REVIEW: Tatcha Water Cream

~AG~
Received the Tatcha Water Cream as part of the Tatcha Pore Perfecting Duo Set. The travel-sized version comes with 10ml of product. Tatcha retails the travel-sized version for US$20 (S$28) 

This non-comedogenic water cream hydrates skin. It contains Japanese Wild Rose that tightens pores, and Japanese Leopard Lily that helps control excess oil and clarify skin.The anti-aging superfood blend of green tea, rice and algae restore a healthy radiance. Lastly, it contains a touch of 23 karat gold for glowing skin. 

So been using Tatcha Water Cream for over two weeks. Had high expectations for this product because of its good reviews. So what can I say about Tatcha Water Cream? 

It has a gel-cream texture that reminds me of makeup primers. Though the Water Cream applies well after it has been massaged onto the face. The Water Cream is not oily or sticky. The hydrating properties of Water Cream is decent. My combination skin type tends to be drier on the cheeks area, and it felt balanced after moisturizing with Water Cream. My only concern about this Water Cream is that they are bumps on my face after use. Even though it does not contain mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates, my sensitive skin did not react well to it. Overall, I would not recommend it because of its high price and the fact it does not work for my skin.

NEW BUY: Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream in Tube Form

~AG~

This Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream is a favorite of MG. She has gone through over 3 bottles of Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream. She usually applies this blue cream after popping her pimples. Now, the Midnight Blue Cream comes in a tub version. This packaging makes it more hygienic for application. A 60ml of tub costs S$37. MG purchased it from WishTrend Shopee store, as they were having an offer. I also bought one tub of the Midnight Blue Cream for myself. 

Previously, I had tried MG's Midnight Blue Cream when we were traveling together. This Calming Cream does help to reduce redness and irritation. Since my skin can get sensitive at times, this Calming Cream would be a good product to have in my beauty arsenal. My cheeks tend to have some redness when it is irritated/dry. Hope this Calming Cream will help the redness and bumps I have on my cheeks area recently. 

REVIEW: July 2018 Skincare Regimen

~AG~

The skin condition tends to vary throughout the months due to lifestyle changes - time of the month, traveling, lack of sleep and etc . So, I tend to switch up my skincare products. This is my current skincare regimen. It is a mix of affordable drug store and high-end products.

1) Bioderma Hydrabio
500ml
S$41.90
This cleansing water is designed for dehydrated skin types. It has Hydrabio serum that stimulates the skin and reactivates natural hydration. I use it twice a day to gently remove sunscreen, makeup and other impurities. Since my skin has been on the drier side recently, Bioderma Hydrabio makes my skin feels comfortable. This 500 ml bottle will lasts me around 5-6 months.

2) Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam
150 ml
$37.70
This is my 3rd bottle of Avène Cleansing Foam. This cleansing foam comes with a pump for convenience. It gently cleanses sensitive skin without irritating the skin. One bottle of Cleansing Foam lasts about 4-5 months since I only use it once a day. I would switch to another cleanser after this bottle because my skin has been feeling dry.

3) Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula Rose Petal
355ml
$11.69 
This alcohol-free toner helps keep my skin in check. It contains Witch Hazel to tighten pores and control production while Aloe Vera hydrates the skin. Rose Petal contains ingredients to create a healthy complexion. After using it for over 2 months, my skin has become more balanced. Thayers Witch Hazel Hazel Aloe Vera toner is an affordable drugstore buy.

4) Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
30ml
$231 
Been using this serum for over month. I apply this serum all over my face only at night. So far, I cannot tell that Skinceuticals C E Ferulic significantly improves skin appearance or reduce fine lines or wrinkles. Would have to use it for a more extended time to verify whether there is any skin improvements.

5) Clinique All About Eyes
15ml
S$52.20
This lightweight eye cream hydrates the eye area and is supposed to help with dark circles and eye puffiness. Even though it does not diminish my dark circles, this eye cream works well and you only need a small amount. I apply it using my ring finger, twice a day. A tub of Clinique All About Eyes can lasts 3-4 months.

6) Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè
75ml
S$28 
This is my favorite beauty find of 2017. This is my HG moisturizer! I am on my 2nd bottle of Embryolisse Creme Cocentre. It works well to hydrate and soothe my combination skin. The texture is light and does not feel greasy. Even when I travel to dry climate countries, this Embryolisse moisturizer works well. The only downside is that this product is not sold in Singapore. So I stock up or asks those traveling to France to help me buy.

7) Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen
50ml 
S$69
Wearing sunscreen everyday is a must! Due to my sensitive skin, I am hesitant to try new sunscreen. Sunscreen tends to be the skincare product that aggravates breakouts for me. This is probably the 3rd bottle of Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen I have used. The new version is good and does not make my face looks greasy. With SPF 50, it provides protection against UV damages. One bottle of Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen lasts 5-6 months with everyday use.  This is a staple of my skin care regimen.

REVIEW: Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè

It comes with a box packaging

75 ml version 

~AG~

Wrote about Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè a while back ago, and finally got around to trying it. While researching online on the must-buy beauty products from French pharmacies, Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè appears on almost all articles that I read. This French product is popular for being an affordable moisturizer that is a beauty staple for makeup artists and models. Embryolisse offers the Lait Crème Concentrè in a 30ml and 75ml packaging. This multi-function nourishing moisturizer retails for Euro 16.90 (S$28) for the 75 ml version. Been using this moisturizer for about a month now. So what are my thoughts about this highly raved French product? 

This product claims that it can work as a moisturizer, makeup-primer and moisturizing mask. It is supposedly suitable for all skin types. The moisturizer comes in a squeezable foil packaging. The packaging reminds me that of a toothpaste. This packaging is not as convenient for traveling as it might be prone to leakage/spillage. The wide mouth of the packaging may also cause excess of product to be squeezed.

It comes with a squeezable packaging with an wide mouth

Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè works surprisingly well for Singapore's humid weather. I thought this French moisturizer would be too thick for the tropical climate. However, the moisturizer is absorbed quickly into the skin and does not heavy feel at all. The moisturizer has a light cream texture, and feels watery. My combination skin feels hydrated after application. Compared to Laneige Water Bank Essence, Lait Crème Concentrè is much more moisturizing. My skin gets especially dry when I travel, and Lait Crème Concentrè helps to soothe my dehydrated skin. My sensitive skin did not have any adverse effects from this moisturizer. No breakouts, no redness and no bumps were noticed. A win for this product. 

The soft texture of the cream

Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè is more affordable than Laneige Water Bank Essence which costs S$44 for 60ml of product. 75 ml of the moisturizer can lasts me about 2 months. I cannot wait to stock up on Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè when I am in Europe. A highly recommended product to buy from European pharmacies. It will work well for those with combination/acne-prone/normal skin types.

NEW BUY: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè

~AG~

When I was researching on the must-buy beauty products from French pharmacies, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè came up in every article I read. This multi-function moisturizer can work as a makeup primer and face mask as well. This 75ml tube costs Euro 16.90 (S$28). That is an affordable price tag for a moisturizer that claims to be nourishing and hydrating for the skin.  It claims to be a 24-hour miracle cream that is suitable for all skin types. Apparently, it is a cult favorite of makeup artists, models and celebrities. Honestly, I have not heard about this product. When I asked MG about this product, she mentioned that she has heard about it and almost purchased it online a few years back. With that being said, I was convinced to purchase this product. In fact, I bought 3 tubes to give to friends. Haha ^_^

The pharmacist said that Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè is a popular product.When I tried the tester at the pharmacy, the texture felt creamy but it was not too rich. The Embryolisse Cream did not leave a sticky feeling. My current skin condition is combination skin that can get especially dry in the cheeks area. Cannot wait to try out this multi-purpose Cream! I hope it works just as well in Singapore's humid weather. Stay tuned for my review of this best-selling product from Embryolisse.

NEW BUY: Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream & Aromatic Purifying Balm

~AG~

So while in Paris, I decided to check out their pharmacy for some French skincare products. While browsing through the pharmacy, I asked the pharmacist to recommend some products. She recommended this Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream and Aromatic Purifying Balm for my skin needs. I have seen Darphin products being sold in Bloomingdales but do not know much about the brand.

Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream comes with 50 ml of product. This lightweight gel cream has a nice texture. The texture reminds me of Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream. When I was testing it on the back of my hand, the gel cream soothe and hydrate my skin instantly. Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream contains: HYDRA-STRUCTURE™ Technology,a high-performance hydrating complex of powerful ingredients from Nature (Salicornia Herbacea,Butterfly Lavender) to help wake up skin's moisture mechanisms and defend skin's critical moisture reservoir. Cannot wait to try this product after I am done with Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream.

The Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm comes with 12ml of product. It costs Euro 56 which is equivalent to S$90. Didn't realized it was that expensive! This Darphin Purifying Balm contains 12 Essential Oils from medicinal plants, spices and flowers to target skin imperfections. It contains: 1) apricot kernel oil, 2) sunflower seed oil, 3) rosewood oil, 4) grapefruit peel oil, 5) thyme oil, 6) lavender oil, 7) cinnamon bark oil, 8) germanium flower oil, 9) sage oil and a few more essential oils. This Balm clarifies pores and helps reduce imperfections. The pharmacist mentioned that Darphin Purifying Balm will help reduce the blemishes on my T-zones. She recommended that I use it twice a week, at the most. You are supposed to leave the Purifying Balm overnight to work on the skin. This is a unique product which I have not seen elsewhere on the market - a mix of essential oils that target skin blemishes. Will try it out soon as I have a few blemishes on my chin and nose area right now. 

Stay tuned for my reviews of these Darphin products! Excited to try these French beauty products!

REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

~AG~

The award-winning Water Bank Essence has been my skincare moisturizer for over two years. However, prior to the wedding, my skin started feeling tight and dry even after application of Water Bank Essence. Decided to layer on another moisturizer with the Water Bank Essence for added hydration. Laneige Water Bank line was a safe choice for me as my sensitive skin does not have adverse effects to their products. The product that I bought was the Water Bank Gel Cream (S$52). One tub contains 50 ml of gel cream. 

This gel-type moisturiser infused with Winter Cypress Polysaccharide Extracts restores your skin cells and cools irritated skin. This product is one of Laneige’s Water Bank series, formulated with Hydro Ion Mineral Water, Quinoa extract, Olive Squalane and Tilansia Extract. It provides rich hydration for your skin throughout the day. Water Bank Gel Cream_Ex is a reliable product for sensitive skin or if you desire firmer and youthful skin.

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream claims to soothe skin redness caused by dry conditions, controls excess sebum, and to prevent clogged pores. This all sounds good for someone with sensitive and recently dehydrated skin that is prone to breakout. During a beauty roadshow, a test of my skin hydration level revealed it to be at 10% only. I was horrified to find out the results. The numerous hours spent in an air-conditioned office and sleeping the whole night with the AC has taken a toll on my skin. Previously, my skin type was combination skin with oily T-zones. But now my skin has changed to become a dry skin type. 

Been using the Gel Cream for over three weeks now. After facial cleansing and toner, I apply Water Bank Essence all over my face. Once my skin has fully absorbed the Water Bank Essence, a pea-sized amount of Laneige Gel Cream will be applied. Since my cheeks area tend to feel tight, I usually apply an extra layer of the Gel Cream on the dehydrated areas. 

Laneige Gel Cream has a nice gel texture that feels lightweight on the skin. Even though I layer the Water Bank Essence and Gel Cream on my skin, it does not feel sticky or greasy at all. My sensitive skin did not have any allergic reaction after using the Gel Cream. * thumbs up* I would recommend the Water Bank Essence and Gel Cream combination for those with dry skin. For those with oily or normal skin type, you can just apply the Water Bank Essence or Gel Cream, as I have previously. Another tip: If you are traveling soon or have a friend traveling soon, please ask them to help you buy your Laneige products from the Duty Free at Changi Airport. It costs only $44.70 at Duty Free, giving up a total savings of $7.30

Q&A: Fresh Umbrian Clay Oil-Free Lotion

50 ml of product

Comes with a cap to protect the pump 

~MG~
Q: How much did you buy Fresh Umbrian Clay Oil-Free Lotion for?
A: Bought it from Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free for S$58.60. It is a good idea to buy beauty products at the airport because it is tax-free.

Q: Why did you decide to try this Fresh Umbrian Clay Oil-Free Lotion?
A: Been wanting to try this Fresh Umbrian Clay Oil-Free Lotion for years. This lotion is designed for oily skin type. The Umbrian Clay claims to regulate sebum production and absorbs impurities from pores. Because I have oily T-zones, I thought it would help balance my skin. The fact that it is oil-free is also a plus.

Q: How long have you been using this lotion?
A: For about two months daily. I use this Fresh lotion in the morning only. At night, I switch to a more hydrating face moisturizer.

Q: What do you like about this product? 
A: The pump packaging is very convenient. The plastic packaging is worry-free for traveling. This is lightweight lotion. It moisturizes and soothes my skin after application. In my honest opinion, it does help to regulate sebum production in my T-zones. Though my cheeks area felt tight after use. Compared to Fresh Rose Cream, my skin is less oily with the use of Fresh Umbrian Clay Lotion.

Q: What do you want to improve about this product?
A: This lotion can be too dry if you spend a large amount of time in air-conditioning rooms. In my experience, my cheeks area feel dry an hour after I applied the lotion in my air-conditioned office. If I know I will be taking a flight, I will use two pumps of lotion to better hydrate my skin especially the cheeks area. It does not help reduce blackheads or prevent pimples. I thought the clay ingredients would have helped with reducing blemishes. 

Q: Would you recommend this lotion to your friends? A: Would not recommend this Fresh Umbrian Clay Lotion because it is too drying for my cheeks area. This oil-free lotion might work better for someone that has a truly oily skin type. My skin type is somewhat oily and combination skin.

REVIEW: Crème Simon Oxygenating Light Day Moisturizer

~AG~

Having been a Crème Simon convert recently. Their award-winning day moisturizer has been on my wishlist. It was awarded Cleo Beauty Hall of Fame Winner 2015. Crème Simon Oxygenating Light Day Moisturizer usually retails for S$95. Expensive for just 50ml of moisturizer. But fortunately, I bought it when there was a pop-up sale. The discounted price was about S$60++. Even with the discounted price, it is more costly than my all-time favorite Laneige Water Bank Essence.

100% found skin is soft and supple
91% found it absorbs easily with no sticky after-feel
86% found skin is brighter after 1st use
82% found skin brighter, fairer and more radiant - See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/oxygenating-light-day-moisturiser_7/#sthash.etv8dHBx.dpuf

100% found skin is soft and supple
91% found it absorbs easily with no sticky after-feel
86% found skin is brighter after 1st use
82% found skin brighter, fairer and more radiant - See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/oxygenating-light-day-moisturiser_7/#sthash.etv8dHBx.dpuf

Crème Simon claims in a study of 22 Asian female individuals that:
1) 100% found skin is soft and supple
2)  91% found it absorbs easily with no sticky after-feel
3) 86% found skin is brighter after 1st use
4) 82% found skin brighter, fairer and more radiant

After using this moisturizer for about a month, what can I say about this Crème Simon Oxygenating Light Day Moisturizer?
Crème Simon Oxygenating Light Day Moisturizer comes in a pump packaging. It is absorbed quickly into the skin and does not leave a heavy or sticky feeling. It has a lightweight gel-cream texture that will work great for those with oily skin type. It is also non-comedogenic, and suitable for acne prone skin. No silicones, parabens, alcohol, oil and colorings. My ultra sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to this moisturizer. Though, I could not notice any brightening effects of this moisturizer. More over, I cannot agree with the study results that women found their skin was brighter, fairer and more radiant.

I would not repurchase it, as it is a VERY pricey moisturizer. I feel that my HG Laneige Water Bank Essence works just as well, and it is about half the retail price of Crème Simon Oxygenating Light Day Moisturizer.

100% found skin is soft and supple
91% found it absorbs easily with no sticky after-feel
86% found skin is brighter after 1st use
82% found skin brighter, fairer and more radiant - See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/oxygenating-light-day-moisturiser_7/#sthash.etv8dHBx.dpuf

100% found skin is soft and supple
91% found it absorbs easily with no sticky after-feel
86% found skin is brighter after 1st use
82% found skin brighter, fairer and more radiant - See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/oxygenating-light-day-moisturiser_7/#sthash.etv8dHBx.dpuf

REVIEW: Guerisson 9 Complex Cream

Guerisson 9 Complex Cream

~MG~
I heard about this product from on Get It Beauty. She was raving on how excellent it is. And I did not know much about horse oil being used in skincare product before coming across this cream. I bought it in Seoul on May 2015 from Olive Young for about 25,000KRW. I was hesitating whether I should buy it because I was kind of scared that it would be too oily for my combination oily skin since it is made out of oil after all! I was with my friend at that moment and he was telling me that horse oil is known for its great moisturizing power. He said that the Mongolians during their harsh winter actually use horse oil to protect their faces! After hearing so, I got more interested into the product and decided to try the tester. After applying some of the product, the moisturization and scent had won me over! The texture is thick but as you blend it out and tap tap on your face, it sinks into your skin. FYI, I have very dry hand and my hand felt so soft and moisturized when I tested it on my hands. This cream has a fresh citrusy, which I love! Just thinking of the scent makes getting ready for bed something to look forward to. They provide a spatula along with the product, which is a bonus!

What is left of the cream 

The light texture of the cream

 Since I have combination oily skin, I only use this product at night before my facial oil. I prefer to use a thicker and more moisturizing cream at night to protect my face from the dry air from the air-con. I went to Seoul this past March for a week and the day that I arrived, the weather suddenly became very cold and windy! On some days, it even went before zero degree! Even though this cream, I originally used as a night cream because of its thicker texture and more moisturizing property, I had to use this product both day and night when in korea. Even so, it wasn’t enough for my face to be comfortably moisturized because I remembered waking up one morning with my neck having eczema. I used to have eczema on my neck when I came back and forth between the U.S. and Singapore but it has been a few years since I last had it. I didn’t want history to repeat itself because I remember how itchy, flaky, red and dry my neck was! So after applying the horse oil cream, I still had to apply a thin layer of my trusty Elizabeth Arden’s Eight-hour cream because the Korean winter was that harsh! 

This tub took me about 6 months to finish up. I would recommend oily skin people and those living in hot and humid climate to only use this product at night. For others, you may use both day and night. Although for dry skin people in hot and humid climate, you may want to try out with a thinner layer first in the daytime, just in case it would be too much and oily for under the sun. I would repurchase this product but maybe not now, I still have 2 night moisturizers in my back-up stock!

Q&A: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream EX

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream_EX

The durable & heavy packaging

50 ml of product

~MG~
1) How long have you used this product?
MG: I have been using this Laneige Gel Cream EX ever since September 2014. This is my fourth tub! One tub lasts me for about three months. 

2) How do I use it?
MG: I apply it after I spray a moisturizing face mist such as Nature Republic Bee Venom or The Face Shop Argan Oil Face Mist on my face, and after application of SK-II treatment essence. For daytime use, I use one pea-sized amount. For nighttime use, I use two pea-sized amount.

3) Where did you buy it?
MG: The first time, my sister bought it for me from South Korea. Subsequently, I bought it from Laneige stores and department stores in Singapore for around S$52. Found out that it was cheaper @ $44.70 to purchase Laneige's products in Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free than in the city. 

4) Would you recommend to me? 
MG: Of course, because it is good and it has Laneige's signature scent. It feels light yet moisturizing. Though it is not very moisturising since it is a gel cream. It works well for my acne-prone skin.

5) What would you change about this product?
MG: The only reason I stopped using Laneige Gel Cream EX is because of the tub packaging. I did not like dipping my fingers into the tub, as it is not so hygienic. The tiny scoop that comes with the cream is inconvenient to use for each application. Plus, the packaging of Laneige Gel Cream EX is so heavy, not good for traveling.

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.

AG & MG Beauty Award 2015

AG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE 

Favorite makeup remover: Bioderma Sebium H20
- - Still on my favorite list for 2015! It is a must-have to remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities. Gentle on the skin, and effectively removes face makeup. The acne-fighting ingredients such as zinc gluconate and copper sulphate help purify the skin. My skin feels fresh after use.

Favorite toner: Derma-RX Toner
- - Never thought that toner is an essential part of skincare regimen till I met this Derma-RX Toner. It thoroughly preps my face for the next skincare steps. Plus, its AHAs content helps exfoliate my sensitive skin. 

MAKEUP

Favorite lip product: VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX
- - Creamy texture. Very pigmented lip color, almost like a lip stain. Its unique packaging makes application super precise.  

Favorite eyeliner: Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Liner
- - Super fine eyeliner tip. It goes on smooth and stays on all-day! 

Favorite facial moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX
- - Perfect for my sensitive combination skin,  it hydrates my skin without leaving it feeling sticky. The scent is refreshingly oceanic.

MG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE

Favorite toner/essence: SK-II Treatment Essence and SK-II Clear Lotion

::: I use the treatment essence and clear lotion twice a day.
Treatment essence has been consistently part of my skincare regimen since the start of this year.
Clear lotion has only been part of my skincare regimen since September of this year. Clear lotion has salicylic acid which helps fight off blemishes. It acts as a toner.

Favorite lip balm: Nivea Watering Lip Care
::: Because it goes on very smoothly. It leaves my lips well-moisturised without feeling sticky or leaving a residue. The thin and sleek packaging makes it handy to carry around.

Favorite cleanser: Korres Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser
::: My blackheads are reduced after I use this daily cleanser. It is a scrub that is gentle enough for every day use. 

MAKEUP

Favorite concealer: Cle de Peaue Beaute
::: Starting using this concealer this year. Because it is GOOD! It covers up my dark circles, acne scars and any redness. This concealer provides high coverage and fully hide my blemishes. Other concealers does not fully cover my acne scars. Plus, it lasts the whole day!

Favorite lip product: VDL Lip Tint
::: I love the color! It is nice! The texture is smoooth and it is moisturising. An easy way to create gradient lips.

REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX

~AG~

 

My friend helped me buy Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX  from Shilla Duty Free at Changi Aiport. It costs S$42.99 for 60 ml of product. This essence should lasts me 5-6 months. Previously, I tried the older version of Laneige Water Bank Essence, and it worked well for my sensitive combination skin. REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence (Previous Version) Since I was done with the dermatologist-purchased Derma-RX Hydrator, I decided to turn to a more affordable alternative. The Derma-RX Hydrator costs $70 for merely 30ml of product. Even though I do like the texture of Derma-RX Hydrator, I am sure Laneige Water Bank Essence can work just as well.

 

This Water Bank Essence_EX is the updated version of the Water Bank Essence. It comes in the same sturdy glass bottle, with a capped pump packaging. The scent of the Water Bank Essence_EX is similar to that of Water Bank Essence. I <3 the oceanic scent! It is very refreshing.

 

This Water Bank Essence_EX has become a part of my skincare regimen. Even though it is an essence, I use it as an everyday moisturizer. I use it day and night, a single pump is all I need to moisturize my face. My sensitive skin has not had an adverse reaction to this moisturizer. It did not cause any new breakouts on my face. This moisturizer is great for humid climate. The gel texture is rather lightweight, and is absorbed swiftly into the skin. The best part is that it does not leave a tacky feeling on the face. I really do appreciate this moisturizer. It is a GREAT addition to my skincare regimen. The only thing that I will change about the product is the glass packaging. On several occasions, I have almost dropped this moisturizer from a great height. It caused my heart to skip a beat. Imagine the glass bottle shattering to pieces. How 'sayang'! Though, I have to point out that the glass packaging is rather thick and might not break, but I rather not take the risk. Overall, I will recommend this product to anyone who wants a moisturizer that is lightweight and does not feel sticky. This is a trusty product to have as part of your skincare regimen.

 

REVIEW: Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer

~AG~

Received a mini size of this Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer as part of the Kate Somerville Reward set from Sephora USA. I forgot to take a picture of the mini version, and have already tossed the packaging out. The image above is that of a full version. The 1.5 fl. oz full-size retails for USD$65. It is pricy for a moisturizer.
If not for the Sephora rewards redemption set, I would have never tried Kate Somerville moisturizer. Previously, the only product that I tried from Kate Somerville is their best-selling ExfoliKate.

Oil Free Moisturizer absorbs quickly to provide perfectly balanced hydration and moisturization, without any oils. Formulated without parabens or fragrances, this lightweight cream leaves nothing behind but smooth, supple skin. Essential Amino Acid Derivatives are designed to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Red Marine Algae improves the look of firmness and elasticity Algae-Based Tighteners are formulated to tone and tighten Oil-Absorbing Spheres balance oily skin for a shine-free look.

After using this moisturizer for over three weeks, I can say that this moisturizer does not have any adverse reaction on my skin. No red bumps appear during the duration of use. This moisturizer blends well with my SunPlay Aqua sunscreen. It does not cause the sunscreen to flake, unlike Jurlique Gel Lotion. This moisturizer does not feel heavy for Singapore's humid weather. It is not sticky and does not leave a residue. During my trip to Italy last week, I felt that the moisturizer was not hydrating enough for the cool and dry Spring weather. So, this moisturizer will only work well for the summer.

With that being said, Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer is just a mediocre product. I will NOT spend that much money for a moisturizer that just do an okay job. There are other more affordable moisturizers that can get the job done as well. There is nothing special about the moisturizer, and I feel that is overpriced.

REVIEW: Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Revitalising Gel-Lotion

~AG~

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Revitalising Gel-Lotion has been my daily moisturizer for over a month now. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2015/02/new-buy-jurlique-rose-moisture-plus.html
So what can I say about it?

Jurlique claims this gel-lotion will "protect again environmental aggressors while hydrating and softening skin." It contains these ingredients:

• Silver Ear Mushroom Extract which is nature's hyaluronic acid (water-binding agent) can hold up to water 500 times its weight. It keeps skin hydrated.
• Green Tea Leaf Extract that contains antioxidant properties to protect the skin
• Tumeric Root Extract that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to protect skin from environmental radicals.
• Rose Gallical Extract that balances the skin and restore its hydration.

It has a distinct rose scent. My mother, who loves anything rose scented, could smell it the first time I used it. The scent is pleasant and not too overwhelming.

The texture of the gel-lotion is light and watery. It does not feel sticky at all, which is great for Singapore's humid weather. The gel-lotion is absorbed easily on the skin. My ultra sensitive skin did not have adverse reaction to this gel-lotion. It kept my skin well hydrated and soft.

The only downside with this moisturizer is that it does not mix well with my sunscreen. It causes my sunscreen to lump together and create flakes. A huge no-no. There were several ways in which I tried to prevent the flaking. First, I allowed the moisturizer to absorb for 10 minutes before applying the sunscreen, but the flaking still happened. Secondly, I exfoliated my skin with Kate Somerville ExfoliKate the night before application. But the Jurlique Gel-Lotion and SunPlay sunscreen still did not go on well together, and there were flakes.

I do not want to play favourites but SunPlay sunscreen ranks higher on my books. I am SO disappointed that Jurlique Gel-Lotion did not work well with my affordable SunPlay sunscreen. The gel-lotion is one of the more expensive moisturisers that I have tried at US$47. I will not re-purchase this moisturizer because it is too expensive and does not blend well with my sunscreen. There are more affordable moisturizers that keep my skin as soft and hydrated such as REN Vita Mineral Moisturizing Cream. Click link for my review of REN Moisturizing Cream. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2014/12/review-ren-clean-skincare-vita-mineral.html