Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts

REVIEW/CHARITY Help Eyesight Impairment and Condition skin with L'Occitane Shea Flowers of Love Bodycare Collection

Best Skincare for Dry Skin
L'Occitane Shea Protection Package
To kick off a new year, L’Occitane one of the best natural skincare brands, supports the visually impaired with the launch of limited edition Shea Flowers of Love Bodycare Collection. It comes in a series of three new scents: Rose Tenderness, Passionate Jasmine and Subtle Velvet. The main ingredient in this range is skin softening and moisturising Shea Butter, one of the best anti-ageing moisturiser around.

Giving Back to Society
Doing its bit for charity, 100 per cent profits from the sale of Rose Tenderness Solidarity Soap will finance eye-health projects run by NGOs in developing countries with the support of the L’Occitane Foundation.

For me, not being able to see clearly is a handicap, having impaired eyesight leading to severe or total loss of vision would be unthinkable. Should I lose my eyesight, I will definitely miss the beauty of creation and its beautiful colours. It also means losing my independence. It is suffocating. Yet, apparently there are almost 285 million people in the world who are visually impaired. Out of this figure, 80 per cent of blindness is avoidable.

If you think eyesight impairment is worth saving, let’s give L’Occitane a helping hand to improve eyesight through the financing eye-health projects from the sale of this lovely soap.

Factual bits about L’Occitane Shea Flowers of Love Bodycare Collection
L’Occitane  Shea Flowers of Love Bodycare Collection is combined with three flowers to create three varieties of lip balm, hand cream and body cream – Rose Tenderness, Passionate Jasmine and Subtle Violet.

Ultra Rich Body Cream: Has 25 per cent of shea butter to soften dry skin.

Lip Balm: 10 per cent of shea butter soothes and soften dry lips. It is made with ingredients that are 100 per cent of natural origin with 55 per cent from organic farming and 10 per cent fair trade.

Hand Cream: If household chores have left hands rough and dry, 20 per cent of shea butter in this cream will restore the softness you used to know. Best if used after each hand wash.

The scents in this package:
Rose Tenderness: The soft smell of freshly picked roses from rose extract, in which I detected notes of a milky-sweet rose, in the Ultra Rich Body Cream and Solidarity Soap is the most pleasantly aromatic among the three in this range, yet not overpowering. Most of all this blend of rose is soothing and sets me in the right mood for any challenges.

Passionate Jasmine: Subtle scent of jasmine flowers from the jasmine extract can be detected in the Organic Lip Balm.

Subtle Violet: This scent from velvet extract in the hand cream is so light, it is almost undetectable among the three here.

Moisturiser REVIEW
Ultra Rich Body Cream (Rose Tenderness), $42 100ml
Upon slathering this body cream onto the dry skin on my arm, it felt like it’s sitting on my dry skin at first. After a while it penetrates my skin and leaves a very light veil over the skin as it continues to nourish and soften my skin.

When using this body moisturizer at a recent getaway, I could feel the pleasant rose scent drifting into the lecture room as I walked towards my seat and also filling my little space in the serenity. This makes one of the best dry skin treatments.

L’Occitane’s latest Hand Cream in Subtle Violet, $15.50 30ml/$44
I love L’Occitane Hand Creams for two reasons. They leave my skin soft and hydrated as I diligently slather it on after washing my hands. The scent of the hand cream seems so calming each time I slather it on. L’Occitane’s latest Hand Cream in Subtle Violet is very mildly scented compared to the Mango and Fleur Cherie I’m currently finishing. If you prefer a hand cream infused with as little scent as possible, this may be a good choice. After using Subtle Violet Hand Cream for a few weeks, my nose gradually got accustomed to its subtleness and eventually learned to pick out the scent as soon as it is slathered it on and it’s no longer too mild for my taste.
   
For those who love unscented hand creams, L’Occitane Hand Cream, 150ml version is available in its own limited edition design print.

L’Occitane Lip Balm in Passionate Jasmine, 15ml
This gloss instantly softens lips as I massage it over my lips with my finger. Amazing how the gloss gradually softens bits of my lips to eventually ‘dissolve’ even the hardened bits of dry skin. Lips feel kind of numb though as it is moisturized and softened. I could detect the Jasmine scent the moment the gloss touches my lips. With this lip gloss, it feels like I’m breathing out the scent of jasmine as it seems to fill my mouth.  Definitely something I need to get used.

Solidarity Soap 50g: The soap is gentle and pampers skin with hydration and the lovely rose scent fills the bathroom and envelopes the body after the shower. Unlike some moisturising soaps, Solidarity Soap does not become mushy after it’s been used for a few washes.
  
For your nearest stockists, go to www.loccitane.com.sg.

REVIEW Start the new year with brighter eyes with SKII LXP Ultimate Perfecting Eye Cream

Our eyes are the windows to our soul.

Yet, I am thankful that the outward appearance of our eyes—dark circles, sagging lids, wrinkles and crow's feet—are not representative of the presence anything less than the goodness in the very depths of us. For me keeping the signs of ageing and dryness at bay has been a challenge for the last two decades as using anything as ‘heavy’ as a lotion can leave me with little bumps popping up around the eyes, and gels do not seem to do anything for me. That leaves me with just eye serums, which sometimes cause milia seeds to surface around my eyes. What I find really difficult to conceal or eradicate are dark eye circles, possibly caused by allergy, sinusitis or lack of sleep, for which I haven’t found a solution.


REVIEW
However recently, I’ve tried a new eye cream by SK-II, the LXP Ultimate Perfecting Eye Cream. The latest addition to SK-II family of skincare (in Singapore) with the highest concentration of active ingredients.

I’ve used this cream for two months. Although the word ‘cream’ should cause me keep it a mile away from me, I find that it’s not too rich for my dry skin. I do have one or two tiny milla seeds popping up on my upper lid, but it’s not too bad compared with other eye products I've tried before.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
SK-II LXP Ultimate Perfecting Eye Cream is Infused with a new antioxidant-rich Lychee Extract, which works with Pitera and Rice Oligo Peptide in the cream to energise skin and boost skin regeneration, preserve skin collagen and revive protein creation in as early as three days, as indicated in the press release. Lychee is found to have one of the highest concentration of polyphenols to protect skin and reverse UV stress like photo-ageing. With daily use, the cream is said to help maintain skin resiliency and help achieve clear skin and improve skin radiance around eyes.

SKII Massage Tip
11.      Using ball of thumbs, massage skin near the corner of eyes five times in circular motion.
2.      With ring finger, gently massage skin in the direction of lymph nodes.
33.      Gently press six points along the edge of eye socket (the bony bits around eye ball) to relax tension of orbital muscle and promote circulation. 

44.      Place a warm towel not hotter than 40°C over closed eyes for 10-minutes. To further improve circulation on eye area, move eye balls in circular motion while towel sits over eyes. This exercise helps to relax the muscles of eye balls as well.

To see VERDICT and For Results, please click the embedded link.

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 1ST 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

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