[ Review ] Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Facial Cleanser

 

Product Description

Klairs Gentle Black Facial Cleanser is a low pH 5.5 facial cleanser that gently removes all impurities with a hydrating finish. With its creamy dense texture, it is soft and mild on the skin without causing irritation. 

A foam cleanser from Klairs Gentle Black Line, it consists of Black Complex - Tuber Melanosporum Extract (Truffle), Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Nigella Sativa Seed Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract to enhance hydration and healthiness of the skin.

– Primary Skin Irritation Test completed

– Primary Skin Irritation Test for Sensitive Skin completed

– Particulate Matter Cleansing Effect Test completed

– Eye Irritation Test completed

I was selected for a campaign on Wishtrend and Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Facial Cleanser was part of the Team Combination Box. Check out my previous review on Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil from the same box. 

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[ Review ] Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream SPF 49 PA++

 

Product Description

Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream SPF 49 PA++ is a hypoallergenic sunscreen that is perfect for those with sensitive skin who break out easily. It protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays and cools the skin. Its special formula which consists of 93% natural ingredients such as pantensoside calm irritated and sensitive skin.

I purchased Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream SPF 49 PA++ while I was pregnant as these particles sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays, unlike chemical sunscreen filters, which are absorbed into the skin.

Ingredients like Oxybenzone and Benzophenone-3 found in chemical sunscreens have both been shown to cross the placenta, and may have hormone-disrupting effects.

It is important to wear sunscreen during pregnancy as pregnancy hormones can cause increased skin pigmentation, such as melasma, and these can get even darker in the sun. A gentle reminder to cover up your skin as much as possible, wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat, whilst seeking shade between 10am and 2pm, when the sun's rays are strongest. 

And thank goodness, I managed to get my last Etude House product in-store before their branches closed for good in Singapore but fret not, you can still purchase your Etude House products on Shopee Singapore.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream SPF 49 PA++ is a 50ml tube sunscreen with a tiny hole dispenser. The sun cream is white in color, lightweight and creamy, and has no scent.

How To Use : 

At the last step of skincare, evenly apply on areas exposed to UV rays such as the face, neck, and arms.

Performance and Ingredients

Etude House SoonJung Mild Defence Sun Cream is a low-irritant sun cream that protects you from harmful UV rays. This sun care product has a non-sticky and creamy texture that spreads easily. It contains a Cooling Relief™ ingredient that protects your face and body against the heat, UV rays, and fine dust. 

It contains NO animal ingredients, NO mineral oil, FRAGANCE-FREE, NO Polyacrylamide, NO Imidazolidinyl Urea, NO Triethanolamine, NO colorants, NO talc and NO parabens.

During the initial application, the white cast was pretty obvious, so much so that I wondered if I can even step out of the house. I took my time massaging and blending the sunscreen into my skin until it was minimal.

It dries down to a semi-matte velvety finishing with a slight sheen on face but was slightly drying that took awhile to settle in, before the dry patches disappeared. 

I prefer to use this on the face during evening runs as I have more time to blend in the sunscreen for a minimal white cast. That said, the slight oily sheen can be a deal-breaker for those with oily skin and I am definitely not a fan of it. 

The tube structure was great though - when I snipped the tube after depleting, only a tiny quantity was left. 

At SPF49 PA++, this sunscreen helps to protect against UVA and UVB rays where an SPF 50 product protects you from 98% of the UVB “burning” rays that penetrate your skin and PA+++ offers high UVA protection.. 

The letters “PA” followed by plus signs on a label are a rating system developed in Japan to represent how much UVA protection the product offers. 

This is what each PA rating means:

PA+ = Some UVA protection.

PA++ = Moderate UVA protection.

PA+++ = High UVA protection.

PA++++ = Extremely High UVA protection.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee

The key ingredients in Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream SPF 49 PA++ are.....

Panthensoside : A soothing ingredient that contains Panthenol and Madecassoside that soothe irritated skin from external stress. A provitamin with moisturizing, hydrating abilities, that has anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Helps prevent irritation.

Zinc Oxide: A physical sun filter that offers broad spectrum protection

Titanium Dioxide: A physical sun filter that protects against uv-B and uv-A and is tolerated well by sensitive skin types.

Water, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Trisiloxane, Panthenol, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Aluminum Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Alumina, C12-15 Alcohols, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Madecassoside, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

Conclusion

To conclude, Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream has an obvious white cast that needs time to blend in and settled down before it becomes minimal and a slight oily sheen which I am not a fan of it as there are better alternatives out there. 

If you looking for more mineral/physical sunscreens, check out my past reviews on IDS Non-Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ (S2), Axis-y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen, JUV Superfruit Water Gel UV Protection SPF50 PA+++ and Lapothicell Natural Mineral Sun Protection SPF 50 PA++++ which I prefer over Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defence Sun Cream SPF 49 PA++.

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[ Review ] By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence + Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule

 

I won By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence and By Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule from a giveaway hosted by by Dewbaes on Instagram and was pretty excited about using them as they were my first Wishtrend products. 

Wishtrend is a beauty commerce company whose philosophy lies in restoring the skin’s natural beauty by providing customers effective skincare solutions through a hand-selected collection of products and brands.

The brands include globally sought-after primary brand, Klairs, and their hypoallergenic & high functioning skin care brands, By Wishtrend and Jungle Botanics, which were developed in response to the skincare concerns of Wishtrend subscribers. 

Wishtrend also sells select products made by outside brands that are in sync with their philosophy, such as brands with cruelty-free methods and those that use clean ingredients at a reasonable price to deliver clear results.

By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence is formulated with an anti-acne complex and a myriad of moisturising ingredients, as well as its 'Quad Active' Ingredients: 3 Complex Ingredients (Morus Alba Bark Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract), Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, and Propolis to help with anti-inflammatory, anti-pollution, and anti-bacterial effects. It works hard to transform the complexion to healthy and lively skin. 

It is a gentle, daily essence that helps to balance the pH levels, reduce inflammation and effectively moisturise and rehydrate skin. 

Benefits :

- Improves skin texture to optimize its capacity for the next skincare steps

- Boosts the efficacy of every product used subsequently

How To Use :

1) Apply 3-4 drops on your palm and gently pat over the face. 

2) Pat lightly until it fully absorbs.

Tip : Recommend using this product in between toner and serum step.

[ Review ] Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

 

Product Description

Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is a daily supplement essence designed with a hybrid of 5% L-Ascorbic Acid and Centella Asiatica Extract that helps stimulate collagen production and improves skin tone and texture without harsh irritation. 

Benefits :

- Fades brown spots and hyperpigmentation

- Protects the skin from pigmentation occurring

- Keeps the skin firm and reduces visible fine lines

- Brightens and evens out the skin tone

After hearing so much about Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop as a cult favourite from the Instagram community, I was elated when I won the product from a giveaway and also received it from a collaboration much later. 

Products from Dear Klairs are always popular so I am glad to try this cult favourite product which had won several awards with the latest being its accumulated sales volume over 2 Million bottles and also how it undergone tests to ensure compatibility. 

 – Primary Skin Irritation Test for Sensitive Skin completed

– Alleviation of UV-induced Skin Irritation Test completed

– Antioxidant Efficacy In vitro Test completed (Antioxidant – DPPH, ORAC)

You can check out my past reviews on Dear Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask, Dear Klairs Midnight Calming Sheet Mask and Dear Klairs Fundamental Mist. 

Hailing from Korea, Klairs create products with effective necessary ingredients that passed the safety measures of a research lab specializing in dermatologist brand skincare. 

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is housed in a 35ml clear dropper bottle with clear gel-like contents. I was initially surprised with its oily texture and warm sensation during application as I didn't really expect it. It has a hint of natural scent which likely comes from the ingredients. 

Note that the warm sensation is due to a natural phenomenon caused by pH difference between the skin and Vitamin C. 

Solyph, Wishtrend, TagBand, Ole Henriksen, AoS, OC Naturals Haul

 

I won a $30 voucher from Solyph's giveaway on Instagram which I used to purchase their popular sunscreen. Happy that they included some samples of other products as well. Paid $2.04 for shipping.

Solyph Face The Wild Sun Shield Cream $19 ( original $49 )

Solyph Face The Wild Sun Shield Cream 5g

Solyph Time Out Refresh Essence 8ml

Solyph Level Up Higher Serum 5ml

Solyph Ready Set Glow 5g 

Solyph Keep Calm Revitalizing Mask 

Received TagBand as part of a paid collaboration with them. Such a sweet package with a pack of sweets!

Thankful to have won a giveaway from Empirical. You can use EMPIRICAL10TY for 10% off your first order. 

Travel sized Forest Trail Quietude Candle

The Goodnight Co. Immunity Blend

[ Review ] Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Sunscreen, Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen

 

I am elated to be selected as one of the reviewers for Jumiso's latest sunscreens - Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Sunscreen and Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen! Both sunscreens are Fragrance, Alcohol and EO free! 

Made in Korea, Jumiso stands for "Ju" to give and "Miso" for smile and their mission is to make people smile. Can you see the smiley face on their brand name? 

Sunscreen is a daily staple in my skincare routine, especially, since I reside in Singapore where its summer all year round. 

Daily use of sunscreen delivers anti-ageing and skin health benefits above and beyond any other skincare product, and the reason for that is simple: the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are the number one cause of wrinkles, sagging, discolourations, as well as many other skin issues. 

By protecting yourself from the cascade of free radical damage and inflammation sun exposure triggers, you can save your skin and keep it looking healthy. The key is to be consistent and diligent - use sunscreen loaded with antioxidants for better protection and enhanced anti-ageing benefits.

Check out my sunscreens in rotation. 

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Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ is a mineral sunscreen that can block both UVA/UVB rays. Being a physical sunscreen, it is less irritating to the skin and is a mild sunscreen for all skin types, where it is absorbed softly and moistly.

[ Review ] Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Gel Masque

 

Product Description

Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Gel Masque Pomegranate Extract, Peptide Complex is a lightweight Peptide-rich gel masque that is highly effective in combating signs of aging and increasing skin elasticity while hydrating, firming and nourishing facial skin. Formulated with gentle cooling actives, this masque is perfect for sensitive facial skin.

On a quest to add in more peptides into my skincare routine, I purchased Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Gel Masque together with my all-time favourite cleanser - Grown Alchemist Hydra Restore Cream Cleanser some time back. 

Peptides are the foundations of our skin and are responsible for its texture, strength and resilience. Without peptides, our skin is less intact which can lead to a loss of firmness, the appearance of wrinkles, a change in texture and less 'bounce'.

Check out my recent favourite peptides' products - XOUL Calming Cell Toner, XOUL Layered Cream.

Recommended Reading :

Treatis Mask Science EGF Peptide Review

Mary Kay Timewise Age Minimize 3D Eye Cream Review

Mad Hippie Eye Cream Review

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Mist+ Review

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Gel Masque is a 75ml tube of rinse-off masque with a flick-top cap. It has a lovely sweet calming scent with a lumpy-like gel-cream texture that applies with a minty cooling sensation that lasted as long as its on the skin. 

How To Use :

1) Apply a generous amount to clean facial skin including the eye contour. 

2) Allow active ingredients to absorb into facial skin for 10-15 minutes. 

3) Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. 

Note : Use AM or PM. Suitable for all skin types.

Performance and Ingredients

Australian made and 100% vegan, Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Gel Masque contains certified organic ingredients and is cruelty-free and toxin-free. It is free of Petrochemicals, Nitrosamine Releasers, DEAs, TEAs, Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Paraffins, artificial colours and fragrances. 

Target signs of ageing with Grown Alchemist’s lightweight gel masque, designed to promote a hydrated, firmer-looking surface. It can be used on sensitive skin types and has a cooling, soothing effect thanks to added actives.

It’s made using Polysaccharide complex active ingredients and Peptides to support normal collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also promotes a more even tone, enhancing natural radiance while Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture for a softer, smoother finish.

Finally, polyphenol-rich Pomegranate helps to minimise the look of oxidative damage.

This is an easy-to-use rinse-off mask which glides on well, goes on smooth and dries down gradually. It contains cooling, refreshing and calming properties that helped to soothe and minimize redness and irritation. 

The effectiveness was proven on a day when I experienced random red scaly patches on my right cheek and beside the nose and after 15 minutes of masking, the patch was greatly soothed and much hydrated. 

May and June are the hottest months in Singapore and I appreciate slathering this masque on my skin for that oh-so-cooling sensation.

I also like that the mask can be used both on the face and eye area so it can double up as an eye mask too.

That said, I haven't noticed a significant difference in the firming effects on my face. Adding on, its not the easiest to rinse off due to the gloopy-like texture so more water was required for a clean rinse, hence I prefer to use it as an in-shower routine for an easier wash.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee

The key ingredients are....

Polysaccharide Complex : Reduces the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone and radiance.

Hyaluronic Acid : Enhances ensures maximum hydration and visible elasticity levels are retained, leaving skin looking luminous, supple and smooth.

Pomegranate : Rich in potent Polyphenols, firms and smooths the appearance of facial skin damaged by oxidative stress.

Aqua (Purified Water, Eau purifiée), Glycerin (Plant, Plante), Saccharide Isomerate (Plant, Plante), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Plant, Plante), Pearl Powder, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate, Grenade) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (Tri-Hyaluronan Complex, Complexe tri-hyaluronique, Plant, Plante), Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Viola Odorata (Violet, Violette) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary, Romarin) Leaf Extract, Oligopeptide-1 (Peptide Complex, Complexe peptidique) (Plant, Plante), Sodium Phytate (Plant, Plante), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary, Romarin) Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint, Menthe poivrée) Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Linalool (Plant, Plante)

Conclusion 

To conclude, Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Gel Masque was a nice rinse-off mask, with promising ingredients. While I haven't experienced any anti-aging effects to date, it did provide an instantaneous soothing and hydrating effect when my skin acts up. Definitely a reliable mask on emergency days.  

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[ Review ] Nature's Gate Body Wash ( Pomegranate Sunflower )

 

Product Description

Nature's Gate, An invigorating retreat awaits. Our energizing Pomegranate Sunflower Body Wash awakens the senses with a blend of Pomegranate and Sunflower Petal extracts.

I first used Nature's Gate Body Wash ( Pomegranate Sunflower ) back in 2011 with a positive impression and re-purchase it on Iherb this year. 

Nature’s Gate is a trusted and responsible choice of hair care and body care for those who are environmentally aware. Natural ingredients are combined with modern science to provide an environmentally balanced approach to shampoos, conditioners, and body wash formulated with no phthalates, PEG, butylene glycol, parabens, sodium lauryl, laureth or coco sulfates. 

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Nature's Gate Body Wash ( Pomegranate Sunflower ) is housed in a 473ml plastic bottle with a flick top cap. The shower wash with a gel-like texture smells pretty good and lathers well. 

How To Use :

Pump a generous amount onto washcloth, sponge or pouf. Lather. Rinse thoroughly.

Performance and Ingredients

Nature's Gate Body Wash ( Pomegranate Sunflower ) left my skin clean without drying or oily after-feel. The refreshing scent was a joy and even though the bottle was large, but it was never cumbersome and the bottle grip was great. 

The ingredients had a minor change so I didn't think it mattered much. However, it wasn't the case for my skin. After a week's use, I had random itch all over the body and only after removing the body wash from my regime, did the itch subside. 

A month later, I re-use the body wash, and thankfully, no such itch occurred. That said, the body wash left my skin slightly dry after it had been depleted by half so it wasn't a pleasant experience. 

Do note that the last 5% of the gel-like body wash became lumpy so some effort was required to get them out of the bottle.

Nature's Gate Body Wash ( Pomegranate Sunflower ) is vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free. 

Water, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, glycerin, lauryl glucoside, punica granatum seed oil, punica granatum extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) flower extract, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, tocopheryl acetate, euterpe oleracea fruit extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, glyceryl undecylenate, phenoxyethanol, citric acid, fragrance.*

*Phthalate free

Where To Purchase : Iherb | Amazon

Conclusion

To conclude, Nature's Gate Body Wash ( Pomegranate Sunflower ) lathers well and left my skin clean, but unfortunately, there was some random itches all over the body when I first started using it, and later left my skin slightly dry, hence it won't be a repurchase. 

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[ Review ] L'Occitane Aromachologie Intensive Repair Shampoo

 

Product Description

With its gel texture, L'Occitane Aromachologie Intensive Repair Shampoo cleanses hair, and helps repair and strengthen dry, brittle and damaged hair. From root to tip, the hair fiber seems strengthened. Silky and radiant with vitality, hair reveals its natural shine. 

The new formula contains a repairing complex with a blend of essential oils, composed of Angelica, with anti-breakage patented efficacy. 

HAIR IS 3X* STRONGER, SPLIT ENDS ARE 3X* MORE REPAIRED

*Instrumental tests on the Intensive Repair routine (shampoo, conditioner and mask), compared with untreated hair.

The cocktail of 5 essential oils (ylang-ylang, sweet orange, lavender, geranium, and angelica) promises a pleasant sensory experience, while the exquisite scent awakens the senses.

Benefits:

- Helps repair and strengthen hair from root to tip

- Hair is smooth, supple and beautifully shiny

I received a 50ml travel sized L'Occitane Aromachologie Intensive Repair Shampoo from sending my rinsed and empty bottles for recycling at L'Occitane Big Little Things Campaign last year. 

L'Occitane Aromachologie Intensive Repair Shampoo comes in a 50ml plastic bottle with a flick top cap almost similar to the one shown in the picture above ( which is 75ml ). 

I fell in love with the scent the moment I used it. It smells so good and reminded me of the lovely time I had in Las Vegas shopping for their products back in 2008 to gift them for friends. 

Gel in texture, it lathers very well, giving rise to loads of foam for a good hair washing experience due to its inclusion of Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Hair is indeed clean, smooth and supple but its too early to judge if hair is stronger at 50ml size, however, L'Occitane Aromachologie Intensive Repair Shampoo definitely comes in first for its sensorial experience. 

Unfortunately, I started to experience hair fall after using about 70% of the contents so it was indeed pretty disappointing. 

Ingredients : 

AQUA/WATER - SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE - DECYL GLUCOSIDE - PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE - COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE - CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) OIL - LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) OIL - PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER OIL - CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL - ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA ROOT OIL - ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA SEED OIL - AVENA STRIGOSA SEED EXTRACT - LAVANDULA HYBRIDA OIL - HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL - PANTHENOL - SODIUM CHLORIDE - POLYQUATERNIUM-7 - GLYCERIN - COCO-GLUCOSIDE - GLYCERYL OLEATE - SODIUM BENZOATE - HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE - CITRIC ACID - LECITHIN - POTASSIUM SORBATE - HYDROGENATED PALM GLYCERIDES CITRATE - ASCORBYL PALMITATE - TOCOPHEROL - PARFUM/FRAGRANCE - LIMONENE – LINALOOL.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Amazon SG

Conclusion 

To conclude, L'Occitane Aromachologie Intensive Repair Shampoo smells divine and so relaxing to the senses. It lathers very well due to the inclusion of SLS but may not be a good fit for those who prefer SLS-free shampoos. 

My hair is left clean, smooth and supple but the size is too small to judge if its effective in making hair stronger. Adding to that, hair fall wasn't expected so it was a shame. 

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[ Review ] Dr. Ceuracle Pro Balance Biotics Clear Up Sun SPF50+ PA++++

Product Description

Dr. Ceuracle Pro Balance Biotics Clear Up Sun SPF50+ PA++++ is formulated with 6-Probiotics Complex to clarify, protect, balance and nourish skin. It combines physical and chemical filters for stronger UV protection and offers tone-correcting, oil-controlling and hydrating effects. It comes in a soft, creamy texture that soothes skin and leaves a non-sticky, non-greasy finish.

Sunscreen should be present in your skincare routine no matter what season, climate, or weather condition you're in. In fact, even if you don't have a skincare routine, you can always start with the basics — cleaning, moisturizing, and SPF, all of which are essential for maintaining one's skin health not only on a regular basis, but also in the long run.

All of the anti-aging products you use won't be able to make a difference if you don't protect your skin from sun damage.

I won Dr. Ceuracle Pro Balance Biotics Clear Up Sun SPF50+ PA++++ in an Instagram giveaway a while back and am very excited to try out a new sunscreen.

I prefer mineral/physical sunscreens but the white cast can be dreadful so a hybrid sunscreen ( a combination of physical + chemical filters ) may be the next best thing hence I have been looking around to try more hybrid sunscreens of late.  

Established in 2000, LJH Cosmetics has since rebranded itself as Dr. Ceuracle. The brand’s new name combines the words “cosmeceutical” and “miracle” to emphasize the efficacy of its wide range of products. Dr. Ceuracle’s motto "Curing Skin, Caring Beauty” highlights its balanced use of natural ingredients, dermatological knowledge and technology to solve skin concerns and enhance beauty.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Dr. Ceuracle Pro Balance Biotics Clear Up Sun SPF50+ PA++++ is a 50ml tube sunscreen that makes dispensing the sunscreen effortlessly easy with its structure and hole in the center. White and creamy in texture with a subtle greasy base, it has a medicated scent with a subtle cooling sensation.

It was a thoughtful touch to include a space on the back to write the open date of the sunscreen, which I appreciate because I usually use a marker to write a date on the packaging or write it on a white sticker and stick it on the back.

[ Review ] 100% Pure Strawberry Lemonade Jelly Cleanser

 

Product Description

100% Pure Strawberry Lemonade Jelly Cleanser is a vegan jelly cleanser that employs a blend of brightening fruit extracts to enliven dull skin, balancing the complexion, and gently strip away impurities. Lemon, Strawberry, and Goji Berry supply vitamin C and Ellagic Acid to gently strip away dullness and impurities. Aloe Vera and Konjac Plant create a bouncy, jelly-like texture and help maintain essential hydration.

It's critical to wash your face, not just to remove makeup ( never sleep with makeup on ), but also to remove excess oil and pollutant debris that accumulates. This allows your skin to get the most out of the rest of the products you use after that. 

The key here is to only use a gentle cleanser that does the job without stripping or irritating the skin. The best cleansers contain replenishing ingredients that help to maintain the skin's delicate barrier. Because of how drying and damaging they are to the skin's surface, bar soaps, bar cleansers, and abrasive scrubs are the worst cleansers. If you want to feel extra clean, use a soft washcloth in conjunction with your cleanser.

I won a 100% Pure Strawberry Lemonade Jelly Cleanser and Jelly Jelly Scrub from a giveaway hosted by 100% Pure Singapore back in December 2021 where I also happened to be buying some of their Vitamin C products. 

100% Pure used to be one of my favourite brands where I have tried several of their products from 2010 to 2016 but formulation and packaging kept changing together with their increasing prices where I can no longer keep up to, and I have to relook elsewhere. 

I adore their products which smelled so good, worked well on my sensitive skin and each was a lovely sensorial experience. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with 100% Pure Strawberry Lemonade Jelly Cleanser since my finicky skin type can never take well to most cleansers in the market so I was surprised that I actually emptied this jelly cleanser.

Made in USA, All 100% PURE™ formulations adhere to strict purity standards and will never contain harsh or toxic ingredients. Their pigments are sourced from fruit, vegetables, tea, and cocoa to avoid commonly used FD&C colorants and heavy metal dyes while their products will always be certified cruelty-free.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

100% Pure Strawberry Lemonade Jelly Cleanser is housed in a 118.3ml clear plastic bottle with a spritz dispenser that has a twist-lock mechanism. The pink jelly-like contents are so lovely, and the scent is so fruity and uplifting, that I look forward to cleansing every day.

How To Use :

1) Pump onto clean hands; add warm water and rub hands together to create a light lather. 

2) Gently massage in circular motions over the face and neck. 

3) Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Performance and Ingredients

I didn't foresee myself using 100% Pure Strawberry Lemonade Jelly Cleanser right to the last drop when I first opened up the bottle as there was a subtle taut sensation on skin during initial use. I wasn't surprised since most cleansers were like that for my finicky skin type. 

Adding on, the lathering was very light with suds and felt so watery that I almost wonder if this might be too gentle for effective cleansing. However, I persisted in using it as I enjoyed the scent and it always left my skin soft and very smooth.

1/4 down the bottle, the jelly cleanser became less watery and more jelly so it seems like you probably need to shake the bottle before use, though it wasn't mentioned any where on the bottle or website. The subtle taut sensation was gone and I can continue using the cleanser. 

In fact, my bottle of contents don't even look like the illustration in the picture above as mine wasn't that full to the brim and it was watery at the top, which explained why the initial use was so watery. 

Nearer to the last 10% of the contents, the jelly texture became more difficult to be dispensed and I had to unscrew the cap and "hard-flick" or "dig" out the contents for use. 

The key ingredients in 100% Pure Strawberry Lemonade Jelly Cleanser are....

Lemon : Naturally brightens skin.

Strawberry : Fights oily skin and acne scars.

Elderberry : Clarifies skin and prevents fine lines.

Cranberry : Combats signs of aging with vitamin C.

Goji Berry : Boosts collagen production and skin elasticity.

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Fruit Extract, Natural Strawberry Flavor (Aroma), Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Mica (CI 77019), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Benzyl Alcohol, Aqua (Water), Citral**, Geraniol**, Limonene** *Organic Ingredient **Component of Natural Essential Oil

Conclusion

To conclude, 100% Pure Strawberry Lemonade Jelly Cleanser has been a surprising find, with its gentle lathering, beautiful colour, uplifting fruity scent while leaving my skin so soft and smooth. It is also natural, vegan, cruelty free and gluten-free. 

However, in terms of brightening effects, I have yet to see any and the price is on the high side which I can't justify paying $51 for a cleanser that will only be on my skin for 5 minutes. I used to be able to splurge on cleansers and my most expensive cleansing milk was $85 which I purchased twice - imagine that amount going to copious of cleansers instead of just 2. LOL

However, if you have the means, go for it, why not? Life is meant to be enjoyed, and every now and then we need to unwind and indulge. After all, isn't that what we work so hard for?

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[ Review ] Sunday Ridley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream

 

Product Description

Infused with 5% Vitamin C, C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration cream is deeply hydrating, visibly brightens dull skin, fights the signs of dehydration and damage, and provides advanced antioxidant support. Formulated with THD Ascorbate, a powerful, jar-stable, and highly targeted Vitamin C derivative that prevents and repairs the visible signs of premature skin aging. Cruelty-Free, Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Phthalate-Free, Fragrance-Free, Vegetarian.

I redeemed a 8g sample size of Sunday Ridley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream with my Sephora points sometime back and had been using it recently. You can read my previous review on Sunday Ridley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment which was promising. 

I had high hopes for this Sunday Ridley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream after hearing good things about it. 

Sunday Riley C.E.O. is a line of vitamin C skin care products by clean beauty brand Sunday Riley where the brand's products exclude parabens, sulfate cleansers, phthalates, synthetic fragrances in facial skincare, mineral oil, TEA and petrolatum. It is double certified as a cruelty-free brand, by PETA and Leaping Bunny.