Xanthan Gum, Limonene*, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Acetic Acid, Glutaral, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citronellol*, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract

Source : ThisWorks

Review : Springfields Shampoo & Conditioner ( Damaged/Treated Hair )

Product Description
A low naturally foaming shampoo that gently and effectively cleanses without harsh chemicals. Enriched with pure essential oils and soy protein to help replenish damaged hair. Additional Aloe Vera and camellia extracts help ensure frizz free and shiny hair. It gives exceptional salon performance to give you fabulous looking hair everyday.

Product Description
To help keep your hair looking its best, the conditioners have proteins (wheat) to help strengthen the hair shaft and natural, organic plant oils Jojoba and Macadamia to nourish and moisturise. Special conditioning agents detangle and soften leaving hair shiny, manageable and free from frizz. Enriched with camellia extracts and avocado oil; with added essential oils of Ylang Ylang and Sweet Orange. It provides intensive care to restore volume and shine. No parabens, SLS, SLES, ALS (sulphates), petrochemicals, artificial colour or synthetic fragrances.

I purchased Springfields Shampoo and Conditioner in one of the local pharmacies when I was in Tasmania last year. Proudly Australia made and owned, Springfield has been in the market for 28 years and its foundation is in aromatherapy, with an international reputation for supplying the finest quality pure essential oils, setting benchmarks for purity and quality along the way. You can read more its history here.

Both Springfields Shampoo and Conditioner do not contain parabens, SLS/SLES/ALS ( sulfates ), petrochemicals, artificial colour and synthetic fragrances. They are naturally scented with pure essential oils. The brand do not conduct animal testing.

When I first found out that the shampoo contained Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, I was dismayed as my hair does not take too well to this ingredient, causing them to be a lumpy and tangled mess.

Shampoos that do not fare too well on my hair, with the inclusion of Wheat Protein were Avalon Organics Shine Ylang Ylang Shampoo, John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo, Aveeno Naturals Nourish+Shine Shampoo, Jason Natural Colour Protect Henna Shampoo, Nature's Gate Chamomile and Lemon Verbena Shampoo, Renew Everyday Purifying Shampoo, Olivella The Olive Shampoo and Agronatura Hair Shampoo while A'kin Rice Aminos and Wheat Protein Intensive Moisture Shampoo, Ecru Luxe Treatment Shampoo and Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo were products that worked moderately well, thankfully.

My first usage was not too pleasant as the thick shampoo contents were hard to lather on my hair in the first 3 minutes, but gradually became easier. Subsequent usage proved that my worries were unfounded as I realized that the shampoo and conditioner were pretty great products.

Springfields Shampoo for damaged and treated hair was low in foam but lathered moderately well. There was no straw-like condition and the hint of essential oil fragrances made it a relaxing hair experience.

Unfortunately, the packaging was not too desirable as the stiff tube caused 2 large tears when I slotted it together with other hair products in a box in my cupboard. There were no issues with other hair products though.
Much depressions were also needed to squeeze out the thick shampoo contents from the small opening at the cap as it does not flow too easily.

As for the Springfields Conditioner for damaged and treated hair, it has a creamy but lightweight texture which left my hair feeling shiny and more manageable. My long and thick hair were less tangled too.

Shampoo Ingredients

Conditioner Ingredients

Source : Springfields

Review : Nature Republic Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Moisture Foot Mask

Product Description
Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Moisture Foot Mask provides perfect moisture for feet with dry skin by preventing cracking and peeling of dead skin. Its rich aloe vera retains moisture, reduces inflammation and soothes the skin while also improve elasticity.

Key Ingredients :
Aloe Vera : retains moisture, reduces inflammation while soothing and moisturizing the skin
Glycerin :  tonic, antiseptic effect

I tried my very first foot mask back in 2012 with Tony Moly Lovely Bergamot Foot Mask followed by the Skin Food Shea Butter Foot Mask a month later and thats it. So one can tell how "diligent" I am with foot masks.

To be honest, our feet did the most work yet is the least "pampered" and if you are one of those who wore slippers and sandals most of the times, then you would definitely see blisters, rough calluses and cracked heels more often than those who are always in covered shoes. Thank goodness, I wore shoes most of the times, so I can cheat alittle on that aspect. :)

Foot masks give one the convenience of having baby-soft treatment in the comfort of your own home just like facial sheet masks does for the face. So how does Nature Republic Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Moisture Foot Mask fare?

Containing 50 000ppm of aloe vera extracts, together with glycerin, saffflower seed oil, grape extract and lime extract, they are said to work together to restore skin elasticity, preserve vitamin balance and unbelievable level of moisture and help to prevent dry skin from cracking and peeling.

The masks ( one for each foot ) looked vaguely like a white plastic sock with an additional mesh-like layer in the interior. It was great that the socks are dry so that you would not mess up the bed sheets or floor. I like to use it when I am watching the TV, so that I can remove them during commercials.

What was really thoughtful is the sticker that came with it, so that you can just paste it over the excess "material" around the calves to prevent any slippage. It made the whole process much more easier and fuss-free. Thumbs up for the consideration!

Once the time is up, rub the product into your feet and feel the softness. The essence felt a little sticky and took about 30 minutes for it to be totally absorbed. As a personal preference, I like to do a quick rinse of my feet before going to bed. While my feet felt slightly softer to the touch but the difference was not spectacular enough for me to rush out to buy them.

You can get them from Nature Republic stores or Amazon.
Nature Republic Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Moisture Foot Mask
Nature Republic Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Peeling Foot Mask

Source : NatureRepublic

All You Need To Know About Marie Kondo and Her KonMari Method in Home & Beauty

Decluttering seems to be a magic word recently, thanks to a new Netflix series, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, which debuted on Jan 1. Since the Chinese New Year is coming up pretty soon, it is also the best time to organize the house via the KonMarie Method.

Who is Marie Kondo? 

The series sees Kondo, a 34-year-old organising consultant and bestselling author from Japan, urging homeowners to practice her trademarked KonMari Method of sorting their piles of clothing, books and even sentimental items. You can read more about Marie Kondo on Wikipedia.

She is married to her manager, Takumi Kawahara, and has two daughters, age 3 and 2. She is also in Time's list of 100 most influential people in 2015, and founded her organising consulting business KonMari at the age of 19. Her followers are known as Konverts.

Marie Kondo used to work as a shrine maiden in Japan during college, and there are elements of the KonMari technique that borrow from Shinto beliefs, specifically the notion that inanimate objects are bearers of kami, or divine essence—in the same way that plants, animals, and people are. That’s why Kondo taps piles of old books to “wake them up,” folds clothes so that they can rest more comfortably, and asks her clients to thank pieces of clothing for their service before setting them aside. Paradoxically, the exercise of cultivating empathy for the things that surround us, rather than encouraging materialism, seems to lead Kondo’s clients to also have empathy for one another, and for themselves.

Review : Benico x My Melody Facial Mask Sheet

Made in Korea, the Benico x My Melody cellulose mask sheets are only for sale in Japan and in each box, there are 6 individually packed sheet masks, with a different My Melody mask packaging representing a country and its key ingredient.

France ( Red Wine ) : For Firming Skin
Spain ( Olive Oil ) : For Sleek Skin
New Zealand ( Manuka Honey ) : For Luminous Skin
USA ( Aloe Vera ) : For Fresh Moisturizing
Brazil ( Acerola Brazilian ) : Clear Brightness
Japan ( Green Tea ) : Skin Conditioning

The packaging for each sheet mask is really pretty and kawaii, just the perfect gift for My Melody fans.

Benico x My Melody New Zealand ( Manuka Honey ) Sheet Mask has an artificial honey scent with a large mask cutting. The sheet mask is wide with a slightly larger eye cutout and a slightly longer nose flap. After a 20 minute masking session, my skin appeared fresher, clearer with a smooth and supple texture which lasted till the following late morning. Unfortunately, I have a slight breakout with a pimple on the chin the following morning.
You can tame inflammation with DIY Aloe Vera Mask using Manuka Honey and it is also known as the 7 Incredible Edibles That Combat Dull Skin.

Review : Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Overnight Hand Therapy

Product Description
Treat dry, hard-working hands to the Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Overnight Hand Therapy; a deeply nourishing formula dedicated to replenishing and regenerating skin.
Infused with a concentrated complex of vitamins and amino acids, the lightweight, intensive treatment absorbs quickly to soften and hydrate, whilst combating rough, uneven skin for long-lasting comfort. Supports the skin's natural moisture barrier to leave hands feeling smooth and comfortable with a fresh fragrance of green clover, aromatic lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme. No greasy or sticky residue.


Are you a fan of Crabtree and Evelyn? If so, you may have heard that Crabtree and Evelyn Singapore is in the process of closing all of its 12 stores on the island and will move exclusively online. The closures follow the placing of the Canadian business into bankruptcy protection, resulting in the closure of its 19 stores there as it liquidates its stock. You can read more about it here.

I received Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Overnight Hand Therapy as a birthday gift from my friend's children which was a sweet gesture on their part. I have always been looking out for a good hand cream for my dry hands and Crabtree and Evelyn’s newly formulated Overnight Hand Care collection sounds perfect to me. It comes in 6 fragrances - Evelyn Rose, Rosewater, Pear and Pink Magnolia, Pomegranate Argan and Grapeseed, Gardeners and La Source.

My Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Overnight Hand Therapy comes in a pretty dark blue tube with a round cap that makes opening and closing it a total breeze. The scent is lovely and makes me sniff it like a cat, each time I applied it on my hands.

Unlike the aluminium tube packaging reserved for its hand cream series, this plastic tube would always maintain its beautiful shape, even when its depleting, although that meant, more depressions are required and also a potential mis-judgement on how much is left.

The buttery lotion sinks into my dry skin pretty quickly, leaving a smooth and silky after-feel. There is no greasy or sticky sensation which makes it perfect to continue doing your office work, without leaving dirty fingerprints all over.

Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Overnight Hand Therapy is touted as a more intensive hand cream than the regular Gardeners Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy, which it really is, in terms of texture. It is more emollient and less lightweight than its regular non-overnight counterpart.

However,my dry hands still require something even more intensive than Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Overnight Hand Therapy, although it did help to some extent, as my hands are less drying than before and I applied on a lesser frequent basis.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon.
Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Overnight Hand Therapy
Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy
Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Overnight Hand Therapy ( Shopee )

Review : Sephora Rose Hair Sleeping Mask

Product Description
Sephora Rose Hair Sleeping Mask helps to smoothen and prevent frizzing while you sleep.

Several months ago, I purchased the Sephora Favourites Hair Saviours Kit and one of the products is the Rose Hair Sleeping Mask which I used it 3 days after a hair colouring roots touch up job. They have come up with a line of hair masks with targeted benefits to hydrate and repair hair while you sleep and each pack comes in a two-part kit that includes a cream mask on one end and a beautiful hair cap on the other end.

Coconut Mask: Nourishes and repairs hair fibers.
Shea Mask: Fortifies and helps to prevent breakage and split ends.
Rose Mask: Smooths and prevents frizzing.
Acai Mask: Protects colour and boosts radiance.

With 4 different types of hair masks, targeted to a specific hair concern, they are designed to be applied to dry hair, acting overnight, for better results. A hair cap is added to each pack so that it won't mess up your pillowcase and bedsheet while you sleep. And viola, you wake up with softer and more beautiful hair the next morning!

6 key ingredients the Japanese swear by for sensational skin

Women in Japan pride themselves on having healthy, beautiful skin – taking every possible precaution to keep it in tiptop condition. The face is considered a reflection of inner personality, beauty, and health – so there is a lot of attention paid to overall quality, texture and tone of skin. In Japan, the attitude towards achieving healthy-looking skin is to spend time and care.

These are the 6 key ingredients the Japanese swear by for sensational skin

1. Mushrooms

Packed with antioxidants, mushrooms help protect skin against environmental aggressors and free radicals, which in turn helps with signs of aging and visible damage. A natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, they can help heal and calm stressed skin, and they also boost blood circulation to restore your gorgeous, natural glow. Mushrooms are also known as one of the 18 Health Foods For Beauty too.

2. Rice bran

A staple in Japanese culture, rice is so much more than a base for your sushi. Japanese rice bran, known as komenuka, has been used for centuries by Japanese women and is still a staple skincare ingredient thanks to its deep moisturising abilities. Geishas were known to use leftover water from washing rice to then wash their faces in a bid to get smooth, supple, and luminous skin. Rice bran is bursting with fatty acids and squalene – an essential fat that makes up 12% of human sebum. This makes it extremely effective on very dry, ageing, and even super sensitive skins. It’s also rich in vitamins B and E and gently exfoliates whilst hydrating and promoting cellular turnover.

3. Green tea

Abundant in antioxidants, it’s one powerful protector and is rich in a variety of phytochemicals, polyphenols, enzymes and amino acids. It works wonders for soothing stressed and irritated skins whilst its anti-ageing properties prevent wrinkles and fine lines. It’s also great for detoxifying and keeping skin hydrated, and it’s been proven to help banish blemishes. No wonder the likes of Kareena Kapoor and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by it. Even if you’re not a tea drinker, you can apply it topically and still reap the benefits. Use green tea as a toner by letting two cups cool after brewing, then apply it to your face with a cotton ball. This natural alternative can give you glowing skin and reduce the size of pores. Check out 8 Green Foods For Healthy Glowing Skin.

4. Collagen

Most of us think of collagen coming in the form of fillers or pills, but in Japan it’s consumed as a drink. Women across the country boil beef and chicken tendon to make their own beauty-boosting beverage, as – unlike creams which work solely on the epidermis (outer layer of skin) – ingesting an ingredient works from the inside out to target the deeper layer of skin (the dermis).

Collagen is a protein that gives skin structural support and is key in maintaining firm, supple skin. It slows the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, improves elasticity, and helps retain moisture. The good news is we naturally produce collagen. The bad news is that as we get older we produce less of it. Therefore, it is no wonder the Japanese have developed yet another helping-hand to keep them young and beautiful.

5. Seaweed

Packed with vitamins and minerals, the goodness from this green stuff is quickly absorbed by the body due to its cellular structure being so similar to that of our skin. Not only does this super sea-vegetable restore moisture levels in the skin, but it also firms it, slows ageing, boosts cell generation and helps with detoxification – all while purifying and improving skin texture and tone.

6. Pearls

Abundant in calcium, magnesium, and zinc - which help rebalance skin, promote regeneration, and reduce breakouts – pearls act as a potent antioxidant and are able to boost the body’s own production of enzymes. Pearls also pack a serious anti-ageing punch as they’re rich in amino acids and proteins, which help preserve collagen and even increase its production.

Source : FridayMagazine

Review : Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Make-up Remover

Product Description
A set of portable, single-use wipes that cleanse the skin using a milk emulsion to entrap and lift impurities away from the skin.
This hypoallergenic, milk-type, mild emulsion texture and soft microfiber pad enables powerful makeup cleansing that is safe to use around the eyes and lips. Active hydrogen water and coconut milk deeply penetrates the skin to remove impurities while replenishing moisture for a fresh-feeling complexion. Individually packaged to be conveniently carried that you can easily cleanse makeup anywhere, anytime, skin will be left purified, soft, and healthy-looking.

4 sheets of Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Make-up Remover were part of my Sephora Beauty On The Fly purchase which made me happy since I always like to try out new products.

Make-up wipes are very useful when you are travelling and you save space after using and throwing them away. However, it may not be considered as environmentally friendly.

Made in Korea and without parabens, sulphates and phthalates, Dermaclear Micro Make-up Remover is only my 2nd product from Dr. Jart+. I have previously used Dr. Jart+ Black Detox Healing BB Cream 6 years ago.

During the period of testing this product, I have not tried it out on full make-up as I have been using minimal make-up lately so I can't attest to its efficacy on heavy make-up. However, the wipes are pretty effective with just 2 swipes on both sides to remove my sunblock, BB cream, loose powder and blusher. On top of that, it made my skin super smooth as though there was some exfoliation involved. Do note that I always use a regular cleanser after any makeup removal. Double cleansing is a must for me.

Impressed with the effectiveness and how smooth my skin felt after every usage. My pores seemed smaller and face felt very clean too. However, the following morning, the smoothness disappeared and my skin is back to its original state.

You can get the products from Sephora or Amazon.
Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Make-up Remover
Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water ( highly raved on Amazon )

Ingredients :
Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glycerin, C13-15 Alkane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Coceth Sulfate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides, Panthenol

Source : Sephora

Review : Leahlani Skincare Bless Beauty Balm

Product Description
Meet our sweet sunshine girl. Bless Beauty Balm is a delicate and silken moisture melt for your skin. Rich, organic butters coalesce with the most lush organic and cold pressed beauty oils to nurture and bless your skin for an unparalleled softness. From her pink, velvety texture to her sweet and grounding essence of orange blossoms and blue tansy oils – every element of Bless will envelop your skin and senses with love, vibrancy and aloha.

Bless beauty balm melts tenderly between your fingertips, leaving your skin feeling smooth as silk and perfectly moisturized. This concentrated beauty balm is free of water, wax and emulsifiers ensuring that every last dollop is full to the brim with 100% potent skin softening and skin nourishing ingredients. This precious, pink beauty has been infused with an abundant amount of aloha. Tenderly nourish your sweet complexion and Bless your skin.

Key Ingredients : 
ORGANIC ARGAN OIL : Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and fatty acids, Argan oil absorbs beautifully into the skin providing long lasting moisture while delivering skin beneficial nutrients.

ORGANIC CAMELLIA SEED OIL : Antioxidant rich and helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It also helps to emulsify other oils and fats, making it the ideal oil to use in a balm. Camellia seed oil is anti-inflammatory and astringent, making it perfect for problematic skin that needs a little extra TLC.

ORGANIC ROSEHIP FRUIT : Rich in ascorbic acid and vitamin c, as well as 32 other minerals and vitamins such as beta cortene, bioflavinoids, citric acid, malic acid and phosphorus. Rosehip fruit helps to improve elasticity in the skin and even out skin tone.

ORGANIC COCOA AND SHEA BUTTER : Cocoa butter is high in antioxidants and rich in fatty acids that help to protect and hydrate the skin. Shea butter aids in the skins natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, pamitic and linlenic acids which help to nourish and protect the skin. Shea butter also contains natural UV protection which helps to shield the skin from the suns harmful rays.

ORGANIC MARACUJA PASSIONFLOWER OIL : Rich in vitamin A and potassium, both of which are essential vitamins that help to keep the skin healthy. The antibacterial and ant-inflammatory properties of Passionflower oil help combat acne and inflammation. This exotic oil is rich in ascorbic acid, vitamins and essential minerals, and helps reduce sebum secretion- making it an ideal oil for balancing the skin. Lightweight and delicate, Passionflower absorbs effortlessly into the skin.

ORGANIC MORINGA OIL : Nutrient dense and helps to tone the skin and slow down the aging process due to its high concentration of antioxidants. Moringa oil has antibacterial properties which help to soothe acne inflammation and reduce redness.

ORGANIC MARULA OIL : Rich in essential fatty acids and absorbs quickly and beautifully into the skin. The fatty acid content combined with the high levels of antioxidants in Marula oil make it the perfect beauty oil, protecting your skin from sun exposure and pollution while hydrating, moisturizing and softening the skin at the same time.

ORCHID OIL : High in antioxidants and can help regulate skin pigmentation while leaving your skin unbelievably soft and moisturized.

NEROLI ESSENTIAL OIL: Aids in cellular regeneration and helps to strengthen elasticity while helping to reduce acne and scarring. In aromatherapy, Neroli is grounding and relaxing, and can help alleviate anxiety and insomnia.

BLUE TANSY : Helps to soothe the skin and alleviate redness and inflammation. Blue Tansy helps smooth out broken capillaries and helps improve tissue strength and elasticity.

Leahlani Skincare Bless Beauty Balm is a moisturiser that I used right after the Leahlani Skincare Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toner. It contains many antioxidant rich ingredients to free the skin from radical damage as well as the popular blue tansy to soothe and improve the strength of your skin.

However, I considered the Beauty Balm to be alittle too rich and heavy for my combination skin so I am not using any other serums, essence, sleeping mask before or after the balm. This will also help me to see the performance of the product for my skin type.

The Bless Beauty Balm comes in a tub where some may think its not hygienic so do take note, if you are iffy about it. I did not experience any change of texture and colour of the product during my 5 months of usage and I just ensure I use clean fingers to scoop about 5 cent coin amount each time. A little goes a long way.

I adore the scent of Leahlani products and its the same for Leahlani Skincare Bless Beauty Balm. It is a gorgeous light pink beauty balm with a sweet floral scent that smells comforting when applied before the start of the day or at the end of a tiring work day.

Review : Leahlani Skincare Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toner

Product Description
If you have dry and sensitive skin, Bohemian Ruby is your girl. She will gently nurture the skin, providing ample hydration and moisture to your delicate complexion while helping to reduce redness and inflammation. Her combination of pure aloe water, organic floral hydrosols, and mineral rich Hawaiian sea silt will tenderly kiss the skin- leaving your sweet skin calm, hydrated, balanced, and nourished. Each bottle houses a Rose Quartz gemstone that has been purified in the Hawaiian sea and sun. Rose Quartz emits a strong vibration of unconditional love, healing, and warmth.

I heard so much good things about Leahlani Skincare that its time for me to try out some of their products. If you are a green beauty fan, then there is no way that you have not heard of Leahlani Skincare.

Leahlani Skincare is founded and formulated by Leahlani, a certified holistic skincare expert, dually licensed esthetician and botanical alchemist. The skincare line is made from fresh Hawaiian nectars, potent and vibrant botanical actives and luxurious, tropical beauty oils and their products are blended fresh weekly in intimate batches in their private studio on the lush North Shore of Kauai Island. You can read more it here.

Leahlani Skincare Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toner appeals to me because it is said to provide hydration and moisture and reduce redness and inflammation. Things that I need for my skin.

The glass bottle is pretty in pink and has a Rose Quartz gemstone in it, hence you can always hear the clinking sound whenever you are misting your face. However, since it is made of glass, its best to be careful when using it.

The spray mist goes onto the skin in bursts instead of a very fine mist, so I tend to pat my skin all over, after misting, to ensure the balancing toner gets to all parts of my face.

I always use Leahlani Skincare Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toner after cleansing with my favourite cleanser, Naturalmente Breathe Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cleanser Emulsion and prior to Leahlani Skincare Bless Beauty Balm.

When I first starting using the 100ml sized toner, I thought it was going to be used up at a 2x faster rate than the Bless Beauty Balm, but thankfully, both products were used at almost an on-par rate. I probably have another extra 1 month of usage with the balm. I ended up using the balancing toner for a good 4 months with once a day usage.

The balancing toner is absolutely delightful with a subtle floral scent that smells great and is light and refreshing. My skin just feel hydrated and well-moisturised with a feel-good feeling, each time I used it. I even place the Rose Quartz gemstone by my bedside after depleting the toner to attract more love into my life. Because why not.

Leahlani Skincare Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toner, you rock!

In Singapore, you can get the products from Naturally Better Co and An Uplifted Day.

Do note that I am using the original formula and it has since been updated to a new formula where the Hawaiian Spring Water is now replaced with premium organic Aloe Vera water ( heal and moisturise the skin to perfection ). Organic hydrosols of organic Rose, Calendula, Lavender, Geranium, Chamomile and Lemon hydrosols have been infused into Bohemian Ruby ( for even higher effectiveness at hydrating, balancing and soothing the skin ).

Ingredients :
Hawaiian spring water, organic aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis), organic calendula (Calendula Officinalis), hawaiian sea silt (sea silt ferment), essential oils of (wildcrafted blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum), lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), witch hazel distillate (Hamamelis Virginiana), organic hibiscus flower (Rosa-Senensis ), organic vegetable glycerin, leucidal liquid (radish root ferment), rose hips (Rosa Moschata), and LOVE.

Source : Leahlani

Pills for Beauty

The list of recommended supplements to look better:

USE ANTIOXIDANTS FOR ANTIAGING. Vitamins C and E, alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, and CoQ10 all fend off free radicals in the environment, preserving collagen and elastin (skin's "plumpers") and slowing fine-line accumulation.

"B" SMART ABOUT FIRM SKIN AND FORTIFIED HAIR AND NAILS. Even a mild vitamin-B deficiency will show up as brittle tips or slack skin.

OMEGAS FOR ALPHA SMOOTHNESS. To calm irritation, consider essential fatty acids (omegas-3 and -6): Recent evidence suggests they can calm psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

HYDRATE WITH HYALURONIC ACID. It is successful topically. So how about taken orally? It may also help skin stay moist.

POLISH WITH PROBIOTICS. Lackluster skin may be a reflection of a compromised intestinal tract. Probiotics can keep skin radiant by minimizing yeast overgrowth.

ZAP ZITS WITH ZINC. To regulate the oil production that can cause flareups, think zinc.