NEW BUY: Japanese Facial Sheet Mask LuLuLun Blue & Saborino Pink

Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask (Moisture Rich)

~AG~

Decided to get some Japanese facial sheet masks before the circuit breaker restriction. Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask (Moisture Rich) has a 3-in-1 performance of cleansing, skincare and primer. It is supposed to be used in the morning for 60 seconds before makeup application. My thoughts are, who has time for that? Saborino Moisture Rich contains hyaluronic acid, collagen, honey, apple acid, peppermint leaf, raspberry, pomegranate, grape, blueberry and peach leaf. Bought Saborino sheet mask for S$6.90 from BHG Welcia. You can also find Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask at Watsons and Guardian stores. Each pack comes with 5 sheets of facial mask. Cannot wait to try it on days when I am lazy to do my morning skincare routine. 

Another facial mask that I bought was the Lululun Deep Moisturizing. Tried this Lululun daily sheet mask before and decided to repurchase.  It is a highly popular sheet mask brand in Japan and has sold over 1 billion sheet masks. Lululun masks are available at BHG Welcia, Watsons, Guardian. Each pack costs S$8.90 and comes with 7 sheet masks. It works well to hydrate the skin and is at an affordable price. 

Will definitely spend some time with self-care during this circuit breaker period. One of the simplest way to self-care is by putting on a facial sheet mask to pamper the skin. Stay tuned for my review on these Japanese sheet masks.

REVIEW: Korres Natural Damask Rose Anti Fatigue Mask

~AG~

Bought this Korres Anti Fatigue Mask during my honeymoon to Greece. Tried several of Korres products a few years back. They were popular in Sephora USA because of the use of natural ingredients. I cannot remember how much Korres Rose Anti Fatigue Mask retails for but it should be less than 15€. Korres website put the retail price @ 10.50€ (S$16.50). The reason I bought it is because of its handy size. It comes in an 18ml bottle which is just nice for traveling. This mask is supposed to be leave-on overnight and then wash off in the morning. This Anti Fatigue Mask is anti-ageing, creamy night treatment that rejuvenates skin and helps reduce the signs of premature aging. 

Enriched with Damask Rose extract which is known for its toning, antiseptic and astringent properties, the extract delivers a potent anti wrinkle action. This Anti Fatigue Mask also contains soothing aloe vera and moisture-binding hyaluronic acid to enrich skin hydration. Boosted with stable Vitamin C for visible brightened skin, antioxidant Vitamin E and nourishing natural waxes, the mask leaves the complexion fresh. This product is free from mineral oils, petrolatum, paraffin wax, silicones, parabens phthalates, retinol and synthetic dyes. According to Korres website, it contains 95.24% natural content. That sounds great for someone with sensitive skin like mine. 

My skin gets especially dry when I fly. Like now, my skin feels tight and dry. Late nights + dry atmosphere of the plane = Dehydrated Skin. This Korres Rose Mask is a good addition to my nighttime skincare regimen. This Korres Mask has a rather creamy texture compared to Laneige Sleeping Mask.  I usually apply Korres Mask as the last step of my skincare regimen. I pair this Korres Anti Fatigue Mask with Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre to give my skin the added hydration it needs. This Korres Anti Fatigue Mask does not leave a sticky feeling which is great. I do not like when my mask leave a sticky feeling, such as Laneige Sleeping Mask. Since this Anti Fatigue Mask has a nice texture, I used it every night on my recent trip to China. It helps to make my skin feels hydrated the next morning. In terms of the brightening and anti-aging effects, I could not notice it. 

The  Korres Anti Fatigue Mask has a distinct rose scent that is not overwhelming. Overall, this is a good addition to my travel skincare bag. Though, the Korres brand is not readily available in Singapore. Guess I would have to look for a more accessible alternative. But for those in the States or Europe, do try this Korres Anti Fatigue Mask.

REVIEW: Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream

 Darphin Hydraskin Light Cream Gel

~AG~

Bought this gel cream on my honeymoon in Paris. Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream was recommended by the lady pharmacist. I had asked her for a good moisturizer for combination skin.
On the packaging, it mentions that "this all-day skin-hydrating cream gel is designed for normal to combination skin." This gel cream has Hydra-Structure Technology, a high performing hydrating complex of powerful ingredients such as Butterfly Lavender and Salicornia Herbacea that wakens the skin's moisture mechanism. It helps defend skin's moisture reservoir. 
 
Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream comes in a 30 ml and 50 ml packaging. The 50 ml retails for US$62 (S$82). The 50 ml packaging will lasts me for 3-4 months. It is one of the most expensive moisturizers that I have ever bought. The glass packaging is rather heavy and not the most convenient for traveling. Since it comes in a tub packaging, you have to dip your finger into the product. In terms of hygiene, the tub packaging is not ideal. I prefer pump packaging or squeezable packaging for my skincare product. Though the tub packaging allows for no product to be wasted.

The light green gel cream

It has a thicker texture than Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre. The consistency of Darphin Hydraskin Light is more creamy and emollient. The scent of Darphin Gel Cream is stronger than that of Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre. It has a pleasant refreshing scent. This moisturizer will be great for those with dry-normal skin type. Darphin Hydraskin Cream works well for my skin especially when I am traveling to drier climates. My skin feels hydrated and comfortable after application. Though, it is too emollient for those with oily-combination skin types. 

For those living in humid countries such as Singapore, this cream might be too heavy for your liking. My skin does feel a bit tacky after application, it takes a while (5-10 minutes) for the cream to be fully absorbed. Overall, it is a good moisturizer but I would not repurchase because of the exorbitant price. I would instead use that money to purchase 3 bottles of Embryolise Lait Creme Concentre.

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

C

REVIEW: Hada Labo Perfect Gel

Travel-sized version of Hada Labo Perfect Gel

Contains Collagen which helps firm the skin and Super Hyaluronic Acid instantly hydrates your skin and provides long-lasting moisture and smoothness.

~MG~

Q: How much did you buy Hada Labo Perfect Gel for?

A: I bought it during my trip to Bangkok trip for around THB 200 (S$8).

Q: Why did you decide to try this Hada Labo Perfect Gel?
A: On Hada Labo's official website, this product claims to have 5 functions: lotion, milk, cream, serum and mask. Because it comes in a sample size, it is a great way to try new product. Plus, I have always love Hada Labo's products.

Q: How long have you been using this moisturizer? 
A:  I used it for two weeks, day and night, when I was in the United States.

Q: What do you like about this product? 
A: Hada Labo Perfect Gel is lightweight. Like all the other Hada Labo products, my skin did not suffer breakouts or adverse reaction because of it. The texture of Hada Labo Perfect Gel is similar to that Laneige Gel Cream_EX. The texture is also similar to Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream, though Fresh Gel Cream is more moisturizing. 

Q: What do you want to improve about this product?
A: It is not what it claims to be. It claims to hydrate with a long-lasting effect. Hada Labo Perfect Gel's moisturizing power is not that great. From the information provided about the product, I thought that it would be only good to use at night, but I can use it for daytime as well. For night time use, I layer a face oil over it for added hydration. Even though Hada Labo claims it can work as a face mask, I find it is not as moisturizing. 

Q: Would you recommend this moisturizer to your friends? 
A: Would not recommend Hada Labo Perfect Gel for a night time moisturizer. It will work well for those who want a lightweight moisturizer and/or those whose skin does not much hydration such as oily skin type.

Q&A: Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream

~MG~

Rose Hydrating Gel Cream with soothing rosewater is a daily moisturizer for all skin types proven to provide 24 hours of significant moisture while protecting against damage caused by pollution. Its unique texture has an immediate cooling effect and instantly hydrates the skin for a healthy-looking, radiant complexion. 

 Key Ingredients:

• Rosewater helps to soothe and rose flower oil and jojoba oil help to nourish.
• Porphyridium cruentum, a “smart” algae, helps to deliver optimum moisture.
• Angelica leaf extract is known to improve moisture-retention.
• Rhodiola root extract is a protective antioxidant.
• Hyaluronic acid helps attract and maintain moisture to restore suppleness.
• Cucumber extract helps to calm and cool the skin.  

Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Creams claims  to provide up to 24 hours of significant moisture, and to significantly protect the skin from damage caused by pollution. 100% felt their skin was healthier-looking and more hydrated, supple, and soft. 97% noticed their skin was instantly hydrated and nourished. 93% reported it protected, soothed, and toned the skin.

Q: How much did you buy Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream for?
A: In Singapore city, it retails for S$68. Since I bought mine at Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free, it was cheaper, at around S$63. It is a good idea to buy your beauty products from Duty Free shops as it is GST-free (sales tax free), you save tons of money.

Q: Why did you decide to try this Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream?
A: Because I want a more natural moisturizer that is gentle on my skin. I was actually debating between the Rose Hydrating Gel Cream and the Clay Umbrian Oil-Free Lotion. The saleslady recommended that I buy the Rose Hydrating Gel Cream because she saw some dry patches on my cheeks.

Q: How long have you been using this moisturizer? 
A: I have been using it twice a day for about three months now.

Q: What do you like about this product? 
A: This product is very moisturizing. Since it is a gel texture, it has a cooling effect when applied. Sometimes, especially in the daytime, I find that it might be too much for Singapore's humid climate. Compared to Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream, Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream is more hydrating. 
It does not leave a sticky feeling, but it can sometimes make my T-zones looks oily. My T-zones, in general, tend to be oily.
Even with it being very moisturizing, Fresh Rose Gel Cream does not cause me to breakout. It also works well with my other skincare products. I apply this moisturizer at the end of my skincare regimen - before I put sunscreen or face oil.  
Lastly, I like the pump packaging. It makes it very convenient for application. The slim and light plastic packaging also make it a plus for traveling with.

Q: What do you want to improve about this product?
A:I would not repurchase because it is too moisturizing for my oily-combination skin, since I only have dry areas on my cheeks.

Q: Would you recommend this moisturizer to your friends? 
A: I would recommend this moisturizer for those that have dry skin type, or those that live in drier climates such as the United States. It will be good for the winter season in the U.S. Alternatively, you can use this moisturizer as a night cream if you sleep in an air conditioned room.

REVIEW: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil Face, Body & Hair

~AG~

This Nuxe Multi-Puprose Dry Oil has been an beauty staple for the office. This product was actually purchase by MG but I have taken the liberty to use it as well. NEW BUY: Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil This Nuxe Dry Oil can be used for the face, body and hair. The first thing I noticed about this Nuxe Dry Oil is the scent. The scent is pleasantly floral, it reminds me of the beach somehow. I really <3 the scent! Even my boyfriend is a big fan of the scent, he can tell when I apply it on my hair.
The splash bottle packaging is made out of glass, so it is not as travel-friendly. The tip of the bottle has a stopper so the product does not overflow. It works great, and dispense just the right amount of oil.

Most often, MG and I use this dry oil as a moisturizer for our legs. Since the air conditioning in the office can be quite harsh and dry, this Nuxe oil works great to keep my legs feeling well-moisturised. It is well-absorbed by the skin, and does not leave a sticky feeling. On several occasions, I have applied this oil on my coarse and frizzy hair. Two drops of Nuxe Oil are all I need for my thick and coarse hair. Surprisingly, my hair did not feel greasy afterwards. Moreover, this Nuxe Oil made my hair felt softer and smoother. Double Yay!

I will definitely recommend this Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil. It works great for your body as well as for your hair. I have yet to try it on my face, since I have ultra sensitive combination skin. P.S: As both Watsons and Guardian regularly have discount for this product, do wait till they have a sale on this product, do not pay full price for it.
==========================================================================

~MG~

MG describes this dry oil as "light and fast-absorbing". It smells therapeutic, and reminds her of spas. The thing she likes most about Nuxe Dry Oil is the scent. It makes her feel  oh-so-relaxed.  However, she would not repurchase Nuxe Dry Oil because it is expensive. She bought it at S$32.40 (when Watsons was having a sale) for 50ml of product, original price is a hefty S$45. She does not find the oil to be as moisturizing, and prefers a more heavy-duty product. Sometimes, there is a need to reapply the product to keep her well-moisturized all day.

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.