Haul / Skincare: Isetan - Fancl

Recently, I redeemed some Isetan vouchers using my credit card points and I decided to stock up on some Fancl products.

First up is the Calorie Limit Tea. 3 for SGD41.50 with 10% rebate for the next purchase. This tea is meant to be taken with your meal and supposedly helps to reduce the amount of calorie being absorbed by the body. I love the taste of this tea it's heavenly to pair it up with a packet of vegetarian bee hoon. Makes me feel guilt-free while indulging in my favorite breakfast.

Next one is the Fancl Skin Renewal Pack (SGD29.50 before 10% rebate). This is a wash-off mask and I like the fact that it leaves my skin soft and radiant without irritation.

Review-Compare / Skincare: Clarins Day Screen High Protection Vs DiorSnow White Reveal UV Shield Vs Fancl SunGuard 12 Sensitive

Today, I'm doing a review and cross comparison on the sunscreens that I've used recently:

1. DiorSnow White Reveal UV Shield (SPF 50 PA+++)
2. Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection (SPF 40 PA+++)
3. Fancl Sunguard 12 [Sensitive] (SPF 12 PA++)

Item Name: Dior - White Reveal UV Shield
Size: 30 ml
Price: SGD70++
Available At: Metro Paragon and all good dept stores
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com


Product Description from Manufacturer: 

As light as it is active, the comfortable film provides powerful protection against spot-inducing UV rays. Combined with a new, non-sticky emollient for preserve hydration and spread ability, the sunscreen agents are evenly distributed on the face for optimum protection. Skin remains bright and beautifully luminous. Exist in 2 shades “Translucent” for a perfectly natural look, or “Pearly White” for a radiantly healthy-looking finish.

Item Name: Fancl - Sun Guard 12 [Sensitive]
Size: 12 gram
Price: SGD20.00
Available At: Fancl @ Istean Orchard
Picture Source: Fancl Singapore


Product Description from Manufacturer: 

Formulated with breakthrough technology, SUNGUARD 12 contains Essence-coated UV Block Powder, which is absolutely gentle on the skin, and Clear Mesh Formula which gives skin absolute translucency.

Active ingredient Ceramide Derivative helps enhances skin barrier function and Moisture Retaining Ingredient supplies moisture and prevent moisture loss in skin.

Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, it is gentle even for babies from 6 months old. Delightfully lightweight, it gives absolute protection, enabling you to face the sun with confidence.

Item Name: Clarins - UV PLUS HP Day Screen High Protection
Size: 30ml
Price: SGD70++
Available At: Metro Paragon and all good dept stores
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com


Product Description from Manufacturer: 

A cutting-edge formula providing high protection against UV rays combined with protection against pollution and free radicals responsible for dark spots and skin ageing. The incredibly matte, featherlight texture forms an invisible film on the skin. Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

Why I bought them:
I bought the Dior after trying out the sample that the BA gave me and I really like the dewy finish, so I decided to get the full product.

For Fancl, I've always liked Fancl stuff but they have a short life span after opening. The size is just perfect and I liked the fact that it is meant for sensitive skin.

As for Clarins, this was purchased in late 2009. The purchase was purely to satisfy the adventurous spirit in me.

Packaging:
All of the products came in fuss free squeeze bottles. Very convenient and hygienic!

Texture:

For Dior and Fancle, the product is more cream-based as compared to Clarins. So in terms of spreadablility, Clarins would come across as easier to spread.

Price:
Clarins and Dior have similar per unit price floating in the SGD70++ range. Definitely a lot more expensive than drugstore brands. For fancl, although the price is SGD20.00. We need to take into consideration the fact that the whole tube contains only 12g and I have to throw out the product 60 days after opening.

And for Fancl, the strength is only SPF12 compared to Dior that has SPF50 and Clarins, SPF40.

Road Test:
To test the products, I kept everything the same, except for the sun screens.

Dior - I love everything about this sun screen! The heavily scented product might not sit well with many but not for me. The cream is a little hard to spread if I dont moisturize well but once spreaded, it leaves a pearlish white sheen/glow, instead of a whitish cast that actually turns gray. Oh yah, I don't care how others say it but I apply my sunscreen on top of my foundation primer. The glow from this sunscreen actually helps to reduce the appearance of my big pores.

It doesn't give me an outbreak nor did my sensitive skin react to it.

The combination of my RMK primer, Dior Sunscreen and Diorskin Nude Foundation gives me a very good polished finish that lasts all day.

For the Fancl, the performance was comparable to Dior, just that it was a tad boring due it being fragrace free. It was less dense that Dior and easier to spread. Good for those who have very sensitive skin and don't mind paying for a product with limited life-span.

For Clarins, the texture was much more watery. It was definitely easier to spread and the scent was alright but a little offensive when compared to Dior. The scent always reminded me washing powder. Anyway, I got the whitish base and it did leave a whitish cast, which I don't quite like. It dries to a matte finish but that made my foundation hard to spread since I have very dry skin. This product would be loved by people who have oily or combi skin.


Verdict:

Overall, the Dior is my HG. Fancl is alright but given the price and life span, I think I would stick to Dior.

For Clarins, it performed well but it just paled a little when compared with the Dior.

So, in conclusion, I would definitely repurchase for the Dior. However, I would probably skip the Fancl and Clarins when I finish.

Other Pics:

Haul: Duty-Free and Fancl

These items were bought way back in early August but they were stashed in a corner of my room and I had almost forgotten about them until I ran out of my Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, and I have to open a new bottle of makeup remover.

I've decided to switch to Shu Uemura after reading the raves and recommendations from skincare gurus such as 牛爾... I ended up buying additional items on top of the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil.

For the uninitiated, please note that compared to Duty Free, a lot of items are actually cheaper when bought during the Metro 20% sales. Not to forget the additional Metro dollars that can be converted to shopper cheques.

However, due to kindness of my friends, I get very good prices from Duty Free. Of course, I don't usually like to trouble them unless I need to get really expensive stuff, or things that are not available at regular retail counters, such as traveler exclusives.

Being the fickle me, I decided to get 2 types in smaller bottles to try out, and to see whether they live up to the hype and raves.

The purplish version for Whitening purposes:

The green version with supposedly anti-aging properties.

The next item is what got me so excited, it's the Dior Carnage Collection. It's a palette of 8 eye shadows and is a Krisflyer traveler's exclusive. So it's only available on SQ flights and Duty Free. For swatches and more pictures, please visit Ling's blog. She was the one who sparked my lemming for this.

The palette in it's pristine plastic packaging

 

Next up is my Fancl haul that I got along with my sister's birthday present.

The Summer 2010 Eyeshadow Palette.

I got 2 of the above. 1 for my sister, the other is meant as Christmas present for a good friend.

Fancl HTC Collagen in Powder form

This is meant for myself. I believe this is a new product. I've tried the drink and pills but not the powder form. Will try out and review after this.

Haul: Random buys in June

Been away.. Was kind of depressed over the week as I lost my brand new laptop! Well, technically, I didn't lose it but rather, a cab driver took off with it in the boot. I was so shocked by what happened that I didn't get the license plate. It was a brand new laptop just out from the shop.

I was more angry with myself than with the cab driver. First, I shouldn't have put it in the car boot. There was enough space in the back seat for it. And I should have asked for the receipt. But the cab driver was so nice that I was caught off-guard. I shouldn't have been so trusting, remember, low crime doesn't mean NO crime.

Anyway, I lodge reports with the police, LTA and the cab company. Although chances of getting it back is slim, but I still want to put it in record that there is an errant cab driver on the prowl.

This entry is for the random buys that I did for the month of June. June is not only my birthday month but also the month of the Great Singapore Sale (GSS).

Not a lot of stuff as I'm trying to curb my spending. Oh well, living in Singapore meant that there are sales going almost all year round. There's always next time.

First up is MAC 217 brush. It's a my second MAC brush. This is a much raved eye makeup brush and I was totally won over. It's so soft and blends my eyeshadows very well. The best part is that I paid for it with my Isetan vouchers that I redeemed with my Isetan points. So, this brush came almost as free!

Next is the Lunasol 2010 Summer Collection, Nature Summer Blue EX01 Eyeshadow Quad (S$77.00). I've been lemming this quad ever since Rouge Deluxe and Fuzkittie featured it. So I decided to get it when it launched in Singapore on 18th June 2010.

Friends of mine know that I'm a blue eyeshadow lover. A lot of people are scared of blue eyeshadows but they are one of the colors that actually works for me. And Japanese seems do well in this arena.

I'm totally in love with the deep blue!!

Ok, what else???..... Oh yes, I purchased a Fancl sunscreen. Due to my sun-phobic nature, I'm very into sunscreens. I currently own.. hmmm.. about 6 bottles of sunscreens. All of different brands.

My ma thinks I'm totally insane. She's an advocate of sunscreens since I was young but I think I've outshone her. Wonder how many sunscreens my daughter will own next time. Anyway, picked this up because I had quite a good experience with it previously. The only thing I don't like about Fancl products is that they expire way much faster than I can use it up. 75days after I've opened the bottle, I'll have to toss it.

I also stocked up on some essentials during the GSS period.

MAC makeup sponges and brush cleaner. Truth to be told, I'm not exactly a connoisseur when it comes to makeup sponges. So far, MAC makeup sponges have worked well for me and so, I've been hooked on it ever since.

The MAC brush cleaner was a purchase I decided after reading somewhere that normal shampoo do not do a good job when it comes to disinfecting. And so, I bought this so that I can give my brushes a good clean. I'm a germ & dust-phobic when it comes to the things that I put on my face. To the point that I rather buy the wrong foundation shade home, then to have the BA test it on my face. I once saw this lady who took the tester lipstick and applied straight on her lips. Yew, I was totally turned off and horrified by what I saw.

Next up is the Clinique's Liquid Facil Soap (Mild) - S$35.00. Another staple of mine that I've grown to love. This product does a good job of cleaning without stripping moisture off my face.

Lastly, is the Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner (S$53.00). Another staple of mine. I had a bad reaction when I first used it but now, it's one of my holy grail. I'm already in my Nth bottle!!

Hauls

Haul Photos!!! Woo-Hoo!! Nothing beats talking about my lovelies and nothing can get me down when I'm talking about them.... These are some of the purchases I've made during this period..

Warning: Picture heavy



Avene Soothing Moisture Mask x Centerpoint Guardian Pharmacy - 5 April 2010
Got this on the day that I went to my new company to sign the Letter of Appointment. And so, was able to recall the date that I got it. The lady was so zealous about recommending me use this product that I was embarassed to say "No". In addition, I do know that Avene have some really great products. Just that sometimes, I find the products too mild for my taste.

Franche Mineral Skincare Sample Set x My Beautician

I got this a week after I started on my new job. My office was going to have a major renovation and people were packing their stuff. The air was so dirty that I had a major outbreak of cystic pimples. So out of desparation, I went to my beautician for help. And all they did was gawked at my face and pushed this set of skincare to me right after my treatment.

I figured there was no excuse to not buy and since it's my first time encountering mineral skincare, my interest was piqued. However, I haven had the chance to actually try it. And the condition of my face now, it's much better than 2 weeks ago but it can be better.

The sample set in it's plastic bag.

The items taken out...

The cleanser

The Toner

The Moisturizer

The Phamplet

Dior Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Foundation in 020 x Takashimaya

I had make the decision to buy a hydrating foundation. And so, this is not an impulse buy but an intended buy. After reading through the forums and raves by makeup gurus, I was deciding between Lunasol Water Cream Foundation and Dior. In the end, the superb service by Kline (Takashimaya Dior Counter) won me over and I went ahead to purchase the Dior one. I would still want to purchase the Lunasol one but I guess I'll wait till I'm finished with at least one more bottle of foundation before I make the purchase.


The pretty box that my foundation came in...






















The elegant glass bottle within...
























Of course, being Kline (kind), she gave me a sample of Diorsnow sunscreen in translucent. I so liked it that I decided to purchase the full-sized bottle.






















MAC 190 Foundation Brush x Isetan Scotts
My first MAC Brush!!! Yeah!!! Got this on the same day that I got the Dior Foundation. I have been comtemplating this brush for the longest time but I just couldn't bear to sink so much money on a brush. But my sister gave me some Isetan vouchers and I utilized the vouchers and ended up paying a lot less.

My MAC brush in it's pristine plastic protector...



















MAC Brush#190

Fancl Calorie Limit Tea x Isetan
This is my absolute necessity. I drink whenever my ma buys fried fritters. Not to mention the nice taste which I've grown fond of. I also bought the Kale juice along with this purchase but the latter is something I would rather not mention. The taste is just not my cup of tea. Maybe I should dilute it further instead of following the 250ml guide.

Guerlain Meteorites 03 Beige Chic x Tangs - 23 April 2010
Ling got word from Beauterunway that Guerlain Meteorite was going at 50% discount @ Tangs as they are going to change packaging. Of course, being the kiasu singaporean that I am, I had to get one for myself. It's not every other day you have Guerlain giving this kind of discount for their products.

Haul x Metro 20% Storewide Sale - 23 April 2010
Metro was having a Storewide 20% sale and I headed over to Metro with Ling as I decided to purchase the full sized Clinique Take the Day Off since I had quite a good experienc with the sample product.

In addition, I was undecided whether I should get the Diorsnow sunscreen.

And below are my spoils for the day. Please ignore the Guerlain Meteorites as I bought from Tangs and not Metro.




















Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
I had originally wanted to get the Bi-remover only to realise that the product is meant for Lips and Eye Color. Lol. In the end, the BA recommended me the the Balm, which can also be used for the eye area. I was a little put off by the packaging since I've to either dig in or to use a spatula. But in the end, I went ahead to buy it since I quite like the texture.

Dior: Diorsnow Protection UV - Translucent
I got the sample pack for this product and I was pretty won over by the sample pack that I decided to get the full size.


Dior: Dior Addict - Lip Glow
This product was recommended to Ling by Kline of Takashimaya Dior Counter. The same day I was buying the Dior Foundation. In the end, Ling got it during the Metro Private Sale. I was very impressed by the effect that I decided to get one for myself too...

Dior: Rouge Dior - 264 Replenishing Lipcolor
This is totally an impulse buy as I was $1.00 short to being a Dior member. So Ling suggested lipcolor since I was just tellng her the other day that my sister commented that my lipgloss is too red for my pale skin. Plus, I quite like the color swatch.

Of course, we mustn't forget the samples that the BA gave me. Sorry I didn't get her name but she's a very nice lady too. I do forsee that I'm visiting the Dior counter soon.

Fancl x Bishan J8 - 27 April 2010
My face was lacking radiance and moisture. So, decided to drop by Fancl to get some "clean skincare" to help.

Below is the spoils photo:

Skin Renewal Pack

Night Pack Cream

Beauty Concentrate
GWP for Night Pack Cream.

Facial Blotters
Another GWP. Not sure of the mechanics though...

That's all for now.... Review posts coming up...