SHOP SKII Exclusive Christmas

Give a gift of crystal clear skin with SKII exclusive skincare gift sets at a special price.

SK-II Crystal Deluxe Set, S$233

Every year SK-II offers a specially packaged item. For 2013 Christmas, the signature Facial Treatment Essence is packaged in a 215ml bottle decorated with signature print featuring Swarovski Elements’ iconic Xilion cut, which offers intense sparkle and fascinating reflections. Within this set is a compact mirror decorated with Swarovski Elements crystals.

SK-II Pitera Essence Set Festive Edition, S$99

If getting the essence set at a more affordable price is more important to you, check out this set: Limited Edition SK-II Facial Treatment ESsence, 75ml, Treatment Mask and a Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, 40ml.

For the Man In Your Life

SK-II MEN Festive Edition, $272

Three step grooming set for men, SK-II MEN Moisturizing Cleanser, 120g, SK-II Men Facial Treatment Essence, 150ml and SK-II Men Facial Treatment Age Revitalizing Moisturizer, 50g will firm and improve his complexion in two weeks.

SK-II Aura Set, S$532

Long work hours and a fast paced lifestyle may show up on skin as skin dullness and tiredness. Limited Edition SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, 215ml, Cellumination Essence EX, 50ml, Cellumination Deep Surge, 50g and Whitening Source Revival Mask, 1 piece restore glow and clarity to skin in two weeks.

SK-II Revival Set, S$608

Regardless of age, a youthful appearance is important to every woman. Youthfulness is a form of self-empowerment when we look in the mirror and love how gracefully we have aged. So it’s never too early to start on rejuvenating skincare to retard the onset of enlarged pores, wrinkles and slack skin. The set includes Limited Edition SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, 215ml, Stempower Essence, 30ml, Stempower Cream, 80g, Signature Eye Cream, 15ml and Signature 3D Redefining Mask, 1 piece.

SK-II LXP Inspiration Set, S$928

The premium range of skincare from SK-II, LXP Perfecting offers almost instant improved appearance upon application. Compared to the rest in the SK-II family of skincare, this range is packed with improved strength in terms of treatments ranging from whitening to firming to hydration. The set includes Limited Edition SK-II LXP Perfecting Essence, 150ml, Perfecting Serum, 50ml, Perfecting Cream, 50g and SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask, 1 piece.

Available at all SK-II counters.

The Perfect Finish at Sephora Singapore This Christmas

Christmas At Sephora Singapore 3 

Third of the Christmas offerings at Sephora is skincare and anything that enhances your complexion.

Skincare

Fresh Essentials (SEPHORA EXCLUSIVE), S$30

These bestsellers from Fresh include Soy Face Cleanser (50ml), a gentle gel cleanser for all skin types. It removes impurities and makeup—even mascara—without stripping away essential skin moisture. Mini Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy (2.2g), repairs lips, significantly boost moisture, plumps up lips, and improves the definition lips.

Tarte Double Detox Amazonian Clay Exfoliating Face Mask, S$62 (New at Sephora Singapore)

Restore radiance, clarity and refined skin in five weeks with this double-duty detoxifying and exfoliating facial mask. Its key active ingredient Amazonian clay detoxifies skin as it balances oil and moisture levels of skin to improve longstaying power of makeup. Jojoba beads exfoliate and refine complexion to smoothen skin. Sweet almond oil and avocado oil replenish, rehydrate and soften skin as well as soothe skin. Suitable for all skin types as it absorbs excess oil of oil prone skin, hydrates and replenishes dry skin and balances combination skin. REVIEW: It leaves a mild tingling, minty sensation on my skin that feels just great on a hot day. It quickly dries up on skin and is easily removed with water. Perhaps its white colour makes this clay mask less of a mess. Skin feels smoother and comfortable after the gentle exfoliation. It does not leave my dry skin drier than before despite the oil absorbing properties of the Amazonian clay. Its exfoliating and deep treatment mask properties make the mask a great option for busy executive or mums.

Boscia Mask Medley, S$56

These no fuss peel-off masks instantly improves skin appearance to purify, brighten and hydrate. Alternate the masks on a weekly basis or use according to skin needs. Bright White Mask brightens and evens out uneven patches of skin tone, while diminishing the appearance of freckles and age spots. It instantly plumps up dull, dehydrated skin while leaving fine lines and wrinkles less obvious. Luminizing Black Mask leaves complexion smoother, refined, matte, brighter and clearer. Key active ingredient premium Calcium Montmorillonite Clay discovered in Montmorillion, France in the 1800s, and considered the premier quality clay nourishes and strengthens skin with its high content of 67 minerals. Cool Blue Calming Mask refreshes and calms skin with marine Sea Whip extracts the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory ingredient soothes and calms inflamed skin. Boscia masks are free of preservatives, artificial fragrance, colour, gluten and ethanol alcohol.

PureHeal’s Caviar 90 Renewing Ampoule, S$78 for a set of three bottles of 15ml (New at Sephora Singapore)

The latest addition to Sephora Singapore’s list of cult brands, PureHeal’s advanced skin rejuvenating and firming ampoule Caviar 90 Renewing Ampoule intensively firms, repairs, clarifies and brightens skin, as it revitalises with a high concentration of caviar extracts at 90 per cent, without irritating skin. This transparent gel textured ampoule dramatically improves skin elasticity and tone. Amino acid-rich caviar penetrates skin quickly to rejuvenate complexion, leaving you more youthful and fresher. As the cell structure of caviar is similar to the structure of a human skin cell, it helps intensively boost production of quality collagen to slow down signs of skin ageing considerably. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it strengthens skin to leave it with a healthy glow. Pureheal’s extracts caviar with the help of low temperature extraction technology to preserve caviar nutrients during harvesting to ensure maximum skin benefits. Essential sea plant extracts restores skin radiance and firmness. Pureheal’s skincare is free of preservatives such as parabens, mineral oils and triclosan. Pureheal’s products are never tested on animals.

PureHeal’s Calendula Blemish Line (New at Sephora Singapore)

Caring for acne-prone skin can be tricky, hence using the right skincare is crucial. PureHeal’s Calendula Blemish Line is formulated with its unique herbal medicinal recipe and blend of natural calendula extracts ingredients to soothe, treat, strengthen skin and boost healing in sensitive or troubled skin. Flavonoid improves damaged skin. Saponin soothes irritated skin. Carotene controls excess oil and hydrates skin. Four weeks skin test on 30 men and women reveals 80 per cent sees a drop of open comedones by 5.5 per cent and drop of closed comedones by 11.25 per cent. And no new comedone are formed when the range is used. Products to consider include: PureHeal’s Calendula 90 Blemish Solution, S$ $27, is packed with 90 per cent Calendula for quick healing and soothing benefits as well as whitening and anti-wrinkle. Calendula 70 Blemish Moisturizer 50ml, S$29, is an intensive healing and soothing cream with 70 per cent Calendula to control excessive sebum and hydrate skin. Great for skin that shines easily, but is dry on the inside. It also prevents enlarged pores and excessive shiny skin caused by oiliness, while moisturising skin and preventing moisture loss by forming a moisture barrier on the skin. The cream keeps you smelling great with refreshing mandarin tangerine, while its lovely fresh powdery texture, keeps skin from feeling sticky. Calendula Dual Energy Mask, S$33 for 5 x 20ml, is a quick healing and soothing moisturising mask with Calendula flower extracts to soothe irritated and stressed skin and restore skin balance reddish troubled skin in 20 minutes. Calendula Purifying Foam Cleanser, S$33, for 100ml, gently cleanses sensitive acne prone skin. The range is approved by the Korea Food & Drug Administration and does not cause any skin irritation.

Make Up For Ever Professional HD High Definition Elixir, S$64

This instant radiance and light-weight hydration serum that gets to work as soon as it is smoothed onto skin. Skin becomes more hydrated by five times in 15 minutes with the help of Panthenol and Glycerin and leaves complexion brighter. This product is oil- and paraben-free, and is also available online at Sephora.com.

Complexion Enhancer

GIVEAWAY 1. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Face Primer, S$45

Visually erasing signs of fatigue, this primer leaves skin flawless, brighter and fresher while creating a perfect canvas for foundation and makeup to be applied over. It is designed to be worn alone or with foundation powder. Vitamins A & C, mulberry extract, and Retinol diminish obvious pores; refresh dull tired skin as it improves hydration and firmness, while also detoxifying skin.

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, S$54 (New at Sephora Singapore)

This creamy multi-tasking formula creates a base to help makeup last all day as it hydrates, corrects, treats, protects and provides light to medium buildable coverage for a radiant, youthful-looking finish. Chemical-free sunscreen protects skin from UV rays, while antioxidants fight free radical damage without leaving a white cast. It evens uneven skin tone and diffuses the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and obvious pores.

Triple-B Complex, a proprietary blend of natural powder, plants and lipoamino acids diffuses light and minimises the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores while improving skin luminosity

GIVEAWAY 2. Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder, S$45

It is said that cameras do not lie as every enlarged pore will be even more obvious on TV screens and photographs. But not when you are using this pressed powder.

Leaving skin flawlessly smoother, it sets makeup and control shine while giving foundation a high definition airbrushed finish. Its translucent tone adjusts to any skintone as high-resolution, reflective powder technology minimises obvious pores and fine lines. The press powder does not contain any parabens. Both are also available online at Sephora.com.

Tarte Amazonian clay full coverage airbrush foundation, S$58 (New at Sephora Singapore)

Powered by Amazonian clay and light-reflecting natural gemstones, this unique powder creates a flawless, airbrushed finish and a 3-D dimension unlike traditional powder foundations. What we love about this powder foundation is its waterproof and 12-hour longlasting properties. Application is easy. Simply gently push the airbuki bamboo powder foundation brush into the mesh sifter. Tap away the excess, and buff the moisture-rich powder onto skin in circular motion until desired coverage is achieved.

GIVEAWAY 3. Tarte Smooth Operator™ Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder, S$47 (New at Sephora Singapore)

This translucent, silky finishing powder is infused with Amazonian clay to help set makeup and keep it in place all day, mattify skin and diffuse imperfections like obvious pores with a soft focus effect. To use, dust over skin with a large, fluffy brush bare skin as a treatment, or over concealer and foundation to keep makeup in place and add a natural finish. For targeted application, use your ring finger to gently pat finishing powder over undereye or blemish concealer to keep product from migrating into fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin.

BareMinerals Fabulous Finishes, S$70

This set of four shades gives your complexion the ultimate finishing touch. Each Mineral Veil^® Finishing Powder infuses skin with softness and light while absorbing excess oil and minimising the appearance of obvious pores. There’s a perfect powder for every occasion. Exclusively at Sephora Singapore and Sephora Malaysia.

Glowing with Radiance

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush, S$45(New at Sephora Singapore)

This skintuitive™ blush infused with Amazonian clay balances skin and gives a 12-hour fade-free, while pure pigments enhance cheeks with a natural glow and flawless finish. Antioxidant Vitamin C brightens skin and prevents premature ageing. 

NEW bareMinerals READY ® Luminizer for Face & Body in Peach, Copper, and Ivory, S$80

In a beautiful custom pressed and embossing design, this deluxe, limited-edition solid mineral powder features a starburst of shimmering shades. To use simply swirl the brush over all three shades once before delicately dusting over décolleté, shoulders and arms with the plush all-over brush for a show-o-glow from head to toe. Empowered by Bare Minerals proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral™ Complex, it is packed with positively-charged, antioxidant-rich sea minerals blended with cold-pressed kiwi seed oil. These nutrients deliver skin-nourishing soften and leave skin smoother. 
TIP: For the face, apply subtly only over cheekbones, and not all over the face, or you may appear to be perspiring when standing in dim light-not a pleasant sight. And use sparingly. 

The set comes with the Body Brush as seen in the picture.

Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder For Face And Body, S$48

This soft, glowing beige powder contains a sophisticated, microfine shimmer worthy of the

Naked name. Light-reflecting particles create a luminous, radiant look. Like the perfect quickie, it gives you a sexy, just-finished flush that will have people asking what (or whom) you’ve been doing. Simply dust on Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder wherever you want to fake an instant Naked glow. We love the thoughtfulness given to the lightweight rose-gold box, which includes a generous mirror and a brush in a separate compartment so that the mirror is as clean as can be and to avoid mess.

TO GET THE GIVEAWAY, please complete all 3 of the below:
1. Share this Facebook post to your Facebook friends
2.  Be the 1^ST to write in the COMMENT BOX at the bottom of this blog the following:
A. #MerryChristmas #SephoraSingapore and #SimplyBeauty
B. Indicate the "GIVEAWAY NUMBER" of your choice
3. You must be a follower of Simply Beauty on this blog or Simply Beauty Facebook account to qualify. Hence please indicate your Facebook account name and web address, if you are a fan on Facebook for verification purposes.

Only winners will be notified. Please reply to the notification in 24 hours, otherwise a new winner will be picked.

SHOP Philosophy Hope In A Jar Night redefines night creams

I fall in love with this new night cream from Philosophy the more I use it.

The last time I tried a Philosophy moisturiser, Hope In a Jar, was in the late 90s when it was first launched in Singapore. In my late 20s with dehydrated skin back then, the day cream was just like any regular moisture I had used. However I sat up, when I was told that Philosophy Hope in a Jar Night intense retexturizing moisturizer would leave me looking refreshed the next morning even if I had only slept for four hours the night before.

Here’s my personal experience.

REVIEW

I love the soft and light texture of this silky cream which was spreads out evenly on my skin and does not leave any oily film on the skin as with traditional rich night creams. After slathering on the cream the first time round, I didn’t feel any tingling effect, but found that the cream seem to disappear very quickly as it leaves my skin comfortable. The day after the first use, I thought the enlarged pores on my cheeks were somewhat smaller. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, so I made a point to take note of my skin texture the day after using this cream a second and third time. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

New Hope In A Jar Night Intense retexturizing moisturizer works with a patented qusome delivery system that gently boosts penetration of active ingredients into the skin. Its main active ingredients glycolic acid retexturises skin as it plumps the appearance of fine lines and evens out skin tone while the Beta Glucan strengthen skin’s natural cellular defense.

In clinical tests on 48 participants with signs of ageing, it was observed that after one night of use, 92 per cent of them felt that their skin was softer and comfortably hydrated. And after two weeks of use, 90 per cent of them showed diminished fine lines.

the beautiful decor at the presentation

VERDICT

After my first few uses of Philosophy Hope in a Jar Night intense retexturizing moisturizer, I find that my complexion gradually becomes smoother and brighter as skin texture seems more refined with less obvious pores. It is also less saggy and puffy with water retention after a week of use. Even on days when I had disturbed sleep, my skin didn’t appear tired and rough the next day. My complexion is definitely more refined and toned since starting on this cream. It took a little longer for the ultra dry skin on my forehead to be less dry as the fine lines fade just a little over the one week of use, though. 

On the days that follow, I find that it takes less time to apply my foundation and, the finish has improved and it seems to last longer than before.

Indeed Philosophy Hope in a Jar Night gives new definition to night creams. It is ideal for women with dull skin, poor blood circulation and who have irregular sleep hours. 

I wouldn’t mind receiving another bottle of this for Christmas.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar Night is priced at S$64, 60ml at Bugis Junction #01-16, Tangs Orchard and all Sephora Singapore outlets.

SHOP/REVIEW Youth restoring SOTHYS Lifeline (Fil de Vie) skincare and treatment

Refreshing Autumn  in Hong Kong with Sothys

Sothys launch their latest skincare and salon treatment Lifeline (Fil de Vie) that promise to restore radiance to dull skin in October. The homecare Energizing Day Cream is formulated in two versions to specifically moisturise dry skin and combination skin. Although my skin has been diagnosed as dry by aestheticians, as I have a tendency to break out at times, I decided to try SOTHYS Energizing Day Cream for combination skin for a start to see if it may be hydrating enough for my dry skin.

I brought this cream to Hong Kong during this typhoon season when the island was enjoying a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius. The temperature may seem lower than that in Singapore and supposed to be Hong Kong autumn, yet, the cream for combination skin is moisturising enough for me.

REVIEW

This day cream has a pleasant soft and light texture, and smells refreshing. I could feel "mild undercurrents" in my skin from the first use. It’s not skin sensitivity, but feels like my skin is buzzing with life within.

VERDICT
Both creams have very light texture and are quickly absorbed into my skin without any uncomfortable veil on the skin whether in Hong Kong's autumn weather or hot humid Singapore.

Day Cream: Complexion appears clearer, brighter and plumped up the next morning. After a few days of use, skin radiance improves.

Night Cream: My skin does not have any tingly feeling when I use this. Below are some pictures of my skin on the night before and the morning after using this cream. From the pictures, the skin appears more relaxed, brighter and plumped up the next day. I used this cream for a few nights, and find that even when my sleep was disturbed, my skin still appears brighter and plumped up the next day.

THE SECRET BEHIND SOTHYS Lifeline (Fil de Vie)

SOTHYS Lifeline (Fil de Vie)  Energizing Day Cream (Day), S$249

This cream is meant to re-energise skin experiencing the first sign of ageing marked by loss of radiance. It works with main active ingredient Siberian Ginseng, known to improve circulation and hence improve skin radiance when applied on skin. This root is said to boost skin resistance against aggressions and stress too. Incorporated into this cream, it improves skin’s ability to regenerate at the cellular level as it increases and optimises skin cell energy to achieve lasting resilience and youthfulness. Clinical tests on 39 women who used it for one month shows that skin radiance and youthfulness improved in 80 per cent of the women.

SOTHYS Lifeline (Fil de Vie) Energizing Day Cream (Night), $249

As our skin rejuvenates and repairs itself while we sleep, this cream is empowered with Sophora Flower extract to leave skin rested and radiant by morning as it eliminates toxins that has built up in the skin during the day. It is said to leave skin appearing rested as if you’ve had 12 hours of rest even when you’ve only slept for four hours. Clinical tests on 19 women for one month shows that 89 per cent of the women found their skin to be refreshed and less tired the next day, and their features more relaxed by morning. 

For a more complete skin rejuvenation, start with the 90-minute Lifeline (Fil de Vie) Energizing Intensive Treatment which is said to leave skin 25 per cent smoother and 100 per cent more radiant in just one session.

SOTHYS Lifeline (Fil de Vie) Energizing Intensive skincare and treatment is available only at leading SOTHYS beauty salons. 

REVIEW/SHOP Albion Infinesse Lifting and Firming Anti-Ageing Skincare

Albion Infinesse Skincare

This anti-ageing skincare targets skin’s dermal cushion where collagen is formed to lift and firm skin effectively.

REVIEW

This skincare range is easy to use. This face wash foams easily and leaves my skin squeaky clean. Its Moisture Lotion and Moisture Milk intensively hydrates and firms skin respectively. Following the advice of the scientist and the trainer, I massaged my face and the 30 muscles around my jawline, hoping to maximise the lifting effect of this range as I applied the Infinesse Gravity Resistance IA serum over my face.

VERDICT

I love this skincare range. I appear fresh after each use. It effectively hydrates my skin and my skin feels firmer with the first use. The lovely refreshing aroma of this light textured Moisture Milk and Moisture Lotion refreshes me through the day and doesn’t leave skin sticky in our humid weather. My pigmentation marks seem lighter after one month of use.

Close up of improved skin (difference in colour tone is caused by difference of magnification)

Albion Infinesse Skincare Regime

Cleansing: Infinesse Brush Up Wash, S$63. Its rich lather cleanses as it nurtures collagen while refining skin.

Skin Softening: Infinesse Moisture Milk I, S$115 revives skin elasticity to firm skin by creating the right moisture balance in the corneal layer of skin, leaving skin supple.

Skin Conditioning/Balancing: Infinesse Moisture Lotion IA, S$115. Firming and conditioning skin, this lotion leaves skin dewy and refined.

Active Care: Infinesse Gravity Resistance IA, S$164. This serum strengthens skin with a lifting effect as it improves skin elasticity and plumps it up. Infinesse Emgraftment Cream, S$197. The cream stretches and smoothens wrinkles and saggy skin to leave it taut from deep within.

Infinesse Signless Eye Cream, S$164. Firms and smoothens out lines around the eyes.

Why It's Good For You

Ingredients

Palmaria Extract A red algae, it promotes production of collagen.

Centella Asiatica Extract This extract promotes production of decorin.

Hydroxyproline This is a naturally occurring amino acid that aids in the collagen production process within the fibroblast cells.

Artichoke Extract This is an anti-inflammatory ingredient with antioxidant properties.

Technology

In a collaboration between Albion and Ochanomizu University, the proprietary molecule used in Albion Infinesse, Renovate cPA^® is developed. This patented key molecule hydrates skin with a hyaluronic acid injection effect and a lifting effect in the reticular dermis. It plumps up skin rapidly to leave it firm and bouncy as it boosts the density of collagen fibers, promotes production high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and prevents damage to elastin layer while promoting its production. This molecule hydrates skin both on the surface (stratum corneum) as well as deep within in the dermal layer, and maintains the hydration level.

Star of the range Infinesse Gravity Resistance IA serum

The Importance of Massage

We have more than 30 muscles around our jawline. Exercise them regularly by massaging to give facial contours a lift. Albion Infinesse expert shows you the right technique.

Available at Takashimaya Department Store, Level 1.

REVIEW Hitachi Hada Crie Cool Skin Smoothening Home Gadget

I tried Hitachi Hada Crie Cool for one month.

Trial:

With the haze, proper skin cleansing is even more important to me. Plus, as I have three skin problems―dry skin, tendency to have clogged pores especially around the chin and nose and obvious open pores on my cheeks―I was truly excited about the invitation to do a trial with Hitachi Hada Crie Cool. 

To maximise cleansing, I completed the full course most of the time. The gadget is easy to use and the instructions straightforward. Good thing that the designer of this gadget thoughtfully programmed it to switch off automatically to signal the end of each step.  On top of it, I can also choose any of the modes to suit my needs and time constraints (please see bottom of page for the list of skincare mode and the time each takes). 

1. This gadget is to be used after regular makeup and cleansing with facial cleanser. When I took the extra cleansing step with this gadget, I could still see that the cotton pads used to soak Hada Labo hydrating serum as required was dirty after cleansing. The cotton pad on the first session was dirtiest compared to subsequent sessions during the cleansing and moisturising mode. Fortunately for subsequent sessions, the cotton pads were less dirty during the cleansing session.

2. I am happy that this gadget is able to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores in one month of use (please see pictures below). I took a mental note that pores on both cheeks were equally visible before deciding to concentrate the use of the Cool-Aesthetic mode on my left cheek so that I can see the real difference on both cheeks. However, I also started taking supplements that improve my skin hydration 2 weeks into using Hitachi Hada Crie Cool, after not seeing any obvious results. As we know skin hydration is also very important to skin health for many reasons.

3. I used Hada Labo hydrating serum with this gadget for two weeks before I started including hydrating face masks to speed up results. For two sessions, I decided to see if a whitening serum would also show some form of results. When a finer and more aqueous YSL whitening serum was used with the gadget, I could see obvious skin brightening effects. This shows that the gadget does improve penetration of the serum deep into the skin.

4. I see more obvious overall results after I stepped up on a weekly face scrub and the use of moisturising face mask in my Hitachi Hada Crie Cool skincare regimen.

The challenges

Having to use a corded gadget to complete my 18 minute cleansing and hydrating regime means I should watch my favourite sitcom throughout the whole process. Thankfully, we have an extension cord which goes all the way to our couch.

I’ve also never gone through my facial pads so quickly before ―with Hada Crie COOL, I had to use two cotton pads per session. By the end of one month, I am three quarter way through my packet of cotton pads.

VERDICT

Hitachi Hada Crie COOL is an effective skincare tool especially in the area of skin tightening. At the end of one month’s use, pores were minimised after I started taking skin hydrating supplements and stepped up on my moisturising face mask. I saw only slight improvement in hydration during the course of one month though. May be it’s because my skin is dry and I do not consume enough water considering the amount of coffee I drink in a day.Although a corded gadget means that I can be sure that the gadget works effectively every time I switch it on, if it can be battery operated would be ideal due to the length of time it takes to complete a full cleansing, moisturising and pore tightening session.  I wish this tool can also be used to remove makeup and do a thorough cleansing as I still spot some bumps around corners of my nose, which is not easily accessible by the gadget head, although my skin is still generally spotless over my forehead, cheeks and around my lips. I love its Cool Aesthetic mode to bits as it tightens open pores and leaves skin glowing with smoother skin as the pores are reduced gradually. On the overall, I’m truly impressed that my skin was glowing for about 1 month after I stopped using the gadget. Ultimately, the daily discipline of pampering skin with this gadget for 18 minutes each evening pays off with less obvious pores (the obvious pores were not obvious anymore) one month that I wasn't using this gadget.

Why it is good for you:

It does a deeper level of pore cleansing by drawing dirt from inner bits of skin pores, while improving the hydration of skin with the use of a hydrating serum with the gadget. Its Cool Aesthetic mode tightens open pores and leaves skin glowing with smoother skin as the pores are reduced gradually. Hitachi MicroStep Waveform technology emits fine but high frequency waveforms that reduce stimulation in the skin. Titanium Metal head is gentle and suitable even for sensitive skin. It has four features in a complete total cleansing, moisturising and skin tightening treatment. 

Cleansing, Micro-Pat and Moisturise: each lasts about 5 minutes each

o    Cleansing mode draws out fine dirt clogged deep within skin.

o    Micro-Pat mode uses fine microscopic-vibration and original pulse signals to improve penetration of moisture molecules in hydrating water-based serum.

o    Moisturise mode The power of ions enables lotion to penetrate deep into skin and to be moisturise for a longer time.

Cool Aesthetic mode cools and tightens obvious pores with a cool refrigerant feature. Each session lasts about 3 minutes (including cooling time).

The power source is programmed to be cut off automatically at the end of each mode with a beep sound. Each mode can be set to high or low level intensity. Choose according to skin needs.

Options available

Express skin tightening: 3 minutes

Express regime: 5 minutes

Pore tightening: 8 minutes

Relaxed regime: 10 minutes

Daily Regime: 13 minutes

Recommended Full Course: 18 minutes

Power Source: Plug in AC100-240V

Cable Length: About 2m

Available at Audio House Marketing Pte Ltd

177 River Valley Road #04-01/15 Liang Court Shopping

Centre Singapore 179030

Tel: 6336 7177

Gain City

No. 6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square

#03-223 to 232 Singapore 039594

Tel.:62261212

5 Changi Business Park Central 1 #01-60/65

Changi City Point Singapore 486038

Parisilk Electronics & Computers

46 East Coast Road #01-01

East Gate

REVIEW L’Occitane skin firming Divine lotion and cream

L’Occitane’s Latest Skincare With a stressful lifestyle and long term exposure to skin damaging effects of the environment such as UV rays and free radicals, skin becomes tired and age as the matrices of cellular DNA degenerate, skin natural renewal slows down and the signs of ageing (dehydration, deep wrinkles, loss of density, firmness and radiance, and uneven skin tone) become more obvious. Experts at L’Occitane made some indepth studies and improved its existing Divine Cream with more effective ingredients and with the introduction of a new lotion that preps skin to receive the active ingredients in the cream for maximum benefits and results.   

Divine Lotion

Rich softening lotion maintains skin balance and boosts skin cell renewal. This skin prepping step, which maximises skin benefits from treatment serums or creams applied after is popular among Asians, is the latest introduction into L’Occitane skin care regime.

Divine Cream

This light textured cream immediately soothes and nourishes skin the moment it is massaged into skin. Its active ingredients target skin DNA to restore youthfulness leaving skin revitalised and firmer with new radiance.

REVIEW

Love the aroma of the flowers. It is a green-floral scent which is refreshing without being too girly or feminine.

Strong tingling sensation could be felt for first 3 days when smoothing the lotion and cream over my face. On the second day, the “dimple” (sign of sagging skin and wrinkle) above my lip was less obvious whenever I focussed on massaging the lotion and cream on my skin around my nasolabial folds and lips. According to a spokesperson from L’Occitane, this tingling sensation is a sign that the skin is adapting to the active ingredients, which should subside once the skin ‘registers’ their presence.

By the 4th day of using this duo twice a day, the tingling sensation is almost absent, my face felt firmer and my jawline a little more defined. The wrinkles on my forehead are less obvious, but the skin on my forehead could do with some help with a separate hydrating serum for more intensive hydration.

I improvised the recommended instructions for using this duo with my own more intensive massage towards the end of product application for better lifting results. (Please scroll down for recommended instructions for application)

VERDICT:

I love the refreshing green floral aroma of the Immortelle Lotion and Cream.  It is amazing how this duo softens skin immediately. In just over 10 days of continued use, dark pigmentation marks are lighter (please see the picture of one particular dark speck on my cheek which is lightened by the 10^th day) and facial V-shape is more pronounced (please look at the picture of my chin which reveals the missing “shadow” and sagging below the corners of my mouth in the “after” shot, and my chin is subtly sharper in the “after” shot).  In the course of these 10 days, I used an anti-pimple serum and cleanser to battle the pimples that popped up. L’Occitane has yet to comment on this reaction of mine.

I guess the ultimate joy or evident that this duo is good for my complexion is when my friend Audrey complimented on my redefined facial structure the moment we met (it was about one month since our meeting and coincidentally on the eighth day of using L’Occitane Lotion and Cream).

On closer look, I realised more complexion improvements: the obvious open pores on both my cheeks are transformed from lines to round dots and are not as pronounced as before. Blotchy rough skin is smoother by the 10^th day of using L’Occitane Lotion and Cream faithfully. 

The deep lines on my neck seems to fade just a little over time too. My skin doesn’t not feel tight like one usually does after a lifting facial at the beauty salon, but the obvious reduction of sagging on cheeks and around the mouth is evident. 

I believe this duo would be great for women who often complain about puffy cheeks or water retention, and women in their thirties and above, when laugh lines or nasolabial folds become more obvious.

Why it is good for you?

INGREDIENTS

Immortelle A legendary flower from Corsica known for its resilience as it doesn’t seem to fade after it has been picked.

Complex of 7 naturally derived active ingredients* Boosting the rejuvenating properties of Immortelle extracts, the complex works on the heart of skin cells (aka skin DNA) ** to restore youthfulness to tired and ageing skin as it “corrects” the signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagginess, pigmentation and dullness, and energises skin cells.

DNA PROTECTION

The ingredients protect skin DNA in three ways, to boost gene activity internally and externally (on the skin), while also repairing any DNA to slow down or reverse signs of skin ageing.

TECHNOLOGY

Cosmetogenomics Analysing gene expression in response to the stimulating action of cosmetic products, experts from L’Occitane understand the deep mechanisms of skin and worked on skin explants. The result? Taking into account skin in its totality and in all its diversity.

Instructions on How to Apply

1. Always warm the product in your palms before patting over face, then massage into skin
2. Applying too much of the products or applying the products onto skin directly usually cause oiliness and clogged pores.

 “With this set of instructions, you will find that the products penetrate into the skin better,” comments Evelyn Lee from L’Occitane.

Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK account, Instagram or Webstagram, Twitter, Blogger and Goggle+ to stay abreast of our blogs and participate in our activities. Please SHARE this post with your friends to spread the good news. Fore more helpful posts, please click on SimplyBeautySG Thank you. See you!

*props in picture: Scented candle not from L'Occitane

#L'Occitane #divine #anti-ageing