NEW BUY: Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower & Bath Gel

Its unique fragrance of spices, fruits and herbs provides a clean, fresh burst that awakens your senses and refreshes your whole body. A rich conditioning lather leaves skin in a better condition. 

~AG~

One of my good friends recommended this Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower & Bath Gel. She mentioned that you will feel fresh after shower but since it is less foamy, your skin will not feel dry. It costs S$11.90 for 473 ml of shower/bath gel. My friend also mentioned that one of her friends that has backacne saw her condition improved after use of this shower gel. This was what intrigued me to this Neutrogena Body Wash. Even though its ingredients list does not have salicylic acid or other acne-fighting ingredients, I decided to give it a try anyway. 

Stay tuned for my review of Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower & Bath Gel!

REVIEW: Benefit Lip Lovin' Tinted Balms

~AG~
These tinted balms hydrate the lips with mango shea butter. It glides on sheer, but is buildable for more color. It is like a lip tint and lip balm all-in-one. It was surprisingly more hydrating than VDL Festival Lip Stick Glow Balm and Dior Addict Lip Glow. These tinted lip balms do wear off after eating or drinking. The staying power is decent for a tinted lip balm, about 2-3 hours.

This trio of mini-version is a great way to try all three colors - benebalm, cha cha balm and posiebalm. This mini version weighs 1.4 grams each, making it very handy for traveling. Each travel-sized version lasts me for about 2 months.

cha cha balm, posie balm and benebalm

benebalm
benebalm has a red tone. The pigment shows up surprisingly well on my skin. It creates a subtle red lips. benebalm also has a nice rose scent. Out of the three, benebalm is the most vibrant. A great lip balm/liptint to brighten the face. 

cha cha balm
The cha cha balm has a sheer peach tone, and was not as pigmented as I had expected. The peach tone was rather muted. I had really high hopes for cha cha balm because I thought it would work for my warm medium skin tone, but it was a disappointment. :(

posie balm
The posie balm has a poppy pink tone. This cool tone will work better for those that have a fairer skin tone. For my warm medium skin tone, posie balm washed out my complexion. *thumbs down*

Top to Bottom: cha cha balm, posie balm and benebalm

The usual price is S$30 for the trio of mini-size, or $10 for each mini-sized tinted balm. That is pricey for a mini-sized tinted lip balm, don't you think? However, with UOB Credit Card 15% discount, the trio costs S$25.50. After the discount, each mini tinted lip balm cost S$8.50. Still a hefty pricetag for 1.4 grams of lip balm. Out of the trio, the one I like most is benebalm because of the vibrant color. Even though I do like Benefit benebalm, I would reconsider repurchasing it because of the not-so-great value for money. But if you have cash to spare, you might want to check these moisturising tinted lip balm. 

REVIEW: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

 

~AG~

This popular exfoliating product from Kate Somerville combines scrubbing microbeads as well fruit enzymes to help clarify the skin. It claims to give a "Hollywood 2 minutes Facial". This Exfoliating Treatment contains pineapple, papaya and pumpkin enzymes to naturally exfoliate the skin, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It also contains lactic acid that also acts as an exfoliant. Other active ingredients include: 
--- Cinnamon and Rosewood that stimulate micro-circulation, 
--- Honey and Vitamin E to nourish the skin  
--- Aloe Vera to soothe the skin
--- Vitamin A that has antioxidant properties
--- Soy-Lipid to replenish skin's natural barrier function 

 Kate Somerville Exfoliating Treatment is a moss-green

Twice this amount for my whole face

THE GOOD:
Kate Somerville Exfoliating Treatment really polishes your skin, and makes your skin's surface smooth. After leaving it on for a minute, I can feel my pores tightened. Plus, it does not dry out my combination skin. My sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to Kate Somerville Exfoliating Treatment. Yay! The best part is that my skin feels brighter after use.

THE BAD:
This Exfoliating Treatment is VERY pricey at US$24 (S$32) for 15 ml of product. It is one of the most expensive facial scrub on the market. The microbeads may be too harsh for those with ultra sensitive skin. As an alternative, Kate Somerville offers a more gentle facial scrub, ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliation Treatment. Another thing to take note is that Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment may cause short-term skin redness after use. The redness will usually go away after about 30 minutes. There is also a slight tingling sensation during use. The scent is not particularly pleasant. The scent reminds me of a strong herbal tea. 

Kate Somerville Exfoliating Treatment is a great facial scrub as it physically polishes as well as chemically peels off the dead skin cells. However, it is a costly purchase. For those not willing to shell out that much $, there are several affordable alternatives available on the market such as my favorite Skinfood Black Sugar Mask or St. Ives Apricot Scrub. 

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 :)