MASK

Guerlain Midnight Secret Late Night Recovery Treatment Review – miracle product to revitalize and freshen up your complexion

January 19, 2018

Overnight treatment is definitely my go-to instant skin fix that fits well with my lifestyle, so I’ve been trialing a lot of them over the past year. The cult-fav Guerlain Midnight Secret is my absolute favorite – I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered this little gem! It has always been the ‘secret product’ for the celebs and beauty insiders as it claims to give you an ‘8-hour well rested radiant complexion’ that makes up for the lack of sleep, so the mask is infamously known as ‘an overnight treatment that smooths away any signs of fatigue for short nights!’

I don’t get much sleep at all – 6 hours on average, and the way my skin reacts is never the same as the younger days. I can easily look dull and tired in the morning, so this intensive treatment that works like a mask is a life changer for me. You only need to apply a thin layer of it all over the face as the final step of your night time skincare routine. Leave it on for 10 minutes before going to bed so it’s fully absorbed and doesn’t leave a sticky mark on the pillow. The texture is somewhat similar to a medium-rich night cream but absorbs slowly, and for my combo skin it works fine without feeling too rich. I love the effect when I rinse it off the next morning – my complexion appears noticeably brightened, revitalized with an amazing glow. My skin is hydrated and the makeup glides on beautifully.

My only pet-peeve is the tiny size which is only 15ml. I wish Guerlain would release a bigger size, but on the other hand this size makes it convenient for travel.

Bottom Line: Highly recommended! I bought mine here in Australia, and you can find it at Neiman Marcus in the US, or here with free worldwide shipping.

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Labels: GUERLAIN • MASK • SKINCARE • SLEEPING MASK

Two Korean Skincare Favorites – Sulwhasoo First Activating Serum and Snowise EX Brightening Mask Review

May 14, 2016

If you are not the most enthuastic korean beauty fan, you will probably be confused of what brand and products to get as they all look and sound the same, and some can be a little gimmicky (at least to me!). One brand that guarantees premium quality and a luxury user experience would be the top rated Sulwhasoo. I haven’t tried that many products from the brand, but so far everything I have used has blown me away, including the Perfecting Cushion Foundation (reviewed here – the best cushion foundation in the market!), the ultra nourishing Gingseng Renewing Cream for the driest skin (packed with high concentration of ginseng), and my latest additions were the First Care Activating Serum and the Snowise EX Brightening Mask reviewed in this post.

Long time readers would know that my all time favorite masks has always been the SKII , and it has now been officially replaced by the Sulwhasoo Brightening Mask (currently on backorder at Nordstrom!). I ran out of paper masks when I was holidaying in Hawaii, so I shopped around and decided to give the Sulwhasoo a try. The next day I went back to the same counter and purchased two more boxes as they were so good!

The mask is for hydrating and brightening use, and it does both jobs exceptionally well. The main ingredient is the fermented ginseng essence, which gives a “treatment equivalent” result. For brightening, it claims that it will leave your skin luminous and more translucent than ever after just a single use. Most paper masks always make your skin appear brighter after use, but the difference with this mask is that the immediate brightening effect is better, and leaves your skin appearing visibly more translucent, youthful and even-toned after use. The brightening effect is also prolonged for a few days. If you have the budget of using the mask 3 times a week, they will dramatically improve the tone and luminosity of your skin from deep within more so than makeup products. I was literally sun-baking everyday for 2 weeks when I was in Hawaii, I used the mask every 2 days and my complexion became even brighter (existing freckles did not darken) after my holiday so I was very pleased! It also helps to hydrate and plump up your skin. If you have normal to dry skin, this mask is sufficient for keeping your skin hydrated with some anti-aging benefits. If you have very dry skin, I think the SK-II is still a better option.

The sheet mask has the ‘skin-like’ paper-gel texture, and it is extremely thin and completely adheres to the face regardless of your face shape (no bubbles!). The mask is fully soaked with milky essence, and it stays moist for up to 30 minutes. I normally leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes for the optimum result.

The Sulwhasoo SA also successfully convinced me to purchase their best seller the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum. We all know the Koreans have the most complex skincare system, and this product is designed to be used as the first product of the entire skincare regime. It is a serum which helps to deeply hydrate, plump the skin immediately, as well as for boosting other skincare products for ultimate results. The purpose of this product is very similar to the famous Lancome Genifique. It has a honey colored consistency with a soothing herbal smell, feels lightweight and non sticky and is absorbed in to the skin immediately. It is very hydrating, especially if you feel your skin is becoming accustomed to the products you are using for a while, this boosting serum helps to give them a kick and offers extra moisturizing effect. Even on its own without using any other serums, it’s a lovely gentle serum that helps to replenish essential moisture and nutrients for all skin types and suitable for all age groups.

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Labels: MASK • SKINCARE • SULWHASOO

A Travel-Friendly Skincare Review

February 2, 2016

I often get asked about my updated skincare routine from my readers, and it seems a very big job for me to consolidate everything I use into one post. I am currently in the process of shortlisting a handful of products that I absolutely love. In the meantime, I like to share with you a selection of products that I am bringing along with for my upcoming 2 weeks vacation in Hawaii! These are the trial and tested products that I pulled from my current skincare selections (not just random samples), and they are mainly for keeping my skin clear, congestion free, hydrated and lifted (so more photogenic) on a hot destination.

CLEANSE:

TATCHA One Step Camilia Cleansing Oil: My holy grail cleansing oil for removing makeup. One pump is all you need for removing the makeup completely, and it emulsifies well and most importantly it doesn’t make my vision blur for days if it gets into my eyes accidentally.

SUQQU Eye Makeup Remover: It removes the eye makeup including waterproof mascara easily, and is super gentle for my sensitive eyes.

TATCHA Polished Rice Enzyme Powder: Love this gentle powder exfoliator that also helps to brighten. It totally deserves a separate review post for it.

MASKS:

GLAMGLOW PowerMud DualCleanse Treatment: It is currently my favorite deep cleansing mask. I love it so much so I bought a mini size just for this trip. It is gentle (doesn’t sting), but very effective for lifting all the impurities and clearing out the pores.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask: My go-to paper mask for ultimate hydration and glowy skin. I plan to use one a day so it helps to reverse the damage from the sun, and keep my skin hydrated and brightened.

DAY & NIGHT:

La Mer The Reparative Face Sun Lotion SPF 30: If you want to simplify your skincare routine, this is possibly the only product you need in the morning. It is La Mer Moisturing lotion + SPF30 sun protection. This milky lotion is less richer than their famous cream, so it is light enough to use in the morning with the same repairing benefits as in all La Mer products.

La Mer The Mist: A very refreshing and hydrating mist that is great to use during the day to replenish the moisture and keep the skin cool.

Dr Ci LaboVitamin C Special100 Series: Pure vitamin c oil that moisturizes and also helps to improve pigmentation and brighten up the skin. It’s great for mixing in with other products.

For Beloved One Mandelic Acid Renewal Serum 20% . It is the newest ingredient that surpasses the effect of BHA+AHA which is trending everywhere in Asia now. It gives a deep exfoliation (like a mild peel effect) to the skin, and it is the most effective I have ever used for clearing up pores, and preventing pore congestion. If you notice your skin is not as smooth, or has white heads, and congested pores but difficult to remove, then this serum brings all the dirt and impurities to the skin surface and help to dissolve them after 2-3 uses. Continuous use will help the pores to stay clear longer. I use it twice a week, and always mix it with the vitamin c oil to make it more diluted and apply it over the areas prone to congestion.

Beauty Bar 24K Gold: My favorite portable beauty tool for de-puffing and a temporary more lifted look (reviewed here).

Methode Jeannue Piaubert Visagist Facial Slimming Roll-On: This brand makes the best slimming and contouring body products. I was excited to find out that they also have a slimming skincare product for the face. I bought this in Europe earlier this year, and unfortunately I can’t find any stockist online.

HAIR & BODY:

Jurlique Hand Cream: Holy grail hand cream that I have repurchased over and over.

Original Mineral Frizzy Logic Shine Serum: A weightless serum that repairs the hair and control the frizzes. Similar to Argan oil but I prefer this one.

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Labels: Beauty Tools • Dr CiLabo • FOR BELOVED ONE • GLAMGLOW • JURLIQUE • LA MER • MASK • ORIGINAL MINERAL • SKII • SKINCARE • SUQQU • TATCHA • TRAVEL

Chanel Sublimage Regenerating Mask Review

February 1, 2016

Today’s review is for the supremely luxurious Chanel SUBLIMAGE Regenerating Mask. I don’t use skincare products from Chanel as much as with their makeup, as I always prefer brands that are specialized in skincare rather than generic beauty brands that do everything. However after trying out several samples from the SUBLIMAGE series, I was totally blown away by the performance.

One of the products that wowed me the most was the Sublimage Lotion (it just made my skin look so good!), but I didn’t buy the full size version as I had way too many serum lotions to get through. I was convinced to buy the Regenerating Mask as I was in need of a wash-off type mask and the SA claimed this was more intensive than the lotion, and it could also be used as a sleeping mask.

As with most high end masks, it comes with the most luxurious packaging that makes you feel very pampered every time you apply this over the face. It has a set of standard tools such as a mask brush, a scoop, and a small pamphlet with massaging techniques included to make a prestige skincare product.

It has a thick and heavy cream texture that moisturizes even the driest skin, and smooths out the dry lines within few minutes. Different to the gel mask, this is much more nourishing and anti-aging. Since it’s so expensive I always use it a as sleeping mask so I can get optimum results. The formula is very rich, so I only need a very small amount to cover the whole face and I leave it on my face for at least 30 minutes before I go to the bed. It has quite a strong signature Chanel floral rosey scent that makes it smell enchanting. My skin feels extremely supple and smooth with a radiant glow the next day similar to having an intensive moisturizing facial. It takes away all the dry patches and makes my complexion look fresh and rejuvenated. No brightening, lifting and repairing effect observed.

Overall I recommend this product for those of you who are short on sleep, and are wanting your skin to look at its best the next day; or if you don’t have the time for a long skincare routine and just want to use one product at night that gives you the similar result as with 10 products. For people with oily skin, this mask may be too rich for you.

I bought the mask here in Australia. It is available on Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus Online in the US.

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Labels: CHANEL • MASK • SKINCARE

Best Drugstore Hydrating and Moisturizing Face Masks – My Recommendations

April 2, 2015

I have been using face masks religiously (at least once every two days) for the past few years so I have had my fair share of them. I find that I am opting for wash-off type more frequently since I became a mum as I get really lazy at the end of the day, and sometimes I just fall asleep whilst wearing a face/sleeping mask! Here is the edition of some really affordable drugstore hydrating face masks that I would repurchase over and over.

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Concentrate (Asia exclusive)- This is the most refreshing, lightweight gel mask that is packed with hyaluronic acid. It is marketed as a sleeping mask, which means you can leave it on till tomorrow morning. I personally like to wash it off before I go to bed, since I find that the result is not significantly better than if I had left it on overnight. Overall the mask provides immediate hydration to the skin for up to a day, and my complexion feels more supple and plumped. I would recommend this mask to anyone who has oily, combo and normal skin but dehydrated. The texture is light enough to not cause any congestion or breakout.

2. Elizavecca Collagen Jella Pack – My absolute favorite mask. Each jar contains 50,000 mg of collagen peptide from pork rinds (not for vegans!) so it claims to provide hydration and collagen to the complexion. It has a firm jelly like texture which makes it fun to apply. It feels refreshing and non greasy, and it is more moisturizing than a typical gel/cream mask. Even during this change of season, it is nourishing enough to keep my dry skin at the bay for one to two days. Highly recommend this to all skin types. This product is parabens, mineral oil free.

3 MORITAYA Tofu Mask – This mask is extremely popular in Japan as it was constantly rated the best drugstore mask in the beauty magazines. It contains a mixture of soy based yoghurt to hydrate and brighten up the skin. The texture is like a delicious creamy yoghurt with a heavenly soy milk scent that I am obsessed with. It leaves my skin very moisturized but not greasy, soft and appears more evenly toned after each use. This is another really good value for money product that I highly recommend to anyone with all skin types.

4. NUXE Creme Fraiche 24hr Soothing and Rehydrating Fresh Mask – This is my last resort if my skin becomes very dry and irritated. It has a milky texture with a really lovely vanilla scent that feels very calming to the skin. Like most rich European masks, this one tends to leave an oily film on the skin that acts like a protective barrier. It guarantees to replenish moisture and repair my desert dry skin, but I only use this one in colder weather otherwise it would be too rich and might cause a break out.

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Labels: MASK • SKINCARE

Cheap and Good Favorites

March 24, 2013

I like to do a compilation of random things I like as my weekend post. This week is all about some of the Asian beauty products I like which are excellent value for money!

CLOCKWISE

1. My Beauty Diary Masks (Camellia Mask) – They have been a staple for me for countless years. They do a great job and the paper mask itself fits my face perfectly, and best of all they are so affordable so I can use one a day! I have probably used every single series from the My Beauty Diary Mask Range and the Camellia is one of my favorites. It belongs to the premium range (so slightly more expensive) but it delivers super hydration which can keep my skin feeling hydrated for a number of days.

2. BONANZA Active Moisture Membraneous – Best selling mask in East Asia. It’s pretty cheap and comes in a huge tub (250ml). It has a clear gel texture and must be kept in the fridge. The instruction states that to get the best results, apply a layer of your preferred serum first, then apply a very thick layer of this mask for more than 30 minutes to ‘push’ the benefits of the ingredients into a deeper layer of the skin. I am not sure how it works but I do like the result! It’s very soothing (ideal for hot weather), cooling, and hydrating. The skin appears more plumped and translucent after each use. And again, the affordable price allows me to slather this mask on everyday.

3. Innisfree Mineral Shimmering Base – I am all about dewy skin these days and the performance of this shimmering primer exceeds some of the very expensive ones I own. It is hydrating and contains super fine shimmer so it sets on the skin seamlessly, adds a beautiful gleam without settling into pores/lines or making the skin look scaly which is the main issue I have with some shimmering products of Western brands.

4. SCINIC Snail Matrix Cream – Yep it’s made of Snail mucus! And it’s the hottest ingredient in the Korean beauty market for the past year, and there are thousands of korean brands that have released series of cosmetics with the IT ingredient. If you can get over the fact that it has Snail mucus…then you really should give this interesting moisturizer a try. The texture is tacky and gluey, but interestingly it transforms into a liquid-like texture upon application, and it is super hydrating and lightweight. Possibly the best $20 moisturizer I have ever used!

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Labels: HIGHLIGHTER • MASK • MOISTURIZER • My Favorites

Amazing – Essential Massage Mask by The History of Whoo Review

November 2, 2011

Still in the process of putting together a post for my skincare part 4, in which I will talk about my biggest skincare passion – Masks! I have way too many so I am still “shortlisting’ them which might take me a while. But I can’t wait to talk about this one – Essential Massage Mask by The History of Whoo. It’s one of my most recent discoveries and the result has truly blown me away.

For those of you who haven’t heard of the brand The History of Whoo, it is an exclusive high end Korean skincare line based on the oriental medicine. All products are formulated from rare ingredients that were used in the ancient royal family. They have limited production volume because these ingredients are hard to find. The Essential Massage Mask is the star product of this brand. It retails for around USD$80 depending on the vendor.

First of all, I like the unique packaging design, which is very over the top and it probably is the only thing that I own that has a touch of royalty to it!

The texture looks beautiful, filled with gold flecks. Since it is designed for massaging, it has a rich balmy consistency but not greasy.

It comes with a traditional Oriental massaging tool and is made of the most expensive wood – Rosewood. With this tool it allows you to massage your face following an ancient massaging technique that stimulates the pressure points along the chi (energy flow) pathway, for detoxing and bringing vitality back to the skin. Personally I have a very special attachment to this technique because I grew up watching my grandma massaging her face using this way.

Application Method:

There are some pictures enclosed in the pamphlet. Basically you spread the mask over the face, start massaging using the tool from forehead to cheeks and jawlines then all the way down to the neck following the steps in each picture. It is designed to stimulate lymph flow and blood circulation. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

First impression after rinsing the mask off was – wow my skin has never been that supple and bouncy. It gives my skin back the vitality as if I just had a 10 hours sleep. Skin tone appears more clear and radiant. Best of all my complexion appears visibly firmer and lifted, and the fold around the nose is noticeably faded. As the pressure points have been stimulated, the facial swelling as a result of water retention is gone. My face shape has changed from oval to V-shape! Of course as with any other mask, the lifting effect is temporary but with frequent use it will prolong the effect.

Bottom line: I love this! It gives me radiant and super soft skin, and it stays well hydrated for days. There are a lot of firming products on the market, but this is one of the few that can make my skin more elastic and visibly lifted immediately after use, without feeling that there is an artificial gluey product “tightening up” my skin. Whenever I have a party or special event where I want my face shape to look more sharp and lifted, (so looks better in the photos!) I have to rely on this one. Ladies with acne prone skin type need to stay away from it.

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Labels: MASK • The history of Whoo

June Favorites

July 2, 2011

June is a happy month. I never realised until my colleague pointed out to me the other day – June is the only month we receive 3 pay days because there are 5 Wednesdays in June! How cool is that?! So of course the money has to be well utilized..:-P I did quite a few huge hauls lately and hopefully they will be reviewed in this blog soon. Before I open a set of new makeup and skin care products, these are the products I have been actively reaching for throughout June.

MAKEUP ORGANIZER:

I really like this makeup holder, it is big enough to hold all the makeup I use for a month. It also looks nice on my dresser as it is made of crystal like acrylic.

FACE MAKEUP:

Guerlian L’OR Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold Makeup Base: You all have heard me complaining my skin has been dehydrated lately and I came to appreciate how hydrating this primer is compared to the others. It really makes a difference to the way my foundation sits on my skin.

Les Tissages De Chanel in Tweed Pink: My On-the-Go blush as mentioned in my previous review.

By Terry Highlighting Powder: One of my favorite highlighting powders as it gives an airbrushed glow.

Clinique Blush Powder in 108 Cupid: Just a nice and easy to wear fall shade.

Becca Loose Powder: Very finely filled and looks natural on the skin.

BRUSHES:

Nars Yachiyo Brush: If I could only use 1 brush for the face it would be this one! It has multi functional design that is perfect for blending, applying blush as well as highlighting.

Calvin Klein Face Brush: What can I say..this brush is softer than my Mac, Chanel and Nars brushes and it’s only $15!

EYE MAKEUP:

Been layering these shadows to create different neutral looks

Nars Dogon Eyeshadow Duo

Nars All about Eve Eyeshadow Duo

Giorgio Armani Intense Eyes To Kill Eyeshadow in 08 Nola

LIPS:

MAC Cremesheen in JAZZED

Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Lipstick in 105: perfect nude for me.

Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Volage

LIP TREAMENTS:

Lush Lip Scrub: Love the pink sugar and the bubblegum scent!

Chanel Hydramax Active Nutrition Lip Care: I like to use a lip treatment rather than lip balm before I go to bed. Chanel Hydramax Lip care gives me baby soft lips the next day.

Sportsgirl Lip Balm: My new discovery. It has a pleasant rockmelon scent and the texture reminded me of the By Terry Baume de Rose. It also leaves a hint of baby pink color on the lips.

HAIRCARE:

Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner: Frederic Fekkai and KERASTASE are my two favorite hair care lines. Their products always meet my expectations. This color technician range preserve the hair color while moisturizing and having a pleasant peachy scent.

Aveda Brilliant Damage Control: It is a heat protective spray – I like to use it on my 2nd day hair for heat protection; detangling and refreshing my hair. It has a unique soothing herbal scent that lingers on my hair for the whole day.

SKINCARE:

Jurlique Balancing Cleansing Lotion: I always prefer to use a gentle cleanser with a natural aroma scent in the morning to start my day off. This one leaves my skin soft and supple.

Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Mask: It used to be called Deep Penetrating Cream Mask. I think the former name is a much better description of the product. It is more of a refining mask that tightens up the pores, brightens up the complexion and clearing up the breakout pigmentation. It is not just for moisturizing.

Shiseido Benefiance Firming Massage Mask: I went through tons of this mask. One of the best nourishing, moisturizing and firming masks I have used!

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Labels: AVEDA • BRUSHES • CLEANSER • Frederic Fakkai • JURLIQUE • LIPBALM • MASK • My Favorites • SHISEIDO

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