[ Review ] Shan Aromatherapy Keep Calm Hand Cream

 

Product Description

Shan Aromatherapy Hand Cream is a natural and aromatherapy hand cream with sweet and sour aromatic ingredients that is a mixture of Jasmine & Grapefruit essential oil that helps in calming.

I purchased Shan Aromatherapy Keep Calm Hand Cream when I was in Bangkok as it looked interesting and hand creams are an essential to me. 

Shan started in 2017, a brand born of love and care where she tried to find products made from natural ingredients. Using 95-100% ingredients derived from nature with no harmful chemicals, these products are SLS Free, Mineral Oil Free and Paraben Free.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Shan Aromatherapy Keep Calm Hand Cream is a 45ml tube cream with a lovely essential scent that comprises of Jasmine and Grapefruit. The white texture is thick but absorbed well. 

How To Use :

1) Massage cream into hands and between fingers. 

2) Put your hands on your nose and pleasure the moment after use.

Performance and Ingredients

Shan Aromatherapy Keep Calm Hand Cream contains Vitamin E, Rice Bran Oil, Olive Oil and Shea Butter to soften and heal chapped skin while the aromatic properties of Jasmine and Grapefruit relax and calm the senses. 

Consisting of pure plants extract and pure essential oil with 99% natural ingredients, the hand cream is fast absorbing, leaving my hands soft but never sticky or greasy. There are no parabens or silicones in the formulation.

While it moisturises my dry hands moderately well in most conditions, however, it is insufficient when I am in an air-conditioned office for 8 hours and I found myself to be reapplying it often. 

Conclusion

To conclude, Shan Aromatherapy Keep Calm Hand Cream is a lovely hand cream with a calming scent. It worked great in a normal environment but I need more when I am in the air-conditioned office. 

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[ Review ] OC Naturals Normal Balance, Silky Smooth Shampoo

 

OC Normal Balance Shampoo with Organic Aloe Vera & Ginseng cleanses and revitalises your hair. It is suitable for all hair types and is enriched with bitter orange extract for an ultra healthy, silky soft finish.

The plant derived formula is specially designed to balance normal hair with optimal levels of moisturising and cleansing ingredients, leaving your hair feeling clean, soft and manageable every day.

OC Naturals Silky Smooth Shampoo will help tame the frizziest of hair. The plant-based ingredients, including lotus extract and certified organic moringa oil, provide gentle nourishment that helps tame frizz-prone hair, leaving it silky smooth.

I chanced upon OC Naturals range of products in Fairprice after reading about its collaboration with Woolsworth in Australia in the news. I made 3 trips across different branches just to get their products. 

They weren't available in every branch and their store prices were different from their online stores. On top of that, the bottles were leaking. I had to return the first bottle ( OC Naturals body wash ) as it was leaking all over my reusable bag and the Fairprice store manager retorted that "perhaps it won't leak after you get home when you place it upright". 

The 2 bottles ( OC Naturals body wash and kids' shampoo ) which I purchased on my second trip was leaking as well but I gave up on asking for an exchange. Thankfully, OC Naturals body wash which I purchased on my 3rd trip reached home intact. The caps were definitely a problem. Haiz. 

Hailing from Australia, OC Naturals environmentally friendly personal care products are made from high performing plant-derived ingredients in recycled and recyclable eco-friendly packaging. Pure and simple, OC Naturals is as kind to your body as it is to the planet. You can read more about their commitment on their website.

[ Review ] M3 Naturals Himalayan Scrub

 

Product Description

M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Body Scrub provides the best exfoliating experience as a body scrub, facial scrub, hand scrub or foot scrub! Moisturizing and rich in antioxidants, the Himalayan salt with lychee oil will help restore your natural skin while scrubbing away unwanted toxins and dead skin cells!

Infused with Collagen and Stem Cell the Himalayan salt will take your skin regimen to the next level providing a boost in natural collagen production and increasing skin cell longevity. A truly powerful combination delivering unmatched anti-aging skin results.

I love using body scrubs after exercise so I always add in new body scrubs whenever I come across interesting ones. 

I chanced upon M3 Naturals Himalayan Scrub on Iherb which looked so pretty in pink with plenty of positive reviews. 

Made in USA, M3 Naturals boasts of a range of oral, skin and body care products. You can check them out on their website. 

[ Review ] Naruko Narcicuss Repairing Mask + Super Triple HA Mask

 

Naruko sheet masks don't fare particularly well for me, as they always left a taut sensation on my skin, hence I wasn't expecting much from these masks which I received as gifts. 

But viola! surprisingly, Naruko Narcicuss Repairing Mask and Naruko Super Triple HA Mask worked

moderately well for me although there were still not perfect.

Lets check them out..... 

Naruko Narcicuss Repairing Mask is specially designed for prematurely aging skin. Coordinating with high effective protective and hydrated formula, it cherishes damage and weak skin and radiates refined and healthy shine.

Benefits : 

- Hydrates, repairs and soothes your skin. 

- Restores elastic skin and prevents skin from aging.

How To Use :

1) Take out the mask and put it onto the face. 

2) Wait for 15~20 minutes, then take it off. No rinsing necessary.

Naruko Narcicuss Repairing Mask has a subtle soapy scent with a thin and sheer smooth 100% silk material that adheres to skin pretty well. The cutting fits well with slight gap between nose and cheeks. 

It felt refreshing on skin and my face looked fresher and slightly brighter although there was a subtle taut sensation on the upper lips, hence it won't be a repurchase. 

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee

The key ingredients in Naruko Narcicuss Repairing Mask are....

Phytoferulin : Kalanchoe spatulata extract and 10 other plant extracts protect skin from environmental damage and revitalize it from the inside out.

Narcissus Bulb Extract : Protects and restores skin.

Snow Fungus Extract : Delivers moisture deep into skin layers and seals in moisture.

Naruko Super Triple HA Mask instantly hydrates, softens and soothes dry skin. Provides long lasting hydration and nourishing results. With the three stages ultra hydration to deeply moisturize and replenishes dry skin.

Benefits : 

- Provides long-lasting hydration and nourishing results. 

- Maintain skin's softness and elasticity.

- Restores skin's radiant glow. 

- Improves dry, rough skin.

How To Use :

1) Gently spread the mask completely and tear the cover paper.

2) Following the top of hairline to attach the upper edges of the mask and then covering the mask from the top of the face to the chin. 

3) Use finger tip to press out excess air from mask.

4) Wait for 15-20 minutes to take off mask and proceed with further skincare procedures.

Super Triple HA Mask has a subtle scent and moderate cutting which fits well, with a slight gap between nose and cheeks. It felt refreshing and hydrating during application. 

My skin was brighter, clearer, and hydrated after a 20-minute masking session, but there was a subtle taut sensation on the upper lips, hence it won't be a repurchase. 

[ Review ] Mary & May Niacinamide Serum and CICA Calming Mask

 

Driven by the motto of “Less is more,” Korean skin care brand MARY & MAY strives to deliver affordable skin care to consumers in the comfort of their own homes. Its simple and effective products incorporate high-quality and natural ingredients that are essential in enhancing skin’s natural beauty and treating various skin problems. 

To lessen impact on the environment, MARY & MAY’s packaging is made with eco-friendly materials including recycled paper and soybean oil ink. The brand’s bestselling items include the Houttuynia Cordata + Tea Tree Serum that soothes sensitive and irritated skin, the Marine Collagen Serum that firms and replenishes skin, and the Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Serum that improves signs of aging.

I received Mary & May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum and Mary & May CICA Houttuynia Tea Tree Calming Mask from Stylekorean as part of a collaboration.

Mary & May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum is a cruelty-free brightening serum that inhibits the transfer of melanosomes and regulates sebum production, creating smooth, well-balanced and radiant skin. Serum is formulated with EWG green grade ingredients such as Chaenomeles Sinensis extract, which is rich in Vitamin C and flavonoids. Free of harmful ingredients such as parabens, artificial fragrances and colorants, alcohol, mineral oils, surfactants and allergens.

Benefits:
- This serum is formulated with Niacinamide and Chaenomeles Sinensis Extract to brighten up dull and unbalanced skin.
- Contains 2% Niacinamide to lighten skin by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes and regulate sebum production for balanced skin.
- Enriched with 93% Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract that is rich in Vitamin C and Flavonoids for smooth and radiant skin appearance.
- Formulated with EWG verified green grade ingredients.
- Free from animal testing and 7 harmful ingredients: paraben, artificial fragrance and colors, alcohol, mineral oil, surfactants and allergens

How To Use :

Take an appropriate amount at the essence/ampoule step of skincare routine and apply evenly to skin.

The 30ml size comes in a weighted opaque amber-coloured dropper glass bottle while the scent isn't the most pleasant - more like a metallic smell that probably arises from the ingredients. 

MARY & MAY Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum has a thick gel texture that can be difficult to pick up from the bottle at times, where I succeeded only after 2 ~ 3 tries. 

[ Review ] Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

 

Product Description

Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is an AHA/BHA night serum that resurfaces congested skin by lifting away dead skin cells to visibly improve skin tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.

I used my sephora points to get a 5ml sample size of Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum as I have been meaning to try more of their products. Read my reviews on Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream and Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser.

Skin cells regenerate once a month, however, factors such as sun exposure and aging can slow this process. This is where exfoliation comes in. It can do everything from brightening your complexion to fading acne scars and is a quick way to remove dead skin.

There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. 

The chemical type, which consists of a variety of acids, has grown in popularity in recent years. They work by breaking the bonds that hold skin cells together. As those bonds are broken, the top layers of the skin cells shed, revealing regenerated skin

While acids chemically remove the outer layers of the skin, physical exfoliants do so manually. Taking the form of scrubs, brushes, and procedures like dermabrasion, physical exfoliation can be too harsh for some. It been said that physical exfoliants do not penetrate as deeply as the chemical version and therefore may not be as effective.

There are three main types of chemical exfoliant - Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and Poly hydroxy acids (PHAs).

AHAs include the likes of glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acid which work on the surface of the skin to improve its texture.

Examples of BHAs are salicylic acid and tropic acid which are oil-soluble, so they can penetrate pores, unclog them and remove acne-causing sebum.

PHAs, like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid work in a similar way to AHA, however, PHA molecules are larger, so they cannot penetrate as deeply, hence they are less irritating but contains additional hydrating and antioxidant benefits.

[ Review ] Neogen V.Biome Advanced Eye Cream

 

Product Description

Neogen V.Biome Advanced Eye Cream is an intensive elasticity concentrated vitamin eye cream with 10 kinds of peptides and 5 patented ingredients that increases firmness. Due to the decrease in collagen - which supports the structure of the skin, this eye cream intensively fills the collapsed skin with various peptide components to revitalize the appearances and provides solid elasticity.

It combines natural moisturizing and elastic ingredients extracted from plants to provide immediate moisture, enhance moisturizing power, care for dry skin, and increase the binding of cell interstitial lipids to provide tighter elasticity and nutrition.

This is my first foray into the brand, as I applied for my first Yesstyle influencer collaboration after seeing Neogen V.Biome Advanced Eye Cream on their influencer page. You can join as a Yesstyle influence with my link here and you can read more information on their website. 

Using biotechnology to enhance the benefits of natural ingredients, NEOGEN creates multifunctional skin care and cosmetics for optimal results in a simplified regimen. The Korean skin care brand's most famous line is NEOGEN Dermalogy, which specializes in innovative daily skin care products for different skin types. You can read more about its story on their website.

[ Review ] Mediphyt Potent C-15 Serum

 

Product Description

Mediphyt Potent C-15 Serum is an anti-aging serum clinically proven to improve overall skin texture, tone and radiance while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles with 15% pure L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).

Boosting the skin’s collagen production to give you firmer and plumper skin, this powerful Vitamin C serum helps aging skin to look, behave and feel like younger skin. For best results, use daily in the morning prior to SPF protection. 

I won Mediphyt Potent C-15 Serum in an Instagram giveaway and emptied the 15ml bottle in 3 weeks so its time to share my thoughts about the product now.  

Hailing from USA, Mediphyt products are created with natural botanical extracts and clinical-grade active ingredients and are tested and proven for clinical efficacy and delivered through state-of-the-art advanced nano technology.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Mediphyt Potent C-15 Serum is housed in a 15ml glass bottle and a dropper is enclosed for use, which was a thoughtful touch. 

The subtle yellow color and light texture were delightful, and the naturally occurring scent was very mild and barely detectable.

Is alcohol bad for the skin?

Not all alcohols are created equal when it comes to skincare. While simple alcohols are generally best avoided, some alcohols (particularly fatty alcohols) are actually beneficial for the skin.

There are two types of alcohol in skincare products – simple alcohol and fatty alcohol. 

Simple alcohols are dehydrating and should only be used in the short term, while fatty alcohols create a moisturising effect.

Simple Alcohols

These are the ones that should raise a red flag if you spot them on an ingredients list. Simple alcohols – also known as volatile alcohols – are deeply dehydrating. Dehydration can trigger a domino effect in your skin that may lead to itchiness, sensitivity, dullness, sebum overproduction, fine lines, wrinkles and more.

[ Review ] Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser, Essence Toner, Calming Moisture Barrier Cream

 

I received Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser, Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner and Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream as part of a collaboration with Stylekorean. 

Pyunkang Yul is the brand launched by the renowned Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic, an institution well-known in Korea for treating atopic skin disorders. 

Each and every ingredient used by Pyunkang Yul has been selected for being the most gentle and safe for skin. Finding and maintaining the oil and moisture balance in your skin is imperative to achieving healthy skin. With Pyunkang Yul, your skin will find its optimal balance for a glowing complexion.  

Pyunkang Yul is a cruelty-free brand!

Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser is made for acne-prone and sensitive skin. This hypoallergenic facial cleanser is infused with White Willow Bark extract to exfoliate dead skin cells, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit extract to decrease inflammation and Centella Asiatica extract to rejuvenate skin. Paraben-free, Sulfate-free and Alcohol-free. 

How To Use : 

1) Lather up a moderate amount on your palms before gently massaging face in a circular motion. 

2) Wash off with lukewarm water.