Collective Haul

I had an allergic reaction to my first natural skincare - a make-up remover from Nature's Gate, to be exact.
Anyway, that meant, I had to skip that and revisit my trusty make-up remover.
I went back to my basics and bought some of my old favourites, to keep my skin normal and stress-free. Mainly Avene products. Sukin is a new brand which I am trying out. Oops.

Avene Micellar Lotion (20% off from Robinsons)
Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream (gift from Clarins member's party)
Clarins Cleansing Milk (gift from Clarins member's party)
Sukin Hydrating Mist $11.90
Avene Thermal Spring Water $10.10 (before 20% discount from Robinsons)

                                      

Most are gifts with the exception of The Brush Guard which I purchased from The Brush Guard. My first purchase was lost in transit and they promptly sent another one ( with another pack free) by first class mail to me. Such good service!

I was pleasantly surprised when I received a parcel of goodies from Iherb, I certainly did not expect that my brief write-up on the haul would generate a positive response from them. Looks like the social media platform is something that they took seriously.

The Hershey lipbalm was a gift from my lovely sister. Actually I no longer use non-natural lipbalms but since it was a gift from my sister, I would certainly use it.

ALT Bugis was having a sale on some of the items so I bought the Gransenbon Blush (Lady Rose in Shade 01) and Luv Carat Loose Powder (Natural Beige).

Gransenbon has ceased production and is being pulled out from the retail outlets in Japan. It is now selling at $15, down from the original $29.90 

Its very unlike me to get bodycare products with anti-cellulite claims but after hearing raves from a close friend of mine who got back to her pre-pregnancy weight, well, I just gotta try it. Her face also become sharper after using the facial lift.

1) Luv Carat $19.90 ( original $39.90 )

2) Gransenbon Blush $15 ( original $29.90 )
3) Clarins High Definition Body Lift $110 for 2 bottles ( from Changi Airport Terminal 2 )
4) Clarins Shaping Facial Lift $80.50 ( from Changi Airport Terminal 2 )

Review : Dermalogica Ultracalming Relief Masque

Product Description
A powerful, ultra-calming treatment masque enriched with Colloidal Oatmeal to soothe enraged skin and provide lasting relief from sensitized skin flare-ups, redness and rosacea.

Recommended for sensitized, reactive and recently resurfaced skin. Use this ultra-calming masque anytime skin needs lasting relief from sensitized skin flare-ups, redness and rosacea. The exclusive Ultracalming Complex contains Oat and botanical actives that work below the surface to interrupt inflammatory triggers that lead to sensitization, while helping to minimize discomfort, burning and itching. 

Oat and Ginger actives combines with Bisabolol and Boerhavia Root extract work synergistically to help relieve and restore skin while fighting future flare-ups. Enriched with Colloidal Oatmeal to soothe enraged skin while Algae, Mugwort and a blend of Mushroom extracts help reduce redness and calm skin. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Being such a big fan of Dermalogica products, I am always delighted to see new products from them. Most of the products worked pretty well on my skin, but sadly this new line for the sensitive skin is really bad. I am actually very disappointed that it does not work at all and sometimes even made my skin worse.

The original formula of the ultra calming cleanser is my holy grail product for almost 4 years, however the new formula performs badly on my skin.
With this new calming masque, will I be able to renew my confidence? Hardly, to say the least.

Key Ingredients of this new UltraCalming line :
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15 : Targets neurosensitive skin by reducing painful sensations
Boerhavia Diffusa (Red Hogweed) Root Extract : Targets neurogenic inflammation, restores tissue integrity and soothes to restore skin's normal sensitivity level for immediate and long lasting effects
Avena Sativa (Oat Kernel) Extracts : Natuiral anti-irritant and anti-redness properties
Ginger Extract and Bisabolol : Works synergistically to help reduce redness and irritation

I have 4 sachets of this masque and it provided me for about 5 to 6 usages of which I have used for about 3 times. It does not have any artficial scent. The look-almost-creamy but light texture spreads easily on the skin but unlike the usual calming mask in the market, it does not have one of those minty cold feeling commonly used to soothe the redness, if any.
In fact, it feels so normal that one may forgot that its supposed to be a calming mask.

It does nothing to soothe the redness on my cheeks which was due to an allergic reaction to a new make-up remover I am currently using.
My red, dry scaly patch on the right cheek near the nose remains the same, with or without the masque application. It does nothing to the skin, no improvement, no soothed feeling, no softness, nothing. Period.

The first time, I used it up to 10minutes as stated in the description and there was a slight itch sensation of which I washed it off immediately. The second time, I was rushed for time and had it on for 5 minutes where nothing happen. The redness did not subside at all for the whole day.

The third time, I had it for 15minutes, just to ensure that it is truly a failure and indeed it proved my claim. Into the bin, it goes. Bye!

It does get good reviews from 3 persons on Makeupalley though. You can read more about the line of products here.

Source : Dermalogica , Amazon

Review : Perfect Potion Detox Body Buff

Product Desription
Say hello to smooth, healthy, glowing skin and say goodbye to dullness and congestion. Finely milled nut shells buff away clinging flakes and decongest blocked pores while juniper and grapefruit essential oils refresh, detoxify and improve skin tone

Features :
Sulfate free
Gently exfoliates the skin
Stimulates cellular renewal
Softens and smoothes the skin
Decongests the skin and allows for better absorption of moisturisers
Regular use after waxing may reduce the incidence of ingrown hairs

At $26.90 for 125ml, I thought this was terribly expensive on my pockets, nonetheless, I still get it. Mainly because I thought the promoter at Parco Marina Bay was very patient and took pains to explain each product to me, since I was pretty new to this brand. It was evident that English was not her first language yet she never use any Mandarin with me, instead she tried her best to help me with my queries. Knowing how poor customer service can be in Singapore at times, good and helpful service can really make my day. It was not the best service I received in Singapore, but still, I am thankful for that even though this is supposed to be part of their jobscope.

Perfect Potion captures the essences of the world’s most therapeutic essential oils, herbal extracts and healing plants, creating an aromatherapy-based natural skin care alternative that’s as much about nurturing the mind and soul as it is about nourishing the skin.
Developed in Australia by renowned aromatherapy experts Salvatore Battaglia and Carolyn Stubbin, Perfect Potion is the result of more than fourteen years of studying and honing their craft and sharing their unique insights with customers in Australia and around the world.
Perfect Potion is also animal and environment friendly. There is NO testing on animals, NO animal derived products (except honey and beeswax) in their formulations, and to save the environment, Perfect Potion uses only ingredients that are sustainable and renewable, avoids wasteful packaging where possible, and ensures all packaging used is fully recyclable (source)

It baffles me as to why there are 2 Singapore Perfect Potion websites. You can check both here and here but I believe that perfectpotion.sg should be the latest one, since the location did state Parco Marina Bay as one of the outlets.

The whole packaging looks more premium than other scrubs I owned. Juniper and grapefruit fragrance filled the senses. The nut shells are enveloped in dark brown contents which can gets slightly messy with white bathroom walls like mine.
Walnut scrubs gives a slightly nutty and almost abrasive scrub to my body so use with a light hand. I enjoyed using this scrub as it gives smooth skin without any additional film on the skin or any dry after-feel.

Ingredient Description
Xanthan Gum : Also known as corn sugar gum.  This polysaccharide is produced from the bacteria (Xanthomas campestris) being fermented with corn sugar.  It is used as a thickener, emulsifier and gelling agent.  It is also often used in foods. It is used in the Papaya Enzyme Mask to give the product a smooth thickened texture when mixed with water
Aqua : Purified water is an essential component for healthy looking skin and hair, as it cleans and moisturises. It is also necessary to dissolve water-soluble ingredients in a product and therefore forms the base of most of Perfect Potion's products.
Sorbitan Olivate : An emulsifier that is often blended with cetearyl olivate. Together, these emulsifiers help mix oil- and water-based ingredients and help to give a product a luxurious, smooth feel. It also imparts moisturising properties to the skin.
Sorbic Acid : Derived from naturally occurring preservative. Widely used in the food and cosmetic industries as a preservative
Sodium Benzoate : Derived from sodium salt of benzoic acid. In the food and cosmetics industries sodium benzoate is used as a preservative, effectively killing most yeasts, bacteria and fungi.
Potassium Sorbate : Derived from salt of sorbic acid. Widely in the food and cosmetics industries as a preservative.
Cetearyl Olivate : Derived from olive oil, cetearyl olivate is an emulsifier that is often blended with sorbitan olivate. Together, these emulsifiers help mix oil- and water-based ingredients and help to give a product a luxurious, smooth feel. It also imparts moisturising properties to the skin.
Cocoglucoside Cocoglucoside : A gentle, sulfate free surfactant that produces a mild foam whilst cleansing the skin and hair.
Grapefruit : citrus paradisi. Used to alleviate congested and oily skin.
Juniper Berry : juniperus communis. Used to alleviate congested and oily skin.
Walnut Shell : juglans regia. Small particles made from the grinding of nut shells. Used as an abrasive in exfoliating products to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin.
Geraniol : A naturally occurring constituent found in pure essential oils of geranium, lavender, rose and palmarosa.
Linalool : A naturally occurring constituent found in pure essential oil of Lavender.
Benzyl Alcohol : A naturally occurring constituent found in pure essential oils of jasmine, ylang ylang and rose oils. Benzyl alcohol has preservative and solvent actions.
Limonene : A naturally occuring component found in pure essential oils, particularly citrus types.
Benzyl Alcohol : Preservative naturally occurring in essential oils. Naturally occurring in jasmine, ylang ylang and rose oils, benzyl alcohol has preservative and solvent actions.

Ingredients
aqua, cocoglucoside, juglans regia (walnut) shell powder, cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) bark ground, glycerin (vegetable derived), cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate (plant derived emulsifiers), macadamia terniflia (macadamia†) oil, citric acid, xanthan gum, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, potassium sorbate, pelargonium graveolens (geranium) leaf oil, citrus paradisi (grapefruit) peel oil, sorbic acid, juniperus communis (juniper) berry oil, citronellol*, geraniol*, limonene*, linalool*. Preserved with benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid. (*Natural constituents of essential oils, †Certified organic).

Source : Perfect Potion

Review : Uriage Tolederm Hydra Soothing Cream

Product Description
Toléderm Cream has been specially formulated to meet the needs of hyper-reactive, intolerant skin. Preventive and curative, it calms feelings of discomfort (tingling, tautness) and moisturizes the skin.
It gives the skin more resistance and protection against external stresses by reducing irritability, thanks to a combination of specific active ingredients containing algae polyuronides and Uriage Thermal Water. Thanks to its anti-irritant, protective and moisturizing properties, Toléderm Cream guarantees maximum tolerance and genuine, long-lasting comfort.

Benefits
* Dual action: preventive and curative 
* After application, your skin will feel soothed and moisturized.
* Instant, long-lasting comfort.
* Pleasant, non-greasy texture.
* Air backless tube for a better preservation.

Fragrance-free - Lanolin-free - Colorant-free - Alcohol-free. High Tolerance: Hypoallergenic - Non comedogenic.

1 sachet gave me about 1.5weeks of usage. It reminds me of Bioderma Light Soothing Cream because of its product description and what it can do. Because of the positive experience from Bioderm Light Soothing Cream , I look forward to using this.

It has a scent which seems to stem from the ingredients, nothing unpleasant, just not on the fragrant side. It inclines towards the cream texture and does not spread easily on the skin. It does not sink into my skin, but leave a layer of film on top. While it did left a comfortable feeling on the skin, it does not hydrate that well.

 
Personally, I prefer Bioderma Light Soothing Cream than this.
You can check out the list of ingredients here.

Review : Lovemore Rose Crystal Tourmaline Peptide Moisturising Duo Lifting Mask

Product Description
The latest "turning back time lifting" mask fights against gravity, lifting the skin at your neck, mouth, cheeks and eyes area.

The set of 10 masks in 1 pack is much cheaper in Taiwan than getting the 5 masks pack in local Watsons. I think each pack was going for NT199, compared to the S$8.90 for 5 sheets in local Watsons.
Looking at the ingredients, I am impressed that the collagen peptide is 2nd on the list which meant that the concentration is much higher. It does boast of a few anti-aging ingredients, on a higher concentration than its moisturising ingredients counterparts. And hey, I am definitely happy to see that water is the last on the list, its indeed very rare. Most "water" ingredient is usually located on the 1st or 2nd place on the ingredient list.
However, do note that it does contain Methylisothiazolinone which may cause nerve damage (source)

That said, this is actually my first foray into this brand which I bought in Taiwan in May this year. I was not sure if it fits my skin type, but I still bought a number of different flavours from this brand. Beauty obsession at work!

I was dismayed to find out that I actually broke out in zits from the initial 3 sheets I used from the whitening range which I have yet to review. I skipped that for a while and usd this moisturising and lifting mask instead.
Thankfully, nothing went wrong and I used up all the 10 sheets in the box.

This brand is actually pretty popular online, I did not really scrutinize if all the reviews were sponsored, but I genuinely believe that most people do really like this brand. However, I actually feel that this mask is really bad for me. In general, masks work pretty well on my skin, especially moisturising masks which are no-brainers on my dehydrated skin. I couldn't tell if I love or hate this mask, which is why I have been using all 10 sheets before doing a final judge call. I just find it a pity that a mask with pretty awesome ingredients just does not work on my skin.

It has a non-offensive scent and the sheet mask with tiny spheres texture has 4 hooks, 2 which you hooked to the ears and another 2 which you hooked from the neck up to the ears.
Its meant to help in the lifting part, but because my face is on the cherubic side, hooking up to the ears meant that its super tight which left some gaps near my nose area. Its difficult to explain in words, but essentially, because it pulled up the whole sheet, there is some lift up near my nose area hence, that portion is not really moistured.
The tight feeling also meant that its slightly uncomfortable on the skin with the addition of a burden of 2 hooks on each ear.

Its very wet and so even though its recommended to use it for 20minutes, I thought I can use it for more than 30minutes since its still that wet. However, it does not work that way, unlike other masks I owned. It dries up my skin, even though the sheet mask is still pretty wet when I removed it. The dry feeling is very apparent 2 minutes after mask removal.
And even after removing it from the stipulated 20minutes, that dry feeling is still there sometimes. No moisturising mask have ever done that to my skin and I disliked that feeling very much.
My safest bet is to use it within 15minutes and to rinse off the remaining essence on my face to prevent the air from sucking back the moisture. That way, my skin feels more comfortable, though not sufficiently hydrated.

I did not see any visible lifting part, but then again, I may have overlooked it due to the dehydrating feeling I got, which made my skin parched.
For something that is supposed to give me anti-aging and moisturising benefits, this is sadly, not for my skin type.