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

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.

Haul: Duty-Free - SKII and Kiehl's

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.

And that's all for now... Keep loving...

Review / Skincare: Hada Labo Skincare

* Picture source - Fr3b.com and  Hada Labo

"Hada Labo stands for the lifestyle philosophy of "PERFECT x SIMPLE" a skincare range that brings beauty back to the basics - perfect, simple and confident.

To fulfill the commitment of healthy and perfect skin, Hada Labo emphasizes on simplicity in its skin care process, removing all the unnecessary additives, colorant, fragrance and mineral oil that will burden the skin. Only the finest, purest and highly effective ingredients that are beneficial to the skin are retained to ensure maximum effectiveness. Only the best for your skin and nothing else.

Now, you can truly enjoy a perfect and simple lifestyle, confidently...."

The good people over at Fr3b.com invited me to sample and review their client's, Hada Labo's best selling products the other day. Hada Labo has been a much raved product in Japan and I've been looking forward to it's launch in Singapore. Under the condition that I'll review based on my actual experiences, no matter good or bad, I decided to take up the challenge!!

The products I got were their supposedly best sellers, the Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion and Face Wash. I've been using the products for the past 5 days and it's time to do a review on it.


The main selling point of the products is the Hyaluronic Acid ingredient. This ingredient is known for it's hydrating properties and used in many skincare products, such as the Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner, which uses this ingredient as it's selling point too.

Product Name: Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash
Size: 100g
Price: Not Available
Available At: Exclusively Watsons
Picture Source: Hada Labo















Product Description from Manufacturer:

• Hydrates as it cleanses. Helps restore and perserve skin's natural moisture, leaving it silky smooth.
• Gently cleanses leaving skin comfortably hydrated and refreshed.
• Skin pH balanced. Low irritation.
• Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant.

Packaging:
Minimal fuss-free squeeze white tube packaging. Very Hygienic.


Texture:
Whitish cream texture when it's fresh out of the tube. Suds to a low foam white creaming texture after mixing with water.

Price:
Not sure of the price but given that it's a drugstore product, I would expect it to be less than S$30.00. But at 100ml, I realized my Clinique Cleanser is actually cheaper based on per ml.

Road Test:
Long-time friends would notice that I don't usually go for drugstore cleansers. Not that I'm a snob but I had some traumatic experiences with drugstore cleansers in my adolescent years that left a pretty deep mark on me.

So, this time round, I was really apprehensive in using this product. Not to mention that the texture of the foam kind of remind me of the same product that scarred me years ago. But well, I still went for it. For the adventurous spirit in me.

Not trying to be a nag here but ALWAYS mix your cleansers with water well between your palms first before putting them mixture on your face, unless of course, it's a cream cleanser meant for sensitive skins. Never ever put foaming cleansers directly on your face before mixing it up well.

Anyway, I was really surprised that it did it's job pretty well, cleanse without stripping all moisture from my skin. Come to think of it, it performed as well as my usual Clinique Cleansing Liquid.

But those who knows me will know, I don't usually have high expectations of a cleanser. All is ask is, cleanse without drying. I do not expect it to be some omnipotent product that will do wonders.

Verdict:
Truth to be told, I'm pretty impressed given that it matched my HG. Would I continue to buy after I run out of my current sample, probably not. Why? Because I'm a person who loves fragrances despite her sensitive skin condition. Haha, yes! I find the product a little boring without the fragrances that I'm so used to. And the texture kept reminding me of the the scars I bore from my adolescent years, which would probably take forever to eradicate.

This is a fuss-free product that's friendly on the wallet. For those who are looking for something that's good for your skin and wallet, you might want to try it out. But do note that not everyone takes well with Hyaluronic Acid. For Singaporeans, you can click to Fr3b.com to have a sample sent to you.

Other Product Pics:

Fresh out from the tube:

After mixing with water.

Next up is the second product....

Product Name: Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Lotion
Size: 170ml
Price: Not Available
Available At: Exclusively Watsons
Picture Source: Hada Labo















Product Description from Manufacturer:

• Instantly hydrates skin and helps preserve its optimum moisture balance.
• Replenishes and locks-in moisture for complete hydration. Skin feels significantly soft and supple.
• Helps improve dry and dehydrated skin, leaving it silky smooth.
• Skin pH balanced. Low irritation.
• Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant.

Packaging:
Minimal plastic bottle. Top cap has a hole for dispensing. Given the price, I don't expect a lot with the packaging. However, it would be good if it is a pump bottle as the texture is rather runny, pour bottle is a little messy.


Texture:
I was expecting something that is more of a runny gel like texture. But I was surprise that it was actually very runny, very similar to the texture of normal toner.

Price:
Not sure of the price but given that it's a drugstore product, I would expect it to be less than S$30.00.

Road Test:
Given the product description, I was expecting a texture that is very similar to that of Laneige's Perfect Renew Skin Refiner. But I was quite surprised that the texture is more of normal toner. It was very spreadable and the feeling is very refreshing.

A few seconds later, I can feel this layer of moisture enveloping my whole face and dried very fast. There wasn't any sticky feeling that I was expecting. I also realize that I didn't need as much moisturizer as I used to need.

So far, I wouldn't say I've seen marked improvements but I do notice that my makeup applies better, especially around the sides of my nose, whereby there are gaping pores. And my makeup actually stays better throughout the day, probably because of the oil-free formula. But I cant be sure as I switched sunscreen this week to Dior, so the makeup might be a due to Dior's sunscreen.

Verdict:
Actually, I'm quite won over by this product, except for the no fragrance. I wouldn't say it performed better than my HG but I would say it's on par. Of course, the price is very much more competitive than my HG.

Would I buy this product after the sample run out? Frankly speaking, I don't know. It's only been 7 days since I started using this product and although first impressions are good, it takes more than 7 days for me to commit to a product / brand.

I guess I would want to explore this product further but I wouldn't raise it to HG status just yet.

For Singaporeans, you can click to Fr3b.com to have a sample sent to you.

Other Product Pics:

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!!

GWP + Updates

It's been awhile since my last update. During this time, I started on a new job and those who are on my facebook probably would have known that it isn't really a walk in the park. I'm still trying to get settled down into the new environment.

So amidst all the chaos, I just wasn't able to find the energy to do reviews or post any photos.

Anyway, let's talk about happy things.. Got a few lovelies along the way but didn't get the chance to unwrap them until today. And yes, I promised myself that I wont spend anymore money on skincare. And so I rationalize that if I buy makeup and magazines that have GWP, it won't really count as spending money. Alright, it's kind of a cheat but I just cant resist.

There's alot to post and after a failed attemtp to squeeze everything into 1 post, I will post up the Magazines GWP first while the next one will focus on what I bought. >>>
Recently, there was an onslaught of magazines with great GWP. So being a passionate shopper, thanks to Ah Ling and Beaute-Runway for the great information, I was able to grab these hotcakes in time.

Amica x Nuxe

For the month of April 2010, Amica was giving away a full sized Nuxe Lotion Tonique Aux 3 Roses Toning Lotion (200ml) for every purchase of the magazine. This is definitely a great bargain!!! The Toner alone retails at SGD30++. I was so excited that I bought 3 sets. One for moi, one for my cousin and one, my cupboard?

Singapore Tatler x Loccitane Olive Gift Set

For the month of April 2010, you get a Loccitane Olive Gift Set for every purchase of the Singapore Tatler. The gift set contains a 50ml Organic Olive Radiance Cleansing Foam, a 15ml Luminous Body Cream and a 75g Oliver Bar Soap. A great value given that the Singapore Tatler retails at SGD8.00 while the cleaning foam alone retails at SGD30++ for 100ml. Definitely great travel buddies to have. Not to mention the pretty box that I would like to use to store my stuff.

Haul: Albion & Eumora Facial Soap

Ok.. I promised myself that I wont be buying anymore skincare products until I finish using my current stash... It's quite a lot, to be honest..

But my friend was going to Taiwan and it's really hard to stop myself from asking her to buy the Albion product for me since I've been lemming it for some time.

The other item was actually purchased by my ma, to entertain her client.. This small bar of soap measuring 2"x1"x1cm costs S$40.00. It better be good. I haven't had the chance to try it yet since I dont want to open any new products without finishing my current ones...

So, I will try to write something after I have used them.

The Eumora Facial Soap
Price: S$40.00
URL: http://www.eumorasoap.com/
Pic Source: Actual product photo taken by Cirrus

As we can see, the whole bar of soap is approx the size of the normal laptop touchpad. I went to the website to understand more on the product and I got this feeling that this is a MLM product. Anyway, I'll give this a try once my current cleansers run out.

Albion Essential Skin Conditioner
Price: Unknown until my friend asks me for $
URL: http://www.albion.co.jp/products/series_list.php?series_code=0120
Pic Source: Actual product photo taken by Cirrus

Albion is a very well-known Japanese skincare and cosmetics company and rumor has  it that they are the good people who helps Anna Sui produce the fine line of makeup and skincare.

This product is one of Albion's best selling item, with many beauty awards under it's belt and topping the sales charts of Japanese Toners market for years. Some say this bottle surpasses even the Miracle water..

This product is highly raved in beauty forums. Not to mention many Taiwanese and Japanese celebs. And I've read that the Japanese royals also uses this line...

So, I had to get my hands on it, no matter the price.. I just had to try it myself... And since my friend was going to Taiwan, I just couldn't make myself pass on the chance to own a bottle of this famed toner.

Review/ Skincare: Laneige - Perfect Renew Skin Refiner

Item Name: Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner
Size: 120 ml
Retail Price: S$53.00
Available at: Isetan and all good dept stores
* Picture source from Laneige Website*

Haha, since I'm at it, might as well cover my whole skincare regime.

I was first got to know this skincare line due to it's Water Sleeping Pack but didn't have the courage to try out their products due to my highly sensitive skin.

My good friend J.Yeo bought it while we were out shopping and raved that it was featured on 女人我最大. So one day, being adventurous, I decided to try it out by buying the full size. Ok, it was an impulse buy but oh well.. That's another story...

In a nutshell, this is a toner but unlike toners that we used to know, this is a new generation categorized as 高級能化妝水.

These new generation toners does alot more than conventional toners such as hydrating and tightening.

There is an alcohol smell which I think is attributed to the Hyaluronic Acid and takes sometime to get used to.

Initially, my skin did not react well to this toner and there was mild attack. Maybe it was due to my tired skin and I was already thinking of who to send it off to.

However, I decided to try it again a few weeks later when my skin was feeling better. This time round, my skin reacted pretty well to it and there was no cases of inflammation at all.

I have never looked back since and now, it has became one my of daily staple skincare product. Due to my dry skin, I really love the way it makes my moisturizer become so much more spreadable.

And due to it's hydrating properties, easy application and refreshing feel, sometimes I will apply this only when the lazy-bum in me kicks in.

Review/ Skincare: Origins - Comforting Solution

I used to have good skin until puberty came and I have my first boil.. The rest was history and I've had senstitized skin since then.

This is my first Origins product since I first started in 2003. I'm already in the x bottle as of now. This product has a very gingerly, zesty smell which took awhile for me to get used to it and soon I fell in love with it.

Frankly speaking, I dont really feel that this product does anything for my skin except for the smell and the placebo effect it has on me.

* Picture source from Origins Website*