Review: Skinc Replenish Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Recived this serum when I purchased a magazine sometime ago, was rather skeptical when I first use it as the manufacturing date of this proudct was 2 years ago. However, I am curious about Skinc as I have walked past their concept store in Ion many a times and was intrigued by the bar concept. The little I know about Skinc is that they do customisation for skincare and there is 0 parabens and 0 scent in their products.

Without further delay, I bring you the Skinc Replenish Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

According to the product description on the official website, the Replenish Hyaluronic Acid Serum is able to hold 6 litres of water per gram, the Hyaluronic Acid is able to bind moisture to the skin for instant lasting hydration from within. Lines are refined and skin is plump and smooth.

Skinc Replenish Hyaluronic Acid Serum - 20ml or 0.68fl oz

 List of Ingredients

In terms of packaging, I like the feel of being able to see the contents clearly (the coloured balls suspended in the serum is indeed cute, at least to me). However, just like products contained in jars I am not too fond of the way the serum is packed. Constant exposure to air and bacteria in the air might cause the active ingredients (if there is any) to lose their effectiveness. In this case, I am not too sure about the active ingredients, I just like my serum to be housed in a enclosed bottle with pump to dispense the product.

The clinical looking bottle.

1 single drop of the serum 

 Spreaded out- watery consistency

 Seems to transform from a thicker to water-like texture

 Aftermath

True to what was promised, there is 0 scent detected. Texture-wise, the liquid gel like serum spread across the surface of the skin effortlessly, the slightly thick serum transformed into somewhat water-like texture when spreaded and the serum gets absorbed into the skin quickly. There is also a slight cooling sensation when I was applying the serum to my face, which I quite like.

I include the serum as part of my usual night time skincare routine and actually came to like it alot as I do feel my skin nicely moisturised and it has that 'plump' with water feel. After absorption, the serum does not leave any sticky flim, my face felt comfortable even without the moisturiser (on normal days), I can actually skip the face cream part.

All in all, I felt the serum does perform the hydration function properly for me (I think it largely depends on your skin type as well, for gals with dry skin the moisturiser part should not be skipped) but as for the hefty price tag that comes with it, one can't help but felt turned away.

It is a decent hydration serum but I do believe there are many products in the market that are able to perform this function equally well at a fraction of the price.

If budget has never been a constraint for you, then you might want to give this a try. 

Priced at S$128.00 for 20ml or 0.68fl oz, available at http://www.iloveskininc.com/ or at their concept/ specialty stores around Singapore.

Haul from the Land of a Thousand Smiles......

Unreported haul done late last year......hope to talk about them soon.

Boots Body Scrubs, Oriental Princess Eyeshadows and Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub.

Oriental Princess (Thailand's very own makeup line) - I was pleasantly surprised.

Soap & Glory's Sugar Crush Body Scrub - Interesting find due to desperation.

Coming soon.

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.

Haul and Review: Le Metier De Beaute Kaleidoscope Eye Kit Bauhaus

Something sinful this way comes......

 All that to protect it.....

                                                       The fuss-free minimalist packaging

                                                                THE KALEIDOSCOPE!

List of Ingredients

 Somewhat cylinder-like. I would have wished that it comes in metal, it would be a perfect 10 in my opinion but that would probably be very heavy (like a lump of lead).

 

 The top tier house the mirror of the Eye Kit which pretty much makes sense if you are touching up on the go but if one is travelling with this kit, this baby is going to stay on the vanity table (that's for sure).

 I think it's beautiful no matter how I look at it. Love the way it looked architectual, sleek and structural.

 Do you agree?

Axiom- a warm coppery brown that has very fine shimmer in it, I can see myself getting quite a fair bit of use out of this. Intensely pigmented with the slightest touch.

 Graphic- a cool soft stone-steel grey that can be used in 1 intense swipe or blended sheer. the least pigmented of all (but having said that, it is still pigmented)

 Crucible- this is a unique colour in my stash as I don't think there is anything quite similar. It is a deep reddish brown or brownish red which is incredibly pigmented (proceed with caution). Praying hard that it will work for me.

 Genre- my favourite after Axiom, this is a dark metal black grey that is great for smoky eyes. Without exception, pigmentation is intense.

 Swatches L-R: Genre, Crucible, Graphic and Axiom

In terms of packaging, I like the concept of it but at this price point one would expect LMDB go one level up. I guess that's the only flaw if I really have to name one but it is also because LMDB is a luxury brand every detail should be taken into consideration in the design and production of it.

Colour pigmentation is intense, I just need to touch the side of my brush (MAC 217) on Axiom and there..... my brush picked up enough pigment for application. I like the way Axiom wore- natural (in fact it looked better than just natural). Looking forward to be able to achieve more when I use the colours together especially the Couches de Couleurs (layering) Method that LMDB is known for.

Value-wise, it's almost like paying a King's ransom to many (including me). This Eye Kit amounts to S$126 after all that conversion and shipping etc, easily the most expensive Eye palette I have ever purchased surpassing them all. However, we are getting 16g of product here which is about 10 MAC single eyeshadows if one were to measure it (which will come up to more than S$200).

In short, one is getting quality and value at the same time though I can't imagine anybody possibly finishing this up considering how pigmented they are. My 2 cents- this is worth getting because I can see it working for me. Considering the quality and price of LMDB's Eye Kit, I urge tempted souls to think how much use they can get out of it, otherwise maybe it's not meant to be. I think Bauhaus is a limited edition, and so are quite a number of the Eye Kits.

Priced at USD95.00 for 16g, available at Nordstrom, Zuneta.com and other major retailers.

Promotion and Review: Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil with Singapore Women's Weekly

I chanced upon this magazine promotion in Kinokuniya Bookstore at Ngee Ann City while I was on my way home from work, since I am rather fond of Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil's versatility and texture, I figure it is worth a mention here.

Currently with every purchase of a copy of Singapore Women's Weekly, you get to receive a deluxe bottle (30ml) of the famous Multi-Usage Dry Oil which in my opinion is a steal if you take into account that a full sized bottle of the oil (100ml) is retailing at about S$70 plus or so.

There is a "Offer Gift" tag printed on the bottle, so I figured it should be part of some offer or promotion which I don't really mind. The 10ml bottle that I had gotten previously lasted me quite a while, so this 30ml would definitely make fans of the oil happy .

Of course, this would be absolutely worth it if you are a privilege card holder of the store, you get to enjoy 10% off.

A good chance to try this stuff if you are new to it and would like to test out something for a reasonable period of time instead of splurging alot of money in something that might or might not work for you. 

The Singapore Women's Weekly March 2013 Issue

 

                                                    Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil in 30ml

 

List of Ingredients

Priced at S$4.20, available at Kinokuniya Bookstore, while stocks last.

Fragrance Hauling 2013 Part II

Part II of the fragrance hauling......

This time round, I have gotten myself, 2 Angels, 1 Royalty and 1 Icon.... haha...

More review coming up.

Angel No.1 Thierry Mugler Angel EDT 40ml - unintentional purchase.

 The comet...... absolutely irresistible falcon, reminded me of "I wish upon a star......".

 The star within reach which rest on my palm.

 Angel No.2 Thierry Mugle Angel Aqua Chic 50ml - Another unintentional purchase, which would just mean that I need to stop doing "unintentional" purchases.

Look at the silver sparkles on the glass, they are firmly "stucked" to the bottle. 

Hoho...... I captured another star. More to come perhaps?

 The Royalty Amouage Jubilation XXV EDP 100ml - my biggest splurge yet.

 Look at the dignified pose.

 A card that lies on the bottom of the box.

 A Thank you note and the signature of the person who handpacked your bottle of fragrance. I wish the signature is in arabic (the regal feel would be stronger, but then of course I wouldn't be able to understand what's written on the card then).

 The Icon Miller Harris L'Air de Rien EDP 100ml - created for she who started the lemming for THAT bag around the world and had that bag named after her.

 Created by Lyn Harris for Jane Birkin, heard she was intensely involved in the creating of it.

Very intriguing scent indeed.

Total Damage: Burying my head under my pillow, denying committing crimes of "unintentional purchaes".

Fragrance Hauling 2013 Part I

Hi hi...... yes, it is a little late for 2013 greetings. Despite not blogging for quite a long time (yes, procrastination is my greatest enemy) , I have not forgotten to haul.

This time round, I hauled not just a few bottles of lovlies rather, a whole bunch of them which I think some might very well end up joining my "League of Extra-ordinary Fragrances".

I bring thee....... the new members of my fragrance family..... the Chanels.

L-R: Cristalle EDP, No.5 EDT, No.5 Eau Premiere EDP and Coco Noir. 

 The lovlies out of the box (I choose a cloudy day to photograph them as I am hoping to not expose them to too much sunlight- their greatest enemy).

Note: Apologies for the photo, I can't seems to get it "Straighten" up. : (

Chanel Cristalle EDP 100ml - got it during a storewide sale.

If you know my misadventure with its counterpart, Cristalle EDT which you know my heart is still sliently weeping every now and then for the wasted juice (my clumsy self broke a bottle of it). I could have gotten the EDT this time round but decided to try out the EDP which was my first choice when I bought the EDT (It was sold out, so the EDT naturally becomes the next best alternative).

Personally, I feel Cristalle EDP is a different fragrance from EDT. I don't say, dislike the EDP just that the EDT "speaks" to me more. Review of this coming up......

 No.5 EDT 100ml - Splurge on it during a sale as well.

Since I have worn 2 fragrances by Chanel and they impressed me quite a fair bit, I think it is time and makes sense to me to try the legendary No.5. No.5 is significantly pricer than the others in the regular lineup, the reason from what I understand is the quality of the Jasmine used in the composition of No.5. Although it is a EDT, do not make the mistake thinking that it is lighter or weaker, No.5 EDT is none of those.

I think No.5 EDT tells a different story to me versus the No.5 EDP. No.5 EDT is different from No.5 EDP, perhaps like identical twins with very different temperament.

I am a little disappointed during my acquisition of the above 2 Chanel fragrances, not because of the quality of the fragrances but because the lack of knowledge of the sales advisor attending to me.

First thing first, I am no fragrance connoisseur neither am I a Nose nor I can detect "hints of Iris, Jasmine, Ambergis". Everything is based on preference and gut feel. However I am rather certain that No.5 EDT is not the lighter version of No.5 EDP, the former is not the diluted version of the latter. Maybe some fragrances are formulated in that way, but No.5 isn't.

To be fair, not everybody is a fragrance fanatic or addict but to insist on something you don't even know is another thing altogether. Not dissatisfied with the service rendered but a tad disappointed that nobody there "speaks" my language. So, I did my thing.....be a good customer, pay and go.

 Chanel No.5 Eau Premiere EDP 125ml - Snagged it Tax-Free at the Airport.

Ah....... this beauty, while I have gotten No.5 EDT at a sale, when I chanced upon this quiet beauty I knew I couldn't possibly pass it up, especially at a good price.

Eau Premiere surprises me in a good way. Love it. Glad that I bite the bullet and bought the bigger bottle.

 Coco Noir EDP 100ml - Last minute buy at the Airport.

This is totally unplanned and I exceeded my fragrance budget because of this dark beauty. A last minute decision to flash my card at the counter before I board the plane. Still sitting on the fence, undecided whether to like it or not.

I imagined it to be dark, mysterious, smoky, wicked, sinfully, whatever that one can associate with the seductive dark side BUT...... not really. Will test drive it a few more times before reaching my verdict.

Total Damage: I don't dare to think about it. Yes, I like to live dangerously...... on bread, water and wind. Haha.....

Note: Yes, the scare of the EU banning Oakmoss or Tree moss in perfumery is one of the contributing factor for the splurge but no regrets here at all. : ) What can I say, I one happy but broke camper.