Rave of the week!

I feel really obliged to dedicate a post to my rave of the week, Bio-essence Tanaka White skincare!!!

Before I move in, just want to apologise for the lack of posts since I started school. Have been more busy doing assignments when I am online, rather than blogging.

Anyway, my skin has been so beautiful for a whole week, the most flawless I have seen it since I started going for facials and taking care of my skin. *touch wood* (I hope my skin stays this way forever. hehe.)

Anyway, thanks to Tanaka White, my whole face is more radiant, free of red bumps about to form pimples, rid of pimples that were about to mature, and very, very soft.

I am beginning to realise that lots of Ginvera's products work, even though Ginvera is a relatively affordable brand. Even their Bio-Gold range is still cheaper than brands like Avene or Vichy.

Here is Ginvera's online shop website: ShopOnlineGinvera.

My SO showed me to this website. Depending on the situation, you might find that prices on the website is cheaper. But for this period of time, drugstores in Singapore (Watsons, Guardian) are having a lot of promotions, so I think it's better to catch the discounts in-store.

Also, the website is not exactly updated, so some ranges, like the Tanaka White and Bio-Pollen are not available online.

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!

It's Ever Soft Today

I've never thought I will enjoy Supermarket products. I am not a brand snob. But although I aim to introduce only good and value for money lower budget beauty products, I also wish to maintain a certain quality in these products, so that we can all enjoy without worries.

But recently, out of boredom in my bathroom, and boredom from my own cleanser (I have been using the same bottle since August last year), I decided to try my father's cleanser (which is bought by my mother). And that cleanser is Eversoft Pomegranate Cleanser White and Firming.

Eversoft Pomegranate Cleanser White and Firming

Available: NTUC, Shop & Save $4.75

Volume: 100g

Star Properties: Geez, I will update this once I kope the tube from the bathroom.

The 100g tube of Eversoft Whiten & Firm Facial Cleanser

Description: Pomegranate is a powerful antioxidant that renews and firms up your skin by neutralising the damage caused by UV and free radicals. Vitamin C whitens, protects, and lighten dark spots for an even skin tone. Suitable for dry/combination skin.

Packing
I am indeed very attracted by their packing, which I feel is prettier than a lot of high end brands. I like the green. And I like the fact that Eversoft has so many flavours!!! I like the things I use to come in a 101 colours. The Rice Milk and Honey flavour caught my eye.

Ingredients
The reason why I decided to try it is because of the absence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate. I am slightly allergic to SLS, cos red bumps appear on my skin for most of the normal bath foams I have every used.

The ingredients list.

Amount
The thing about tube form stuff is that no matter how you squeeze, they never seem to finish. Pump bottle stuff always goes down more quickly. Like most of the facial products that come in tube form, just press a green bean size amount (about 2mm long from the tube) onto your palm, rub your palm together to foam it, then apply on your face. Given 100g of this product (I saw that there is new extra 30% tube), this tube will last more than a year for me. $4.75 for a year, WHOA!!!

Washing experience
It is very smooth, and I can do simple face massage without tugging at my skin. And I love the fragrance from the pomegranate I guess.

Rinse-off feel
This is the part that I am extremely particular about. Unlike many of the tube form facial cleansers that I've tried before, Eversoft does not leaves my skin dry and tout. It is slightly tout, or more like what I call firm, but definitely not dry. Which is simply amazing for a supermarket brand.

Sensitive Skin
It is not irritating at all. Which surprises me since whitening products normally contain allergens. Maybe it will not really whiten in the long run. But honestly, I am not even expecting supermarket brands to fulfill what they write on the package. My main concern is the rinse-off feel and allergen-free, plus a nice smell, I am happy enough.

Overall, I feel that Eversoft is by far the best Supermarket brand. Compared to Shokubutsu, Eversoft's ingredients are so much more skin friendly. Shokubutsu is just normal soap add whatever extract at the last part. And compared to the new UV White O2 Advanced advertise by Quan Yifeng, UV White is slightly irritating on my skin.

I wish to hear from people with Oily Skin who have used this product. Would like to know if this supermarket brand can effectively control oil... ...

I love it: 4.5 hearts.
Marks deducted as the after rinse feel is still not as good as my own cleanser. My Evarro/Decosmet cleanser literally leaves the skin smooth, soft, and soothe all the pimples and red bumps.

Most of the marks awarded are for it being able to beat brands like Bio-essence, Pure, Vichy, Kiehl's, in terms of after-rinse feel and non-allergy properties.

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.

Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF50+ PA+++ (Pink - whitening)

Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF50+ PA+++ (Pink - whitening)

Available: Shop & Save $11.60, Guardian $11.10, and all other leading stores

Volume: 30ml

Star Properties: SPF50+, UVA & UVB Protection, PA+++

Biore seems to have hit the spot when it comes to packaging and content for this new product.Bottled in a feminine hourglass figure baby pink 30ml bottle, are the essential ingredients of a good sunscreen.

Any sunscreen that fully takes care of your skin should have at least SPF30, UVA and UVB protection with PA+++. Note the 3 pluses for PA. Buying any sunscreen that says only UVA or PA++ etc, is equivalent to wasting your money, and getting cheated. Some sunscreens, though often cheaper than a full content product like Biore, it compromises on your skin.

Thinking it would be in cream form, I was very surprised to see it in liquid powder form, aka milk. It is the same baby pink as the bottle, so I think it's likely to have man made coloration, but should not be a problem. I can't read the content as it is all in Japanese. I like the milk form as I only have to drop 3-4 droplets to cover my face, and that means it can last really long. The milk looks thick enough to be genuinely content rich, not water rich, which means your money is well-spent.Note: I have been using my current 50ml milk sunscreen for 2 years, and it still has not finish.So saying, $11.60 could probably last me 1 year 3 months, making it less than $1/month. $$$ =)

My sensitive skin has not reacted to the product, so it should be well-suited for all skin types.

Being small and with an attractive packaging, it should make a nice asset to be seen in your little handbags, should you think it necessary to apply more sunscreen in the middle of the day. No more troublesome transferring of creams into small bottles. =)

I love it: 5 hearts!