Kiehls ultra facial cream

Love it. It's better than the cetaphil lotion. 

The cream is very light weight and absorbs very quickly. It doesn't have any fragrance so it's very suitable for use during the season change while the skin tends to be dehydrated and easily irritated. 

I found that this product is good for me in spring and summer. Not quite sure if it's sufficient to keep my skin moisturized enough in harsh cold winter here in Canada. I'll definitely repurchase this product again. This product only for hydration only. Sometimes the skin becomes radiant and even tone when the skin is hydrated enough. 

I got this product in the airport. It retails at 34 CAN for 50 ml. It's available at kiehls store or The Bay. 

Currently kiehls is doing promotion 20% off. Code is FAMILY

Ingredients: 

Spring skincare staples for sensitive skin

My skin becomes easily irritated and dehydrated during Spring. There are little bumps (whiteheads) here and there. I pretty much need to shuffle all my winter products away. 

春天來臨，我的皮膚變得乾燥及容易起暗粒及酒米。以前常用暗瘡產品，不得其反，令皮膚更加敏感及乾燥，出油更多。

In times, I avoid using any vitamin C, PCA, or acne products. I learnt that acne products which are supposed to treat my whiteheads tend to make my skin worse and dry.  

因我有雀班，平常晚上我也會加vitamin C serum 或一些美白產品。但我都會暫時停止使用，直到皮膚穩定。

There are a few skincare staples that can keep my skin hydrated and calm during this transition. 

以下是多年來我小小的心得及喜愛產品去迎接春天帶來皮膚的轉變。

1. Vichy foaming cleanser for sensitive skin 

This cleanser is amazing. Great power to remove light makeup without stripping my skin dry. 

這款洗面膏，不但可以去簡單的化妝，更不會令皮膚乾。

2. Vicky mist spray

Use this right after washing my face. I feel so good. The spray smooths and clam the skin. 

十分滿意這spray. 感覺我的皮膚立刻補水。

3. Cetaphil moisturizing lotion -sensitive skin. 

這lotion 簡單，沒加任何香料，鎖水一流。

4. Spot treatment 

Biacna topical gel - clindamycin phosphate 1.2% w/w and tretinolin 0.025% w/w

這是醫生介紹的，只是晚上用。

5. Sunscreen -Bioderma photoderm spray SPF 40 

This sunscreen is very lightweight. It creates a bit white cast after applying but it disappears once blending in. 

Sunscreen 不可缺少。要有很好的防曬功能。塗上後，完全感覺不到！

I hope this helps for anyone who has dehydrated skin and experience irritation causing acne in Spring. All these products are easily accessible in Shoppers Drug Mart. The Biacna spot treatment is a prescription though. 

Fresh sugar lip serum advanced therapy

I received this Fresh sugar lip serum sample with my recent Sephora order. This is a 2 ml sample and last me 1 month. I only used it at night. 

This ingredient list is listed below.  The main ingredients: 

- Acmella Fliwer Extract: reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles. 

-Kigelia Africaba Fruit Extract: helps to improve elasticity. 

-Sugar: helps to moisturizer and soothe. 

I opened the sachet and kept the sample in a closed tight container. It's a yellowish light-weight cream.  It doesn't have any smell. After applying, I could feel the cream sink into my lip with feeling greasy. 

It only takes one drop to cover my lip area. I massage it into my lip. You can see that my lip already looks smooth after the first use. 

Amore Pacific IOPE moisture cleansing foam wash

I have been in love with the Vichy Foam wash for sensitive skin as my all time favorite face wash. This is my all time skincare staple throughout the years. 

I can't remember how many tubes I have repurchased. I always stock up at least two tube as a backup when Vichy runs promotion at shoppers. 

Recently I have come to love IOPE moisture foam wash. IOPE is a Korean brand line from Amore Pacific. IOPE is not an unfamiliar brand to me. I purchased this 180 ml for a discounted price $20 CAN from the Amore Pacific store at T&T (Kennedy and highway 7). 

My skin tends to be on dehydrated side in winter.  I love the sneaky clean feeling that a foaming wash can provide. This product leaves my skin moisturized, not like the Vichy. I only need a nickel size, foam them up on my wet hand before massaging on my face. 

The sales person told me that this product can removes makeup.  However I always use my favorite Bobbi brown cleansing oil to remove makeup first, then use face wash to remove any traces of makeup or cleansing oil. 

Maybe I will try to run some tests on my hands later on and see how good this product can remove make up later on. 

I'll recommend this product to all skin type, especially the dehydrated skin. 

Update: I'm still find that Vichy foaming wash is still my HG. The cleaning power is much better without stripping my face dry. 

Products that I regretted buying in Q1 2014

I really want to love these two products but I'm not. I did some search before my purchase but unfortunately these two products do not work for me at all. I have used it for a week, and didn't see any results.  I also noticed that I had some little bumps after using them. They are too oily for me. 

As for the Estée Lauder even skin tone illuminator, it is in pearl colour. Light weight.  It gives a bit shine to the skin.  That's about it.  I'm still a bit confused if this is a skin care product or cosmetic product.  I think BB cream would give better skin are properties with evening skin tone.  

Lancôme dreamtone doesn't do anything for my freckles or scar spot from pimples. 

Too bad I just put them aside. It's just a waste.  

The Face Shop Product Review

Recently, I am so obsessed with the Korean culture from food, drama, show, skin care to cosmetics.  As for beauty items, I had only used BB cream (Skin79, Dr. Jart, and Missha) and skin are products from Missha and Lanegie.  So far, I'm very happy with the skin79 BB cream.

This month, I have explored to few other Korean brands and would love to share my experience.

The Face Shop

1. brightening rice water cleanser (CAN ~$15 for the big tube) and brightening rice water makeup oil
($14.95 CAN)
I'm very happy with these two cleaning products. I have used it for a month.  The cleaning power is good for removing any makeup except waterproof mascara/eyeliner. I do see that my face has brightened up right after use, not quite see much difference after 1 month of use.

Compared to other brightening cleansers, shiseido and Dior Snow, I would prefer this product to be used during winter as the other two products had dried out my skin too much. I still love the results from shiseido, and I would probably pick up the Shiseido one in the summer.

Love 5/5

2. Sheet Masks

There was promotion in the store at the time of my purchase. Buy 10 get 5 free.  I bought all different kinds.  So far, I have tried the cucumber and blueberry ones.  I don't have hugh hope or expectation. I was only looking for boosting the skin hydration level. Not bad for $2/mask. The scent is also appealing not like some weird smell from other brands.

3. CC cream

CC cream has been so popular in Asia and this concept has also extended to western countries. I have seen so many Western brands selling CC cream this year.  However if I ever buy a CC cream, I would prefer Korean brand. I also heard that the technology is 12 years ahead of the American brands in this sector.

This CC cream coverage is very sheer. It provides a matte look. Light feel. For a normal day, I would apply this CC cream with some concealer for the under eye dark circles. This product is not bad if you are looking for a product that only evening the skin tone. This product would be good got oily skin as well as it's very light feel.  For me, I would not buy it as I'm looking for a product that provides a radiant look with a bit more coverage.

Let me know if you come across any good Korean skin care or cosmetics products. :)

Stella and Dot & J. Crews jewellery haul

It has been a long time I haven't blogged. Why? Life has changed since I have a 2-year-old lovely daughter. A child is truly a blessing to the family. It was challenging for the first year of going back to work since maternity leave. When my daughter was sick, I would be sick.  She cried in the middle of the night, and we struggled to put her to sleep and next day we got to work with deprived sleep.

I  learned that I have to take some time off from the family to do something that I enjoy. Whether going out for a walk, or shopping with a girlfriend, it helps myself to balance my life. No doubt that I love my husband and my daughter. However, the little time break helps relieving stress and makes myself feeling good. I enjoy going to massage especially to pamper myself.

 

My husband and I also try to keep regular gathering with friends. We are blessed to have supportive parents and parents -in-law that they are able to take care of our daughter for couple of hours.

Shopping is a way to relieve my stress. Recently, I had purchased some jeweleries.  I know Stella and Dot from my colleague, whom I admire her chic style and beauty.  Their jeweleries are known of free of lead and nickel. I think that it's good for myself and my daughter as I try to keep away from the harmful chemicals.  I love their jeweleries design as they are very versatile.  The pieces that I order online are good for everyday wearing. The process was quick. The next day i ordered, i already received an notification that the products were shipped. look at the packaging.  Isn't it adorable? It's great for giving as a gift.  

A side note: I ordered twice online, and found that the pieces I like are out of stock. The backorder will not arrived almost two months later.  It seems that this company has to improve its supply chain.

Stella and Dot jeweleries:

I went to the states couple weeks ago. I picked up a necklace and a bracelet at J.Crews which was 50% sale.  Great deal!


The bracelets are full of stones all around. Beautiful!
The necklace is a long chain with crystal balls wrapped.

J.Crews Jeweleries:

Guerlain Meteorites Perles Illuminating Powder Pure Radiance

Product Description: 

Guerlain Meteorites Perles Illuminating Powder Pure Radiance is the secret to a perfect complexion. It is non-oily. The tiny spheres instantly brighten and even skin tone with a blend of soft colors that combat imperfections. It protects skin from sunlight as well. Perfects for all skin types and tones. Gives your skin a perfect veil that can be used alone or over foundation. Pink gives a healthy glow, Green tones down redness, Mauve attracts light, Gold and pearl combine to create highlights, while brightening.

Comments: I have been keeping an eye on this product for a while. I love any makeup that provides a radiant skin. I have been hesitated to buy it as I still have a stash of powder makeup such as Dior & Laura Mericer mineral powder, MAC illustrating powder as well. The price is also expensive.  But when I saw this limited edition of Guerlain that comes with a brush.  I just have to get it.  I got it from Cosme-de mo for $68 US. The colour is01 Teint Rose.  I know that this package comes with two miniature sizes (2 x 0.28 oz)...but I just didn't expect this small when I received the package.  The outer box is 12.5 cm x 5 cm. 

 The container is only 5 cm in diameter.

 And when I open the container, there is only 1 layer of powder balls. 

The scent is lovely.  I really like the light flowery scent.  It does give a even and glow smooth look without any glitter. I have combination-normal skin, and the oil control of this powder is very good.  My face remains fresh by the end of the day. The application is quite easy, I just need to swirl around the powder balls, and then swirl on my face in circular movement.  The brush  picks up the powder quite well.  This small size can easily to fit into my makeup bag that I can carry around for touch up.  I probably will leave this mini Kabuki brush at home as the brush doesn't have a cover.  I have a bobbi brown retracting brush with a cover in my on-the-go makeup bag.  Hopefully the bobbi brown brush will work fine with this powder.

Favourites skincare products in winter

It's been the long time I haven't blogged.  I found out my first pregnancy in July last year and have been very busy with the preparation of the little one's arrival.

The Toronto's weather is cold and dry.  My skin has changed from combination type in summer to normal (more to the dry, not sure if it's because of the pregnancy). Never thought of cleansing part would play such a significant role in skincare regime. I used to just use the same foaming cleanser for the whole year.  However, the foaming cleanser really dries my skin in winter.  Whatever moisturizer and moisturizing serum I applied after are not going to absorb well on skin and actually made the skin oily and greasy afterward.

This year, I have tried a few new products and love them!  I love the result: smooth, radiant and supple skin!!

1.  Laneige Moisturizing cleaning balm(Very Dry to Dry skin)

Price: $20 CAN @Amore (bought it on sale)


Description: This is a butter like textured cleansing balm easily removes heavy, waterproof makeup without irritation or dryness. Delicately removes even heavy makeup with comfort and easy to rinse off. It contains Borage oil and natural vitamin E moisturize and prevent skin irritation.


Comments:
My skin has never been so soft. moisturized and clean after using a cleansing agent.  I could sleep without putting any lotion/cream during those lazy days.

2. Jurlique Replenishing Foaming cleanser -feels very clean, soft and moisturized.  No greasy or tight feel. Perfect to use in winter.

3.  Lancome Toner (Pink)- the must have toner for me in winter for easy absorption of my serum/cream afterward.

4.  Dr. Wu hydrating serum- like water-texture.  Easily absorbed. 


5.  Vitacream B12 (made in Switzerland)

This cream has been very popular in Asia!  The product comes in an Aluminium tube.  The cream is in pink with very light rosy scent.  It's very moisturizng and easily absorbed.

6.  Cranbree and Everyln hand cream!! a must in the winter!

7.  Kose Rose of Heaven Lip Essence. I got this from ebay but also found this in adambeauty in a cheaper price later on.  The only remedy for my chapped lip.  I have tried all different brands/price range lip balm and this is the only one works for me.  Just name a few, I have Smith's Rosebud Salve, La Mer Lip blam, Aveeno lip balm, Neutrogena, Caudalie..etc.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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

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?

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?

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.

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.