Review : Skin Blossom Care and Protect Hand Cream

Product Description
An easily-absorbed cream that leaves hands beautifully moisturised, protected and cared for. The special blend of plant oils fight dryness, while Shea Butter leaves hands in tip-top condition. Made with 92% organic ingredients. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin

I am slowly migrating my usage more to organic and natural products and this is actually my first hand cream from the natural range. I used to baulk at spending more than $10 for a tube of hand cream but now, well I have changed my perspective. Not because I have got richer ( I am still being paid peanuts ) but I decided to spread my search for a good hand cream.
In Singapore, you can get it online from Kanga Organics or walk-in to one of their stockists.
I picked mine for $15.20 from Olive Ventures.
You can read more about Skin Blossoms here which is actually quite a new brand debuted in 2008.

The minimalistic packaging holds the shape of the tube pretty well. However the contents that comes out of the tube can be messy at times.
Because its pretty fluid, one squeeze on the tube when its full, gives you much more than desired. And when the contents in the tube are ending, you can squeeze and squeeze the tube but only air comes out. So one flick of the tube leads the contents flying out to your jeans or your top. Hilarious and silly, isn't it?

I am fine with the scent, nothing much to rave about. The contents are too runny and fluid, being my first hand cream that is actually opposed to what a cream is.
And its so lightweight that while it gets absorbed into the hands pretty quickly, it does not moisturise as much as I wanted. I re-apply it quite frequently. There is no greasy or sticky after feel.
At 60ml, it can last me for about 1.5months based on daily usage in the office. A few times per day, in fact.

Ingredients :

• Aqua (Water)
• Helianthus Annuus* (Sunflower Oil) has moisturising and protective properties
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis* (Sweet Almond Oil) makes skin soft, smooth and supple
• Vitis Vinifera* (Grape Seed Oil) has emoilient properties that impart a rich, silky luster to skin while soothing irritation
• Stearic Acid is a fatty acid emulsifier that occurs in most plant-derived fats and oils
• Glyceryl Stearate SE is a plant-derived emollient
• Glyceryl Stearate/ CetearylAlcohol/ Cetyl Palmitate/ Cocoglycerides, is an emulsifier made with plant-derived stearic acid, glycerin and Coconut oil
• Glycerin* is a plant based emollient that locks moisture in
• Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is an emulsifier, made with plant-derived stearic acid and lactic acid
• Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice powder* (Aloe Vera) hydrates and soothes
• Butyrospermum Parkii* (Shea Butter) is a rich moisturiser that helps protect skin from dehydration and accelerates the healing of small inflammations
• Phenoxyethanol/ Benzyl Alcohol/ Potassium Sorbate is one of the most natural preservatives available
• Pelargonium Graveolens flower oil* (Rose Geranium) has a lovely rose smell with a mild mint undertone. It offers relief from dry skin and improves circulation
• Sodium Benzoate is a mild preservative that occurs naturally in some fruits
• Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene and Linalool are all components of natural essential oils

Source : Teenyweenygreenies

Review : Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer

Product Description
The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion products use innovative formulas to create a new generation of make up which is both invisible on HD cameras and to the naked eye.
In the same manner as a skin care product, the HD Primer nourishes, moisturizes and softens the skin, creating a glowing effect.
It creates a protective layer on the skin allowing the foundation to glide on easily and to last longer. Unlike standard skin care creams, the HD Primer dries quickly, allowing make up to be applied immediately.

I bought it at Sephora, Minneapolis back in February and have been using it on a daily basis since May. It costs me US$15 for 15ml size.
The HD Primer comes in 6 color-correcting shades and one transparent shade to correct skin imperfections.
The colored pigments are absorbed by the skin for an invisible correction. You can check out all the shades and their purposes here .

The transparent shade is the only available shade for the 15ml size, so I bought that. After using it on a daily basis for more than a month, its about 40% left.
I have been interested in getting this primer ever since I heard about it a year ago. With all the HD resolutions around us, it seems right that there is a make-up range specially for that since anything under the HD radar would be super clear.
Nonetheless, I was also afraid that these are just marketing hype on their part and so I have to try it to feel the effect, isn't it?

This 15ml size comes in a tube that is easy to squeeze. The clear transparent gel reminds me of Smashbox Photo Finsh Primer which I have reviewed before. However, while Smashbox Primer is silicon-heavy, this Make Up For Ever does not give one that feel, even though it does have dimethicone ingredient high up in the list.

The texture is pretty lightweight and non-greasy, with just a slight feel of silicon and feels like a lightweight lotion. It dries fast and disappears into the skin pretty quickly, which requires me to blend in fast, else I may need to use more amount than necessary.
This oil-free primer smells quite nice and made my make-up last longer. It does not give me much shine. In fact, I did not even need to blot my face, even though usually I do need to blot at least once.
The slightly larger pores near my nose almost disappeared after I applied make-up over the primer, so definitely, this primer does help abit on this aspect. My usual make-up without the primer usually does not do such a good job in concealing the pores.
I did not find a difference in the glowy part though. I think my highlighter, blush and other products can do a better job on the glow, rather than depending on this primer.

Active Ingredients
Argatensyl : Immediately smoothes and enhances the skin's surface.
Silica micro balls and Elastomer silicone : Give a soft finish to the skin.
D-Panthenol and Glycerin : Provide optimal skin hydration. (+60%)
Phycosaccharide : Creates a shield that protects from external aggressions and brings stability to the makeup.

In terms of ingredients, Hydrolyzed Algin which is a binding agent, thickener and moisturiser may be comedogenic and some people may be allergic to Dimethicone.
Cyclopentasiloxane, one of the many silicons found in cosmetic products may cause a mild skin and eye irritation.

Source : Makeupforever , Amazon

Review : The Face Shop Raspberry Slim and Fit Eye Patch

Product Description
For thoroughly moisturised firm area

Shaped like a cresent moon in transparent jelly flimsy mask, it adheres to the skin moderately well. Sometimes, it slips slightly. Its tingling cooling and is best used when chilled to tone down the underye puffiness slightly.
There is not much scent but it itches after 15 minutes on my undereye area so I removed it.

Some users have raved about its effectiveness but sadly it does not work on my serious under eye area concerns. It did reduce the puffiness slightly but anything that is cold works the same too. Its selling at $9.90 per pair. Yet another ridiculous mark-up.

Review : Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Make-up Remover

Product Description
This gentle, lightweight formula works quickly and gently to remove powder eyeshadow and other eye makeup. Sweeps away without leaving any oily residue—so you can reapply eye makeup immediately after use. Oil-free formula won't damage delicate skin

I bought this from Chicago Airport at US$14, while during transit back in February this year.
It comes in a dark blue transparent bottle with a hole that is big enough to dip my cotton buds and remove waterproof eye products.

I totally dislike this product because it stings my eyes, very much and very painful till my eyes turned red, irritated and raw. And its supposed to be Dermatologist-tested!

Its a transparent liquid with no scent and because the hole is big, I tend to pour too much on my cotton pads which resulted that some contents may get into my eyes when I used too thin cotton pads or when I had it over my eyes for more than 5 seconds to remove what its supposed to remove.

Since its a gentle formula, I do not have much expectations that it can remove waterproof eye products
and really it does not. It did a good job with normal non-waterproof eye products but not others.

Where To Purchase : Amazon 

You can check out other reviews on Makeupalley with a score of 2.6 from 141 users. That explains something, isn't it?

Ingredients :
WATER (AQUA PURIFICATA) PURIFIED; PEG-32; BUTYLENE GLYCOL; DISODIUM COCOAMPHODIACETATE; PEG-6; TRISODIUM EDTA; METHYLPARABEN; PROPYLPARABEN; BUTYLPARABEN

Review : A'kin Rice Aminos & Wheat Protein Intensive Moisture Shampoo and Macadamia & Wheat Protein Treatment Conditioner

Shampoo Product Description
Transform drab dull and dry hair with the help of A'kin Rice Aminos and Wheat Protein Intensive Moisture Shampoo. Six powerful botanical cleansers are blended with nurturing Rice Aminos and Wheat Protein to thoroughly cleanse and intensely hydrate lifeless locks. The result is seriously shiny hair. Discover the difference A'kin natural hair care can make – start your transformation today.

Ideal For:
- Helping to hydrate hair
- Restoring shine
- Helping to smooth hair and reduce frizz

Active Ingredients:
Rice Aminos, Vitamin E from soybeans, Coconut glutamate, Panama bark

Conditioner Product Description
Transform dry damaged and tangled tresses with the help of A'kin Macadamia and Wheat Protein Treatment Natural Conditioner. Enriched with cold pressed Australian Macadamia oil and Wheat Protein A'kin’s Macadamia and Wheat Protein natural conditioner helps provide hair with maximum moisture. The result is a seriously shiny hydrated head of hair. Discover the difference A'kin natural hair care can make – start your transformation today

Ideal For:
- Helping to create hydrated shiny hair
- Helping to provide maximum moisture

Active Ingredients:
Australian sandalwood oil, Cold pressed Australian macadamia nut oil, Australian jojoba oil

I have been using both its shampoo and conditioner for over a month and has previously reviewed its body wash which comes in a trio set with this shampoo and conditioner.
For those who are not familiar with this brand, it can be easily found in Guardian pharmacies and is much cheaper than most organic stores. They are Australian-made and owned products which are free from from sulfates, ethoxylates, parabens, propylene glycol, petrochemical cleansers, silicons, phthalates, DEA and artificial colours.

I bought it at the IMM Guardian Pharmacy and after informing her that I have damaged hair, she recommended this set to me. On the shampoo label, its stated that its for for dry, damaged hair that needs extra care whereas for the conditioner, the label states that its for damaged hair, split ends and intensive care.
 
The shampoo has a nice scent which reminded me of lavender and is quite fluid. It did not lather as much as I hoped though its still fairly decent. Hence I tend to use more amount than normal. At times, I do find that my hair turned greasy within a day of using it so I felt that the cleansing may be abit too mild for my sometimes oily hair.

Did it help to hydrate hair, restore shine, smooth hair and reduce frizz?
No shine and hydration but it did help to improve the frizziness and smoothen the hair. Not totally, but just slightly. Hair was very soft to the touch and less tangled though, even with just using the shampoo alone.  
 
The conditioner has a scent which I cannot describe. Nothing offensive though. I used this so much more than the shampoo for each wash. Perhaps its due to its thick white texture.
I usually like to layer on more conditioner but I am surprised that this conditioner is depleting at a x2 rate faster than its shampoo.

Did it help to create hydrated shiny hair and providing maximum moisture?
No hydrated and shiny hair but my hair is less tangled than normal. There were improvements on the split ends but it could be the combination of this conditioner and the Pure Beauty Essence Water.

I do not think that the conditioner made a major difference in terms of softness and slightly detangled ends as I do get the effect even when using the shampoo alone, without using any conditioner.

Shampoo Ingredients

 
Conditioner Ingredients

 
Source : A'kins , A'kins2

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