Review : IOMA Anti-Dryness Mask


Product Description
A refreshing transparent gel, IOMA Anti-Dryness Mask acts as a veritable hydration bath for your face.

Benefits : 
  • Optimizes hydration
  • Reinforces skin’s natural protection
  • Rejuvenates your complexion
Key Ingredients : 
Hyaluronic Acid - contributes to skin's firmness and elasticity
Aquaxyl - limits water loss and improves the visual appearance of skin
Chondrus Crispus extract - an extract of red algae, rich in mineral salts. It repairs, protects and hydrates

Fragrance free, paraben-free and silicone-free, the 50ml IOMA Anti-Dryness Mask costs $90, which is pretty expensive, although I bought it at 15% lesser then. Mask is my beauty weakness, just because I see it as an emergency usage for intense needs, a rescue to the skin screaming for help.

Blue in colour, IOMA Anti-Dryness Mask is gel based and provides a cooling sensation to skin, calms and hydrates the skin as and when you need it. It comes in a tube with light depression and contents flow out easily. I brought it along for my Sydney/Melbourne trip and used it every day, together with the sheet masks of other brands. I believe in intense hydration when I am overseas and thats the only period when I will use masks consecutively.

The bonus of this product, is that, the mask can be used around the eyes too, so I use it as a hydrating eye mask as well.
The performance of IOMA Anti-Dryness Mask seems mediocre, considering the price and I expected something more. When a price is high, my expectations tend to go upwards too. It must justify why I pay so much, isn't it?

My skin seems well-nourished in Sydney but gets more dehydrated when I travel to Melbourne where the temperature dipped further.
Skin starts to be flaky around the nostrils and I moved on to applying it twice a day, once in the morning before leaving the hotel and another time just before I slept in the air-conditioned hotel room. The dehydration got much worse when I boarded the plane and touched down Singapore.

I still have faith in IOMA Anti-Dryness Mask and continued with the masking once a day for that week in Singapore, moving on to thrice a week thereafter. My skin eventually returned back to normal, although during that 2 weeks, it was producing more oil than normal, due to being over dehydrated.

Note that the mask will dry up after 15 ~ 20 minutes, leaving a very sticky finishing on skin which requires some effort to be cleanse off. 

That said, I was surprised when the skin analyzer from Estetica showed that my hydration level was high, during a seminar I attended recently. Although I can't say my skin depended on this product alone, as I also use other hydrating face products, but I believe the masking contributed to the hydration in my skin too.

Still, $90 is expensive to me, considering that it cannot be used as an emergency mask but requires time to provide that hydrating effect. Other hydrating masks at cheaper prices can do the same job as well.



Source : IOMA

Chlorine Effects on the Skin and Hair


#1 : Loss of shine and flexibility in hair

Chlorine strips the naturals oils that over the hair, resulting in weak and brittle strands prone to breakage and damage. Soaking the hair in pool water can cause the hair shafts to absorb the chlorine, resulting in severe drying of the cuticles, resulting in limp and lifeless hair

#2 : Split ends and damaged strands

Chlorine can get between the hair fibres and once the chemical starts to crystallise within the hair shaft, the crystals can separate the fibres thus destroying the structural integrity of strands of hair, causing split ends and roughness

#3 Premature aging

Chlorine can seep into your skin through open pores. Over time, this can damage the skin, causing premature signs of aging. Chlorine also tends to strip the skin of the natural oils that keep skin supple and protected against the elements, causing it to dry up and crack, leading to wrinkles and lines

# 4 Dry and flaky skin

Spending long hours in the pool will exacerbate its effects on the skin. It worsens for those with sensitive skin, resulting in rashes or dry and flaky skin

#5 Chlorine can kill good bacteria

While chlorine is good at getting rid of the harmful bacteria that makes us sick, it is also capable of killing off good bacteria and beneficial microflora on which our healthy skin relies. 

#6 May increase cancer risk

Some studies show that chlorine may promote the generation of free radicals in the body and skin which are known to cause cancer. Drinking tap water with chlorine has linked to cancer in the bladder, bowel and breast,. Long term effects of drinking, bathing and swimming in the pool water may lead to malignant melanoma

Source : Mariefranceasia

Review : AESOP Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream



Product Desciption
A daily moisturiser for normal or dry skin in need of nourishment. Containing plentiful doses of essential fatty acids, this bestselling vitamin-rich cream delivers supreme nourishing benefits to skin. Ideal for skin that is dry or stressed

I received 2 sachets together with my last AESOP purchase in Melbourne and used it as a day moisturiser. I love the lavender scent of AESOP Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream very much. It is uplifting and calms your senses immediately. I can just imagine myself breathing in the scent every day, just to make myself happy.

White in colour, the AESOP Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream has a lightweight cream texture that is non-greasy. I am usually wary of cream texture which may be greasy and cause breakouts so I was surprised how the cream glides on skin easily and effortlessly on damp skin. However, it feels slightly sticky on skin, which I didn't quite fancy.

Overall, my skin feels nourished and well-protected. That said, I only used it for 5 times from the 2 sachets, so any long term benefits are yet to be seen.
AESOP Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream scored 3.9 from 37 users on Makeupalley.

Where To Purchase : Shopee

Ingredients : 
Water (Aqua), Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, PEG-20 Stearate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Disodium EDTA, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Sodium Citrate, Linalool, d-Limonene


Review : For Beloved One Red Wine Anti-oxidant Night Jelly




Product Description
Night Jelly texture can effectively wrap in skincare ingredients and enhance skin’s absorption of nutrients during sleep, relieving all skin problems overnight. Skin is revitalized, health is restored and reveals crystal radiance the next day.

This Night Jelly contains 
Premium Red Wine Polyphenols Extract : powerful anti-oxidants, repairs skin and maintain its firmness and resilience. 
Patented pharmaceutical Lactobacillus Ferment : prevents skin dullness and evens skin tone 
Matrixyl TM : promotes collagen proliferation and smoothes out fine lines; Chronodyn accelerates skin’s metabolism and promotes circulation, repairing damages caused by harmful exposure during daytime or fatigue. 

For Beloved One is famed for having Barbie Hsu ( acted in the popular Taiwan drama, The Meteor Garden ), endorsing their products in her beauty book - "The Beauty Queen" with their Whitening Bio-Cellulose Mask ( $63 for 3 masks in Sephora ) being their top-selling item for the brand for 10 years. 

I was first introduced to this product by the knowledgeable My Beloved One promoter during the Sephora sale some time back and was convinced to get their latest product - the upgraded version of For Beloved One Red Wine Anti-oxidant Night Jelly.

With the bulky box and the nicely packed opaque plastic tub, it looks presentable but expensive at $78 for 50ml. I bought it at $62.40 after the Sephora 20% discount, which makes it more reasonable as the jelly lasts for quite a while, especially since the recommended usage is 2 to 3 times per week, instead of a daily basis.

It is contained in a tub which may have an issue with hygiene ( but no worries, a tiny spoon is provided ) and the potential loss of the anti-oxidant potency each time the tub is opened and air goes in. 

As the name goes, For Beloved One Red Wine Anti-oxidant Night Jelly has a jelly texture indeed, which is sticky and "bouncy". It spreads easily on the skin, like on a bread, but slightly sticky and requires some time for it to be absorbed. 



While I didn't notice any spectacular result during the course of using it, over 6 months, from once a week, to 2 ~ 3 times a week and up to 5 consecutive days at times, it did help to hydrate slightly and soothe the roughness on my nose area, the following morning.

However when I brought it along for use in Australia, it didn't fare too impressively. The hydration ability was poor and my skin flakes slightly. It works better, only after I use a moisturiser prior to using the night jelly. 

I tried using it as a wash-off mask where you apply it thickly on skin, leave it for 15 minutes before washing it off, and I saw an astounding difference. Skin was visibly brighter and looked rested immediately. It will be good as an emergency mask for tired skin. Note that, due to the sticky texture, it does take effort to cleanse it off. 




Source : Sephora

Review : AESOP Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste




Product Description
A cream based exfoliating formula suited to most skin types. Fine river-bed quartz contained in a cream base performs exceptional exfoliation, sloughing away tired surface skin. Lactic acid assists a mild, chemical exfoliation resulting in thoroughly purified, revived skin

Always wanted to try AESOP but somehow, I never get to trying it out. The stores in Singapore are almost always void of customers and I wondered why. Thereafter, I understood the reason, after comparing the prices between Singapore and Australia. Their prices are just marked-up and more so, as the time went by. The products are not exactly cheap in the first place and with the marked-up prices in Singapore, it doesn't seem logical to get it here.

I have yet to try the eye serum which I purchased in Melbourne, but I was glad to lay my hands on AESOP Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste sample sachets which was provided by the promoter. A nice gesture, indeed.

Every time, I came across the word "purifying", it always made me think of products formulated for oily and blemished skin so they tend to be drying for my combination skin with surface dehydration skin type. Hence I was wary, when I use the paste.

AESOP Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste uses quartz as a physical exfoliant and lactic acid as a chemical exfoliant. Usually AHAs ( in the form of lactic acid, in this product ) or BHAs require time to do their job but Paula does not recommend having it on the skin longer than necessary, due to the inclusion of their fragrant oils having a high pH level which may pose a risk of irritation.

My worries were unfounded as I did not experience any tightness or redness at all, although the granules of quartz were slightly abrasive on my delicate skin. The creamy-ness of the paste helped to lower the abrasiveness but still, it will be good to use a light hand, especially for those with sensitive skin.

The scent was horrible though and I gagged when I first used it. Thereafter I sort of get used to it, but I still didn't like the scent. However the performance of the scrub was better than expected - soft and super smooth skin to the touch, though blackheads were still apparent but slightly minimized.

AESOP Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste scored 4 from 11 users on Makeupalley.

Where To Purchase : Shopee

Ingredients : 
Water (Aqua), Quartz, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lactic Acid, Coconut Alcohol, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Disodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, d-Limonene




Review : Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 50



Product Description
Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 50 offers your skin 5 targeted actions for a natural result and a flawless complexion. It comes in 2 unique shades to adapt to all skin tones.

5 Actions :
CORRECT : Peach Extract Prunus Persca - an age-defending and anti-pollution ingredient which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while smoothing the skin
SOOTHE : Natural Marine Extract - delivers comfort to skin
MOISTURISE : Hyaluronic Acid - retains moisture in skin
PROTECT : SPF50/PA++ 
PERFECT : Mineral Pigments : reduces appearance of redness, dark spots and pores

Recently, I have redeemed a sample sachet of the Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 50, at a friend's suggestion who is a Chanel fan. There are 2 shades - 10 and 20 Beige and mine was a 20 Beige without any choice selection. 



Ever since I found my holy grail BB Cream in VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible SPF30, I have not been looking out for other BB or CC Creams so it was a good chance to try out a new CC Cream after so long, just to see what I have been missing out in action, if any. :P

Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 50 lasts me for about 5 days of usages, which I used it every morning, before I left home. 20 Beige isn't too dark and blends well with my fair skin tone. The texture looks creamy and thick but applies well to provide light to medium coverage.  

It brightens up my complexion and evens out my skin tone. Apply with a light hand else you may end up looking too pale. 

However, Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 50 doesn't seem to work well with my combination skin, with surface dehydration. It seems greasy during application yet left my nose and hands dry. After 5 hours, my nose appears to be shiny and greasy. 
It has poor oil control and hydration is insufficient for my skin type. 

Chanel CC Cream scored 3.7 from 73 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Chanel

Review : Naturalmente Anti-Oxidant Age Correcting Mask




Product Description
The antioxidant vitamins in the mask detoxify your aging skin to fasten the natural skin regenesis.
Replenishing effects of the mask work by decreasing cell deterioration by imparting the necessary minerals. Shea Butter and Jojoba in it, instantaneously moisturize your skin for a long lasting smooth and youthful glowing skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced while the mask prevents any further signs of aging.


SHEA BUTTER AND JOJOBA, AVOCADO, WHEAT GERM AND ARGAN : Elasticizing and toning antioxidants.
PHYTALURONATE AND SODIUM HYALURONATE : Active ingredients of natural origin that prevent water loss with a filler effect.
VEGETABLE EXTRACTS OF OATS, FENUGREEK, MALLOW AND ALOE : Elasticizing, emollient and refreshing.
During my last cleanser purchase from Adonicakube, I received 2 sachets of their Naturalmente Anti-Oxidant Age Correcting Mask which I used it recently after my Sydney/Melbourne trip. My skin was in excess oil production mode after I came back, despite behaving well over there and hence in need of much moisture, 

Naturalmente Anti-Oxidant Age Correcting Mask comes to the rescue, with its runny milky white contents. It applies rather unevenly due to its runny texture, hence I tend to apply more, just to cover my skin. During the 10 minutes of mask application time, the contents literally disappear into the skin but once cleansed off, my skin feels refreshed and plumped with moisture.The scent took some slight adjusting on my end though as it was rather off-putting initially. 

Source : adonicakube

Review : Chanel Sensitive Skin Cream



Product Description
A gentle, soothing moisturizer formulated for sensitive skin and for all skin types irritated by aggressors, including pollution, climatic conditions, stress or non-invasive microdermabrasion. The formula features just 10 carefully selected ingredients, each chosen for its optimal skin tolerance and efficacy.

THE KEY INGREDIENT
At the heart of the formula, the power of the rare and precious Silver Needle Tea. From its delicate, hand-picked leaves, Chanel has extracted a concentrate with unprecedented soothing and anti-oxidant properties to help regulate skin’s response to irritants and protect against free radicals. Skin is re-balanced, nurtured back to a more resilient, less reactive state.

Water : deionised purified water
Vegetal Squalene : extracted from olive, to reinforce the skin's barrier
Soft Powder : made of lysine, an essential amino acid to provide comfort and softness to skin
Glycerine : optimal hydration
Silver Needle extract : as explained above
Shea Butter extract : for intense nourishment
Emollient ( Sodium Polyarylate ) : soft, supple skin
Emulsifier ( Steareth-21 ) : to ensure formula smooth formula
Humectant ( Caprylyl Glycol ) : improve skin comfort
Preservative ( Phenoxyethanol ) : self explanatory

Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, anti-pollution, dermatologist-tested, Chanel Sensitive Skin Cream contains only 10 ingredients in its formula. A good friend of mine, who has recently become a Chanel fan has requested me to redeem a 5ml sample to try it out. The product is said to hydrate and soothe skin on contact as well as offering protection against free radicals. 

Lightweight yet creamy, the white yoghurt-like contents feels soothing and calming on skin. Skin feels soft and moisturised without any greasy feel. On optimal skin condition, Chanel Sensitive Skin Cream works well to help maintain skin in good condition. However on dehydrated skin, it does not serve well to provide moisture to parched skin, a serum prior to Sensitive Skin Cream application will be highly recommended. 

Chanel Sensitive Skin Cream scored 3.9 from 8 users on Makeupalley.

Ingredients :
water, squalane (olive sourced, not shark), lauroyl lysine (amino acid), glycerin (vegetal), camellia sinensis leaf extract (silver needle white tea), shea butter extract, sodium polyacrylate (emollient),
steareth-21 (emulsifier), caprylyl glycol (humectant), phenoxyethanol (preservative)
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8 Green Foods for Healthy Glowing Skin


What to eat for healthy glowing skin


#1 Green tea
Chock-full of antioxidants, green tea is not just great at dealing with free radicals. One powerful antioxidant in green tea that’s particularly relevant is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known to be a potent anti-inflammatory and works to reduce redness in the skin. Some people prefer to apply green tea topically to the skin because of its potent de-puffing and detoxifying benefits.
#2 Peppermint tea
Peppermint makes for an incredibly calming tea, and reducing stress levels does benefit your skin in the long run (fewer breakouts, at the very least). The menthol content in mint can help relax your muscles, which also makes it easier to fall asleep. Peppermint tea helps with stomach issues like bloating, gas and constipation, and I find it helps me when I feel nauseous. Stomach health is more important than we realise, as 70 percent of the body’s immune system resides in the digestive tract, and our immune system, as we know, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our skin.
#3 Avocado 
Monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids in avocados help maintain the moisture levels in your skin, while vitamin E serves as a great antioxidant. Avocados also contain carotenoids which studies have shown can improve your skin thickness, tone and appearance while fighting signs of ageing.
#4 Spinach
This dark leafy green has beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps repair skin cells. It is also full of lutein, potassium, fiber and folate, which help with DNA repair and restores skin cells damaged by the sun. Spinach also has vitamin K (good for bone health), vitamin A which encourages skin and hair growth, plus a high water content of 91.4 percent which helps with hydration. 
#5 Kiwi
One of the best sources of vitamin C, kiwi is such an easy fruit to take with you to work and perfect for those of us who enjoy a tangy kick in our fruits. Loaded with vitamin C, E and other antioxidants, it helps your skin fight against the damage done by the sun while aiding in collagen production. The vitamin C also helps with healing scars and smoothing rough skin. With our bodies producing less collagen as we age, we could probably do with a little help by way of our diets. Eat it by itself, throw it in a salad or blend into a smoothie and you’re good to go.
#6 Celery
Celery is a great source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are all crucial when it comes to skincare. We know that Vitamin E helps block free radicals which is great for anti-aging, while C helps brighten skin and fight UV damage. Vitamin A is also a key skin saviour in the form of retinoids. While I’m not a huge fan of the taste (bitter veggies are not my thing), including some in a fruit smoothie can help mask its flavour.
#7 Pumpkin seeds
Gwyneth Paltrow declared last year that pumpkin seed oil was her new favourite oil, and when you take a look at all the vitamins and minerals in pumpkin seeds, it’s easy to see why. They are high in vitamin E, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids, which are all great for your skin and hydration levels in your body. You can keep pumpkin seeds at work to snack on, or throw them in a salad for some crunch.

Source : Her World

Review : Skin Food Beauty In Food Mask, Rice


Product Description
Skin Food Beauty In A Food Mask contains rice bran water. A beauty food mask sheet that changes dull and dry skin into smooth bright skin

I brought along Skin Food Beauty In A Food Rice Mask to my next trip at Kuantan, shortly after my Australia trip. The mask sheet has a soft thin material and is very moist. It feels comfortable on skin and cutouts are just right for my face shape.

I used 1 sheet in Kuantan and another sheet when I was back in Singapore. Personally, I felt that the effect is more pronounced in Singapore where my skin is smoother after the treatment. Note that I don't sleep in air-conditioned room in Singapore, as compared to air-conditioned hotel rooms in Kuantan.

Ingredients: 
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oryza Sativa Bran Water, Shea Butter, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Macadamia Intergrifolia Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Carbomer, Alcohol, Carbomer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Diacetyl Boldine, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

Review : Beyond Aloe Soothing Mask


Product Description
This 100% cotton mask sheet is soaked in hyaluronic acid, which is capable of holding moisture hundreds times heavier than its own weight and natural mucus obtained by fermenting evergreen mistletoe

Always glad to be using masks whenever I travel, this time, I chose to bring Beyond Aloe Soothing Mask for hydrating and soothing purposes.

Beyond Aloe Soothing Mask has a good sturdy material with a hint of a plant-based scent. The nose cutout is longer, the eye cutout is larger hence, it did not cover the undereye area, much to my dismay.

Unfortunately, I failed to see any spectacular results from the mask. While it did seem to hydrate the skin comfortably but it was a temporary measure till the following morning, in Australia.

Review : Baby Spa Calming Eczema Relief Cream



Product Desccription
Intensively soothing and hydrating, our Calming Eczema Relief Cream provides immediate comfort to eczema-prone baby skin. Specially formulated with Colloidal Oatmeal, our skin-conditioning blend helps to relieve dry and itchy patches. Vitamin-rich oils of Jojoba and Calendula are combined with Shea Butter, Aloe and Chamomile to naturally soothe irritated skin for a calming and refreshing feel. Our ultra-mild and fragrance-free formula also contains a Botanical Allantoin extract to nourish and protect sensitive skin and provide a healthy and supple feel .
  • Colloidal Oatmeal Skin Protectant
  • Natural Botanicals to Nourish and Soothe Skin
  • Aloe, Shea Butter and Calendula
  • Colloidal Oatmeal to Relieve Itching
  • Fragrance Free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dermatologist Tested
  • Accepted National Eczema Association
  • Certified Ethnobotanicals
  • 98% Natural
  • Dermatologist Tested


I am always on the lookout for a better eczema cream of a more natural origin as the 3 step prescription from the dermatologist is expensive for the long term hence I usually keep it as an emergency treatment when my eczema flared up too horribly.

I purchased Baby Spa Calming Eczema Relief Cream for S$13.58 from Iherb. You can quote OKI787 to get US$5 off your first purchase. The reviews were good and so, the product went into my shopping cart. It is said to temporarily protect and help relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to eczema and rashes which is what I need.  

The Baby Spa Calming Eczema Relief Cream is said to provide gentle and nourishing skin care for all ages and is ideal for newborns to adults with sensitive skin. It is 100% free of phthalates, parabens, polyethylene glycol (PEG), mineral oil and bisphenol A (BPA).

The cream is gentle without being greasy and moisturises well. In fact, it has been a pleasant experience. The cream provides an immediate soothing and cooling sensation when there is an itch or an eczema flare-up. 

I use the eczema relief cream as a body lotion during my recent Sydney/Melbourne trip to prevent any ezcema flare-up and thankfully, there was none. In Singapore, I use it on minor eczema flare-ups and it worked pretty well but on more serious flare-up, it did not help to alleviate the itchiness but made me scratch more instead. I would say it work 80% of the time, for me. 

Ingredients : 
colloidal oatmeal, water (aqua), vegetable glycerin, caprylic/capric/ triglyceride, simmondsia chinensis (jojona) seed oil*, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), cetyl alcohol, aloe vera barbadensis leaf juice*, symphytum officinale leaf extract, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, caprylyl glycol, calendula officinalis flower oil, avena sativa (oat)r kernel extract, bisabolol, anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower extract.*
*Certified Organic

Source : Iherb