Dramatic skin-evening results from Clinique

Blame it on the sun, genes or lack of moisture from the winter season that just passed us. Women are at high risk of developing dark spots on the skin, a notoriously stubborn problem.

But before you seek out a brightening procedure with your doctor, try Clinique's Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence, US$86. Designed exclusively for Asian skin based on Clinique's rich dermatological expertise, this ground-breaking innovation uses Clinique's most advanced technology to deliver clear, even-toned and translucent skin in as quick as four weeks.

Powered by CL-302 complex 
 The secret behind Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence lies in its top-notch formula that's powered by the breakthrough CL-302 complex with vitamin C and other ingredients that is clinically proven to improve evenness of skin tone, radiance and clarity.

It consists of five synergistic brightening ingredients, including:

• A rare botanical extract derived from Dianella ensifolia (Border Silver) - fights free radicals, reduces and prevents the appearance of uneven, pigmented skin and contains anti-irritant properties to soothe sensitive skin.
• Ascorbyl glucoside - a potent vitamin C derivative to even out existing and emerging dark spots.
• Blackout yeast extract - breaks up large clusters of pigment at the skin's surface intro microscopic particles that are eventually diffused.
• Acetyl glucosamine and salicylic acid - regulate cell turnover and help to shed pigmented skin cells for renewed clarity and brightness.

Not all sunscreens are made equal
Did you know that other than UV rays, harmful pollutants can also penetrate and irritate the skin, causing excess melanin production? To keep your skin dark spot-free, even-toned and radiant, step up on your current Derma White regimen and shield your skin against environmental aggressors with Derma White City Block SPF40/PA+++, US$45.

Also, dermatologist-produced and proven, fragrance-free and allergy tested, this new formula contains an invisible pollution filter, potent antioxidants and brighteners to help skin appear more even-toned. The subtly tinted, lightweight oil-free cream, which is suitable for all skin types, also imparts a flawless protective base that primes skin for makeup application.

Like many women, I've suffered from uneven skin tone and other than using foundation to give the appearance of a smooth complexion, I wasn't sure how to solve the problem until I started using these two products. After two weeks of daily application, I witness a subtle yet obvious brightening in my skin and even without makeup, my complexion is fresh and more even toned!

Tame your messy hair

 

My hair is always a big problem for me, they are as dry as straw, that's how I usually call them. I tried numerous shampoo and conditioner, and none of them really help. I was about to give up recently, but accidentally, in a hotel room during my short trip, I found a set of L'Occitane 5 Essential Oils Shampoo and Conditioner. And they revived my hair.


The shampoo is not so foamy which I didn't feel very comfortable with at first, because I always think that only foamy shampoo can clean my hair thoroughly, anyway, at least the smell was quite nice, I thought to myself in the shower room. But the conditioner felt good on the hair, very pampering for the hair, smell is light as the shampoo.


The result wasn't significant until the next morning (I wash hair in evenings normally, so my hair can have a whole night to get back in shape, well, better shape at least). When I saw myself in the mirror, I was like: "wow, this is the very first time which I don't need a hair straightener!". My hair was soft and straight and shiny (well, of course not as shiny as in hair product TV ads, but much shinier than normal).


I was so pleased with their performance, and of course this L'Occitane set has now become my bathroom essential!

Kill the irritating ulcer in no time!

Summer is always the peak ulcer period for me, probably because of the hot and humid weather and lots of deep fried snacks, what I always use is an ulcer gel, but the problem with it is that you have to dry the ulcer before applying and the worst thing is, you have to hold your mouth open and stop talking in order not to  wet that area and sweep away the gel.


Great that now I found this Taisho Mouth Ulcer Patch, you basically just need to stick it onto the ulcer and then the pain will be lessened, the healing time is faster than the gel!


I love this product!

BAWANG Anti-Hair Fall Pack

My friends always tell me that BAWANG shampoo really works but it has a very strong herbal smell, and THAT is what stopped me from buying.

Then why did I buy it at the end? It was when I found that quite a lot of my hair fell off for a continuous period, and it really bothered me. So I gave BAWANG a try. When I opened it, it did have a strong chinese herbal tea smell, and I used it anyway. After a week, it's about three times because I washed my hair every other day, the hair loss situation improved significantly. Not only that, the hair condition improved too.


So aside from the smell, it's really worth trying!


Tips: Use it in the evening before you sleep (of course blow dry before sleeping). If I have to go out after washing my hair, I use my other shampoo with nice smell. :P 

Imju Dejavu: Bigger and brighter eyes

Last night, I tried out the new Imju Dejavu Fiberwig Lash Knockout Mascara, the result is soooo good that I decided to make a video of it to show you how good it is. But first of all, some photos:

The mascara is incredibly light, it feels like there nothing inside, so just want to let you know when you receive it, don't think that it's a defect product with nothing inside, it's just the material of the container which is light.

The applicator is straight, just like a normal mascara, it doesn't have the curl shape or anything fancy with the design, which I think is good, because I'd rather the brand focus on the function and quality rather than the design of the applicator.

And finally, how does it perform?

It's easy to apply, and it doesn't produce clumps like many other mascaras, so you won't feel that your eyelids are "heavier". And see...my left eye is bigger and sharper! (And I haven't applied eyeliner yet! So I am sure it would be even better with eyeliner)


Don't you wanna buy one and try it yourself?

The best Mother's Day gift

Mother's Day is coming up, and it's time for us to think of a way to thank them, and what's better than bringing them back their youth? Here, take a look at this Biotherm Lift Instant Flash (Filling Vials Lift and Instant Radiance) which I just tried out.

The vials and the tip in the middle.

                        1. The vial.                 2. After shaking, break open the vial.

            3. Put the tip halfway down the vial.    4. Shake it once, and the content is out.

5. Squeeze the tip, so the content flow into your palm. 6. After it's all out.

When I broke it open, I was a bit nervous, it's the first time I used this kind of product, I was worried that the glass would broke into a mess. :P But it's all fine, you just have to apply a bit more strength (and braveness) to break it.

The content is certainly more than enough for the whole face, so I applied the excess to the neck as well, you know, that's where the visible wrinkles are! And in order to not waste any of it, I kept hitting the bottle against my palm to get everything out, and applied them to the back of my hands as well. :)

The smell is nice and natural, not too strong, and the face felt as if you have applied a film of egg white on the face, it's tightened. The feeling slowly went away after 15 mins. As magical as it sounds, the wrinkles on the face seemed to be ironed out.

It feels great! And it's cheap, USD38 for a pack of 8. A nice and ideal gift for mums this Mother's Day. Buy now!

Other great gift ideas

Dermalogica - An unforgettable first encounter

I have been using Dermalogica Daily Microexfoliant for quite some time now, like a year already, but I still can't forget the first time of our "encounter".

When I first poured them out, they are dry, white powder, and very fine textured. In order to start the process, I just needed to mix it with water, then they started become slightly foamy to the level which I think it's just right for face cleansing. I normally apply it to a dry face since it feels more effective if the foam doesn't get too watery, after massaging on the face for like a minute or two, just wash it off like you do with any other face cleanser. Sounds just like another face cleansing foam? You are totally wrong if you think so!

I think just from the name of the product - Microexfoliant - you know that this is a product different from any other, it's not exfoliant, which usually contains coarse particles for rubbing the dirt on your face away, and it could potentially enlarge your pores, that's why they are not meant to be used daily. However, this is Daily, and it's Micro? Why? The reason is that the powder is so fine that it won't over-stimilate your skin, and the result is just amazing! After cleansing, my skin feels very smooth and supple, and most importantly, it feels very clean. Honestly, I was and still am amazed by the result it brings, never in my life (so far) I have used an exfoliant so fine and effective.

Does it sound like an exaggeration? Go buy and try it yourself, I am sure you will agree with me.

Holiday Remedy: Tired Feet

While you are giving so much attention to your face, foot always get forgotten, but don't forget that they do work hard while you are dancing around in your pointy high heels. So I think they do deserve some premium care. How about a nice massage?

1. Soak your feet in warm water (personally I prefer higher temperature) for 10 minutes. This not only warm up your feet, but also soften skin for better absorbtion of cream or oil. Make sure you dry your feet completely before massaging.
2. Apply some cream or oil to hand for ease and comfort. Rub your hands to warm them up beforehand.

3. First start stroking the top of foot, from toe to ankle, and then the sole.
4. On the sole, move in circular motions with thumb (also fingers if you are massaging for others, thumb is easier to apply pressure for DIY massage), apply extra pressure on heel and balls as these are the areas which suffer most from your high heels.
5. Hold your foot on lower calf (right foot with right hand), then use the other hand to hold first the ankle, then the ball of the foot, gently rotate 5 times each direction.

6. After rotating both feet, hold the foot again with one hand, the other hand make a fist, knead the sole with moderate pressure, from ball of foot to heel.
7. Take each toe individually from big toe to pinky toe, hold each between thumb and index finger, slide down the toe to end with gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.
8. Use your index finger to slide down between each toe for 5 times.
9. Use your thumb and index finger in circular motions over sole, end the massage by stroking sole and instep with palm.
10. Wipe off excess cream or oil gently with soft towel.

Origins Leg Lifts To Rev Up Tired Legs           Decleor Aromessence Circularome

Kokuyudo Luscious Tension L (Leg Massage Gel)         Aveda Foot Relief

More Foot Care products        More Massage Oil

Brand new make-up "bag"

Ok, I love it when designers put creativity in product designs. And I can’t stop myself from writing about this innovative new product. So, now, everyone, take a wild guess, what’s this thing in the picture? Kitchen tool? Key ring? Speakers? No! No! And NO! Alright, for those who didn’t cheat and scroll down to look for the answer, this is a make-up bag, um, ok, I know, it’s not a bag. It’s a white chunk of layers, but it indeed performs the function of a make-up bag. So how does it work? Look at this picture:

Is this clearer now? Oh…still not quite, right? Ok, how about this one?

Yes, it’s a stackable make-up palettes! How genius! Launched by former Lanôme artistic director Fred Farrugia. This neat new product range aims to de-clutter consumers make-up bag, making it easy to find what you need, including eyeshadows, lips colours, blush, and foundation.

The individual palettes are designed by Ora-Ïto, they can be clipped and stacked together to make a compact and complete make-up set in one.

Moreover, applying them are like finger-painting, you don’t even need a mirror. You can choose from 104 stackable palettes of colors. For those who aren’t accustomed to finger-painting, the range also includes a make-up tools set to suit your needs:

Za eyeliner

I am always adventurous when it comes to cosmetics products, and I have just finished the eyeliner I bought in Thailand in March, so about 4 months. (hehe, I forgot the whole cosmetics bag in HK that time, quite disastrous...) So I was looking for a new one, and here it is, Za Ever Liner for eyes. It's been like a week I have been using it, this time I bought black, not brown, and was thinking whether this colour would make my eyes look bigger. Um. I guess it makes my eyes look brighter than the brown colour.

It doesn't have a cap, so it's good because I don't have to worry of losing it while putting my eyeliner on (on the bus/train). Yes, I mostly do my makeup on public transport :P. Anyway, you just need to turn the head (the transparent part of the photo) of the pen then the eyeliner will come out, convenient! And I also like the colour of the eyeliner itself, white, simple and clean.

As for the texture, it's very easy to apply, it doesn't require a back and forth drawing for the colour to stand out, just basically one stroke is enough. I am lovin' it. I still remember the first eyeliner I had, I need to re-draw and re-draw to have a nice solid colour, so much effort. And this one is so much easier.

How about you? Any eyeliner you recommend to everyone?

Disappointing OPI x SEPHORA

I was so happy that I could finally bought the OPI x Sephora Nail Polish when I went to the US in June. First it was cheaper (US$9) than normal OPI edition, and (I thought) the size is smaller because it does look smaller on the USA Sephora site. :P






I didn't use it until like 2 weeks ago. As much expectation as I have in it, it does really disappoint me...I normally start polishing the thumb first, and you know how the nail size is bigger than others, and the first touch the brush had with my nail, the first impression I got was "What? It's so thick" Anyway, I just keep applying on the nail, but it's so hard to make a nice, smooth surface compares to other nail polish I use (e.g. Missha, Revlon). I still did put them on all my finger nails and toes. However, I had to clean the index and middle finger afterwards because they were screwed up (uneven surface). And I didn't re-apply until like 2 days later...
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So 2 days later, I gave it a second chance. Again, I failed, I started to think whether it's my applying skills or what, but it couldn't be because I used to be good with other ones. So I concluded it's the nail polish's quality. So I cleaned (yet once again) the 2 fingers and just left them, really can't be bothered anymore. So for like a week I was with 3 fingers on orange-reddish nails and 2 with none (yea, looked so "nice") :(
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I told my friends about it, and they couldn't believe that the quality is that bad. But again, maybe I was just unlucky to have picked the not nice bottle, afterall, I only bought 1 bottle. But I swear that OPI version are all good ones.
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Has any of you have a different opinion about this product?

Special Cleansing Gel - It's really special!

Guess I am just a really bad blogger...alright, I promise I will keep up with the pace of my blogs. Anyways, here's another great product's review: Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel.

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Have you ever come across facial cleansers that left your skin dry and tense? I do! I can't remember how many different brands I have tried until I found this perfect cleansing cleanser! Yes! It's really true to its name, Special Cleansing Gel. It doesn't produce enormous amount of foam when rinse with water, but enough to make you feel that your face is being cleansed. I use daily during shower, and after using it, my face is clean and supple. And afterwards, I just need to put on toner and then go to bed, doesn't even requires moisturizer. How great!

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I highly recommend this to all of you who's searching for a good facial cleanser.

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P.S. Recently I am addicted to this Dermalogica brand. Next time I will tell you about the other products from it which I am also using. :)

Dry Skin SOS!

Just came back from Beijing (China), oh my god, the weather was SOOOO dry there, my skin literally cracked. And the worst thing was that my sensitive nose became crazy, I kept sneezing for the whole 1st day, and my nose was in so much pain. And you know what, in the next few days, the skin beneath the nose began to dry and none of the moisturizers i brought helped. And that's when I really wanted to have Sisley Comfort Extreme Day Skin Care (Very Dry and Sensitive Skin).

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I remember the last time I used it while i was in Hong Kong, I felt that it's a bit too rich because Hong Kong is humid. But it's perfect when it's for such dry weather like in Beijing! If I had it, I would put a thick layer on my skin and my nose wouldn't look as bad as it had been. If you have experienced what I had experienced, you would know what I meant, I couldn't even put my foundation on because it would look even worse...poor me...so the next couple of days I was meeting people with the peeling skin underneath my nose...

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So next time, I would remember to bring the a-little-too-rich cream with me whenever I am travelling to dry places!

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New Year Hot Picks!

What are your new year resolutions? Mine is very simple: be happy and save money. I have chosen some bargain products which are really worth buying. I have decided to present them like the music award ceremony: The LIST, The BEST for Women, The BEST for Men.

The LIST

1. SKII Whitening Source 50ml (US$122 - 25% off):

This oil free gel hydrator brings radiance and moisture to your skin, evening out your skin tone and overall complexion. Whitening Source, used daily, will help to promote a clear and translucent glow while moisturizing your skin.

2. LANCÔME Bienfait Multi-Vital High Potency Moisturiser with Micro-Nutrients VitaNutri 8 - SPF 15 30ml (US$20 - 26% off):

Shielded with state-of-the-art UVA/UVB filters, powerful anti-oxidants and an anti-pollution agent Bienfait Multi-Vital helps protect against the causes of premature ageing. Hydrated, strengthened and protects, your skin is energized and more resilient to external aggressions.

3. Biotherm Biosource Skincare Gift Set II (Normal to Combination Skin) (US$25 - 29% off):

This set includes:

- BIOSOURCE - Clarifying Cleansing Gel (20 ml)
- EAU D'ENERGIE - Awakening Mist (15 ml)
- SOURCE THÉRAPIE SUPERACTIV - Boosted Spa Concentrate Revitalizing - Skin Perfector (15 ml)
- Small hair comb

4. Boots Milk Almond Pistachio Body Butter (US$17 - 36% off):

Nourish your skin with organic almond oil while your senses are awoken by the wholesome mediterranean oils. Pistachio oil will condtion and moisturise your skin while milk extract will leave your skin silky soft. It also contains shea butter, nature's most moisturising ingredient to ensure your skin is thoroughly nourished.

5. Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Maximum Hydrator (US$34 - 33% off):

Rehydrates and firms dry skin. Helps minimize the look of lines. Triggers skin's ability to build and hold moisture. For normal/dry skin.

6. Chanel Ultra Correction Restructuring Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream (US$57 - 12% off):

ULTRA CORRECTION NUIT represents a total solution which will restore a youthful appearance to your face by correcting all the signs of time. This night cream has been developed and enriched to ensure intense hydration at night, the most active period of regeneration.

7. Anna Sui Luxury Face Powder (US$49 - 23% off):

Fine, brilliant and moist! Makes your skin look luxurious.

8. Anna Sui Dolly Girl Bonjour L'Amour Eau de Toilette 30ml (US$37 - 29% off):

Anna Sui Dolly Girl Bonjour L'Amour Eau de Toilette was introduced in 2007 summer. This is a yearly limited edition of Dolly Girl from Anna Sui. Dolly Girl Bonjour L`Amour is the fourth version since the first launch of Dolly Girl in 2003.

It gives a touch of Parisian world of romance, couture & allure with the chic elegance of this fruity floral fragrance. The notes include grapefruit, sweet lemon, cinnamon, orange blossom. Blended with magnolia, tuberose, jasmine, rosewood, peach, raspberry, coconut, amber and musk.

9. Hugo Boss Boss In Motion Electric Eau de Toilette Spray (Limited Edition) 40ml (US$36 - 26% off):

Boss in Motion Electric Edition is bursting with aquatic freshness which smoothly transcends into a crisp aromatic heart, to create a beautifully masculine, dynamic and sensual fragrance. Boss in Motion Electric Edition combines a powerful blend of rich woods in the base to add subtle contrast and distinction, for a truly engaging scent.

Sulwhasoo Basic Skincare Travel Kit (US$98 - 20% off):

This set includes:

- Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil (15 ml)
- Moisture Liquid Cleansing Foam (15 ml)
- Balancing Water (15 ml)
- Balancing Emulsion (15 ml)
- First Care Serum (8 ml)
- Lifting Cream (5 ml)
- Anti-aging Eye Cream (3.5 ml)
- Pouch Bag (Promotional Item)

Clarins Men Smooth Shave (US$20 - 32% off):
Enjoy a close shave each time without nicks and cuts. This alcohol-free foaming gel helps soften stubble, ensuring razor's optimum performance. Soothes and protects skin from irritation (Grindelia extract).

A great cleanser for busy people

I have been so busy recently, but as a girl, I do normally put some light makeup when I go to work. With makeup, even after arriving home with a weary mind and body, I still couldn't go to sleep straight away because I need to clean my face! Normally what I do is to use face and eye make-up remover to clean up eye shadow and lipstick. And then use foam cleanser and rinse with water for the rest of the face, the whole process takes up about 20mins, it's totally tideous. However, I found a good helper recently - Bioderma Créaline H2O Ultra-Mild Non-Rinse Cleanser for Normal to Sensitive Skin (Face & Eyes), it can be used on face, eyes and lips, so handy!

I used to dislike non-rinse cleanser since I think the cleansing power is not as good, but after trying this Bioderma one, I would never say that again. It feels very clean and soft after using, unlike cleansing milk or lotion, which makes me feel like a sticky layer covering the face.

It's very easy to use: just wipe over the whole face including eyes and lips until they are clean, no need to rinse. The whole process is only about 5 mins.

Now I can go to bed very quickly when arrived home!!

Product description:
Bioderma's micelle H2O solutions are as transparent as water and gently take care of all your skin's needs, ensuring perfect cleanliness and make-up removal via an original procedure involving micro-emulsion to eliminate dirt.

Clinique Happy

Smell is one of the things that can really trigger memory and I guess that's the reason for people spraying fragrance. They want a signature of themselves, something that differentiates them from other people, something for people to remember.

For me, it's simpler, I just want to make myself feel good! When I recieved my first fragrance set from Clinique, the "Clinique Happy" really made me very happy, I don't know why, I just love the smell of it. Let's be HAPPY together!

Here is the original Clinique Happy product description:

A chic, modern, multi-layered floral with the sparkling, lingering fragrance of citrus and selected flowers.

Clinique Happy is a sparkling floral fragrance which arouses a state of complete happiness with a unique blend of vibrancy, clarity, and feminine sensuality. What you smell is a hint of citrus and a wealth of flowers.

Get rid of the tired dull skin

I had a couple of late nights recently and they made my face look so dull...Luckily, I got this Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture SPF to help me. It is a bit shimmer, not too obvious, but can sort of magically make your face glows.

It's not greasy with SPF 15 to protect your skin from the sun and it's best for hiding the tired dull face if you don't want heavy make-up. It's 40ml in size and you can use it for quite a long time!

Here is the original product description:

This lightweight, oil-free cream provides the ideal combination of moisture to combat dehydration, antioxidants to protect against free radical damage, UV protection and long-lasting color. Natural Zinc Oxide minerals protect against sunlight, provide a sheer wash of color and make skin radiant, while extracts from Olives and Walnut Seeds provide antioxidant protection and improve skin texture. A full spectrum sunscreen provides daily solar defense. Contains no artificial fragrance or color. Professional recommendation advised.

Kill the wrinkles below the eyes

2 years ago, wrinkles started to appear below my eyes...I didn't do anything to them until 2 months ago. I found a sample of this Laneige* Future Age Eye Serum in my sister's cosmetic box, I have used it for nearly 3 weeks now (twice a day), the result is quite obvious. The 2 lines are improved and less visible but it doesn't help with dark circles (fair enough as this isn't mentioned in the product description). But I am satisfied with it and will keep using it.

*Laneige is a large Korean cosmetics and skincare brand.