I have joined the Try and Review tester panel for some time now and have been trying to get picked to test some products. I got lucky this time and was picked to try the Miss Spa facial sheet mask.
I got the hydrating mask which was perfect as my skin is often too dry that it overproduces facial oil to compensate.
As stated on the packet, the mask is free of paraben, fragrance and artificial dye. Hmmmm…good to note for those with sensitive skin. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, I wouldn’t want to use something loaded with chemicals.
I literally LOL-ed at the instructions. “Unfold mask and remove paper backing. Don’t be scared — it will look lovely on you.” They have a good sense of humour.
And so I unfolded the mask and put it on my face. The mask wasn’t too thick or too wet which was good. I’ve used some masks which come with a tad too much serum that I have to squeeze out before applying the mask on my face else it’ll be dripping everywhere. The mask is not super perfumed so that’s good.
Overall, I’ll say it’s a good product. It did keep my face hydrated through the night.
I’m back from the long hiatus! Have been busy being a mama to my cutie girl. During this time, I had to reject quite a few review requests as I was breastfeeding. It hasn’t been easy trying to juggle my own leisure time and looking after a kid (even though I have help from my in-laws), but I’m determined to get back into the pace of things. I’ve already got quite a few things lined up that I want to share with you guys.
So, here’s the first review from my long hiatus…it’s from the good people of BeautyKeeper and The Sample Store! BeautyKeeper is a platform that originates from Taiwan and brings to you, all the trendy and fashionable Taiwanese skincare, make up and beauty supplements. They offer premium products and not cheap, low quality stuff to fulfill all your skincare needs.
I’ll be introducing two products which you can purchase from BeautyKeeper. First up is the YOHO Power Probiotics Collagen which gives you the power of youth and enhances the effectiveness of collagen. It has a blend of 12 different natural phenol (acai berry, cranberry, mangosteen, pomegranate, wolfberry, strawberry, chilean fruit wine, blackberries, grapes, raspberry, blueberry and cherry) to give you radiant skin and French-made elastin to bring the firmness to your skin.
YOHO Power Probiotics Collagen gives you the:
Power of Youth — to look beautiful even without make up
Power of Collagen — helps your make up to last longer
Power of Mobility and Flexibility — keeps you energetic and strong
Power of Berries — gives you the radiant look
Power of Firm and Elastic Skin — so that you’ll always be photogenic
Each box comes with 20 sachets. According to the instructions, you can take 2 sachets per day for general well-being or 4 sachets per day for intensive care. You can either consume the powder just like that or mix it with food/water. It smell and tastes very strongly of berries so I had no problem consuming it directly.
The next product is Vitalab Perfecting Revitalizing Elixir which refines the tone and texture of the skin, and rapidly reduces the appearance of fine lines. Due to the needs of post-cosmedermatology care in recent years, Vitalab was established to serve clients with extremely sensitive skin. Thus, its products are safe, effective and hypoallergenic.
I use it as a moisturiser. The cream is light and not too oily. It has a nice rose fragrance which is not too strong and overpowering. Just 1,5 to 2 pumps (2 small mounds) is enough cream to cover my whole face.
I’m the kind who needs to use beauty products for a longer period of time before I can see results thus I wasn’t anticipating much. However, when I went for my facial session this month, my facial therapist said I looked fairer and my skin was in a much better condition than last month, I was pretty surprised because I hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary except used both products for about 2 weeks or so. I had even gone swimming the day before my facial and thought I would be darker! I’m not making all this up; it really is a true story!
I love receiving freebies/samples and don’t mind testing out new products in exchange for my honest reviews. I don’t quite remember where I signed up to receive samples of Gly Derm Stretch Mark Cream but was thrilled when they arrived in my mailbox.
Instead of the usual small sample packets, I received two full tubes! Wow, that was pretty generous of the sponsors or so I thought. That was until I opened the package and flipped the boxes over.
To be fair, I really don’t quite remember the exact date I received the samples except it was either late July or early August (around the time I went for my babymoon). But really, who the hell sends samples that expire in slightly more than a month?! If they were small packets that can be used up in a few days, I would have perfectly accepted them. These are full tubes, mind you. I cannot possibly finish two full tubes in a month! Even as a regular user of stretch mark cream (I use it daily since I got pregnant), the feat is impossible. The whole situation made it look like the marketing company was trying to get rid of old stock more than they seriously wanted people to test the products.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t recall the name of the company that sent me the samples as I had thrown the envelope away. Only remembered that the company name starts with ‘T’ and is located in Telok Ayer. But no worries, with my awesome internet stalking sleuthing skills, I managed to find it. Tickled Media.
I just sent them an email stating my disappointment in the matter. I hope they give me a satisfactory reply. I’m not looking for compensation, but really that they think before they send out samples to people. I’ve been writing reviews for The Sample Store and have not faced such issues before. While I’m not some famous blogger, I’m not a newbie reviewer either, so I feel this is something I should speak up about.
I couldn’t be more overjoyed than to try out the Esemtan Skin Balm, especially after my Maldives trip where my skin took a beating from the sun. Thanks Schulke and The Sample Store!
The skin balm provides the skin with oil and moisture. It permeates deeply and rapidly absorbs into the skin with its oil-in-water emulsion, and supports and cares for the skin to protect it from drying. It also contains Urea as a moisturising agent that helps to speed up skin cell renewal. No more dry and itchy skin!
In addition, the skin balm is dermatologically tested and is suitable for all skin types, even those with dry and sensitive skin.
To use the skin balm, apply a good amount to the back of your hand and spread it by rubbing gently. One back of your hand to the other back of your hand, and then the palms of your hands. It is recommended to use daily, morning and evening after each wash.
After application of this mild fragrance skin balm, my skin had a nice glowy sheen. It didn’t feel oily or sticky at all.
You can get the Esemtan Skin Balm at pharmacies like Guardian, Unity, Watsons, independent pharmacies (Pink Beauty, Beauty Essential) and BHG. A 500ml bottle retails at $20.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, then this range of products is for you.
Esemtan Wash Lotion is a soap-free wash that can be used as a soap or commercial shower lotion. It works up a gentle lather and is effective in removing dirt and oil from the skin. Made of milder ingredients, this wash does not deplete the skin’s natural oils and is suitable for use on all skin types — from babies to old folks. You can use it practically from head to toe — body, face and hair. With Allantoin, the wash is pH neutral and is especially suitable for sensitive, dehydrated, dry and stressed skin.
You can be even more reassured as this wash has undergone strict skin sensitivity tests and is approved by the International Fragrance Association — a body dedicated to the safe use of fragrant chemicals, and essential oils in perfume and skincare products.
To use it as a hand wash, simply pour out 2-3ml of the opalescent green wash lotion on one palm. Froth it with water. Wash thoroughly, then rinse and dry.
What I liked about the wash lotion is that it has a mild and soothing fragrance. After use, my skin didn’t feel all dry and tight. It’s really a mild wash as it claims to be.
You can get the Esemtan Wash Lotion at pharmacies like Guardian, Unity, Watsons, independent pharmacies (Pink Beauty, Beauty Essential) and BHG. A 500ml bottle retails at $19.75, while a 1L bottle retails at $35.50.
It’s been pretty hot and sunny these days. Not surprising for the mid-year in Singapore. How do you keep yourself protected from the sun’s damaging rays?
Sunscreen? Everyone seems to know about using sunscreen for protection, but in actual fact, not many are regular users. In a 2014 Benchmark Survey commissioned by Kao Singapore, only 30% of women between the ages of 12 and 49 surveyed, used sunscreen daily. And it has stayed that way for the past five years, even with a whole slew of sunscreen products introduced to the market.
Admittedly, I am also not a regular user of sunscreen. I dislike the sticky or oily feel of it. Well, Biore has introduced its new and enhanced sunscreen products that might just change our minds.
Thanks to the folks at Biore and The Sample Store, I got to try out the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel.
The new range of Biore sunscreen products offer the highest level of UV protection recognised in the industry — SPF50+ and PA++++ rating. That’s maximum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun which causes damaging effects on our skin such as premature aging, wrinkles and freckles, as well as discolouration, sallowness and dryness of the skin.
What’s nice about Biore’s UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel is it comes in a handy 90ml bottle which is a nice size for carry-on luggage when going on overseas trips. The formula is also good for use from head to toe. Yup, so you’re really well protected from the sun!
The sunscreen comes in a light, watery texture that leaves a cool and refreshing feeling on your skin. It contains the breakthrough Aqua Micro Capsule, a water capsule which breaks upon application on the skin to release the UV protection agent while leaving the skin feeling cool. The watery gel is also infused with hyaluronic acid and citrus extract to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
You can even use it as a base before you apply make up on your face. It’s definitely not oily or sticky, and does not leave a white cast on your skin. It brightens and whitens your skin for that glowing appearance. It also has a mild powdery fragrance.
Left: Before application on face, Right: After application on face.
I’m not sure if it’s that visible from the photos, but before application on my face, my skin looked quite dull. After application, my face was a little brighter and had this slight watery glow.
The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel retails at $18.90 and can be found at all leading pharmacies, super and hyper markets, departmental stores, beauty stores and selected minimarts.
I’m definitely packing this sunscreen into my bag on my next trip!
Besides the Dark Spot Corrector, Palmer’s and The Sample Store also sponsored a second product : Palmer’s White & Even Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment.
As the product suggests, it:
Targets dark circles and shadows
Brightens under eyes
Firms and lifts
Reduces puffiness
It also contains the same important ingredients as the dark spot corrector — Cocoa Butter, Soy, Licorice Extract, Synovea, Vitamin C and Niacinamide. The product also has a triple blend of Caffeine that energises and stimulates microcirculation. Skin Nutrients plump and moisturise and a Sheer Luminising Veil brightens shadowy under-eye areas.
I haven’t got very bad dark circles or puffiness, but nevertheless, the product was worth a try.
Before applying Palmer’s White & Even Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment.
What I like about the product is the cool metal tip applicator. If you’re familiar with quick remedies for puffy eyes, most will tell you to place a metal teaspoon in the fridge and then place it over your eyes for a few minutes. The cool tip helps to soothe the puffiness.
The eye treatment cream itself is a little glittery which adds to the brightening effect.
After using Palmer’s White & Even Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment.
The product is to be used as often as needed during the day to brighten the eye area. So yup, if your eyes look dull and tired, use the product to give your eyes a little perk up.
This 15ml product retails at $22.90 and can be found at Watsons, Guardian, BHG, Robinsons, John Little, Essentials Pharmacy, Nishino Pharmacy, and at all leading pharmacies, department and cosmetic stores.
As we all know, the sun is a great enemy and can cause damage to our skin. Recent studies have shown that apart from wrinkles and loss of firmness, women perceive discolouration as the number one sign of aging. Skin discolouration (aka hyperpigmentation) can occur to anyone regardless of age or ethnicity.
Our face, lips, hands, neck and shoulders are especially vulnerable to the sun’s damage. Hyperpigmentation can come in many forms: age spots, freckles, melasma, mask of pregnancy and sun spots.
Sun exposure causes melanocytes to in the epidermis to over produce melanin. This results in brown skin cells, which rise to the skin surface.
With Palmer’s White & Even Dark Spot Corrector! This skin tone correcting product is free of parabens, phthalates, sulphates, harsh and synthetic dyes. It is a product in Palmer’s new Eventone ‘Tone Perfecting Range’ which has important ingredients such as Cocoa Butter, Soy, Licorice Extract, Synovea, Vitamin C and Niacinamide.
When used daily, products under the new Eventone range will lighten surface skin cells, producing a more even skin tone in 3-5 days. The products also act on the deeper skin layers to inhibit the over production of melanin. However, sunscreen protection is still important as continued exposure to the sun will work against the effects of Eventone. Discontinued use of Eventone products will also allow the over production of melanin to resume and dark spots will return.
I have dark spots on my cheeks so that was where I applied the product the most.
Before applying Palmer’s White & Even Dark Spot Corrector.
I didn’t have to slather on too much of the product, just a small glob was enough. While the product looked like just any other white coloured cream, upon closer inspection, I noticed this glittery sheen in it. I suppose it works to brighten the face as well.
After use of Palmer’s White & Even Dark Spot Corrector.
After a few days of continued use of Palmer’s White & Even Dark Spot Corrector, I started to see that my dark spots had gone a little lighter. I believe that with prolonged use, the dark spots should fade off even more.
My only little grouse about the product is the strong fragrance. Because my dark spots are on my cheeks near my eyes, the strong fragrance tend to smart my eyes a little. But no worries though, it only lasts a brief moment.
Start treating your skin and getting rid of your dark spots with Palmer’s White & Even Dark Spot Corrector. This 30ml product retails at $29.90 and can be found at Watsons, Guardian, BHG, Robinsons, John Little, Essentials Pharmacy, Nishino Pharmacy, and at all leading pharmacies, department and cosmetic stores.
PS: Thanks Palmer’s and The Sample Store for sponsoring the product.
EDIT: Just got word that this sale has been extended from 2-5 June 2015 from 11am to 6.30pm. New brands have been added to the sale and you can expect to see up to 90% off for items.
Another deal that landed in my mailbox that’s worth sharing…
I’ve bought a couple of special boxes from VanityTrove before, but that’s not really why I’m sharing this deal. I mean take a look at some of the brands that will be represented at the sale. If not for being pregnant and the hassle of travelling, I would love to check the sale out. I love using the VDL primer…(maybe I should do a review on it some time…)
I’ve been a fan of My Beauty Diary face sheet masks, so when I heard they had a new product range, I was all eager to try it.
Introducing My Beauty Diary’s new black mask range! Yes, it’s new with an improved formula, features and packaging…and it’s BLACK! Very classy indeed. The enhanced mask range features a uniquely patented ingredient called Cosphingo, which has a long-lasting moisturising property for improved hydration of your skin. The black sheet mask is made of high-quality fine and smooth cotton fibres from Japan, is extremely gentle on your skin, and its essences are absorbed easily by your skin. The best part is that it is free from harmful paraben preservatives, alcohol, mineral oil, pigments and fluorescent agents. Therefore, it is suitable for all skin types!
You should also take note that this black mask range contains 3D hyaluronic acid and yeast compound. The 3D hyaluronic acid forms a protective film over your skin to replenish and retain moisture, keeping your face hydrated. The yeast compound helps to tighten and regulate your skin tone, leaving you with a smooth and glowing complexion. The mask itself is made of conforming material that fits the contours of your face and neck (under chin) perfectly.
There are three variants in this range:
Black Obsidian Moisturising Black Mask
Black Rose Brightening Black Mask
Black Pearl Total Effects Black Mask
I always go for moisturising face sheet masks as my skin is quite dehydrated, so I was hoping to try the first variant. Was delighted that My Beauty Diary and The Sample Store had sent me that!
The Black Obsidian Moisturising Black Mask works to Nourish, Hydrate, Moisturise and Illuminate your skin.
Here’s the write up on the ingredients of the mask:
Rich in trace elements and minerals that restores healthy skin, French Black Obsidian helps support the skin’s protective mechanism and enhances the skin’s hydrating power. The infusion of Laminaria digitata and sugar maple delivers intense hydration to the deep layers of skin to improve dry skin texture, revealing renewed and brighter skin. Enriched with numerous soothing ingredients like Calendula officinalis, Licorice, and Ruscus aculeatus extracts to relieve dry, rough and irritated skin, the mask is also rich in Bladder wrack seaweed, Aloe vera, and hydrolysed Jojoba for improved hydration, allowing the skin to feel optimally nourished, revitalised with glowing luminosity!
Yes, the mask is black and yes, this looks like an unglam mug shot.
Despite using My Beauty Diary masks a lot of times now, I can’t for the life of me, remember what the texture feels like. But this black face sheet mask is da bomb! The mask is not paper thin, it actually feels smooth and…luxurious. Yea, like good quality stuff! AND IT ACTUALLY FITS MY FACE! I know my face is a little small, but it is extremely irritating when the eye and mouth holes don’t align with my eyes and mouth. This fits perfectly!
One thing I really dislike are ear loops to support the under chin flaps. They are supposed to be helping to stretch your skin so that you don’t get saggy skin as you age, but I just absolutely hate having that wet feeling around my ears. This mask has the under chin flaps but no ear loops! Yay! You should know that the under chin flaps are something really good to have. They allow the essence to work its magic on your chin/neck, so you don’t have an uneven skin tone.
The face sheet mask wasn’t dripping with essence too. The amount was just nice — enough to keep your face hydrated, but not too much to end up creating a mess down your neck. Another important point for a good face sheet mask, in my opinion.
After usage of the mask for at least three times, I found my skin to be brighter, smoother and more hydrated. Not sure if you can see that through my photos (should have taken both under the same light), but trust me, it does work. My face does feel refreshed as I peel of the mask.
You can buy the My Beauty Diary Black Masks at Guardian, Sasa and Watsons for $16.90 (a box of five pieces).
And for a limited period of time, My Beauty Diary SG Facebook fans can get to try the Black Obsidian Moisturising Black Mask by redeeming a free sample in a ‘Group Redemption Deal’. This deal is valid only for the first 1,000 participating fans and will only be unlocked once 1,000 entries are received. Each of the 1,000 participating fans will receive one mask worth $3.95. So what are you waiting for? LIKE the My Beauty Diary SG Facebook page and take part in the deal!
