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2009-09-26

Skin Care Routine

Here is my skincare routine pretty much everyday. I do have my skin for exfoliation once every week followed by clarifying mask. I know that the routine seems to be insane for some of the readers but that how I keep my skin clean, moisturized and protected.

A.M.

Shiseido brightening cleanser ->it lasts quite a while because you only needs a penny size
Lancome toner -> the combination one in which I found a bit drying for me in winter
Beautymaker hydrating eye serum -> moisturizing
DDF eye gel --> optional ( I add this when the skin needs moisture boost)
DDF SPF 15 eye cream --> very light but moisturizing eye cream with sunscreen
Clarins Bi-phase serum --> very good for giving a moisture boost
Clarins Multi-day cream --> very lightweight but moisturizing day cream with the benefits of anti-aging ingredients
Dior UV white sunscreen --> looks thick but very absorbing sunscreen. I do feel that my skin looked paler when I first started using this product .now I do not see any whitening effects after few months.

P.M.

Vichy 3 in 1 cleanser (for face) x2 --> very gentle cream cleanser for removing makeup (good for sensitive skin as well)
Bioderm sensitive (for eyes if heavy makeup had been applied) --> water texture. This product can get rid of any heavy eye makeup very effectively. Only a little bit placed on the cotton swab and apply it around the eye lid, all the makeup removed. The good thing about this product is that it doesn't sting my eyes.
Laneige Multi cleanser --> with some granules that can remove any dead skin cells at the same time.

Masks (depends on the condition of the skin the day of) : Favourite: Silk Whita, My Daily Beauty

Lancome toner
Origins Age-correcting serum with Rhodiola (only laugh lines, neck and under the eye area) --> it smooths out the undereye area. only needs one drop which can cover the under eye area and laugh lines. This bottle lasts forever.
Origins Perfect World moisturizer antioxidant with white tea --> The texture feels very rich, but only very little product can easily spread over the face and skin absorbs the product very quickly. So the product will go for a long period of time. Worth every penny!!!! The skin becomes very smooth immediately. The laugh lines seem to be smoother.
Origins Youthtopia Firming eye cream with Rhodiola --> similar texture of the moisturizer. My under eye area becomes very smooth and I notice that the fine lines are less defined.

I do have whitening routine as well. Pretty much using them alternative week.
Paul & Joe Whitening serum and Lancome whitening emulsion.

What is your skincare routine that you found effective? I would like to hear from you.

From the above product lists, I love Clarins and Origins!!! I love Clarins products which are very lightweight and I notice that my skin becomes more radiant after using the products. Excellent for use in summer. Recently, I got hooked on the Origins products which are amazing in terms of moisturizing and anti-agent results in a dry cold climate. The most important thing about Origins products are organic with 100% natural essential oils. My face didn't break out. I am not sure if the Origins products are suitable for me in summer, but definitely is a keep in winter. I would definitely recommend for people who already have some fine lines (normal to dry skin type).

2009-09-22

Clarins Hydra-quench cream mask Review

Source: Clarins
What does it claim for?

Quickly restores moisture balance even in the most dehydrated skin by boosting natural hydration mechanisms. Smoothes fine lines leaving skin soft, fresh and comfortable. Also ensures a radiant complexion.

Active Ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid : helps skin maintain its moisture reserves.
Katafray bark : restructures the corneal layer, prevents dehydration.
Sobier tree bud : boosts microcirculation.
Vitamin E :
protects skin from free radicals. E3P Anti-Pollution Complex protect




Packaging: I got a sample size in a pouch in which the amount of mask allows me to have two trials.

Texture: white Creamy

Scent: Floral

Directions to use: Leave it on for 5-10 minutes. It can also be applied to the eye contour area. Tissue off with toner/rinse off.

Result: I have seen a lot of good reviews for this product on the website. I have high hope on this product especially I love the Clarins HydraQuench Line. I have the Intensive Bi-phase serum and HydraQuench cream-gel which are my saviours for dehydrated and thirsty skin in
times. However, I am pretty disappointing about the trials because I don't see any hydration/cooling effects. I was wondering if I had not applying the mask correctly or the sample pouch was not stored properly at the store. I receive another sample size and I will give another try and see if there is any change of my perspective on this product.

1st trial: leave it on for 5-10 minutes and rinse off. The white cream mask remains the same after 10 minutes. It doesn't have any cooling effect or I feel like moisture on my face. I rinse it off.

2nd trial: Leave it on for an hour and rinse off. No hydrating effect.

For people who had already bought this mask. Here is a tip that I search for the review for this product (Source: Beetrice's Reviews) : If you want better absorption of the cream mask, it was suggested that you place a mask on top of the cream mask after 10 minutes and gently massage your face.

Comment:

I have tried hydrating mask in tube/container for several other brands: Aveeno, Biotherm, Lancome, Jurlique, Valmont. Except the Valmont one, I found that the hydrating mask in paper form is more effective.

2009-09-16

New skincare purchase

I already told myself not to buy any skincare products in the short term since I still have some stocks. However, I passed by Clarins counters today and I pre-order the Clarins Multi Day cream which will substitute the Clarins Hydration cream-gel that I use everyday in the coming winter. Also, I got the SPF40 sunscreen. The texture of the sunscreen is thin, and lotion-like. Very smooth and light. This is a pre-order promotion, so I will get a gift (which is a $70 value hydration package) and a free facial. I will do a full review on the Clarins products later on.
I also receive some samples to try: Super Restorative wake-up lotion, hydra-quench cream mask, Multi-Active Skin renewal serum and Multi-Active day cream. Can't wait to try them. Let me know if you are interested for any reviews of those above products.

Also, sales on My Daily Beauty Masks at T&T supermarket for $12.99 + tax. I got the Strawberry yogurt (I haven't tried this yet), Aloe (very moisturizing, good for winter) and Q10 (haven't tried this as well).

2009-09-13

Shanghainese Dumpling giveaway

 
I have seen a lot of reviews raving about VitaCream B12.  Shanghainese Dumpling giveaway is having this item to give away. 

2009-09-12

Clarins Hydra-Quench Cooling cream-gel

Texture: cream-gel

Scent: very refreshing

Packaging: A big container that last for quite a while...

Active Ingredients:

Hyaluronic acid: helps the skin to maintain its moisture level.
Katafray bark: restructures the corneal layer, limits dehydration.
Sorbier tree bud: stimulates microcirculation.
Vitamin E: protects against free radicals. E3P Anti-Pollution Complex

Comments: My skin was quite dehydrated during season change when I purchased this product. I used to apply a thick layer of this product and then apply a other thin layer of night cream on top at night. I also use this product at day before applying the makeup and found that the foundation wouldn't turn cakey as used to. It helped my skin to replenish the moisture and plump up the skin. I could also apply another layer if my skin needs more moisture. I love the texture of the cream that it absorbed into the skin right away.

As I continue to finish the container, I starte to love this product. This is one of the skincare products that I use everyday (day and night). There is only 25% left in the container...
This product does help my skin but I would like to try something else that might have better results. Any suggestions?

2009-09-09

Pore Cleansing Products from Japan

Naris Up nose cleansing pack

Usage:
step 1: apply step 1(essence) evenly to the clean area (nose, T-zone). The texture of the essence is very runny like water.
step 2: apply step 2(black mask) to T-zone. Wait for 10 mins and peel off the mask. The texture of the black mask is kinda sticky and thick, but easy enough to blend.
step 3: wash face again and apply toner, moisturizer etc. Use once/two times a week depending on your skin type.

Evaluation:

Scent: no scent

Texture: I found that this mask is too dry and might be too harsh for me.

Results: When I peel the mask off, it's quite painful. I noticed some whiteheads be removed from the pores and seen on the mask. However, the dirt (yellow grain/oil) inside the pores is not cleaned completely. I still have to use tool to clean up the pores completely. (I really don't want to squeeze the pores because I found that the pores could get bigger if not treating properly).

Comments: I think that this product might be good for people who have oily skin with bigger pores. I had read reviews from other people mentioning that the whiteheads and blackheads could be effectively removed from pores.

Repurchase: No

Shills' Chocolate Mask

Usage: Dry the cleansed area and apply the mask on desired area. Peel it off after 20-30 minutes.

Evaluation:
Type of mask: A peel off mask which is pretty similar to the Naris Up nose cleansing mask.

Scent: Chocolate odour. However, I smell a bit alcohol. ( I am quite sensitive to chemical because I used to work in the laboratory).

Texture:
The mask is pretty thick and sticky, not as easier as the Naris up to blend the mask on skin.

Results: The direction asks for drying the mask for 20 -30 minutes. I think that 5-10 minutes is good enough. The effect is similar compared with the Naris Up. I feel more pain peeling off this mask than the one from Naris Up. Again, I think that this mask is good for people who have noticeable pores that would effectively remove the blackheads/whiteheads.

Repurchase: No. Not for my skin type.
SANA Pore Vacuumer

source: SANA
Usage: Apply the sufficient amount product on the desired area (dry and cleansed). Wet fingers and Massage the applied area for about 30 seconds. Rinse off with water thoroughly.

Evaluation:

Scent: It has no scent.

Texture: The product is black paste with very fine granules.

Results: This product is my favourite for cleansing the clogged pores. After massaging the area with wet fingers, you will feel the warm sensations. After few seconds, I saw some yellow granules (sebum) rub out. Since I don't have whiteheads/blackheads often, when I saw the sebum in the pores could be cleaned easily. This product is my HG!!
After use, the skin is smooth without drying. I strongly recommend this product for people who have small pores on face.

Repurchase: Yes!

I found that some noticeable pores are getting smaller after using the above products. Since I have been using all of them recently, so I would give credits for the above products that having the pore minimizing effects.


My Daily Beauty Chocolate Mask

This mask is suitable for all skin types especially for dull-looking & rough skin.


Ingredients:
Purified water, Glycerine, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Theobroma Cacao (Cacoa) extract, Glycine Soja Peptide, Silaxanetriol alginate/Caffeine, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Anrantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Albumin, Squalane, Triethanolamine Styrene Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Tween 20, Hyaluronic Acid, Citric Acid, Carbomer Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Methyl Paraben, Dimethicone, Fragrance.

Claim effects:
→ Enhance Radiance & Glow
→ Firming
→ Nourish & Moisturize

How to use:
1. Cleanse face thoroughly before applying mask. Apply toner if needed.
2. Excess essence from the packaging may be applied on the neck by massage.
3. After 20 minutes, remove mask and gently massage face to assist absorption.
4. Rinsing is not required.
5. You may apply toner, moisturizer etc. after application
6. Use daily for maximum effect.

Evaluation:
Type of mask: Paper mask.  Convenient, no rinsing is required. Let the serum of the mask totally absorbed before applying moisturizer.
Scent: smell like real chocolate.
Result: My Daily Beauty Chocolate Mask is one of my favourite mask that is effective.  After use, the skin 
looks brighter, paler, and moisturized immediately. However, the lasting effect is not long.
Repurchase:  Yes based on the results and the price.

Laniege Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel

I haven't blogged for quite a while.  Today, I am going to publish few reviews on the products that I have been trying recently.  Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel is an exfoliator to remove dead skin cell. It's very gentle for all skin types.  I like this product in the tube packaging, which is much more hygienic compared with the product used to be in a container few years ago.Exfoliating skin is a very important step of skincare regime.  I am always looking for an exfoliator which can provide a smooth, radiant skin after use without drying skin.  Most of the exfoliating I tried are too harsh, which turned my skin very dry.  I used to exfoliating once a week, and followed by a moisturizing mask or collagen mask.

Cost: $29 CAN (including tax).  I bought it from Amore store.


 Ingredients:

Directions:

 


Evaluation:

Texture:  Creamy 
Scent: Strawberry Yougurt.  Very pleasant smell. I love it.


Results: The skin is softer, smoother, cleaner and radiant.  But I don't see the effect last longer than one day.  I found most exfoliator dries my skin and my skin would started to peel.  However, I have been using Laniege strawberry yogurt peeling gel few times, and so far the product hasn't dry my skin yet. hygienic.  I do reconsider purchasing this product again.  Remember this product is very gentle, don't expect this product would clean up the whiteheads or blackheads from pores if you have oily or problem skin.