This sweet surprise came to me one month in advance. As advised by beauty guru friend, start to use it stat so on my birth date we'll see the magic on my face :D
It is truly an every girl's bestie
Product review: Aknicare treatment lotion with GT peptide-10
The product description says: Aknicare treatment lotion is an alcohol-based medical treatment lotion, indicated for use when a noticeable and rapid effect is required to control and decrease the typical symptoms of mild-moderate acne characterised by seborrhoea, blackheads, papules and pustules.
It contains: Triethyl citrate, ethyl linoleate, salicyclic acid(0.5%), GT peptide-10. Just in case you are interested in finding out what these ingredients do for our skin, pls click here. I have listed them down when doing my review on aknicare cream previously, and aknicare cleanser here.
I ordered this a bit while ago, only started to try it recently when my face experienced a mild pms breakout.
I used it twice a day on cleansed skin. My immediate impression is..wow the alcohol smell is so overwhelming! The moment when I opened up the cover, it felt like my skin was about to be medically disinfected, if not surgically..
With the swab applicator I rub the lotion on, then gently pat to allow for better absorption. My skin turned pinkish to red right away, which is not a big surprise since I have super sensitive skin, the redness went away within just minutes without giving my skin much discomfort except slight stinging sensation thats very tolerable. Then I noticed the thin film on the surface, felt greasy, looked shiny and unflattering.
After aknicare lotion, I went on with aknicare cream, followed by endocare gelcream(need the antioxidants to prevent post-inflammation hyperpigmentation), these are proven effective and gentle enough for my skin. However, throughout the day my skin felt irritated with the constant dryness.
After 8 days of diligent usage, I hated to see myself still nursing the zits on the same spots.. So I discontinued it.
In one word, it was unpleasant to use, and showed no improvement to my skin. I wont repurchase it.
Product review: Dior Creme de rose smoothing plumping lip balm
One of the reasons I decided to give it a try is one celebrity (who I dont know her name) strongly recommended it on Beauty Queen show (女人我最大), she claimed how great this lip balm made her lips look and feel, just when my lips were crying for tender loving care.
I was very excited to see the magic working on me, so for the first two weeks I made sure myself use it at least twice a day, one in the morning when I do my makeup, one before bedtime.
Not sure if my expectation was a little too high, to me it is not that a 'great' product, just a good one. But pls don't get me wrong. I do like how soft my lips feel everytime after application, without the 'waxy' feeling. It appears pink in the pot, and turns colorless on lips, gives a bit of nice sheen, but not glossy looking.
I also noticed when I rubbed a generous amount onto my lips before going to bed, I woke up next morning with slightly fuller-looking lips. The difference is not so so SO huge like what a lip filler can make, but it is very subtle as I definitely can tell my lip are nicely plumped and lines are looking less obvious.
The soft rose scent is lovely, and the pot design has some retro to it, which is feminine and elegant to fit into any purse.
I was very excited to see the magic working on me, so for the first two weeks I made sure myself use it at least twice a day, one in the morning when I do my makeup, one before bedtime.
Not sure if my expectation was a little too high, to me it is not that a 'great' product, just a good one. But pls don't get me wrong. I do like how soft my lips feel everytime after application, without the 'waxy' feeling. It appears pink in the pot, and turns colorless on lips, gives a bit of nice sheen, but not glossy looking.
I also noticed when I rubbed a generous amount onto my lips before going to bed, I woke up next morning with slightly fuller-looking lips. The difference is not so so SO huge like what a lip filler can make, but it is very subtle as I definitely can tell my lip are nicely plumped and lines are looking less obvious.
The soft rose scent is lovely, and the pot design has some retro to it, which is feminine and elegant to fit into any purse.
What I don't like about this product is:
1) On days I don't use it, my lips start acting up badly. They get so dry and flaky, which never happened before I used this lip balm. I suppose it has something to do with its formula.
2) I personally dont really like products in the pot, which can be quite unhygienic when we had to dip our finger in it to take the product out.
3) The price is 41sgd. I bought it at Dior counter Ngee Ann city.
Repurchase? I will continue to look for better ones, but I may just grab one of these again just in case.
2) I personally dont really like products in the pot, which can be quite unhygienic when we had to dip our finger in it to take the product out.
3) The price is 41sgd. I bought it at Dior counter Ngee Ann city.
Repurchase? I will continue to look for better ones, but I may just grab one of these again just in case.
Product review: Aknicare cleanser
I was given a few sachets of aknicare cleanser samples when purchasing aknicare cream. Honestly for the first few wash I didnot like it, as I found the texture is rather liquid-y, when rubbed in water there was minimal foams. I had the feeling that my face was not cleansed properly.
After that I experimented other method of using this cleanser, I was then officially impressed!
It comes in a bottle with twist open dispensing cap, Texture of the cleanser is liquidy, it is clear in color.
After that I experimented other method of using this cleanser, I was then officially impressed!
It comes in a bottle with twist open dispensing cap, Texture of the cleanser is liquidy, it is clear in color.
I use it twice a day, following my new method:
1) Wet face and both hands.
2) Take aknicare cleanser about the size of a 20-cents coin
3) Rub the cleanser inbetween palms, do NOT add any more water at all. There you go, tons of foams.
4) Now start massaging them onto face using circular motion. The foams will get into pores and clean the skin thoroughly.
5) Rinse face under running water.
My face feels super clean and happy :)
Aknicare cleanser has a surface sebum-regulating action and also deeply cleanses the skin, removes debris and surface sebum, and unblock pores in preparation for skincare. It also contains an anti-bacterial agent.
Akinicare cleanser is designed to alter the skin's surface environment and ensures the skin is receptive to other products:
- Reduce surface sebum-less oily skin
- Deeply cleanse skin-removes dirt, grease and debris
- Reduce skin proliferation-surface exfoliant
- Anti-bacterial action-promote normal skin bacteria levels
- Indirectly provides calming and soothing properties-reduce pain and swelling
This is my current favourite face wash, I will definitely repurchase it. However, it is only recommended for those who have combo-oily skin.
Please also check out my review on Aknicare cream here. If you tried it or any other products from the aknicare range, please let me know your thoughts?
It is Watson time! Quick mention about Ecotools and real technique brushes &Beauty so clean
I passed by Watson today to pick up some of my daily use items. And saw this!
Came home with these. At the moment I'm testing out a few foot exfoliants, maybe will do a review and comparison on the different products later.
I know Ecotools brush sets are available in Watson long ago as I started my collections of makeup brushes. Till today I still use some of them often. In my opinion, Ecotools has decent quality brushes at reasonable price. Plus all their handles are made of bamboo, they are cruelty-free and Eco friendly. I recommend it to beginners as there is pretty much everything we need for basic makeup application in one set.
Now on the shelf are also some Real technique brushes and sets. I personally didnot get to try it, but for girls who intend to purchase them, now you can grab them conveniently at Watson. It is also the first time I saw beauty so clean conditioning brush cleanser here.
Friday is coming...
A new week, Tuesday :)
This is the first day in a long time I walked out office knowing that I was actually going to get my lazy butt to yoga studio. In the end, from the moment I stepped my foot into the studio, everything in my head is the yummy KFC zinger burger and the cheese fries…
The entire past week is overwhelming for everyone in the office, and I know it probably was even worse for some others. It is bad it happened in a such surprising way nobody appreciated it, but if everyone was invovled in creating this office 'mind game', then don't hate the rules, or the players.
We have to move on. We do what we can.
Product review: ENDOCARE gelcream(Another great snail product!!)
Before I review this product, there is a little story worth telling. I work in a dermatologist's office, naturally I'm exposed to more skincare products as many sales reps come in frequently to introduce their products often with samples provided. About 3 weeks ago I was given one vial of 'acne serum' to try, apparently my dermatologist was somewhat interested in bringing it in. Because I have oily and acne-prone skin, she asked me to use it for a few weeks and give my feedback. I used it diligently. In the end it didnot work well on me, my skin hated it. It became itchy and very irritable.
In order to help my skin recover from its nightmare, I reached out for endocare gel cream, which is known as an intensive and lasting moisturizer, with regenerative and antioxidant properties. It is gentle yet effective, often recommended for use after aesthetic treatment such as chemical peel, laser etc.
After 4 weeks' use, I now can appreciate this product more.
In order to help my skin recover from its nightmare, I reached out for endocare gel cream, which is known as an intensive and lasting moisturizer, with regenerative and antioxidant properties. It is gentle yet effective, often recommended for use after aesthetic treatment such as chemical peel, laser etc.
After 4 weeks' use, I now can appreciate this product more.
It has a light and soothing fragrance. Gets absorbed very quickly into skin, and doesnot feel greasy on my combo-oily skin. I used it every morning and night, on my face(including undereye area) and neck. Once I rub it in, my skin feels calm and ready to receive other skincares I put over it. For moisturizing power, I'd rate it 4.5 on the scale of 5.
Here is some info I got from the sales representive, this cream is formulated with an unique technology(SCA biorepair technology), based on the secretions of snails. And it is definitely good to know, they don't harm the snails during the process:)
It claims:
The Endocare is a line of products designed to combat cutaneous photoaging, derived from research on burned skin by irradiation (cancer treatments, Chernobyl nuclear disaster). Is formulated with SCA Biorepair Tecnology, based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus, a small land snail Helix aspersa.
The Endocare is a complementary care ideal dermocosmetic techniques of facial rejuvenation: peeling, laser, Microdermabrasion, etc, reducing recovery time, minimizing the discomfort of post treatment and maintaining longer the results obtained with these techniques
It claims:
The Endocare is a line of products designed to combat cutaneous photoaging, derived from research on burned skin by irradiation (cancer treatments, Chernobyl nuclear disaster). Is formulated with SCA Biorepair Tecnology, based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus, a small land snail Helix aspersa.
The Endocare is a complementary care ideal dermocosmetic techniques of facial rejuvenation: peeling, laser, Microdermabrasion, etc, reducing recovery time, minimizing the discomfort of post treatment and maintaining longer the results obtained with these techniques
Will I buy it again? Absolutely yes!
To younger and beautiful skin,
Rae
Product review: Color combos eyeliner
Color combos eyeliner, this is one product I've been using almost everyday for years, lotsa girls have asked me what brand I was wearing how it looked so black, some even thought it was some gel eyeliner. And now this is my secret.
This is how it looks, in the form of twist pen, which I like very much, saves me the trouble and time to sharpen before every use, especially when I'm rushing to get ready. The tip doesn't look super sharp, however precise lines are easily achieveable with the assistance of Q-tips!
Its texture is soft and creamy, extremely easy to glide on, and it gives the blackest effect. Use it on top of an eye primer, it'll stay put forever like nobody's business.
I've worn it to wow wild wet(water park), after spending a full splashing day with my little niece, my eyeliner was good as just being drawn on. I wore it to cinema, cried over the show, no smudge or smear at all; And in extremely hot and humid climate in Singapore, it doesnot budge. What else do you ask for?
It doesnot have very fancy packaging or design tho, but as an eyeliner it does an amazing job. Plus it is super affordable, costs only 5.90sgd in SASA store. I highly recommend it to everyone especially girls who are prone to smudges under the eye areas, do give it a try, or let me know yout thoughts.
Thanks for taking your time to read.
Rae
This is how it looks, in the form of twist pen, which I like very much, saves me the trouble and time to sharpen before every use, especially when I'm rushing to get ready. The tip doesn't look super sharp, however precise lines are easily achieveable with the assistance of Q-tips!
Its texture is soft and creamy, extremely easy to glide on, and it gives the blackest effect. Use it on top of an eye primer, it'll stay put forever like nobody's business.
I've worn it to wow wild wet(water park), after spending a full splashing day with my little niece, my eyeliner was good as just being drawn on. I wore it to cinema, cried over the show, no smudge or smear at all; And in extremely hot and humid climate in Singapore, it doesnot budge. What else do you ask for?
It doesnot have very fancy packaging or design tho, but as an eyeliner it does an amazing job. Plus it is super affordable, costs only 5.90sgd in SASA store. I highly recommend it to everyone especially girls who are prone to smudges under the eye areas, do give it a try, or let me know yout thoughts.
Thanks for taking your time to read.
Rae
A New Yoke Skin Solution(NYSS) encounter
But I know I did. And if you are one of the girls/guys considering, please read on. Altho this is just my experience, still we all know the deal-everybody is probably put thru the same..
Reasons I gave it a go was simple, I have too many creams sitting at home wasting their life away, so why not? I hit the "REDEEM NOW" button which brought me to a simple form requires particulars and contact information of mine. Once submitted, the screen says something like thanks for your interest and their staff will contact you blah blah blah.
The following day I received the call, one girl named herself C from NYSS city square rang me around 3ish, to fix an appointment for my exchange of beauty cream and the treatment. I kinda tried brushing her off as honestly that was not something I was expecting, I thought it was a quick drop-by-exchange-and-byebye kind of thing. However, C sounded somewhat persuasive. So we eventually agreed on 6Pm same day, as she kept on saying they were 'very free' on that day.
Upon arrival at NYSS city square, it was the regular registration stuff since I was a first time customer. Here I will not make it an issue about how impolite without explaining a word C led me to a small room(I guess they call it consultation room) and left me alone wondering, or how rude it was the branch manager S to turn on the webcam attached to the LCD monitor and start taking pictures of me without asking for my consent during my skin consultation. I thought these are no big deals, blame it on the staffs' ill manner, as long as the treatments work out well, still the ends justify the means. But the whole experience was so upsetting in so many ways, I decided to write it here, so that those who wanna go for it are well informed, and just in case anybody from NYSS is reading this by chance, as a customer I hope there'd be measures to be taken for improvement.
The initial questionnaire
So I waited in the small room like 8-10mins, felt like forever though before C came in. She conducted the routine questionnaires regarding my past medical conditions, allergies, and skincare rountine etc based on the customer record booklet she was holding. By the end of the session, she threw me a question from nowhere...
She asked if I hold any credit card from any bank, because they are having a credit card promotion for all credit card holders. Once I responded yes, she requested me to hand over my credit card to her so that she could check and reserve the free facial mask for me.
I got confused about the purpose of credit card use here, so I clarify with her nicely that the reason why I was there is to exchange the beauty cream as advertised in the email poster, along with my kiehl's facial moisturiser ready in my bag, I was not there for anything they're trying to cook up. Without a word or any response, she walked out the room, leaving the door ajar..
I was alone again in the confined room wondering what's going on..
The consultation
The branch manager S performed a skin scan on my face and forearm, it was okay, after that she explained the skin on my face is seriously lacking collagen, thus the treatment they are giving away for free cant treat my skin condition or give me noticeable results. My only solution was collagen treatment, at the expense of 380$ for two sessions which is an special price only for first time customers.
I asked: What makes your treatments stand out from the rest salons? (One thing about me, I am always willing to splurge on good products/treatments, all my friends know that. )
I needed know if it is some good ingredients or technology they can provide, so I have an idea my money is spent on where it deserves, not on some 'hope' they was trying to guide me to believe.
Same answer I received from branch manager S and my therapist F, they have all natural products with one active ingredient-aloe vera. We all know the good stuff in aloe, but coming down all the way to a beauty salon for aloe treatment with that price tag, I was reluctant.
So I said no, I need more time to consider. Surprisingly manager S answered agreeably, no problem, she'll still prepare something from the middle range for my skin, so I can have a feel on their 'ultrasound' machine that helps the product to penetrate.
That was a generous offer, hard to say no.
The treatment
Next thing I realised myself lying on the treatment couch and S the branch manager working on my face 'super carefully' to remove my makeups before real treatment commenced. She was so slow and gentle with my each lashes, till I felt bad for her, and suggested to do it myself to save the trouble. In a professional and natural tone she turned me down, saying it is what they do for customers, at the same time she took the opportunity to explore my occupation and skincare products I use.
After a long while as soon as she's done, she informed me she had to go and leave me to therapist ms F's hands, because as a manager she was not supposed to 下手(do hands-on treatments).
The treatment by F was rather mediocre, nothing good or worth mentioning. Have to say one thing I hate about facial treatments in some salons is the little container of water getting recycled a few rounds for cleansing. I wonder for customers like myself who wear fair amount of makeups, how on earth can our faces get adequately cleansed if the water only get changed upon completion of cleansing?
But whats more disastrous than that happened to me at NYSS, is when the therapist passed to me a mirror after my treatment and asked if I noticed my skin became brighter and more radiant?
Honestly all I noticed was the massive black smudges around my eyes, from my black eyeliner and mascara undoubtedly. How shocking! I can't believe my eyes!!
I asked for makeup remover, she responded she'd give me later when we were outside, meaning I had to walk out from there with my face looking like a joke!? I was practically looking down and using my hands to cover my eyes on the way out then two ladies were standing straight outside the curtains asked: you wanna wipe your eyes first izzit?
Oh hello! Can that get any more humiliating?!
I figured The girls were plainly not interested in giving quality treatment, or else how in the world can she act so serious and professional about removing my makeups then proceed with the treatment when my face was all eyeliner and mascara smudges?? In the end stil have the dignity to give me a mirror to see the mess they created without feeling anything wrong???
I'm sorry NYSS I dont care how amazing your aloe vera collagen treatment is and what wonders it makes, my whole experience felt like being in a circus. I will not return, or allow my friends and family to go.
Back in 2014!
After sending off my parents and niece from Bangkok airport, I headed back to Singapore together with my old life, I thought, knowing I have a lot on my plate.
For the first time in 15 years I welcomed the New Year with my family. 2014 is here. It is a year for me to make real changes. After everything I went thru in year 2013, I realized regardless of all circumstances, now I only want keep my eyes on my goal, anything else is distraction, they don't matter at all by end of the day.
I want to thank everyone for reading, and following my entries. And I wish all of you a brand New Year fills with love, happiness and success.
Cheers
Rae
The immediate reality I had to deal with is the aftertaste of a whatsapp message I received from my future boss when I was still overseas, his last-minute change of plan has absolutely changed how I looked at certain things, even though I can understand the mentality of small business owners. Still it was probably not a wise move. Well..no harm no foul.
For the first time in 15 years I welcomed the New Year with my family. 2014 is here. It is a year for me to make real changes. After everything I went thru in year 2013, I realized regardless of all circumstances, now I only want keep my eyes on my goal, anything else is distraction, they don't matter at all by end of the day.
I want to thank everyone for reading, and following my entries. And I wish all of you a brand New Year fills with love, happiness and success.
Cheers
Rae
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