Clarins: Shaping Facial Lift

Made in France 🇫🇷

I have heard of Clarins for a very long time but never bought their products. When I saw this bottle I instantly got hooked by the packaging but after using it, I fell in love with the brand.

This product was market for Asian women but I believe anyone can use it. They also have a video showing you how to use the product properly. I didn’t know applying serum need a special technique.

The serum is thick and creamy, it has a mild fragrance that is quite nice. After applying the serum I instantly feel beautiful 😁 the face looks less puffy and more contoured. This could be mentality because of the product description but anyway it made me feel happy.

On the plus side Clarins often give out free gifts with purchase so it’s a bonus.

Product Description

The pioneering serum that helps redefine the shape of your face. Specially formulated for Asian women.The serum that enhances the purity of facial contours

• Slims and sculpts the shape and profile of the face.
• Reduces the appearance of puffiness and double chin.
• Lifts and firms the shape of the face, sculpts the features, redefines the V-shape.
• Hydrates and leaves the skin feeling comfortable.

Ingredients

Guarana: promote the release of excess fat, help drain excess fluids, preserve skin firmness.  Guarana comes from the Amazon and was traditionally grown by the Guaranis Indians who considered it a sacred plant. According to legend, an Indian mother distraught at losing her son, tore out her dead child’s right eye and planted it in the ground. A creeper grew up on the spot and produced a beautiful red fruit whose black, shiny seed inserted in a white arillus resembled an eye. Guarana later demonstrated remarkable fortifying and stimulating properties before becoming known for its antioxidant and gastroprotective benefits. In cosmetics, Guarana seed is used for its high content of Caffeine and Theobromine molecules which stimulate AMPc, a trigger factor in the release of fats.

Zerumbe: promote the release of excess fat, help drain excess fluids, preserve skin firmness.

The zerumbet is a herbaceous plant from India which then established itself in Polynesia hundreds of years ago. It was considered a sacred plant thanks to the mysterious and magical virtues it demonstrated in the field of medicine, as well as in cosmetics, as a food source and for its beauty. It is used as a condiment just like ginger, a plant we are more familiar with and which is a close relative of the zerumbet. In cosmetics, zerumbet ginger extract helps to filter tissues.

Kaki: promote the release of excess fat, help drain excess fluids, preserve skin firmness. The kaki, or persimmon, is a fruit tree orginating from Indonesia and is now found across the Mediterranean. It is known for its fleshy fruit which has a smooth, orange skin and looks like a tomato. The persimmon is eaten when very ripe and of all the fruits, it is one of the richest sources of energy. All parts of the tree have medicinal properties. Extracts from the bark are astringent, the juice from its fruit helps to reduce hypertension and its calyxes (small leaves on the surface of the fruit) are a known remedy for hiccups and coughs.

Green Coffee: slimming. Green Coffee is the name given to the two seeds produced by the mature fruit of the Coffea (Coffee tree), a shrub cultivated across subtropical regions of the world and whose “robusta” variety is particularly rich in Caffeine. The legend of the Coffee tree dates back to Medieval times. It tells of a Yemeni shepherd whose goats had been running off more than usual, who noticed they had been eating the seeds of a mysterious small tree. The shepherd was curious, prepared an infusion with the seeds and discovered a delicately flavoured, invigorating drink that would eventually come to be known all over the world as coffee. Green Coffee extract is obtained from the seeds which are dried in the sun then lightly grilled. This very simple process effectively preserves the plant’s active molecules and its highly stimulating action in the field of cosmetics.

Formula 10.0.6: Get Your Glow On, Brightening Peel Off Face Mask

Made in Korea 🇰🇷

I came across this product by accident and didn’t realise how good it is.

I was intrigued by peel off masks because I have never heard of it before until recently and I wanted to try out. This mask was the first peel off mask I got in hand.

Because I did not know what to do so the first time was a disaster. After I exfoliated my face, I put this mask on. Because it was in winter I also had the heater on in the bathroom. I started to feel the tingling and tightening sensation, followed by itchiness and burning. I was so scared that something is happening to my skin. So I tried to peel it off once they started to dry up.

Because I didn’t read the warning about the tingling sensation and I was lack of knowledge about the acidity in the ingredients that could react to sensitive skin after exfoliation that’s why I experienced the discomfort.

I didn’t give up so the second time I tried again after cleansing my face, put on the mask and sit in a relax cool place, I did not experience the burning on my skin anymore. After I peeled off the mask, my skin feel so smooth and soft even before washing my face.

After cleansing, I massaged my face with some rosehip oil, followed by moisturiser, my skin was so smooth for the whole day. Whenever I touched it, it feels like baby skin.

I don’t think this product is suitable for sensitive skin.

Product Description

Smooth on, sit tight then peel off to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and banish breakouts. Powerful papaya helps to resurface skin while citrus boosts brightness so you can flaunt a mesmerizingly clear, smooth and radiant complexion.
A fun to use mask to resurface, brighten and leave your skin with a clear, healthy glow.

Ingredients

Water/Aqua, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Polyacrylate, Betaine, Carica Papaya (Papaya) fruit extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum (Japanese Pepper) Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane) Extract, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ceteth-10, Ceteth-20, Laureth-7, Glycerl Stearate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/ Parfum, CI 14700, CI15985.

Guerlain: Super Aqua-Lotion

Made in France 🇫🇷

I just realised that the majority of my skincare are made in France. I wonder why such a coincidence. My skin is suitable to products from Lancome, L’Occitane, Clarins, Coryse Salome and now Gerlain.

This toner has a very mild fragrance and is very soothing to use after I exfoliate or doing a facial peel as compare to some alcohol based toner.

I am not too sure about the skin looks more plump and radiant. Maybe I haven’t use it as often enough to see the difference.

Product Descriptions

The first key step, this fresh, velvety-soft treatment lotion acts as a natural hydration trigger. Its enveloping texture provides incredible softness and comfort.
From the moment of application, it immediately revitalises, plumps up and smoothes the skin for a radiant complexion.

Maxfactor: Ageless Elixir Foundation

I was in love with this foundation when it first came out many years ago. It was smooth and flawless. You can hardly see the fine lines.

When the newer version 3-in-1 came out I thought it was better so I bought it to try but it was a disappointment in comparison to this one.

My journey continues so I have to depart this brand and experience something different at the moment.

Product Description

Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation + Serum for flawless looking skin now and in the future.
2-in-1 formula gives effortless coverage of fine lines and wrinkles whilst the the serum with SPF 15 works to protect against daily UV damage.
Smooth, instant flawless coverage.

L’Occitane: Immortelle Divine Cream

Made in France 🇫🇷

I love this brand, indeed I’m obsessed with their products, I started out with their hand creams and ended up buying almost all the different scents. Then I followed into their hand wash, shower gels and skincare products.

I first received this sample of the Divine Cream and found them so smooth and creamy. I received this full bottle by accident from David Jones and have been using them on and off. Recently, I found that it made my eyes very irritable and I started to develop teary eyes when I put it on. I am not sure if I want to buy this cream again.

Product Description

This cream acts at the heart of cells to visibly correct all signs of ageing, for beautiful, younger-looking skin. Enriched with organic immortelle, it stimulates the production of collagen, boosts microcirculation and protects against free radicals.

– Smooth in texture
– Melts deliciously into the skin, giving a sensation of supreme comfort
– Intensely nourishes
– Visibly reduces wrinkles

Highly concentrated in immortelle essential oil, which contains 2x more anti-oxidant than Vitamin E, Divine Cream is a complete face moisturiser that fights against visible signs of ageing.

Its velvety texture melts into the skin, instantly nourishing and softening it. Used daily, wrinkles appear visibly reduced, the skin regains its firmness and elasticity. The skin’s texture feels smoother, the complexion looks brighter and more even toned.

As though infused with new energy, the skin feels radiant with youth. For best results, mix one drop of Immortelle Divine Youth Oil to a small amount of Immortelle Divine Cream before application to strengthen its benefits.

Pond’s: Flawless White

Made in Thailand 🇹🇭

As per my earlier post, I started off using Pond’s when I was 14 years old. However, Pond’s was off the Australian market for a while but I saw it back again in Priceline from 2010, it could be earlier without my knowledge.

I was hooked to the new packaging, it’s pretty and have a wide range for different ages and skin types. I chose this range for my skin.

The fragrance is not the same as the one I use many years ago, maybe different formulation. The cleanser is creamy, the moisturer is also nice but I don’t know about the whitening effect.

Will I buy it again? Probably not because there is no wow factor. Also, Priceline is clearing out the Pond’s products. I am not sure will they come back.

Product Description

Pond’s Flawless White Facial Foam with GenActiv formula gently exfoliates to remove unwanted dead dull skin cells while washing away dirt, oil and impurities. GenActiv Formula works with your skin to repair damage and make it radiantly white and clear of spots and blemishes. It contains SPF 18 & PA++ which protects against UVA & UVB rays.

After years of intensive research on more than 20,000 genes, we made the breakthrough discovery of how a specific gene influences skin color and created the GenActiv formula.

Enriched with new VAO-B3 complex, this foaming cleanser washes away the dirt, oil and impurities that cause dullness, revealing bright, sparkling clean skin underneath.

VAO-B3 is the Pond’s institute’s new Vitamin E, allantoin and optics powered niacinamide (B3) complex, especially created to deliver flawlessly radiant skin.

Brightening night cream, extra nourishing with GenActiv formula. This revitalizing night cream helps repair daily skin damage and actively lightens skin while you sleep.

With GenActiv formula
Helps revitalize and visibly brighten dry skin
Nourishes skin, making it soft and smooth

 

Lancôme: La Base Pro Makeup Primer

Made in France 🇫🇷

Many years ago whenever I put on makeup I am not happy with the foundation because I often smile and after a while you can see the lines forming on the sides of the mouth.

One day my friend introduced me to use the Lancome La Base Pro primer prior to foundation and I found that I don’t have that problems anymore.

The primer is smooth and non-oily, it keeps your skin fresh all day long.  On my wedding day, I asked the makeup artist to put it on before doing my makeup and the whole day, my bridesmaids and I looked fresh although I only slept for 3 hours the night before.

After I finished the bottle, I was looking for alternative primers for a cheaper price but never happy with any of them and usually thrown them out before it finished.  Nothing compare to this one.  It is my go to primer and I only use for the base of my makeup.

Product Description

Inspired by makeup artist techniques, Lancôme reveals the secret for a perfect complexion! An ultra-soft, translucent makeup base to smooth skin surface and boost makeup staying power.

Avani: Refreshing Facial Toner

Made in the USA 🇺🇸

As the name suggested, this toner is very refreshing. I love the light fragrance and the toner is mild to use. It is a very big bottle that took me a while to finish, more because at the time I didn’t put much effort in my skincare routine.

Product Description

With its rich blend of over eight natural plant extracts & essential oils that are known for their soothing & moisturizing properties, this gentle vitamin enriched facial toner will effectively remove all traces of make-up, dirt and other impurities without damaging the skins natural pH level. Containing active ingredients that will minimize excess oils and refine pores to leave skin completely toned, clean and refreshed.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maris Aqua (Dead Sea Water), Benzyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Gluconolactone, Allantoin, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Ascorbic Acid (Vit. C), Verbena Officinalis Leaf Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Vit. A), Citrus Aurantium (Bergamot) Oil, FD&C Blue #1 (CI 42090), Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

The Face Shop: Natural Sun Eco No Shine Hydrating Sun Cream

Made in Korea 🇰🇷

I received a sample sachet for this sunscreen and yes will definitely buy it once my current one runs out.

I’m not a fan of sunscreen because of its sticky feeling and made my skin feel uncomfortable but I was encouraged by many people because of its importance. Lucky I mainly stayed indoors but it’s time to use it again.

This sunscreen feels like normal moisturising cream when you applied on the face. Very smooth and absorbs well. Not heavy like other sunscreen I have used and no sticky after feeling.

Apparently, this product has been discontinued.

Product Description

• Eco-Cert Certified Sunflower Sprout Extract
• NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor)
• Sebum Control
• No Animal Source Ingredients [Contains Sunflower Sprout Extract 5000 µg – Certified by ECO-CERT]

This versatile sun cream protects the skin from both UVA and UVB and works as a mattifying and pore smoothing primer. Formulated with extracts of sebum absorbing Cotton Seed and Chia Seed, which is known to carry up to 10 times its weight in moisture, it hydrates and absorbs excess shine at the same time.

Ingredients

Water/eau, cyclopentasiloxane, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, alcohol, denat, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, dipropylene glycol, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, tromethamine, vinyl dimethicone/methicone, silsequioxane crosspolymer, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, panthenol, polyglyceryl-3 methyl glucose distearate, potassium cetyl phosphate, propanediol, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, cetearyl olivate, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, dimethicone, acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer, sorbitan olivate, sodium hydroxide, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, sodium polyacrylate, xanthan gum, caprylhydroxamic acid, trisodium edta, helianthus annuus (sunflower) sprout extract, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, menthyl pca, plankton extract, silica, butylene glycol, sodium pca, salvia hispanica seed extract, gossypium herbaceum (cotton) seed extract, parfum/fragrance.

Mdoc: Relief First Peeling Gel

Made in Korea 🇰🇷

I received a sample sachet for this peeling gel when I bought some Korean skincare. The nice things about buying Korean products is that you always receive some samples to try. Sometimes they are nice, sometimes they are not suitable for you.

I found this product is quite nice and gentle to use. The skin slouched off gently leaving your skin feeling clean. Some other exfoliate gel I have used did not give me the satisfaction.

I would consider buying this. However this product is for men so I probably won’t buy it for myself.

Product Description

Always start with MDOC Relief First Peeling Gel to remove dead skin cells on men’s face. Removing dead skin cells is essential for clearer and smoother skin. Soft application provides freshness. Oryza Sativa (rice) bran extract presents immediate peeling effect to remove unnecessary dead skin cells, sebum and skin wastes without irritation. Botanical ingredients such as Portulaca Oleracea extract provides a purifying effect for the skin, and gives it a moist skin texture after massage without any dryness.