Hair -Kerastase - Lait Vital
CountessDementia 2/7/2011 7:55:00 PM
This was a reckless and in retrospect, self-delusional, purchase I made back in the early months of 2009. At the time, I was at the tail-end of my 7 month course of Accutane and was desperate to salvage my once lush, flowing tresses which had been reduced by the medication to something resembling fried straw. I didn't want to believe that my hair really was as dry and damaged as it looked so against the advice of the salesgirl who desperately tried to convince me otherwise, I walked away with this conditioner and the Oleo Relax shampoo instead of something much richer and more hydrating. Please keep in mind when reading this review that my opinion of this product is severely colored by my own inability to accept reality :) and may be an unfair representation of what is probably a perfectly decent hair conditioner. But it is my experience of it, regardless, so here goes: After the very first use, it left my hair feeling thick and coated with grease. In the three weeks that I used this product, I experienced massive hairloss. I used it in conjunction with the Oleo Relax shampoo (again, not the best choice for my hairtype) so I can't say conclusively if the resultant damage was a solitary or combined effort. My roots felt lank and oily but my ends took on an even more dry and frizzy look and feel. The instructions read: "Distribute evenly from the roots to the ends, for silky, shiny and lightweight hair. Apply to washed and towel-dried hair. Massage through the lengths and the ends. Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly." Well, I followed these guidelines to the letter and with no improvement whatsoever. The combination of glucides, protides (eh?) and lipides are supposed to protect and restore the hair fibre to its natural supple state. Here in Malaysia, a 200 ml tube of this hair conditioner retails for RM 75. Most high-end hair salons in and around the Klang Valley carry Kerastase products, and while my faith in the brand has been rekindled by a tentative foray back into the world of overpriced hair-care, I will listen faithfully to the advice of the salesgirls from now on. I do like the packaging as the tube is both user-friendly and idiot-proof (a huge plus in my book!). Overall, I'd recommend this product to those who don't have any serious hair issues. If you have hair that is well-behaved and in need of a slight moisture fix, then you'll probably love this. If not, there are other products in the Kerastase range that will suit your needs better. Ingredients: Aqua/ Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-33, Octyldodecanol, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Methylparaben, Sodium PCA, Amodimethicone, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Trideceth-6, Glyceryl Linoleate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Coumarin, Geraniol, Safflower Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Parfum/ Fragrance C27362/1.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Mukti Botanicals Calendula Creme
CountessDementia 12/29/2010 6:36:00 AM
Sometime in late 2009, I suffered from intensely hypersensitive skin. My complexion was subjected to frequent bouts of itchiness, made worse by angry red patches and pink bumps that were a combined result of an eroded skin barrier and dehydration (thank you, Differin!). Trying to treat what I thought at the time to be a case of chronic dermatitis, I made the switch to organic, paraben and synthetic filler-free skincare. Trawling the mall for products to alleviate the symptoms of a hypersensitive, easily-irritated complexion, I stumbled across the Mukti Botanicals line at The Body Bar at Tropicana City Mall in Kuala Lumpur. Though I had heard of Mukti Botanicals while studying in Australia, I hadn't had the opportunity of trying any of their products. For a premium organic brand, the prices were quite reasonable in my estimation, running the gamut of RM 90-RM 250. All ingredients used in the products are certified organic and adhere to stringent Australian testing standards. After a detailed consultation with a very knowledgeable and sympathetic salesperson, I purchased the Calendula Creme for RM 110. This cream is marketed for those with dry/ sensitive skin-types, and the luxurious combination of oils and butters purport to provide immediate soothing relief for eczema, psoriasis and nappy rash. I was worried the potential of this cream being comedogenic due to the high content of oils, but that turned out to be the least of my problems. I was initially pleased with the results as the cream soothed irritated spots and reduced redness. However, within 48 hours of use, I developed intense itching and burning every time I applied the cream to my face. At first, I thought I was simply applying too much but reducing the amount of cream used made no difference: I still burned and itched like I had red ants crawling all over my face. Looking through the ingredients, I realized that the grapefruit seed extract was probably to blame as my hypersensitive skin cannot tolerate even the mildest of acids, fruit-based or otherwise. It's a shame because I loved the sweet, nutty scent of the cream. I was not as fond of the texture though as it was extremely thick and tended to make me look like an oil-spill, regardless of how little I used. Another gripe would be the less-than-sanitary packaging. The cream comes contained in simple white tub that necessitates the use of fingers in order to scoop the product out. Even if I had used a spatula, I wonder if the organic value of the product would have been affected if the cream had been exposed to the elements every time I used some? How I wish organic companies would make note of this fact and make the appropriate modifications to the packaging of their products! I'm disappointed this didn't work for me but I'm glad I went ahead and purchased the product because I ended up using it on my elbows, knees and feet, with lovely results. It also worked a charm at soothing insect bites and the odd rash I developed from time to time. Would I recommend? Yes, if you don't have a sensitivity to fruit acids and are not prone to clogged pores (because this cream is sinfully rich). Would I repurchase? Only if I fail to find something that works just as effectively. Ingredients: Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil, Calendula (Calendula Officianalis), Cetearyl Glucoside (Vegetarian), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Cocoa Butter (Theobrama Cacao), Gotu Kola (Centifolia Asiatica), Glycerin (Vegetarian), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Grandis) Extract.
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Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Carlton Hydro-Balance Brazilian Mango Thermal Shampoo
CountessDementia 9/8/2010 12:02:00 AM
I've been at war with my hair for the past one and a half years ever since getting off a 7 month course of Accutane. My previously lush, flowing locks have been replaced by a dry, brittle, frizzy mess that simply refuses to be tamed no matter how many moisturizing shampoos, conditioners and serums I threaten it with. I have tried so many different treatments all in the hopes of getting my hair back to some semblance of normalcy (L'Occitane, Lakme, L'Oreal, Kerastase) but to no avail. Browsing through my local Shins sometime in early January this year, I came upon the Carlton range of haircare which is based on the concept of using pure spa water to soothe and treat. Having developed a somewhat sensitive scalp shortly after going off Accutane, I found this concept of spa water to be rather appealing. Oh and the smell...I love anything mango and this shampoo and its matching conditioner smells like a tropical dream! Combining spa water and Plantaren, an active cleansing agent derived from natural sources, this sounded like just what my itchy, reactive scalp needed. The salesgirl further informed me that the shampoo was fortified with vitamins and mango butter for added hydrating and moisturizing benefits. Well, that's all I needed to hear: I purchased both the shampoo and conditioner without further delay. Trying this at home in the shower, I noticed that the texture was a little thin. I was expecting a rich, luxurious cream-like consistency and was disappointed to find it so weak and watery. I ended up using a lot before I felt my hair was sufficiently clean. Perusing the ingredients list later on, I was not too pleased to see that this product contained SLES. However, it seemed to soothe my scalp and for the first few washes, my hair was better-behaved, felt smoother and looked shinier. The effect, sadly, didn't last and about a month into using this product, my hair was back to its temperamental, delinquent self. In Malaysia, the Carlton range of haircare products is available at all Shins outlets. I purchased the shampoo and matching conditioner (300 ml and 250 ml respectively) for RM 57 each, a decent enough price for a supposed spa brand. Those who love rich fruity scents and who are not looking for ultra-moisturizing haircare will probably like this. Those with severe frizz and fried hair might want to look elsewhere. All in all, a fun experiment but not one I'd want to repeat. I'll pass on a repurchase. Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Disodium PEG-4 Cocamido MIPA-Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, PEG-3 Distearate, Panthenol, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Polyquaternium-10, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, PEG-6 Caprylic/ Capric Glycerides, Cl 17200, Cl 19140.
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Treatments -Vichy - Aqualia Thermal Hydrating Concentrate
CountessDementia 3/26/2010 12:14:00 AM
I'm sorry to be the one to bring the rating down for this product but I've found the Aqualia Thermal range to be irritating to my fragile, hypersensitive skin. I started out using the Aqualia Thermal Light gel-cream moisturizer which was a big disappointment (see my review for rants about preservatives, fragrance and alcohol) as it caused extreme itching, redness and swelling. The Hydrating Concentrate was far less irritating but it didn't provide sufficient hydration to my cheeks and jawline, which became inflamed and irritated. Vichy Thermal Spa Water and Active Hyaluronine purport to provide constant replenishment of water to the upper layers of the epidermis, stimulating cell renewal. This product gave me a lovely healthy glow but it still dried out my lower cheeks and forehead. Vichy claims this product to be hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic,and alcohol and colorant-free. It is the least irritating product in the Aqualia Thermal range but it still contains fragrance and phenoxyethanol, a preservative that dries me out and causes itching and redness. It's supposedly formulated for sensitive skin (all except mine, I guess) and is supposed to intensively hydrate and protect the skin's natural barrier from external irritations. I can't say that it lived up to either of these claims. I like the packaging as I find the pump-mechanism to be hygienic and easy-to-use. The bottle is opaque so you can't see how much product remains and even holding it up the light doesn't help much. A 30 ml bottle of this concentrate retails for RM 130 here in Malaysia and is available from most pharmacies and drugstores. For a drugstore brand, this is a little on the pricey side in my opinion. I don't recommend this for hypersensitive skins but if you're don't react to preservatives or silicones, then you'd probably love this. Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Serine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Methylparaben, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide, Ammonium Polyacrylolydimethyltaurate, Disodium EDTA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Polyphosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Parfum.
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Moisturizers -Vichy - Aqualia Thermal Light
CountessDementia 3/25/2010 11:30:00 PM
I am so disappointed that this did not work for me. Since late 2009, I have been on what seems to be a never-ending quest to repair my fragile, sensitive, chronically dehydrated skin. I experience sensitivity, redness, itching and burning from a lot of ingredients in products, and have wasted thousands of dollars searching for something that soothes, hydrates and protects all in one. Unfortunately, most high-end and low-end products contain unnecessary fillers and preservatives, shocking amounts of silicone and alcohol, even those products marketed for sensitive skins. I was looking for something mild yet hydrating to heal a particularly nasty reaction to an Origins product and came across the concept of spa-water. I have tried Avene in the past, and was not impressed. But given that Vichy products are reputed to be oil-free, light and water-based, I bought a 50 ml tub of the Aqualia Thermal Light for RM 100 from the Guardian pharmacy. I thought the price was reasonable for the amount, and the light blue jar was extremely eye-pleasing though I would have preferred a pump-dispenser for hygiene purposes. My skin loved this the first few days; drinking in the soft, fresh, melting sensation of this deliciously-scented gel-cream. Vichy thermal spa water is supposed to contain soothing and fortifying minerals that stimulate epidermal cell renewal. It purports to keep skin hydrated and protected with continued use. I didn't pay too much attention to the ingredient list in the store, which turned out to be a big mistake. After an initial few days of glowing, hydrated,rosy skin, I started to develop dry patches on my cheeks and lower jawline. These patches were accompanied by an intense itching and burning whenever I applied more product to soothe the areas. The delicate area under my eyes started to swell up as if I had suffered a particularly vicious bug-bite. Putting more cream on these areas exacerbated the problem, and soon, I was developing itchy pink bumps on my cheeks and chin. Looking over the ingredients, I see Alcohol Denat featuring high on the list. Isn't this supposed to be a cream formulated for sensitive skin? How can Vichy claim their products to be hypoallergenic when alcohol, fragrance and preservatives are known irritants to sensitive, volatile skin-types and feature extensively in their Aqualia Thermal range? I have a long-suffering history with phenoxyethanol, a preservative that supposedly replaces the more 'dangerous' parabens but is still considered a toxic skin-irritant. If the packaging states that a product is formulated for sensitive skin, then it should endeavor to eliminate all such toxic substances from its ingredient list. Alcohol Denat, in particular, which is extremely drying and irritating to those with thin hypersensitive skin (like yours truly). This was a major let-down. I loved the scent, adored the packaging, and even approved of the price. Steer clear of this one if you have highly reactive skin! Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Alcohol Denat, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Glyceryl Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Ammonium Polyacrylolydimethyl Taurate, Ammonium Acrylolydimethyltaurate,/ Stearate-8 Methacrylate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyphosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Capryl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum,.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -The Body Shop - Coconut Bath and Shower Cream
CountessDementia 2/11/2010 4:30:00 AM
Unlike the other reviewers who feel this bodywash to accurately replicate the scent of real coconut, I find it to smell awfully plastic and fake. Maybe I had the misfortune of getting a bad bottle but every time I lathered up with this in the shower, I got a scent akin to burning rubber. I bought a tiny 60 ml-size bottle of this shower cream for RM 8 at a TBS sale last April, but found it so utterly repugnant that it's taken me til February of this year to finish it up. The moisturizing properties are only so-so, which is pretty darn disappointing as this is a shower cream and not a gel. This always dries me out after each use, so I need to make sure to follow up with an ultra-rich body moisturizer after. Another gripe is that though TBS touts this as 'soap-free' cleansing, I don't necessarily find SLES to be any more skin-friendly than plain old SLS. Both have the potential to be extremely irritating and drying for more sensitive skins. I don't think I've ever disliked a TBS product more than I dislike this. Would not repurchase nor recommend. Ingredients: Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Helianthus Annuus, PEG-5 Cocamide, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocos Nucifera, Acrylates/ Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Benzoate, Tocopherol, Coumarin, Butylphenyl Methylpropional.
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Lotions/ Creams -H20 - Citrus Squeeze Moisture Boosting Body Balm
CountessDementia 2/11/2010 4:13:00 AM
I continue to be heartily impressed with H2O bodycare as it represents a refreshing departure from my usual BBW staples. Citrus Squeeze is a summer-time essential, a smooth, weightless, greaseless lotion with kiwi, apricot, orange and lemon fruit extracts, as well as shea butter and aloe-vera for a skin-pampering radiance boost. Provitamin B and vitamin E keeps skin soft and nourished, drenching skin in water-rich goodness. This is my go-to body lotion during the hottest of the hot months. Nothing feels better on sun-burnt skin than a generous slathering of this satiny smooth cream. It works especially well on dry rough areas like elbows and knees, and works a charm on chapped heels too. Though the packaging might seem garish to some, I quite like a bright vivacious yellow tube. It's easy enough to cut through as the product nears its finish so you can scoop out the remnants without much difficulty. Here in Malaysia, an 8 fl oz tube (240 mls) retails for about RM 50, a worthwhile buy if you're looking for a fruity alternative to The Body Shop, which is priced similarly. I bought the Citrus Squeeze lotion and matching shower gel off Ebay for an absolute steal of USD 10, so I might check out the local outlets once my supply runs out. The scent, while strong upon initial application, doesn't linger for more than an hour post-app, so it's a good choice for ladies who like wearing perfume over their body creams. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys wearing fun fruity lotions without smelling like a walking punch bowl. I can't wait to repurchase my second tube! :) Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Cetearyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter, Fragrance, Trimethylolpropane Trioctanoate, Butylene Glycol, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Cetearyl Octanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Octyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Methicone, Kiwi (Actinidia Chinensis) Fruit extract, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Gel, Panthenol (Provitamin B), Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Cyclomethicone, Isostearyl Palmitate, Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) Fruit extract, Allantoin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Rice Bran (Oryza Sativa) Oil, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Benzophenone-3, Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) Peel extract, Ethylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Lemon (Citrus Medica Limonum) Peel extract, Butylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben.
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Lotions/ Creams -Bath and Body Works - Pink Grapefruit Body Cream
CountessDementia 12/25/2009 9:37:00 AM
This is hands down my absolute favourite Bath and Body Works scent! Pink Grapefruit is the quintessential summer scent: a luscious blend of yup, you guessed it, pink grapefruit, sweet valencia orange, clementine, white woods and musk. Fun and flirtatious with a little sophisticated edge, just breathtaking! This scent has captivated me so much that I own it in body cream, body splash and EDT forms. I get heaps of compliment when I wear this cream layered with the splash or EDT, and the scents lasts for hours and hours after application! Talk about good value for money! Because I live outside of the US, I buy most of my BBW products in bulk off Ebay so I can't really attest to how cost-effective a single tube of this cream is. But in terms of quality, it really can't be beat! All BBW creams I've tried are uncomparable in terms of their moisturizing properties and how soft and glowing they leave my skin, not to mention deliciously fragranced! This product contains skin-pampering oils of avocado and sweet almond for intensive nourishing benefit while fruit enzymes of pineapple and papaya help smooth and soften rough patches. My knees and elbows just soak up this cream and are left silky-soft to the touch afterwards. Thick and luscious, this cream provides just the right amount of greaseless moisture to my skin, leaving it supple and healthy. My only gripe with the packaging of these creams is that I have to cut the tube in half as it nears it finish to get the remaining product out. This way, I manage to salvage at least 5-6 days more use out of the cream that remains. A 8 fl oz tube of this cream lasts me about a month on average, taking into account AM and PM use. Nothing perks me up more than slathering on this divine stuff after a warm soothing shower. Morning or night, Pink Grapefruit always puts a smile on my face and a bounce in my step. Just love it :) Have already repurchased several times and in all likelihood will continue to do so for as long as Ebay sellers stock it. Highly recommended to anyone who appreciates bright, vibrant scents with decent staying power! Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Isopropyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Cetyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pinus Sylvestris (Pine) Cone Extract, Papain, Bromelain, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus (Sweet Almond) Oil, Honey (Mel), Dimethicone, Thiethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Acetylated Lanolin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Yellow 6 (CI 16985)
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Lotions/ Creams -Aesop - Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
CountessDementia 12/23/2009 5:01:00 AM
I received a 2 ml sample sachet of this hand-cream during my last visit to the mall, when in a whirl of frenzied last-minute Christmas shopping I careened into the salesgirl at the Aesop counter. After mutual apologies were exchanged, she gave me a sample of the Resurrection Aromatique (oooh fancy name!) hand-cream in a bid to make me purchase one of the handcare gift-sets available. Though I didn't actually end up buying anything that day, I was glad for the little gift of this hand-cream because I ended up with very raw hands courtesy of lugging shopping bags up and down an extremely crowded mall. Trying this cream on before bed, I was immediately struck by how lush and herbal the product smelled. Not in a bad way as the scents of mandarin and lavender were extremely soothing after a hard day battling ruthless Christmas shoppers. I was also pleasantly surprised by the greaseless moisture...my hands literally soaked up this stuff! I was slightly wary that the large number of essential oils contained in this product would make my hands feel like an oil-slick. What's more, the texture was thick but emollient, spreading easily to cocoon my hands in a blanket of nourishing protection. This cream contains key ingredients of mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedarwood atlas for intensive moisturizing benefits, as well as essential oils of lavender and orange for soothing, aromatherapeutic effect. While quite pleasant, I don't think I'd purchase the full-size because for one, I'm not a fan of the jar in which this hand-cream is packaged. I much prefer tubes for more hygienic, travel-friendly application. The scent, while lovely, is a tad too strong for me and I can see how this might contribute to the odd migraine or two when I'm simply not in the right mood for aromatherapy. That said, this would be a lovely investment for a little before-bed pampering. What better treat really, than to wake up to baby-soft, delicately-fragranced hands. I'll continue to look elsewhere for my perfect handcream. In terms of price and scent, Aesop is just not for me. Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol Ceteareth-20, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, d-Limonene, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Lavandula Augustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Titicum Vulgaris (Wheat) Germ Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Citral, Geraniol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Coumarin, Beta-Carotene.
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Lotions/ Creams -Yves Rocher - Noix de Coco de Malaise Silky Cream
CountessDementia 12/20/2009 3:49:00 AM
I am a sucker for anything coconut but it's so hard to find good coconut scents that don't have an oily or plastic undertone. I've never paid much attention to the Yves Rocher stores here in Malaysia, always bypassing them in favour of The Body Shop or L'Occitane. What a world of wonderful, reasonably-priced bath-and-body treasures I've been missing out on! Most major malls in Malaysia now have an Yves Rocher store, and I've found their salespeople to be efficient, friendly, and quite knowledgeable about the products in general. When I saw Yves Rochers' range of coconut products on my last visit to the store, I immediately made a beeline for the body cream. I tried it on in-store and oh mama mia, was instantly and rapturously in love! The texture is rich and sinful, whipped and creamy but never greasy, absorbing quickly into skin to leave it lushly moisturized and decadently fragranced. The perfect blend of sweet warm coconut and tantalizing vanilla, this scent stays true for hours upon hours after application. I think this product is available only here in Malaysia as I have not seen it on Yves Rochers' international websites. It is made with organically-grown Malaysian coconut and contains key botanicals of coconut. sweet almond and avocado oils for intensive skin nourishment. Organic shea butter, organic aloe vera gel and vegetal glycerin provide sumptuous smoothing effect, leaving my skin oh so soft, smooth and glowing. I apply this liberally all over my body after my evening shower, paying extra attention to my elbows and knees which tend to be a little dry and scaly, and this cream takes care of that right away. My only complaint regarding this product is the packaging. The metal-wire flip-top is both cumbersome and unwieldy, making this product very travel-unfriendly and difficult to handle with cream-glazed hands. Price-wise, it's an excellent buy as 200 mls of this luxurious decadent cream retails for a mere RM 49, and is comparable in quality to L'Occitane body creams which are easily three times more expensive. This product would be perfect if the packaging could be improved upon but that in no way will dissuade me from repurchasing. Pick this one up if you love warm sexy beach-type scents and whipped, luxurious cream that makes you feel like a tropical goddess...you won't regret it! :) Ingredients: Aqua/ Water, Aloe Barbadensis Gel (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice), Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Anygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Coco-Caprylate/ Caprate, Propylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Sodium Acrylate/ Sodium Acrylolydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Isohexadecane, Parfum/ Fragrance, Methylparaben, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Allantoin, Propylparaben, BHT, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citric Acid.
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Cleansers -Jurlique - Soothing Foaming Cleanser
CountessDementia 12/8/2009 6:59:00 AM
Like the first reviewer, I too have extremely sensitive reactive skin that is very thin, fragile and dehydrated. After months of battling problematic skin with frequent pink bumps (not acne), sore red patches under the eyes and around the nose, and itchiness, I shelved all my high end/ derm-recommended products and decided to go organic. Around the time I was making the switch to all-natural skin care, I stumbled across a Jurlique salon and intrigued by their 'biodynamic beauty' pitch, decided to schedule a consult. The salesperson confirmed that I had reactive sensitive skin and suggested I try the Rebalance Sensitivity kit, complete with trial-sized cleanser, Soothing Herbal Recovery gel, day-care lotion and mask. I was quite optimistic about the products as I've heard good things about Jurlique, particularly during the five years I spent in Melbourne. Here in Malaysia, Jurlique is less well known (and considerably more expensive). I paid about RM 250 in total for the kit of trial-sized items. The first few days, I thought I was in love with this cleanser. It was soothing on my skin, calming down inflamed spots and decreasing red, aggravated areas. And it smelled so divine, a delicious blend of lavender and something rich and earthy. It was, unfortunately, far too stripping for my skin and I found my face, after those few initial days of bliss, to feel very tight and itchy upon washing. Maybe I would have been better off trying the cleansing lotion variety instead of the foaming cleanser, as the foam may have been too drying for my skin. Although this cleanser contains perfume, it is derived from the essential oils of lavender, chamomile and tea-tree. Furthermore, it contains groomwell extract for calming benefit and sichuan peppercorn for gentle purifying action. All in all, I probably would have liked this product more if it had been more moisturizing. A great choice for sensitive oily skins, perhaps, but for skins requiring more moisture, I suggest looking elsewhere. I have since used up the small 30 ml trial-sized bottle but will not be repurchasing the full-sized version. Ingredients: Aqua (Water); Cocamidopropyl Betaine; Macadamia ternifolia Seed Oil; PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate; Sodium Chloride; Xanthan Gum; Lithospermum erythrorhizon (Groomwell) Root Extract; Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride; Lecithin; Zanthoxylum alatum (Sichuan Peppercorn) Extract; Fragrance (Parfum)*; Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate; Lactic Acid; Oleyl Alcohol; Linalool*; Limonene*. * From Natural Essential Oil (Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia; Chamomile - Chamomilla recutita (Matricaria); Tea Tree - Melaleuca alternifolia)
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Treatments -Clarins - HydraQuench Intensive Serum
CountessDementia 12/8/2009 3:01:00 AM
I am so jealous of everyone for whom this has worked as so many of my friends have waxed lyrical about how amazing Clarins' HydraQuench range has been for them. I am currently 10 months off Accutane and suffering from very thin fragile skin that's prone to patches of scaly redness and extreme dehydration, especially under the eyes and around the nose. Having super sensitive skin has forced me to reconsider my skin care options, and I can no longer enjoy luxury brands loaded with chemicals like Dior, Guerlain and Chanel like I once did. I have recently made the switch to plant-based and organic products to help soothe and heal my skin, and this seems to be working for me. One of the first brands I looked into when making this switch was Clarins. Being a very reputable French brand specializing in luxury botanical skin care, I was immediately tempted to see if they had anything that suited my skin. I went to the Clarins counter at Robinsons, Mid Valley where the salespeople are so efficient, friendly and not in the least bit pushy. The saleswoman I spoke to took one look at my poor parched face and told me I was suffering from severely sensitized, dehydrated skin. After a lengthy consultation, she suggested I try the brand's HydraQuench range, designed to provide intensive moisture relief to very dehydrated skins. Since it contained Hyaluronic Acid and a very exotic ingredient called Katafray, sourced from the bark of a special tree in Madagascar, I was sold. Optimistically, I took samples of the Bi-Phase serum and Face Cream home to try. I was severely disappointed after the very first application. Although it states on the box that this product is allergy-tested and non-comedogenic, I developed severe itching and patches of redness all over my face after application. Scrutinizing the ingredients list, I noticed that mineral oil was listed as the third ingredient, as well as the presence of several other known irritants including perfume and colouring. I found the serum and cream to be extremely irritating and comedogenic, and I developed whiteheads around my chin, forehead and cheeks within 24 hours of that first application. I do not recommend this at all for those with sensitive and acne-prone skins. Dry and hardy complexions may be better suited to this product but I'd be very wary about any product containing mineral oil, a known comedogenic ingredient. Back to the drawing board! Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Isohexadecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Benzophenone-4, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Tromethamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/ Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Xantham Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Chondrus Chrispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Caprylyl Glucoside, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract, Cedrelopsis Grevei Bark Extract, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Pyrus Sorbus Bud Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, CI 42090/ Blue 1
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Toners -Eucerin - Dermo Purifyer
CountessDementia 12/8/2009 2:17:00 AM
Having had great success with the Eucerin Rebalancing cleanser, I purchased the Dermo Purifyer toner 3 months post-Accutane to combat some annoyingly persistent whiteheads that started cropping up along my chin and jawline areas. Fearing an acne relapse, I stocked up on some pretty potent blemish-busting formulas, looking for anything that promised to eradicate blackheads and whiteheads and leave my skin clear and pimple-free. Since my derm had started me on the Eucerin cleanser, I figured using a toner from the same brand would work synergestically to produce the desired results. I wish I knew then what I know now: my fragile, thin, hypersensitive skin was breaking out because it was severely dehydrated. While this toner did help eradicate blemishes in the short-term, the long-term results were disastrous. It dried my poor skin out so much that it was red and flaking and agonizing to the touch. All this torture contributed to even worse breakouts. My skin was a painful red mess and nothing seemed to help the dryness go away. After a full month of using this product, I finally wised up and stopped using it. That was 6 months ago but my skin is still very sensitized and prone to redness and dehydration. While I have no doubt that this product would work very well for those with oily, hardy skin, I strongly advise those with hypersensitive complexions to give the Dermo Purifyer toner a wide berth, It contains 2% Lactic Acid and is supposed to 'gently unclog pores without overdrying'. Well, I can personally attest that it IS extremely drying and not in the least bit suited to sensitive skin, given that the second ingredient in this toner after water is alcohol. The excerpt at the back of the bottle proudly claims that excellent skin tolerability and efficacy was proven on patients with blemished and acne-prone skins. Again, quite possibly a legitimate claim, just not for people with hypersensitive, fragile skin. I generally have faith in Eucerin as there is a reason why dermatologists worldwide recommend their patients use it. I wish I had sought my derm's advice before investing in a bottle of this stuff. Here in Malaysia, a bottle of Dermo Purifyer retails for approximately RM 30 and is widely available at most drugstores. The 200 ml bottle is an eye-pleasing green and the product itself is oil-free. I'd recommend it to those with blemished skin who can handle AHAs and BHAs as this product was designed to be compatible with common acne medication. For those with sensitive skin, run far far away. Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol Denat, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Poloxamer 124, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Parfum.
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Fragrances -L'Occitane - Rose Nuit de Mai EDT
CountessDementia 12/8/2009 12:09:00 AM
I've been on a floral kick of late and searching for the perfect rose fragrance, wandered into my local L'Occitane boutique a few weeks ago and was promptly introduced to the latest in their family of rose fragrances, Rose Nuit de Mai. The alcohol in this perfume is derived from purely natural origins and contains organic rose waters and oils. Feminine and sensual, light but with provocative edge, Rose Nuit de Mai was exactly the type of scent I was looking for: fresh, mysterious and sensuous. This fragrance is a captivating blend of rich red roses and dark mysterious woods, wild, ethereal and provocative all at once. On my skin, this fragrance opens with a burst of fresh innocence, wild and untamed before mellowing into a heart of May rose, blended with hints of violet, blackberry and just a hint of cinnamon. Can a fragrance be blissfully innocent and wickedly wanton all at once? With Rose Nuit de Mai, yes, it is possible. The base notes are what sealed the deal for me: a luscious blend of sandalwood, cedar and vanilla that wrap themselves around your skin like a lover's caress and whisper of promises unfulfilled. Each time I spritz this scent on, I am transported to a garden of roses at dusk, where the purple twilight mingles with the soft summer breeze and the unspoken wishes of my heart. Dew-spotted red roses, starlight and the darkess of the night beyond...Rose Nuit de Mai is nothing short of perfection. This. Is. LOVE.
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Lotions/ Creams -Bath and Body Works - White Cherry Blossom
CountessDementia 12/7/2009 11:46:00 PM
My absolute favourite fruity-floral pick from BBW! Ever since receiving a lotion of this scent from my very first swap here on MUA, I've been head-over-heels in love with White Cherry Blossom. It layers perfectly with my favourite fragrance, DKNY's Be Delicious, as the cherry-and-lychee of the former blends beautifully with the apple, muguet and cucumber of the latter. Lush and feminine, I find White Cherry Blossom to be a tantalizing blend of sweet Sicilian bergamot, lychee, water lily and rosewood. The scent lingers for hours on end, and I always receive compliments on how good I smell, from men and women alike. This scent is versatile enough for almost any occasion and time of day. As a body moisturizer, it can't be beat! All the BBW body creams I've tried have had superb moisturizing qualities, leaving my skin fragrant and with a radiant, healthy glow. A skin-loving blend of avocado, calendula and almond oils provide intense nourishment with fruit enzymes of papaya and pineapple assist in smoothing out dry, rough areas. Fabulous for knees and elbows! A 250 ml tube of this gorgeous cream lasts me about a month on average, taking into account AM and PM use, so it's excellent value for money as far as I'm concerned. I usually have to cut the tube to get out the remaining product as it nears its finish and this way, I have enough cream to see me through another few days at least. I have already repurchased White Cherry Blossom countless times, in body spray, shower gel and body cream form and in all likelihood, will continue to do so quite happily. Highly recommended! :) Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Isopropyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Cetyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbedensis Leaf juice, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pinus Sylvestris (Pine) Cone Extract, Papain, Bromelain, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Honey (Mel), Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Acetylated Lanolin, Disodium EDTA, Methyparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea.
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