Review : Isvara Coffee Sugar Body Polish


Isvara Coffee Sugar Body Polish Review

Product Description
Our coffee sugar body polish provides an invigorating, smoothing and exfoliating experience that will help to improve the microcirculation to the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Certified Organic coffee grounds are naturally high in antioxidants which help to promote the skins natural healing process. Combined with certified organic turbindo sugar, the rich oils from jojoba, apricot kernel, the sweet almond, and vitamin E this unique blend will leave your skin soft, smooth and hydrated


Isvara Coffee Sugar Body Polish Appearance


At 355ml, this body scrub tub costs US$12 on Iherb. A relatively unknown brand to me, until I came across it on Iherb, Isvara Organics prides itself on protecting the natural beauty of skin and hair through the use of vital plant nutrients.

I bought it mainly because of the coffee grounds with its antioxidant benefits. However, I am surprised that when I opened the tub, it looks and feels like dry powder. My first time in using dry contents.

Isvara Coffee Sugar Body Polish Texture

This coffee sugar body polish has a distinct coffee aroma, the granules are big and dry but not abrasive. It just feels odd on the body, as I scoop up the dry granules and exfoliate on my wet skin. Be prepared as the brown granules tend to get all over the bathroom floor and walls. It is not slippery or greasy though.

While it left my skin feeling slightly smoother but I believe there are better performing products out there, without the usage of dry contents.

Ingredients :
Certified Organic Coffee Grinds, Certified Organic Turbindo Sugar, Certified Organic Simmondsis Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot Kernel Oil), Apricot Kernel Meal, Pure Cosmetic Clay, Certified Organic Prunis Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Vitamin E Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Vanilla Plantifola (Absolute Vanilla).

How about getting the following products to minimize cellulite?
Scala Cellulite Massager and Remover Brush Mitt
Dry Skin Body Brush
Anti Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil
Botanic Hearth Anti Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil


Source : Isvara

Review : Giovanni Moisturizing Body Wash Cucumber Song



Product Description
Cleanse Luxuriating body wash drenches skin in a light cucumber melon fragrance and contains distinctive foaming agents that lather easily to gently cleanse away the day. Contains the exclusive Giovanni Eco Chic Technology blend, an advanced essential oil complex to soothe, smooth and regenerate skin's lost moisture.

I bought this body wash during my last Iherb purchase for about US$7 at 310ml size. Check out the cucumber song here if you are keen. You can get up for US$10 if you are a first time buyer.


With a sleek tall figure and a flick-top cap, the bottle has a comfortable grip that fits just right into your hands, and you can't help feeling that the designers do take into account how right-handed users grab the bottle. 


With a light cucumber melon scent, it smells odd in the beginning when I first start using it, but is used to its fresh and fruity fragrance now. Light suds ensure that you enjoy the wash as you lathers it across your body.

This is a decent product, not fantastic but it is decent enough for a good body wash. 



Ingredients :
Aqua (purified water), babassuamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, decyl glucoside, polyquarternium 7, polyquarternium 10, potassium sorbate, citric acid, cocamide MEA, polysorbate 20, *aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, *mangifera indica (mango) fruit extract, *carica papaya (papaya) fruit extract, *cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, *echinacea angustifolia (coneflower) extract, phenoxyethanol, natural fragrance.
*USDA Certified Organic
100% Vegetarian Ingredients
We do not add parabens, lauryl or laureth sulfate, or dyes to this product

Review : Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream




Product Description
The first ever brand to incorporate nutrient-rich ginseng, this best-selling corrective treatment penetrates the deepest layers of the skin to revive damaged, youth-depleted skin from within.

Formulated with the roots, berries, and water of rare six-year-old Korean ginseng, this treatment stimulates cell regeneration to revitalize and ultimately restore youthful looking skin. Additional Korean herbs like milk-vetch and white mulberry promote an ageless complexion, as jojoba, avocado, mango seed, and sunflower oils moisturize and condition for soft, smooth skin.

The last product from my trial kit, it is also the most expensive of the lot, being concentrated ginseng cream. I usually use it mainly as a night cream as it gave me zits when I layered it as the last product after the emulsion. It is too rich for my skin in the day but works fine in the night, together with the rest of Sulwhasoo products.

With a rich ginseng scent, the cream feels thick, rich and heavy but goes on light as it sinks into the skin pretty quickly, leaving well-nourished and hydrated skin in its place. It feels comfortable without any greasy and sticky after-feel.

The application steps as illustrated below, is similar to that of the First Care Serum



On dehydrated and flaky skin, this works best as the last step after (1) hydrating gel (2) moisturizing sheet mask (3) first care serum (4) balancing water (5) emulsion (6) ginseng cream and I wake up the next morning with smooth, hydrated and supple skin. I deemed it as the savior because I have used it without ginseng cream and the effects were less than desirable. Note that the hydrated gel is from Skinc and the moisturizing sheet mask is from Fancl during the period that I was testing out the ginseng cream efficacy.

With the addition of this product in my skincare regime, I can feel that my skin is healthier and see that my skin is plump, dewy and glowing within as well as looking more even toned. The rough edges that I usually get from dehydration disappears, leaving moist skin in its place.

Shop on Amazon.com :
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

Shop on Sulwhasoo.com :
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX Light
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX


A highly recommended but expensive product. It costs $276 for a 60ml product.

Source : bergdorf , allura

Review : Sulwhasoo Balancing Emulsion



Product Description
Formulated with Korean Medicinal Herbs, this moisture-rich emulsion promotes soft, smooth skin.

- Mountain Peony softens skin texture and Yai Jiu Hua improves skin clarity by promoting skin's natural circulation.
- Spreading easily over the skin and absorbing completely, this essential moisturizer leaves skin smooth and supple.

In this Essential line, I actually quite fancy this emulsion because it hydrates beautifully on my skin, and seal in all the goodness after all the prep with the first care serum followed by the balancing water.

Initially, I thought the emulsion would be too heavy for my combination skin but it just isn't! Milky white in colour, with a thick-lotion texture, it applies easily onto the skin and my skin feels like it has been drenched in moisture. An amazing feeling! It almost feel like all the prep work is just waiting for this last product to end its regime with a bang. My skin feels hydrated, soft and supple. Still, I have to say, its not the best product when I am battling with flakiness on my nostrils at times, after a cold. But on optimal skin condition, it works wonders and I am liking it.

Note that I don't use the ginseng cream in the morning and reserve that solely for night use alone only. Hence this emulsion is the last product of the line whenever I am using this range.



You can get the updated formula from here, if you reside overseas. In Singapore, you can get it from Tangs and Changi Airport.


Source : Sulwhasoong , allura

Review : Sulwhasoo Balancing Water



Product Description
Formulated with Korean Medicinal Herbs, this gel-textured water balances and delivers deep hydration.

- Purslane effectively hydrates the skin and Matrimony Vine soothes and calms the skin while promoting deep hydration.
- Spreading gently over the skin and penetrating deep into the skin this essential water saturates the skin with optimum hydration and nutrients

Meant to be used after the First Care Serum, this balancing water, with its ultra-soothing herbal scent, acts as a great toner or as a skin softener. I like that it hydrates without any sticky after-feel.

With a gel-like texture, I just pour it into my palms and pats them into the skin, which gets absorbed into the skin within a few minutes. I can feel that the rough edges on my nose wings were much smoother and hydrated. The balancing water pairs well with the emulsion and I like to use it all within a regime together - first care serum, balancing water and balancing emulsion.

The usage steps as stated

In the ingredient list, I am surprised that the 2nd ingredient is alcohol because I did not detect any alcohol scent so its quite a shame that for something that seems good, it has to contain alcohol in it. It comes before all the key ingredients.



Alternatively, you can try out the basic kit in trial sizes before determining if the range is suitable for you. ( check : Sulwhasoo Basic Kit 5 )

You can buy Sulwhasoo Balancing Water EX from the following places if you reside overseas.
Amazon : Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX
Amazon : Sulwhasoo Basic Kit 5
Amazon : Sulwhasoo Essential Duo Set
Sulwhasoo : Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX
Cosme-de : Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX

In Singapore, you can get Sulwhasoo products from Tangs and Changi Airport.


Source : Sulwhasoosg , allura

Review : Sulwhasoo First Care Serum


Sulwhasoo First Care Serum How To Use

Product Description
Formulated with Korean Medicinal Herbs, this essential regimen boosting serum assures optimal skin care results, promoting balance and replenishing essential moisture and nutrients.

- Membranous Milk-vetch promotes natural skin circulation and Dwarf Lilyturf and Licorice boost synergy among herbal extracts to restore skin’s natural healthy radiance.
- Absorbing instantly and deep within the skin, this serum leaves the skin soft, smooth and supple, prepares skin to receive treatment and boosts the efficacy of skin care used throughout the regimen.


Sulwhasoo, considered as a high end brand for skincare in Korea is famed for using traditional herbs and ginseng in their products so when it was first launched in Tangs Singapore, everyone was really looking forward to getting their hands on it. However, it was overheard in forums and blogsphere that their promoters were snobbish and I did experience it first-hand in Tangs Orchard. The mature lady promoter was well-groomed but served me with a condescending attitude when I asked about their Christmas set.




Prior to that, I have already purchased Basic Kit II for USD$24 on Cosme-de and only start using it last month. The Basic Kit II comes with First Care Serum 8ml, Balancing Water 15ml, Balancing Emulsion 15ml and Concentrated Ginseng Cream 5ml. This review will be on First Care Serum which is Sulwhasoo's star product. You can check out the slew of beauty tips in using First Care Serum under all the 4 seasons here. It seems amazing that the serum can even be used for insect bites.

The usage as illustrated                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          


The first care serum is not the typical serum where you use after toner, in fact it is the first product to be used in their Essential Line, to prep the skin for better absorption for other products. Despite being just a trial size product at 5ml, it still comes in a pretty pump dispenser to dispenser the brown serum-like texture.


Brown in colour, it has a very soothing herbal scent and the texture is pretty lightweight that sinks into my skin pretty quickly. I used this, in conjunction with balancing water and emulsion in my Basic Kit II either in the day or night, depending on my skin's needs. That said, I have to mention that I do not follow their usage steps diligently but only occasionally.

When I first started using it, I didn't like it because, on its own, its nothing spectacular. Its neither hydrates nor provides me with the smooth and supple skin that I was looking for, especially with all the hype surrounding this product. The flakiness on my skin was apparent and it gave me zits on the chin for the first 2 days as well as redness on my cheeks. I stopped using the whole line for awhile, before resuming it after my skin recover.

With time, I will say it works better together with the balancing water and emulsion, to give me the slightly supple skin and refined texture. I no longer have zits or redness from using the serum. However, the product alone is not impressive enough for me to shell out that amount for money for it, unless I am getting the whole set.

You can buy your product in the following places, if you reside overseas.
Amazon : Sulwahsoo First Care Activating Serum EX
Sulwhasoo : Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX
Sulwhasoo : Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Mask


In Singapore, you can get it from departmental stores, Sulwhasoo boutiques and Changi Airport.


Review : Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet


Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet Review

Product Description
Sensitive skin savior: This Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet has an immediate and long-lasting calming and soothing action. It reactivates the skin’s hydration mechanisms and restores its water reserves. As skin becomes stronger, it feels softer and more comfortable.
Apply morning and evening to a clean face and neck. Avoid the eye contour. Non-comedogenic

I bought this moisturiser late last year, during the Sephora 20% discount sale but only start beginning to use it this year. The 40ml tube lasts me for slightly more than 3 months with daily morning usage.

Housed in a opaque slim tube, with a twist and turn cap, it makes a good travelling companion for its portable size. It claims to quench and soothe, with its organic grape water, camomile and anti-oxidant polyphenois as the purported key ingredients.

The patented blend of organic grape water (key to reactivating your skin’s hydration mechanisms), soothing chamomile, and grape-derived polyphenols (which are rich in antioxidants) deliver a triple threat of hydration and redness reduction. It is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan.

The recommended usage is as below

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet Usage Steps
Initially, I am not too used to its gel-cream texture because I find it too mild for keeping my skin hydrated in the air-conditioned office. And Caudalie products with its signature scent is not pleasant. However, with time, my skin is kinda liking it for its calming and soothing action.

Its gel-cream texture is light and sinks comfortably into the skin, without a greasy film behind. However, to say that it quenches dehydrated skin, is over the top as I don't find the product to be that hydrating on flaky skin. It is just a good moisturiser on optimal skin condition, but not something I would reach out, when I am battling with dehydration issue.

The amount of fragrance may be a cause for concern for some people as its in the top 1/3 of the ingredient list, much more than its purported key ingredients. And according to Paula, the skincare guru, its grape water in water form may cause its antioxidant potency to be too diluted.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee
Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet - Amazon's Popular Choice
Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet ( Shopee )

Ingredients :
"INGREDIENTS : AQUA (WATER), VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE)FRUIT WATER*, DICAPRYLYL ETHER*, GLYCERIN*,BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER EXTRACT*,HEXYLDECANOL*, HEXYLDECYL LAURATE*, BEHENYL ALCOHOL*, GLYCERYL STEARATE*, ACRYLATES/C10-30ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, ERYTHRITOL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), TOCOPHEROL*, LECITHIN*, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, MANNITOL*, SODIUM BENZOATE, XANTHAN GUM, PALMITOYL GRAPE SEED EXTRACT*, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) JUICE*, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) STEROLS*, BUTYLENEGLYCOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM CITRATE, CITRICACID, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWEREXTRACT*, SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL BETAGLUCAN,SODIUM PHYTATE*, POTASSIUM SORBATE, BIOSACCHARIDEGUM-1, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HOMARINE HCL, GLYCERYLCAPRYLATE*, ACETYL TETRAPEPTIDE-15. (098/120)"* Plant origin

Source : Caudalie

Color Combos Skin Hyaluronic Acid Soothing & Moisturizing Eye Mask



Product Description
Specially formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Cucumber, Potato, Aloe Vera, Peppermint Extract and other plant extracts, this eye mask helps to soothe and hydrate your delicate skin around the eyes, giving your eyes a youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Stacked together, the 10 pairs of eye masks are kept in a reseal-able bag that helps to prevent it from drying out. It has a heavy fragrance and totally soaked in its essence. It moisturises my undereye area slightly, plumped up the area and fine lines were very slightly minimized but as with all eye masks, its a temporary effect.


Source : Sasa

The Pretty Skin Diet



The Pretty Skin Diet



To get smoother, line-free skin: It’s as simple as remember to a vast array of fruits and veggies.

WHAT TO EAT: Strawberries, peppers, oranges, broccoli, pineapples, kale, papaya, and kiwis.
Each of these are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant involved in collagen synthesis, among other essential skin functions. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers showed a link between high vitamin C intake and fewer wrinkles than those who didn’t eat ample amounts of the antioxidant as well as consumed far more carbohydrates and fat.

For clear, flawless skin: Boost your intake of fish and vegetables every day.

WHAT TO EAT: Leafy greens such as collard greens and spinach as well as fresh, organic fish like wild salmon.
Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids and vegetables typically contain numerous nutrients, including vitamins A and C, all crucial for skin health. A study published in the European Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that those who do not show signs of breakouts ate significantly more fish and vegetables than those with consistent acne. Another study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology also found evidence that fish has a protective effect against acne.

For healthy, hydrated skin: Swap your morning and afternoon coffee for tea.

WHAT TO DRINK: Organic caffeine-free green tea.
“Green tea contains a large amount of antioxidants called polyphenols, and a recent study in the Journal of Nutrition, found green tea to increase skin hydration and increase both blood flow and oxygen to the skin.

[ Recommended Reading : 3 Best Singapore Food For Acne and Brightening
                                             8 Green Foods For Healthy and Glowing Skin
                                             9 Food That Fight UV Damage   ]

Source : Harper

Genius Beauty Tips From Celebrities


Emma Stone : uses olive oil
Liv Tyler : after applying foundation and blusher, dust your face with translucent powder then mist skin with a rosewater spray and lay a Kleenex over it for a second. It makes your face seem flawless in a way that looks like you aren't wearing makeup
Eva Mendes : condition your hair overnight. Put it all over your hair before sleep and leave it in a shower cap until morning
Halle Berry : put on red lipstick, wipe it off and then apply lip gloss to get a flushed lip look

Source : Dailymakeover

Review : Kao Asience Nature Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner



Product Description
Feel a refreshing lightness and smoothness in hair with New Asience and its Advanced Asian Beauty Formula, that includes newly added, Licorice Essence (for scalp) and Lotus Flower Essence (for hair).Suitable for those with oily scalp and dry, tangled ends.




Product Description
Feel a refreshing lightness and smoothness in hair with New Asience and its Advanced Asian Beauty Formula, that includes newly added, Licorice Essence (for scalp) and Lotus Flower Essence (for hair).
Suitable for those with oily scalp and dry, tangled ends.


Special Features
  • Packed with 5 natural Asian beauty care ingredients to treat hair from within: Pearl Protein (Repair), Korean Ginseng, Camellia Oil, Lotus Flower Essence (Moisturize), and Shell Ginger Leaf Essense (Soften)
  • New Licorice Essence (Moisturize) to care for the scalp. Gently cleanses while protecting scalp's moisture as scalp's barrier and moisturizing functions are weaker
  • Fine and rich foam cushions between hair strands during shampoo. Leaves hair tangle-free and manageable.
  • Patented penetration technology allows the precious essence to go deep into the hair fibre to repair damage caused by harsh chemicals during rebonding, colouring and perming.

I redeemed a set of 45ml each and has been using this for more than a week. Both products has an almost similar floral scent.

The shampoo, with a silicon-y lightweight consistency in its white pearly colour contents lathers pretty well and gives softness to the hair. The conditioner, with a thick creamy consistency makes the hair silky smooth and tangle-free. 

In terms of ingredients, note that Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALS) is similar to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). All of them are surfactants to give rise to foam and have a similar risk as identified by EWG, contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product. You can also read more about it here.

Shampoo Ingredients :


Conditioner Ingredients :


Source : Kao, Kakaoistyle

Haircut + Perm at Ecorganics


Salon : Ecorganics
Location : 1 Thomson Ridge S(574633)
Tel : 6556 0521
Stylist : E Wee Loon

I have been withholding hair perming for more than a year, wanting to avoid harsh chemicals in my hair. Upon searching for something healthier, I stumbled upon this online and decided to give it a try. The initial impression when I check out their website was good. Professionally done with clear cut prices and promotions, giving me the vibes that its like one of those salons in the malls. Even the appearance of the exterior of the salon seems better than neighbourhood salons which I use to frequent when I was young.

Located in Upper Thomson, the location is not exactly convenient - 10 minutes walk from the nearest MRT station and limited parking lots. But there were plenty of interesting eateries around the area, with an eclectic mix of shops as well.

However, once I stepped into the salon, the vibe felt somewhat different. It feels empty and remote. The salon, with a team of 3 stylists has been around for 3 years but the paint is peeling slightly and looks worn which made the salon seem more than 3 years old.
There is no smile from the owner of the salon ( hail from China ), manning the cashier. No drinks or asking if you need more magazines though several magazines are stacked on each table. Yet their prices are comparable with salons located in shopping malls. Despite touting member promotions on their website ( if you pay $88 for it ) and various hair treatment brochures in the files placed on the table, I was told there is no promotion and only 1 hair treatment is available.
The salon uses 2 brands - Simply Organics and NOC ( botanical extracts ). Simply Organics is largely used for hair colouring while NOC is more for hair rebonding and perming. Both are 100% Ammonium-free.

The one and only welcome vibe is from my stylist, Wee Loon - affable with an easy-going demeanor, who made you feel comfortable, like a friend. After assessing my hair condition, he thinks its too dry and recommends cool perm as digital perm is more damaging with the heat. Personally, I think $158 is expensive for cool perm, especially since Act Point salon charges only $150 for digital perm. But I am going for it, because the products being used are of 100% ammonium-free.

Wee Loon is serious and focused about his work, willing to listen to my concerns and give suggestions. I wanted large curls but didn't want it to be loosened that fast. Most salons would recommend digital perm with medium curls for being lasting. Wee Loon made it a mixture of large curls in the last layer and medium curls on the outer layer. It seemed like a logical choice at that moment.

In the 4 hours I was there, there were 2 other male customers for haircuts done by the boss, other than that, the salon is relatively empty on a Saturday.
The hair washing is pretty medicore, with no deep hair massaging. Cool perm is done by using a softening lotion first, followed by a perming lotion. On both occasions, there is a tray that is placed around your neck as the lotion drips down. In other salons, the tray is usually of a paper soft type, that rests comfortably but in this salon, it uses a hard plastic bulky tray that is stiff, uncomfortable and awkward. What surprises me is that, the stylist uses a tissue paper/ cotton pad to soak the dripped lotion in the tray and squeezes it back to my hair again and again. It feels more like a saving money strategy.

I top up for a 4 step hair treatment since there was a promotion.
(1) Detoxifying Process  (2) Cleansing Process (3) Reinforcement Process (4) Nourishing Process

The detoxifying process uses the NOC Teabase Detox Complex to stimulate blood micro circulation and growth, remove toxins and clears dead cells while The cleansing process uses NOC anti-aging shampoo to revitalizes brittle hair and brings back silky radiance. The reinforcement process uses NOC anti-aging treatment to strengthen and provides improved elasticity, moisture and nourishment. Finally, The nourishment process uses NOC anti-aging complex to hydrates and oxygenates the scalp.
After the treatment, my hair feels silky smooth and soft. Curls look much nourished without any drying feel. The effect lasts well till the next few washes.

While blow-drying my hair, I am told to slide down on my seat, so that my head rests on the seat while my hair can be easily blown-dry with a big hood attached to the hand-held hair dryer. This act is similar to what I have experienced with Hair Inn Centerpoint.
However, I am dismayed to say that, my polo tee was totally wet at the neck area, when I left the salon.

For the first time, since my perming days, I don't look like a poodle and get admiring glances once I step out of the salon. However unfortunately, the curls are hardly obvious the following day. In fact, friends and family hardly notices my curls, it looks more like waves instead. Now, I am not sure how lasting these curls will be.
The supposingly large curls were even worse, its almost straight, like I have not done anything to the hair. So opt for medium curls, always. Because with time, the curls will loosen and you get beautiful large curls instead. Moving forward, I will try different hair products to make my curls more prominent.
Still, I have to say that my hair is hardly damaged or dry, with using their products and opting for cool perm. The only mistake is, I should have opted for medium curls.

Unlike other mall salons, this salon clearly has a system in place, with details of customer noted down to issue a receipt with a full breakdown of the services rendered.

Japanese Cool Perm $158 ( $20 added to the quoted price of $138 on the phone, for being extra long hair )
Wash Cut $30
Anti-aging Treatment $80 ( 43% off the original $140 )
Total : $268

Biotherm Biocils Lash Optimizer Eye Makeup Removal Care


Product Description
Biphasic eye makeup remover with 2 actions: 
1) High performance makeup removal with state of the art oil based technology to remove even stubborn makeup. 
2) Limit lash loss related to makeup removal and eye rubbing. Perfectly removes makeup, no traces after sleeping, waterproof, suitable for sensitive eyes.

STIMULATE THE NATURAL GROWTH OF YOUR LASHES while removing the most stubborn eye makeup!


Key Ingredients : 
Madecassocide: Regenerates the production of lashes and stimulates the production of collagen.
Arginine: Nourishes and repairs damaged lashes leaving them soft and beautiful.
Citric Acid: Stimulates the regeneration of cells.

As part of my Biotherm purchase during the Sephora sale, this 30ml eye-removal care bottle was provided free. I use this strictly as a eye make-up remover which helps to remove eye make-up easily, glitter and non-glitter alike. I can't prove its effectiveness on waterproof mascara because I hardly use that. 

The scent of this product is strong but not overpowering. Slightly oily in consistency so be reminded to shake well. While I don't expect any miracles of an eye make-up remover that can boost lashes growth but still, if it really does, it will be a good bonus for all. 

In summary, it removes eye make-up relatively well without any lashes fall but I still prefer something less oil to avoid any potential millia seeds around the eye area. 

Source : Biotherm

Luxola + Lovelula Haul




1) John Masters Organics Summer Protection Kit $33.15 pounds
( down from $45 pounds due to Vat refund, my lovelula points and online discount code )

Lovelula packages usually take about 3 weeks to arrive to my doorstep. Check the full range here.

2) Tangle Teezer S$21
3) Hanz De Fuko Natural Shampoo S$19.60
4) Hanz De Fuko Natural Conditioner S$19.60

There was a 30% storewide discount at Luxola and I decided to purchase 3 items as above. It never cease to amaze me how salons never use good combs or perhaps, good combs are never necessary?  Anyway, after reading good reviews on the teezer to detangle hair, I decided to just bite the bullet and bought my most expensive comb ever. But I pick the wrong time to purchase it as I just permed my hair, so I don't think I will be using the teezer for the time being.

Hanz De Fuko hair products are meant to be for the men but it was not indicated on Luxola's website until I did some searches on it before purchase. Because its of a natural formulation, I decided to try them out while in the midst of looking out for that perfect hair shampoo and conditioner.


Skin Inc Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask S$50.40 ( 30% off S$72 from Luxola )
Milk Bath Time $13.20 ( 35% off $28 and with points discount )

Review : Etude House Moonlight In Spoon Blending Sleeping Cream ( Rosehip )



Product Description
Superbly moisturizing sleeping pack is packed with vitamin-enriched rosehip and moisturizers that add luster and energy to a dull and fatigued complexion. The hydrating blend of herb water gel and nourishing cream provides skin with a shower of moisture that effectively wakes up and invigorates skin. Combine gel with cream and apply on face and throat as the last step of your evening skin care routine.

A friend bought a piece of this 6g blending sleeping cream which comprises of Rosehip extract (Rosa Canina Flower Oil), Lavender, Chamomile and Mint that costs 1500won in Korea. I think its meant for a 1 time usage but I spread it over 3 nights.

Contained in a kawaii packaging as seen above, one is supposed to squeeze paper cover to slightly open up and remove enclosed spoon and then break off the spoon from the pack container to blend together the golden herb water-gel and cream before usage. The steps seem confusing but is actually simple. They just need to translate to simpler terms. The spoon is too hard, stiff and sharp so I just wash my hands and pick up both the gel and cream.

I hardly see the need to mix the gel and cream because they seemed to be all mashed up together. Nicely scent with rose/ rosehips, I found it to be overpowering for my nose. The gel-cream is thick and sticky and feels emollient enough as a sleeping gel. It just stays on top of the skin without absorption yet is not greasy enough to stain the pillows.

However, the following morning, my T-zone is super oily and there is a newly formed zit on my jaws. Skin at wings of nose turns slightly sensitive and red. On the 2nd time of usage a week later, redness is apparent the following morning too, with a tiny zit on the chin.

In this series, Etude House has formulated a wide range of sleeping cream for different needs.


Olive for Rich Moist, Royal Jelly for Firm and Moist, Shea Butter for Nourishing and Moist, Primrose for Shine and Moist, Blueberry for Antioxidant, Green Tea for Clear and Moist and Seaweed for Smooth and Moist.

Review : Fancl Facial Stretch Gel



Product Description
Skin care booster that increases the absorption and efficacy of beauty ingredients. Incorporate with massage technique for a more radiant complexion.

This product was highly recommended to me, when I was browsing through their products in Isetan Scotts. I guess when you have a cherubic face shape like me, promoters tend to push such lifting products to you, for that V-shape outline.

This product is said to promote firming, hydrating and softening results, with its various plant extracts and firming ingredients like Tuberose, Peptides, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrolyzed Rice Cream to re-hydrate and improve blood circulation for glowing and dewy complexion.

I couldn't resist buying it when it was on 70% off but I wasn't disciplined enough to use it every day because of the massage steps involved. Instead, I only use for 2 to 3 times per week. 2 months down the road, I still have about 50% left in the bottle.

Housed in a clear bottle, the clear gel serum is easy to dispense by pumping it out for 3 to 5 times, for the face and neck. The scent-less serum is thick and sticky which requires some time to spread it on the face and neck. In its packaging, it contains a sheet of its massaging techniques but explained in Japanese.



During purchase, an instruction booklet was provided with all the massage steps as stated below, explained in English but it was still not easy to follow through. Clarins manual lifting method, used together with its facial lift product is much simpler than this.


However, following the massage methodology, I see results immediately, from the first usage and thereafter for the next 2 weeks. My skin was brighter, glowing and radiant. But, thereafter, the result is not obvious to my naked eye anymore. I certainly hope that its because my skin has become more radiant than before using it, so any changes thereafter is not apparent.

Still, I have to give the thumbs up for Fancl products so far, as it truly live up to its claims. But you certainly have to take note of its expiry dates, especially if you don't use the product often.

According to Divaasia, lifting products can be used for the following concerns.

To firm up the eye area
1. Place the tips of your middle fingers on the hollows of the inner corners of the eyes, press gently and lift them slightly.
2. Slide the tips of the middle fingers along the eyebrows, from the inner brows towards your temples. Gently press on the temples and lift.
3. Glide the tips of the middle fingers from the temples to the undereye area and gently press on the inner corners of the eyes. Repeat these three actions twice.

For a smoother nose bridge
1. For this massage, use your index, middle and ring fingers.
2. Slide one hand - with the three fingers touching the nose bridge - from the middle of the brows downwards. Alternate with the other hand. Repeat the move six times.
3. Use both middle fingers to gently press on the wings of your nose, then slide them towards the tip of the nose. Repeat it six times.

To lift the mouth area
1. Using the pads of your middle and ring fingers, place them just above the lips. Slide them upwards and towards the area under the cheekbones and press gently. Repeat two times.
2. Repeat the same movements, but this time, start by placing your fingers below the lips. Do this twice.

To lift jowls
1. Place the pads of the middle and ring fingers firmly on the chin. Then slide them along your jawline and towards the back of the ears. Repeat this twice.
2. Using the same fingers, start the massage from the corners of the mouth, and end just behind the ears. Repeat twice.
3. Using the same fingers, start the massage from the sides of the nose and end at the temples. Gently press the temples for three to five seconds. Repeat this twice.



Source : Beautykat