Showing posts with label Face Moisturizer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Face Moisturizer. Show all posts

Friday, February 25, 2011

Haul / Skincare: Metro 20% Sale - SK-II & Laneige

Haul photos again... I headed down to the Metro 20% sale today as I needed to restock my Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner (120ml) @ SGD53.00 before discount. I'm almost done with the 3rd bottle and it's a staple in my skincare regime now.



Next up is the SK-II Skin Power Start Program set @ SGD134.00 before discount. I've been lusting after the SK-II Skin Signature ever since my sis passed me a sample of it to try. Totally no outbreaks, calmed and make my skin radiant. So after doing some math, I decided it was worth the money to purchase the set.

Set comes with the following:
  1. Skin Signature with spatula - 50g
  2. Facial Treatment Essence - 30ml
  3. Skin Signature 3D Defining Mask - 1 pc
  4. Cotton Pads - 30







Thursday, September 23, 2010

LuxAsia Haul.....

This is way overdue, like the next few entries to come... This entry would be focusing on the items that I bought during the LuxAsia sale. True to be told, I was kind of disappointed by the sale, given the short shelf life of many items. I wasn't exactly pleased with the condition of many items. I've learnt my lesson, instead of spending money on something dirt cheap and end up not daring to use the products, I rather wait for departmental store sales to get the items I want. At least I'm guaranteed of the quality of the products.

The Helicopter view. There were other stuff but I've given them away by the time I found time to take the pictures.


First item, Phytomer Radiant Complexion Program Start-up Kit (S$3.00). Phytomer is a salon brand and this kit offers a trial of the product without commiting too much money. J.Low saw an auntie that took one whole bag of these kits.


Next is the Guerlain Pearly White Foundation in 031 (S$18.00). I think I bought a little too fair for my skin. However, it isn't too obvious and so, I guess it's alright.

The next one was a total disappointment. It's the Guerlain Issima Foundation (S$10.00). The foundation had already separated when I opened the bottle and the consistency was of a type that I don't really want to take the risk with. Totally wasted my money on this...


The next one is REN Multi-Mineral Pore Minimising Detox Mask. I wanted to try a new cleansing mask and came across this product. Have heard good revies of this product before and decided to get it. And the expiry date is way back to 2012.


Coming up is Decleor Ultra Soothing Cream. This is also a salon brand and I came across this brand some years back when I went to facial with another friend. The facial gave me good results but I later signed up with another facial salon using Dermalogica and I haven't revisited that facial salon since. My skin sensitivity sometimes will strike so hard that I'll feel absolutely helpless and lost. So, bought this cream and see if it'll help my worst times to come.



Next is the Lancaster Infinite Bronze Blush Variation in Natural. I totally love the various shades of blushes.

Next one is a RMK makeup base. The one that I have in my stash is the more watery version. So I decided to get the creamier version to see whether it works just as good.

The next item is the Phytomer Seaweed Soap. No particular reason why I bought this item. The price was good and so decided to try this out. I might make it into a giveaway, we shall see.


The last item is Calvin Klein Eternity set. This was also a disappointment. The shower wash and body lotion tubes had already turned yellow. And for the perfume, the liquid had already turned yellowish and the smell was muted and somewhat different from the Eternite that I'm used to. Probably there are some chemical changes due to age.


Lastly, Guy Laroche was on sale and I bought 4 card holders and 1 key pouches to give away as Christmas presents.


On the whole, this was not exactly the best warehouse sale that I've been to. I've been to better ones. Would be more careful when I go for future LuxAsia sales.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Review-Compare / Skincare: Laneige Perfect Renew Emulsion Vs Kose Sekkisei Emulsion

Originally, my intention was to do separate reviews for these 2 items but I realized they are both moisturizers and emulsion based. So, why not stack them against each other and do a comparison?

The main contenders would be the Laneige Perfect Renew Emulsion and Kose Sekkisei Emulsion.




Item Name: Laneige - Perfect Renew Emulsion
Size: 100 ml
Price: Not Available
Available At: Metro Paragon and all good dept stores
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com


Product Description from Manufacturer:

BALANCE & RENEW: The milky light Perfect Renew Emulsion holds the key to intensive moisturization and firming. The Ceramide Repair Water lays a stronger foundation for ultimate absorption and penetration of anti-aging ingredients. A coating film (Bio-saccharide gum) on the skin surface prevents the loss of moisture. Skin is hydrated at all times.

Continuous hydration promises skin resilience as it corrects the balance of skin cell protein. It even lightens and in all, improves discolored skin tone.





Item Name: Kose - Sekkisei Emulsion
Size: 50 ml (Part of Coffret Set)
Price: Not Available
Available At: Metro Paragon and all good dept stores
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com

Product Description from Manufacturer:

  • Heavyweight serum with high emollient effects that works deep into skin without any sticky after-feel. 
  • Inhibits melanin production & prevents freckles, dark spots & dry rough skin caused by UV rays.
  • Formulated with Moisture Balance Polymer (developed by KOSÉ ) to maintain the skin's moisture-retaining balance against ambient air.
  • Fortified with extracts of Inula Britanica Flower, Chinese Pearl Barley, Paeonia Albiflora Root, Melothria Heterophylla and Angelica for highly translucent skin.

Why I bought them:
The Laneige was actually an accidental buy. I had asked my friend to get the Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner but she got the emulsion instead. So, this was really not an intended buy.

For the Kose Sekkisei Emulsion, it came as part of a coffret set. I was looking for a brightening product and got the coffret set from Isetan to try out the whole range.

Packaging:
Both came in clean and hygienic pump bottles, although Laneige's one comes in a classy light blue galss bottle while Kose came in the usual dark blue distinctive plastic bottles.

Texture:
Both are emulsion based. I find that I have a tendency to go for products that are emulsion base due the fluidity properties of the products. I find creams a harder medium to spread. Both had a whitish emulsion consistency.

Although in the pictures later, it may seem that the Kose Sekkisei lotion seems to be of a lighter texture, it is the Laneige that gives better spreadability.


Price:
I don't have the numbers for comparison, but I think Laneige would definitely be cheaper compared to Kose. In fact, if we import directly from Korea, prices are so much lower.

Road Test:
To test the products, I used them on alternating weeks to see the results.

For the Sekkisei Emulsion, there was no bad reaction and I was pretty happy about it. My sister who has even more sensitive skin than mine swears by this range. My skin was moisturized after a night's sleep and there was a bounce to it.

For the Laneige Perfect Renew, I like the fact that the consistency is lighter. Sometimes, when I feel that my skin is overloaded, I would slather this over my face and go to sleep. However, the shortfall of this product is that it doesn't moisturize enough for me. I wake up with dryness around the corners of my mouth.

Verdict:
I would definitely buy the Kose Sekkisei Emulsion again but that would only happen after I've finished up my current stash of other skincare products. It definitely hasn't raised to HG status for me. But I would definitely want to revisit this product.

For Laneige, I feel that other than the fact that it is light, I wasn't able to find any other wow-factor that would entice me to buy this product again; unless there is a compelling factor at work.

Other Product Pic:

Sekkisei Emulsion


Laneige Perfect Renew Emulsion

Monday, August 16, 2010

Spotlight / Skincare: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate + Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++




My best friend is an ardent supporter of Kiehl's and they invited her for their movie night-out at Orchard Cineleisure on 25th Jun 2010. They were screening Knight and Day and since I had been lemming to watch the movie after watching the trailer, and with promise of a goodies bag, I agreed to accompany my friend for this event.

As part of the goodies bag was the sample for Kiehl's latest 2 products that was launched in Singapore. There was a lot of hype on the Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I was glad I was given a sample to try, without having to purchase the product.

Actually, I had forgotten about it until I was reminded by ParisB of My Women Stuff. Like a rabbit, I went to dig through my wardrobe and managed to find the "goodies bag"  (a little crumpled nevertheless).

From Kiehl's website, the product is described as an omnipotent product that is paraben-free and produces results by the very next day. Not to mention the fact that MUA rated it an average of 4.4 while ParisB of My Women Stuff gave it a good review too.

So, I'm really looking forward to trying out the sample and in the process, discover a new HG (If possible).

Of course, I'm also keen to try the sunscreen. But the Midnight Recovery Concentrate is the one that gets me so excited with...

Monday, August 9, 2010

Haul: Collective Drugstore Hauls + New Partner

It's a public holiday today in Singapore. It was this very same day, 45 years ago that we declared our independence. Happy National Day, Singapore!! The place that nurtured and made me who I am today..

Anyway, judging from my last post, I've been away for almost a month. This period has been a difficult one for me. It's still is but I think it'll turn for the better moving forward (I hope).

First up, my new partner in the blogger sphere... The Toshiba Portege T110 with 11.1" screen. I totally love the color and the size. This would be my new blogging partner moving forward.

I'm still trying to get used to it as the keyboard is smaller and the keys are placed differently as compared to other laptops, due to it's size.




Next up are some of my random drugstore conquests. Most of them are products from new brands available in Singapore for the first time. I just wasn't able to contain my excitement for them. Hoho..

First one is Heme Magic T-ZOne Peeling Mask For Girls (S$14.90). This is a peel off mask meant for the T-Zone and nose. Heme is actually a line targeted at young adolescent girls. Of course, I'm long past my adolescent years but it never hurts to try alternative products.



The next one is also under Heme, the 24hr Hydrating Detox-White Night Jelly (S$18.90). This was the product that Kevin 老师 introduced during 女人我最大 many years ago, when I first got access to cable TV. And it was this product that drew my attention to this line. Many years later, I finally laid hands on this product that I've been coveting.



The next one is a brand that is also very well known in Japan and Taiwan. It's the drugstore line released by Shiseido, Aqua Label.

I was wandering around in Watsons, trying to decide whether I should get something from the brand as I already have a huge stash of skincare at home that would probably last me another 2 years. And between Heme and Aqualabel, I was more keen on Heme. But after the SA explained the line to me, I decided to go for the Bright White EX Serum (S$35.50).



Due to my ignorant adolescent years, I already have quite a few distintive brown spots on my face. I had entertained thoughts on buying whitening products from either Lancome or Shiseido. But was put off by the heft price tag and my ma's upbringing.

Yes, she opposed the use of any whitening products, saying the ingredients would make the skin "thin". Furthermore, the word "Acid" don't usually sit well with my sensitized skin. Anyway, since Aqualabel's parent company is Shiseido, I decided to take the plunge and buy the whitening serum. After all, it's a less hefty price to pay compared to the likes of it's more luxurious cousin.

Up next, is Kanebo's Kate Gel Eyeshadow in White (S$14.50). This is a shimmery gel eyeshadow that is similar to Jill Stuart's Eye Jellies. Actually, I absolutely do not need this eyeshadow. I have more than enough eyeshadow to probably last me for the next few years since I don't do alot of eye makeup. So why? This is purely for retail therapy. I'll see if I could find the right occasion to use it. Otherwise, I might decide to make it a giveaway.



The next items are sheet masks. Truth to be told, I'm not exactly a sheet mask person. They can be really messy and I don't like the feeling of having something covering my face, feels as if I'm suffocating. But I find that I'm drawn to buying them nevertheless. Probably due to the price and the wide selection of properties offered.

This is something that I found in Guardian Pharmacy. I don't usually shop in Guardian since Watsons offers a better variety of products and I get rebates at Watsons. This purchase was a result of lunching alone for quiet time. And yes, I like to lunch alone. It helps to calm my nerves and organize my thoughts for the next half of the day.

The masks are from a Korean Brand call Leaders Clinic - Clinie and unlike conventional sheet masks, these are actually silk cellulose masks. They retail for S$4.95 each and has several selections to choose from. I got 2 of them. One is the P.D.T AC-Dressing Ampoule Mask and the Caviar Repairing Essential Mask.

Based on the description on the packaging, the P.D.T AC-Dressing masks is supposed to help combat acne and contains a full bottle of ampoule in each mask. The Caviar Mask, as the name suggests, contains caviar extracts and other ingredients to help hydrate and pamper the skin.




Next up, are some of my basic tools. Sponge applicators and medical needles.

I'm a klutz with makeup and sometimes I find using exotic tools such as brushes somewhat complicated for me.

The needles are for my cystic pimples. I'll use them to poke through the pimples instead of squeezing them and bruising the skin in the process. I used to follow my ma's method of heating up a alcohol swiped sewing needle but I think the medical needles are so much more convenient and hygienic.


Lastly, I've been experiencing difficulties in bowel movements and decided to get some external help from Fybogel. Hopefully, it will help with my bowel movements and in turn, improve my skin condition.




Ok, I think I've spoken enough. My my, it's a lengthy posts for this small number of products.. lol

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Haul: Isetan - 9 Jan 2010

Headed down to Isetan Scott today to redeem my points for Aqua Fusion (Morning) but was disappointed that they dont have stock for it.. So I redeemed the items first and have the nice girls at Clarins call me when the item is in.

Anyway, got persuaded by the sales lady to purchase their latest product in the Multi-Active range. I received the mailer few days prior and my interest was piqued. I figured it's time to venture into the realm of anti-aging. Understand from Evelyn (the Clarins girl) that this is actually an improved product from the original range.

The best thing is that I get double points if I buy 2 products from this range, not to mention the GWP. So I was enticed into getting it.. By the time I realised, I was already paying it... Good thing was that I has over $100 worth of Isetan which I used to offset my purchase. So didn't really burn a big hole in my bank account.

On top of that, I get a 4 piece Clarins GWP as my total purchase exceed some amount... (yeah, no idea how much in total..)

In addition, went by Kino and saw the samples for Lancome Blanc range being offered as GWP for Amica magazine and so decided to pick up a copy as I was thinking of trying out some whitening product for my sun spots. The magazine is an atas magazine with content that is rather boring to me. So, it's purely for the GWP.











Sunday, December 6, 2009

Haul: Metro - 05 Dec 2009

Metro had a 20% storewide sale yesterday and thinking that I am low on some of my HG, I decided to go down and stock them up.

My intention was to get my staples and try out the Clinique exfoliating scrub.. But I ended up splurging on Clinique products cos I could get a 7 piece GWP if my total purchase exceeds $180.00. So, here's the total damage:

Clinique Turnaround Christmas Pack [Impulse Buy]
Clinique Exfoliating Scrub [Intended Buy]
Clinique liquid Facial Soap [HG Stash]
Clarins HydraQuench Smoothing Gel [HG Stash]
Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner [HG Stash]

I did a stash assessment today while trying to find space to house my skincare stuff and I realized that I've bought and stashed away quite a number of things. Guess I have to stop spending on skincare beauties for some time while I work on using up my skincare items.. Gosh, I have like 7 bottles of bodywash alone... Sheesh..

I'm lemming over whether I should get a whitening mask.. But nah, I shall finish up my stash items before I spend anything on skincare again.. I still have 10Pan challenge to complete...

Monday, September 7, 2009

Review/Skincare: Kiehl's - Cryste Marine Firming Cream


Item Name: Kiehl's Cryste Marine Firming Cream
Size: NA
Price: NA
Available At: Kiehl's Ngee Ann City
* Picture source from Kiehl's Website*


My best friend since JC days passed me a small tub of sample for me to try out. Truth to be told, even though I'm going to hit the big 30 soon, I have not given serious thoughts about anti-aging products. Of course I've tried preventive products but I am still a fledgling when it comes to the realm of anti-aging. One reason is that my skin is very sensitive and another reason is that I still have the "I'm still young" mentality.

Anyway, according to my friend, I am supposed to apply this on clean face at night. The texture was kind of pasty, which is kind of a put off for me. I've never quite taken to the texture of creams, despite my skin condition. I just don't like the feeling of having a mask of gooey stuff on my face.

The smell is kind of funny too and I think this is really an acquired taste. As usual, I have to apply a layer of gel toner first before anything can be spreaded on the desert terrain. But in the end, I had to pat in the product instead as the product just couldn't be spreaded properly.

All in all, I woke up to moisturized and smooth skin. Although I cant really totally attribute it to this product. Due to the paste texture, I had to slather on another layer of my usual gel moisturizer so that I wont feel so dehydrated on the surface. I sometimes really think that the gel moisturizer is just a placebo. But well, whatever. As long as I feel good.

I didn't see any aspects of firming but I guess such things takes time. Would I buy the full size in the coming months? Probably not, I dont really appreciate the texture and the smell kind of put me off. But I'll revisit this product again when my face decides that it's time to take the big plunge. Being the fickle-minded me, I might just pick it up in the future.

Doesn't show up well in the photo below but a feeble attempt to keep a record of the texture. Looks spreadable but not for my unique face. Whatever moisture it had just get sucked into some blackhole beneath my skin.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Review/ Skincare: Dr.Ci:Labo - Aqua-Collagen-Gel Super Moisture

Item Name: Dr.Ci:Labo - Aqua-Collagen-Gel
Size: 50g/ 120g
Retail Price: S$62.00 / S$123.00
Available at: Isetan Tampines / Online Site

* Picture source from Priviedistribution; SG Distributor*

After all the raves on taiwanese magazines and online forums, Dr.Ci:Labo is finally IN-TOWN.

Yes yes, there is a counter at Isetan Tampines and I finally got my hands on some samples after registering with Cozycot for the sample pack.

First of all, I am a sucker for good customer service. The lady who served me is a Japanese by the name of Ryoko. Very friendly lady and very patient when explaining how to use their products. The best thing is that she is very generous when it comes to handing out samples. She gave me a few more sachets of the Aqua-Collagen-Gel on top of my trial pack.

Ok, I am digressing. Back to the product. This product is suppose to replace my toner and moisturizer and some other products. Can't really remember but bottomline is that it is a all-in-one product.

However, knowing that my skin is super dry, I used my normal toner as base so that it can spread better.

The texture is a whitish runny gel that feels like those old fashioned glue that my grandma used to make by using Tapioca flour. Smell is mild and tolerable. Leaves a layer of film like feeling after the application but it goes off once it is absorbed into the skin.

Don't really notice much difference after I wake up in the next morning, feels like my normal skincare. On the whole, not a bad product given that it is an all-in-one and my skin dont act up, which is GOOD by my standards.

Will get my hands on a tub of it when my pay comes in at the end of the month.

Monday, January 8, 2007

Review/ Skincare: Origins - Constant Comforter


This is one of the first few products I bought when I first started with Origins. I cant remember why and how I started with this brand but I've never looked back. I buy this by bulk cos one of my friend's cousin works in duty free and she gets huge discounts off Origins products.

I've never quite taken up with creamy products in a tub since I find them to be messy and doesn't spread very well with my sensitive and yet, dry face.

But this one was the exception. It was very spreadable, despite it's texture and whenever I have a serious attack, I would slather this on my areas of redness and when I wake up the next day, my skin would have calmed down. Not a miracle worker but at least it doesn't scare people on the streets.

It's my saving grace for now, until I find something else that works even better.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Review/ Skincare: Origins - Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Cream

Got this as a set with the 30ml serum at a real low price from a friend. Initially I only wanted the serum since it's my staple face care item. But since this was going cheap, I figured I might as well buy it together.

I didn't get the face cream from the retailer because it was really expensive compared to the serum. RRP @ $120 (If I don't remember wrongly) for 50ml.

I tried some this morning when I was going out. It had a smell as though it had gone bad. I was pretty alarmed at first but seeing that there was no discolouration, I decided that it was safe to use.

It took some time for me to get used to the smell of my current face cream -- Origins Face Comforter when I started to use it and so I thought I would give the Plantidote Face Cream a few more days.

Nothing special in my opinion. I think the serum is adequate for me. Will see how it goes and update this entry.

Btw, there's a promotion going on from 24th - 26th Nov @ Isetan Scotts (Level 2) whereby members get double chops for every $50 spent.

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Add On: Tried it for a few days and found it to be too rich for my skin. So, it landed up on my Mom's dressing table. Wahaha.. Ladies, take heed, this is really rich and unless you have very dry skin, pls dun attempt to try it.