REVIEW: Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix

~AG~

Bought this Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix Hard Type for S$15.12 when Watsons was having a sale.The original price is S$18.90. Since my HG D.U.P Eyelash Fixer is not available in Singapore, decided to try Dolly Wink because they are well-known for their false eyelashes.  

Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix goes on milky white but dries to a clear. Dolly Wink also sells Eyelash Fix that comes in black. Though, I prefer the transparent eyelash glue as it is less messy if there is a hiccup. This eyelash glue comes with a fine tip brush for precise application. I prefer eyelash glue that comes with a brush for easy application. This Eyelash Fix claims to be a ultra-strong type. It claims to keep your false eyelashes on all day. This waterproof glue is supposed to not come off with sweat or water. So what can I say about the lasting power of Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix? This eyelash glue does not stay as well as D.U.P Eyelash Fixer. The inner corner of my false lashes came off, and I had to reapply some of the eyelash glue. I am not sure is it because of the positioning of the false eyelashes, but that corner came off again after a few hours. So disappointing!

It takes about 30 seconds for the eyelash glue to be tacky, which is similar to DUO Eyelash Adhesive and D.U.P Eyelash Fixer. The eyelash glue dries to a clear and I usually go over the gaps with eyeliner. Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix also claims to be easy to remove. This I can attest to. It was removed by using an oil-based makeup remover and did not leave any residue on the eyelids. DollyWink Eyelash Fix contains ingredients that are gentle on the skin and does not irritate the eyes.

So what are my final thoughts on Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix? This is one of the lowest-performing eyelash glue that I have tried.  For the record, I have tried Duo Eyelash Adhesive, Revlon Lash Glue and D.U.P Eyelash Fixer. Would definitely not repurchase Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix.

REVIEW: Avène Cleanance Mask

~AG~

Bought this Avène Cleanance Mask (S$30) in Italy and finally got around to using it. This is the third product from the Cleanance range, which is designed for oily and blemish-prone skin. Avène Cleanance Mask is a 3-in-1 clay mask that exfoliate, deep cleanse and absorb excess oil.

This scrub/mask is designed for oily, blemish-prone skin. It contains AHA (Glycolic & Lactic Acid) and BHA (Salicylic Acid) that unblock pores and helps skin blemishes. Monolaurin targets the acne bacteria which produces excess lipid, thus regulating sebum. Kaolin clay also absorbs sebum and mattify the skin. Of course, it also contains the signature Avène Thermal Spring Water that has soothing properties.

This mask comes with 50 ml of product which will lasts me a long time if I use it weekly. The texture of this Avène Cleanance Mask does not resemble those of traditional clay mask. It does not have a dry clay texture, and rather has a cream texture. This mask contains gentle microbeads. The first time I used this Avène Cleanance Mask, my skin felt okay. However, the second time I applied it on my face, there was stinging sensation. Perhaps it is because my skin has become more sensitive due to the Vitamin C Serum that I have been using. Subsequent uses also resulted in burning sensation on my skin. 

Overall, Avène Cleanance Mask is an okay product but I would not re-purchase it. This mask seems to not work well for my sensitive skin type. There was no noticeable difference on my blackheads and skin texture as a result of the using Avène Cleanance Mask. This is one product from the Avène Cleanance range that you can skip. 

REVIEW: The FaceShop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam

~AG~

So after going several bottles of  Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam, my skin has decided to try a different cleanser. Since my skin has been on the drier side lately, a cream cleanser would be a good alternative. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam is a gentle cleansing foam that is enriched with rice water. Due to its creamy texture, it cleanses the skin without irritation. Bought it from Style Korea when they were having an offer for US$8 (S$11). This is a more affordable cleanser compared to Avene Gentle Cleansing Foam. It comes a squeeze packaging with 150 ml of product. Since I only use facial cleanser at night, this product will lasts me a while. 

The Rice Water Bright line contains rice water that is enriched with Vitamin A, B, E, ceramide and minerals that brighten and nourish the skin. After using it for over a month, The FaceShop Rice Water Cleansing Foam did not cause any breakouts or irritation to my ultra sensitive skin. The texture of this FaceShop Cleansing Foam is a whipped cream. The Cleansing Foam has a nice scent that reminds me of baby soap. The natural ingredients in the cleanser remove impurities while leaving the skin soft.

The FaceShop Rice Water Cleansing Foam comes in a plastic squeeze packaging that is durable enough for traveling. I have dropped the plastic packaging from a height of above 1 meter, and the cleanser is still okay. Though, I would prefer if this product comes in a small version so that it would be lighter to travel with instead of carrying 150 ml of product, which adds up to the baggage weight.

I would definitely repurchase The FaceShop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam. It is an affordable cleanser that gently removes impurities without causing the skin to feel dry. Since it is a cleansing foam, it lathers well and feels comfortable on the skin. You only need a pea-sized amount of this Rice Water Cleansing Foam to thoroughly cleanse the whole face. Overall, I would recommend The FaceShop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam to those with normal-dry skin types.

REVIEW: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

~AG~

Bought this popular Skinceuticals C E Ferulic to try out. This is the first product from Skinceuticals that I have tried. Ever since falling in love with Derma-RX Max C, Vitamin C serum has become an essential part of my skincare regimen. Vitamin C helps to brighten my skintone and counteracts free radicals which causes premature aging. This Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is suppose to be one of the best Vitamin C serums in the market. It is an established product, having won 24 beauty awards.  Wow! That is a major feat.

This daytime Vitamin C serum delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens skin's complexion. The serum contains 15% pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) and 0.5% feluric acid. Their Duke Antioxidant patent formula delivers effective and stable Vitamin C to the skin. Once absorbed, this serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours. I have not heard of this claim from other serum.  

So instead of using this serum in the morning as directed, I use 2-3 drops of Skinceuticals C E Ferulic at night. Why do I not follow the directions? Because Vitamin C makes skin more susceptible to sunburn. Since I do not wash my face in the morning, only use toner and continue the rest of my skin care regimen. Thus, the serum is effectively on my skin for a longer time. 

The serum (30ml) comes in a dark glass bottle with a dropper. The first thing I noticed about Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is that it has a strong smoky scent. I would say it reminds me of smoky wood. Been using it daily for over three months, and there is no noticeable skin improvements. The serum does has a slight tacky feeling upon application, and it takes a while for the product to be fully absorbed into the skin. After using Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, my skin has been more sensitive to some products. So, I avoid using any facial polish or scrub that contains AHAS and BHAs. 

Overall, I would not repurchase this serum because it is too expensive and does not show significant results. It does not brighten my skin tone.  Moreover, the texture of the serum is rather sticky. Vitamin E might be detrimental for those with acne-prone skin as it can clog the pores. 

REVIEW: Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening

 

The set of Perfecting Cushion

 ~AG~

Bought this Sulwhasoo Perfection Cushion Brightening last year when I was in Seoul, Korea. It retails for KRW 65,000 (S$78) there. The set comes with 1 x Cushion Brightening and 1 x Cushion Refill. This Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion has a brightening effect. It contains magnolia extract and Pearlescent Complex to give radiance to the skin. The cushion evens and brightens the skin for 12 hours. Sulwahsoon Perfecting Cushion Brightening contains Licorice Purifying Water that hydrates the skin and helps promote a translucent look. This cushion has a special oil-capture system to control excess oil and gives the skin a nice satin finish. 

This is the Cushion that my makeup artist, Shaun Lee, used on my face for the wedding day. He mentioned that Sulwhasoo Cushion Brightening is great because it would not clog the pores. This Cushion has light to medium coverage. For those that prefer more coverage, you can try Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion EX. iShop Changi is selling it for S$72.20. The duty free at the airport is a great place to buy cosmetics at competitive prices. 

The great thing about this Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion is that it comes in 7 shades to match varying Asian skin tones. The saleslady at the counter matched my skin tone to Shade 21 Medium Pink. For reference, I am Urban Decay Shade 3.0 and Bourjois Vanille 52.  I was afraid that this Sulwhasoo Cushion might cause a white or grey cast on my skin, as my previous experience with  banila co. and The FaceShop Cushion has been unfortunate. Fortunately, this shade matches well to my warm medium skin tone.This Sulwhasoo Cushion is great on days when I need something to brighten up my complexion. On days when I do not have enough sleep, I like to apply this on my face to give a nice radiance to my dull complexion. The texture of the Cushion is very light and does not feel like anything on the skin. I would still apply a concealer for my under eyes area and blemishes when necessary. It has a decent staying power and does not melt off in Singapore's humid weather.On normal days, primer is not required to have the Cushion stay on all day. Though for days when I will be outdoor, I would apply primer as a precaution.

Typical packaging of a Cushion

For special occasions, I would not use this Sulwhasoo Cushion as a foundation because I prefer more coverage. Even though my wedding makeup artist did use Sulwhasoo Cushion as my base makeup (as he is truly a makeup extraordinaire), his magic hands made my makeup stayed on all day. Overall, this Cushion is good to have in your beauty arsenal when you need a quick touch-up. This product is available in 7 shades to match different Asian skin tones. With that being said, one cushion will lasts for a long time, as the puff dispense minimal product. Highly recommend this Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening for those who wants a natural radiant glow.