Close friends knows that other than being a Foundation Junkie, I'm also a self-confessed toner freak. I apply at least 3 types of toner to my face before I pile on my serum and moisturizer. My face cannot stand creams and so, I usually use toners, serums and moisturizing lotions instead.
I've been using a sample of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (250ml) and I have to say, I'm in love with it. And so, I decided to take the plunge and purchased the 250ml full sized bottle through J.Low's cousin. It's definitely a steal given that RRP is more than S$200.
I got mine at a really good price...
I also stocked up some Kiehl's product. I've been using the Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment (30ml) these days and it is now my HG item. I'm almost done with the first tube and so, I decided to stock another tube of this miracle worker.
I also bought the Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner (125ml). There had been many raves about this product and being a toner junkie, I had to get my grubby hands on a bottle to try. I got the smallest size available for the test drive, in case I get any adverse reaction to it.
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...
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.
This is a technique documented in Chizu Saeki's book, The Japanese Skincare Revolution. Her philosophy on skincare is simple, you dont have to spend alot to look good.
I had initially wanted to buy the book but was kind of dissuaded by J.Low who thinks I waste too much money on books of such genre. Anyway, I got the chance to read the book at the Kohs' house, while the rest were working on their Japan Travel Plans. Anyway, this lotion mask sure caught my attention since 牛爾 did a demo previously on 女人我最大 too.
So I decided to try it out myself. The two most important material that I need was cotton and the lotion. I had suitable lotions such as Paul and Joe and SKII. But I opted for a fusion instead.
Now the cotton is a very crucial item in the success of the Lotion Mask. Since I do not have access to THE COTTON that was developed specially for this technique, I had to search for alternatives and I found a really great one with Muji cotton.
I got the bigger ones with ridges that goes for S$3.90 for a pack of 60(s). There is an unbleached version that goes for $5.90 for a pack of [I think] 132(s). But I like the ridged ones as I find them more manageable in terms of storage. But I guess it just personally preferences.
Dont worry about the ridges. Once the cotton is wet, the ridges would be gone and they do not in any way, inhibit the tearing part.
Based on the instructions, it is supposed to yield 4 thinner pieces.
As for the lotion, I chose the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner. This is a sample pack that my friend passed to me. Being adventurous, I decided I should do a east meets west fusion kind of thing.
Following the video demo, I wetted the cotton, poured the toner, tore them into smaller pieces and placed them onto my face.
4 thinner pieces altogether and they managed to cover a major portion of my big mooncake face. As the name that I always trust, the muji cotton was incredibly strong and can withstand heavy duty stretching. I managed to double more than twice it's original surface area.
So ladies with smaller faces out there, 1 pc of muji cotton goes a long way. And a pack of 60(s) can last 2 months if used on a daily basis.
Of course, this can't compare to the version developed by Chizu Saeki but I think it should suffice.
After using the lotion mask, my face felt more calmed and doesn't feel as tight. So far so good. I guess the results really varies, based on the type of lotion/toner that is used.
I've also put in further information below for everyone's reference.
女人我最大 #16 Autumn issue also mentioned the Chizu Saeki Lotion Mask but I haven't had the chance to get my hands on it yet. Will go down to Kinokuniya this weekend to buy.
