Review: Dr Murad Age Reform Refreshing Cleanser

Today, I will be talking about this cleanser from Dr Murad that I have been test driving it for 2 months or so.

Murad Refreshing Cleanser- 200ml or 6.75fl oz.

Basically, I have been hearing a lot of good stuffs about products from Murad and since opportunity arises when I was looking for a replacement for my cleanser, I took it as a sign to try out the Refreshing cleanser from Murad.

According to the description, it is supposed to be able to:

1. Remove surface impurities ( I gather oil and dirt) and makeup, keeping the skin soft and smooth

2. Reverse visible signs of ageing to reveal younger looking skin.

Typical tube packaging.

                                                                  Comes with a seal.

Okie, it seems to me that not only it can cleanse the skin as a basic no frills cleanser can, it can also double up as a makeup cleanser. Sounds good if you ask me, especially since I am fond of the fragrance of the cleanser. It is quite strong but in a soothing kind of way, it dissipated as soon as you rinse it off your face.

We are all no stranger to anti-ageing eye cream, face cream, serum and whatnots, however anti-ageing cleanser seems a little too much for me to take in (for something that is only going to stay on your skin for 2 minutes, I don't think whatever constitutes the anti-ageing properties is going to have the time to penetrate beyond the surface of the skin).

So, how well did the cleanser fare?

Not very impressive if you ask me. Considering the original price of the cleanser is a princely S$

65, I expect it to be able to at the very least remove traces of makeup well. But, it did not. No doubt, I felt pampered using it as a normal cleanser, I can't say the same for its performance in terms

 of removing makeup. A second round of removal using my makeup removal is definitely 

necessary.

Pencil Eyeliner swatches

Cleanser in action

Aftermath

Secondly, I don't buy the gimmick how a cleanser can do "anti-ageing" stuff. Nope, I don't notice any reduction of visible signs of ageing, fine lines let alone younger skin. I think maybe what they are trying to say is that the cleanser is able to remove dead skin cells better during cleansing, which I do admit that my skin felt softer and never stretched or taut after washing.

My 2 cents worth about this....... I actually like it as a basic cleanser (except the bit about the price).....You know the kind that doesn't dry out your skin and you can just hop on the bed and hit the sack straightaway. It doesn't perform up to my expectations.

Personally, I would not be repurchasing this product when I run out of it as it's performance is unable to meet my expectations of it and for a cleanser to cost this much, it should at the very least be able to remove makeup efficiently.

Priced at S$65.00 (was told so then by the Beauty Advisor, I got mine at a purchase with purchase promotion at S$40 for every S$60 spent or something) for 200ml or 6.75fl oz, available at Metro Paragon.

Review: Biore Marshmallow Whip Extra Moist Facial Wash

I have disappeared for the entire month of August..... apologies for that. Just that every now and then things in life posed challenges that one has to muster strength and courage to overcome it.

Now, coming back to this.... this would be a review on Biore's Marshmallow Whip Extra Moist Facial wash.

Biore is a drugstore skincare brand that hails from Japan, now i have only used Biore once in my teenage years and i wasn't exactly too fond of the facial wash then as it has proven to be too dry for me. I finished the entire tube then as i wasn't going to waste anything especially since budget is tight, of course my oily pubescent skin didn't react too well to it.

Years passed and just when i thought it was my first and last encounter with Biore...... the cutesy yellow (for dry skin) and pink (for normal skin) bottles in my local drugstore caught my attention. Of course, they had my attention when the commercials for the facial wash kept appearing on TV several times a day.

So there, such is the power of media, i got sucked into it and to sweeten the deal, the facial wash is on offer for S$9.90 instead of the usual S$14.90 (i believe only for a limited period).

So, i gotten the yellow version which is meant for dry skin (yes my skin can act crazily sometimes between extreme dryness and extreme oiliness).

The Biore Marshmallow Whip Extra Moist Facial wash is said to have ultra fine foam that is smaller than our pores and thus is able to perform the task of removing grime and dirt from our skin more efficiently. Furthermore, it is extra moisturising with 40% of beauty serum in it.

That sounds really good and if it really works as it claims, it would my HG for sure especially at the affordable price tag of S$14.90 (the usual selling price).

Biore Marshmallow Whip Extra Moist Facial Wash for Dry Skin.

                                                                  Instructions on usage.

                                                                      List of Ingredients.

                                    Plastic collar to lock the pump prevent any accidental wastage.

                                                               The foamy facial wash.

                                                          The facial wash in action.

Aftermath.

In terms of packaging, it is a no fuss utilitarian packaging. The pump comes with a collar to prevent any accidental wastage of the product, though i thought a in-built lock when you twist would be even better as it would prevent any moisture entering the product through the opening. This collar merely prevents the pushing of the pump, not effective to protect the integrity of the product. The colour scheme and the design of the bottle however should be able to attract ladies who have a penchant of cute things to purchase it.

I have been using the facial wash for almost a month and i am actually left with probably a few days of washing left. The ultra fine foam is actually a joy to use as there is minimum draging of skin, the instructed 1-2 pumps is insufficient for me, it takes 3 pumps for my entire face to be covered in the fine foam. I like that feeling .

My skin do not feel that oil has been stripped from it nor it felt tight after washing with the foam, but i would not say its gentle enough for girls out there with really dry skin. I have oily combi skin where some parts like forehead and nose is really oily and yet cheeks can be really dry. From what i can tell, its a rather gentle cleanser for me, the dirt on your face is really stubborn otherwise this cleanser should be able to cleanse your face properly. Another thing is i can't really tell if the 40% beauty serum added makes any difference to me because i can't really feel it.

Overall, this is a very basic cleanser. It serves its function as a facial cleanser at a affordable price tag. Not something that is a must have for me, do try it if you are interested.

Available at Watsons and Cold Storage Supermarket, for S$14.90 (promotional price S$9.90) for 150ml.



Promotion and Review: Elle Singapore August Issue and Nuxe Beauty Kit

So much things to do and yet so little time.

I am still in the midst of sorting out my living space and given the amount of room i have to work with, each and every item has to be carefully planned for.

Of course, the only exception would be personal grooming products (yes, skincare, cosmetics and such) : ).

Ok, i am drifting away from the point of this post......

Elle Singapore August issue is having a promotion with French Skincare brand NUXE, with purchase of every copy of the magazine (and this issue comes with the Elle Beauty Book 2012), one gets a beauty kit consisting of the famous Huile Prodigieuse 10ml (multi-usage dry oil for face, body and hair), Reve De Miel 15ml  (face and body ultra-rich cleansing gel for dry and sensitive skin) and Nuxe Body 15ml (24hr moisturizing body lotion for dry skin). Apart from those beauty freebies, one gets a waterproof toiletries pouch (which comes in blue or orange) and a S$5.00 voucher from Beauty by Nature (expiry date of voucher is 30th September 2012).

I have used Nuxe's Aroma-perfection Purifying Cleansing Gel and the Gentle Toning Lotion with Rose Petals and is quite fond of them, thus curiosity sets in the moment i knew of the promotion and i gotten a set with me home.

Elle Singapore August issue with Elle Beauty Book 2012 and Nuxe Beauty Kit.

Nuxe- My Beauty Kit.

                                                     Short description of the products.


                         

List of ingredients.

The famous Huile Prodigieuse (versatile enough for face, body and hair).

The watery light texture of the oil.

The oil gets absorbed rather fast and dries with a sheen.

Even though i have oily combination skin, i am not against the idea of using oil on my skin type, well depending on the properties of the oil and its usage. So far i have yet to encounter breakouts due to usage of facial treatment oil (i have used Paul & Joe's as well as Clarins), naturally i am interested to find out how the Nuxe's famous oil would fare on me. The texture is lighter than those of Paul & Joe and Clarins, i find that it seems to be able to seep into the skin easier than the two, and it has a drier finish. I have to blot the excess oil off my face for Paul & Joe and Clarins, i don't have to for Nuxe's. I skipped my moisturiser and woke up with my face feeling a tad softer, not greasier. However, having said that it is not supposed to be used everyday, think of it as a treatment oil, 2 to 3 times a week is sufficient.

While Paul & Joe's treatment oil has a nice orange blossom fragrance (if it is bottled as a fragrance, it might be a bestseller for Paul & Joe.... pity they no longer have a counter in Singapore), Clarins smelt largely of plants extracts (a little botanical?), Nuxe's resembles a fragrance (floral ?).

I would prefer to use it on my body more than my face for now, perhaps due to the scent.

Nuxe 24 hr Moisturizing Body Lotion for dry skin.

                                                                 Slightly thick texture.

 

The lotion spreads thin on the skin, felt very much water based.

                                                       After application of the lotion.

As for the body lotion, i kind of like the water based texture. Unlike some body lotion, it doesn't leave a sticky film and greasy touch even after it should have been absorbed by the skin. It smells a little nutty (not too fond of the scent) but i like the aftermath of applying the body lotion- soft and smooth skin.

I am liking this one.

                                  Nuxe Reve de Miel- face and body ultra-rich cleansing gel.

                                                The watery gel texture of the cleansing gel.

                         
                              It foams easily but not much and the foams formed are quite fine.

                       
                                                 After rinsing off the cleansing gel.

The cleansing gel is supposed to be suitable for both the face and body, i wasn't too impressed by its cleasning ability on the face (i don't like the feel of it, feels like a thin flim on the skin after rinsing),but on the body i like the scent of it as a body wash. Given the price point, it would be quite alright for a facial wash but very expensive for a body wash.

Still sitting on the fence for this one.

                                                   The waterproof toiletries pouch.

It is roomy enough to house my body wash, shampoo, facial wash, body lotion (all travel sized) and still has plenty of room to spare.

I like the fact that the toiletries pouch is roomy enough to house all the necessary that one needs to haul for a trip to gym or even a week's supply for a holiday, plus it is waterproof. My concern is, the material of the pouch doesn't look like it is built to last, i guess since i got it for free there won't be any heart pain if it tears and needs to be trashed at the end of the day.

The S$5.00 gift voucher that comes with it (terms and conditions stated at the back of the voucher).

Now that will come useful if i need to haul anything soon. Good thing the expiry date of the voucher is 30th September 2012. Plenty of time to contemplate what to buy.

I like to read about product reviews and comparisons, especially if its low price point vs high price point and function vs value, which is why i am looking forward to magazines like VOCE.

The Beauty Book 2012 is perhaps trying to be one but i do find that most of the product reviews are of brands that we already know, those that we are all too familar with. I am not a beauty guru and what i blogged about is all my personal experience and opinion of things i would like to share. Everyday should be a learning day, sometimes i felt perhaps that is one of the reason why i stopped reading local fashion or beauty magazines for quite some time.

Why not up game by doing the comparison across price points and maybe more write ups on more obscure upcoming brands ?  

                                                     In this issue of Elle Beauty Book 2012.

What i do like about this issue is the spread about upcoming fashion talents and their works, as well as the bit on fashion news. I like to see and read about beautiful things, that gives me inspiration on what to buy next and even what to do next.

                                                                  Styles to look out for.

Spreads dedicated to feature upcoming fashion talents.

Priced at S$8.00 per copy, available at Books Kinokuniya (Ngee Ann City Main Store), while stocks last.

Haul and Review: Spoilts from Guerlain and Paul and Joe

This can be considered my first makeup haul of the year and i am proud of myself for being able to resist the temptations for that long, plus i am very happy with my purchases as well.

My most recent haul- Mainly Paul and Joe items and 1 Guerlain.

Paul and Joe makeup items- 3 eyeshadows and 1 blusher. 

 Paul and Joe- Toner and Cleansing Milk.

As we all know, Paul and Joe has pulled out of Singapore since end March, it's a shame that beauty brands are moving out due to the lack of critical mass (demand) to support their presence (we saw IPSA moving out previously and now Paul and Joe, one can't help but ponder who's next?)

So, i took this chance to try out more of their skincare products that i am new to (reviews coming but not so soon), i will be quite sad if i were to like them enough to want to repurchase them afterwards.

 Paul and Joe Nail care oil.

 List of Ingredients.

 The bottle of Nail care oil- in signature Paul and Joe nail polish bottle.

The Nail care oil is packaged in the signature P&J nail polish bottle with the orange flower motiff, it has a pleasant scent and the texture of the oil is actually thicker than what i am used to using (OPI's Avoplex nail and cuticle replenishing oil), furthermore it felt a little sticky to me.

I will go back to it and see if it will grow on me as time passes by, though i doubt so.

 Paul and Joe Face Color- Blusher.

 List of ingredients.

 The pretty packaging that caught my eyes.

 2 tone blusher in 18.

 Left to right: More berry rose pink and light pink.

 Paul and Joe Face Color #18.

This would be my 2nd P&J face color, i would say the coloring of this blusher is actually a little out of my safe zone, it leans more in the favour of fair and cool toned beauties (see the swatches below) but i am giving it a shot as it seems to be quite usable if i use it with care (i am thinking of using it with MAC's 187 Duo fibre brush which seems to work when i am using more pigmented blushers). The texure of the blusher is soft and pigmentation is not a problem, it does not contain any shimmer. I like a variety and this is a nice addition to my collection if i may say so.

 Paul and Joe Eyeshadow singles.

I have walked pass P&J's counter countless times, yet i never felt drawn to their eye colors (i wonder why myself too.... perhaps its too sweet and cute, i felt out of place?). This could very well be one of the those last chances that i can lay my hands on them and i am so glad i did this time round. I was pleasantly surprised by their buttery soft formula and that it glides on the skin beautifully.

Pigmentation is very decent, not the most intense i have encountered but nice overall, though #03 gold is a little less pigmented compared to the other 2. I think this is the revamped range of eyeshadows, if i recall correctly the previous eyeshadows are larger in the pan.

I have picked "safe" colors (those that are tried and tested to work on me) and i am glad i did as i can am already reaching out for them everyday for almost a week).

Each eye color contains 1.1g/ 0.03 oz of product which is slightly lesser than MAC's (1.3g). In terms of pricing, P&J's is S$25.00 while MAC's is S$28.00 ( ? ). P&J's is a wee more expensive that MAC's probably by only a few cents.

In this instance, i am really sad to see P&J pulling out of Singapore.

 Light pink beige with subtle pearlescent shine.

 Paul and Joe Eyeshadow single in #11.

 Pearlescent gold without the glitter chunks.

 Paul and Joe Eyeshadow single in #03.

 Warm toned medium brown with a hint of shimmer.

 Paul and Joe Eyeshadow single in #17.

 Swatches L-R: Paul and Joe face color in #18, self select eye color in #03, #11 and #17.

 A closer look at the Eyeshadow singles or eye colors.

 Guerlain Ecrin 4 couleurs Eyeshadow palette.

Guerlain..... Guerlain...... I can't help but to be drawn to you everytime.

This time, i behaved myself and only gotten myself 1 eyeshadow palette from Guerlain, yes! Its from the Holiday Collection last year.

Sleek and luxurious packaging, gorgeous colors.... nothing less is to be expected from this high-end makeup brand.

It is no surprise that i am very much captivated by this palette, first of all the packaging...... it is a improved packaging if you asked me. The large pan surface meant that one can sweep her brush over each color more easily.

While the colors are not terribly unique (except perhaps the aqua turquoise above the navy blue), there are dupes available for the other colors elsewhere. But what sealed the deal for me is the PIGMENTATION!

They are INTENSE!!! Totally love the color payoff.

 #10, Les Ombres De Nuit (Limited Edition from Guerlain's 2011 Holiday Collection).

 The sleek packaging.

 Contains a total of 7.2g/0.25 oz of product.

 A closer look at the palette.

 Swatches L-R: A Shimmery Grayish Silver, a Light Aqua Turquoise, a Rich Blue (reminds me of OPI's You yoga-ta get this blue but less intense), a matte black (the only matte color in the palette).

All in all, a great haul for this year!