REVIEW: Crème Simon UV Protector

~AG~

I just have to rave about this Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector SPF 50! This surprisinlgy lightweight sunscreen works great for my ultra sensitive combination skin. I am very picky when selecting a face sunscreen. A sunscreen should not be: 1) leave a white cast, 2) does not cause my skin to breakout and 3) not oily or sticky. My previous unpleasant experience with Derma RX Tinted Sunscreen left me wary of "greasy-looking" sunscreen. This Crème Simon UV Protector is definitely pricey @ S$68 for 30 ml of product. The saleslady claimed that this Crème Simon UV Protector will lasts at least 3 months. I question the legitimacy of that claim; she said that you only need a small amount for the whole face. 

So what do I LIKE about this Crème Simon UV Protector?
Firstly, it is non-sticky and does not feel oily at all. The texture is very lightweight, unlike the usual sticky sunscreen. The texture is similar to that of Crème Simon Universelle or a water-based moisturizer. Thus, this non-comodegenic sunscreen is especially suitable for Singapore's humid climate. I was very pleased with the texture as it absorbs easily into the skin. This sunscreen did not have a chemical scent, but rather, it has a light herbal scent. Finally, it does not leave the dreaded white cast. All the qualities of a great sunscreen!

Crème Simon UV Protector provides both UVA and UVB protection. It has chemical and mineral filters, and thus provide instant UV protection. The saleslady said you do not have to apply 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun. It provides immediate sun protection. This is a PLUS!

Works very well for my sensitive combination skin. Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector did not cause my ultra sensitive skin to breakout. There was no bumps or other adverse reaction to Crème Simon UV Protector. Will DEFINITELY repurchase this sunscreen. Highly highly recommend Crème Simon UV Protector to anyone! It is not the most affordable sunscreen on the market, but the $ paid is worth it. Not forgetting to mention that Crème Simon products are paraben-, mineral oil- and phenoxyethanol-free. Feel free to click on my link to purchase Crème Simon products online Creme Simon Online Store

Overview of Eye Makeup Removers

~AG~

Maybelline Makeup Remover
One of the first eye makeup removers that I tried. It is a dual-phase remover that you have to shake vigorously before use. Overall, it is a decent eye makeup remover that is affordably priced @ S$2 (US $1.50) for 40ml at Watsons Singapore. To remove my waterproof mascaras and eyeliners, I use a cotton pad for each eye area. 

Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover
This is Target's own brand. It is a dupe of Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. US $4.59 (US $6.50)  for ~160 ml. It is also a dual-phase remover, though the two contents are colourless. It is not as heavy duty as other eye makeup remover such as Lancome Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover or Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover. It takes a lot more work to get rid of waterproof eye makeup, but for the price

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover
This makeup remover is also a dual-phase content, so you have to shake it well before you. The only thing I have to say about Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover is that it is oilier than Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover, and Maybelline Makeup Remover. It is very similar to Lancome Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover. It is quite costly @ US $9.50 (S$13) for 50 ml of product. Other more affordable eye makeup removers on this last can get the job done just as well such as Maybelline Makeup Remover. 

Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover
This very popular Japanese eye makeup remover works well. It takes about two cotton pads to completely remove my waterproof mascara. S$12.90 for 145ml of makeup remover. This affordable eye makeup remover is also a dual-phase 

Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
This drugstore eye makeup remover retails for US$4.49 (S$6.50) with 118ml worth of product. This makeup remover burnt my eyes. It was horrible! Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover also did not do a good job in removing waterproof mascaras. *thumbs down*

Lancome Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
This highly-rated eye makeup remover by Lancome is similar in texture with Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover, though it is pricier. US$15 (S$20) for 50 ml of makeup remover. It is has a higher oil content compared to Maybelline or Bifesta Makeup Remover. It does a good job in removing eye makeup, but other comparable makeup removers does the job too. I would not spend that much money of eye makeup remover again. 

Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil
This is not categorised as an eye makeup remover. But it is a cleansing oil that works for eye makeup as well. The texture of the oil is rather thick, which is great for removing stubborn makeup. However, for S$55 for 150ml, I would not specifically use this cleansing oil for eye makeup. It is too luxurious a product to use it solely for removing eye makeup. Though, this cleansing oil is especially great for removing lash glue and false eyelashes, it is the most gentle method to take it all of. 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Even though, the name mentions Oil-Free, it has a slight oily texture. This drugstore find costs US $6.19 (S$8.50) for 160ml. It is similar to Up &Up Eye Makeup Remover, in that both these products are not very effective in removing waterproof makeup. It takes more tugging to remove long-lasting mascaras which is not good for the sensitive undereyes area. 

L'oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover

This was one of the earliest eye makeup removers that I tried. This drugstore eye makeup remover is easy on the pockets @S$11.90 (US$9) for 125 ml. Compared to Maybelline Eye Makeup Remover, this L'oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover feels oilier, and is also more effective in dissolving waterproof mascaras. This dual-phase makeup remover is a constant fixture on my vanity table. It works great and is affordable. 

*** Out of all the eye makeup removers on this list, the #1 recommended product is Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover. It is very affordable, gentle on the eye area, and effectively removes waterproof makeup. The runners-up are L'oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover and Maybelline Makeup Remover. I find that it not worth it to buy high-end eye makeup removers, as there are plenty of affordable eye makeup removers that work just as well. Save some $ on eye makeup removers, and go with drugstore finds instead. Your pockets will thank you for it :)

REVIEW: Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask

~AG~
Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask retails for KRW 2,000 (S$2.30). This hydro gel mask is pricier than the good-old sheet mask. The gel mask texture is that of a jelly (Jello). The moist gel adheres tightly to the skin, delivering active ingredients to the skin without leaving any stickiness, and keeps your skin hydrated and smooth until the next morning. A temperature-sensitive, water-soluble hydro gel. This patented gel sheet closely covers skin and effectively delivers active ingredients to your skin while breaking down. Nourishing and moisturizing benefits from canola honey
Firstly, this Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask does not fit well onto my face. It does not stick well and seems to slide off. I had to resort to snipping off the top of the gel mask into 4 distinct pieces. Read all about it below.

ORIGINAL GEL MASK

1. The mask comes with two separate parts. One for the top of the face: forehead, nose and upper cheeks area. Another for the bottom of the face: upper lip, lower cheeks area and chin.

2. The gel mask comes was too close to my under eye areas. It irritated my eyes!

3. Plus, the gel mask did not adequately cover my forehead.

GEL MASK AFTER SOME MINOR ADJUSTMENTS

1. Cut the top mask into 4 sections - forehead, nose, left and right cheeks. 

2. The newly modified gel mask fit better onto my face. It was not too close to my undereye areas, and could sufficiently cover my high forehead. Plus, the gel mask did not cover my eyebrows which are prone to breakouts. 

The worst thing about this gel mask is that it seems to slide off my face. It does NOT stick on well! I was expecting a gel mask to have better adhesion properties. Also, there was not much moisturizing properties. The hydrating properties of a regular sheet mask is much more evidenced than innisfree Hydro Gel Mask. This Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask was a disappointment! I would not repurchase it! It is more pricey than regular sheet mask, but its effect was mediocre. Laneige Water Bank Essence has better hydrating properties than this Hydro Gel Mask. 

REVIEW: Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara

Very girlish black and pink packaging 

Chic packaging of Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara

This mascara has a chic black and pink packaging. After reading online and YouTube reviews, I decided to purchase this Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara. This is a waterproof mascara that claims to give volume, curl and length to lashes. Sounds too good to be true? 

The first time that I wore this mascara, Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara smudged to my lower eyelids within 3 hours. I was rather disappointed with the lasting power. But decided to give it another try before tossing it into the bin. During the second try, Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara surprisingly did not smudge to my lower eyelids. The mascara stayed on well for more than 8 hours. You know how people always say third time is the charm? Well, during my third try, the mascara proved to be water-resistant but not waterproof. I wore this Etude House All Shockcara during my recent trip to Lombok, and put it through a swimming challenge. This mascara clumps up into fibers when it gets into contact with water. The good thing is that you do not get a raccoon-eye look, but rather random clumps of fibers on the under eyes area.

Short bristles wand

Bristles that are well separated to create definition

Besides that, this mascara does not provide dramatic lengthening properties. It gives my short and sparse Asian lashes some definition and volume. After curling my lashes with my HG Shiseido Eyelash Curler, Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara holds the curl quite well. Overall, I would recommend this Etude House All Shockcara. It is relatively affordable at S$20, similarly priced to drugstore mascaras such as Maybelline and L'Oreal. For hygienic purposes, I replace my mascara every 6 months or so. So this Etude House All Shockara is easy on the pockets. I bought Etude House Shockara while I was in South Korea, but I can easily find it in Etude House stores in Singapore. For those in the States, you can purchase their products from Etude House website. 

REVIEW: Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche

Chanel signature tweed design. So beautiful!

~AG~

Bought this Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche last December. NEW BUY: Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche This Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche has been my favourite blush/highlighter for a few months now. Though, I think this work more of a highlighter than a blush. It gives a subtle healthy glow, which is great for everyday use. The pigment is very light and natural. It takes about 2-3 layers for the blush to show up on my medium skintone. When you put the blush on the brush, it does not look like much. But when applied, it creates a beautiful glow - lit from within look. 

For those that prefer a more vivid blush shade, it might not be your liking. For comparison, NARS Orgasm Blush is more pigmented. I would recommend applying a more pigmented matte blush such as Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush first, before layering it with Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche. Another great thing about this Chanel Blush Duo is the fine shimmers that creates a nice glow.  It is an especially great way to brighten up my tired complexion. In addition, this blush did not trigger any adverse reactions on my sensitive skin - no redness, no bumps or no new breakouts. Yay!

My quick everyday makeup usually consists of: Cle de Peau Beaute concealer, Visee Nudy Rich Eyes eyeshadow palette and this Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect. This product has become a must-have in my makeup bag. The price tag of S$57.30 might put off some potential buyers, but it is definitely worth the price. I am glad I bought Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche. I would definitely recommend this Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche for anyone that is looking for a natural cheek product that gives a pretty glow. 

REVIEW: Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo

Use once a week to make your favourite shampoo work better

Each bottle comes with 175 ml of shampoo

~AG~

Bought this online from drugstore.com when they were having an offer. It was on sale for US $5.94 (S$8). This Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo claims to remove up to 90% of residues from shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products. The direction recommends to use it once a week. It supposedly cleans thoroughly and also rinses easily. 

Just a right amount of shampoo is dispensed with this small tip

Comes with a press-down-to-open cap

The reason why I bought this shampoo is because sometimes even after washing my hair with Klorane shampoo, I can still feel that my hair is not clean. Even after leaving my shampoo on for one or two minutes, some residue or impurities can still be felt on my hair strands. In addition, my hair is oily-prone and so I have to wash it everyday. 

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo works as a clarifying shampoos. It has a light scent, which pleasantly reminds me of Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. This colorless shampoo foams up well and throughly removes any product built-up. I do not use much sticky hair styling products except for a leave-in treatment. But after using this Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, my hair feels cleaner and does not feel as weighed down. I can skip a day of hair washing after using this Neutrogena Anti-Residue, as it somehow helps control my hair greasiness. Yay! Super satisfied with this shampoo :)

This Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo also works well for guys that use long-lasting or molding hair wax, gel or hair spray on a daily basis. My boyfriend who uses a combination of hair wax and hair spray from Monday to Friday finds that his normal shampoo cannot totally wash off his long-lasting hair wax. He often still feels traces of his wax on his hair strands even after washing his hair twice. So I let him try this Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo and he was amazed by it. His super long-lasting hair wax was completely washed away by this Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo. Plus, even after using this shampoo, his hair did not feel dry. Best of all, this shampoo does not smell 'girly' at all, so guys would not be turned off to use it. 

I will recommend this Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo to have in your shower. It works well to remove any stubborn product built-up from hair oils, leave-in conditioner, wax, spray, gel. This Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo makes your hair feels fresh. But make sure you only use it once a week to avoid over-clarifying your hair. 

NEW BUY: Introducing Crème Simon Skincare

Top: Crème Simon Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub

Bottom: Crème Simon Crème Universelle sandwiched between Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector SPF 50 

~AG~
The Crème Simon brand has recently been popular with Singapore bloggers. I wondered what the fuss was all about. Chanced upon the Crème Simon counter at Robinsons Raffles City today, and decided to check out the texture of the products. This French brand's products are free of paraben, silicone, oil, alcohol, coloring and phenoxyethanol. That sounded promising for someone who has sensitive skin.

Love the very chic packaging design. Comes with 30 ml of product

The first product that I tried was the Crème Simon Crème Universelle which is an Oil-Free Brightening Moisturizer. This multi-purpose Crème Simon Universelle Oil-Free Brightening Moisturizer (S$68) contains Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Sodium Hyaluronate and Original Crème Simon formula. This product will be especially handy for ladies who travel frequently. The scent of this Crème Universelle is very light, unlike the strong scent of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. In addition, the texture of Crème Universelle is non-sticky and rather lightweight. This is one of Crème Simon's best-selling products. 

30 ml 

The second product I tried was Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector SPF 50 (S$68). Finding a good facial sunscreen is very very difficult for me. There are so many facial sunscreens on the market, but not all work for my sensitive and acne prone skin. I am extremely careful with my sunscreen choice. Firstly, this Crème Simon Daily UV Protector has an SPF of 50. *clap clap* Secondly, the texture of this Daily UV Protector is GREAT! It does not feel oily or sticky, plus it does not leave a white cast. The Daily UV Protector absorbs quickly into the skin and does not leave a residue. When I commented that $68 is expensive for only 30 ml of product. The saleslady said that this 30ml Daily UV Protector can lasts for 4-5 months, because you only need a pea-size amount for your whole face. She also claimed that this sunscreen works instantly because it combines chemical and physical UV blockers, unlike other sunscreen where you have to wait 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun. That is a major plus! 

 75 ml

The third product I chose was Crème Simon Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub (S$68). The saleslady mentioned that she used this Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub everyday, but she recommended that I only use it once a week. Since weekly exfoliation is a must for my acne-prone skin, I decided to add this product to my basket. This Crème Simon Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub basically came free because Crème Simon @ Robinsons Raffles City was having an offer. The promotion was: Buy 3 products worth $68 each, and get 1 product (worth $68) FREE. So you basically pay $204 for $272 worth of products! I think I scored a GOOD deal :D 

Not only that, but because my purchases were over $200, I received a UV Umbrella and a travel-sized kit pictured below (30 ml Micellar Water Makeup Remover, 30ml Restorative Light Night Moisturizer and 30 ml Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub). I Love love love freebies! 

Free travel-sized kit: Micellar Water Makeup Remover, Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub and Restorative Light Night Moisturizer

I CANNOT wait to try all these Crème Simon products especially the Daily Defense UV Protector!! I hope it works for my ultra sensitive, acne-prone skin. *cross my fingers*

Based on the original Crème Simon iconic healing cream founded in 1860, this well-loved iconic remedy soothes dry skin and restores long-lasting moisturisation to face, body, hands and feet for over 8 hours.
The well-loved French remedy is popularized for its ability to:

• Plump up visible fine lines around the eyes*
• Soften and relieve chapped lips instantly
• Soothe redness and common skin irritations
• Heal acute dryness and sunburnt skin
• Regenerate dry elbows and cracked heels
• Moisturize dry cuticles

- See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/creme-universelle_1/#sthash.dQb024fo.dpuf

Based on the original Crème Simon iconic healing cream founded in 1860, this well-loved iconic remedy soothes dry skin and restores long-lasting moisturisation to face, body, hands and feet for over 8 hours.
The well-loved French remedy is popularized for its ability to:

• Plump up visible fine lines around the eyes*
• Soften and relieve chapped lips instantly
• Soothe redness and common skin irritations
• Heal acute dryness and sunburnt skin
• Regenerate dry elbows and cracked heels
• Moisturize dry cuticles

- See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/creme-universelle_1/#sthash.dQb024fo.dpuf

Crème Simon Signature 100% Natural Active Plant Extracts with Scientific Proven Benefits to Skin Cell Structure: - See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/benefits/#sthash.nBicu2ar.dpuf

Crème Simon Signature 100% Natural Active Plant Extracts with Scientific Proven Benefits to Skin Cell Structure: - See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/benefits/#sthash.nBicu2ar.dpu

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