REVIEW: Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Travel-sized Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

~AG~

Saw a travel-sized version of Caudalie Instant Detox Mask while I was in Europe, and decided to try it. Caudalie is a well-known French skincare brand, which uses grape-seed polyphenols. MG has tried some of their products, while I have not tried any. Often, after traveling overseas, my skin will feel congested and in need of deep cleansing. My wish was for Caudalie Instant Detox Mask to help purify the impurities on the skin.

According to Caudalie, Instant Detox Mask helps bring stressed, city-dwelling skin back to life. It contains 99.3% natural clay formula that removes skin impurities. The pink clay eliminates toxins and even out complexion This mask also helps to refine and tighten pores.

The pink clay is gentle on my skin. Some clay mask such as Boscia Luminizing Black Mask stings my skin. Caudalie Instant Detox works well for my sensitive skin. You can use this Detox Mask twice a week. After facial cleansing, I apply a thin area to my skin and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Then I wash it off with lukewarm water and continue the rest of my skincare regimen - Toner, Blemish Formula, Max C and Laneige Water Bank Essence.

Been trying to use this Detox Mask at least once a week for the last month. So do I notice any significant difference after using this Caudalie Instant Detox Mask? This Detox Mask does help to clear the blackheads and whiteheads on my nose. However the effect is minimal when I use it alone. I usually use Avène Purifying Scrub before applying the Detox Mask.The dual effect of the scrub and clay mask helps to noticeably eliminate the unsightly whiteheads and blackheads.

REVIEW: Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Gel Yeux

 Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Gel Yeux

~AG~

Been using this Chanel Eye Gel for over 6 months now. This is the most expensive eye care product that I have ever bought! This pricey eye gel costs US$68 (S$95) and comes with 15 ml of product.

The color of this product reminds me of the turquoise water of the Mediterranean seas. This Chanel Micro Gel claims to reduce puffiness with its anti-fatigue Micro Peptide. Blue Ginger, an active ingredient, works as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radicals. The pure, micro-extracts from the Camellia flowers are supposed to boost moisture level and smooth dehydated skin. The texture of this eye gel is light and cooling. You only need to apply a grain-sized amount for the under eyes area. Honestly, I cannot tell whether this Chanel Eye Gel works for my dark circles. I use it daily to hydrate my under eyes area. My concealer goes on more smoothly after applying this Eye Gel. This Eye Gel does not cause milia to appear, which is a good thing. It is difficult to find an eye gel or eye cream that is suitable for my under eyes skin. As the skin around the under eyes area is prone to milia, I am cautious of trying new eye care products. 

This product comes with a pump packaging with a protective cap. The pump packaging makes the Eye Gel more hygienic as you do not have to dip your fingers into a tub. This product is convenient to travel with. There is no worry of spillage due to changes in air pressure. I especially appreciate the clear packaging as you can see how much product you have left.

Even though this Chanel Micro Gel is suitable for my under eyes skin, I would not repurchase it because it is too pricey. Although this 15 ml of product can lasts at least seven months, as you only need minimal product to hydrate the under eyes area, it is too expensive for an eye gel. 

NEW BUY: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè

~AG~

When I was researching on the must-buy beauty products from French pharmacies, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè came up in every article I read. This multi-function moisturizer can work as a makeup primer and face mask as well. This 75ml tube costs Euro 16.90 (S$28). That is an affordable price tag for a moisturizer that claims to be nourishing and hydrating for the skin.  It claims to be a 24-hour miracle cream that is suitable for all skin types. Apparently, it is a cult favorite of makeup artists, models and celebrities. Honestly, I have not heard about this product. When I asked MG about this product, she mentioned that she has heard about it and almost purchased it online a few years back. With that being said, I was convinced to purchase this product. In fact, I bought 3 tubes to give to friends. Haha ^_^

The pharmacist said that Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè is a popular product.When I tried the tester at the pharmacy, the texture felt creamy but it was not too rich. The Embryolisse Cream did not leave a sticky feeling. My current skin condition is combination skin that can get especially dry in the cheeks area. Cannot wait to try out this multi-purpose Cream! I hope it works just as well in Singapore's humid weather. Stay tuned for my review of this best-selling product from Embryolisse.

NEW BUY: Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream & Aromatic Purifying Balm

~AG~

So while in Paris, I decided to check out their pharmacy for some French skincare products. While browsing through the pharmacy, I asked the pharmacist to recommend some products. She recommended this Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream and Aromatic Purifying Balm for my skin needs. I have seen Darphin products being sold in Bloomingdales but do not know much about the brand.

Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream comes with 50 ml of product. This lightweight gel cream has a nice texture. The texture reminds me of Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream. When I was testing it on the back of my hand, the gel cream soothe and hydrate my skin instantly. Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream contains: HYDRA-STRUCTURE™ Technology,a high-performance hydrating complex of powerful ingredients from Nature (Salicornia Herbacea,Butterfly Lavender) to help wake up skin's moisture mechanisms and defend skin's critical moisture reservoir. Cannot wait to try this product after I am done with Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream.

The Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm comes with 12ml of product. It costs Euro 56 which is equivalent to S$90. Didn't realized it was that expensive! This Darphin Purifying Balm contains 12 Essential Oils from medicinal plants, spices and flowers to target skin imperfections. It contains: 1) apricot kernel oil, 2) sunflower seed oil, 3) rosewood oil, 4) grapefruit peel oil, 5) thyme oil, 6) lavender oil, 7) cinnamon bark oil, 8) germanium flower oil, 9) sage oil and a few more essential oils. This Balm clarifies pores and helps reduce imperfections. The pharmacist mentioned that Darphin Purifying Balm will help reduce the blemishes on my T-zones. She recommended that I use it twice a week, at the most. You are supposed to leave the Purifying Balm overnight to work on the skin. This is a unique product which I have not seen elsewhere on the market - a mix of essential oils that target skin blemishes. Will try it out soon as I have a few blemishes on my chin and nose area right now. 

Stay tuned for my reviews of these Darphin products! Excited to try these French beauty products!