Clarins Double Serum - a complete age-control treatment

Source: www.clarins.com.sg

Honestly speaking, this is the first time I heard about double serum, i.e. two serum in one bottle, isn't it sound amazing?! Clarins has recently launched its new Double Serum in red bottle. It contains a combination of water-based and oil-based formulas, the unique [Hydric + Lipidic system] replicates the model of the dual nature of skin cells. It also ensures optimal absorption and reinforced efficacy.

The Double Serum focuses on the common aging problems that every woman faces nowadays. According to Clarins (http://doubleserum.clarins.com/sg/index.php ), this Double Serum helps to revitalize the skin's five anti-aging functions as follows:

• HYDRATION for softness and comfort
• NUTRITION for suppleness and tone
• OXYGENATION for skin radiance & luminosity
• REGENERATION for firmness and elasticity
• PROTECTION for the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles

These are exactly what I need (*I screamed in my heart*)..

Because of the special ingredients as mentioned above and the concept of "double serum", Clarins claims to be more effective than their regular serum, which I totally agreed!

Thanks to Metro (a local department store in Singapore), I picked up my own bottle at $118 (with 20% off in credit voucher). It was a good deal to me. I also spent on additional Clarins item (Body Shaping Cream) in order to make the total exceeds $180 for a 5-piece gift.

I tested the texture on my right hand at the counter and noted that the double serum when mixed together, it took a while for it to fully absorb into my skin, leaving oiliness feel. The SA explained that I must warm up the serum on my palms then gently pat on my face ("using the Hada  Labo patting motion") . So she tested it on my left hand. Viola!! The serum had sinked into my skin well..

The serum is surrounded by the oil serum..

Apply directly without warming up the serum, the serum took 'ages' to absorb..

Waited for about 1 min, I can still feel the greasiness on the back of my hand, not to mention if it is on my face >.<

Tested on my left hand, with the warm up.  The serum absorbed really fast, lesser greasiness. :) 

Another worry in my mind - whether it suits oily or combination? Gladly, it suit all skin types:).

I have not used the serum yet (have to finish up the current serum first) and will definitely report back on how the Double Serum work for me:)

Thanks for reading and hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Naruko Pro Derma Series

Hi there it's September 2012!  Hope you have a wonderful day ahead... I'm motivated to write a review about Naruko products.

This review is long overdue as I was trying to gather my thoughts about some Naruko products which I have tried so far.

Naruko's Derma Pro Series

Naruko Derma Pro Series is designed for semi-matured skin.  It has special anti-wrinkle ingredients (“Peptide-6 and 8) and hyaluronic acid, vitamins and amino acids.  These ingredients help to prevent aging and smooth out fine lines.  I got the whole set at a package price of S$84.11 from Naruko Singapore Official Website last year.

1. Multi-peptide Firming Serum – 30ml

This serum is formulated with five potent peptides:

• Peptide-3 work with collagen to repair the skin
• Peptide-4 strengthens skin’s natural defense and slows aging
• Peptide-5 firms and tightens skin, improving skin’s elasticity
• Peptide-6 reduces and prevents fine lines around the eyes
• Peptide-8 anti-wrinkle

When apply, it absorbs into my skin pretty well.  My skin felt more supple and hydrated.  I prefer this serum than the Narcissus serum (read my review Naruko Narcissus Review Part II ).  It is fragranceless so no funny smell at all.  As for the firming effect, I have not seen the result yet.  I have only used up one bottle so it is way too early to conclude if the firming effect is working.

The small bottle on left was a free sample that came with Derma Pro Series.  It is a fluid-gel type serum which helps to brighten and improve firmness of the skin.  Well, the consistency is identically the same as the Multi-peptide Firming Serum.  I did not see any brightening effect on my skin so far.  I would not recommend getting the brightening serum.  The Multi-peptide Firming Serum works way better than the brightening serum.

2.  Peptide Wrinkle Smooth Mask – 60g  

This clay mask aims at improving firming effects.  Formulated with peptide and hyaluronic acid, it helps to smooth fine lines, wrinkles and deeply moisture dry skin.  With regular use, collagen is promoted and the complexion glows with health, hydration and youth.

Sadly, I only used it once.  This mask did not work out for me.  At first use, it irritated my skin with redness showed up on my cheeks and chin area. I also exerienced slight itchiness as well  Luckily, it did not make my skin worsen.

My comment is always test the product on small part of your face to see if there is any irritation, eventhough the product says it suits all skin type.

3. Peptide hydrating Souffle – 50ml

This souffle provides immdiate effect to dry, aging skin.  It rapidly restores firmness, diminishes the visibe signs of aging and rejuvenates youthfulness to the skin.  Apply to skin twice daily after cleansing and toning, massage into skin with a slow upward motion until absorbed.

The texture is 'bouncy' like tofu and also rich in consistency.  However, I have to take ‘extra’ effort to scoop the product out and also extra time to make it fully absorb into my skin.  It dried pretty well leaving a slight stickiness feel to it.  So far no irritation noted.  Due its richness in consistency and hot and humid weather here, I can only use it sparingly.  I would not recommend this product to oily and combination skin type.

Thanks for reading and have a good weekend ahead!

Ettusais Pore Care Lotion Dual Effect review

Ettusais Pore Care Lotion Dual Effect - 170ml retail price at S$40

 

  

This is an oil control moisturizer from the Pore Care Range.  It is oil free and non-comedogenic (i.e. it does not clog pores thereby minimizing skin breakouts).

This lotion helps to:

·        Control sebum production (less clogging on pores) and keeps skin hydrated; and

·        Pumps up skin to reduce the size of visible pores (sounds amazing huh?).

Put two to three drops on cotton pad and apply all over my face.  After applying, the lotion absorbs quickly into my skin, leaving slight cooling effect and matte finish on my face. 

After few hours, I noticed that my T-zone and cheek areas are less shiny after few hours (note: my pores are normally ‘flooded’ with oil sebum after few hours if I use other products).  The lotion gives the right moisture for my skin and my pore sizes are less visible when use (of course not dramatically).  Definitely thumbs up for its oil control ingredients and also hot and humid weather.  However, additional moisturizer may be required if you will be working in air-conditioner place most of the time. 

Thanks for reading and hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead :)!

NARS Singapore - coming soon ^^

Oh my gosh, finally NARS will be making its debuts at CK Tangs counter in Singapore (tentatively in Nov or Dec)!!  Thanks to Andy Lee, a celebrity makeup artist in Singapore for the awesome news (read here Andy Lee's blog )

Here I’m sharing some NARS products that are in my makeup stash.

NARS Blush – Orgasm

I got this blush at NARS Hong Kong counter a few years ago. This is in peach pink with golden shimmer.

I personally not a fan of shimmery shade but I still picked this up as it is an iconic blush for NARS.  NARS Orgasm is highly pigmented so a very light handed application is required for a natural flush.

NARS Lipstick in Petit Monstre – Limited Edition

This is a nice berry with gold undertone to it.  It glides on smoothly on my lips, leaving a lustrous finish.  It also contains conditioners and antioxidant ingredients that can nourish and protect lips.  It is hydrating as the label says.

NARS Smudge proof eyeshadow base

This is my HG, especially if you have super oily eye lid like mine.  NARS eye primer keeps my eyeshadow stays longer and less creasing!  Thanks to Miso Jenny for sending it to me <3!  Now I can use it daily without worrying of running it out =) 

NARS Trio Eyeshadow – Calanque (Spring 2011 collection)

Liking the light caramel and soft bronze with glossy finish J.  Use it dry or wet.

I realized that I have too many neutral eyeshadow in my makeup stash.  The reason being they are easy to work with and work appropriate.  Special thanks to Cutie Fishball for the CP:)

Based on Temptalia’s review  (Temptalia's NARS Calanque review ), NARS Calanque has a mix of gold infused platinum with silver flecks, light matte caramel and rich antique bronze infused with gold. 

My favourite is the soft bronze shade as the colour is obviously pigmented.  However, it can get messy because of the fall out when apply. 

My last thought is only if the soft bronze and matte caramel be the bigger shades instead of the silver glitters.  What a waste…

Thanks for reading and have you good weekend J

Weekly photo challenge#11

Hi everyone, finally I have free time to blog! It's a long weekend in Singapore as the coming Monday is a Public Holiday^^

Here's my post on Yumeko's Weekly Photo Challenge #11 (in case you're new to my blog, please see my previous posts  here  and Yumeko's website here )

Yumeko's Weekly Photo Challenge #11 - Hey, how was your week?

1. Something you ate this week

Recently, I have been enjoying Mr Bean's Soya Pudding. It's sooo silky smooth and melt in you mouth effortlessly... Thumbs up!

And potato chips while watching the Olympic Games! Who can resist it??? I like Boulder Canyon potato chips for its all natural ingredients.

2. Something you bought this week

DSW shoes

Gripz shoes

Dressy clothings

Shoes

I have a soft spot for flat shoes and low heels :) Picked up these shoes from DSW and Gripz. Both are local brands from Singapore. I like their chic and trendy designs! Each Gripz's shoe comes with a dust bag..aren't the pink look oh-so-gorgeous?

Clothings

Bought the blazer and top at Dressy store. They are having 20% off for new arrival:)  

3. Something you wore this week

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose - loving the mix of rose and vanilla scent.

NYX Eyeshadow (from left to right - Frosted flake, Slate, Iced Mocha) I wore iced mocha on my eye lid and frosted flake for the brow bone.

KATE blush - OR-1 - This orangy blush comes with a decent brush (click Kate cheek blush review for my review). This blush is versatile as the lighter shade can be used as highlights for cheek bone and face.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof - I will be doing a review soon.  Please drop by my blog if you are interested^^.

4. Something you read this week

Women's Weekly Mag (liking this page on how to get your foundation right) and some articles by Marc and Angel Hack Life www.marcandangel.com.  Most of their articles are about practical tips for every day life. 

5. Something that make you smile this week

(from http://pinterest.com/pin/66498531968034163/)

(Latest Autumn 2012 collection from Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Japan website)

* Thanks for reading and have a good weekend! *

Jill Stuart Mix Blush - Lantana Honey

Sharing a new item in my makeup stash - Jill Stuart Mix Blush in Lantana Honey, from the Summer 2012 collection.  It is a limited edition colour in warm pink. Sorry that I have not swatched it yet because it is just too pretty to use it!! (my apology >.<).

Here are some swatches Drivel about frivol JS mix blush swatches, she has detailed reviews of Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact.

Glossy box is coming to Singapore soon^^!!!

I have been reading beauty bloggers and Youtubers raving about glossybox, the good and the bad. Despite of those mix reviews, I'm still looking forward to Glossy Box. Thanks to Rouge Deluxe for the information! Glossy Box will be making its debut in Singapore soon!!!

You can check out their website here, http://www.glossybox.com.sg/. Register your email with them to receive the first hand information:)