REVIEW: Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer

Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals.

~AG~
This primer can be used under or over makeup. Recently, I been putting this primer to good use. I apply it after putting on the DRX Hydrator (moisturizer). You only need a tiny amount of  this primer for the whole face. I apply a needle-head size to a few spots on my face - the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. I gently pat it on, and my skin feels instantly smoother.

I use Benefit POREfessional primer prior to using Hera CC Cream. After several uses, I noticed that Hera CC Cream stays on better with the application of Benefit POREfessional primer. Without the use of the primer, Hera CC Cream tends to melt in the high-humidity Singapore's climate. Especially with the weather being so hot recently, this primer helps to keep my face makeup in place. I <3 that it is an oil-free formula. As my T-zone areas tend to get oily, this primer works great on those areas.

The primer comes in a flesh tone shade. Though, it does not add any colour to the face.
My sensitive skin has not had any adverse effects to this primer. Some primers cause my skin to breakout after use, but I had not had any issues with this one. The primer feels weightless on my skin, which I enjoy! The primer is quickly absorbed into the skin. I do not like primers that I can feel sitting on top of my skin.

I will recommend this to anyone that needs a primer to keep their face makeup in place. This primer works well in Singapore's extreme humid weather. Even with the constant perspiration, my face makeup does not melt off with the help of this primer.

I bought this primer as part of the Benefit Cosmetics Perfect Hideaway set which retailed at $42.90. It came with a full-size of POREfessional and a mini version of Fake Up. 
See link for more details http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2015/01/new-buy-benefit-cosmetics-perfect.html

Alternatively, Sephora USA retails the mini version (7 ml or 0.25 fl. oz.) for USD$10 and the full size (22 ml or 0.75 fl. oz) for USD $31. You can find Benefit POREfessional primer at Sephora Singapore stores as well. But I am not sure whether the mini version is available in Singapore.

REVIEW: Oxe Cure Body Acne Spray

~AG~

This acne spray has been on my bathroom shelf for a while now. I have been using this product on and off for  about six months. Click my previous post for more product information: http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2014/12/new-buy-oxe-cure-body-acne-spray.html

50 ml of product

Handy packaging makes it convenient to travel with

 

With 1% salicylic acid with bearberry leaf extract

Recently, my back acne has decided to make an appearance again. So, I have been putting Oxe Cure Body Acne Spray to good use. Instead of simply spraying it on my back, I spray it on a cotton pad and wipe it across my back. This is a more targeted application of the acne spray. Plus, it additionally acts as a toner to remove impurities as well. This is evidence by the residues found on my cotton pad after wiping it across my back. You will be surprised by how much impurities are left on your back even after a good shower. By using Oxe Cure Body Acne Spray as a toner, it helps to prevent the pores on my back from clogging.

The spray function of this product works pretty well. I did not have any problem with the nozzle or the spray coverage. The nozzle works well to dispense the right amount of product to my cotton pad or my back. Unlike some other spray bottles, I did not have a difficult time using this product.

The formula of the acne spray is gentle on the skin, so it takes a while to see results. After using it for over a month, then I noticed a slight improvement to my back acne appearances. You have to be patient with this product.
 I will say this acne spray does work for my back acne, even though the results are not immediate. You have to use this product consistently to reduce the appearances of back acne. It is not a magic product that vanishes back acne instantly, but I find that it does help minimize it. Though, this acne spray does not help with acne scars.

REVIEW: VICHY Normaderm Hyaluspot

~AG~

In my previous post, this product was introduced as a possible fast-eliminating pimple treatment. Click link for my introduction of Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2015/03/new-buy-vichy-normaderm-hyaluspot.html

Vichy Normaderm Hyalospot

15 ml of product for ~S$26

 Cooling metal applicator to apply the pimple treatment

After several tries with this pimple treatment, I have to admit the sad truth. This Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot does NOT work for my pimples. It claims to vanish pimples in two days. But this was not the case. Even after three days of continual use, my red/whitehead pimples were not minimised.

The only good thing about this product is its packaging. It is convenient to use because it comes with a metal applicator. You do not have to wash your hands after application, as you would other pimple treatment. 

The product itself is interesting in that it creates a film barrier after it dries. As mentioned before, the hyaluronic acid component is used to create a protective film. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring moisture-binding ingredient in the body. It hydrates and protects the skin. This film prevents the existing pimples from exposure to more contamination.

I find that the pimple treatment stings after application. The two acne-fighting ingredients in this product are: Salicylic Acid and LHA (Lipo Hydroxy Acid). 

• Salicylic Acid helps reduce acne and prevent pimples by refining the pores
• LHA is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that exfoliates the skin, decongest clogged pores, and refines skin's surface

These two combined ingredients are probably not suitable for my sensitive skin.
This product costs SS$26, which is expensive for a pimple treatment. I would not consider Vichy as a high-end brand, but because this brand is from Europe thus the steep price tag in Asia.

Overall, I would not recommend Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot to anyone. It does not work to reduce existing pimples, nor does it work to prevent new ones from appearing. Please skip this product when you are browsing through Watsons or Guardian or any other drugstores.

REVIEW: Dove Nourishing Oil Care Serum

~AG~

This affordable argan oil serum from Dove. I bought this particular serum in Indonesia, but Dove also retails this product in Singapore. The packaging looks the same, the only difference is the price tag. I cannot remember the exact price but it was less than S$10.

Comes in a convenient pump packaging that has a protective cap

40 ml of product

It claims to:

• tame even the most unruly hair
• minimize frizz
• nourish hair with argan and almond oil
• not weight hair down
• not leave a greasy feel 

The claims above seem too good for my frizzy and dry hair.
Can this serum from Dove really do all that magic?

The first thing to note is the signature Dove scent on this product. If you have you tried any of Dove products before, you will realized that they have the same underlying scent. Some people like it, while others do not appreciate it as much. As for me, Dove's signature musky scent is too overwhelming. I much prefer the natural scent of argan oil. In terms of texture, the serum is similar to other hair oil.

The good thing about this serum is that it is absorbed quickly into the hair. I have been using it for over two weeks now. One of its claims is TRUE, my hair does not feel greasy after application. However, I cannot support the other claims of the serum taming even the most unruly hair and minimizing frizz. My hair will still be as frizzy even after use. I thought my hair will be more controllable after applying the serum, but it did not help at all.

How do I apply it to my hair?
Since I have shoulder-length hair now, I dispense one pump of product. I rub the oil evenly on the palms of my hands before applying it only to the ends of my hair. It is important to apply the oil serum to the ends of my hair since there is where it is most prone to split ends. I avoid applying it to the top half of my hair because my scalp tends to get oily easily. Instead of applying it when my hair is wet, my previous hair stylist taught me to apply it when my hair is semi-dry.  A little science lesson. Oil does not mix well with water. When the hair is wet, the serum is not absorbed evenly onto the cuticles. It is more effective to apply it when it is semi-dry.

Even though I will still be using this oil care serum for now, I would not recommend it to you. It is not worth the ~S$10 I paid for it. I rather pay more for a product that works on my frizzy hair.
P.S: The reason for continued use is for its moisturizing properties. However, if I find a better serum for my frizzy hair, I will not hesitate to switch out.

REVIEW: VDL Festival Lip Stick Glow Balm

~AG~

Purchased this VDL lip balm in Korea for KRW 18,000 (S$22). Saw this VDL & Kakao collaboration in-store. The packaging is so adoooraaableeee! This VDL Festival Lipstick Glow Balm is adorned with Apeach emoticons. Since I am a fan of Kakao, I cannot resist to grab this lip balm. This lip balm claim to moisturize and nourish the lips to give a smooth, non-flaky surface.

The second from the left top. The signature yellow Kakao packaging 

Apeach icon embossed on the lip balm

So what can I say about this lip balm?

It does not have much color on my lips. It leaves a slight pink sheen on the lips. This lip balm reminds me of Dior Lip Glow. The only difference is that Dior Lip Glow is more hydrating and long-lasting. After about an hour, I do not feel this lip balm on my lips anymore. VDL Glow Balm is not as moisturizing as other lip balms such as Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment or Rosebud Salve. When I am on the plane or other places with drier climate, this lip balm is not sufficient to keep my lips moisturized.

I would not recommend this VDL Glow Balm as a lip balm to buy. The bright yellow packaging and Apeach emoticons embossed on the lip balm are the only good things about this lip balm.