NEW BUY : Oxe Cure Body Acne Spray

~AG~ 

 

One of my Thai friends recommended this acne body spray. This is in available in Thailand at Boots for 255 Baht (S$11). 

 

 

She said this acne spray works well. The result is not instanteous, but it is effective.   

The active ingredient in this spray is 1% salicylic acid. It claims to cleans acne blemishes and helps prevent new acne pimples. The spray supposedly works from any angle, and even upside down.   

 

My back acne is appearing again. I can feel bumps on my back. Since I will be wearing a strapless evening gown in two weeks time, immediate measure should be taken to treat and prevent more acne from appearing. I really hope this works. *cross my fingers*

 

Makeup Products Today

 

🔹Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 

🔹Shu Uemura Face PowderColorless 

🔹NARS Orgasm Blush & Laguna Bronzer Duo 

🔹 Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in 2.5 

🔹Lancome Alber Elbaz Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof  

🔹 Cle De Peau Beaute Concealer in Ocher  

🔹NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base 

🔹Lancome Artliner Eyeliner

NEW BUY: Redken Diamond Oil Conditioner

 ~AG~  

Since my conditioner was running low, I decided to shop around for a new one. Currently, I am using Essential Rich conditioner. This time, I decided to look for a more moisturizing conditioner since I will be trying the Dae Gi Mae Ro anti-hair loss shampoo. Since anti-hair loss shampoo can dry out the hair, I will need a "heavier" conditioner. My hairstylist, Gilbert, uses Redken products, so I decided to try one of their conditioners. 

Buying shampoos and hair products from salon tend to be more expensive. A more affordable alternative is to buy high-end hair products from shops such as Venus Beauty, Red Tomato and such, which sells the products at a much cheaper price. Skeptics said shampoos and hair products sold in those shops are not authentic or that the products have been diluted. However, from my experience, the shampoos and conditioners work just as well.  

The shampoo I bought was Redken Diamond Oil Conditioner from Venus Beauty @ AMK. It retailed for $22.90. This is one of the most expensive conditioners that I have bought, I hope it is worth the price.   

Redken official website mentioned that this conditioner contains coriander, camelina and apricot oils which moisturize hair strands and prevent it from breakage. Hair oils are known to be good for dry and frizzy hair. This is probably the "richest" conditioner that Redken has on the market. 

I cannot wait to try this conditioner. I hope it moisturizes my hair and prevents further split ends from occuring.  

Please stay tuned, and I will let you all know whether this conditioner is worth the buy. 

AG's 2015 Beauty Resolution

~AG~ 

Some beauty resolutions for 2015. Little changes to my beauty routine and habits.
 

1) Use eye cream regularly. Sometimes I skip putting on eye cream, especially at night. This is a bad habit. Since the eye area is in need of moisturization. 
 

2) Use eyeliner more. I have two or three brand new eyeliners that have not been used. 
 

3) Find the approriate shampoo for my scalp and hair type. Reduce hair fall. 
 

4) Use at-home hair mask & hair treatment more frequently.  
 

5) Apply lip balm more often, to keep lips soft and moist. Nowadays, I only apply lip balm once or twice a day. It will be good to increase the frequency to 4-5 times a day. It will be even better if I can use my stashed lip products, my collection of lip srick, lip stain, lip gloss and such. 

Results of 7 Days Challenge: Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate

~AG~

SORRY for taking so long to get back to you all. I was busy travelling in and out of the country. On my previous post, I said that I will report back on December 9, 2014 about the results of my 7 days Lancome Advanced Genefique Activating Concentrate challenge. Lancome Advanced Genefique 7 Days Challenge

At the start of the challenge my skin was rather problematic. The skin area around my cheeks and chins were dry, and my nose were popping with little red pimples. I wanted to test out whether Lancome Advanced Genefique will help "calm" down my skin. 

I applied Lancome Advanced Genefique twice a day, as the first step after facial cleansing. I did not use any other skin serum, only applied Laneige Water Bank Essence on top as a moisturiser.

Three or four days after the use of Lancome Advanced Genefique, I felt a difference in my skin texture. My skin did not felt as rough and my dry patches were gone. Even my boyfriend, who often takes notice on my skin condition, commented that my skin texture has improved. If he mentioned it, it must be true! My boyfriend has a keen eye regarding my appearance. However, Advanced Genefique does not help reduce the little red pimples I had on my nose. Overall, Advanced Genefique has helped improve my skin texture in terms of hydration and clarity. My skin looks healthier and definitely feels softer. Also, my ultra sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to the concentrate. 

Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate has become my new must-have, especially when I am traveling to a country with a different climate. I noticed that when I used Advanced Genefique in China's winter weather, my skin does not feel as tight and will not have dry patches. Double Yay!

Some pictures of my bare skin on December 11, 2014. As you can see, the skin around my cheeks area looks and feels smoother. My skin looks luminous. 

I will definitely recommend Advanced Genefique to you, reader. It has become a must-have item in my skin care regimen. 

REVIEW: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

 

~AG~

A year after I bought Urban Decay Naked Basic Palette, I finally have the chance to try it out. The durable packaging makes it a good eyeshadow palette to travel with. It is light and fits nicely onto my travel makeup bag. It fits on the  palm of my hand. The rubberised packaging makes the surface less prone to scratches or eyeshadow residues. 

In the past, I always brought the original Naked palette when travelling. But I found that the packaging is too long to fit comfortably into my smaller travel makeup bag, it takes too much space. Plus, on short trips, I do not need all the eyeshadows that are available on the Naked Palette.

On my recent business trip, I decided to try out this palette. My everyday makeup look for work is usually a wash of shimmery eyeshadow and then some mascara. On some days, I use a contour shadow when I don't have time to put on liquid eyeliner. And when I really feel like dressing up, it is a shimmery eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner and mascara. 

 

       

 It retails for US$29. My sister bought it for me during the Sephora Family & Friends Sale, which entitles VIB insiders with an additional 15% off purchase. 

   

The Naked Basics Palette comes in six neutral shades.

 Left to Right: Venus, Foxy, W.O.S, Naked 2, Faint, Crave

All the eyeshadows are matte except for Venus which some shimmers. 

I was attracted to the four lightest shades on the palette. I find that those are shades that I would wear everyday. The two darkest shades are more for contouring and creating a neutral smoky eyes. 

The compact packaging of the Naked Basic Palette. It is very thin. 

This is the eye makeup look that I tried with this palette. I used Foxy all over my eyelids and then used Faint as a contour color. On the center of my eyelids, I applied Venus to highlight and brighten the area. This is an easy makeup look. You can use the darker eyeshadow as eyeliner. An easy way to define the eyes without the use of eyeliner. It creates a softer definition, which works great for a neutral work makeup look. 

Urban Decay Naked Basic palette is a great eyeshadow palette to have for natural makeup looks. The compact packaging makes it handy to have for travelling. As always, the pigmentations of Urban Decay eyeshadows are superb and stays on very well! I truly recommend this palette to those who want a simple neutral makeup look. 

 

My first post regarding the Urban Decay Naked Basic Palette.http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2013/12/urban-decay-naked-basics-palette.html

7 Days Challenge: Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate

~AG~

Please do not mind my au natural face. My skin was dry after my trip to China. The weather in China was windy and rather cold. As a result, my cheeks and chin area felt dry. Furthermore, I also noticed several pimples on my nose. Overall, my skin was not in a good condition. I decided to try out Lancome Advanced Genefique to see whether it will help "calm" my irritated skin. It is supposed to be a miracle serum that improves the skin condition. Lancome claims that you will notice a difference in skin condition in seven days. What a nice claim, isn't? 

 

I started the Lancome's 7 Days Advanced Genefique Challenge on Dec 3, 2014. Lancome claims that your skin will look different after seven consecutive days of use. I will use it day and night, as the first step after facial cleansing. I will not use any other serum or skin treatment. 

Previously, I had used the Lancome Genefique in the States after one of my friends recommended it to me. My friend who suffered from persistent acne said that this serum makes her skin glowing. She swore by this product and it is her HG product. 

 

However, even after I finished using the whole bottle, I did not notice any noticeable differences. I decided to try out the Advanced Genefique because it is an improved formula and my skin has changed since my time in the States. 

 

I bought this Lancome Advanced Genefique as part of a set with the Genefique Eye-Light Pearl at Singapore Changi Airport Duty Free store. 

 

I will come back on Dec 9, 2014 to report on the results of my challenge. Stay tuned!

 

See for more details 

NEW BUY: Lancome Advanced Genefique 

REVIEW: REN Clean Skincare Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturizing Cream

~AG~

I have been using this REN Clean Skincare Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream for over four months now. I am almost done with the 50ml (1.7 oz) bottle. So what are some things that I can say about it?

Firstly, the durable plastic packaging makes it a good product for travelling. The pump packaging makes it hygienic for application, and the protective cap that covers the pump ensures that no product is accidentally pumped out while travelling. I do not have to worry about the bottle being broken or products spilling. You can see how much product is left by looking at the transparent area on the side of the packaging. I find this super helpful, and a smart idea by Ren Clean Skincare.

Secondly, I do find that REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturizing Cream works well for my sensitive combination skin in Singapore humid weather. Even though it is a moisturizing cream, it is light and not greasy at all. I have been using it for over 5 months and can say that my skin has not had any adverse reaction. The reason why I wanted to try REN Clean products is because of their beliefs in making products that are paraben-free, mineral oil-free, synthetic fragrance-free and other harmful ingredients. Please check their website for more details About REN. REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream does not cause my skin to break out. Yay!

This product supposedly contains vitamins to hydrate skin. It also supposedly contains anti-oxidants that stops free radical and helps reduce premature aging. Honestly, I cannot say much about the prevention of premature aging. But I  do feel that my skin feels replenished after use.

You only need a single pump of product to fully moisturize the skin. I used it only on the day time, because I use a thicker moisturizer at night. This bottle can last me 5-6 months. A bottle costs US$38 which is pretty pricey for an everyday moisturizer but I find it totally worth it.

The scent reminds me of a combination of herbs and flowers. Though, the scent is not unpleasant or overwhelming. 

The only down side to this product is that it does not work well for drier climate. When I was in Shanghai last week where the weather was dry and windy, I felt that Ren Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturizing Cream was not hydrating enough. My skin felt tight and dry. So this will not work well for the Winter season.

Apart from that, I will definitely re-purchase this product. Even though it is not readily available in Singapore, the Sephora Singapore does not carry the REN Clean brand.

See http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2014/06/ren-clean-skincare-vita-mineral-daily.html for more details about the product.

Q&A: The Face Shop Argan Oil Mist

It comes in a 80-ml plastic bottle packaging. 

You can see the oil particle on top of the aqueous part.

The nozzle spray

 

1) How long have you used this product?
MG: I starting using it second week of October. It has been nearly two months. I am almost done with this bottle which will lasts me about 2.5 months.

 2) How do I use it?
MG: After I wash my face and apply my SK-II treatment essence, I spray the face mist as my third step. After spraying the mist,  I pat it onto my skin until it is fully absorbed. In addition, I also you use it after I wake up. My skin feels dry after being overnight in an air conditioned room. This mist helps keep my skin feeling refreshed and moisturized.

 3) Where did you buy it?
MG: My sister bought it at a Face Shop store in Seoul, Korea. She told me that it cost between S$15-20.

 4) Would you recommend to me? 
MG: Double Yes! Will definitely repurchase it. If they were to discontinue this product, I will definitely buy many backups.

 5) Will this be in your travel makeup & skincare bag?
MG: 100% Yes if it comes in a smaller version. The current version is too big to put in my everyday to-go makeup bag. With that being said, the plastic packaging makes it much lighter compared to Caudalie Teint Divin Beauty Elixir which comes in a glass bottle. I also do not have to worry about the plastic packaging breaking because it is pretty durable. The non-aerosol nozzle spray makes it plane-friendly.

 6) What is special about this product?
MG: You can see the argan oil floating on top of the liquid part. It smells naturally fresh, not overwhelming. I do not find that it is synthetically fragrant. However, I do find that I need to use two fingers to press down, if not the nozzle will spray unevenly - this is probably because of my small fingers. The spray particle is very fine. You can feel it on your skin for a few seconds then it is absorbed. It does not break you out. My skin feels moisturized after application. I do not feel it leaves a sticky/oil feeling on  my skin.

 7) What would you change about this product?
MG: I want a smaller version for easy traveling. A size which can be carried in my small handbag.

 8) Why did you purchase it?
MG: My sister chose it for me because she knows I like facial oil. Even though I have oily skin, I still love facial oil. Because it makes me happy knowing that my skin is moisturized enough so that my skin would not overproduce oil to compensate for the dryness. My skin can get "mega oily" if the glands detect that my skin is too dry.

Lisa Eldridge Dinner Date Makeup

~AG~

I <3 all the makeup looks created by Lisa Eldridge. This one is a great idea for an upcoming dinner date with my boyfriend. I especially like the bold lips. The eye makeup might not work for my monolids but I like the natural look. 

NEW BUY: REN Clean Skincare Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel

 

 

 

~AG~

 

I decided to stop using the Etude House White Moistfull Eye Roll-on. I have been using that product for over two months. My eye area does not look any different on days when I have it on compared to days when I do not use it.

 

I bought this REN Clean Skincare Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel (US$30) last June when I was in the States. The saleslady at Sephora had helped me picked out a moisturizer from REN Clean Skincare and so I asked her to also recommend an eye gel/cream from that brand. She recommended the REN Clean Skincare Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel. I told her that I wanted some light to help with my dark circles and puffiness. I also mentioned that I did not want an eye cream that was too rich because it will trigger more milia under my eyes.

 

The packaging is convenient for travelling. It is compact and durable. The eye gel comes in a pump applicator which make is user-friendly. I find that pump applicator is the best form of packaging for skin care products because they dispense the right amount of products, and is more hygienic. My least favourite packaging for eye gel or cream will have to be the squeeze tube, I often find that excess product tends to be squeezed. Thus for pricey eye gel and cream, the squeeze tube may cause the product to go to waste.

 

The description on REN Clean Skincare website makes the eye gel seems very promising with its many active ingredients that are used to help reduce puffiness and fight off dark circles. I will have to use this eye gel for a while to give a comprehensive review on how it helps or does not not help my dark circle and puffiness. Please stay tuned!

 

According to REN Clean Skincare website,  Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel contains:

• Vitamin P from Damask Rose Water is anti-inflammatory and protects capillary network
• Flavonoids from Arnica reduce puffiness by stimulating the drainage process
• Mucilages from Fig soothe and instantly refresh the eye area
• Polysaccharides from Zostera Marina increase and maintain moisture levels
• Ginsengoside from Chinese Ginseng boosts circulation in the capillaries
• Tyrosinase Inhibitor from Wild Canadian Rumex reduces dark pigmentation and redness

 

 

REVIEW: The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

 

 

 

After application of The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

 

~AG~

While browsing through The Body Shop store, I noticed the Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask. It seemed to work as a sleeping mask. The sales assistant told me that it was similar to sleeping mask in that you do not have to rinse it off. The instruction does say to tissue off after 15 minutes, the sales assistant further clarified that this is to be done to remove excess.

The Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask comes in a single use pack, and also comes in a large tub for multiple use. I decided to opt for the single-use pack to try because my ultra sensitive combination skin might have adverse reaction to the mask. The single-use pack is a smarter investment for now at $S2.90. That way, if the mask does not suit my skin, I would not have a large tub of unusable mask laying around. The single-use pack comes in 6 ml, I find that the quantity is enough for you to use it 3-4 times instead of one time use.

The mask has a cream texture. The scent has a hint of musk but it is not too overwhelming. It is absorbed quickly into the skin . During my first try, I felt a slight stinging on my face after 2-3 minutes of application. Nevertheless, I resisted the urge to wash it off and left it on my face. The next morning, I did not notice any red bumps or patches on my skin. Even though the mask caused slight stinging upon application, it did not cause any adverse reaction. During my second and third time, the mask did not caused any stinging effects on my skin.

I had some dry patches around my cheeks area and this mask did help to hydrate those dry areas. Overall, this mask moisturizing property is low to medium. It is not super hydrating but it does help my skin that was suffering from slight dryness. It does not feel heavy on the skin, and feels more like a moisturizer.

This is an average product that I would not recommend to you readers as a must-have. Though it is not a bad product, there are better hydrating masks on the market - such as Laneige Sleeping Mask and My Beauty Diary Q10 and Collagen sheet mask. I will not purchase the bigger version of Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask.

NEW BUY: DAENG GI MEO RI Vitalizing Shampoo

~AG~

On the November issue of Simpy Her, they have a section which showcased the best shampoos, conditioner, hair masks and hair products. While looking through the products, I saw Daeng Gi Meo Ri Vitalizing Shampoo that was a more affordable alternative for anti-hair loss shampoo. The reviewer quoted said that she saw less hair fall within two months of use, and that the shampoo did not smell bad. I was right away interested in this product. Ever since I came back from the States, I have noticed that whenever I washed my hair, a bunch of hair will fall off. It was significantly more than when I was in the States. I also notice lots of hair on the floor after blow drying my hair.

A bunch of hair strands that fell while blow drying my hair lightly.  

At first, I was not too concerned about it but my hairstylist also pointed it out during my last appointment. He said that I have very little hair on the front, around my forehead area. He also mentioned that my scalp is oily, and that I needed scalp treatment to help with the hair loss. While talking about hair loss shampoo, he mentioned that most anti-hair loss shampoo are drying and should only used for a month. I shall try Daeng Gi Meo Ri Vitalizing Shampoo and let you all know whether it is drying. I hope it does not dry out my hair too bad, because I have dry ends. *cross my fingers*

Anyway, I was looking for this shampoo at various Watsons shops but could not find it. Simply Her stated that is available at Watsons, BHG and Metro. But I do not have a BHG or Metro near my house or workplace. Finally, I went to Watsons website to purchase the shampoo. It retailed for S$35 which is expensive for a drugstore shampoo. It comes with 500 ml of shampoo which should lasts 3-4 months with daily use. On Watsons website it says:

For preventing Hair loss. Contains medicinal herbal extract (33% or more)>
Fermented medicinal herbal extract in which the toxicity of herbs has been weakened by fermentation makes the scalp Healthy. An active ingredient of changpo (Acorus calamus Rhizone) water, which has been used for Hair care since old times in Korea, makes Hair beautiful and Healthy

Directions: Use daily. For oily scalp, shampoo in the morning and at night to get better effects. Shampoo twice to product better results.

I cannot wait to try it, after I am done with my KeraStraight Straight Maintain shampoo - I have about 2 more weeks.  

Benefit Cosmetics Cheeky Sweet Spot O' Blushes

~AG~

This cheek palette consists of:

• Dandelion Brightening Face Powder (Pale Pink highlighter)
• Belle Bamba 3D Brightening Pink Face Powder (Watermelon Pink)
• Sugarbomb Sugar Rush Flush Face Powder (Peach, Rose, Shimmering Pink & Soft Plum)
• Hoola Bronzing Powder
• Coralista A Rio Pleasure Face Powder (Coral)
• Rockateur Famously Provocative Cheek Powder (Rose gold)
• Watt's Up! Soft Focus Highlighter

This cheek palette retails on Sephora USA website for US$36. This is such an affordable way to try Benefit Cosmetics famous boxed powders. A full-sized Hoola Bronzing Powder costs US$28. The full-sized Watt's Up! costs US$30. If I were in the States, I will buy it online asap. I own a full-size of the Sugarbomb Face Powder and it is pretty good. Sugarbomb creates a flattering glow to my cheeks. My younger sister, MG, own a full-size Coralista Face Powder. I have tried it on several occasions and I will have to say that the powder is finely milled. Coralista is rather pigmented, and the shimmery bits are not too obvious. Benefit Cosmetics Boxed Powders are their bestsellers.

 

FYI, I tried looking for this set in Sephora Singapore but it was unavailable :(

Benefit Cosmetics, please bring this set to Singapore soon!!

NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette

~AG~

I saw this on Sephora USA website. Sephora NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette

I so WANT this!! Three blushes, one highlighting shade and one bronzer all for US$65. I am a big fan of NARS blushes and bronzer, and this cheek palette is a steal. It consists of : Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush Powder, Sex Fantasy (pale pink), Deep Throat (sheer peach), Final Cut (coral) and Laguna Bronzing powder. I wish that they sell it at Sephora or NARS counter in Singapore. I will go check it out this weekend :)

REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence

~AG~

I bought this over a year ago in Singapore Changi Airport duty free. However, Laneige has come up with a newer version of the Water Bank Essence. They have re-pacakaged it as well. Anyway, this is my outdated review of this popular product from Laneige. 

The thing that stood out the most regarding this essence is the fresh oceanic scent. It smells wonderful and refreshing. It comes in a pump packaging which makes it convenient for application. The older packaging comes in a glass bottle which is hazardous for travelling. So, I usually the Ren moisturiser when I am travelling. 

Normally, it takes one pump to moisturise my whole face. On occasions when I find that my skin is drier, I use two pumps of the essence. What I love about this essence is that it absorbs quickly and does not feel sticky after application. The essence has a gel moisturiser texture which is rather lightweight. Laneige Water Bank Essence is perfect for this hot and humid weather. 

With my horrible experience with Korean skincare, I was afraid that my ultra sensitive skin was going to have an adverse reaction to Laneige Water Bank Essence. Thankfully, after more than two months of using it, my skin has not had any bumps or red patches. It also does not cause my skin to breakout, and does not clog my pores. Double Yay!!

Since this is a review of the older version of the Laneige Water Bank Essence, which you cannot find in the market anymore. I will have to review the newer version of the Water Bank Essence. I hope the newer version is just as good or even better than the older Water Bank Essence. Please stay tuned! I am  about halfway done with this bottle. 

October Favorites

Lancome Artliner

SunPlay Skin Aqua UV Silky Smooth Milk SPF 50 PA+++ 

CLIO Professional Virgin Tinted Lip Kiss

Allure: 8 Rules of Layering Your Skin-Care Products

8 Rules of Layering Your Skin-Care Products

http://www.allure.com/skin-care/2014/how-to-layer-your-skin-care-products?s_cid=skin_20140819_30073166

1. Start light. Serums—the thinnest products—go first, because a) that just makes sense and b) "they deliver active ingredients into the skin most efficiently," says Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist in Boston. Plus, they're easy to customize. Pick two or three serums that each treat one of your concerns: formulas with peptides for wrinkles (we like Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum),salicylic acid for oily skin (try Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Serum), and licorice or aloe to calm redness (like First Aid Beauty Anti-­Redness Serum).

2. Add an antioxidant. Vitamin C is one in­gre­dient every skin type needs. "It brightens, protects against sun damage, and promotes collagenproduction," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson, who recommends using a potent serum (such asObagi Professional-C Serum 15%).

3. Take a coffee break. "If you give each product a minute to dry, it won't pill," says Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in New York City and Miami. "I flow my skin care in with the rest of my morning routine.For example, I put on a product, have coffee, then put on a second product, then brush my teeth."

4. Lock it down. Moisturizer is key to any layering routine because "it seals serums on your skin, which can make them more effective," says Wilson. Feel free to keep it basic: Try Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 for normal and oily skin and Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer for dry skin.

5. Know when to go in reverse. If your sensitive skin reddens at the thought of using even one treatment product, try putting on a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer first and then serums on top. "The cream will reduce the potency of the serums," says Hirsch, "but they'll also be less likely to cause irritation."

6. Add an oil. In small doses, oils make skin radiant. Put them on dry areas after creams—as a rule, oils can penetrate moisturizers, but not vice versa. We like L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil, with sunflower-seed and jojoba oils. Skip the oil if you're wearing more than two serums under your moisturizer, though—at some point, you can't avoid looking greasy.

7. Don't forget protection. "Sunscreen is your last step in the morning," says Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York. "It sits on top of your skin, so if it goes on first, it prevents other ingredients from penetrating." Coppertone ClearlySheer Faces for Sunny Days SPF 30 is lightweight enough to layer over multiple products.

8. Have a nightcap. It's not as sexy as a snifter of whiskey. But ending your nighttime routine with a retinoidmakes you look a whole lot younger. (Every dermatologist recommends this anti-aging superingredient.) "I put my retinol over a serum and a cream—moisturizing helps retinol to penetrate better with less irritation," says Brandt, who uses his own Dr. Brandt Do Not Age Transforming Pearl Serum and Time Reversing Cream.

REVIEW: CLIO Professional Virgin Tinted Lip Kiss

~AG~

I am loving this CLIO Professional Virgin Tinted Lip Kiss. When I was in Korea last April, I stopped by the CLIO Professional store in Myeongdong. I have been wanting to try the CLIO killer eyeliner, and was so HAPPY to found a CLIO Professional store. The store reminded me somehow of MAC Cosmetics, with its black layout throughout. There were a few salesladies in the store, and each were proficient in a different language. An English-speaking saleslady assisted me during my time there. After helping me find the eyeliner, I asked her to recommend to me a good lip product. She then proceed to show me the Virgin Tinted Lip Kiss. She mentioned that it works like a lipstick but it stays on better, but is not as drying as regular lip tint. I was instantly attracted to the product. She asked me what type of lip color I preferred. I told her I tend to go for pinks then orange lip colors. She then recommended this lip color for me. It looks like a crazy hot pink shade on the packaging, but on the lips, it is a rather nice cool pink shade.

 

It has a rather matte finish. So if you have dry or flaky lips, I recommend that you put on a lip balm beforehand, as its matte finish can accentuate dry lips. On good days, I do not have to put on a lip balm, and the color will glide on easily onto the lips. All it takes is two coats to get pretty pink lips. It is more pigmented than my Benefit Posietint. I had underestimated this product's pigmentation. I thought this CLIO Virgin Tinted Lip Kiss will be another product with not-so-worthy-pigmentation that will remain unused in my makeup collection. But this has become one of my favourite lip products EVER!! <3

 

The best thing about this product is its staying power. I was really surprised by it. After hours of eating and drinking without any caution, the color still showed up my lips. I never had a product that stayed on sfor o long, plus it is not too drying for my lips. I absolutely love this product! I will recommend it to anyone who wants a long-lasting lip product that is easy to use. You do not have to worry about it smudging. It stays on very well. Plus, I love the fact that the lip tint is not too drying. Its matte finish is just the right consistency. I cannot remember how much I bought for in Korea. But I am sure it cost less than USD $20, so it is equivalent to any other drugstore lip product.



        

Two coats of Virgin Tinted Lip Kiss with a coat of lip balm. 

                                              

A ducky lip to show how pigmented the lip tint is. The cool pink shade is just too pretty! 

 

After three hours of eating and drinking. I was so surprised to see the color staying on my lips. There is some wearing off but there is sufficient color left on the lips.