Mentholatum SPF15 Sunscreen + Moisturizer

I am very sorry that I cannot provide the pictures for the Acnes range right now, as there isn't a proper Acnes website, and I haven't taken photos, since the products are not my house.

If it would help, here is the Mentholatum Acnes sub-website: Click to view.

Mentholatum SPF15 Sunscreen + Moisturizer

Available: Watsons, Guardian

Volume:

Star Properties:

Packaging
Pretty strange packaging for a moisturizer. Normally bottles in this shape contain very fluid sunscreen, like Biore, or Sunplay.

Texture
It felt strange when I squeeze out from the bottle an opaque but non-fluid cream, that is quite watery.

Considering the gel-like texture of this sunscreen moisturizer, I think it would be difficult to squeeze out the last bit of it! LOL. I really don't understand why the dispense mechanism was designed this way.

A tube or tub would be more appropriate.

Surface Finish
Pretty okay. This is not a WOW! product for me. If I were forced to use it, I will just use. But I think there are better choices for me out there.

Sensitive Skin
I had no problems with this cream at all, despite slapping 1/4 teaspoonful of it, to get the maximum SPF15 effect.

I love it: 2.5 hearts.

If I am not wrong, this won the Cleo Beauty Awards. Cos my SO was choosing between this and Mentholatum Charcoal range's Soybean Moisturizer. Moreover, the soybean moisturizer is cheaper, and he still chose Acnes. Must be because of the award.

Overall, I think if I were still in my teens, going through puberty and have severe acne problem, I would appreciate Acnes range much, much more. As compared to now, I only like the Medicated Sealing Jel.

Bio-essence Tanaka White

Once again, I have to thank Cleo for the Bio-essence Tanaka White samples. =)))

The promotion pamphlet.

My samples. Which all can last at least 7 days.

Bio-essence Tanaka White Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream
Available: Watsons, Guardian, NTUC

Volume:

Star Properties: Contains Tanaka, to whiten and cools skin, prevent evaporation of moisture, provide coverage to even out skin tone, lighten pigmentation, and prevent future melanin.

The description and ingredients list on back of sample sachet.

Packaging
Since I got the sample in a sachet, there is not much I can comment about the packaging. Except that from what I see on the shelves, it comes in a tub. Which I don't really like, as I find it slightly unhygienic to be dipping my nails into the cream over and over again.

Of course I do wash my hands before using, as skincare regime is always after bath. And I do cut my nails very short and very regularly. But I still can't help feeling guilty of polluting my cream.

The Cream
It is a very pretty beige pink colour, which I like.

The texture is quite light, and easy to spread. But I can feel that it is not the very water-based kind, e.g. Garnier Aqua Defense texture. This is not a problem to me.

The smell is kind of strange, yet pleasant. I suppose, it's the smell of Tanaka. As usual, I like fragrances, so again, no problems with it.

Note: Thanakha, also known as Tanaka, is a traditional whitening secret used by all women in Myanmar for 2000 years. The Tanaka tree bark extract has deep nourishing, hydrating and cooling properties, and is a tried and tested formula used to maintain skin fairness even under the hot sun, blocking out harmful UV rays and external pollutants. (Information copied from Tanaka White pamphlet that comes with the sample.)

Effect
I feel that after 7 days of use, I do not exactly see whitening effect. (Honestly, I've already given up hope that I can recover the fair skin I had before I learned swimming.)

But I always have the strong feeling that my skin is indeed a lot, a lot softer. I really like to tap tap my face because it feels so nice! lol. Very springy, and smooth. I guess Bio-essence is right by saying Tanaka has deep nourishing properties.

Sensitive Skin
Unfortunately, even after some 3 days of use, I still always feel the slight itchiness every time I apply this day cream. I must be sensitive to something in the ingredient, which puts me off this day cream.

I love it: 4 hearts.

Deducted marks for the skin irritation. But I highly recommend people with non-sensitive skin to try this for the long term.

Bio-essence Tanaka White Skin White Perfecting Lotion SPF15

Available: Watsons, Guardian, NTUC

Volume:

Star Properties: Uses bio-engineering techniques to blend Tanaka bark extract, Bio Mineral Essence, and Bio Energy Fluid with other precious herbs extracts to moisturize and nourish skin.

The description and ingredients list on back of sample sachet.

Packaging
This comes in a pump bottle, so it's much more convenient and hygienic for use.

The Cream
It's white. Perfecting or not, I have no idea, as I did not see the effect. I suppose it can be used for a makeup base. But I do not usually put makeup, so I am not sure if it feels pores or anything. It is also very easy to spread.

Effect
But one thing is for sure. It instantly whitens my face by giving it a white coating. I could see the difference between my face and neck every time I apply it. So if you want to look fairer, you could apply this all the way down to the collar bone area.

The white colour really lasts throughout the day. When I was washing my face, I could see the whitish water, something like when we emulsify cleansing oils, that kind of look.

Anyway, it contains SPF, so I was careful to give my self 1.25ml/one-quarter teaspoon of this Perfecting Lotion. And I use makeup remover to cleanse first before my usual cleanser.

Sensitive Skin
Same as the day cream, this cream irritates my skin slightly.

I love it: 4 hearts.

Bio-essence Tanaka White Renewal Night Cream

Available: Watsons, Guardian, NTUC

Volume:

Star Properties: Contains Tanaka and ginseng extracts, combined with Bio Mineral Essence and Bio Energy Fluid. Brightens and firms skin while you sleep, leaving you with fairer, radiant and blemish-free complexion (<-- I swear by this).

The description and ingredients list on back of sample sachet.

Packaging
Comes in a tub like the day cream.

The Cream
It is more like a curd, rather than cream, unlike the day cream and perfecting lotion. Thus the texture is slightly thicker, and a bit more difficult to spread. But it is still a pass for me.

Effect
I cannot fully describe how much I love, love, love this night cream with words alone! Try to imagine all your pimples gone in one night (or perhaps a few), your milia seeds reduced, and fine undereye lines also visibly reduced. Imagine how over the moon you will be, that's how I feel about this miracle night cream!

Before I tried this, I used both the charcoal face wash and charcoal mask from Daiso that I talked about in my previous post. As most of you would know, charcoal is very drying, that's why it is especially suited for males who generally have oilier and thicker skin than females.

But I was silly enough to use both the face wash and mask at the same time, knowing full well that I already have dehydrated sensitive skin.

So my face got so dry that it started producing so much oil that night. And boo hoo hoo, I got a breakout the next day. =((( Possibly coupled with my period, the breakout was quite bad. I had pimples all over my cheeks, some fighting to pop out on my forehead, nose and chin.

I am so grateful that Tanaka White saved my day!

Those pimple with pus about to ooze out were soothen, and went down in just 1 night!!! And the next night, they flattened out. And now, they disappear. Including the scar or any black dots. I had a blackhead stucked inside my cheek for a few weeks. And that too disappeared. My milia seeds were so greatly reduced. (I have quite a bad case of milia seeds, due to misuse of my previous eye cream.) My fine line, oh, my fine lines also reduced. To think I have long given up hope of ever, ever finding anything to combat fine lines...

Sensitive Skin
And the best part? The Renewal Night Cream does not irritates my skin at all. SO HAPPY.

This is so going into my Holy Grail after I finish up my current moisturizer.

I love it: 5 hearts.

Watsons is having 20% all many products, such as L'oreal, Maybelline and SilkyGirl cosmetics. Sally Hansen nail products. And it includes Bio-essence items, and Tanaka White range. The Renewal Night Cream only costs $19.95 after discount.

Eversoft White spf50pa+++ Intensive Sunscreen Moisturizer

Yet another cheap and good thing to rave about. =)

Eversoft White spf50pa+++ Intensive Sunscreen Moisturizer

Available: NTUC (promo $11.30)

Volume: 40g

Star Properties: Sakura extract and lipo-vit C concentrate, to give whitening and UV protection

Eversoft White in box.

Back of box, with description in English and Chinese.

Packaging
I think the packaging is very good. No problems. Both the box and the tube are in nice colour combination of blue and white, which I like. And both have detailed description of the sunscreen.

The tube is easy to squeeze, and the mouth is just nice for you to control the amount dispensed. It also has a secure twist open cover.

The pretty white and blue tube that I really like.

Back of tube with description.

With the cap open. Easy to squeeze and control mouth.

Ingredients
The first thing that I consider now when I wish to buy a sunscreen, is whether it contains alcohol or not. I believe most of you would know that alcohol dries your skin and clog pores, thus causing the skin to age and pimples to appear. And I am so happy to announce that though cheap, Eversoft is one of those sunscreens that is alcohol-free!

The ingredients list.

Spreadability
Eversoft is so much easier to spread than the Avene Very High Protection Cream. For its SPF of 50, I really love how well it spreads.

Fragrance
Some people may not like fragrance, but for me, I like it. And I think it's a very pleasant smell that lasts a while.

After feel
After applying on my skin, my skin feels a bit sticky. But definitely not oily. Which I like. Once the cream is absorbed into the skin, the stickiness goes off, leaving my skin very soft. I think the moisturizer property is definitely there. =)

Shine
There is a slight sheen of silver on my face. But I am not really concerned about that. It makes my face looks oily, but it is not. I can apply loose powder to matte it out after the stickiness goes off. But for those who don't like shiny sunscreen, you will be disappointed with this.


Sensitive skin
Apart from the very first time, when I experience a slight slight tingly sensation at the base of my nose (probably due to Vit C
This is definitely my Holy Grail product! When NTUC gives discounts, I hope to stock up on this, so I can use it on my body too. =))))

Now I use Avene for my body, to finish up the tube, cos Avene is just too oily. And Eversoft for my face. Love it. Love it.

I love it: 5hearts.

If planning to buy, please note the silver sheen. Testers are available at NTUC, so try before purchase. =))) And there is the tinted version but in spf35 too.

NuTeen Oil Control Series

I actually wanted to post on Kiehl's hand cream, just to complete my hand cream series of reviews. But I just discover something that I really want to rave about - NuTeen Blackheads Away Gel.

I can't give a complete review because I only got a 3ml sample packet from a promoter during the John Little Bazaar in my school. But I hope to take this chance to rave about this product, introduce this brand to some of you, and hopefully get kind reviews from those who have tried NuTeen.

NuTeen brochure from my school's John Little Bazaar.

On the inside is the elaboration, and see the two sample packets at the top?

I understand that NuTeen has been the sponsor of some Channel 8 TV shows, such as those Superband or Campus Superstar, I think. So this is not an entirely new brand.

And of course, as the name suggests, NuTeen is for teens. But as most of us probably already know, acnes are not restricted to teens. Even 40 year olds can have breakouts.

In my opinion, I actually feel that teen targeted acne creams or treatments are effective for all ages. I can't confirm since I am not old enough to test that out for you. But at least for my age, teen acne creams still work.

According to what I know about marketing and pricing, products aimed at older women are much much much more expensive than anything else. And according to my scientific knowledge, the pricing is ridiculous since the general ingredients and effectiveness are very much the same. (Unless it is a patented thing, like Pitera.)

So rather than spending your hard earned money on working class products or mature people products, why not go for teen products that are so much cheaper and work as well?

NuTeen Blackheads Away Gel

Available: -

Volume: -

Star Properties: Specially blended with active ingredients such as Salicylic acid, Thanakha extract and Triclosan to thoroughly cleanse the skin, thus making your skin look new, smooth, fine and clear.

NuTeen Blackheads Away Gel and All Clear Moisturizer sample sachet.

The instructions says to use this product on dry skin with dry hands, and before cleansing. I pressed all the 3ml of sample out, and massaged gently all over my face. Strangely enough, I felt balls of dirt, (like wet and teared up balls of paper), on my face.

The NuTeen steps to Oil Free and Flawless Skin! =)

There was quite a lot of dirt balls because I did not remove my sunblock prior to clarifying, since the instruction says use on dry face.

After 1 minute, I felt the gel used up. But my face was not at all dry or tout. I rinsed off the gel, and my skin felt super ultra smooth! WOW! After I cleansed, the smoothness still remains.

The feeling was so amazing, because this is the smoothest I have ever felt of my skin. Even my Laneige Cleansing Oil cannot produce the same feel. And none of my cleansers or moisturizers can produce this feel. Goodness, I am so tempted to buy the full size tube.

But I am hesitating because while the gel was on my face, I felt a slight tingly sensation on the area between my nose and my upper lips. I did not breakout though. So not sure if it was because I am sensitive or what... ...

I also don't quite like the strong smell, which smells slightly of chemical.

I love it: 4 hearts.

I think it gives a really good feeling. But I can't tell whether it does removes blackheads or not, as I have only use it once. And I did not steam my face before that. If I do get a full size tube, I will review it again and might give it 5 hearts. =)))

NuTeen All Clear Moisturizer

Available:

Volume:

Star Properties: Enriched with Thanaka extract for soft, crystal clear skin. Balances oil secretion and cools skin without menthol.

I was also given a pack of moisturizer from NuTeen. And I had to try it together.

I can't tell whether it does control oil secretion, cos I don't have oily skin.

But the texture of the cream is quite light, and dissolves very well into my skin (within 1-2 minutes), without leaving a sticky feel.

This is certainly performing much better than many other moisturizers I have tested.

And the best thing that I really like about it, is the cool feel without menthol. Because most of the cooling creams contain menthol, which is very unsuitable for sensitive skin. However, with NuTeen, I can vouch that this is completely sensitive skin friendly (not sure for eczema though).

And so,
I love it: 4 hearts.

I have deducted marks because I am unsure of the long term effects, and oil control power. If anyone has used this before, do let me know if I can give this 5 hearts. Thanks a lot!

PS: With NuTeen Oil Control Series, now you can have Oil Free and Flawless Skin!

Nivea Creme

The Nivea Creme is like the grandmother of all moisturizers to me. And it has piqued my curiosity ever since I found out how cheap the whole big tin is.

Recently, Watsons even started selling the smaller tins at $1.95, so those who are just too curious can try before committing to the huge one. Which in my opinion, looks like it can last forever. haha.

Nivea Creme

Available: Watsons, Guardian, and many other little shops

Volume: variable

Star Properties: Contains skin-related Eucerit, a unique moisturizing ingredient

Nivea Creme, picture courtesy from Nivea website.

Ingredients
One of the top ingredients in this is mineral oil. Honestly, this is something that I will not buy on my own. I only tried it because my friend has a tin. Not especially after reading everything from Viva Woman. hahaha.

Packaging
Even though it is stored in a tin can, I think the tin can is actually quite strong and durable. I like the way it is flatter than most moisturizer containers, especially the smaller size one. As compared to those in thick, heavy and tall glass containers. I also like how it gives us so much surface area to use. So we don't have to dip in with one finger or two. For application on the whole body, it is so easy to swipe 4 fingers across for more cream.

Texture
I think the cream is very heavy, dry, and not easy to spread. Which is really surprising, given the number of good reviews I have read about it.

Absorbance
Quite bad, as I still can feel the thick layer of something on my skin.

After feel
My hands felt more of rough in the sense, it is not easy to glide my fingers across the back of hand, as I meet with the resistance from the hard to spread cream.

Smell
The smell is kind of weird. More towards the chemical side, which I don't like.

Irritation
Unfortunately, this multi-purpose cream irritates my hands so much that I kept scratching at it. Luckily I only tested on my hands. It could be because of the mineral oil, which is one of the top ingredients in Nivea Creme.

I love it: 0 hearts.

Sorry to say, but I really don't recommend buying this at all. Even though it is cheap, I think a cream is not really a good cream if it is hard to spread and does not leave a nice feel on your skin.

The good news for people who want big tubs of good moisturizers at the price of Nivea, is that Dove actually has a rich moisturizing cream. I just read this on Beautyholics Anonymous: here. However, the top ingredients are all petroleum derivatives, which many people are not willing to leave on their skin.

The bad news is, I have never seen it in Singapore. No chance to test it... If anyone has seen it here, please kindly leave a comment. If you have tried it, please leave a review. Thanks in advance! =)))

Avene Thermal Water

Finally! Now, for the most famous, extremely popular special water, the Avene Thermal Water!!!

Avene Thermal Water is actually my third brand of facial mist. I have been using DeCosmet Miracle Swiss Essence and then Evian Braumister as a moisturizer ever since I started my skincare regime.

Since I was looking for a cheaper alternative to the very expensive DeCosmet water, I decided to buy Avene after reading a whole thread of raves about it.

I will roughly compare Avene with my other 2 facial mists, since Avene is like the King of facial mists.

Avene Thermal Water

Available: Watsons, Guardian

Volume: 50ml (promo bottle)

Star Properties: From the Avene spring in France, and with a truckload of uses.

Avene Thermal Water

Packaging
I think the aluminium bottle is okay. Evian uses aluminium bottle too. However, the DeCosmet one comes in a thick, thick plastic bottle that looks aesthetically much more appealing. So I guess, the best packaging actually goes to DeCosmet (Mind the price tag though!).

The Pump
Evian's pump is clearly inferior to the other two. It's sort of unstable when the water goes low. Like you will feel that you are pressing the left or right side down more... Also the dispense is not uniform. When full, the water "gushes" out. But when nearing the bottom, there is so little water. I am guessing this is due to bottle of the aluminium bottle being an inverted semicircular dome.

DeCosmet's pump is the regular shape kind, that you find is standard perfumes.

Avene's pump is a short fat cap.

Avene Thermal Water, uncapped, showing the pump.

The Spraying Motion
For Evian, the dispense is not uniform. When full, the water "gushes" out. But when nearing the bottom, there is so little water. I am guessing this is due to bottle of the aluminium bottle being an inverted semicircular dome.

Avene's bottom is also an inverted semicircular dome. But I have not used it to the bottom, so I don't know about the spray then.

DeCosmet spray is good. Very steady throughout the bottle, and still feels the same at the bottom. This could be because DeCosmet's bottle is rounded at the bottom, instead of flat, or the inverted dome.

The droplets
I don't really notice any difference here. But there are reviews that say Evian's droplets are larger, and Avene's is finer. It doesn't really matters to me though.

Droplet of Avene Thermal Water on my hand.

Water
Seriously, all the water are the same to me.

Effects
No particular really good effects from any of them. Although DeCosmet's is said to balance the skin's pH.

Evian just says it's for refreshing and setting makeup.

Avene gives a whole long list of uses for its water. And touts it to be anti-irritating and will soothe sensitive skin.

So I don't exactly think there is a winner. But since I normally choose skincare based on effects, rather than packaging or dispense effectiveness etc, I think I would choose Evian as the champion.

There are no visible effects from any of the water, so if you just want to spray something on your face, for setting makeup, or for cooling effects, just choose the cheapest facial mist will do. And that is Evian.

Anyway, for Avene Thermal Water,
I love it: 3 hearts.

I am not a facial mist person. To me, they are not a must in any skincare regime if you already have a tub of moisturizer. Even though I use water as my moisturizer, I still think there is no difference as to where the water I use comes from. As long as it's clean.

1st Time Serious at The Face Shop

So after the skincare hunt, I was down to choosing between Eco-Vert and Su Hyang range by The Face Shop.

The Eco-Vert Range that I have chosen, is for sensitive skin, as it does not contains alcohol.

The famous Su Hyang Snow Range is for normal to oily skin.

The Ice Flower Range is for dry skin.

The Dewy Flower range is for combination to oily skin.

The Quick and Clean range is for puberty stage skin.

The Skin Nutritive Essential range is for older skin.

White Tree range is for whitening.

And the other best seller range, the White Crystal, is for whitening, which is vouched for by a doctor.

The SA taught me that products touted to have cooling properties normally contain allergens, so I have to stay away from the Icy Cool Range, although that's my favourite bottle design.

I also learned from the SA that moisturizer has to be rubbed in by the palm, not fingers.

Anyway, so here is my review for the Eco-Vert:

My TFS loot, with paper bag, box and bottles.

Eco-Vert Essential Toner

Available: The Face Shop $

Volume: 145ml / 4.9 FL. OZ

Star Properties: Contains a top layer of golden palm oil soother for thin, reactive skin.

Here are the benefits printed on the box:
- Comforting toner that puts you to an instant relaxation.
- This "double-phase" toner with essential oils delivers nature's aroma to the senses while the top layer of golden palm oil adds further nutritive moisture to the skin.

> 100% Bamboo extract used in lieu of water
> Extract of resilient Thyme frown at the summit of Mt. Jiri of Korea
> Skin hydrating Wild Pansy extract
> ECO-CERT (the European certification organization for organic products) certified Rose extract

See the layer of golden oil there? The tag is to remind the user to shake before use. So thoughtful!

It feels cooling when applied on my skin even though it does not says that there will be this effect.

I like the way the ingredients look more natural even though this is not organic.

But I had to go through the trouble of shaking well before use. And I had to press 2 times for enough liquid to come out.

Ingredients:
Bambusa arundinacea stem extract, Betaine, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Propylene glycol, Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) fluit extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Elaeis guineensis (Palm) oil, Hydrolyzed viola tricolour extract, Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) flower/leaf extract, Rosa gallica flower extract, Rosa Damascena flower oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, Anthemis nobilis flower extract, Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) seed extract, Ribes nigrum (Black Currant) leaf extract, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower extract, Padina pavonica thallus extract, Sodium Carbomer, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA

I love this: 4.8 hearts.

Eco-Vert Daily Moisturizer

Available: The Face Shop $

Volume: 125ml / 4.23 FL. OZ

Star Properties: Ceramide (Naturally occurring moisturizing agent of skin) + Lecitin (component of cell membrane) forms Liquid Crystal Emulsion System. --> These two components are added to strengthen the natural protective function of the skin. * Liquid crystal emulsion system prevents moisture loss to minimal and leaves the skin feeling thoroughly moisturized and soft.

The moisturizer on the left, and toner on the right. The hygiene caps are placed at the bottom.

I really love this moisturizer. Even Love has commented on my skin being better after using it.
The bottle is very hygienic, as it has a cap to prevent dust from getting to the nozzle. Plus the pump bottle is so convenient. It is made such that one pump is just nice for my entire face and neck.

It is so easily absorbed by the skin, with a watery texture, that my skin looks softer, supple and more radiant.

Ingredients: Bambusa arundinacea stem extract, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) flower/leaf extract, Hydrolyzed viola tricolour extract, Rosa gallica flower extract, Rosa Damascena flower oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, Anthemis nobilis flower extract, Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) seed extract, Ribes nigrum (Black Currant) leaf extract, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower extract, Padina pavonica thallus extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Park II (Shea Butter), Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) fluit extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Carbomer, Ceramide 3, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA

I love it: 5 hearts

Looking for Skincare - Shop Tour @ Bugis

I was at Parco Bugis Junction again last Friday, to look for suitable toner and moisturizer as my current ones are running out. In fact, there is not a drop left of Kiehl's sample size moisturizer that I got 8 months ago. The sample should probably only last 2 months if used daily.

And wow! To my delight, there a number of skincare shops that are big enough there. I dislike small Watsons. But Watsons@Bugis on the 2nd floor is huge! (Apart from the Ngee Ann City one.) Yes, yes, I am beginning to like Watsons so much after they started carrying all sorts of funny brands this year. (I shall not digress from this topic, will post on Watsons in a later post.) I love the location of Watsons in Bugis. They have really got it right by standing right besides the escalator.

And opposite Watsons, are Fancl, Skin Food and The Face Shop (TFS) (see how big Watsons is, to be facing 3 shops). Fancl is so unnoticeable, because I did not see it the first time I visited Watsons. I saw Skin Food, but look at the crowd! Or rather, the LACK of crowd. And TFS, though the innermost, was the most crowded.

I like to judge shops and food stalls by crowds, and I was really surprised to see the empty Skin Food shop, as I know it is really HOT on the skin care scene right now. Especially the on at Jurong Point - so many people I don't feel like going in.

However, one reason why TFS has lured a nice crowd, not overwhelming, yet enough to see its popularity, is probably its GSS Discount! haha, discount - the lovely word that all shophalics wish to hear 365 days a year.
TFS is having a 20% storewide discount, and 10% additional for members, plus another 5% on for birthday boy/girls who are members. No minimum purchase is required, though I think if a shophaholic sees such huge discount, he/she would not stop at a $2.50 item. lol.

Besides the 4 places above, there is still The Body Shop on Level 1, somewhere around the toilet where Charles & Keith is.

******

And so, I decided to start my search from Watsons. My primary goal was to find a moisturizer.

I have already read up on the internet on the things that might suit my sensitive skin, and was just looking to test it, while looking out for other brands.

So here goes the testing:
Neutrogena Fine Fairness
The latest range from Neutrogena was at the front of the display, in the most prominent position. So I tried the Fine Fairness Cream, and not the lotion with SPF 30 inside. I did not want anything with SPF in it, because SPF moisturizers should not be worn at night. And I prefer to keep my regime simpler, without too many bottles, so I refrain from buying an extra night cream just because the day cream has SPF.

Neutrogena Fine Fairness, picture courtesy of Neutrogena website

Available: Watsons $25.90

Star Properties: NEUTROGENA HealthyWhite Complex^® is the foundation of NEUTROGENA Fine Fairness^®. This potent combination of actives from nature works synergistically to give you healthy fair skin. Other good things can be read about here.

It feels really good on the back of my hand. The white cream is jelly like, but dissolves quickly and evolves into a watery texture that I patted dry. Something that is very light, and gives me the assurance that it will not react with my sensitive skin.

I previously had a bad experience with one of Neutrogena's first facial cleansers on the market, which appear more than 10 years back. Apparently, that experience scared me, and I never touched another Neutrogena bottle again.

However, this kind of texture seems to be the norm in today's market, where everybody is looking for lightweight, water-based moisturizers.

Water-based moisturizers are better for young skin compared to lipid-based ones, which the latter is known to clog pores of if too much is slapped on at a young age.

I am unable to judge if it really does all the whitening and moisturizing for the skin as this is only one time trial. But for the price, I think this is a very good range to try out if you are looking for whitening! Plus, I've just read on Neutrogena's website that it has chosen a few girls to test the range and they will publish it in Dec's issue of Women's Weekly. =) Look out for this.
I love it: 4 hearts.

Eucerin Hydro-Balance Refreshing Hydrating Cream (Light Texture)
I had to try this, as I have seen so much of its advertisement on Mind Your Body by The Straits Times. Eucerin is a brand, other than Avene, that touts its products to be suitable for sensitive skin, and provides for the normal sensitive to eczema-prone people, which I really support. I always feel that people with sensitive skin are so under-catered for, until recently.

Available: Watsons $30+ I think

Star Properties: Water-binding Isomerine which allows instant moisturization lasting for 24 hours especially designed for normal to combination skin.

In general, I really agree with the review that Paris B of My Women Stuff gives, here. So you can check it out too.

But something I want to add is that, I am not attracted to its packaging and design at all. I am fine with the tub form, but not fine with the wordy and doctor-like design. If not for Paris B, I will probably not touch Eucerin.

I love it: 3.5 hearts

kawaii TOKYO Brigten-up Gel (All-in-1 Step Skincare for Day & Night)
I would never have touched this if the very kind sales assistant for kawaii TOKYO did not approached me, and handed me brochures.

kawaii TOKYO's Brighten-up Gel, picture courtesy of kawaii TOKYO's website

Available: Watsons $68, and I believe, Sasa

Star Properties: 5 functions in 1 bottle, 100% made-in-Japan

This brand did catch my eye when I was in Sasa a few times, because I really like the Japanese words together with the oval-shaped slightly vintage logo. But Sasa does not offers any trying for its hair products. So I thought it was a golden opportunity for me to feel from kawaii TOKYO. I told the SA that I was looking for moisturizer, and she immediately took the Brighten-Up Gel and press a generous amount onto the back of my palm.

Wow! You can imagine how much my eyes lit up when the watery light gel was massaged into my skin by the SA. I would say, this is the absolute lightest, least sticky cream that I tried that day. Better than Neutrogena, Eucerin, and also The Face Shop.

But my mind really numbed when I heard that it costs $68 dollars.

The SA did tell me that it's an all-in-1, meaning that it comprises of the toner, firming essence, brightening essence, moisturizer and makeup base. So it means that you may actually be saving lots of money if you take an average of $30 for each of the 5 items = $150. Good right!

So after applying the Brighten-up Gel, just apply your sunscreen, and you're done! Cleanser, Gel, Suncreen, only 3 steps day and night for supple, bright and healthy skin. =))) kawaii TOKYO makes this specially for women with more active daily lifestyles, who don't have time for so many things in the morning.

I guess I was a little stunned at the $68 that I did not take the math into consideration. But I really support anyone who buys this, it's a good choice, and my skins felt in love with it when I applied it. Unlike the others I've tried. I am pretty sure it is suitable for my sensitive skin, as Japanese brands are always kind to me.

I love it: 5 hearts!

Orange: Topic points Olive Green: My tips Brown: Look out for this!

******

On the last note, I really want to talk about in-store service.

After spending time at Watsons, I strayed over to TFS. And I really must say, their SA have good service that warms my heart.

The first time the girl approached, I rejected her, saying that I wanted to browse on my own. Which she gladly left me to do so.

When I was about 3/4 through the shop and stopped to try the moisturizers at the skin care section, she came up again, non-intrusively. This time, I felt comfortable enough with TFS to ask her for advice on how to choose my moisturizer, as TFS has a whole array of brands that doesn't spell to you in the face, which brand is good for what skin type.

I was interested in TFS's Su Hyang Snow Toner, as it has got a very good string of reviews to back up. Not to mention the fact that the huge red circle spelling "BEST SELLER" is pasted under that toner. So the SA let me try that out. But not after she asked me basic questions like, what is my skin type, do I have allergies etc.

While applying it onto my hand, she explained to me its properties, and also what the other ranges were for. I will elaborate on TFS's products later on. She also told me about the discounts and membership offered. And at the end of it, I felt comfortable enough to tell her that I was going for a movie, and that I would stop by after the movie, and asked her for the closing time. Then I left. She did not show any signs of displeasure that I was not buying there and then, and that I might be just cooking up some excuses to leave the shop empty-handed. It was a no-pressure-on-me experience, that will bring me back to TFS again.

So I found my way down to The Body Shop. I've always kind of not very fond of TBS's service, because I have been into many of their branches, but I don't remember any of them serving me. I was always fuddling with the concealer and trying out the perfumes. But I was pretty much left alone until I walk out. I do like TBS, but well, maybe not the service.

Anyway, I eventually went back to TFS and got another range called the Eco-Vert for my toner and moisturizer. Loving it so far, and I review it in another post. Thank you so much, Love.

So this is all for my skincare shop tour. Stay beautiful, all.