Lancaster Softening Perfect Toner

I know this is a toner related post, I was just thinking, what if some folks out there do not wish to use a whitening toner, then how?

Aha!

I got this bottle from Lancaster for free. It smells really nice, some light floral scent and this softens as it cleans plus it contains NO ALCOHOL. Leaving my skin innocently moist, silky soft and clean. :)))

I love a clean face, any time of the day.

Love how just a little bit of this on the centre of my cotton pad goes a long way... plus it cools down my skin, even though it does not contain mint nor has it been placed in the fridge. :))

400ml of this going at $30odd I heard, very worthwhile. Please let me know of the actual price if you should find out. It is a very basic toner and I use it interchangably with the whitening one.

Rating: 7.5/10

Would I buy this again: Maybe, still prefer the whitening one.

Ease of Use: Super Easy.  

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion

Hello Gorgeous!

Today I will be reviewing this product, totally made in Japan. I need to confess something, at first I was going to give this product a not so good review, as I applied the product on wrongly. Yah... I know right? I sound like a kultz, when I have prided myself on being an "expert" at these things, I mean, applying a product on the face only mah.... need skill one meh??? Hahhahahaha.... how wrong I was!!

Oh well.... you learn as you grow... you just keep learning. And I love learning, it keeps me young and active, mentally. This 170ml bottle costs under S$20 and is exclusively sold at all good Watsons stores. It is said that one drop locks up an ocean worth of moisture and Habo Labo is an award-winning brand in Japan, because its star product is just easy to use and absorbs real fast, in a matter of 10secs when applied correctly. It already has a cult following in Asia due to the adaptability of this product in climates within Asia.

When you use it, you will feel super moisturised even if you stay in an air-conditioned place for up to 12 hours as it offers x2 (double) the benefits of a normal moisturizing lotion / cream and it is water based, making it suitable for people with ultra sensitive skin as well as those who intend to go for a beach holiday / those staying in a tropical climate like ours and need more water based products to quench their skin, please know for a fact that if you do not moisturize your skin, over time, it will get more and more oily and you will suffer for it thru open / course pores, small bumps and pimples.

But if you are flying esp. long haul flights, this is not sufficient for you, unless you perpetually go to the toilets and "touch up" by feeding your skin with this regularly. Much less if you are heading to winter zones.... find a richer moisturizing cream... I would recommend in upcoming posts on what's great for winter zones and for long haul flights k? Akan datang.... hang in there.

How you apply this product???

This product with the consistency that is akin to water when it comes out. Well, simple.... you got to pour about 2 to 4 drops (literally) on your palm and spread it over in circles on your palm to evenly distribute the product and then pat PAT PAT Pat pat pat and pat some more till it is fully in your skin. Whatever residue, apply it on your neck. Please do not swipe or use some other method of applying this, else, you might just end up hating it as the stickiness will somehow stay put with any other method used. (I almost wanted to give away my first bottle because I applied it on wrong.) Please don't use cotton pads for this, just clean hands to pat in.

The initial feeling is stickiness.... yup, it gets all yikey and somewhat yucky but it does not have any smell, preservatives or additives so, it is all pure and good for you, bear with this part. Once it is absorbed...... perfect, calm and QQ skin is all you see, touch and feel.

I love it. I love how simple it is and how it gives lasting moisture.

Will I Buy this Again: Yes, as it gives value for money.

Rating: 8.5/10

Ease of Use: Need patience to keep patting it in.  

Toners - A Comparison Review Between Clarins and L'oreal

Hello Beautiful Ones!!

This post is a request by a close gf of mine who is now a fan of this humble blog. :))) Well, she did ask for a toner comparison post, something somewhat different from my usual postings of just reviewing one product or one brand at a time, but, hey, I am happy to oblige. So send in your requests after this post by simplying commenting. :)))

So I decided to compare whitening toners. Since I am currently trying to lighten my freckles. So a whitening toner is part of the package.

Let's start off with a basic whitening toner that everyone can afford - from industry mongul L'oreal. 200ml for S$14.50 only and available at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, OG, Robinsons and all leading departmental stores. It claims to block off further freckle production and speed up the whitening process as it has Vitamin C added to its mix.

The thing with drugstore range of toners, including this one, is the need to really check the ingredients and ensure that NO ALCHOL is added in. Because, long gone are the days that alchol should be used to tone and "seal" up our pores as it is bad for skin... seriously, it ends up "thinning" our skin instead of nourishing it. SO CHECK CHECK CHECK k?

When I used this toner, it honestly did nothing much for me, in terms of whitening, it did not live up to its claims in many ways. The fragrance was quite good, mild. It did the job of what a basic toner should, to clean away the last residue of any makeup or dirt. Other than that, it did nothing much for me, I got this bottle of toner free from L'oreal but, seriously... I think the formula needs improvement. But if you are starting out on your skincare journey and want something basic, this is good enough. L'oreal is now made in China.

As we should use a makeup remover, followed by a facial cleanser and then use a toner before slapping on the potent stuffs like serums, essence, and creams or else, the serums, essence and creams will all go to waste so good thorough cleansing is a MUST, cannot be haphazard about it, no matter how tired you are.

I got the above Clarins whitening set recently. But I shall review just the Whitening Pure Aqua Lotion which is their toner here. Well, the GREAT SINGAPORE SALE started and i made headway by getting this set at Robinsons Centrepoint, very worth while. Saved 30%.

Clarins has always been at the forefront of advocating botanical usage in ALL their products, and fragance is mild and acceptable. 

Their whitening toner costs $65 for 200ml... quite a huge difference from the L'oreal's one. BUT IT WORKS JUST AFTER THE FIRST APPLICATION. The entire area which you apply the toner on, looks even, moist and WHITE... ok, not white as sheet white rather super fair.

So, I am just into my first bottle and I already love it so much. I am a convert, cos I used to not buy whitening toners but this one, made in france, is suitable even for Asian skin.

Clarins has an ongoing sale now as it is the GSS. So go and buy now!! As for my close friend, well, I think we are going shopping soon, she can use my clarins membership for better prices if she wants to get this.

Rating: Loreal (7/10) VS Clarins (9/10)
Will I Buy it Again: Loreal (No) VS Clarins (YES!!)
Ease of Use: Just pour some on cotton pad and pat in or swipe upwards when applying.

Avene Diacneal

Ok, this post is here for a friend (Diana) and also for ladies who usually get pimples at "that time of the month". I decided to review this product now instead of much later as I used to have such problems but ever since I got hold of this little gem, it has worked wonders to calm the little red dot aka known as the dreaded pimple.

And SK-II Facial Treatment Essence also helped me a great deal in balancing out my skin, in terms of facial oil and dryness.

Anyways, this pimple gel comes out all yellow and has a fine nib and a little of this goes a long way so can you imagine the 30ml tube costing $50.90, available at all leading pharmacies and Watsons is still quite full sitting pretty on my dressing table.

Because I do not use it everyday, even though it is mild for everyday use (but concocted for acne prone skin) as it does not dry up skin. 

I love how this smooths out little bumps on some parts of the skin, like the areas covered by hair and trap more sweat and the use of hair products can sometimes cause reaction on our skin.

So this pimple gem saves the day!

The downside is, it takes about 2 to 3 days, applied AM and PM to work, as it does not dry out skin, so results are not instant but I like it... good things happen to those who wait. :))))

Plus, this is from france and this brand, Avene is reowned for using thermal spring water to make its products so that natural minerals will be added within.  :))) Please please PLEASE refrain, tahan, control those fingers of yours from squeezing out pimples or GASP!! Broils (meaning 2 or 3 pimples combine to form a mega red angry pimple) as they may not be ready to be squeezed out and if you do not know how to, you can create scars. Anyways, pus and blood oozing out is unglam and no amount of concealer can help so, it ends up like an open wound that needs "fresh air" to recover and you should not slap on makeup on that area should that situation occur, somehow.

  Rating: 9/10 (as it has a mild and tolerable weird smell upon first application)

Ease of use: Just dot on the affected area

Would I buy this again: Not anytime soon, one tube REALLY lasts...

I took some photos of myself in Stage's Gossip Eyeshadow Box which I used and I posted them in yesterday's post, go and take a look, the shots were taken after a good 10hours of work and it goes to show the colours really can last!!!

Stage Cosmetics

WARNING: SUPER LONG POST.....

Hello Babes...

Thought I share with you on some makeup related stash I got recently, and at super duper cheap prices. Like from $7 per lipstick or gloss only and the colours are current.

They are from STAGE COSMETICS, located within BHG over at Bugis Junction. However, due to high rental costs, they are moving out from the location by end of June. SO THEY HAVE A MEGA ENORMOUS SALE... yes, the magic word here is - SALE!!

Yup yups.... so they have Sale on EVERY SINGLE ITEM, if you are already a user or fan.... be sure to head down, colours are still suitable and non-gothic (or lousy)... I got some sweet pinks, reds, nudes and coral coloured lipsticks & glosses the other day.

It was literally a one for one offer I simply cannot pass up.

They have 2 main range of lipsticks that sits very well with the Asian crowd. One of which is Wonderlust... well, the word lust is meant to explain when you hanker after something or someone... you drool so much that you end up wetting those lips, so the WONDERLUST range is dripping with moisture and gives you a semi-glossy finish without a need for gloss unless you wanna plump up those pluckers then hey, GO FOR IT Gal!! 

The WonderLuxe range offers a semi-matte finishing, so it is suitable for those who prefer less glossy lips as yours is already (Enviably Plump like Angelina Jolie's) then this is great, without drying out your lips as it has Vit E to protect. You can use it at the office too. Very professional in a very Corporate setting. Dab on gloss when you are heading out for drinks after work and you will look hip. 

I LOVE THE WONDERLUST range more.... All going at $7. Go grab k. Running out fast.

The MASSIVE SALE starts from 50% Off to 70% Off. They truly are clearing stocks, the company, Alliance Cosmetics, who bring in Revlon, Silkygirl and other brands, hails from Malaysia. But their products are mostly made in Italy, similar to iNuovi. And I love how rich, intense and buildable their products are.

Aside from their liquid foundation which they claim is so darn good to use and award-winning, which I find... a tad hard to blend, sticky and WAyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyYYYY too thick. I gasp in the mirror when I was done with it. It was like I am trying to impersonate Kumar and need to slap on like a truckload of foundation when I am already blessed with fair skin.

Shucks! Sorry man, if you are a fan of their foundation, hey, just go grab it ok, don't be affected by me, I just prefer my skin to breathe more rather than less. Anyways, the dirt cheap prices justify for one to stock up esp. if you are doing threatre, as the foundation and eyeshadows allow for buildable coverage and intensity which all stage productions and plays need. Its just not me. So, I thought I should inform the everyday woman, lady, girl reading this.

Incidentally their name is STAGE cosmetics, perhaps, pun intended??? Haha.... whatever la

Anyways, I also got their <<Gossip Girl>> eyeshadow box from their "Moulin Rouge" range where 5 shades of colours are paired to give you the VA-VA-VA-VOOM look at me eyes, depending on how you mix, blend and use the colours. You can use it to make it work for you, even for daily use to head to school, work or even a date.

Let me know if you want to see pictures or videos of the application. :)))

This is how the Gossip Girl Box looks like:

Chio right? I also thought so...

from left: navy blue, rich plum, shimmery slate grey, intense brown and white highlighter

This has slight glitter in it too... so for special evenings, or when you want to look a tad "hotter" than usual and get your partner or potential partner to look lovingly into those already pretty peepers, you can use this. Only $15 bucks now, I got mine at $25.90 lor... hais... oh well.

Or if you need that little extra, cos your eyelashes are not as long / dark / curly as you would prefer them to be... we can always add on falsies... I only apply them on special dates or on days when I feel DUH... and am moodless. Falsies will instantly be a great cheat sheet to creating bright, attractive and helps one appear all smart. Seriously.... besides, people will tend to take double or triple takes at you, should you apply them correctly and with the right fit of falsies.... wrong ones and you will look like a Drag Queen. LOL.....!!! (If you want me to do a Video on it or some pictures of pretty falsies that will suit almost anyone, LET ME KNOW by leaving comments after the post.) So if you can handle the attention, wear them.  ;))))

But honestly, I do not buy false eyelashes from them, even after sale prices, one pair is WAYYYY too expensive. I usually get mine from two shops in Far East Plaza, I am their regular so i am offered very good discounts there. Mine always come in a huge box with 20 pairs. And I am very adventurous when it comes to falsies as I adorn them easily and with precise application. But try not to wear falsies too often, unless you don't mind balding lashes. I know some girls who wear them every single day. But really, its NOT too bright an idea to do so.

Stay Gorgeous babes!!

Rating: 8.5/10

Will I buy this again: Yes but I don't know where they are moving to...

update me if you do know ok?

Ease of Application: To me its simple as i do so everyday and I experiment a lot with makeup, so, its subjective.

LEAVE ME COMMENTS OK?

AND FOLLOW ME BY ENTERING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE SIDE BAR.

Here are some of the photos I took focus on the eye area,
this is in spite of 10 solid hours at work,
the eyeshadow colours stayed on... without messing up.
I used intense brown and slate grey plus some white highlighter & blend, blend blend.

Overall effect for work.
 I was light-handed with the brush as the colours are intense.

Zoom in on the eye area. Apologies for not blotting nose first.

Shiseido Aqua Label White Protect UV30++

I was thinking,

since I did a product not available in SG today

and which most of us,

no matter how cheap the product is

maybe unable to purchase it.

I will makeup for it,

by reviewing another product

easily available at all good Watsons stores islandwide

and is a super time saver with its ease of use!

Welcome to my recently (insanely innate need)

for good Sun Screen protection.

I only got started on using good sunscreen

towards the end of last year.

I usually do not have "added" sunscreen protection

should my powder or foundation have them

but the miserable SPF12 or 15 or 20 does little

to protect our skin from premature aging,

freckles, spots, darkening of skin color

or worse yet, GASP!! discolouration....

So, a good sunscreen has to have the following prerequisites:

1) At least SPF30 and above

2) Cannot be oily

(like the old types, that's why i hated using sunscreen last time)

3) Easily absorb into skin so we can head out fast and / or

start on our makeup routine sooner than later

4) Is portable, compact enough for us to slip into our purses for fun in the sun!

So that we can touch up on the protection needed as and when

Meet Shiseido's kid sister - AQUA LABEL

an affordable drug store brand

that DOES NOT stinge on the good stuff needed

to make a good sun protectant and their other range of products.

I use the blue range,

as the red range is developed mainly for dry skin

which I do not have.

I have normal to combination skin type.

When it is done by Shiseido

and made in Japan.

You know, that you are in good hands.

Please forget about the radiation jazz...

their quality checks are stringent

as their brand name hinges on it.

So be assured that its good.

And I DO NOT WORK FOR SHISEIDO. So there.

Buy with confidence.

Anyways, this sunscreen comes out looking

totally like milk.

Seriously.

If you are hungry, please eat something before applying..

LOL... else you might just slurp this. Haha!

Just squeeze a 10-cent coin size onto your palm

dot it on your forehead, nose, both cheeks and chin

then rub / massage / dab it in

do it in any direction you like

there WILL NOT BE ANY STREAKS or LINES

which makes this idiot-proof to apply

and so shiok to use.

Coz, in a matter of 15 secs

every drop of "milk" will be in your skin

making it look supple, soft and so radiant.

Friends have told me I glowed when i use this

OR the ZA True White Instant Brightener.

So... its one of my staples as a sunscreen.

Its cheap too. At 30ml for $17.90 (during promotion).

And you can actually get away scot-free

if you are the "au natural" beauty sans makeup type...

just dab a little dose of press powder on the nose, cheeks and forehead

and perhaps under the eyes...

and you are more than ready to take on the world.

And because it is milk base, non oily, it will not cause pimples.

:))))))

Stay beautiful....!!!

Will i buy this again: Yes. Will aim to try their new SPF50++ one in white packaging

Ease of Use: Follow my steps above

Rating: 10/10

Vaseline Lip Therapy Sticks and Tubs

I am so blessed.

My good friend, Desmond went to London recently

I asked him to help me get

the NOT EVER available in Singapore

Vaseline Lip Therapy

in Rosy lips & Cocoa Butter.

In both Stick and Tub form.

And it is so cheap...

plus, I am using the rosy lips tub version today

it is super glossy with a sickeningly sweet tint of colour

to ensure I don't look wash out.

And if I want additional colour,

I just need to slap on the stick version

and Viola!!!! the colour intensifies.

And my lips not only feels kissable,

soft, smooth and glossy.

It totally does not have lines.

The only flip side,

is the lack of UV in the product.

Wish they would add some.

In any case, this is my favourite now.

Besides my Elizabeth Arden 8-hour Lip Protectant (which has UV).

I love love love, utterly love the colour.

And how sweet my friend is.

Awww............
Available at Boots

Would I Buy this again: Anyone going London, please tell me!!

Ease of Use: no brainer

rating: 9.5 /10 (minus points for lack of UV)
Price: SGD$16.90 for 2 tubs and 3 sticks



Shiseido Revital Whitening Serum AA

One of the truly better whitening serums around,

quite steep in terms of pricing - around $159 for such a small bottle

but really, I can see almost instantly - my complexion got clear bright

and stayed fair, freckles had a harder time forming

and I can even use this around my eye region.

I loved how easily this serum absorbs...

I plan on getting the Clarins one after i am done with this.

Just to compare the difference.

Clarins Whitening Serum is cheaper though. Haha!

After massaging the serum in,

it leaves a non-sticky silky smooth feeling

as i run my fingers thru my face...

Feels great.
Available at OG, Metro, Robinsons, Ion and Takashimaya.

Ease of Use: Very Easy

Price: Steep - $159 for 40ml with a pump dispenser

Would I Buy this Again: yes.. but I plan on trying other brands also
rating: 9/10

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser

GIRLS!!! I am so excitied...

last week I took a day off and went to do

some retail therapy at Robinsons,

they had a mega sale for their members

and all skincare products were going at mad crazy cheaper

than DFS prices!!!

So i went to shop for my next 6 months

worth of skincare and what not.

I hauled back some hair care, skincare and makeup.

Damaging quite a fair bit into my wallet

but still relatively under control,

going by how much more I was tempted to get...

teehehehheheee...

Anyways, I decided to go for a couple of SK-II items

one of which, is their basic face wash,

the type you can use on even the most sensitive skins

yet the skin will remain calm and lap up

the luxe facial foam as you apply it.

The feeling is so Zen.

I loved it. It was as good to use as it smelt light and good.

Sort of in a creamy way.

Usually a 120g tube goes for S$89

but at SALE time, it costs around $50+

And it was a real treat for me.

I am using it day and night now.

REVIEW:

Would i buy this again: only at Sale Time or DFS

Rating: 8.5/10 (minus points for being pricey)

Ease of Use: Easy, its a face wash.

Rachel K's CC Cream

Hey Gals....

Sorry, been really under the weather

fighting off an onset of flu and sore throat

thus did not keep you posted on what's good

on the beauty beat.

Today I will be reviewing Rachel K's CC Cream

this cream is way better than BB creams.

I have used a couple of BB creams,

usually given to me as gifts

but none of them are good to use

and they do not last long

as I have oily T-zone,

the usual BB creams just slide right off.

Messing up my makeup.

Whereas Rachel K's Mineral Cosmetic

which debuted in Singapore just over 3 months ago

is fast becoming one of my makeup staples

simply because, it offers great coverage

It allows you buildable coverage even for dark circles

and it is NON-OILY,

in fact, it lasts thru a good 8 hours

when I used it for work.

 

The plus side is,

the colour of this updated skincare / cosmetic

item is..... it is NON-YELLOW base

which is great for users

who wish to see rosy, glowing complexion,

so I Love it!!!

If the folks at Rachel K ever reads this, I hope she will sponsor

I need a couple of tubes and a couple of their pressed powders.

I think the world of it!!!

I might do a different post on their press powder soon.

In any case...

here is what the cream looks like,

It really is a all-in-one

with UV protection already
esp with such hot weather these days

all you need to do,

is take the required amount,

shown as above,

pat it slowly into your skin

DO NOT RUB IT IN

to avoid uneven streaks

noting to cover the undereyes

and nose, those areas where you have red parts.

And, Viola!!

Perfect Skin canvass.

You barely need much makeup,

perhaps just to draw your brows

and dab some gloss on the way out!

Retails at $38 for their CC cream
and $35 for the pressed powder.

REVIEW:

Will I Buy this again: I hope to be sponsored :))

Rating: 10/10

Ease of Use: Very Simple... follow steps above.



SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

I have a couple of favourites...

a few very trusted products that works

and works very well and in general

for quite a few of my friends too.

It is SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence

with chock-a-block full of pitera goodness,

wonderful stuff that moisturises not only deeply

but balances your skin in general.

I would love to stay committed to this brand

for its great "miracle water".

I know of some girl who uses this regularly

and just refuses to admit it.

Till we went to her place one day...

and saw all the SK-II products on her dressing table.
That's how much of a secret it is.

So there.

I love my Miracle Water.

It works, as simple as that.

It makes you Youthful... longer

and this ain't for old people...

it is for young people

who love to stay young, LONGER!

250ml going at SGD$229 over the counters

but I got mine cheaper, at DFS Changi Airport.

REVIEW:

Will I Buy this again: Yes

Ease of Use: Just pour on cotton pad and pat all over face,

INCLUDING EYES!!!

Rating: 10/10

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

Hello Beauties...

Apologies for the missing in action

I have been catching up on beauty rest

to sort of makeup for lost time over last week.

And I found another "cheat sheet"

I mean, it sure is my bff now

esp since this product is filled with good stuff

for my face

going at $45 for 80ml at counters (Isetan, OG & Taka)

and will instantly plump up the skin

fill it with all moisturizing ingredients

that will give you the,

I have slept a lot and am refreshed look,

even if you sleep at say, 2am and wake up at 6am.

BUT PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS OFTEN!

Long run, not advisable for skin, body and soul.

So, yeah.... this water sleeping pack

which is like a mask cum moisturiser

is a God-sent for lazy

and crazy sleep hours people like me.

At least at this point in my life.

I love this made in Korea magic potion in a jar.

My complexion will look like a baby's bottom

and small bumps and potential pimples,

vanish... just one use!!

Buy this at Changi Airport

or better yet....

ask someone who is going Korea

to buy for you, dam cheap...

only SGD$19.90

PLUS, the fragrance is light and suited for sensitive skin

(YES, OVER THE COUNTER COSTS THAT MUCH MORE!!!)

REVIEW:

Will I buy this again: Yes, will find someone to buy for me in Korea

(yea... I cheapo...so what?)

Ease of use: Just take a generous amount and smear all over face

You need not use this everyday, unless you are rich!!

Rating: 9.5/10