Review : My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Sheet Mask

Product Description
This face mask contains natural active ingredients of Black Pearls to whiten and soften skin. It also contains Pineapples, Limes and Cucumbers Extract for accelerating cells turnover for a more radiant and fair look. Skin becomes brighter and smoother right after using it.

Benefits :
Firming, regenerating, moisturising, whitens and brightens the overall complexion

Another mask which was raved about by my friends after Intensive Rice Mask. It was supposed to be in second place, with the Rice Mask being in the first place. I was not that overly impressed with Intensive Rice Mask but its definitely good value for money.

With this Black Pearl Mask, I felt that its better than the Intensive Rice Mask in terms of hydration. At least I do see an improvement in my flaking skin while in the air-conditioned room during my stay in Taipei.

It smells very nice and reminds me of bubble milk tea which is probably how it derived its name. Even after 30mins, its still pretty soaked in essence on my skin.
The cut-out area is slightly wider on the eyes area. It would be good if it can cover more of my eye area. Its soaked in essence in each individual pack but it does not have the dripping messiness. I can layer it on the face comfortably.

After removing the mask, the essence absorbs into my skin easily, leaving a well-moisturised and dewy complexion.
And the next day, my skin feels exceptionally soft and smooth which lasts over a few days.

Its been claimed that the lime, cucumber and pineapple extracts gently removes dead cells. And I do notice that the pores on my nose are cleaner after each treatment. Blackheads were softened and I was able to remove it easily with a tissue paper.

Just a side note on its ingredients -
Pineapple,Lime extracts and Perfume may be irritants for some sensitive skin so use with care.

Firming & Regenerating -> No
Moisturising -> Yes
Whitening & Brightening -> Not really

Ingredients:

Purified Water, 1, 3-Butylene Glycol, Glycerine, Propylene Glycol, Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid, Pineapple, Alage, Cucumber, Lime Tree, Triethanolamine, Methyl Paraben, Algae-Yeast Complex, Bio-Active Silanols, Lecithin, Nanospheres, Vegetale Collagen, Citric Acid, Royal Pearl Extract, Tween-20, Ubiquinone, Propyl Paraben, Carbomer, XanthanGum, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Perfume

Updates

Its been some time since I update this blog because I have been away from Singapore. I was in Ho Chi Minh last weekend, touched down on Sunday and flew to Taipei on Monday. It has been a hectic week for me. I just came back yesterday.
Ho Chi Min was a short vacation trip with some friends while Taipei visit was a business trip.

I did not manage to shop much in Taipei as everyone was tired after work and dinner with our vendors.
However, here's my beauty haul of my visit.

Today, I went to Kinokuniya at Liang Court and bought this. A lovely bag when it was featured on the magazine but its actually a dull grey in colour. However, its quite roomy and its made of canvas material. Natural Beauty Basic Bag. $16.70

Review : Esuchen Treatment Shampoo and Acidifying Conditioner

I received this complimentary set of shampoo and conditioner and after my hair perm at Hair Inn in January, its my second time receiving this and I thought I may as well review it.

Shampoo
Helps to nourishes hair with Arnica extracts and protein, restores luster and softness and moisturizes, seals split ends and rough cuticle layers

Shampoo Key Ingredients : Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Arnica

Shampoo Ingredients :

Conditioner
For hair after chemical treatment and as a 3-min instant treatment after shampooing. It nourishes and repairs the hair with hydrolyzed collagen.
It helps to restores natural pH of hair, replenishes lost moisture, oil and protein, promotes elasticity and increases shine and keep true colors and detangle.

Conditioner Key Ingredients :
AHAs - Alpha Hydroxy Acids are supposed to smoothen fine lines and surface wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, unblock and cleanse pores. AHAs also improve oily skin or acne, and improve skin condition in general, thus making it equally as beneficial for the scalp.

Conditioner Ingredients :

Esuchen as printed on the back of both bottles come from Chino Hills, California but its manufactured in Taiwan. It has quite an impressive range of hair products
 
White in colour, with an almost creamy and moussy texture, the shampoo smells and feels minty when applied on the hair. Very refreshing for the scalp too. It foams up easily too.
It made my hair feel soft however, conditioner is highly recommended together for better detangling effect. My hair is dry hence, it tangled up easily. The first few initial usage without the conditioner was fine but subsequently, the hair becomes stiff and hard to control and manage.
 
The conditioner has a chemical smell which I do not quite like. It works in harmony with the shampoo to give softness to the hair, making it easier to manage. However, I failed to see any shine on my hair and its still lack of moisture.

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Sephora Haul

Requested a friend to get some products from Sephora in USA. I was intending to get Amazing Concealer after all the raves online but I do not know which shade is suitable for me as Singapore Sephora did not carry it at that time.

Here's my haul

Loccitane Hand Cream Bouquet  - consisting of Shea Butter, Cherry Blossom, Honey and Lemon and Lavender Hand Cream US$25
Caudalie Cleansing Water US$14, Claudalie Beauty Elixir US$16, Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist US$9, Clinique Emergency Deep Cleansing Masque, Skyn Icelandic Relief Eye Pen US$20 from Sephora and Bobby Brown Shimmerbricks -Nectar from Strawberrynet.

I love TBS organic cotton pads and since there is a buy 2 get 1 free promotion, I got 3 of them. Actually I still have about 6 brand new TBS cotton pads in stock but I just could not resist the promotion. :)
At the counter, I also picked up their Vit C spray at $12.90, down from the usual price of $19.90

Bought the Melrose Botanicals shampoo and conditioner from Four Seasons Market at City Square, off Farrer Park MRT. Each costs $8.

The TDF skin refresher toner is in exchange with the TDF Vit C toner spray while the Shills hyaluronic shaking mask is from Beauty Bistro

Requested a friend to buy 2 hair aqua essence from Hong Kong which is a steal at $5 each only.

Wonderful Uses for Witch Hazel

1. Spot and Blemish Control

Witch hazel can reduce the inflammation on a pimple. Some people claim daily use helps with acne, and witch hazel can be found in many Over The Counter treatments. Application with a Witch Stick is the most convenient, but you can dab it on with a cotton ball.

2. Soothe and Heal Diaper Rash

If your baby's rash isn't healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

3. Shrink Bags Under The Eyes

Some people say that the application of Hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It’s not an old wives tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess.

4. Soothe and Reduce External Hemorrhoids

Not only does witch hazel tighten skin, it’s also a good anti-itch remedy. By combining witch hazel with aloe, glycerine or petroleum jelly and rub it on external hemorrhoids, you will reduce itching significantly and dry up most bleeding.

5. Varicose Vein Relief

Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily

6. Soothe Poison Ivy and Poison Oak

Just like acne and blemishes, the witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling.

7. Treat Chicken Pox Blisters

A combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of Chicken Pox blisters. And it’s all-natural. Here’s what to do:

Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops bergamot essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel.

Once completely mixed, and 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel and mix again. Pour mixture into spray bottle and use on affected areas (avoiding eyes). A more potent and less unsightly way to treat the Chicken Pox than traditional Calamine lotion.

8. Heal Your Bruises Faster

A thrice-daily dab of witch hazel can help speed up the healing time of the bruise.

9. Soothe Razor Burn

The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Apply before or after shaving, it should certainly have an impact on your itchy red skin (and that includes ladies, too).

10. Treat and Soothe A Nasty Sunburn

Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel’s specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.

11. Treat Dry Skin

Especially useful after showering, witch hazel can lock in the moisture in your skin. By applying witch hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

12. Use to Heal and Soothe Various Cuts and Bruises

Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature’s answer to Neosporin. Applying a dab of it will cleanse the cut, protects against infection, and encourage quicker healing of minor skin breaks.

13. Take The Bite Out Of Bug Bites

With it’s anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Just dab a little on the affected area.

14. Refresh Tired Eyes

Soak a clean rag in witch hazel and cold water and placing the cold compress over your closed eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone.

15. Make Your Own Deodorant

Witch hazel is often used in deodorants due to it’s natural skin-healing and skin-care properties. Here is a home-made recipe you may want to try.

Ingredients:
1 tsp high proof vodka
10 drops geranium
10 drops cypress
8 drops bergamot
5 drops neroli
4 drops lavender
3 drops black pepper
4 tb sp (40 ml) witch hazel
2 tb sp (25 ml) cornflower water
2 tb sp (25 ml) orange flower water

1. Measure the vodka into a 4 oz (100 ml) glass bottle with a spray attachment.
2. Carefully add the essential oils, one by one.
3. Shake vigorously to dissolve the essential oils.
4. Pour the witch hazel into the bottle, using a funnel if necessary, followed by the two flower waters. Shake well.
5. Label the bottle and the deodorant is now ready to use.
6. Before you use the deodorant each time, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the essential oils are fully dispersed

Source : Wisebread