From the category archives:

Reviews

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Review

February 2, 2010   in Reviews, Skincare

Some dermatologists may disapprove, but I’m a big fan of exfoliating your skin (when done gently). You can’t really deny the results of the softness and smoothness it gives the skin – not to mention, your skin looks brand new.

Though I wrote some time ago about body scrubs and exfoliators, I actually had never used one for my face. In fact, I only thought about a facial scrub recently after finding a tiny sample of Clinique’s popular 7 Day Scrub Cream, a sample I got in London last Summer at Harrod’s (I love how the place is so ‘posh’ and yet they hand out samples like candy. Singapore, take note.)

First, a disclaimer: I know I always harp on about Clinique and their wonderful products, and just to tell you all I do not work for them, (although a discount could be nice, seeing as how much moolah I spend on them, hint hint). I just love the brand. Everything that I’ve tried for my skin has worked (their makeup is not bad either, though I prefer their skincare).

The 7 Day Scrub Cream is just that: a facial scrub that is gentle enough to be used everyday. The scrub – like all scrubs, d’oh – is meant to gently exfoliate the skin of its dead cells, leaving soft, smooth skin that allows your cleanser and moisturizer to be absorbed better.

I gotta say, I love this stuff. It is as gentle as they say, although I am only sticking to a regime of once a week; you don’t really need that much exfoliating anyway. It’s a tad pricy, but if you stick to the once-a-week use like I, this is well worth it. The best news is that I had absolutely no reaction or breakouts to this product (long time readers may know my skin is hyper ridiculous and breakouts to everything!) so that’s a huge plus. So basically: it does what it says it does, and does it well. Love it!

Do you use facial exfoliators? I’m also gonna ask the same question I previously asked about serums – do you think exfoliators are necessary to your skincare?

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Clinique 3 Step Skincare System Review

January 18, 2010   in Reviews, Skincare

“Can great skin be created? Yes.”

That’s Clinique tagline for their insanely popular skincare line, Clinique 3 Step Skincare System. And with the very attract “Just 3 steps, 3 minutes, twice a day” slogan, it’s no wonder this skincare line has become so popular – and it’s my time to join in the praise for this line!

I began using the Clinique 3 Step Skincare reason when I was just turning 18 – I believe it was the summer before I turned 18 (I’m a September baby!).

To put it briefly, I had received a sample of their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (DDML) on holiday and was too paranoid that it would make me breakout (I still was dealing with zits at that age), so I used it on my hands instead.

(Side note: That’s what I recommend – if you feel a cream isn’t good enough or didn’t work for your face, use it as hand cream!)

Anyway. It was only then I saw how insanely soft my hands felt, that when I got home, I bought a full bottle immediately. While I was at the counter, I remembered that I had heard how famous and good their 3 Step Skin care system was, so I decided to try it out too. I had tried every possible brand to try to get my skin better in the past, trying another brand possibly hurt, right?

Thank goodness I took that chance!

I was a little hesitant at first, though. This was the first “high end” skincare I was going to use, and I really hoped it worked; for that price, it had to! I took their skin type test (I was Type II) and bought the Facial Liquid Soap in Mild, Clarifying Lotion in 2, and their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.

I used it for 2 weeks before I noticed my skin had calmed down a bit, and before I knew it, I was smitten. After a full 6 weeks, I realized that my skin was free of blemishes. I was overjoyed!

[read more…]

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iS Clinical by Innovative Skincare Active Serum Review

January 13, 2010   in Anti-Aging, Reviews, Skincare

Featured in pretty much every great publication – from Oprah’s O Magazine to Elle, and named a top serum in “the best of the best” by Harper’s Bazaar UK, you can be sure I expected a lot from iS Clinical’s Active Serum.

I was lucky enough to be given a sample of Active Serum by Dr. Karen Soh at my recent trip to her office after experiencing my first laser treatment. She recommended this product and said it’s amazing, and as an anti-aging expert, I had to believe her.

Said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and acne, this serum also smoothes and softens the skin texture, as well as provide both long-term results. I also became really excited to try it out after doing research and looking at their their amazing before and after images.

I’ve been using this (almost) every night for the past few weeks, and I am really impressed. I never really thought too much about serum – to me, my beloved moisturizer is enough. However, I really do like the idea of a serum as an extra skin care step.

Though I can’t really vouch their long term results (unless you’d like a review years later!), but from the last few weeks my skin has felt ridiculously soft, and it gives an instant ‘glow’ and ‘lift’ to the skin. No breakouts at all, and I’m extremely happy with this product – I will definitely check out Active Serum once this vial is done and have already recommended it to my Mom. I’m a little scared that this will cost a lot though, but during the past few weeks I’ve hardly used the vial – though 2 drops every night is recommended, one drop for me is enough to rub over my whole face, so it may just be worth the price; you’re hardly using any product!

To put it simply, I would recommend this product. It gives such a youthful ‘lift’. I can’t really explain it; it just seems to ‘wake’ my skin up. I’m really glad Dr. Soh recommended this to me and gave me a sample (thank you!), because I wouldn’t have tried this product any other day, since I have no clue on what’s good in the anti-aging world. If you’re on the lookout for a great anti-aging serum (or a serum that improves your skin and it’s ‘youth’), do try Active Serum out. Amazing, amazing, amazing.

Do you use serums? Do you feel they are necessary to your skin care regimen?

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Revlite Lasers with Dr. Karen Soh

January 5, 2010   in Procedures/Services, Reviews, Skincare

Being a beauty blogger (or a woman, I should say), it’s almost a given that I love makeup, hair, and all that good stuff.

Self grooming, improving oneself, feeling better about oneself and playing around with different looks is what this world of beauty is all about. However, as much as I like taking these steps to look ‘good’ (or at least try), I am not sure if I am one to cross over to the more “serious” stuff, namely lasers, chemical peels and cosmetic procedures and surgery.

It was only when I went to the Skincentuals A.G.E. Eye complex event and met Dr. Karen Soh, who kindly offered to let me try out a laser treatment to see what it was all about. I was a little hesitant, but agreed.

The laser treatment that I received was Revlite, the best q-switch Nd-yag laser machine in the market (aren’t I spoilt!). It was at the lowest rate possible (since I’m such a chicken) and the laser is the gold standard for improving pigmentation, skin texture, pore size, sebum production. It has also been studied to improve acne, acne scars and fine wrinkles. No doubt I was trying something extra-ordinary!

To be honest, though, whilst going in, I was petrified. The only thing I had ever done to my face was smash it in a glass table and the edge of a swimming pool (I was a clumsy kid) and got it stitched up again, but willingly let tiny laser beams zap my face? Hell no. This was a big deal for me! However, Dr. Soh assured me that you hardly feel anything and that the results were so amazing – not to mention so quick notice – that I would change my mind and see how worth it it was. So, I relunctedly gave it a go.

The prepartion time was a little stressful. I was paranoid and thought my face would fall off, so I quizzed Dr. Soh on the worse side effect that could happen, and she explained that you may break out in zits after, since the lasers help “bring out” what’s deep inside. Since that was it, I relaxed a bit, but still ended up shaking right before it was done. In fact, I was so terrified Dr. Soh told me she would let me try the Revlite laser zaps on my hand first, and if I really couldn’t take it I didn’t have to do it. I felt so embarrassed for being such a baby, but honestly, it was scary. I started relaxing quite a bit after testing two laser snaps on my hand, which didn’t hurt at all, so I went for it.

The first step was to apply numbing cream all over my face, and I believe that for a few minutes I felt what it was like to be completely Botoxed – a really strange feeling, by the way. Dr. Soh started the laser at the right side of my face, down my chin, onto my cheeks, the left side of my face, and then my forehead.

I am glad to report I survived. However, not without a few “OW, OW, OW! OK ENOUGH!” yelps. For some strange reason, it didn’t hurt too much on my cheeks and chin, but the side of my face and forehead? OUCH.

Fortunately, once it was all done, I realized that once again I was being a drama queen, because it really wasn’t that bad at all. The zaps feel like a tiny rubber band snapping on your skin, which isn’t too much. My skin was a tad pinkish after, but it was hardly noticable. After, her assistant Linda applied a serum and sunscreen. (Dr. Soh kindly gave me a vial of the serum and I shall review it soon – it is iS Clinical’s Active Serum, a product heavy raved about in many high-end fashion mags.)

When I came home about half an hour later, I looked in the mirror and was stunned. My skin looked plump, clear and my skin was radiant and glowing. It looked like a young child’s skin; you know – the skin we have before all the crazy hormones start! I showed my mom and she was impressed and said my skin was glowing like no other. The results, to sum up, were nothing short of extraordinary.

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W3LL People Narcissist Concealer + Foundation Stick Review

December 15, 2009   in Face, Make Up, Natural/Organic, Reviews

w3ll-people

If you’re looking for a foundation that not only does it’s job (properly, that is) and is good for your skin, well… (pun intended) I think I may have found an option for you: W3LL People’s Narcissist Concealer and Foundation stick. In fact, I will go so much as to say I think I may have just found a gem of a product, ladies!

W3ll People is a supernatural mineral, organic makeup line created by Cosmetic Dermatologist Renee Synder, Makeup-artist and former NARS Corporate Leader Shirley Pinkson and Treehugger James Walker. What a team! With that being said, I like what I hear. (Plus … I have to support my fellow Renee. ;) )

The Narcissist Concealer and Foundation Stick has plenty of benefits: first, it’s 100% toxic free and 100% natural. This means natural ingredients that don’t harm the skin, and you won’t find any nasty petrochemical, parabens, preservatives or phthalates. The stick also contains a mix of anti-oxidants such as organic green tea, reishi mushroom and pomegranate. And just to be even more ridiculous (in a good way), it also has oil absorbing silica to control shine, has an SPF 10 and nourishes the skin with organic sunflower oil and organic wild harvested bayberry….

I told you I found a gem.

Before I get to the review – can we please talk about the name ‘Narcissist’? Genius! I always said if I ever had a makeup line (that will never happen) I’d call it Narcissist or something along the lines. Love the name! Also, I love the fact that it’s organic – I mentioned that I’m using an organic loose power and really love it, and hoped to find an organic foundation as well, so I am really loving organic products – I know I’ll never get breakouts from them.

Though I’m not so much a fan of foundation so much right now, let’s be honest – I’d need all the help I can get when I’m older. Narcissist is a great alternative for those days when I may need a heavier coverage. It’s in a cream stick formula, so you know that the product is quite thick – no way will I be applying this straight to my face, unless I want a real ‘mask’ look. The best method I found to apply this as a foundation or concealer was to either use my fingers and ‘pat’ the product on, or a concealer or foundation brush. Also, a damp foundation wedge sponge would work really well. It is easy to apply and goes on smoothly.

Like I said above, a real gem of a product. The only ‘con’ I see is that it is US$38, but I’ll look past that as foundations these days cost the same, yet aren’t as good for your skin as this. Also, it’s a fairly big product and you don’t use a lot at one go, so I could see this lasting for years.

What do you think about organic and natural foundations? Do you use them? Do you find them to be better than ‘regular’ foundations? I sure do! :)

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Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne Fragrance Review

December 4, 2009   in Fragrance, Reviews

ysl-campaign-parisienne-kate-moss

Pardon my French, but what the hell. What is up with fragrance campaigns? They make me want to rush out and buy the scent, even though this one by Valentino will always be my true love. They are all so beautiful I want to make them into posters and stick them up on my wall (especially this campaign by Nina Ricci) and stare at it for more than 5 minutes. Parisienne by YSL is no exception. Kate’s smokey eyes, messy hair and that delicate rose are all telling me Bonjour. And that Eiffel tower. The LBD. Le sigh … Le everything. This ad is gorgeous, and Miss Moss (hehe, say it quick 10 times) still has it.

YSL-Parisienne-bottleParisienne is a scent that suits this eternal woman: she has personality, she is paradoxical, and she plays with convention. There is nothing obvious, only hints. This fragrance flows lovingly in a precious flacon, intricately carved like the labyrinth of Parisian streets, soft as the sheets she has just left behind, pink as the sky of a pale early morning, and as couture as the YSL label on black leather.

A beautiful presentation, just as Yves Saint Laurent dresses a Parisienne woman.

I saw the ad online and was determined to hunt it down at the department store, and shamelessly spray it all over myself.

I found out later that the target age was for women in their 30s, so I’m not sure I fit the target audience. However, when smelling this, the phrase “thirty and flirty” came to mind – it’s a flirty, floral fragrance. Notes include vinyl accord, cranberry, blackberry, damask rose, violet, peony, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood and musk. I like to think that the women who suits this scent loves to have drinks after work (to which she’s the CEO of course), is self assured, confident, yet soft and feminine. In other words, I like it, but I wouldn’t buy it personally … I don’t feel like a ‘woman’ yet. I mean … I’m not a girl, not yet a woman (yes, I went there).

To my hard-working, amazing career lady readers, I think you’d love this. :)

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Pupa Breast Enhancer Intensive Treatment Review

December 1, 2009   in Bath, Body & Spa, Reviews

pupa-breast-enhancer-bodyBust enhancement creams raise a big question mark in my mind. I’ve seen many creams, lotions and ‘magic’ treatments aiming to make your bust bigger, but the way I see it… the only way is to stick two silicon funbags underneath your chest.

However, I was approached by Pupa (an Italian brand that I’ve been very interested in for awhile) to try out their new Breast Enhancer Intensive Treatment with Volufilne. At first, I hesitated: First of all, I love my cup size (that may or may not have the same starting letter as the word Apple), and second of all, I don’t want to give anyone the impression that I condone such silliness as obsessively rubbing cream and believing your bust will magically grow – because the way I see it, there are no magic creams, period. (Although I would love to be proven wrong.)

So I did what anyone else does in this tech-age and Googled the living soul out of breast enhancement creams. Believe it or not, I did find some glowing reviews that didn’t seem like there was anything suspicious going on in the background (read: $$$). And when I re-read Pupa’s brochure on the product, it didn’t give us any wild hope; it basically just said it helps give a firming effect to breasts that have lost it’s elasticity due to weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding. The lotion was used with lasers where the results did show an increase in volume, but that’s another story and there was no talk on lasers for me (thank goodness)… all they wanted to send me was a simple lotion.

So I lightened up and obliged. Also, I admit – I’m pretty damn curious.

pupa-breast-enhancer-creamBreast Enhancer Intensive Treatment achieves its cosmetic lipo-filling effect thanks to a vital Bio-Extract: Volufiline which promotes the natural process of accumulating lipids in the adipose cells supporting the skin.

Adipocytes (adipose cells) are specialized in accumulating a large quantity of lipids within them in the form of triglycerides. Volufiline is formulated to stimulate a particular protein – adipophilin – responsible for the physiological accumulation of triglycerides and their organization into lipid drops. This helps to store the lipids in the adipocytes until they mature.

This cosmetic lipo-filling action leads to an increase in the volume of the subcutaneous adipose layer, enhancing the size of the breasts and leaving them rounder and better contoured.

One thing I really like about the Breast Enhancer is the smell. It’s something like a mix between baby powder or something from a high class spa in Paris (I’m guessing, of course).

I’ve been using it for a week now and no; I won’t be shopping at Victoria’s Secret anytime soon. While I do feel that it does live up to its claim – the surface of the skin does seem smoother and the skin seems ‘taunt’ – I have not been pregnant, breast feeding or have any drastic weight loss, so I’m not sure I’m the right candidate for any ’serious’ effects.

Either way, if you feel your breasts need some ‘help’, this is worth a try; it’s fairly affordable, moisturizes, smoothes the skin, and has a pleasant smell. And like I said, my skin does feel more taunt, but I suspect you’d need to use this cream even longer (or forever) to keep that feeling up, which would be quite expensive. So it’s really up to you! It’s worth a try though, I do like it as a lotion. And if it doesn’t work, you can do what I do with all lotions I don’t like: just use them as hand cream.

Girls, give it to me: what do you think of breast enhancements creams? Also, if you’ve ever tried any of them, do let me know! :D

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The Body Shop Body Butters Review

November 20, 2009   in Bath, Body & Spa, Reviews

the-body-shop-body-butter

The Body Shop Body Butters are pretty much a cult product, wouldn’t you say? Since I could remember (or when I started reading magazines), they’d always write about The Body Shop’s fantastic body butters. And from the many, many different scents they come in, there’s really something for everyone.

I recently wrote about another body lotion and mentioned that one of the reasons why I liked it so much was because it was non- greasy, didn’t have an overwhelming scent, and didn’t leave on a ‘film’ that would later run on clothes, your bed … you name it. I feel a bit like this post contradicts what I said, but hear me out: if there is one product that I will look past the greasiness, smell and stains, it’s this product.

The Body Butters are very thick, smells quite strong, and can rub on sheets and clothes – the reason being is that they are made to be extremely moisturizing. But that’s why I like them so much; they are ridiculous in terms of moisturizing. (Also, I found a bit of a solution: rub in the lotion for a few minutes – like 5 full minutes – and it lessens the greasy feeling.)

With that being said, I love the Body Butters; but only once in a while.

Like I said earlier, I don’t like the greasy feeling most body lotions produce, but these are so moisturizing that you need them sometimes! I think I use this maybe twice a week at most, when I feel like a ’spa’ treatment in one: the scents are calming, and the thickness of the product makes your really need to rub it in, so it is somewhat like giving yourself a massage – definitely a relaxing experience. The scent fills the room, so it’s important to get a scent that you find really calming.

My favorites so far are Cocoa Butter and Shea butter. I’m on the hunt for the Vanilla version, like I said in my fragrance post that mentioned The Body Shop, they don’t carry the Vanilla range here. I know that scent will be my favorite already! :D

Do you use the body butters from The Body Shop? Which ones are your favorite?

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