Showing posts with label Skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skincare. Show all posts

Sunday, February 27, 2011

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.




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







Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Haul-Review / Makeup: MAC - Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist



Item Name: MAC - Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist
Size: 100 ml
Price: SGD37.00
Available At: Tangs Vivocity
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com

Product Description from Manufacturer:

Charged water, fused with vital ions from a diamond and instilled with a spirit-lifting therapeutic aroma, then delivered to the skin in the soothing aura of a revitalizing hydrating mist. Like its source – a diamond – on application it makes the skin feel clear, sparkling, pure and energized. Its aroma, a blend of green tea and citrus.

Why I bought it:

This was really an impulse buy. My original intent was to purchase the MAC Fix+ to see if it works better than my Avene atomiser. However, according to the MAC consultant, it was out of stock islandwide for months already.

So, she recommended me this product instead. It's more expensive but it was supposedly to be better than Fix+. And so, I decided to purchase this instead, for the adventurous spirit in me.

Packaging:
Plastic spritz bottle with lock for travelling.

Texture:
Normal toner water with a subtle flowery scent.

Price:
SGD37.00 is steep compared to my drugstore Avene Atomiser.

Road Test:
I used this product as a finish for my makeup to avoid looking too powdery.

It does give a nice finish to my makeup but the mist wasn't as fine as compared to Avene, and I had some problems with the plastic spritzer. I had to press extra hard to get the product out.

Verdict:
I like this product,but given the price, I don't think I would repurchase after this bottle runs out. My Avene performs the same at half the price.




Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Giveaway: Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel (Singapore Residents only)



I was given a tube of Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel by the good people from TheSampleStore (F3B) and Ginvera for review purposes.

However, I just have too many products in my stash that I need to finish. Hence, I'm giving away the remainder of this product. So that someone out there gets to experience this product too. The product was opened last week and only used 3X for review purposes.

To participate, comment on this post with the following:

•Name:
•Email:
•Blog Address (If Any):
•What is THE GIFT that you would like to receive for Christmas?:
•Giveaway Link on your blog (If any):

Rules:

•Submission deadline closes on 31 Dec 2010 and nope, you don't have to be a follower to participate.
•Winners would be chosen randomly via random.org
•You get an additional chance at the draw if you link this giveaway on your blog / site
•Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to Singapore residents as this is a sponsored item from a local supplier.

I would be posting my Christmas giveaway this weekend. I haven't been able to find time to take pictures due to my heavy work schedules. I need to finish up everything by end of this week, before the Europeans go on their extended holidays.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Sponsored Review / Skincare: Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel + Jade Dark Eye Circles Roll Away

The good people over at SampleStore and Ginvera sent me two items to review. They are both from the Ginvera Green Tea Series. One is the Whitening Marvel Gel, the other is the Jade Dark Eye Circles Roll Away. I've always been wanting to try the Green Tea version after my original review of Ginvera Nutri White Marvel Gel.




Item Name: Ginvera - Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel
Size: 60 ml
Price: 16.80 (Online Price)
Available At: Online here or major supermarkets and drugstores.
Picture Source: Klutzbeauty

Product Description from Manufacturer:
GINVERA Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel
Dead skin & Blackheads Remover

Description:
10 BENEFITS OF MARVEL GEL
1. Rubs away deep layers of dead skin cells
2. Rubs away blackheads painlessly
3. Contracts pores for refined skin (As dead skin cells have been cleared from pores)
4. Lightens black spots, freckles & scars
5. Removes oil seeds
6. Regulates sebum secretion to prevent pimples
7. Brightens dull complexion
8. Changes dark, rough skin to smooth skin
9. Whitens skin as it gives way to new born skin
10. Enhances quick absorption of skin care product


Packaging:
Product is housed in a fuss free light green plastic squeeze tube.

Texture:
Greenish clear gel.

Price:
The online price is $16.80 but I have a feeling that it would be even cheaper if you purchase from a drugstore or supermarket.

Application technique:
Apply the product on dry skin with dry hands. Massage in light sweeping circular motions for 1 min or until the product dries up. By the way, in case some people don't do it right, always massage in the same direction. So that your skin would not be tugged and stressed.

Road Test:
Because of the thick gel texture, it was a little hard to spread across initially. But once it's spreaded, it was alright. The product will start to become more and more lumpy as it picks up dead skin cells and blackheads.

Not sure whether it's my imagination but there was a tingling minty sensation when I was massaging the product in. Maybe there was mint ingredient added.

Once it dries, I cleansed my face with lukewarm water before doing a final rinse with cold water.

I have to say, I'm quite happy with the results. My skin looked cleaner and more radiant. My skincare absorbed better too.

However, my cheeks were kind of flushed after using this product. Probably because my cheeks, happens to be the most sensitive part of the face.

Verdict:
This is a fuss-free, effect and cheap exfoliator that anyone can try, without hurting your bank account balance. It also gives a sense of satisfaction when you can actually see black heads and dead skin gets picked up and rolled into lumpy white balls. It is definitely a lot more gentle compared to scrubs with micro-beads.

However, there were still stubborn blackheads that refused to budge. I guess this product is more suited for daily maintenance. It is still advisable to do a weekly through scrub. In addition, due to the prolonged massage action, it might prove to be a tad harsh for sensitive areas. So avoid those areas or go with a light hand.


Some other photos - *Readers BEWARE*!!!






Next up is the review on Ginvera Green Tea Jade Dark Eye Circles Roll Away...



Item Name: Ginvera - Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel
Size: 15 ml
Price: 18.80 (Online Price)
Available At: Online here or major supermarkets and drugstores.
Picture Source: Klutzbeauty

Product Description from Manufacturer:

Unique with Jade Roller and blended with Bio energy ingredients such as Bio Energy Fluid, Bio Rice Fermentation Essence, water soluble Olive Oil, Ginseng, various whitening herb extracts, Pomelo and Royal Jelly, Jade Dark Eye Circles Roll Away helps to roll away dark eye circles and brightens eye contours effectively. Compared to other materials, Jade is a exceptional massaging medium as it contains trace minerals that benefit the human body.


Packaging:
Housed in a slim glass container with a jade (Yes, jade) roller ball. Doesn't really sit well with my germophobic nature. But the novelty of a jade roller ball does offset some of my concern.

Texture:
Clear watery texture that is easily absorbed into the skin.

Price:
The online price is 18.80 and it is relatively cheap compared to other eye care products out there.

Application technique:
1. Tilt the roller upwards to 95degrees to allow contents to flow out
2. After sufficient contents have flowed out, tilt roller to 80degrees and use roller to gently massage eye contour area. Use once in the morning and evening.
3. Use fingers to lightly massage the left-over product until full absorb.

Road Test:
Frankly speaking, this is the first time I've ever used a over the rack product that comes with roller ball for eyes. In fact, I'm someone who don't believe that you need a separate product for your eyes. Of course, I'm someone who don't suffer from severe dark circles, due to my small and NON-deepset eyes. So this product is really a novelty to me.

The fact that the roller ball is a piece of jade made it even more interesting. I could feel a cooling sensation while I was massaging my eye with the roller ball. The product itself is very light and easily absorbed into the skin. And the massaging action helped to relax my tired eyes after a long day of work.

Now, please note that when applying or massaging eye product, ALWAYS apply in only one direction ONLY! That applies to makeup products too. Sometimes I cringe when I see girls on youtube apply their eye care by rubbing the product both ways, like a pendulum. Yeeks, I think they just make it worst by doing something like that.


Verdict:

For this, I would have to say, I'm divided. I don't have serious dark circles to actually warrant such products. It did helped to reduce my eye bags, probably due to the improved blood circulation around my eye area but I'm not sure on the claims on reducing dark circles. I think it will probably need a longer usage period to actually see results. But I like the feeling of the jade roller ball on my eye. It's very soothing and for the price, I think it's alright. We all know how expensive eye care products can be, not to mention this has a jade roller ball.


Some other photos - *Readers BEWARE*!!!



Saturday, December 11, 2010

Review-Compare /Skincare: Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O + MAC Cleanse Off Oil


Today's review is on cleansing oil.....



Item Name: Shu Uemura - Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O Advanced Formula
Size: 150 ml
Price: Not Available
Available At: Metro Paragon and all good dept stores
Picture Source: Shu Uemura USA

Product Description from Manufacturer:

cleansing beauty oil premium a/o is the #1 selling shu uemura cleansing oil in the world. the new advanced formula is empowered with Green Tea and specially selected Gingko Leaf Extract contains flavonoids, recognized in Japan for strong anti-oxidant and micro circulation properties that help to promote transparency and radiance to fatigued skin. the removal of oxidized sebum, which accelerates the aging process, is the first step in anti-aging skincare. the innovative Natural Origin HPO system has a superb cleansing ability which removes sebum and dramatically increases the removability of waterproof mascara and long-lasting makeup. the advanced formula leaves the skin soft, and refined for a youthful appearance.




Item Name: M.A.C - Cleanse Off Oil
Size: 150 ml
Price: Not Available
Available At: Tangs Orchard and all good dept stores
Picture Source: M.A.C Cosmetics

Product Description from Manufacturer:

An industry-strength oil-based makeup remover that's gentle on the skin. Botanically formulated with oils of olive fruit, evening primrose and jojoba seed and absolutely 100 percent mineral-oil free. Massages onto the skin to loosen all makeup, including waterproof mascara. Emulsifies into a lotion-type liquid with water: rinses off easily, no tissues required - and no residue! Protects with vitamin E. Skin softening and conditioning. Good for all skin types.


Why I bought them:
The M.A.C Cleansing oil actually belongs to my little sister. As for the Shu Uemura, I bought it to replace the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm when it ran out.

Packaging:
Both products comes in clear plastic bottles with a fuss-free pump.


Texture:

Both are oils. However, I noticed that the M.A.C cleansing oil was lighter in texture and there is a nice scent to the M.A.C Cleansing oil.

Price:
I have no idea how much my sister paid for the M.A.C Cleanse Off oil but based on the USA RRP, it is definitely cheaper than the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil.

As for Shu Uemura, since I got this product at a pretty low price compared to the RRP, I would say I'm alright with the price. But I think the RRP is around SGD60.00. A little dear for a cleasing oil.

Road Test:
The Shu Uemura cleasing has a thicker texture as compared with M.A.C, which didn't sit well with me. It was a little too heavy for my taste.

M.A.C on the other hand was something that I really like. The scent is nice and the texture is light.

In terms of cleansing power, I didn't notice any significant difference between the two products. In fact, the Shu Uemura cleansing oil left a sticky after taste which I didn't like at all. This is probably due to anti-aging properties. In fact, it actually broke me out!

Verdict:
The Shu Uemura would be more suitable for very matured or very dry skins because of the anti-aging properties.

For me, I would prefer the M.A.C Cleanse Off Oil given the similar performance and much lower price.

Of course, I still have the Shu Uemura White Recovery EX+ that I haven't tried yet. I hope this product would be able to perform better as compared to it cousin in the same line. Anyway, have a great week ahead.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Haul: Collective - Origins, MAC, Clinique, Dior, Prejume

This entry is a collective haul post on the stuff that I got some time back. So, this is really a guide for me to keep track of the things that I buy....

First up is Origins - Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins, Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum. My friend knows that I chomp through this serum like a mean grinding machine. And so, whenever there is an offer on this serum, she would be the first to sms me. I got 2 x 30ml at SGD25.00 each!


Next up is the MAC 217 brush and this is my second 217. This brush is very soft and perfect for blending out the eyeshadows! SGD33.00 available at all MAC Counters across Singapore.


Next, the Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips (SGD39.00). My sampler bottle ran out and I've decided to purchase the full sized bottle since this worked quite well to remove my eye makeup.



Next up, is the Dior - Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup (SGD70.00). I was looking for a loose powder and the BA recommend this loose powder to me since I'm using the Dior Skin Nude Foundation. The BA assured that it wouldn't be heavy since I recalled that one of the BA at Takashimaya told me that this is actually mineral powder foundation. However, I really think that using this powder on top of the Diorskin Nude foundation is a little overkill for me. In addition, the actual size is really puny and paltry, compared to other Dior Loose Powder that are bigger in size with about the same price.





Lastly, Prejume hair wax that my hairstylist brought back from Hong Kong for me (SGD29.00). I totally like this hair wax. It has a rice paste texture , styles but not oily at all!!


Sunday, November 21, 2010

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:


    Saturday, October 2, 2010

    Collective Haul: Guardian + SaSa+ Guardian + Watsons + Body Shop

    I'm back for a brief moment... This week has been stressful. It's like living in a different time zone and suffering the effects of jetlag when I didn't even leave the country.

    Anyway, on a lighter note, this entry would be a showcase of my collective hauls over the last few weeks from various drugstores. I won't be publishing the prices as I've lost the receipts when I accidentally put them through the shredder..

    First up are some containers. Daiso Ion just opened recently and Ling introduced me to the vacuum skincare containers that she bought from there.

    The design is very much prevalent in many skincare packaging but I haven seen one being sold as an empty bottle for decanting purposes. And so, I decided to get 1 to try out when I passed by Daiso Ion.

    I spent a good amount of time, squatted at the container section to search for these coveted containers. Apparently, they are very popular and I only managed to find 2 of them. And so, being the kiasu singaporean, I grabbed the last 2, instead of the original 1 piece I had in mind.

    The jar bottles on the right were actually from J.Low, and she got them from Hong Kong. These bottles have an additional flap (similar to Japanese Cream foundation packaging) to protect the product from drying out or leaking through the screw cap threads. Of course, such items are easily available in SGP but look at the prices!!! That's HKD15 for a pack of 2. I can probably only get 1 if I were to buy in SGP.


    Next, Tsubaki Shampoo set from SaSa (S$29.00+). I've long wanted to try this range of shampoo ever since 女人我最大 introduced this during a hair care segment.


    Next are sheet masks from Sasa and Guardian. I'm not usually a sheet mask person as I feel suffocated having a piece of wet "paper" over my face. But ever since I've tried the Leaders Clinic sheet masks, I've been hooked, albeit the steep price.

    The mask are made of silk cellulose, which fits perfectly well along the contours of my mooncake face and doesn't drip (no mess).

    
    SaSa was offering really good discounts on their premium sheet masks some time ago and I grabbed some of them for personal use or to be given to friends.

    (From Left: Silk Whitia Highly Concentrated Collagen Gel Mask, Hanfang Anti-Oxidizing Mask, Beauty Talk Collagen Mask, Neogence Hydrating Mask)

    Went back the second time to grab a few more....

    (From Left: Hakubi Q10 Mask, Beauty Talk Collagen Mask- Blue, Beauty Talk Indebenone Q10 Mask - Pink)

    Next up is from Watsons. It's Maybelline's latest mascara product - Magnum Volum' Express.


    And a really cute makeup pouch with feline prints.. Fell in love with at first sight.



    I was complaining to J.Yeo the other day about thinning hair due to stress when she asked me about the hair brush that I use. 

    I was using the free plastic comb given out at those $10 per haircut shops that my dad frequents. And she was dead against that and insisted that I get a proper hair brush.

    And so, I got the Body Shop hair brush that she swears by.


    Saturday, September 25, 2010

    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.

    Saturday, August 28, 2010

    Haul: Essential Tools

    Stock on some essential skincare and makeup tools recently.... They are not exactly skincare or makeup but they are part and parcel of my whole regime.


    These were bought from SaSa, travel containers and spatulas (S$1-S$5). I got other stuff as well but I wanted to group my hauls according to type as I shopped for several tools this time round.

    I'm most interested in trying out the big container. I first saw this in a nail salon whereby the ladies there use it to hold nail polish remover. The vent of the pump is upward facing and it is so interesting! (And yes, I'm easily amazed [too]).

    I was thinking of using it to store my Kose Sekkisei Lotion, which by the way, is a pour bottle with a gaping hole; which sometimes results in wastage from pouring too much.

    Next up is my FAVORITE cotton pads. Ok, not exactly my favorite but they are the only ones that are economical and yet, fulfills my purpose. It's the Lily Bell Patting Cotton Puff (S$3.00) from Sasa.



    So, what is so special about the about these cotton puffs as compared to common cotton pads? Each cotton puff is made up of 3 layers. First layer is comes with a rough surface mesh, covering the cotton below. This layer helps exfoliation when using Japanese exfoliating / softening toners.

    The other side of the puff is a layer that has a smoother surface, which I usually use for my soothing toners. Some of the Japanese lotions uses this particular surface for application, allowing better absorption.

    These two layers uses material that do not shed or ball up as compared to regular cotton pads.

    So, what's the third layer? It's actually a membrance in the middle; to prevent wastage. Traditional cotton pads usually gets soaked through due to it's absorption properties. The middle layer helps to distribute product more evenly across the surface rather than through the cotton.

    It might cost more as compared to regular cotton but I swear by it whenever I use the Sekkisei Lotion for mild exfoliation.

    There are other brands and Watsons has also come up with their own version but I'll stick to Lily Bell until something better comes along or when I can no longer afford it.

    Lastly, wedge sponges and powder puffs from MAC (S$8.00 each pack). I'm totally in love with MAC wedge sponges. They do a good job of evening out my foundation and giving me a polished look. As for the powder puffs, they are meant for my MAC powders. The original ones that came with the powders simply fell apart after being abused by me.. (Haha)