My Beauty Secrets

Snova Plaziental Extrait

2022-04-18T15:36:00.002+08:00

The Snova Plazential Extrait is endorsed by many Taiwanese beauty programs and Japanese magazines. Couldn't resist the bombardment of the advertisements and decided to try it for myself.

This is a clear serum, a bit watery to the touch and very easily absorbed into the skin once applied. You almost can't feel that it's there once absorbed. There is an immediate tightening of the skin. But I'm not sure how long this 'effect' will last. I typically use the Snova Plazential Extrait as the first step to my skincare, followed by Clarins double-serum, moisturiser etc.

One bottle does not go a long way. It lasts on the average for about a month, depending on the amount you apply at one go. However, if your application is too little, you will not feel the skin tightening effect.

I feel that the skin is not moisturised if you only use this product alone. It is important to apply moisturiser afterwards. This is especially so for matured skin and if you sleep/work in an air conditioned environment.

Muji Mild Moisturising Face Soap

2021-08-15T08:22:00.000+08:00

This Muji Moisturising Face Soap is very creamy and lathers up easily. A little goes a long way. Though I don't feel the moisturising effect as much. My slightly dry and flaky skin condition persisted after using this for a period of time. I most likely won't be buying this again.

Ferzea HA20 Cream, Shiseido

2020-12-18T10:03:00.002+08:00

Description: Ferzea HA20 Cream is recommended for dry and problem skin on hands, feet, and elbows. It helps to fight corns or cracks, moisturizes the skin and prevents moisture evaporation. This cream contains moisturizing and softening components that restore the hydro-lipid balance and promote active hydration. It is quickly absorbed without leaving a sticky feeling.

Contains 20% urea that relieves rough, chapped skin on fingers and keratosis (thick, rough skin) on the elbows, knees and heels.

My Review: I have cracked heels, which I believe is a common problem for those who work or stay for extended hours in a dry environment like an air-conditioned room. Ferzea HA20 Cream is good for these targeted problem areas. For the heels area, after application, I will put on a pair of socks. Firstly, it helps to keep the moisture in. Secondly, as the cream is quite rich, it will prevent oily stains on the floor. The cream is also unscented.

However, Ferzea Cream does not provide a permanent solution. Once I stop using the cream, the dryness comes back. Which is expected.

Peripera Milk Blur Velvet Tone Up

2020-12-17T16:12:00.004+08:00

Description: Give skin an instant glow-up with this brightening face cream enriched with plant-based Clean Milk Complex™. The Pure version is formulated to provide skin with long-lasting hydration and leave it looking dewy and supple. The Velvet version is formulated to blur pores and boasts SPF50+ PA++++ to protect skin from harmful UV rays. Suitable for sensitive skin.

My Review: I bought the Peripera Milk Blur Velvet Tone-Up to try. True to the description, it gives my skin a soft blurry effect upon application. The overall skin tone looks more even. With masks-on most of the time these days, I chose this as my main make-up base instead of my usual BB cream which rubs on my the masks. I like that a little of this goes a long way. Plus it has SPF50 protection.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum

2020-12-16T18:00:00.000+08:00

Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair is another cult beauty product. I know of acquaintances that have been using this since more than 20 years ago. This product is still going strong. So I guess it shows how many supporters this product has.

I use the advanced night repair only at night, as it does say "Night Repair" on the bottle. The texture is serum-like. Watery, and easy to absorb. I like that this product does not feel heavy on the skin. It also does not cause any outbreak for me.

Clarins Double Serum

2020-12-16T09:41:00.003+08:00

I started using the Clarins Double Serum in July this year, which means I have been using this product for coming to 6 months. The bottle is coming to half mark. Which means, one big bottle will last about slightly less than a year for me. I must say, this is now a staple product in my daily routine. The tester pack does not do this product justice. The full bottle allows you to dispense the correct mixture of the 2 serums, so that it's not messy. Although it feels oily on application, it gets absorbs into the skin very fast, and gives a soft sheen to your skin, that seems to give it a glow. I love this product.

As I age, my skin tends to get dry and flaky. Clarins Double Serum seems to be perfect for me, without causing any outbreaks. For other oil-based serums, I get pore blocks (resulting in white heads) at times. This product does not have the same effect on me, so despite the price, I highly recommend it.

Another common question would be how much to use? I have mine set on the smallest dosage. Lesser for me during the day, and slightly more at night. It's easier to add on if required. I use a bit of it on my neck also. Rub between your palms to 'warm it up' before application.

Texture: A bit oily, but gets absorbs fast so you don't feel that it's heavy.

Elixir Superior facial wash type I

2020-12-15T15:20:00.001+08:00

Although I love the Elixir series from Shiseido, this product really dries my skin out. Continued usage after 1 week will make my skin patchy and flaky. Not recommended for those with dry skin.

Sofina jenne UV

2020-12-15T15:18:00.001+08:00

SOFINA jenne. This has been my SPF protection for years. It gives a nice matte feel and SPF50+ PA+++ Protection for your skin. I highly recommend this product still. Previously, I was only able to purchase this when I went for trips to Taiwan. Nowadays, you can get it from Don Don Donki, and Japanese Pharmaceuticals found in Singapore. Easy peasy.

Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalising Mask EX

2020-12-15T15:15:00.002+08:00

Sulwhasoo overnight mask is good when I need a quick surge of moisture for my dry skin, which is quite often these days. Sleeping in air conditioned room really dries the skin out.

Loccitane Immortelle Divine Youth Oil and Immortelle Reset Oil-in-Serum

2020-03-19T07:18:00.004+08:00

My Review: The perfect duo. The product claims to be able to give the effect of botox, without actually going under the needle. I find that while it's good, continual usage gives me slight outbreaks - small bumps or white heads here and there. So my conclusion is, you need to take constant breaks from this product for optimal results. Sometimes I use the products separately.

The Immortelle Reset Oil-in-Serum has an orchid-like scent, and the texture is slightly watery. The scent for the Immortelle Divine Youth Oil slightly milder, and the texture is like a light oil.

From Loccitane website:

Ideal for

Activating skin cells
Boosting glow from within
Smoothing and refreshing skin

Application area

Smooth one pump of product to your entire face, neck and decolletage. Follow with Divine Youth Oil for best results.

Featured Ingredients for Reset Oil-in Serum

Organic Immortelle Essential Oil

Patented by us for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties, this essential oil from Corsica targets the loss of firmness and elasticity of the skin. It also helps improve the skin's ability to fight the effects of environmental aggressions, which are known to accelerate skin aging.

Acmella Oleracea Extract

Known for its immediate smoothing properties

Marjoram Extract

Helps reawaken the skin

Klarity Diamond Glow Overnight Mask

2017-12-12T12:13:00.001+08:00

The texture of this mask is not quite what I expected. Slightly thicker and a bit sticky, with a tinge of yellow tone, no fragrance (which I didn't really like), but quickly dried up upon application. There was also a slight tightening effect. However, having read rave reviews of it on the Sephora website, I kinda expected more of the results. Using this consecutively for 3 days gave me little spots. Maybe it's too rich to be used daily. Using it once a week though, seemed fine. Skin did feel supple the next day. But no wow factor for me. Personally, I preferred the Sulwhasoo Overnight Mask.

Paula's Choice Skincare - Radiance Renewal Mask

2017-02-07T00:04:00.001+08:00

Paula's Choice Skincare - Radiance Renewal Mask

A silky, rich, overnight skin-brightening mask that turns a dull complexion into a refreshed, luminous and hydrated glow.

Anti-Aging
For All Skin Types
Provides skin-softening hydration
Contains our proprietary multi-brightening complex
Silky-smooth, supple gel formula
Used as the last step in your evening skincare routine

Why is it different?
The RADIANCE Renewal Mask is formulated for all skin types to promote a more radiant skin tone, softer surface texture, and a hydrated plumpness for an overall youthful glow. The silky lotion texture includes ultra-soothing ingredients to improve skin tone and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This overnight mask has a uniquely luxurious feel that provides the ultimate beauty sleep imaginable.

All Paula’s Choice products are 100% fragrance free, clinically proven to be non-irritating, and never tested on animals.

What does it do?
The RADIANCE Renewal Mask’s leave-on formula works overnight to heighten and boost a more even-looking skin tone, intensify hydration, and refine and smooth the surface of skin.

Who is it for?
Anyone experiencing dullness and uneven skin tone will benefit from the RADIANCE Renewal Mask. Formulated with soothing, skin-hydrating ingredients, this overnight mask is suitable for all skin types, especially those with normal to dry or combination skin types. It can be used as often as necessary to restore radiance and promote a healthier, younger-looking complexion.

My Review:
I use the Paula's Choice Radiance Renewal Mask for a quick alternative to regular masks for convenience. You can just slap it on after cleansing face and let it work its magic over night. Skin feels more even toned and hydrated after usage. However, I personally feel that my skin can't take this product if I use it daily. Once every 3 days works fine for me. When used daily, I have slight outbreaks like little bumps on my skin. Otherwise, I love it for its ease of use.

One downside. I don't like the silver coating on the dispenser part. It flakes! Just make the silver flakes don't get onto the mask when you are applying. :)

KIEHL's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

2017-01-31T00:19:00.001+08:00

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Powerful anti-wrinkle treatment with 10.5% Vitamin C.

Clinically-demonstrated to improve overall skin texture, tone and radiance while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles
Provides anti-oxidant protection and exfoliates skin to reveal healthier-looking skin
A customer favorite

How to Apply:
-Cleanse skin thoroughly prior to application.
-Apply anti-wrinkle serum over entire face twice daily (avoiding the eye area).
-Can use alone or under your usual moisturizer.
-In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly.
-As the formula blends into the skin, you may experience a feeling of warmth. This sensation is normal.

Glycerin

Plant-based Glycerin: A renowned skincare ingredient that works as a moisture magnet and pulls essential moisture into skin. It is highly compatible with skin and also creates a “reservoir effect”, enhancing the water-holding capacity of the skin and ultimately helping to provide skin elasticity and plumpness and facilitates epidermal barrier function. The glycerin used in this formula is plant-based and can be derived from sources including palm fruit, rapeseed and coconut.

L-Ascorbic Acid

L-Ascorbic Acid, also known as Pure Vitamin C, is a highly efficacious antioxidant known for its powerful ability to improve the appearance of skin aging. Pure Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and provides powerful antioxidant protection from skin damaging free-radicals.

My Review:

On application, you can feel a slightly warm tingling feeling on your skin. If your skin is dry and sensitive, this might not be the best product to try. I can feel an improvement in the tone of my skin after prolonged usage of about 2 weeks. However, I prefer not to use this everyday as I feel it is a bit too harsh for me liking. I also didn't like the slightly shimmery effect this product has. Personal opinion, I feel that shimmer is a 'fake' way to improve the tone of the skin as the effect reflects light and gives a false dewy look.

On effectiveness for reducing lines, I'm not going to grade this as it did nothing for me. For improvement in skin tone, I give this a 7/10.

Laneige Goodnight Sleeping Care Kit

2016-11-03T11:24:00.000+08:00

Laneige Goodnight Sleeping Care Kit. The Water Sleeping Mask has to be one of the easiest mask to take for travels as the sleeping care facial mask works wonders in air-con rooms. It is hassle-free. Just apply before you sleep, and you can be rest assured that your skin will not dry out the next day, which is what typically happens when you travel. I love the ease of use for this - it is easy to bring out and easy to apply.

The lip sleeping mask also helps to ensure that your lips are not dry and cracked the next morning. Good combination duo.

Hask Charcoal Shampoo

2016-10-24T16:31:00.003+08:00

Introducing the best kept secret for hair - HASK Purifying Charcoal Shampoo. Charcoal, derived from coconut shells, combined with lemon and grapefruit oils, thoroughly cleanses and clarifies while helping to eliminate impurities from your hair and scalp. Gentle enough for daily use and safe for color-treated hair. We promise, the charcoal washes out! Free of: sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colors.

My Review:

Was initially quite impressed with this duo set. But I found that prolonged usage didn't really address my issue of itchy scalp. In fact, for dandruff and itchy scalp, I recommend sebamed instead.

Nonetheless, for users who don't have such specific requirements, and only want a shampoo that gives a clean refreshed wash, the HASK purifying charcoal shampoo does its job well with a nice refreshing lemony scent. Hair and scalp feels very clean after a wash.

Benefit Lollitint

2016-10-24T15:41:00.003+08:00

Sephora selling the Benefit Lollitint at SG$54 per bottle. Initially was a bit hesitant as I could not imagine the orchid colour on my yellow-based skin tone. My worries were needless. I must say, this is now my favourite base blusher. Tip to new user - Don't apply the blusher directly on the cheek. I usually dab it on my finger tip and immediately smooth out the slightly thick liquid blusher. Otherwise you will get blotches where the colour pigment wouldn't be able to blend into the skin. Never ever use the brush to directly dot on the cheek. You will literally get 3 dots on the cheek. Haha... Unless that's the effect you want...

I usually use this as a base and add-on with Benetint for a stronger flush. :)

Biore cleansing oil facial sheet

2015-12-29T10:49:00.001+08:00

This is one essential travel product to bring along on your short travel trips. A pack of 10 sheets is usually enough to last you through a short trip, provided you use 1 sheet a day. I like that this is conveniently flat-packed, has a self-sealing flap to keep the moisture in and has no spills! You don't need a cotton pad to remove your make-up with. It's just an all-in-one product.

Convenience apart, this product does what it says. It can effectively remove all make-up, including mascara and the likes. Thumbs up.

Physia OE Energizing Everyday Lotion

2015-12-29T10:44:00.002+08:00

Natur vital Hair Loss Shampoo (Normal hair)

2015-12-29T10:43:00.000+08:00

Natur vital Hair loss Shampoo for Normal Hair

Aloe Vera extract with the Pro-Vitamin B5 moisturizes and protects the scalp and hair from external aggressions. It contains a complex obtained from seeds phytoactive Wheat, Soybean and Ginseng extract, which provide energy to the hair bulb and nutrients needed to strengthen the hair growth.

Contains a Phytoactive Complex and Organic ingredients which cares and protects YOUR hair, leaving it smooth and silky.

My Review:

No wow-wow effects after usage. My hair continued to fall in bulk. Well, hair-loss is after-all a known post-effect of maternity.

I bought the small bottle to try. The small 100ml bottle costs about S$8+, which I think is on the steep side. There has been quite good reviews by others though.

Gatsby Facial Paper

2015-12-29T10:41:00.003+08:00

I brought the Gatsby to a bangkok trip recently. The wipes provided a temporary tingling cooling effect after usage. Although it did not last as long as I would have liked, it was effective in providing short-term relief from the scorching weather. =) My 2 nephews below 10 yr old loved this though. They couldn't get enough of the tingling effect.

St. Ives Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub

2015-12-29T10:41:00.000+08:00

St. Ives products are such a classic to me. Have seen them around for more than 20 years. The products are cheap and gentle enough for daily usage. I love that my face looks brighter after using the scrub. The granules felt slightly bigger and not so refined, but yet didn't feel harsh on the skin. The scent however was a bit of a let-down, being over powering with sweetness. I had to hold my breathe when using. Otherwise, it serves its purpose well.

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Blusher - Onamatopeacha

2015-12-29T10:40:00.002+08:00

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Blusher costs 405 baht from Boots in Bangkok. This is an easy to use stick blusher with a nice coral tone.

Herbal Conditioner with Chamomile

2015-12-29T10:36:00.006+08:00

Bought this Herbal Chamomile Conditioner from Gourmet Supermarket in Bangkok. This product is part of project founded by the "Product of Royal Project Foundation". I liked the performance of this conditioner, but the sad part is I could no longer find it on my subsequent trips to Bangkok.

Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover (New Packaging)

2015-12-29T10:26:00.003+08:00

Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover

My favourite make-up remover has a new packaging with retro-looking design that's just oh-so-nice~ (yes, I'm also using the hada labo make-up remover, but frankly, performance-wise it pails in comparison)!

Same amazing performance as before, just prettier-looking now. You can read my previous review on the Biore Aqua Jelly Make-up Remover.

Origins Calm to The Senses face mask

2015-12-15T18:09:00.000+08:00

Description:
This creamy-rich facial mask with Buckbean and St. Paul’s Wort extract targets tense, clenched skin and helps release stressful looking lines and restores radiance. Dewy, barrier-building plant butters help replenish moisture reserves while our sensuous blend of Lavender and Chamomile soothes your senses so you feel calmer.

How to Use:
Apply a generous amount to face. Gently massage in. Use nightly or as needed.

My Review:
I typically wash off the mask after application for about 10 minutes as I don't like wearing a mask to bed. I like the slightly hot and stinging sensation you get immediately after application. It gives one the impression that the mask is activating some sort of reaction on your skin.

However, I cannot attest to the claim that the mask provides relief to stressful looking lines. After usage, the skin does look brighter, softer and more dewy, however, the stress lines are definitely still there. :) Nonetheless, I like that this mask is easy and convenient to use.