Review : Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream

Product Description
Sweet almond meal combines with extracts of anthyllis, calendula, chamomile and St. John's wort to remove dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of moisture. Skin is strengthened while gentle exfoliation reveals skin's vitality.

For all skin conditions. Cleansing Cream gently cleanses, exfoliates, fortifies and refreshes, protecting the skin’s natural protective function for healthy, radiant skin.

Usage :
Cleanse in the morning and evening. Moisten face, neck and décolleté with a warm face cloth. Mix ½-1 inch / 1-2 cm of Cleansing Cream with  warm water in the palms to form a smooth, creamy paste. Press mixture gently onto skin then roll hands up and away in a wave-like motion. Start in the centre of the forehead then slowly work outward and down, ending at the décolleté. Avoid the eye area. Repeat the press and roll action 2-3 times. Do not rub or scrub. Rinse with warm water then finish with a splash of cool, fresh water to close pores.
For sensitive skin use warm water only

Quality

Truly natural and organic cosmetics, certified to NATRUE and/or BDIH standards

Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives

Free from mineral oils, parabens, silicone and PEG

Vegan

Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin

Wherever possible, all raw materials come from controlled organic or Demeter cultivation and are recovered under fair conditions

I received a 10ml trial size as part of my beauty selection box from Lovelula. I have been looking forward to using the brand, since hearing raves about their products a long time ago.

 
The recommended usage for the cream is pretty unique, to use a rolling method, instead of the usual rubbing or scrubbing method.

The methods seem too mild on my skin hence I use my regular method of cleansing and it works fine.
My skin feels refreshed, clean and smooth. I don't use it everyday, because of its exfoliating beads, just on every alternate day or when I think my skin needs a good scrubbing action.

It has a heavy scent which is overpowering for my senses and the exfoliation action is mild enough to prevent any redness or tautness on my sensitive skin. Brown in colour, it feels and looks more like  paste than a cream.

 
This cleanser, while effective and mild, is not on my to-buy list due to its inclusion of alcohol, something that is not needed in my skincare products.

It scored 3.7 from 318 users on Makeupalley.

Where To Purchase : Amazon

Ingredients :
Water (Aqua), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Alcohol, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Algin.

*component of natural essential oils

Review : Color Combos Q10 Lifting Eye Mask

Product Description
Color Combos Q10 Lifting Eye Mask is specially formulated with Q10, Chamomile Extract and Hydrolyzed Elastin. This eye mask helps to improve elasticity and firmness around eye contour area. Q10, which is rich in moisturizing nutrients, instantly helps to bring nutrients deeply into the inner cells, providing sufficient energy to skin cells, enhancing brightening and anti-oxidant ability. With a regular usage, it uplifts and firms your eye contour area.      

An affordable pack of eye masks, each pack contains 10 pairs of eye masks stacked together. You just have to peel it off one by one before usage.
Each sheet is generous in size and covers the whole stretch of the undereye area. There is a slight tightening effect but the end effect is not that apparent. Keep it within 10 to 15minutes of treatment, anything more, it left my undereye area drying. Then again, the treatment just left my undereye area refreshing but nothing lasting.

Source : Sasa

Review : VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible "Faint''ation BBBB Cream

Product Description
Our crazy popular BBBB (BB But Better!) Cream in a new purse-proportioned edition! Ultra-light + natural-looking: a uniquely “I-can’t-put-my-finger-on-it-but-wow-your-skin-looks-sublime” finish. One shade, all skin tones. Antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory benefits. Purely mineral SPF 30 sun + light protection, too. Skintriguing.

This barely-there, “dew” lightful non-makeup is tinted subtly, beautifully, evening out skin tone and refining the complexion. With antioxidants and purely mineral SPF sunscreens to protect against fine lines, hyperpigmentations and other signs of (photo) aging. With monolaurin plus other monoglycerides — all coconut-derived, soothing, anti-acne and anti-inflammatory.

Mutli-purpose: can be used:

- Alone as a barely-there non-makeup that leaves the complexion incredibly natural looking yet “skintriguingly” more refined.

- Under makeup as a skin-friendly, skin enhancing primer.

A uniquely “can’t-put-my-finger-on-it-but-wowyour- skin-looks-awesome” finish that subtly evens out skin tone, imparts a soft glow + works alone or under makeup as a primer. Purely physical (inorganic) SPF 30 protection, too.

I picked up VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible "Faint''ation BBBB Cream when I was in their store and I'm glad I did. This may be my all-time favourite BB Cream, something I know I can trust when I am battling with flakiness on my skin.

A skin-enhancing tinted moisturizer with age-fighting nutrients, I like it being creamy and hydrating without emphasizing flakiness. It wasn't love at first sight because I was dismayed to see that the shade is so sheer that it disappeared literally into the skin like nothingness.

The 12g version ( S$24 ) which I purchased is housed in a glass bottle with a silly clear cover that did not cover the dispenser hole and yet gets loose easily. The BB cream that pools around the hole makes a mess on other skincare items kept together in my white Ikea storage box.

Another pet peeve is the pump dispenser that malfunctioned after 3 times of usages. How dumb is that? Every time I use it, I have to unscrew the bottle, instead of using it from the pump dispenser.

The BB Cream with its creamy consistency is gentle and hydrating, just perfect when my skin is flaky. On optimal skin condition, it glides smoothly on my skin, with a subtle silicon after-feel. However, the significant attention on this product is that it takes time to dry. If you apply loose powder directly after application, you may feel that your skin is still slightly moist and make-up won't stay well.

This product has a sheer coverage and does not cover redness or blemishes, however it provides a smooth, healthy and dewy finish after application. It did not give rise to sebum overproduction but keep it in check. My holy grail BB cream.

I am loving this so much!

Where To Purchase : Amazon 

Validated Hypoallergenic :
VH -76/76. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Dye-Phthalate-Paraben + Preservative-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Non-Drying. Non-Darkening. Usage + Patch-Tested. All Skin Types.


Key Ingredients :

Titanium Dioxide......2%
Zinc Oxide …...........14%

Full Ingredients : ( breakdown of each ingredient listed here )

Alumina, Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprate, Glyceryl Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Simethicone, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Sodium Phytate, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).

UPDATE 24/02/20 

I have been using VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible "Faint''ation BBBB Cream for 6 years and up till now, I am still annoyed by how the dispenser never reaches the last 15% of the contents for the 30ml size. Its not easy to decant the contents from the small opening so, much time and effort are spent on each bottle when its nearing the end. I don't think they will ever change their packaging but I have yet to find something better than this, unfortunately. 

Review : Yes To Carrots Nourishing Shampoo and Pampering Conditioner

Product Description
The Nourishing Shampoo (16.9 fl oz / 500 ml) cleanses, nourishes and moisturizes your hair and scalp, revitalizing and protecting it and leaving you with luminous, luscious locks. The Pampering Conditioner (16.9 fl oz / 500 ml) provides moisture, conditions, softens, smoothes and tames even the wildest of tresses. So, get down and dirty, getting clean and conditioned!

• 99% Natural
• Petroleum, SLS and Paraben Free
• Cruelty-free

Key Ingredients :
Organic Carrots are brimming with Beta-Carotene, a natural antioxidant that protects skin from damaging free radicals
Sweet Almond Oil is an excellent natural moisturizer that lends a soft beautiful glowing touch to your skin.

I love my lipbalms from Yes To Carrots so when I chanced upon a promotion of their hair products on ASOS, I decided to add in to my cart. The brand is not available on our local shores so I just have to get it overseas.

At 500ml each, the products are truly value for money but the sizes of both products are pretty cumbersome and not portable in our bathrooms due to its sheer sizes. Both hair products made a lovely scent on my long tresses though the scent did not linger for long.

The shampoo has a lotion consistency and foams pretty well, despite being SLS-free. In fact, I enjoyed using the shampoo. The packaging is similar for both products with a small gap opening on the flick top dispenser but on the conditioner, because of its thick and creamy texture, it pools up around the gap opening and get stuck. So after more than 50% used up, I found myself having to unscrew the cap to get the conditioner contents out.

With both the shampoo and conditioner usage, it made my hair softer and fuller but more frizzy. With the inclusion of the conditioner, it makes my hair softer as compared to skipping it. The hair products did not moisturize my hair totally but did not stripped it dry, just keep my hair decently clean.

The shampoo scored 3.6 from 15 users on Makeupalley.

Shampoo:
Water (Aqua), Lauryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Juice*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil*, Maris Aqua, Maris Limus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Calendula Officinalis Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Ipomoea Batatas Root Lees Extract, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
* Certified Organic Ingredient

Conditioner:
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Esters, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Juice*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil*, Maris Aqua, Maris Limus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Calendula Officinalis Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Ipomoea Batatas (Sweet Potato) Extract*, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

* Certified Organic Ingredient .

Source : Yes To Carrots

Upper Lips Waxing at Sephora Benefit Vivocity

I had IPL done on my upper lips for a while but the shaving prior to each IPL session tends to leave my skin feeling "rough" so I switch to trying waxing recently. I am "hairy" by nature, due to my Dad's genes which also contributes to my long lovely eyelashes so I can't really complain much.

Benefit Expert : Serena
Contact for Benefit : 96555036
Cost : $16

It was an impromptu decision to do the upper lips waxing on a Saturday and there was no one manning the Benefit counter. I approached the Sephora staff and they promptly tried to locate the person. It actually took awhile before Serena came back, with a smoky smell. I was slightly miffed initially but was soon won over by her reassurance, confidence, friendliness and cheerful smile. She was professional throughout and is clearly adept in her job.

Before the session starts, there were some routine questions to be answered and filled in, just to ensure my skin is suitable for waxing.
I am a newbie in upper lips waxing and because my skin is fair, I am always worried about walking around in malls with a redness patch. ( ie. after eyebrow trimming, facial, etc ) She soothe my concern with an aloe vera soothing gel at the end of the job.

A small equipment was used to heat up the wax and dipped with wooden sticks before applying on my upper lips. Its has a warm sensation and Serena did it on 3 portions on my upper lips - left, center and right. An adhesive strip is then laid over the area, count up to 3, before peeling it off very quickly. The pain is bearable and it just hurts for that 1 second. Aloe Vera is then applied to soothe the redness and I was provided with a small tub to be used at home. Note that the redness is still apparent when I left the store.

It was a fuss-free service and everything was neatly done within 15 minutes with some Sephora customers standing there, looking at us. My upper lips area feels so clean. A card was given with waxing tips provided as well as the contact number and name of the person. A nice touch and service indeed.

 Benefit Expert : Shirley Li

A few months later, I called up the Benefit counter to make an appointment. I was quite appalled by the service rendered this time round. Despite getting through the Westgate Benefit counter each time, it was not the same for Sephora Vivocity Benefit counter. I called up several times before getting through. Sometimes, I get returned calls but on most times, there is none. When I finally manage to get a slot, I get the vibe that she was rushing for time. Did she have another appointment or was she rushing home? I am not that sure.

Prior to arrival, I even get a call from her to request for me to arrive earlier when I have clearly told her before, that I need travelling time to reach my destination and the appointment time was the earliest that I can make it.

Shirley is from China and I wasn't that impressed with her skills. While the steps are mainly the same as Serena's but she hardly waited and peeled off the adhesive once it touches the wax. Clearly, she's pressed for time. How can the hairs come off just that easily?

I was right, and she uses the tweezers to do the after-job blunders. What for, do I request for waxing when tweezers are needed in the first place? And its not just one or two hairs but a whole lot. Totally peeved. The only additional step I like, was her using make-up over it, to conceal. At least, I don't feel so self-conscious.