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2010-08-03

Sewame Eye Skin Whitening & Repair Essence

 Picture reference: Sasa

Product description from Sasa:
Innovative Sewame Eye Skin Whitening & Repairing Essence is made by applying the technologies of Paris Sewame Beauty & Skin Care Research Center and contains ALBATIN. Protein deep enzyme and salicylic acid, the product can mildly remove the aged cells which contains melanin and enable the skin to appear tender and even, completely remove dark circle, eye swells, wrinkles and relieve eye fatigue.
 
Ingredients: Deionized water, Glycerin, Panthenol, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Siloxanetriol alginate, Dimethylsilanol Hyalaronate, Propylene Glycol, Methyl Paraben, Triethanolamine, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Aminoethylphosphinic acid

I bought this product last November in Hong Kong and had already thrown the box.  I don't remember how much I paid, but the price selling in Sasa for $6.5 U.S. is not bad.

The weather in Hong Kong was hot during my stay and my skin was dehydrated due to the 16 hours flight and pollution/environment change. I picked up this product just because of the low price and thinking to give it a try.  Even though it didn't work, it wouldn't hurt for such a low price.

Scent: none

Texture: Clear slight viscous gel

It blends well on skin and feels sticky after blending.  After massaging for a while, the gel is totally absorbed. Then, I apply an eye cream.

For your reference: My eye area is pretty dry.  After washing face, I have some tightening feel around my eye area.  I also live in a dry climate of Toronto (AC in summer, heater in winter). 

It claims for removing eye swells and wrinkles.  I don't have these conditions, therefore, I couldn't make any comment on it.  As for the fine lines and dark circles, I haven't seen any improvement.  I guess that I don't expect too much from this product (with such a low price), without getting the condition worse, the product is maintaining my skin well. It does relieve certain level of eye fatigue for providing additional moisture under eye area.  It leaves the skin smoother and more hydrating. 

I probably won't purchase this product again as I am always looking to try different products.  Most importantly, I need to look for an eye serum which has more hydrating & anti-aging power (i.e. hyaluronic acid) for coming winter.  I am still researching which product I should buy, and I am thinking about to get SkinCeutical Hydrating B5 gel.  If you have ever used Skinceutical Hydrating B5 or any good recommendation, feel free to drop me a line.

To conclude this, this product could be beneficial for people who are under 25 year old or live in a humid hot weather or have oily skin, just looking for additional hydration for the eye area.

2010-08-02

Marcell Cleaning Cloths Review


It claims to gently cleanse and remove face and eye make-up without leaving a greasy after-feel.

Hypo-allergenic-Perfume free-ophthalmologist tested


 Ingredients:

Tested the cleaning cloths using the following makeup items:

  • Kiss Me Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
  • Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
  • Lancome Lipstick
  • Maybelline waterproof mascara

After the first wipe:



After few more wipes:



The skin feels refreshed and cleaned without using water.  Marcell Cleaning Cloths is definitely one of my necessities during travel or someday I want to skip the cleaning oil/water step.  I also love the packaging as it's light and convenience.  The seal is pretty good for preventing any moisture loss.

2010-07-25

Afternoon Tea @ Windsor Arms Hotel

My first experience having an Afternoon Tea at Windsor Arms Hotel was excellent in terms of the cozy ambient, friendly service and great food.  There are two choices of the menu: either $30 (Full tea) or $18 (tea to go) or $24 (forgot the name of this, Half Tea :P) with your choice of loose leaf tea. The food picture below is the food offered for full tea.

I believe that afternoon tea is served everyday at Windsor Arms Hotel with two time slots: 1:00 -3:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:00p.m.

It would definitely be a good place for organizing an event such as gals gathering, bridal shower or baby shower.

 



First, we were served of a warm goat cheese tart.  Yum.  The picture of goat cheese tart is not shown here.  I would say that the amount of food for full tea is too much for one person.  My girlfriends and I couldn't even touch the upper tray (the desserts) as we were already too full.  The scones are very fresh and the mini sandwiches taste awesome.



FOTD:
My skin is vey tanned now after the Miami vacation.I used very light makeup on that day. Make up used: Skin79 BB cream, Laura Mercier Mineral Powder and Dior Cinnamon blush and Nude lipstick.

2010-07-20

New blush/Highlighter purchase from Nars & Bobbi Brown




Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick Set with a mini face blender blush (Limited Edition) - purchased this item from Strawberrynet for $47.50 U.S.

The picture (attached) -the swatches from the top to the bottom of the blush palette.  The white shimmer on top cannot be shown in the picture.

It's a very nice bronzer with a lot of gold shimmers (glitters).    It gives a nice sunkissed glow on skin. The lighter colours can be used as highlighter for eye contour, forehead , under browbone. The middle part can be used as contour for face. Remember just to slight tap it, as the colours are very pigmented.   The colours are good for use as eyeshadows as well.



My very first blush and highlighter from MAC (Limited Edition): Happy together ($26 CAN) & By Candlelight (forgot about the price of this one, but I think that this is more expensive than the Happy Together).  My first product of MAC is the Studio Fix foundation, and I found that it was too drying on my skin.  Then, I have strayed away from MAC and move on to the other brands.

Anyways, I got hooked on to the "Happy Together" when I saw the blog reviews. I really love the sheen peachy/coral colour that Happy together offers.  It glows on my skin but without glitters.  The colour is more subtle that I can wear these two products to work.  The "By Candlelight" is in Golden pink that gives a very nice warm glow as highlighter.

Colours are very pigmented.  A little goes a long way.

2010-07-13

Darphin Arovita Eye and Lip Contour Gel Review

I need moisture!!!

It has been very hot and humid these few weeks in Toronto. I have been drinking a lot of water and I still feel my whole body is dehydrated especially the area under the eyes.  Have tried a lot of eye cream/gel, the tight feeling under my eye is still there.  Sometimes, if the cream is too rich, I noticed that there is some white bump under eye area.  If you have similar experience, I would like to introduce my favourite eye gel - Darphin Arovita Eye and Lip Contour Gel which claims to:

  • Smooth fine lines;
  • provide radiant and hydrated appearance




  • Scent: Floral.  Very refreshing.  The texture of this gel I would actually considered as a cream-gel, more to the cream texture.  A very moistured cream (with no greasy feel) that is easily spread over skin.  I love the cream the first time I applied it under my eye area.  I feel like I found an oasis in the dessert. The discomfort/tight feel under my eye is gone after applying.  It also provides some cooling sensation (feel like a splash of water) and the cream is quick for absorption. Since the under eye area is supple, the fine lines are smoothed.

    Price is expensive $105 CAN. However, a 30mL jar goes a long way and you only a little to pat on the area.   I bought this container in winter last year.


    The gel is in glass container with a plastic lid.  After opening the lid, there is a plastic cover as a protection.  It comes with a plastic spoon (not included in the picture)



    Key Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Chamomile, Orchid and Rose Extracts, Jojoba Seed Oil



2010-07-09

Vichy Purifying exfoliating cream Review

I picked up a few products from Shoppers: Etival Gel Cleanser (an new skincare line in Shoppers), Vichy purifying exfoliating cream and Clarins pore minimizing serum.  


With the purchase, I am very glad to receive a lot of samples to try:

Lancome detoxifying body scrub
Lancome Age fight anti-age perfecting fluid & eye cream (going to give them to my husband)
Dior pro-youth protective cream SPF 15
Dior Capture Totale (will give them to my mom)
Dior Jadore Eau De parfum (I received a full size as a gift, but this sample size would come in handy for travelling) Scent: Floral with the combination of Ylang-Ylang, Rose and Jasmine.  It's pretty refreshing.

Alright, lets get back to the topic.

Review of Vichy Purifying exfoliating cream 75mL (2.54 fl. oz) -Made in France

Packaging: A plastic tube with a flip lid. (I love the hygenic packaging)

Appearance: White consistent cream with very fine blue beads

Scent: very light

Suitable for all skin type, even for sensitive skin

The cream is consistent and easily to spread on skin, even without wetting the face beforehand.  The exfoliating is quite gentle. I like the moist feel it gives when applying on skin.  It makes my skin smoother, refined and moisturized. This is the best exfoliating that I have ever tried.

For your reference, here is a  brief summary of the scrubs that I had tried before:

- Shiseido Pureness exfoliating gel - doesn't do anything.

-St. Ives Scrub- the beads are too harsh for my combination/normal skin.  I could only use it on my T-zone area.  This scrub is too drying for my cheeks.

- Pangeas Organics Facial scrub- This is actually a pretty good scrub.  I also gives an extra brownie point for organic product.  My skin became smoother, brightened, refined and moisturized after use.  The only downside is hard to rinse it off and it is not good to rub the skin too much.

-Nuxe Scrub - very creamy scrub which is good for sensitive skin. However, I don't see much difference on my skin after use.

-Origins Modern Friction -you can just check out my previous post.

Overall, Vichy purifying exfoliating cream is my favourite exfoliator based on the results and price.  I got 20% off (Shopper's promotion) from the regular price. I paid around $15 CAN.

Ingredients:

AQUA, Butyrospermum Parki Butter, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Paraffin, Paraffinum Liquidum, PEG 100 Sterate, Glyceryl stearate, Polyethylene, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates Copolymer, Peg-2 Sterate, Stearic Acid, sodium benzoate, salicylic acid, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, jojoba esters, tocopherol, hydroxyethylcelluose, polysorbate 60, Acrylates, cetyl alcohol, acrylates, alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, parfum

2010-07-02

Lancome High Definition Mascara & Fiberwig Mascara

Fiberwig has been a big hits in Asia.  I was glad to pick this up during my Hong Kong trip because it costs so much more in Canada.

Fiberwig- claim to lengthen, separate and define lashes.




Before applying mascara:

After applying Fiberwig mascara:



I also compare with Lancome High Definition Mascara which also claims to lengthen & define lashes.  I got it as a gift when purchasing other Lancome products.
  
Left : Lancome Definition Mascara; Right: Fiberwig Mascara  (my dark circle is getting bigger...need some sleep)

I love how the natural look created. Both mascaras do work for what they claim: Lengthens & defines lashes. Both of the mascaras dry pretty fast, without giving any black marks around my eyes.  Lasting power for both are good that my eye lashes stay curled after 8 hours. Which one do you like better?

Personally, I think that these two mascaras ($31 CAN)  are bit too pricy for me.  My favourite drug store mascara is Maybelline.


What is your favourite mascara?

2010-06-15

Silk'n SensEpil -Laser hair removal


 Reference: Silk'n SensEpil
  



What is it?
Silk'n SensEpil™ is an over-the-counter innovation (FDA approved product) that delivers the clinically proven effectiveness of the well-established, market-leading Silk'n™ sold by physicians. This breakthrough product harnesses the power of proprietary Home Pulsed Light™ (HPL™) technology to create a cutting-edge, safe, user-friendly hair-eliminating solution. Look no further if you want a quick, gentle, safe, and affordable way to diminish unwanted body hair. This must-have device and replacement cartridges provide a lifetime of personal treatments at a fraction of the cost of physician office visits.

It is designed for use on legs, arms, underarms, bikini lines, and other areas of the body where hair removal is desired; it is not recommended for use on the face.

Evaluation: 

I bought this product from Amazon.ca after researching for the better deals online. I got mine in pink version. This is the second version. I believe that the first version of Silk'n is in blue. Both version are using the same technology and intended to give the same results.  The second version has an additional safety feature that the product would stop working and give a singal if the area of your skin is too dark (not safe to use).  This product would give a better results for fair skin and dark hair.


My skin colour: Asian yellow undertoned skin (fair-medium)
Hair: Black coarse hair



I tried the product on my lower leg and armpit.

I used to use epilator for hair removal. During the period of using Silk'n SensEpil, I put away the epilator and use the shaver as suggested from Silk'n.

My hair grew so fast.  I could see the hair was coming out the next day I shaved. I pretty much shaved my legs/armpits everyday during the treatments. 


Silk'n suggested to have to a 2-week rest period between treatments. I started to use the level 1 for the 1st treatment, and waited for 2 weeks to start level 2 for the 2nd treatment, and so on for the lower leg. Somehow, I experienced a greater pain using the product for armpit when I switch to the higher level. Therefore, I have been using the level 1 for the armpit since treatment #1.

Results:

After 3rd treatment within 6 weeks, I have noticed that the hair on my lower leg is significantly reduced to almost zero. I was quite hairy before: Some of my follicles have 2-3 hair from one follicle. Also, the tiny dark dots (hair-folliclewhere the hair is coming out) on the skin surface are disappearing/fading. It's definitely an incredible product for hair removal. I will keep continue using it to see if the dark dots will be totally disappeared.

As for the armpit, the result is not that significant. I am not sure if I have been using the epilator for armpit or the energy level is too low for the treatment.


Compared to the treatment cost in the spa/clinic, this product is definitely a good deal and provide significant results.  Also, it provides privacy and convenience.  It is in a portable size.  You can bring it anywhere, just plug it and wait for few minutes and then it's ready to go. 



It only takes five minutes for both armpits and 15 minutes for lower legs.  I would definitely recommend this product for people who are tired of waxing/shaving. 


Have you used Silkn SensEpil product?

2010-06-04

NBW Marigold Magic Body Scrub


Ingredients: Sea Salt (Sel Aequoreus), Sugar (sucrose), Soya Bean Oil and Shea Butter & avec calendula & sweet orange Essential oils

Scent: Lemon.  It's refreshing.

It's the best body scrub that I have ever used. Besides removing the dead skin cell, the essential oil & Shea Butter in the formula hydrates skin very well, that leaves the skin silky smooth and radiant! I love the results, plus the benefits of all the natural ingredients without parabens.

I also tried the same line of body butter.  It's amazing as well.

2010-03-18

Moisturizer for hydration needs

Moisturizer for hydration is essential in skincare regime. Dehydrated skin symptoms- The skin will appear sallow, dull and oily (excessive oil production). Texture tends to be coarse and skin is rather thick with developing of deep wrinkles.

Here are some reviews of moisturizers below that I had used recently for hydration needs.  For your reference, I have combination skin in summer, and tend to on the dry skin side in winter.  Skin is slightly sensitive during seasonal change: skin tend to be dry and have pimples/bumps.

H2O Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment

Price: $48 CAN for 50 ml (with tax, $54.24 CAN)   $0.96CAN/ml


Claims for:  hydrates the skin while firming and diminishing the appearance of fine lines.

Active Ingredients: Marine extracts of wakame, sea lettuce, and sea fennel, provide vitamins A, C, E and Provitamin B nourish and protect the skin.

Texture: light blue gel

Packaging: the product comes in a glass gel. 

Scent: Signature refreshing H2O gel.  I found that the scent is pretty strong.

Comments: It blends like liquid on face.  It feels sticky at first; after massaging for a while, the gel is totally absorbed.  I use this product in summer, and I don't like the sticky feeling and it takes time to massage the moisturizer to be absorbed.  Also, it doesn't get along with my other skincare products like serums/whitening products that will give residues. Hydration is not good enough for my skin.  Not notice of any firming effects and reducing fines lines. I gave it away to my sister who has acne-prone skin and she finds that this product is good for her. 

Repurchase: No.  Not for my skin.

Clarins HydraQuench Cooling Cream-gel-Normal to Combination Skin or Hot Climates

Price: $48 CAN for 50mL. $0.96 CAN/ml


Claims for: ensures a matte finish and long-wearing make-up, along with optimal hydration,

Active ingredient:
- Katafray extract restores cohesion of the corneal layer to prevent moisture loss.
- Inca Peanut oil effectively restores the protective hydrolipidic film.
- Hyaluronic acid, a natural skin component capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water, increases hydration.
- Alfalfa extract dramatically boosts the production of collagen, intensively regenerates, firms, and minimizes premature wrinkles.

Packaging: Similar to H2O moisturizer.  Plastic lid and glass jar.  However, the glass container is more sturdy.

Texture: Light creamy gel in beige. Thicker texture than H2O.

Scent: Light floral scent.

Comments: It feels light and easily absorbed to skin with matte finish.  For your reference, I do not have big pores.  Only have a few visible small pores on nose. After use, I barely see my pores.I finished this jar in summer and I love it .  It goes well with my other serum/whitening products and makeup products as well.  My skin looks more radiant (How can I find out?  My skin loses the radiant glow slightly when this jar is finished and move on to another product).  This product does what it claims for.  Thumb up for this product.

Repurchase: Definitely for use in summer. It is not hydrating enough for winter use tho.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream -Normal to Dry skin 

Price, packaging, scent are exactly the same as the Clarins HyraQuench Cream-gel

Active ingredients: 
-Hyaluronic acid: helps skin maintain its moisture level.
-Katafray bark: restructures the corneal layer, limits dehydration.
-Sorbier tree bud: stimulates microcirculation.
-E3P Anti-Pollution Complex: protects skin aga

Comments:

As I am so in love with the cream-gel formulation in summer, I didn't expect that this product will give me disappointment.  After few use, my skin started to break-out.  I stopped to use for a week, and tried to go back and break-out happened again.  I really wanted to love this product.  oh well, it's just not for me.  I refunded this product. 

Repurchase: Definitely NO!
Dr. G Hydra Intensive Cream

Price: $39.6 CAN for 50mL  $0.80 CAN/ml

Active ingredients:
  • Evening Primrose Oil Extract: Moisturize Skin and encouraging blood circulation
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Moisturize Skin
  • Ceramide 3: Moisturizing and Claming
  • E Tocopheryl Acetate: anti-oxidization., Moisturize Skin.
  • Lecithin: Anti-oxidization., Moisturize Skin, encouraging cell reborn.
  • Glycerin: Soften and Moisturize Skin.

Scent: Lightest scent among all the products above.  Unless you sniff it very hard, otherwise, it's very hard to smell any scent.

Packaging: plastic lid and jar.  Upon opening, there is primary cover to the cream in the jar.  The jar is not appealing.

Texture: Creamy gel. Looks much thicker compared to H2O moisturizer and Clarins Cream-gel.

Comments:

I picked this product at Sasa in HK. After 16 hours direct flight from Canada to HK, I desperately look for a hydrated moisturizer that will give a boost to my skin.  This product answers my prayer. The first touch of the cream I thought that the cream was rich.  However, once it's blended on skin, it feels like a splash of water release to skin with lasting hydrating effect.  It's easily absorbed without too much massaging.  I gently dap the moisturizer on skin.

Repurchase: Definitely.  The price is the cheapest among all.


Although choosing the right moisturizer for yourself is important, there are other recommendations that will help your skin hydration level:

1) Avoid using soap for face cleansing.

2) Drink sufficient water during the day. Recommended to have 8 glasses of water daily.

3) Skin tend to be dehydrated within the dry atmosphere of air conditioned and/or overheated environment.  Place another layer of moisturizer during the day if necessary.

4) Avoid hot shower or hot water for face cleaning that would remove sebum from the skin's surface.

5) Toner: avoid using the formulation with alcohol (drying effect)

6) Scrubs: Use the gentle scrub and only once a week.

7) Cut down the intake of coffee, tea and salt.

2010-02-09

Korres Guava Body Collection

Many of you might already know this gorgeous line for people who have dehydrated dry skin. The body cream is like butter like texture, glides on skin smoothly and absorbed quickly without any greasy feel. I used to buy this product from Sephora for the retail price:  $38 CAN + TAX.

Now, I found that a GREAT DEAL is offering from the shopping channel:  $29.50 + tax for
• Jumbo Guava Body Butter (235ml/7.95fl.oz)
• 2 x Guava Body Butters (150ml/5.07fl.oz)
• Guava Body Butter (50ml/1.69fl.oz)
Shipping fee: $7.94 CAN



Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/ Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Squalane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Ceteareth-33, Alcohol, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Citric Acid, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Lactic Acid, Limonene, Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-8, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum.