REVIEW/SHOP Brighter complexion with For Beloved One Advanced Whitening Arbutin Series

Achieving a brighter and even complexion with FOR BELOVED ONE Advanced Whitening α-Arbutin Cream Mask. With stress and constant exposure to UV rays, it is almost impossible to eradicate dull skin and the formation of freckles. However, For Beloved One discovered a window period to maximise the repair of skin, minimise both spots and dullness after sun exposure—72 hours after sun exposure. During this 72-hours window, the melanin in our skin which gives us the tanned appearance, undergoes formation, pigmentation, transfer, and metabolisation. After sun exposure, skin is also the most vulnerable and requires more attention and care. Hence it is important to pamper skin with skin repairing skincare and routine to inhibit melanin formation and brighten skin tone.

 

From left, Essence and Mask

FOR BELOVED ONE Advanced Whitening α-Arbutin Cream Mask is the last step to your comprehensive brightening skincare routine. This unique oil in water cream perfectly wrapped in whitening essences delivers active ingredients to deep into skin to where melanin is formed to repair damages caused by the sun.

REVIEW/TRIAL OF FOR BELOVED ONE Advanced Whitening α-Arbutin Cream Mask

I love the ultra light texture of this oil in cream mask which feels cool on the skin. Upon application, it leaves very mild tingling sensation on the sensitive bits of my face such as under the eye and around the flare of my nose for a few seconds. As the skin gets used to the mask, the tingly sensation disappears. The skin drinks in the moisture rich mask within the 15 minutes mask session.

Upon removing the mask, the complexion is less yellow, brighter and appears more even toned. (please see before after pictures below)

Brigthter skin with less yellowness

Brighter skin with less yellowness

What’s Great about FOR BELOVED ONE Advanced Whitening α-Arbutin Cream Mask?

Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes a great rescue facial mask and/or overnight mask after sun exposure as well as before special events to boost longlasting properties of foundation and colours applied after.

Advanced Whitening Melanin-Blocking Technology

Unlike tradition whitening products, FOR BELOVED ONE Advanced Whitening Melanin-Blocking Technology starts repairing skin DNA within skin’s basal layers.

ACTI-WHITE™ and β-White™ works at the DNA level (in the basal layers) to inhibit formation/maturation of melanosomes. Acti-White strengthens skin cells against damaging effects of sun exposure such that the cells do not produce excess pigments.

α-Arbutin compound, a botanical derivation from bearberry leaves suppresses the activity of enzymes to prevent pigmentation. It effectively inhibits the activity of Tyrosinase, which suppresses the formation of melanin, and regulates skin’s metabolism, accelerating the breakdown and reduction of the accumulation of melanin, clearing skin blemishes and brightening skin tone. This form of α-Arbutin compound is stable compared to traditional sources.

Vitamin B3 breaks down melanin transfer path, preventing melanin from travelling to skin surface.

Melaclear2™ known as the dark spot eraser, metabolises the dead skin cells accumulated on the surface.

This rigorous control over each critical phase of skin tanning, offers a comprehensive skin protection for a bright and radiant skin.

Perfect Compound formulas

Vitamin B5 repairs skin as it stabilises the skin barrier function, keeps skin hydrated and prevents moisture loss. It also increases fibroblast proliferation, repairing skin structure and improves skin’s softness and elasticity.

Anasensyl® soothes skin and strengthens skin immunity with a synergistic botanical complex that regulates and inhibits the inflammatory process.

This unique oil in water cream mask perfectly wraps in 3% high concentration of α-Arbutin Whitening complex and DNA Whitening patent ingredients, which instantly ‘melts’ and transforms into essence and forms a brightening protective film to enhance the absorption of other essential whitening ingredients, once in contact with skin.

For Beloved One Melanin Technology summary

How to use:

1.          15 Minute Mask: After daily skincare routine, apply thin layer onto entire face, rinse off after 15 min.

2.          To use as an overnight mask: After skincare routine, apply thin layer on entire face before bed. Rinse off the next morning.

3.          For best results, use once every 3-5 days.

TIP: Use mask before special events to smooth and even skin surface for easy makeup application and adherence.

For best results, pair with Advanced Whitening series products for comprehensive brightening treatment.

FOR BELOVED ONE Advanced Whitening α-Arbutin Cream Mask retails at S$100.

Available at Sephora Stores in Singapore:

NGEE ANN CITY

ION

GREAT WORLD CITY

MARINA BAY SANDS

VIVOCITY

BUGIS+

THE ATRIUM @ ORCHARD

JURONG JEMS

SUNTEC

#AdvancedWhiteningα-ArbutinCreamMask

#fbo

#for beloved one

#brighter

#arbutin

MOTHER'S DAY PROMOTION/REVIEW Look more youthful in 90 minutes with Atache Retinol Facial at Supreme QX Beauty

Atache Retinol facial

Simply Beauty SG Reader Promotion

Supreme QX Beauty Salon wants to help Simply Beauty viewers shine for Mother’s Day at a special price. This facial valued at S$480 (90 mins) is now available at S$198 (58% savings) and Simply Beauty viewers who take up this facial will receive a complimentary full size Vital Age Retinol Night Cream worth S$98. 

Please:
1.  FOLLOW or LIKE on Simply Beauty Sg Facebook main page, or on GOOGLE PLUS 
2. SHARE this blog on Facebook or Google Plus 
2. Email us at simplybeauty28@gmail.com. 

We will follow up with an email to be presented to the salon receive this special price and gift.

Offer valid till end-May 2014. Available on first come first served basis.

Like all Atache facials, Atache Vital Age Retinol includes two massages and two face masks to enhance the penetration of the active ingredients to nourish skin on the surface (the epidermis) to the deeper most layer of the skin (the dermis). What’s great is that this facial does not include painful extractions and instead softens pore clogging dead skin cells and removes both black and white heads with a gentle exfoliator. The result is softer, radiant and clearer, and less obvious hyperpigmentation.

REVIEW/TRIAL

Treatment room with beautifully decorated wall to enhance the decor

I love £Atache facial massages which never fail to firm my skin and starts from neck up as the therapist spreads serum such as a high concentration of skin #firming #CoEnzyme Q10 and #retinol over the skin. A special mask with concentrated good grade #hyaluronicacid embedded in it is then carefully placed over the face followed by a hot towel which activates the hyaluronic acid to enhance the hydration of the various layers of skin from the skin surface right down to the dermis. Amazingly having the hot damp towel over the mask is soothes and relaxes my senses and facial muscles. The skin starts to firm and feel tighter under the mask and hot towel. Soon after the therapist removes the hot towel and mask, she continues with another round of massage. I could feel the the skin firming and tightening when the mask was on my face.

Oil clogs disappear after exfoliation as seen in picture on the left (the freckles on the 'after' picture is enhanced after picture is brightened) 

Just for you, I have unmasked and masked parts of the face, so you can see the obvious skin translucency of the skin after the full facial. My forehead which had the most #finelines and deep #wrinkles was given the full treatment. The result is a glowing forehead, with new translucency and deep hydration. Comparing the glow of the forehead which underwent the full treatment with the untreated area, the skin on the forehead is firmer, lines have been erased and is looks more youthful with a new translucent glow. The other parts of the face is clearer as the freckles are lightened and skin tone is evened out and brighter, but not as translucent and hydrated as the parts that went through the full treatment.

As explained by the therapist, the ingredients will continue to penetrate into the skin after the facial and the skin feels firmer hours after the therapy.

The next day, when I raised my brows, the forehead lines are shorter than before the treatment, and the skin still appear more hydrated than before the treatment. The skin remains more hydrated for about four days, before fine lines become obvious again.

What makes this treatment at #SupremeQXBeauty special is its tasty dessert served after the treatment session. Today delicious barley cooked with green bean is on the menu.

How Atache Vital Age Retinol Facial Treatment Works:

Pure Retinol boosts cell renewal, normalises and equalises the production of collagen.

Q10 CoEnzyme firms skin, preserves cell membrane, regenerates vitamin E and protects skin against ageing effects of sun exposure.

Home Care

Vital Age Retinol Wrinkle Attack Day, $98, reduces facial expression lines and wrinkles with Retinol Palmitate and special pigments which creates a soft focus effect on skin imperfections such that wrinkles are not as obvious.

Vital Age Retinol Wrinkle Attack Night, $98, increases the production of collagen, cell renewal and fights oxidation with a high concentration of  moisturisation. You’ll wake up to clearer and more even complexion with a baby soft skin and a more youthful complexion.

Vital Age Retinol Wrinkle Attack Pearls, $185, prevents premature ageing by reducing existing lines and increasing cell renewal on the epidermis. It strengthens skin against stress caused by free radicals in the environment. It firms skin from deep within as it leaves skin immediately smoother with its soft focus effect on skin surface.

Vital Age Retinol Contour Wrinkle Attack Eye, $105, diffuses expression lines and leaves eye contour firmer and more elastic as it eliminates eye bags and dark circles.

Supreme QX Beauty Salon is located at Block 513 Bishan St 13 #01-510, tel 6358 3029

Located behind Junction 8 at Bishan, across from CPF Building, and few doors away from a KOI bubble tea. 

Hope you enjoy this special treat from Atache. Please CLICK LIKE or FOLLOW us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM (WEBSTAGRAM) to be updated on future news and reviews.
#AtacheVitalAgeRetinolFacialTreatment
#bishan

REVIEW Look fresh and perfect all day with YSL CC Crème Forever Light Creator

Do you know that CC creams and BB creams can enhance one's appearance with just a thin layer? Compared to a foundation, the enhanced properties of the creams smoothen the complexion and minimise imperfection instantly and leaves it looking naturally flawless (well almost). That is why I love them to bits. 

For the above reasons, who doesn’t want perfect complexion without the mask-like finish? I am amazed by the almost flawless finish YSL CC Crème Forever Light Creator offers with just a thin layer as it evens up my skin tone and energises the skin in a few days. I do not try to cover my freckles completely by layering on more though. 

REVIEW

This wonderful CC Cream spreads easily without leaving any streak or uneven patches, and has longwearing properties. By the end of the day, my complexion still appears even toned, and fresh.

Surviving the sweltering heat, it does not streak even when perspiration trickles down the face. At times, there is still a need for some touch up though. Although it’s not indicated on the packaging, this colour corrector leaves my skin feeling cooler whenever I perspire in the afternoon heat.

Complexion appears fresh after heavy perspiration

This range has three shades – Rose, Apricot and Lavender. Starting with the Rose shade, I found my skin a little too pale upon application, but once it sets the contrast of the CC Cream and my neck narrows, my complexion brightens with a healthier hue and looks naturally even toned. The Apricot shade gives my skin a slight tan upon application, but the contrast reduces to a golden highlight as it blends seamlessly with my natural skin tone.

Immediately after smoothing on
YSL CC Crème Forever Light Creator in rose 

To get a tone that is closer to my natural shade upon application, which is as dark as tea-with-milk (teh susu), about 2mm of both rose and natural are squeezed onto the back of my hand and blended together with my finger. It is lovely to see the shades blend easily, without any uneven streaks. The new blend is closer to my natural skin tone, and I prefer to see a little more of the healthy Rose tint on my skin than the golden highlights from the Apricot shade. The CC Cream sets naturally, like a second skin. 

Blend of Rose and Apricot shades applied on skin

After using this CC Cream wander for two weeks, other than an improved skin tone and glow, my skin appears firmer and more even toned, even after the CC cream has been cleansed off. Perhaps the whitening effect is due to the the active ingredient Glycanactif WT. I also observe that the skin around my eyes seem to have firmed up as my eyes seem to have gone through lifting treatment as my peepers seem to have opened up larger and the lids are less droopy even after a bad sleep.

After cleansing and no moisturiser used

I use this new formulation everyday now when I am not trying out any CC cream or foundations.

*Unfortunately lavender shade is not available for this trial.

WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT YSL CC CREAM FOREVER LIGHT CREATOR?

YSL CC Crème Forever Light Creator unifies complexion and corrects imperfections, to enhance skin radiance.

YSL CC Crème Forever Light Creator is enriched with Glycanactif WT. This two-in-one skincare visibly corrects colour disorders, evens out complexion irregularities, refines skin texture and improves skin radiance.

Glycanactif WT

#GlycanactifWT is a combination of three glycans that works on skin’s three areas of luminosity: –

C-Glycan smooths skin texture,

P-Glycan limits the formation of pigmentation spots

X-Glycan improves skin density

Together this complex minimise skin irregularities in the long term to recreate skin translucent radiance.

Over time, skin becomes more refined and glows naturally. Skin hydration improves with the hydrating ingredients infused into the formula. SPF35/PA+++ is a dual anti-UV protection and antioxidant protection, preserving skin’s natural radiance and fighting uneven skin tone.

Colour Cancelling Pigments

Corrects colour instantly. Hybrid pigments and mirror pigment reset all skin imperfections to leave complexion with a rosy glow and pearlescent radiance.

The cream’s light texture and minimal coverage enhances skin with a corrective veil, diminish shadows and irregularities.

Clinical tests:

In a self-assessment of 69 women, after one week of use, the #CCcream improves skin visibly. The complexion becomes more luminous (98%) with a reduction of spots (97%), reduced pores (95%) and less obvious fine lines (97%).  In one month, the skin glows with exceptional radiance and flawlessness. Colour disorders are diminished, skin imperfections are reduced (98%) and skin is smoother (100%). Resulting in flawless complexion (98%).

A range of customised shades

Rose: give complexion a fresh, rosy halo. Pink pigment refreshes dull, tired skin and restores skin luminosity.

  

Apricot: Creates a golden radiance to healthy skin. The apricot pigments corrects uneven skin tones for an instant healthy glow

Lavendar: gives skin natural radiance. Mauve pigments neutralise yellowness of skin

To use:

Glides on the skin in a transparent, correcting veil and in a single step corrects imperfections and spots. Protects skin against environmental stress and radiates perfection.

1.      Prepare skin with Lotion Forever Light Creator

2.      Activate with Serum Forever Light Creator

3.      Treat with Cream Gel Forever Light Creator

4.      CC Cream Forever Light Creator

On cleansed and hydrated skin, apply #CreamGelForeverLightCreator for maximum cover, then spread CC Cream Forever Light Creator over entire face, concentrating on imperfections like freckles and uneven skin tone. Used alone, it offers transparent and light coverage for a natural looking healthy glow.

For a natural coverage, use Forever Light Creator Compact over CC Cream Forever Light Creator to conceal skin pigmentation imperfections with transparent luminosity. Keeps skin looking fresh all day. For more coverage, use it before your regular foundation.

 CC Cream Forever Light Creator is priced at S$79 each.

TRIAL/REVIEW KENZO latest pampering and aromatic cleansing mousse & uber light moisturiser

GENTLE CLEANSING AND MOISTURISE

KENZO CLEANSING LOTUS MOUSSE, S$40 (125ml)

This delightfully fine foam cleanser gently removes makeup and leaves skin comfortable and moisturised.

How does it work?

INGREDIENTS

Camelina Oil soothes skin as it gently seals in skin moisture in skin’s hydro-lipidic film with its protective oil.

White Lotus Active Plant Essence soothes and relaxes skin as well as senses with its powdery scent, while erasing damaging effects of free radicals with its rich source of antioxidants.

How to use?

Use it to cleanse face in the morning as well as to remove makeup in the evening. Shake bottle well dispensing mousse from can. Apply to face and gently massage. Close your eyes as you massage with circular movements and enjoy the velvety feel of the fine mousse before rinsing off with water.

TRIAL

The mousse effectively cleanses skin., however waterproof mascara needs to be removed with a eye makeup remover.

VERDICT

The mousse makes such great mood enhancer as its soothing powdering scent calms the spirit and its super soft and velvety texture caresses and soothes skin during the makeup removal. I imagine the stress and harshness of the day melting as I massage the mousse into skin and breathe the scent.

KENZO MOISTURIZING SKIN GUARDIAN, S$70 (50ml)

This refreshing gel-cream melts into skin and traps moisture in skin for the whole day.

It protects skin from environmental assault such as pollution, stress, sweltering heat, cold temperatures, changing temperature change such as walking from the outdoor heat into an air-conditioned room and endless list of daily aggression.

How does it work?

INGREDIENTS:

Japanese Lily of the Valley boost skin intense hydration. This plant is resistant to dryness and captures water in its tubers to diffuse it when necessary.  Extracts of Japanese lily of the valley helps skin retain moisture, reinforces the cohesion of skin’s upper layers and restructures skin’s barrier function

Millet strengthens skin cells and shields skin from free radicals and stress. This herbaceous plant from China is one of five sacred plants. Millet is naturally particularly persistent and resistant to the most hostile environmental aggressions.

White Lotus activeTM plant essence wrap skin in a protective bubble of antioxidants and soothes skin. This legendary flower naturally protects itself from external aggression.

How to Use?

Every morning, gently apply the hydrating skin guardian on cleansed, fresh skin and delight in its soft white lotus scent.

TRIAL

I love the calming powdering scent of this creamy-soft gel-moisturiser. It calms and soothes me from the moment I moisturise my skin. It instantly brightens my skin with radiance.

VERDICT

This gel-cream is definitely suitable for our hot humid climate as the gentle gel-cream pampers the skin with its lovely light texture. Simply love the texture and how it feels on the skin. Most importantly, it leaves a glow on my complexion such that I appear deliciously happy and radiant even when I am feeling under the weather. And skin is continuously moisturised and soft the whole day. A great pick-me-up!

Both products are available in September 2013 at Kenzo counters at Metro Paragon and Robinsons outlets at JEM, The Centrepoint and Raffles City.

REVIEW/BEAUTY BELIF FIRST AID Deep Pore Care Mask

SKINCARE

BELIF FIRST AID Deep Pore Care Mask

Belif skincare is known for its main ingredient Napiers Original Formula, which works wonders to soothe sensitive skin and, keeps skin healthy and youthful longer. This deep pore care mask cleanse the skin a little more than your usually facial wash. It soothes skin problems and reaches deep into the depths of pores to decongest, clarify with antiseptic properties, refines and calms skin.

WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU:

Natural French Green Clay refines pores and removes excess sebum and impurities.

Raspberry leaf extract relief rashes and redness caused by sensitive skin, and strengthens skin

NONE OF THE INGREDIENTS BELOW ARE ADDED

MINERAL OIL, SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE, SYNTHETIC DYES, SYNTHETIC PRESERVATIVES OR TRIETHANOLAMINE

TRIAL REVIEW

All that is needed of this clay mask is a thin layer over cleansed skin. I could detect a very mild aroma of the Napier clay as I apply. The clay is easy to spread over the whole face. With some clay masks I’ve tried in the past, I would find the first layer of the clay mask leaving the pores obvious as it sticks to the skin, emphasizing the pores. But this doesn’t, making this a great face mask to use especially after a long day. As the is left to treat and dry on my skin, I felt a very mild tingling sensation, as if signaling that the active ingredients are working hard to restore my skin. Once dried, the mask is easy to remove with two wet cotton pads and a quick splash of water.

VERDICT

This green clay mask is one of the gentlest with the best spreadibility properties. A 10-minute session leaves my skin clearer and comfortable. Unlike most clay mask which would quick soak up all the oil on the skin to leave it tighter, this one left my complexion, slightly matte, and comfortable, without any tight feeling. So perhaps it’s also suitable for those sensitive skin. .

This face mask is very gentle and is even suitable for sensitive skin as it didn’t even leave any tingling sensation on my thin skin. The two tiny raised pimples on my face was slightly flatter than  before after the mask was removed. With the haze PSI level sitting mostly on 25, these days, it would be good to mask the skin more regularly to unclog skin and remove impurities that sticks to the skin more stubbornly than normal every day dust in the outdoors.  

Available at all BELIF stores islandwide @ Wisma Atria B1-64, Suntec City #02-337, Junction 8 #01-28B, Plaza Singapura (new extension) #01-61

REVIEW/STRENGTHEN SENSITIVE SKIN WITH The Face Shop Calming Seed

According to The Face Shop, sensitive skin is marked by signs of skin discomfort like pain, soreness and redness. To confirm if skin is sensitive, ask yourself if three or more of the following descriptions best describe your skin:

QUIZ

 Skin irritation occurs when there is a change of weather, temperature or stress

 Skin trouble occurs when there is a change of skincare products

 Skin is so dry that dead skin cells appear at most areas of skin

 Skin turns red easily

 When you use your fingernail to press against forehead, the nail mark stays longer than 5 minutes

My skin is mildly sensitive, although it does not turn red easily, bumps sometimes appear on my skin in the middle of the day or when oil is not removed promptly or thoroughly. Those bumps under my lips, which I thought were pimples have been the most difficult to get rid of even with serums or pimple creams that used to clear pimples on other parts of my face, until I trialed The Face Shop Calming Seed Skin-resting Cream. Details below:

REVIEW of #TheFaceShop #Calming Seed Skin-resting Cream

This light-weight cream spreads easily and does not leave any oily residue on the skin. After using this cream twice a day for close to two weeks, I noticed that whenever I run my fingers under my lips the familiar bumpiness is no longer there. I am rather surprised as other moisturisers for acne skin has not helped at all.

What’s great about The Calming Seed Range

1.      Contains 95% natural origin ingredients.

2.      Free from 10 additives: Synthetic preservative, synthetic fragrance, artificial colouring, ethanol, animal-sourced ingredients, mineral oil, benzophenone, triethanolamine, talc and sulfate.

3.      Contains two active ingredients: Tamanu seed and calming pharmacy ingredient liquorice extract called glycyrrhizin.

4.      Tamanu Seed regenerates, strengthens and protects skin. It is used as a folk remedy by Polynesian women to protect their skin from the effects of exposure to the scorching hot sun and skin-drying sea breeze, and known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Today it is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, redness and atopic itch.

5.      Glycyrrhizin is a type of saponin found in in Ginseng, which is excellent for treating hives, dermatitis, eczema and other skin allergies.

6.      For sensitive skin, it targets skin problems like flushes, redness, tautness and itch.

VERDICT                                                              
I suspected that the bumps under my lips may be a kind of rash as one of my nephews and my grandniece would have a huge pimple-like rash appear on their faces whenever oil from food is not wiped off promptly. Although my condition is not as severe as theirs, leading to most beauty therapists thinking that it’s a cystic pimple. Thus I am so amazed when my skin cleared up soon after starting on this cream. As you would know I am a firm believer of serums and in the case of sensitive skin, I am also convinced that a gentle skin cleanser is just as important as what I apply on my skin. But for this trial, only The Face Shop Calming Seed Skin-resting Cream was used and it has worked wonders. Now I use this cream to moisturise the skin around my mouth and a whitening moisturiser on the other parts of my face. Those who have rashes should perhaps give this a try too. Perhaps this skincare range would be great help in these hazy days ahead.

The other products in this range:

Calming Seed Mild Bubble Foam Cleanser, S$24.90
Calming Seed 1 Second Mist Toner, S$37.90
Calming Seed SOS Care Essence, S$50.90
Calming Seed Skin-Resting Cream, S$55.90 

Skincare Tips For Sensitive Skin

1.      Keep skincare routine simple, with gentle cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreen.

2.      Include new product one at a time to allow skin to adapt to the ingredients, and to make it easy to weed out likely aggressors.

3.      Avoid abrasive face scrubs, as they could aggravate the skin condition.

4.      Do a patch test before using any new products.

5.      Hydrate adequately by drinking enough water every day. Although this is some doctors indicate that this is debatable, it may make good sense to drink 3 cups of water for every cup of coffee or tea consumed, as the both beverages are diuretics, especially after heavy consumption of such beverages and if skin is dehydrated. 

The Face Shop products retail at The Face Shop outlets.

Valentine's Gift Idea by Sothys. Help each other achieve skin that glows with your love

Valentine's Gift Idea from Sothys

*This is a gift you have to make together. Ask for a skin consultation to confirm suitability before making purchase.