REVIEW: Bioderma Sensibio H20

 

Winner of Best Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin by Women’s Weekly 2013 Best Beauty Buys (Singapore)

~AG~

I finally get the chance to try out this Bioderma cleansing water. Finished using my Fancl Washing Powder yesterday and was thinking which cleansing foam to use next. But decide to try this out instead since it’s been in my beauty storage for almost 3 months now.

My younger sister, who is a self-professed skincare product junkie, was using this Bioderma solution on the flight back to Singapore. After she was done cleansing, I saw how much dirt and grim that one soaked cotton pad could remove. I was impressed by it. My sister said that if you are using sunscreen, bb cream or other oil-based face products, it is best to you 2 cotton pads of Bioderma solution.

I've been using it for over 2 months now, and almost at the end of my first bottle. After first using Hada Labo Cleansing Oil to remove my makeup and sunscreen, I will soak a cotton pad of Bioderma and then use it to wipe my whole face. I usually use one cotton pad everyday, but on days when I feel that they are more grim, I will use two cotton pads of Bioderma. That is all I do for my face cleansing. I do not use any other face wash.

So far, my skin has not had any adverse reaction to Bioderma. It cleanses my skin gently while also removing all the impurities. At first, I questioned Bioderma cleansing ability. I was afraid that it would not sufficiently clean impurities and will cause my skin to have breakouts. Even though I like the squeaky clean feeling of a face wash, I have gotten use to the non-lather cleansing water. It does leave a bit of a "sticky" feeling at first, but after absorption, my skin feels soft and hydrated.
I like Bioderma so much that I stocked up on a bunch of them while I was in Europe last month. I recommend Bioderma to those with sensitive skin who are looking for a gentle way to clean your skin.

 ~MG~

I love Bioderma.

Started a new skincare routine because my face is in its critical condition during my summer holiday in Singapore. However, now that I'm back in the U.S, I'm still continuing with cleansing my face in the morning with just the Bioderma and using it again at night, as a toner(works superb as a gentle toner!) and double cleanser after using my facial cleanser or cleansing oil.

The Bioderma really works well, it clean off everything and its not drying at all which makes it a great cleanser to use in the plane! It can be a hassle washing your face in the plane's small sink and getting your face and skin wet may not be so ideal on a long haul flight since it's so cold up there! With Bioderma, you can use it comfortably from your seat! But be sure to remember to pack at least 2-3 cotton pads for every cleansing session.

Ps: Big Tip for those living in cooler and drier climate or during winter season, this is the perfect morning cleanser because its not drying at all and very effective!

REVIEW: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence

~AG~

The verdict is out for this supposed dupe of SK-II treatment essence. All I can say is that I am sorely disappointed with this product. I really had high hopes for it since there were quite a number of positive reviews.

The first day I used Missha Time Revolution, my skin had severe adverse reaction to it. Tiny red spots start appearing on my cheeks. At first I wasn’t sure it was caused by Missha Time Revolution, and I denied that it was a possible culprit. So I continued using it for two more days, and my skin became worst. My mother and boyfriend commented on the condition of my skin. The adverse effect of the product was very obvious to those around me.

As soon as I stopped using it, the red spots on my cheeks area disappeared. Thus, I can conclude that Missha Time Revolution does not work on my skin. I really wanted this product to work for me. But sadly, this product is a fail on my list.

REVIEW: Guerlain Meteorites Compact Powder in Teint Beige

Guerlain Meteorites Compact Powder in Teint Beige (02)

 





~AG~

PROS

• The floral embossed powder is beautiful
• The packaging looks metallic but is actually a plastic-like material —> Lightweight yet sturdy, great for traveling.
• Very softly milled and goes on flawlessly
• Has a sweet rose scent
• Gives a nice matte finish that is not too flat
• No to little coverage - great as a finishing powder

CONS

• The powder is too soft. The plastic cover accidentally scraped the powder and it broke to pieces. See pictures for details. On one occasion, my long fingernails scraped it and broke off a substantial amount of powder. My heart was in pain when it happened. So now, I’m extra cautious when using this powder.
• Some people might not like the obvious rose scent
• No coverage so it does not work well as a touch-up powder
• Pricey at USD $56

REVIEW: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

~AG~

•  Used it for over 3 months
• Applied it as a toner with a cotton pad
• I did try applying it as treatment essence by patting it gently on the skin. But I find that using it as a toner works better - since it can help remove excess residues as well as treat the skin.
• Since the product it is expensive, I only use it at night after thoroughly washing my face.
• I started using it when my skin condition was temperamental. My skin had an uneven texture with little bumps and dry areas around the cheeks. This made my skin texture smoother and softer.
• It evened out the skin tone. My dry patches disappeared after subsequent use.
• However, I did not re-buy this product because my skin got better and did fine without it.
• Myth: That once you stop using SK-II treatment essence, your skin will deteriorate or reverse to its original state. I discovered that once my skin was stabilized (no more little bumps or dry patches), it was fine even after prolonged discontinued use.
• This product is worth the money when used as an emergency product - as a special treatment for troubled skin.
• I would recommend this product as a last option, when everything else fails. Because of how expensive it is, it is not affordable for everyday use.

REVIEW: Eyeko skinny mini liquid liner

 

~AG~

Staying power: Smudged to my under eye area within 3 hours (with eyeshadow primer). Raccoon eye effect. However, on the top eyelid, the line does not smudge or fade.

It is safe to use for the waterline, though it is not very waterproof.

The pen-style tip makes it very easy to use. The stiff & fine tip can create a thin precise eyeliner or dramatic eyeliner. I find that you have to go over the line a few times to create an intense color. 

It is pretty affordable at UDS $16. You can buy it from Sephora. 

I would not re-purchase this eyeliner because there are other felt-tip eyeliners with better staying power such as 24K-Palette & MAC Liquidlast.

REVIEW: Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense

 

 Daily protection against 90% of skin aging

An oil-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free lightweight formula that provides broad-spectrum protection against 90% skin aging.

Ingredients:

• Avobenzone, also known by its trademarked name, Parsol® 1789, is the most commonly used chemical sunscreen today. On the FDA’s Category I sunscreen list, it offers broad-range UVA protection and helps protect the skin against the harmful effects of sun exposure which can cause premature skin aging.

• Octisalate (Octyl Salicylate) is a time-tested, effective sunscreen ingredient which augments UVB protection.

• Octocrylene is a premium UVB sunscreen that is water resistant and has a broad-band absorbent range

~AG~

I’ve been using this sunscreen since June. Instead of sticking to Shiseido’s line of sunscreens which I have been using for years, I decided to try something new. I wanted a lightweight sunscreen that will provide broad spectrum sun protection. Since Singapore is a humid and tropical place, my combination skin needed a sunscreen that will not feel thick and greasy. For an everyday sunscreen, I usually pick products with SPF 30 and above.
So, I was happy to find this product - it is both lightweight and provides sun protection above SPF 30. I bought the one that comes in a 30 ml package, but they do have a larger-sized version. The 30ml version is handy to have in your travel makeup bag. About the product itself, it absorbs quickly into the skin after application. It does not leave an oily residue, even at the end of the day. My sensitive skin did not have adverse reactions to this product - no red bumps or pimples because of it. Yay!
Overall, I’m liking it product and will recommend it.


~MG~

I took my other sister's Kiehl's sunscreen and tried it out because AG has been giving it thumbs up and I was looking for a sunscreen replacement of my Hada Labo's 'UV Moist Emulsion SPF50+ PA++".
Got to admit that it is really good! At first, I was abit skeptical and scared of its consistency because it is cream form and not in fluid which I preferred. I have oily skin so I tend to stay away from creamy sunscreen and plus my cheeks occasionally get dry so fluid type works better since it blends well with my flakey cheeks.
Prior to my Hada Labo, I was using the Kiehl's 'Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+' which is good, lighter than my Hada Labo. This Kiehl's 'Ultra Light' is better than 'Super Fluid' because it is really ultra light and by using it, you are helping with the noise pollution (and saving your energy and the embarrassment when you are shaking the bottle loudly to reapply your sunscreen, with people around you) because you don't have to shake the bottle before using it. I sure don't mind purchasing my own 'Ultra Light' bottle!

REVIEW: Yves Rocher Complete Anti-Aging Eye Care

 

The skin around the eyes is fragile and requires special attention!
This Complete Anti-aging Eye Care acts globally for maximum results.

This anti-aging product eyes is targeted to women over 40 for a daily use. It can be used as a cure for women in their thirties.
- Wrinkles and fine lines around the eye contour are quickly smoothed,
- Under eye bags seems deflated,
- Dark circles are visibly faded.
The unique tip applicator makes eye care a breeze. Just apply it to the area you want to treat and   gently squeeze for just the right amount!

~AG~

I walked past a “Yves Rocher” store while I was at Austria and wondered about it. It looked interesting from the outside, and I wanted to try some lower-end European skincare brand. The airport at Budapest happened to have a Yves Rocher store. Even though the saleslady knew minimal English, she was very helpful when I asked about their bestseller or star products. She introduced me to this eye cream when instead, I actually wanted to try Fresh Gel Undereye Bags. She said that the Complete Anti-Aging Eye Care is better. I was convinced to buy it after seeing the metal tip applicator which makes the eyes area feel cooling.

I’ve been only using the Clinique All About Eyes Serum in the morning, and no eye cream at night. The Clinique serum has a gel-like consistency and does not have much moisturizing properties, so I wanted to try an eye cream with a more hydrating and anti-aging benefits for nighttime use.
Will let you know whether this eye cream will work for me. Or will it be too “heavy” for someone in their mid-20s.

REVIEW: The Face Shop Real Nature Mask Sheet Aloe

A mask sheet that has aloe extract calms down the sensitive skin and provides moisture.

~AG~

• The mask sheet does not fit nicely on the face. The width of the forehead is too short. It does not cover the nose properly.
• Overall, the mask is too large for the cheek & chin area.
• My skin felt itchy after application. I think the material of the mask was what made it felt itchy.
• I removed the mask after about 10 minutes of application.
• This morning, my skin did not have any adverse reaction - which was good. I was afraid that there will be severe reactions because of the itchiness which I thought was from the essence of the mask.
• My skin did feel refreshed and hydrated after use.
• Conclusion: I would not re-purchase this mask because it does not fit nicely on the face and how itchy the material feels.

REVIEW: Korres Yoghurt Instant Soothing Gel

 ~AG~

Korres Yoghurt Instant Soothing Gel has a slight yoghurt scent. But it is not too sweet or overwhelming. It has a very lightweight texture. The cooling gel absorbs quickly onto the skin. It does not feel sticky or leaves a residue.

You only need a little bit of the product for the whole face
It keeps my skin hydrated, and is not too oily for Singapore humid weather
My sensitive skin has not had any adverse reaction to this product. I’ve been using it for over 3 weeks. 

About the packaging, it is convenient to travel with. And the tip applicator allows for minimal wastage of the gel.

The only negative thing about this product is the face that you have to shake the gel before use because it separates into a watery and creamy parts.

I bought this in June 2013, but when I try looking for it on Sephora.com (USA), I could not find it. I guess Sephora no longer carry this product. When I look for it on Korres website, I was not able to find it as well. It looks like Korres has discontinued this product.

PURCHASED: Laneige Sleeping Mask

~AG~

Just recently bought Laneige Sleeping Mask. Been wanting to try this product since my friend recommended it. There are also many good reviews on it. Keep you all posted.

Shu Uemura Face Powder Colorless

~AG~

Soft matte finish with long lasting effects. This super fine, fitting, light-weight powder is comfortable on skin, without drying. Packaged with a specific puff designed for the finish.

Bought this loose powder recently because I have been looking for one to set my makeup, especially my under eye concealer. I saw my cousin using it, and she said that it was not too bad. She said there was a colorless one too. So I decided to try it instead of using my Guerlain compact, which I keep as a to-go touchup. Will try it and let you all know how it is.

REVIEW: Laura Mercier Concealer

 

~AG~

I finally hit pan on my Laura Mercier Secret Concealer which I used for my under eye dark circles. During the last Sephora Family & Friend Sale, I bought the Laura Mercier Undercover Pot.  So, I'm going to start using it. It contains two concealer with a loose powder, which makes it convenient for traveling. Will let you readers know whether it is a better buy compared to Laura Mercier Secret Concealer.