Review: Organic Aid Vitamin E Moisturizing Cream

Product Description:
It contains natural Vitamin E. Non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic.

Benefits:

•Enhances the skin elasticity which tones and smoothes out fine wrinkle.
•Soothes and refreshes dry, irritated skin.
•Protects skin against sun and wind.
•Moisturizes and nourishes dry skin.
•Non-greasy and quickly absorbed.
•Helps retain and enhance skin moisture balance.

(RSP: RM14.90)

I was glad to have Yuberactive sending this product for reviewing purpose as I'm in love with the Organic Aid Vitamin E Facial Foam sent previously. To read others review regarding this product, click here.

 The product sent for reviewing weight 28.3 gram and priced RM14.90. Considering on the fact I didn't actually need to used a lot for it to works, this product definitely is a great buy (pppstttt, I'm considering getting a backup soon!).
 

It comes in jar packaging with screw on lid. However, Organic Aid product seems to be a bit lacking in packaging department. When I first received the product, I noticed some of it leaking to the screw top, and the white cap is a little too flimsy. Since the cream consistency is not that thick, a vacuum pump packaging would work better.

Regarding consistency, this product is quite thick, however not so slippery. The first few time using it, I always end up using too much as this product does not have much slip. After some time, I figured out that the best way to use it is by rubbing tiny amount on my palm and pat in on. It absorbed quickly to non-greasy texture that it feels that my skin almost matte.

One of the immediate effect, like after few hours applying this cream is that, I noticed my skin looks plumper, like raisins soaked in water for too long. Hehe, okay, I might exaggerate a bit, but it does look plumper. It does great moisturizing the skin. However, since I have acne prone/oily skin skin, this moisturizer is a little too emollient for me. Using it during the day would make my face a little oily at the end of the day, so I reserved for night time usage.

I find this moisturizer is great as it is gentle, not much of noticeable scent and light. The last vitamin E facial cream that I used have strong smell and unbearably thick and greasy. Most importantly, this product does not cause break out! Hooray!

So yeah, it works, it's inexpensive and it's easily available. Definitely a keeper in my skin care routine :)

The product was sent for reviewing purpose by Yuberactive, this however does not affect my view of the product.

Review: MAX FACTOR Liquid Effect Pencil Eye Liner

Product Description:
The new MAX FACTOR Liquid Effect Pencil Eye Liner is a modern day eye liner with an edge; incorporating the easy application of an eye pencil and the smooth and lasting effects of a liquid eye liner. You can effortlessly create any number of looks from the striking shades of Lilac, green, purple, silver, brown and black, whether you’re going for something simple, exaggerated or bold.

As one of the items in the MAX FACTOR Eye Effects Collection, the MAX FACTOR Liquid Eye Effect Pencil Eye Liner will be available in store from July 2011.

(RSP: RM38)

I was given a chance to review this eyeliner from Max Factor by Yuberactive. To read others review regarding this product, click here.

Yuberactive sent me the eyeliner in Violet Voltage, a lovely purple shade. At first, I was excited by the product's name 'Liquid Effect Pencil Eye Liner'. I was expecting a pencil eyeliner with opaque and crisp application of liquid eyeliner, but I should now better not to expect too much.

As you can see from the swatch above, the eyeliner is not really opaque even after few layers. The thickest line is the eyeliner smudged with the smudger tip, but it works more like an eraser than a smudger. I think could be because the smudger made of rubbery material instead of something spongy. 

Applying the eyeliner on my lid can be a frustrating business, no matter what I did, it won't apply evenly. Apply it thinly, it looks too sheer. Apply it moderately, it looks uneven. Apply it thickly, it starts to clumps. Yes, the liner become sort of concentrated to some area if it applies in thicker layer. So I gave up and accept the fact in won't applied even on the lid.

How long lasting is it? Well, on my oily lids, it's pretty good. It could last for more than 4-5 hours on good weather, but it will transfer or smudge after 3 hours. Eye primer or eyeliner coat helps minimised the problem.

On hot weather, it smudged badly and at one occasion, the eyeliner color actually bleed, making me look like abuse victim (or like Ashley said, 'eye lid surgery went bad'). LOL. The violet color seeps to the crease and the eyeliner left with black-blue color.

Overall, for me, this eyeliner is just decent. I think it would work better for those with normal or dry lid, and less hot and humid weather could also helps. I keep this eyeliner for daily used and for special occasion, I stick with cream eyeliner.

The product was sent for reviewing purpose by Yuberactive, this however does not affect my view of the product.

Review: Adidas Happy Game Deodorant Body Spray

Product Description:
Sparkling and fun, with a feminine touch New adidas Happy Game is a fruity floral citrus fragrance that strikes the perfect balance of energy, femininity and sensuality. Fresh and optimistic, the fragrance opens with a modern blend of melon blossom, cranberry and sparkling clementine sorbet. Then, the luminous heart reveals a feminine bouquet of freesia, dewy jasmine and flamboyant flower. And finally, the sweetly sensual trail finishes with lush base notes of blond wood, solar musk and golden amber.


(RSP: RM 16.90 for 75ml)

Didn't the cute pink and green packaging cheer you up? The color combination exudes energy  and fun.

I like the slim design of the bottle as it doesn't take up much space in my bag. It helps to have compact or slim design as girl bags usual fulls of god-knows-what. It amazes me how much girl bring around in their bag (I'm included) when guys are good with their phone and wallet.

To my nose, this deodorant have nice fresh fruity smell. The sillage is pretty low, but last all day long. During current extremely hot weather, body odor control is important. For the past 1 week of usage, I find this product works well as deodorant.

I dunno bout you guys, but at times, I'm terrible at aiming the nozzle that I usually spray the deodorant to my face. But with this product nozzle design, it's practically bimbo-proof. The slanted design helps me knowing where the nozzle spray point thus, no deodorant on the face any longer.

+1 for bimbo proof design. Yay!

Final verdict: I'm not really fond of this product as usually, I prefer scentless deodorant and medium sillage fragrances. But for days your not feeling like being all made up, I think this product is perfect as it works well as deodorant with nice fresh smell.

For more review regarding this product, click here.

Disclaimer: This product were sent to me free by Yuberactive for review. It is not in any way affect my view of the product.

Review: Organic Aid Vitamin E Facial Foam

A long long time ago, I was given a set of The Body Shop set of Vitamin E range. It includes facial cleanser that I adore because it removes waterproof makeup and non-drying. Sadly, it doesn't smell pleasant. The wheatgerm oil is definitely awful. Ever since that day, I'm looking for similar cleanser minus the horrendous smell.

Luckily, I was given a chance to review Organic Aid Vitamin E Facial Foam. After 1 week of usage, I can safely conclude that it's the superior counterpart of the TBS version.

Let's start with the packaging. I adore all the aspect of the packaging design except for the twist cap. I prefer twist cap as I can easily close the lid with one hand. Other than that, I love the tube packaging as it make it easier for me to get the most of the product. The design gives a somewhat professional looks. Not fancy at all and that it's reassuring for me. I like my cosmetics to have nice fancy packaging, but for skin care, the more professional it looks, the better.

It says on the packaging that it is non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic. Both are big words, but what it means that it tested to not causing blocked pores and comedon is white and black head. While hypo-allergenic means that the product does not contains ingredients that is known to cause allergy. With that properties and moisturising effect, I think this is great for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

The product have creamy consistency and I find it is easy to lather, just that it needs more water to lather compared to other facial cleanser. It works great cleaning the face. Rub it on nicely, it could even remove waterproof mascara and foundation! I knew that because I just did that this afternoon.

Since I had stop using any moisturiser to control my acne problem, it's very important to me not to use facial cleanser that strip off natural oil on my skin. This facial cleanser doesn't makes my skin dry which is good and I noticed after 1 week of usage, new acne stops popping and old one are drying up. I hope with prolonged used, this product will help keep acne at bay.

Would I recommend?  Yes. It works for my acne prone skin, so that means it's a great product.

Would I repurchase? This seems to work. I give another 3 weeks before deciding whether it is really a keeper or not. But for now, things look promising.

For more review regarding this product, click here.

Disclaimer: This product were sent to me free by Yuberactive for review. It is not in any way affect my view of the product.

Review: RIMMEL Mono Eyeshadow Colour Rush #030 Siren

Product Description:
Super soft blendable eyeshadow that lasts for up to 8 hours. Creamy pressed powder texture delivers bold colour with long lasting wear. Complimentary shades in convenient compact. 

 Now, let's see. I'd tried this eyeshadow for the past 1 week and it's pretty hard for me to form conclusion to review this product.

It comes in a neat packaging with clear top. A plus point as it definitely makes it easier to find the color you wants in your makeup stash. The lid cap on nicely with click. Well, I'm a sucker for nice click sound of makeup packaging. Another thing that I really like about the packaging is about how thin it is! So that's neat to fit into your bag without taking much space. This product lacking the typical cheap and pretty useless applicator. IMO, applicator that usually comes with drugstore brand eyeshadow is pretty useless for me, I prefer brush and I didn't touch up my makeup except for lipstick/gloss.

The texture of this product is matte with shimmer. That sounds weird, but it doesn't look like typical shimmery eyeshadow. It doesn't have the same sheen and the shimmer in the product is more like subtle sparkle. It applied sheer and can be layered to intensify it. On my oily lid, it last less than 3 hours, after that it would start fading. So I used it with Urban Decay Primer Potion and it last for more than 8 hour.

At first I thought Siren is a bright pink color, but when I finally received it, I'm pleased to find it's much better than that. I'm not really good at describing color but I can tell you it's more purplish/fuschia than pink. Even tho the eyeshadow have strong blue undertone, it suits my medium olive skin perfectly. This is the kind of eyeshadow you can get away without pairing it with another eyeshadow.

Like in the pic below, I pair the eyeshadow with purple eyeliner to bring the color out! Definitly loving it.

Below is another picture of me using the same eyeshadow (I recycled the pic from previous post. LOL)

Final verdict.

Would I recommend? If you like bright color and doesn't mine layering it to make it more vibrant, you can give this a try as it is an affordable drugstore brand.

Would I repurchase? Most unlikely at the moment. But if I got money to spare, I'll be getting Envy (the green one).


For more review regarding this product, click here.

Disclaimer: This product were sent to me free by Yuberactive for review. It is not in any way affect my view of the product.

Clarins UV Plus HP & Sunscreen and FDA

It's hard not to like this sunscreen, it is the best sunscreen I'd ever tried, but sadly the most expensive too. It cost around RM158 for 30ml, while my usual Biore Perfect Milk only cost <RM30 for the same volume.

The sample I got is the tinted version as my medium skin is too pigmented for the normal version. I think that is great that Clarins put into consideration of those with medium skin. Everybody knows how sunscreens gives off that undesirable white-cast. This sunscreen do that, but it does it in a good way.

As you can see, the white-cast doesn't look so bad at all, it's definitely tolerable and in overall instantly brightened up my skin.

But what really excites me about this sunscreen is its amazing formula. Unlike Biore Perfect Milk, Clarins UV Plus HP doesn't have alcohol-y smell and not as drying. It's slightly emollient which makes it very easy to apply and spread. But it doesn't makes my skin oily at the end of the day.

p/s:If you read the current FDA rules about sunscreen label, there's something about manufacturer would not be allowed to make sunscreen with SPF higher than SPF 50, because more than 50, the UVB protection is not much greater than SPF 50. So if you got sunscreen with SPF 85, the protection it gives is not much different with SPF 50.

There also a rule regarding the claim being waterproof and water-resistant, FDA if I'm not mistaken gonna ban companies from doing that claim because no sunscreen really actually do that. Most sunscreen is not effective after 2 hours plus and while swimming or sweating, I bet it gonna be rub off or coming off.

Read more here

Review: Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse

For swatch pictures of this product, click here.

I'd try to like to like this product, but I can't. It just doesn't work for me. To begin with, it have this too obvious white-cast that makes me look so grey, bet it would work better for those with fair skin. I'm so tanned that I think I'm around NC35 right now. I understand that this is due to its high SPF and PA value, so I thought, I can use this as sunscreen.

However, as sunscreen, this product doesn't cut it for crazy humid weather and people who sweat a lot like me. This product literally melt away from my face and that really defeat its purpose and makeup base and sunscreen.

I really wish that it works for me because of it light mousse texture. It might work for those who in air-conditioned room most of the time, or those living in colder weather. It bummed me that this amazing product doesn't work for me. It gotta be amazing to have a special collection consist mainly of it. D*mn you sweaty face!

Review: The Max Bold Curves Marcara by RIMMEL

Product Description:
Be bold. Be beautiful, with lashes that boast exponential volume and lift … instantly! Giving you the most incredible curves… Rimmel introduces The Max Bold Curves Mascara with its biggest curvaceous brush ever! The lashes are pumped up and lifted to new heights: up to 70% more lift and up to 14 times more volume.

The proprietary formula, enriched with collagen and keratin is paired with Rimmel's most curvaceous brush ever. Together they take lashes to stunning new extremes of volume and curve. Lashes are BIG, fat, boldly lifted – and completely free of clumps, of course.

The Max mascara packaging is reinterpreted in eye-catching green with pink printing for The Max Bold Curves Mascara. Like a magic wand that works eye-opening wonders in a few strokes.

The bright green and pink packaging reminds me a lot of Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline. However, the product performance is way~ better than Great Lash. The packaging is typical tube of mascara, nothing fancy except for the bright green tube and neon pink print. There are 8ml of product inside and its suggested retail price is RM35.90.

The brush is typical bristles and curved wands. The wand of this mascara did a great job separating and lifting lashes. The formula is non-waterproof and drier compared to most of the mascaras I tried before. Because it is non-waterproof, it is easy to clean up smudges and easy to remove, you don't need oil based makeup remover. It would be a nightmare tho if end up caught in a rainy weather.

Even tho this is a volumizing mascara, it takes about 3 - 4 layers because you can see much volumizing. But the lashes lifted significantly, even without using eyelash curler.

 (Left: With mascara; Right: Without mascara)

I think this mascara did good job on making my lash look fluttery and fuller. As you can see in the pic, my lashes with mascara looks more obvious and the curl is quite high. I love the wispy ends, but this usually gone if more that 3 coats applied.

Funny enough, this mascara did better job lengthening than volumizing. I think this mascara can be improve by making it more volumizing and waterproof version will be very much appreciated.

For more review regarding this product, click here.

Disclaimer: This product were sent to me free by Yuberactive for review. It is not in any way affect my view of the product.

Review: Montagne Jenesse White Chocolate Ultra Deep Cleansing Masque

Noticed that horrible small army of acnes on my face? Especially around the cheek area. Well, that makes me the perfect hamster to test ultra deep cleansing mask.



Product Description:
The creamy chocolate face mask comes with cocoa butter and cream. It has ultra deep cleansing properties that draws out impurities and soothes sensitive skin. Luxurious and packed with mud, this face mask will leave your skin feeling pure, nourished, and refreshed.

This mask contains kaolin and bentonite natural clay that are the main ingredient of basically all facial mud mask, which is great for oily skin as it absorbs the sebum leaving skin matte. IMO, by absorbing sebum, I think it would help calming skin irritated with acne. There are also Shea butter, cocoa seed butter, almond oil, carrot seed oil, glycerin, jojoba oil and vitamin E that I think would help moisturise skin. These ingredients I believe is the reason why this mask leave slightly slick feel to the skin after rinsing it off. Aside from that, true to it's name, this mask contains ingredients that are used to make white chocolate.

The packaging of this product scream quirkiness with face covered with mask and eye covered with leaves and chocolate. This definitely makes it stands out on the shelf. But what I really want to highlight is the tiny pre-cut part of the packaging that makes it super easy to open. Most of this type of packaging have small indent that show where your should tear and you try and you end up biting it off like how you remove lollipop wrapper when you're kid.

There are tons of product in the package, well, 17g actually. But these 17g easily stretch to up to 4 uses. I transfer the clay to vacuum pump bottle and keep it in room temperature. I used it for four different days. I noticed no change to the product texture (it's still muddy) and smell (well, it smells like cheap chocolate). So, what does this mean? Value for money! Suggested retail price for this product is RM5.90. This equals to RM1.475 per usage. Cool.

I spread this mask on clean face using my index finger focusing on cheek area and leave it to dry for 20 minutes. While drying, I can feel my face become very stiff and when it finally dry (20 minutes later), I do all silly facial expressions. It's satisfying to see the mud mask cracked and peel of my skin. This mask easily rinse off with water. Before this mention this product leave slightly slick feel to the skin after rinsing it off, but funny enough, my skin feels a bit dry. Could be that the mask wicks off the sebum on my skin, including the good one that makes my skin moisturised.

After using it for four times, I noticed my acne appear to be less irritated and less red. I shouldn't do this, but I noticed pimples popped easily and whiteheads easily extracted after using the mask. But really, I should stop doing all that as it might leave scarring and worse acne. I think with longer use of this product, it could help improve my skin condition.

To read other review of this product, click here.

Disclaimer: This product were sent to me free by Yuberactive for review. It is not in any way affect my view of the product.

Review: Playboy Women Deodorant Spray

Playboy always reminds me of my boyfriend, not that he have collection of Playboy magazine hidden under his bed, it is that he used to wear Playboy Deodorant Mens Spray Hollywood. I love its warm fresh smell. It smell very nice for a deodorant spray.

So when given a chance to review the latest Playboy deodorant spray for women, I jumped on board hoping it would be as good as the men version.

Product Description:
Play It Lovely
Perfect for daytime flirtation, Play It Lovely evokes a sweet and playful innocence that is guaranteed to enchant. This light, easy-to-wear fragrance opens with a mouth-watering blend of zesty citrus, ripe blackberry and juicy pear that uplifts and delights. The heart is built around an exquisite bouquet of cherry baby orchid, belle de nuit and tuberose, which exudes modern femininity. As the fragrance settles, the delicate floral notes give way to a warm and sensual base of amber, patchouli and tonka bean. Simply "lovely"?

Being Pepper, I'm a sucker for men fragrances. My all time favourite perfume is Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet for Men, and my current daily perfume is CK Euphoria Intense for Men. Well, I have a bottle of women perfume, but that easily pass as unisex perfume. So yeah, a full blown floral women fragrances is not my kind of stuff.

With all that being said, and with the description of Playboy Women Deodorant Spray Play It Lovely listed floral notes as it middle note, I would naturally avoid this fragrance. But boy, I'm glad to be given a chance to review this product

The spray starts of with typical scent of aerosol product that dissipates in an instants. The parfum spray kick of with fresh scents that distinctively citrus and fruity, just like the product description. This is followed by light floral notes. Tho the floral supposed to be the middle notes, it was pretty brief for middle note and overpowered by the sweet base note. I love sweet base note and base note in this deodorant spray last pretty long.

The sillage of this spray is moderate and the scent last for about 3 hours. That is not bad considering that it's only deodorant spray. Ah~ Talking about deodorant, I don't really think this would be enough for humid warm weather. So, I would use this mainly as perfume spray.

Considering it's overall scents, it easily falls to daily daytime fragrance category as it is light and fun.

Regarding packaging, I love the design! How the Playboy icon located tastefully on the can, the overall color scheme pretty much gives you a hint how the spray the smells like, and the cap actually cap on tight but easy enough to remove. The spray nozzle is typical nozzle that works just fine. I dunno about you guys, but at times, I found some spray nozzle is so hard to press, that when you finally managed to press it, you end up spraying too much.

Suggested retail price for this product is RM 16.90 for 150ml. I think that's a good value as this spray actually smells nice and last pretty long. There are two other variation for this deodorant spray, namely Play It Sexy and Play It Spicy. To read more reviews of this product, click here.

Disclaimer: This product were sent to me free by Yuberactive for review. It is not in any way affect my view of the product.

Review: The Body Shop Elderflower Unperfurmed Eye Gel

Wondering what elderflower is, after some Google-ing, I learn that it is a type of shrub that is native to Europe used as medicinal plant to treat fever, flu, relief congestion and inflammation remedy. I'm still not sure how elderflower works to benefit the eye area.

I bought this last February, mainly because I was bitten with 'eye gel' bug. This product in particular is relatively inexpensive compared to many eye gel/cream available in the market. This product claim to Cools, soothes and refreshes. It is advised to gently pat around eye area as needed. However, avoid direct contact with eyes, because it stings!

I used it as eye gel religiously 2 times a day for the first few weeks, after that, the 'eye gel' bug wear off and I end up using this to make aspirin mask. For the first few times using this product, I'm always end up in awe looking at how this gel plump up the skin on the under eye area, making the fine lines less noticeable. After some time, I'm no longer impressed as the effect is really temporary and I suspect it is simply for hydration provided by the product gel texture. I find using Hada Labo SHA Moisturizing Lotion is good enough to provide enough hydration/moisturization.

I have no idea why, companies like to market their eye gel in jar instead of hygienic pump bottle or squeeze tube. Jar container is pretty unhygienic, it is advised to finish this product up within 6 months after opening.

In general, any type of eye gel no longer appeal to me. I see it as the evil way of companies making money, by making you think it is necessary to buy more products. Another thing that turn me off with this product is the fact that it looks, feels and works just like the super inexpensive after sun aloe vera gel. Imagine how bad I feel when I noticed that. I feel so stupid letting myself being ripped off for something like that! Take note that this is my personal opinion, I take it all in the positive way, as a way of learning to become more educated consumer.

Price : RM26 for 15ml
Made in UK
Ingredients: Water, Hamamelis Virgiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Sambucus Nigra (Elderflower) Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Triethanolamine (pH balancer), Carbomer, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Denatonium Benzoate.

p/s: Once I asked the Clinique SA whether it is ok if I use the Moisture Surge under my eye. She said not and recommend me to try the All About Eyes cream. That is the moment when 'eye gel' bug bit me. I'd tried using Moisture Surge under my eyes and it is all fine. As long as it doesn't cause milia, I'm ok. Thinking back, I shouldn't ask the question to the SA. Of course she said no because it is what she trained to say by the company and of course, more products sold, means more commission for her.

All that is purple-ish: Item 7 - Lady Speed Stick Invisible Dry Powder Fresh Deodorant

My favourite deodorant. I' tried aerosol, my aim not that good, I end spraying the air or my face instead of my underarm. The liquidy one like Nivea is just pain in the *ss, takes time to dry, stained the shirt and doesn't really work. But this one I think is my must have, the one that work exactly the way I want it. It's in stick form, so no waiting time for it to dry. It's not sticky. It works, even if I sweat, especially when I'm in the gym, my underarm smell powder fresh!!! hahaha. Lastly, it doesn't have strong scent likes it Fressia version. I don't like strong-scented deodorant as I think it messing up the fragrance I'm gonna use.

All that is purple-ish: Item 5 - Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet Man

The best perfume I ever own. I finished this bottle up few months ago. The packaging is genius! I love the staple gun design. The part where you press to dispense the fragrance is made of sturdy plastic and purple in colour. The fragrance liquid is also purple. The thing I love about this fragrance is the unique smell and amazing sillage. The smell is hard to pin down, but I can tell it smell very synthetic, in a good way. It's very distinct too!

The sillage is the best part about this perfume. It have long sillage, up to 8 - 10 hours. The sillage is not too strong, but projected nicely. It also feels like it enveloped around the body like aura. It's hard to explain, but every notes in this perfume enjoyable. I love the synthetic ambergris drydown especially.

Review: Clinique City Block Sheer 25 SPF

Dear Clinique, what's wrong with your sunscreen formulation? It's too oily and it pilling/ball up upon application. It might work for those living in colder climate, but, let me say this plain and straightforward, don't bother selling this thing in Malaysia, it's too humid and hot here.

More than that, why sell something with such a horrible formulation? Each time I put it on, it would ball up. This make it impossible to reapply without the fuss of brushing off the ball up sunscreen of my face.

Another thing that really make me unhappy about this product is the fact that it's oily despite the claim of being oil-free. I'd done the test checking the oil content, Revlon Colorstay pass with flying colors while this sunscreen fail miserably. There's just too much oil in it.
As you can see from the picture above, the product separates. It annoys me, but the good thing is that, I could remove most of the oil in this product by letting the oily phase of the separated product to flow out first. Doing this improve the product application significantly.
The product is tinted to reduce the white-ish look caused by the sunscreen, but the tint does not provide coverage. The scent of this product is typical of Clinique sunscreen. I dunno how to describe it. I think it's quite similar to Banana Boat sunscreen.

The only way to make this horrible product works is by mixing it with foundation. Foundation with will make the product stop from balling-up during application. But the suncreen would make the foundation a lil harder to blend. Well, I think that's a good compromise as I want to finish the product ASAP.

Not recommended and will never ever purchase the full size. Why would I, it's over priced for something that works terribly. Plus, it doesn't have UVA protection.

p/s: I think you can tell how much I hate this stuff.

Review: Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer

I'm just gonna write a short review for this product.

• Basically it's an chemical exfoliation serum.
• liquid-y consistency.
• feels light
• not drying
• I could only see minor exfoliation occur. The exfoliation mainly happens on the acne scars.
• After approx. 2 weeks, I could hardly see any improvement in my skin condition.
• From gossmakeupartist video in YouTube, I learn that this product pH is 5. A bit too high for a chemical exfoliation product to work. AHA/BHA usually need acidic pH to really work. This product might suit those with sensitive skin.
• Price: RM190 for 30ml, RM250 for 50ml....tooooooo expensive!!!!
• Would not repurchase.

Bottom line, too expensive and it doesn't really work.

p/s: I'm supposed to be busy writing abstract for a conference in September. But I'm too lazy to do anything...gah~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (funny thing is, I still have time to write a blog post. LOL)

Review and NOTD: MNY (Maybelline New York) my Varnish

MNY is a line from Maybelline focused on younger audience with brighter color, fancy packaging and cheaper price. This brand debut in Europe and I'm pretty sure it is not in Malaysia, at least yet. You can check out the website here http://www.mny.com/us/index.html#/home

To the product itself, these two nail polishes are pretty good. It is easy to apply and does not chipped easily. I have it on for about a week with minimal chipping at the edge of my nails. The purple applied slightly easier than the pink one. The products not opaque enough that I need at least three coat to make sure there are no bald spots. Oh ya, before I forget, I got these nail polishes from swap with Aisyah. Thanks ^^,

Purple (553), Pink (008A)

In the picture above, on my thumbs nail, I apply the purple (553) over dark green nail polishes. I'm not sure if shown in the picture, the purple nail polish have pink shimmer.The other one is bubblegum pink with no glitter or shimmer.

I think that is all I got to say about this products. Have a nice day everyone.

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Moisture Surge, I'd always wanted to try this product, but unwilling to fork out RM160 for 50ml without testing it out first. When I ask for sample of this product, the Clinique SA run out of the sample and gave me sample of All About Eyes instead. I finally got the chance when I received Clinique mail with card to redeem free sample. Luckily Moisture Surge sample was in stock when I redeem it.

The sample comes in jar packaging, similar with the full size product. As usual, I wish it's in airless pump bottle or squeeze tube. The product itself is in light salmon color with faint scent, I'm don't know how describe the scent.It is oil-free formulation that is suitable for any skin type or climate. Texture of this product is much lighter than DDML but heavier than DDM Gel. The product spread on the skin smoothly leaving silky soft feeling on the skin. Compared to DDMGel containing dimethicone as main base, Moisture Surge have cyclopentasiloxane (CPS) instead. CPS is a type of silicone that has light consistency which makes it spread and spread other substance mixed with it easily. CPS is volatile, thus it evaporated and leave behind a silky soft feel on your skin. CPS is said to be more effective than dimethicone which may explains why Moisture Surge is better than DDM Gel.

Besides CPS, other ingredients includes plant based extracts from birch bark, lady's thistle, green tea, aloe, extracts or ferment from microbes such as yeast and Thermus thermophillus, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, dimethicone, glycerine, lecithin, sucrose, etc. You can always check online for ingredients full list.

From my experience using this product, I could actually observe CPS on action. When I first applied the product, it feels thick and wet but spread easily, and within 2 minutes, the thick and wet feeling gone leaving well moisturised skin that feels soft and supple. The softness and suppleness last for a long time. As example, I applied it around 10pm and wake up the next day, 8 hours later with my skin still have that *boing-boing* suppleness.

Since using this product, my skin become less oily over time, this show that the product really moisturise well. Since my skin is well moisturise, less oil produced. Awesome huh!? This product also doesn't cause my skin to break out which is always a good point.

There are only two negatives I can find from this product, first is the packaging, second is the steep price for small volume. For comparison purpose, DDMGel cost RM150 for 125ml. Moisture Surge cost RM160 for 50ml.

Would I purchase this product in full size? I don't know, it's just too expensive. I love this moisturiser, but for a student budget, I might have to settle with only DDMGel first.

Would I recommend it? If you have RM160 to spare, why don't! Just make sure you're not allergic to the product. On second thought, it's better to find cheaper dupe. I bet there are cheaper and better products out there. Moisture Surge is simply overpriced.


Reference: http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/09/27/what-is-cyclopentasiloxane/

Review: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

This one is the only product from the 3-step skin care system that I actually like. I even used it to revived dried up cream eyeliner, read about it here.

There are lotion version of this moisturiser and I'd tried from sample given during Clinique workshop last year. I find Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion or DDML is too heavy for my oily. It simply doesn't "sink" into my skin and leave a layer of film that make me feel suffocated. Whenever I used DDML, I'll blot the excess and then only I proceed to other step.

When I bought the full size product, I got the gel version, DDM Gel. It look very similar to original version, the packaging, the product color, even the scent. It come it a bottle with a very awesome pump. I find it is very easy to control how much product to take out with this pump. From a tiny dot to a full pump. The pump comes with a cap instead of lock mechanism that is used for the facial soap.The texture of this DDM Gel is incredibly light. So light that at times, I thought 1 pump is not enough. Actually 1 pump is adequate for the whole face. The main ingredient includes dimethicone (silicone oil) that gives it the smooth slippery feel of silicon based facial primer. With much lighter texture and oil-free formula, this product works great for my combination/oily skin and in humid weather.

Once applied, this product "sink" right into my skin, making it feel hydrated and smoother. The product works well as day moisturiser, but too light as night cream. Besides working as facial moisturiser, I find it also work great as a quick fix to dry hair. I simply apply it on damp hair like leave-on conditioner. I also applied it on my lips as quick fix to chapped lips, it works like magic for that purpose.

Reapplying the product few times doesn't make it feel heavy, it simply "sink" onto my skin. The formulation doesn't cause my skin to break out. It also doesn't caused clogged pores (it's something else that clogged my pores last time).

Despite the name, there's nothing dramatic about this product. It is just a very good moisturiser. Nothing more, nothing less. It come close at being a HG item, but doesn't make it.

Eventho the initial cost during purchase quite high, RM150 for 125ml, it last a very long time, I used it since October 2010 and I still left with about 1/4 in the bottle.

Would I repurchase? Of course! it works and a bottle last a long time. A perfect day moisturiser for my combo/oily skin

Would I recommend it? If you have combination/oily skin, or simply live in a very humid place, give this product a try.

Review: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3

According to the Clinique SA, this toner is their star product. Clinique claimed this product is difference maker in their 3-step skin care system. The selling point is gentle exfoliation (chemical exfoliation) that remove dull dead skin cell revealing healthier layer skin. This product is formulated for those with combination oily skin.

The ingredient includes whole lots of denatured alcohol (ugh), water, glycerin, witch hazel, butylene glycol, salicylic acid, acetyl glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and some other ingredients including colorings.

It come in a simple packaging, with screw top bottle that I hate a lot. For a quite expensive product, a pump should be included. Clinique can make cleanser and moisturiser with good pump, why not package the toner the same way!? Anyway, the bottle design cause a lot wastage. So I decant some in a smaller pump bottle and I noticed I used the same volume for a longer period.


This toner have strong alcohol scent since it is mainly denatured alcohol. When I first applied it, it stings and dried up my skin, after a week, my skin starts to tolerate the toner better. It is important to apply this toner gently, don't rub it hard or your skin will be so irritated and it become red and it sting. See how harsh it is?

I use this product since early October 2010. I have high expectation for this product and I'm very disappointed. It does work in reducing pimples, but it does very little in reducing blackheads and whiteheads. Not much oil control too. Even with claims of gentle daily exfoliation, I didn't see my skin becoming smoother from the use of this product. I don't like the fact that it is drying. In a nut shell, it's not a miracle worker, nor it is the difference maker. Furthermore, I suspect the chemical exfoliation is not enough since my clogged pores is not reduced with used of this products. Only after I includes physical exfoliation in my skin care routine that clogged pores dramatically reduced. So much for the toner helps unclogging pores. I'm so disappointed.

I concluded that this particular clarifying lotion is harsh for my skin, so I ask the Clinique SA advise for toner with least amount of alcohol, but she keep pushing me to get the same one or the one from anti-blemish solutions range when she see my post-acne blemish infested cheeks. I end up buying nothing from her, and bought The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying that claim to work for combination oily skin, but much less harsher than it's Clinique counterpart.

I would not repurchase it since there are tonnes of toner out there that works better than this one, at cheaper price too. I also would not recommend this one due to it's high content denatured alcohol.

Extras:

I think I have to stress it here that I'm disappointed with this toner due to many outrages claims that Clinique made about their toner. It's just a toner. Nothing special, at least for me.

For comparison purpose, this Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 cost RM115 for 400ml. So, that is RM28.75 per 100ml

Meanwhile, The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner (pretty much the same purpose minus the exfoliation properties) cost RM 38 for 200ml. So that is RM19 per 100 ml.

So that is RM9.75 difference for 100ml.

p.s: It's not that I hate Clinique, I do love some of their products, but this toner in particular is not up to my liking.

Review: Clinique Liquid Facial Shop Oily Skin Formula

[For review of this cleanser in Mild version, click here. ]I bought this product early October 2010 and I used almost everyday ever since. It comes in pump bottle for 200ml and squeeze tube for smaller volumes or samples. I adore the pump, you can easily control how much product you want to pump out. The pump design is very neat. It also have lock mechanism that help prevents wastage.
It have typical consistency of liquid soap. It's clear with faint scent. To use this product, I pump tiny bit onto my palm, mix it with some water, lather it and rub it lightly on my face. Usually I do this twice. The first time is to remove all the dirt, makeup residue and sebum. The second one is to clean the skin. If I'm wearing heavy makeup, I'll repeat as necessary until the rinsing water is clear.

You don't need to use whole pump to clean your face, 1/4 or 1/3 of a pump is enough. Just remember to lather it up before using it on your face. Diluted with enough water, it would lather up nicely with small bubbles that is great for picking impurities on your skin surface.
I'm a firm believer of double cleansing, use makeup remover first, then the facial cleanser. I would never feel my skin is clean with I skip either one. From my experience using this facial cleanser, it's not enough to remove your makeup. I learn this the hard way. My skin break out when I skip the makeup remover. However, if I double cleanse, this facial cleanser will remove makeup residue effectively. Another thing to take note of is that this product doesn't remove waterproof products, unlike my old The Body Shop cleanser.

It's a no-nonsense product. At times, I feel this cleanser is a lil drying for my oily skin and it make my skin feels little tight, but the oil control properties is not much. It does great job cleansing and make my skin feels fresher

Eventho it cost a little high during initial purchase (RM78 for 200ml), it last for a very long time. I'd been using this bottle for about 5 months and I still have 1/3 left. This could easily last for one year if I learn earlier that 1 pump is too much. Would I repurchase? Maybe. It's good, but not great.