Treatments -Elizabeth Arden - Elizabeth Arden for Prevage MD
Tess35 5/4/2009 2:51:00 AM
I got the Prevage MD by Allergan (not by Elizabeth Arden). I bought this together with Skinceuticals Phloretin CF, which also has a good review. I have used both for about 3-4 months now. I used Prevage MD 'alone' for 2 months. Once a day for 1 week and twice a day for the subsequent weeks. I have ultra sensitive acne prone skin but I never had any trouble with this treatment...not even one small bump. It is an orangey creamy serum that absorbs well. I have combi skin so I don't follow this treatment with any moisturizer anymore, just eye cream in the PM and sunscreen in the AM. I find that my skin is really in its best shape with PrevageMD. My skin is refined, even and with youthful lustre. Very impressive. I am also impressed with Phloretin CF. It makes my skin look amazing too. My only problem with Phloretin is that it clogs my pores if I use it straight for several days and the effect is short-lived..not cumulative like Prevage MD. This is the best skin treatment - second to botox. Highly recommended.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Palmers - cocoa butter formula concentrated cream
Tess35 2/20/2009 10:01:00 AM
This product does not moisturize like rich lotion. But it leaves my skin ultra smooth and beautiful. Does not have the soft-to-touch effect but compensates on being easily absorbed. For my feet, this is the best. They're really smooth and loving it. And does not feel hot even with my rubber shoes on. As a hand lotion, this is the ultimate twin sister of L'Occitane 20% shea hand cream- yes...in every aspect. But if you're looking for softening dry skin, this may not be for you as it's not greasy enough. Dirt cheap for what it can deliver.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Clarins - Loose Face Powder
Tess35 2/7/2009 8:29:00 AM
I can't believe I have not reviewed this powder yet. I've been using it for 8 years and sometimes I buy a few tubs in one go when there's sale. This is one of the best powders around and the cheapest amongst them. However, I have a feeling that they have changed the formulation of the powder the time they revamped its packaging. It is now finer and softer and has a slight imperceptible peachy hue to it- really wonderful stuff. It hides pores, cast a healthy color, does not dry up skin but controls oil and sit beautifully on any foundation or moisturiser. Some powders like La Mer are fine/soft to the touch and finely milled too and very silky- but I find that it clumps sometimes when applied to my nose and eye area that I need to dust it off a bit ('though it still looks amazing on). And sometimes I feel as if most powders are not so pure as I have a slight headache when I puff them on especially when I use a powder brush. I have the same experience with LP and most of the mid and high end loose powders. But this never happens with Clarins. However, there is one loose powder that I can compare to it- Cle de Peau- but it has a pinkish hue and is also about 5 times the price of Clarins. Clarins make the best pressed powder and their loose one is not to be ignored. And as with any l/p, I find that it is applied best with MAC 187.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Heliocare - Extreme 50 UVA/UVB Gel
Tess35 1/9/2009 1:25:00 AM
My dermatologists gave me the SPF90 version of this stuff before and I find that it was a little sticky for my taste back then. Until lately I used it again as I was having a bout of chin-and-forehead acne. My acne was gone after days. Sure enough it is JM sunblock that is clogging my pores. Lately as I am trying to replenish I found out that Singapore carries the SPF50 version only. I tried this and I couldn't be any happier. I have been using this wonderful stuff for 2 months and there is not one bump on my face. It is also in gel, water-proof, non-comedogenic form that is broad spec like the spf 90 version but in a slightly more slippery version. My only gripe is that it is a little sticky 'though it seems that my concealer slips off in the midday. Now that my acne calms, I went back to Clarins (as always) and I can't believe how really stupid I can be- there is no better sunblock on Earth that will be worth comparing to Clarins- none!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Clarins - Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum
Tess35 1/9/2009 1:02:00 AM
This is one product that I always have a spare stashed somewhere. Do not underestimate this gel. It is very good for firming and for keeping fine lines at bay. I guess the best age to start using this stuff is late 20's. I started using this every AM at 31 (with Sisleya every PM). I am now 37 with no visible fine lines nor bags around my eyes. Highly recommended.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Shiseido - Hydro-Powder Eyeshadow in Green Exotique H7
Tess35 11/26/2008 7:36:00 AM
Very flattering green for Asian eyes. I put this over my lids and the H3 color for my crease. I love this shade.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Shiseido - The Makeup Mascara Base [DISCONTINUED]
Tess35 11/23/2008 8:28:00 AM
Makes my lashes look like falsies. I've never seen my eyes more alluring. Makes ANY mascara HG. However, I have to find a good mascara remover for this. The only mascara that I adore before this is Blinc21- the one that removes with the convenient combi of warm water and a touch of my finger on my lashes. Also I've never used any mascara base before. My green Shu m/u remover and my Babor could not completely remove this mascara base. I'll try vaseline first before I jump into the Shiseido eye m/u remover wagon. Not very ideal for everyday use (unless I discover a way to melt it off my lashes with all my lashes still intact afterwards), but highly recommended for special events. Overall a remarkable product that is worth its weight in gold. I'll continue to repurchase this product.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Jan Marini - Age Intervention Face Serum
Tess35 10/24/2008 9:02:00 AM
I alternate this serum with c-esta serum in the AM. This has more grip that c-esta but also moisturizing enough for me, so I follow it with sunscreen immediately. AI absorbs fairly quickly and is very comfortable on the skin. One plus factor is that it is also one of the best primers that I have encountered so far. It smooths out my skin before and after make up. It reminds me of LP Extraits of Caviar, without the heavy tag price of course. I got mine for US$48 from skinwest the last time they had sale. I am feeling a long lasting relationship with JM in the future. So far I have tried AI, c-esta and transformation serums and I love them all!!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Jan Marini - C-esta serum
Tess35 10/24/2008 8:53:00 AM
One of my favorites in JM line. I used Skinceutical's CE Ferulic but that left orange tint and acne on my face, also it's price locally is almost twice as much as US. I discovered c-esta through the support of many kind fellow mua-ers. I use this serum in the AM without any moisturizer as it is already 'sufficiently' moisturizing. My face is brighter but what I really love about this serum is its ability to moisturize the eye area- may sting a bit if you are not careful but after two weeks I find that my fine lines disappear even when I omit Sisleya e/c at night (and replace it with an eye gel instead as it is so much lighter). This is a highly versatile serum. I love the pina colada smell and I do not care about the container not being airtight as I experience it working eventhough. I love it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Jan Marini - Transformation Serum
Tess35 10/24/2008 8:30:00 AM
This is one of my most favorite serums for the face. It delivers pure goodness and makes my skin look thicker- the skin children have! I love it! I got it cheap at skinwest.com
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Jan Marini - Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser
Tess35 10/24/2008 7:09:00 AM
This product leaves my face soft. But I suspect that this is the culprit behind the bout of acne I just had (especially the ones beside my nose which has never happened before). BTW I love JM in general, especially their transformation and AI lines.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Body -Clarins - Age Control Hand Lotion
Tess35 10/17/2008 10:08:00 PM
Sticky and stinky. Feels good a few minutes after application but that's the farthest it goes. Filmy and emphasizes lines on my hand. SPF normally dries out my hands and the spf in this lotion is no exception.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Christian Dior - Forever and Ever
Tess35 9/30/2008 5:35:00 AM
Several years ago this was l/e. I love this fragrance but I think it is more for the younger (20's) girls. Still, very adorable. Glad that it's a mainstay now.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Yves Saint Laurent - Poudre Sur Mesure
Tess35 9/26/2008 5:28:00 AM
I saw this at the counter the other day and immediately bought 3 compact of #2 (hoarding for Christmas presents, lol). The mechanism of powder dispensing is unique and the packaging is an eye candy. The powder itself did not disappoint. Absorbs immediately and leaves a soft-looking matte radiance. I guess this is supposed to be applied lightly that's why it came with a brush, I did not get the same radiance when I used a puff. Very nicely surprised too to find out that a powder this finely milled, lightly applied and radiance enhancing has superior oil-control capability. Worth every penny in my book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -La Prairie - Cellular Treatment Loose Powder
Tess35 9/26/2008 5:17:00 AM
I have this in Transluscent 1. Soft on the face and the texture is smooth. Quite cheap too- the container is full packed with 56grams (so unlike the deceiving container of La Mer which is btw > double the price of LP but it's okay). I have to apply this lighthandedly as it looks a little fairer for my complexion. #2 is quite dark for me 'though. The SA was wearing #1 and I could see a few shimmer at close proximity, not over the top 'though just eye-dazzlers. Overall, very nice powder that gives me luminous complexion without a hole in my pocket. I am a happy camper. I wear this at home everyday. I'm reserving the last lippy for the shade. I might try to mix this with #2. Edit: This is clogging my pores. When I run out, my acne went away. The moment I replenish they are back again. One lippy for this.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No