BB Cream -Kiehls - Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream
Jocelyn90 3/24/2013 4:57:00 AM
I just got the 5 day trial sample in Light skin tone and am still on the first pack. I like the creamy texture of this BB cream, coverage is not too thick and it blends nicely with my skin tone which helps to produce a nice finishing. I used it on top of my moisturizer but it still gives off a bit of shine after application. I like how it has SPF 50 PA+++ protection, which means it can act as a sun screen as well. Haven't seen any 'correction' of my uneven skin tone as touted by this product (but of course, it has only been 2 days since I used it). I would consider buying this once I am done with the samples they gave me and if it proves to be worth the hefty price tag.
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Lotions/ Creams -Kiehls - Creme de Corps Lightweight Body Lotion
Jocelyn90 3/9/2013 8:43:00 AM
I have dry scaly skin at my limbs and was debating between the original Creme de Corps or this lightweight version. I'm so glad I chose this (thanks to all you MUA lovelies' suggestions!!!), this lotion is quickly absorbed into my skin, and it's not sticky or oily like other products i've used in the past. I like how I can wear a pair of jeans almost immediately after applying it, without getting it all rubbed off onto the cloth. I have yet to see any visible difference so far after 1 week of continuous usage, but my skin does feel smoother and itches less than usual. You just need a small amount approximately 1cm in diameter in order to cover one of your limbs completely. The odorless smell of the moisturizer also does not contrast with any fragrance you wear.
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Moisturizers -Shiseido - Pureness Mattifying Moisturizer (Oil Free)
Jocelyn90 3/9/2013 8:36:00 AM
The product comes in a neat pump which is good for hygiene purposes but aside from the spanking pretty packaging, the insides of it failed me terribly. I have combination oily skin and bought this in hopes that it will help to mattify my skin upon usage. I have been on the look out for mattifying moisturizers but I guess the weather is always working against me. The notorious Singapore weather sees temperatures from 26c-32c and a humidity level of 80-90%. My face doesn't stand a chance in staying mattified on its own. This costed me SGD50 and I still have half a bottle left. Am using it alongside with a lotion from Hada Labo but this is not it for me. I will need to keep searching for that HG moisturizer for my face.
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Skincare - Face -Laneige - Water Bank Essence
Jocelyn90 11/3/2012 8:26:00 AM
I brought along a small pump dispenser sample size on a flight to test out its effectiveness (partly because it is the most compact moisturizer essence I have at that time). The Waterbank Essence was no match against the dry cabin air and I had to apply once every hour or so just to ensure my skin stays moist. I also didn't like the shiny appearance it left on my skin after application (it wasn't oily at all, just shiny) and I had to powder it off with my MAC P+P Translucent Powder. I continued to use the product when I was back on land in Singapore. My skin felt supple but the shiny appearance it left still remained and it got quite annoying because for an essence that isn't oily in texture, the shiny appearance which it left on my skin was puzzling. I will recommend this to people with dry and sensitive skin. The only saving grace of the product is its relatively hygienic packaging, coming in a pump dispenser and the light scent that comes with all Laneige products. The Water Bank Essence retails for SGD65 for 50ml at Laneige counters.
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Scrubs -Clarins - Gentle Exfoliating Refiner
Jocelyn90 9/22/2012 6:57:00 AM
I am on to my 4th tube of this product. It works like a charm and is gentle on my skin. I use this on a daily basis, just a small 0.5cm amount is enough to exfoliate my entire face. As the instruction says, massage the product gently instead of rubbing it against the skin. Also it helps that there is a light refreshing scent that goes along with this exfoliant. I noticed that my skin has become more radiant and I have less breakouts along my chin and forehead after using this product. It is a little expensive for such a small tube, but you pay for the quality and the science behind it all.
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Pressed Powders -MAC - Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder (Pressed)
Jocelyn90 9/22/2012 6:49:00 AM
I have been using this for slightly less than 2 months now and IT IS AMAZING. I had always had issues with my oily T zone and oily pores which I attribute to the weather in Singapore (28-33c on average, 70% humidity). I have also tried to find skincare products which helps with shine control (such as Shieseido's Pureness Matifying Moisturizer) to no avail. Have been using Shiseido's Mattifying Stick but the results it gave is nothing compared to this Prep+Prime transparent finishing powder! I usually wear this over my moisturizer/sunscreen, just to blot out the shine on my T zones and chin. Initially I was afraid that it may cause breakouts because the product wasn't certified as non-comedogenic (unlike Shiseido's products) and I was contemplating whether to get MAC or Shiseido's transparent powder. In SIngapore, this MAC powder sells for SGD40 while Shiseido's sells for SGD50. I decided to try the cheaper and alternative and I never regretted it. This powder is able to hold about 3 hours' worth of shine (depends on how long I spent in a air-conditioned environment as my skin tends to be more oily after that). It comes in the sleek black compact case which MAC is famed for, with a small round mirror. There is no brush/powder sponge puff provided but you can get one from MAC for about SGD7-9 I think. I am using EcoTool's retractable kabuki brush with this product and I highly recommend this to any girl who doesn't have overly sensitive skin/prone to breakouts and who has shine issues.
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Conditioner -TRESemme - Vitamin E Moisture Rich Conditioner
Jocelyn90 9/22/2012 6:38:00 AM
I have been using this conditioner for about 2 months now and I am really satisfied with the results it yield for my hair. I am Asian, with black wavy-curly frizzy-dry hair. I was using L'Oreal Paris EverSleek Shampoo and Conditioner for frizzy hair previously and the results only showed after about 6 months. As my hair grew longer, I was using more conditioner each time and L'Oreal EverSleek range was pretty expensive over here in Singapore (250ml in a tube for SGD14.90) so after reading raving reviews on TRESemme's conditioner, I decided to give it a try. At SGD14.90 for 900ml, it's a much cheaper alternative even though it isn't 100% sulphate free. However, the sulphate isn't giving me any problems after these 2 months though. I'm still using my remaining L'Oreal Eversleek shampoo along with the conditioner and the results are really satisfying. My hair is less frizzy and I have less 'fly away' strands of hair. Will consider buying TRESemme's shampoo range after my current shampoo runs out.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Shu Uemura - Eyelash Curler
Jocelyn90 8/11/2012 3:12:00 AM
I'm using this curler after reading raving reviews on it and I'm satisfied enough to write another raving review on it. I bought the gold curler, and I was told it's a limited edition one? The curlers come with a refill silicone sponge pad which I was told lasts for about 6 months, which means you need to buy a new curler after 1 year for hygiene purposes as well. It costed me about SGD29 since Shu Uemura was having a 10% discount, otherwise it would been SGD32 instead. The curler angles my lashes nicely, I'm Asian and have naturally curly eye lashes (courtesy of my mum) so it actually enhanced my lashes even more. I don't use mascara on a daily basis because I'm lazy about removing it. Would recommend this for people with round eyes as the curler will 'cap' your upper lid perfectly and give your lashes the correct emphasis.
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Treatments -Biore - Pore Cleansing Strips - Nose
Jocelyn90 8/11/2012 3:05:00 AM
I have been using this for a couple of years now. The instructions of the package advise one to use it periodically, leaving at least 3-4 days in between each use. I use it every week for best results right after I've showered. I will dry my body, but dap my face dry leaving out the area where I want to stick the strip on. The strips works best on enlarged pores and wet skin. (If you're using this in winter, it's best to wash you face with warm water before using this to open up your pores). After sticking it onto your nose & cheeks, gently press it down with DRY fingers and make sure the areas where you want to get rid of the white/blackheads adhered well. Depending on the climate you live in, remove it only when it feels a little hard and dry. Try moving your nose with the strip on it, if it feels tight you can remove it. I feel that the strip works best in removing 80% of the dirt when it is slightly dry. I've tried following the instructions on the packaging and remove them after 15-20mins but as I live in Singapore, it's more humid and the strip was still wet and ineffective. After removing, wash your face with lukewarm water before continuing with your daily skincare regime (toner, serum, moisturizer etc). I use to have blackhead issues but they're gone now so I tackle the whitehead issue with this strip. I've heard of how some reviews advise against removing whiteheads because they claim doing so leads to more sebum and whitehead production but I guess it depends on the individual. For me, my nose actually feels less oily after I've used the strips to remove the whiteheads clogging up my pores.. but this usually lasts until they build up again.
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Blush -MAC - Mineralize Blush - Warm Soul
Jocelyn90 8/11/2012 2:25:00 AM
I just bought this from Sephora (Ion Orchard) and the MAC makeup assistant helped me with this. It's really lovely and stands out well on Asian skin without having to apply too much. I've tried but didn't like pink shades because I find them to be unnatural with my yellow undertone but this blush color is coral and it turned out really pretty. I have an oily T-Zone and the weather in Singapore is humid and warm (30c< and humidity 70%<) but it lasted all the way home. It is the first blush I bought and it cost SGD39 but I was told it could last close to 2 years even with daily use. Side note: Not advised to keep any powder for more than 24 months due to bacterial growth etc). The only grouses I have about this is the lack of a mirror in the compact, so you need to find a mirror to apply this blush if you're on the go. Also, the blush doesn't come with a portable brush so I had to buy a separate brush (a retractable one from ecoTools(. MAC do sell their own range of brushes but they sure are really expensive. I was told the large blush brush retails for SGD69. I'm still a newbie at using MAC products so I was really surprised to find so many raving reviews about this shade, will buy it again if it all works out for me.
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Primer/ Corrector -Shiseido - Pureness Matifying Stick
Jocelyn90 1/31/2012 9:34:00 PM
I'm on to my 4th mattifying stick currently and I feel that this product does work on my skin to some extent. Though it is expensive SGD41 to last me through about 3-4months. The key is to apply sparingly and just enough to cover your Tzone. I have combination skin so my biggest annoyance is having that shine on my skin 1/2 hours after going out in the Singapore weather (25-31c, humidity 70%<). I have read that Shiseido's Pureness range has a very drying effect so I'm using a mixed arsenal of skincare because aside from my shine prone Tzones, the other parts of my face is rather normal-dry. For this product, I like the powdery smell and texture it leaves on my skin, and it also has the wonders of minimizing the pores on my nose. You can either apply it directly on your Tzone area or you can apply in on your clean fingers before blending in the powder to your face. If you skip the blending step then of course, that will leave you with visible white patches (since the product itself is white in color). No worries about break outs because it has non-comedogenic properties. Of course, depending on the climate conditions which you are using it in, re-application every 3-4hours in a humid and warm country like Singapore's is unavoidable. The product retains its mattifying effect when I'm in air-conditioned rooms, so I'm pretty sure it's my active sebaceous glands which are working against it. Overall, it's worth splurging on this small stick if you have the cash to spare. Alternatively, you can always stick to blotting papers. EDIT: Shiseido has the raised the price for this stick from SGD41 to SGD50. Though I still stand by the good results it had yielded for me, I am no longer purchasing this as I'm using MAC Pre+Prime Translucent Pressed Powder which costs SGD40 instead. The MAC pressed powder works longer in maintaining a matte complexion as compared to the Shiseido, however the powder is not as finely milled as I would have preferred it to be. I may consider trying Shiseido's translucent pressed powder instead after I'm done with my MAC powders.
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Hada Labo TAMAGOHADA Daily Foaming Wash
Jocelyn90 1/31/2012 9:16:00 AM
I am currently using this product twice daily. Personally, it works wonders in keeping my face acne-free. I have combination skin, with oily Tzone and the occasional monthly break outs but so far, this facial foam has made most of my pimples disappear. My face feels clean and exfoliated after using it (I wake up with an oily face most of the time). It is not too dry for me and this could be due to the climate I live in. It retails for about $16 in Singapore (temp 25-31c, humidity <70%) which is relatively cheap compared to the other good quality skin care products available in the drugstore. It is also made in Japan by a pharmaceutic company which makes it a trusty, reliable brand. I recommend using the entire range of products if you're looking for a revamp in skincare products. The entire line of Hada Labo range is pretty affordable for an undergrad (product ranges from $12.90 for a face wash in a tube to about $30 for the more pricey facial essence).
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid
Jocelyn90 1/31/2012 9:08:00 AM
I chanced upon this product about 1.5 year back and was sold by its affordability and quality. The moisturizer is very light and well absorbed by my skin right after application. It is sold at around $23 in Singapore (temp 25-31c, humidity 70%<) and has refillable packs available if you don't wish to buy a new bottle after having used it up. I recommend this product for people with very dry, dry and combination skin. However, one thing to note is that because the product is quickly absorbed, if you have very dry/dry skin, you may want to consider applying another moisturizer (preferably with spf in Singapore's context) over this moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out. I am still using this product, along with its foaming face wash which comes in a pump and along with shiseido's aqualabel R whiteup lotion (which acts as a toner).
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Moisturizers -The Body Shop - Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream
Jocelyn90 1/31/2012 8:58:00 AM
I used this entire Seaweed range from The Body Shop from the face wash in a tube, to the toner, to this mattifying day moisturizer and as well as the night moisturizer for about 1.5-2years but I honestly did not see much vast improvements to my skin, considering how much I've spent on these. I live in Singapore where the weather is warm (25c-31c) and humidity is high (70%<) and I have combination skin with oily Tzone but not to the point of having many break outs (just the occasional few pimples). Initially I thought it was because I was using it along with my previous skincare line, which was from Vichy and so I decided to switch to using the entire same line after my old skincare product was used up. Needless to say, I was disappointed with the lack of improvements after investing so much money and hope in this product. The product's claim of mattifying did not work on my skin and after barely 30mins after application, the oil shine on my Tzone emerges.
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