Review of Clarins Multi-active

I've been reading so much great comment on this line in my favorite local magazine, In-Trend.

So, I decided to give it a try. Clarins also has been actively promoting this line in Malaysia.I bought a mini size set for this range that consists of 1) Multi-active Skin Renewal Serum (10ml), 2) Multi-active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream (15ml), 3) Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser (20ml), 4) UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 UVA/UVB PA+++ (10ml). All this for RM88. This are my first Clarins product so I sort of wish that this will be my HG line. This range has been created since 1988 and has been reformulated for the benefit of women who lead busy, active lifestyles without compromising their youthful beauty. This product target women at their prime age who exposed to high degree of stress, pollution and UV rays that in excess amount caused breakdown of collagen and damage DNA an in turn cause premature aging. So this line work as PREVENTION of the early signs of aging that start as early as 25 to 35 years of age. Other lifestyle factors for active women such as smoking, late hours party,lack of sleep, alcohol, air-conditioner environment and busy lifestyle all this can accelerate premature aging. Signs of premature aging include fine lines, dull looking skin, lack of firmness, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. I used all this products together so its kinda hard to review them individually.

1) Multi-active Skin Renewal Serum and Multi-active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream

I used this duo together most of the time. The serum has a peachy color and the smell just so divine. This light-weight serum just absorbed really well without sticky or oily feeling. The day cream on the other hands, has white color with a really nice smell. It just glides smoothly on skin leaving your skin glow with radiance and just a luxurious feeling. Both this duo just give almost like an instant result giving your skin more youthful and rejuvenated look.It doesn't make my skin oily and I really love both of this. During the day I will also use the sunscreen on top of this.Can't really comment much on the sunscreen but the sunscreen absorb really well, smell really nice and doesn't have any oiliness or sticky feeling to it. After 2 weeks using these I almost believe that this is it. The end of my search.But then I start to develop clogged pore and minor breakouts from this. I'm pretty disappointed but I just don't wanna believe that this wasn't for me.But then it just getting worse that I decided to stop using this after 4 weeks. What a disappointment. I used a lot of Estee Lauder serum and cream before but I think Clarins are definitely better.And the smell just so divine.I think this could be my HG skincare in the next 5 years maybe.Just keep my finger crossed on this one. The full size serum is 30ml and the cream is 50ml and the price for both are around RM200+

So, for the serum. The serum works by dual age-fighting and self-exfoliating action. This is what is said in the product description:

Triple Action Correction:

• Phytosphingosine and Cangzhu helps to activate collagen and repair skin damage by reinforce skin’s barrier function, reinforces the dermal-epidermal junction, reinforces skin resistance to early signs of aging

• Stimulate the skin's natural self renewal. Nopal flower extract, organic lemon acids and Papaya reveal youthful glow from within by enzymatic exfoliation process

• Soothes stressful skin with anti-inflammation power of phytosphingosine

So, what is this strange and peculiar "phytosphingosine" is?

Phytosphingosine is a free base lipid that derives from various plant that are also identical to the one that naturally present in the Stratum Corneum (outer layer) of our skin. It improves the appearance of red, inflamed and blemished skin by soothes irritated skin and balancing its microflora. It also helps with wound healing. So this definitely work to repair skin from oxidizing stress that damages our skin.

The nopal flower extract derives from prickly pear cactus known as nopal in Mexico and it helps to smoothes the skin surface and reduces small age spots and give a radiance skin. Nopal extract has been used widely as medicinal plant to helps support immune, glandular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.It act as a 'detoxifier' and anti-oxidants to protect from oxidative stress from all stressors that I mentioned before.

The day cream also has Ambiaty Extract to correct early wrinkles. It is a shrub growing in the edges of forest in Madagascar and used by local people to treat injuries as this has known to help prevent infection and scarring.

Wowww..really good stuff.

2) Clarins Not-so Gentle Foaming Cleanser with cottonseed

This cleanser has white mousse-y feeling that foams really well. It cleans skin very well too. I like this cleanser but be careful because this stings any open breakout and minor wound on skin.This cleanser is formulated with Glysophilia Extract that helps create a fine and lightweight cleansing foam to gently clean skin of dirt and makeup. It also has Polymnia that preserves the skin’s natural moisture balance, while cottonseed softens and cares for skin to unveil a velvety soft complexion.Yes, this does give a temporary radiance post-wash and doesn't cause any dryness on my combination skin.

All in all, I'm so disappointed that this line didn't work so well on me. But Clarins really amaze me with their high quality product. Definitely a treat!

Review of Avon Anew Rejuvenate

I'm in search of a good and potent anti-aging skincare that suits my combination skin. After reading good reviews on Avon Anew Rejuvenate, I decided to try the samples of this product. I bought their sample for RM1 each at Avon shop. I bought samples of Revitalizing Day Cream and Flash Facial Revitalizing Concentrate. I'm not a big fan of Avon. I've been quite disappointed with Avon products that I've tried. Avon lipstick makes my lips dry, limited shade of Avon foundation that either make you look like you have a fake tan or ghastly white, runny makeup base,eye shadow that lasts only like 5 minutes, their dry clumpy mascara and not to mention their perfume that smell as if you just pour a bottle of perfume on your body .But I always try to buy some of their products because they are so cheap and most of the Avon ladies that I met are so nice and friendly. I know that's probably their marketing manipulation technique but its hard to say NO to the nice avon ladies. So, I really hope that this line can make me trust Avon again.

When I first looking at their ingredients, I'm pretty impressed. Long lists of ingredients that sound so mouthful. In their product description, this is what is said:

• Exfo-Smoothing Complex:Designed to exfoliate, smooth lines and clarify to help reveal fresher, younger-looking skin. Smoothes rough texture. Lines become less deep

• Mini-Extraction Technology:Formulated to work like thousands of micro-extractions to help deep-clean impurities and tighten pores. Shrinks pore size and strengthens pore structure

• Revitafresh Technology:Engineered to reinforce cell bonds and help make skin look more even and smoother. Cells come together to form smooth seamless skin

This products has potent anti-aging ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), Hydroxy Acid (salicylic acid), peptide, retinoid (Retinyl Palmitate-in Flash Facial), vitamins (A, B, C, E), Yeast Extract and long lists of humectant and lipids. All this ingredients has been proven to prevent aging by making skin more plump and smooth wrinkles (Hyaluronic acid, retinoid, peptide), gentle exfoliation (hydroxy acid), increase moisture (humectant) and rejuvenate overall complexion (vitamins). The flash facial concentrate has 3X more concentrated ingredients than night cream.

In addition, the revitalizing cream also has SPF 25 to protects skin from UVA/UVB radiation. The price in pretty reasonable, RM 89.90 for Flash Facial (30g) and RM 79.90 for Day cream (30 g). When I first tried this product, the first thing that struck me was the smell. It smells like Kao Merit anti-dandruff shampoo. It has the strongest chemical-y smell I've ever smell for a facial moisturizer.Maybe okay for a shampoo but a NO-NO for moisturizer.The smell managed to give me a temporary headache. But the smell dissipates slowly but you probably have to use your breath-holding technique when using this cream. The flash facial has a pale yellow color while the day cream has white color. Flash facial has thicker texture compared to the day cream. Despite being light-weight, this cause my combination skin to get really oily after just 1 hour.It absorbed very well onto skin and I can definitely see that my skin looking rejuvenate and just glowing. It definitely soften my fine lines and looking as if I just had chemical peel. I really liked it despite being a bit oily. So, after one week using these duo, I started to have clogged pores and tiny bumps all over my face. After two weeks of using this, I stopped because my skin just worsened. Maybe this will suit more mature/dry skin.So, that's the end for me and Avon. Luckily I only have sample of this. I really hope that this is going to work for me but sadly not. So long AVON!!!

Lesen P and makan2 at Jom lepak cafe

Semalam sy buat JPJ test and lulus. Alhamdulillah. Rasa macam tak percaya pun ader jgk.hehe.Yeayyyyy!!!! JPJ officer yang sy dapat tu pun ok.Tak garang.Takde marah2.Dia duduk diam2 je sepanjang jalan tu.Nak last2 tu baru dia bersuara skit.Dia kata sy bawak kereta mcm bawak lori, asyik guna gear 2 je.hahaha..tak kisah lah.Janji kereta tak berenti.And masa kat roundabout (tempat yang saya paling cuak sekali), banyak pulak kereta. Menitik peluh saya.Sekali sy terbunyikan hon pulak.Dia pun tegur apesal awk tekan hon?Sy pun jawab..tertekan encik.Mmg TERTEKAN pun.Stress!!!haha

Masa dalam litar pulak nak buat tiga penjuru tu, masukkan kereta and reverse ok, pastu tiba2 enjin stop.Adoiiii..pastu sy cepat2 start enjin balik and keluar.Sy sempat pandang JPJ officer tu, rasa mcm dia pandang sy jgk.Alamak..gagal lah ni!Pastu keluar and nak amik borang je, tgk2 lulus.Tak sure lah dia tak perasan ke or dia lepaskan sebab kesian tengok muka seposen saya and mata kucing ala2 si Puss in Boots dlm citer Shrek tu.Takpelah, alhamdulillah.Malam nya kitorang keluar makan.Nak celebrate lah 'kejayaan besar' saya ni.Yelah, umur dah nak masuk 28 tahun, tapi br dapat lesen. Yang ader masa test tu kebanyakannya budak lepas SPM.Rasa macam sy paling tua kat situ.Dulu sy pernah amik lesen jgk lepas SPM tu tp sy penakut.Lepas masuk kolej and U, terus tak drive langsung.Br sekarang nak belajar betul. Kiranya sy berjaya lah conquer my inner fear.haha.dulu tiap kali kereta bergerak rasa mcm nak accident je.baru 20km/j tapi rasa mcm dah pergi 100km/j.asyik nak tekan brek je.hahaha..

Kitorang pun singgah makan malam kat Jom Lepak cafe kat seksyen 13, shah alam owned by Diana Rafar and husband. This restaurant hidangkan makanan cina. Kitorang order set utk 2 persons. Ader nasi 2 pinggan, tomyam, chicken black pepper in hotplate and 2 air sirap limau. And tambah mixed veges with prawn. Mmg not disappointed makanan dia. Boleh tahan sedap. Seafoods dalam tomyam pun fresh and generous. Chicken black pepper dia pun sedap and kuah dia pekat. Foods ok cuma ambience dalam restaurant ni kurang sikit lah. Deco can be improved from wall down to the floor.Customer service pun ok.Amir nampak selera makan biler ddk kat babyseat skrg.Mayb we should get one jgk for him. Skrg ni dh nampak amir nak mula pandai belajar berjalan.Mak and abah dia pulak yang seronok.Amir pun tengah nak amik lesen P berjalan jgk kan?..hehehe

My HG moisturiser- Olay Total Effect with Touch of Foundation

I've been a great fan of Olay since I was a teenager. I've tried almost all of Olay products but nothing works as this one. Olay White Radiance caused white cast on my face and has poor absorption on skin. Olay Regenerist is too thick and too oily for my combination skin. Probably this line suit people with more mature or dry skin.

Previously I used Olay Total Effect for Normal skin but when this come out in the market, I quickly tried it and this has become my HG moisturizer.This daily facial moisturizer combines the benefits of 7 anti-aging therapies PLUS a touch of sheer foundation to delicately even out skin's tone since I preferred light coverage tinted moisturizer most of the time. I have combination skin and this moisturizer doesn't cause my face looking oily. I hate looking like an oil slick. Who does right?. However, I don't think this has enough moisture for mature/dry skin cause this dries out my mother's skin but just enough moisture for my combination skin. I think this moisturizer is probably suitable to people aged 25-30 that want a good anti-aging moisturizer without looking too oily and cause breakout. Most products that prevent aging tend to be heavy, oily and cause breakouts. This does sting a little upon application because it has vitamin C but it dissipates very quickly.

As you can see, Procter and Gambler has been so obsessed with number 7. They also has Pantene Shampoo with 7 benefits. So, seven is definitely their lucky number.hehe. So, what are the seven benefits of Olay Total Effect?

1. Line Minimization: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles
2. Nourishing Moisturization: For a radiant, healthy glow
3. Subtle Lifting: Hydrates for firmer skin appearance
4. Brightening: Improves skin surface dullness
5. Gentle Exfoliation: Smoothes and evens skin texture
6. Pore Refinement: Minimizes the appearance of pores
7. Free Radical Defense: Helps prevent damage to skin's surface

Too good to be true right? Looking at the ingredients of this moisturizer, I can pretty much agreed with this. Why? Because this water-based moisturizer contains anti-oxidants and vitamins such as Vitamin C (ascorbyl phosphate), Vitamin B5 (panthenol), Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate) and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide). This moisturizer also contains Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (Japanese Green Tea) which is a potent anti-oxidant that helps to protect skin from the effects of free radical and soothing on the inflamed skin.It has zinc oxide that known to have soothing properties on the skin. Sometimes I strayed away from this product to try out new product for no reason or just boredom and suffered from minor breakouts. I always come back to this moisturizer and it calm my skin down and helps my breakouts. Definitely a keeper.

This moisturizer also has titanium dioxide that protects skin from both UVA and UVB radiation.This moisturizer has only SPF 15 which I don't think enough for people with fairer skin living in humid climate like in Malaysia. I usually breakout from most sunscreen with higher SPF. So, this is definitely my choice because this doesn't cause any breakout. I'm not really sure about the gentle exfoliation or pore refinement effect because there are no ingredients such as AHA, BHA or salicylic acid.

This tinted moisturizer has sheer touch of foundation that gave light coverage. It covers some acne marks and even out the skin tone. The foundation adapts to all skin color. Its quite thick but spread easily on skin. So, anyone can use this moisturizer. If you're looking for heavy coverage foundation, this is definitely not for you. I usually use this after toner followed with my Mac Studio Fix Compact and Mac Prep+ Prime translucent loose powder.

All in all, I loved this moisturizer so much. I can definitely see results with this moisturizer. It makes my skin smoother and rejuvenate. It relatively inexpensive and for 50ml, and this lasts a long time. Probably about 2-3 months even with everyday use. Highly recommended!!

Review of Himalaya Herbals Mask

This is probably the worst product I've ever bought. I'm looking for a tube mask to replace my Dermalogica Hydrating Mask. Since my husband and I love their hair oil, so I decided maybe I might give this a try. In the product description, this is what it said,

" A cooling Fruit Pack that cleans clogged pores and removes deeply embedded impurities. Restores your skin's elasticity and improves skin texture. Helps control blemishes and blackheads and minimizes wrinkles"

This mask has Apple, which is the natural source of AHAs with Fig and cucumber to provide cooling effect to skin. It also has Papaya that lightens freckles and Mineral Clay that improves circulation. Sound fancy right? I know. But WRONG. They should call this a "stinging" mask because this masks sting your face like acid. Ive tried this three times and even used it on my husband, we both literally 'cried'.hehe. Its really that painful. Urgghhh!!! Even though the pain dissipates after 3-4 minutes but it feels as if this mask erodes my face like an acid. I tried to put a thin layer of this mask but still the same effect.

This mask is so thick and has bright yellow colour. This mask also has a strong scent. It dries pretty quickly but this cause my face to become red and sensitive. No positive effect at all.Such a disappointing product. This one goes straight to the bin!!!

Dermalogica Review Part 2

Here is the list of Dermalogica products that I hate :

1. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

This is a gentle physical exfoliant that has rice-based enzyme powder that activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. This product is also part of Dermalogica Brightening system because it helps with pigmentation and melanin production while micro-exfoliating the dead skin layer. This scrub is very gentle but so much hassle to use. You need to dispense about a half teaspoon of the powder into wet hands, and form a creamy paste by rubbing hands together. And you just massage this in circular motions. Personally, I hate this product because its difficult to control how much powder to use and if you use to much water, it will be too watery and you won't feel the exfoliating effect. Pretty expensive too. The price I think is double than Skin Prep Scrub.

2. Dermalogica Active Moist

I love Dermalogica cleanser and mask but I hate their moisturiser. I've used this but this is really not for me. It doesn't absorb well and I look like an oil slick even though it was winter. It doesn't give me any breakout but an oil face is a big NO NO.

3. Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque

After reading Victoria Beckham's rave on this mask as her favourite mask, I decided to give this a try. And I hate it.This mask is yellow in color and has a very thick consistency. It sting a little bit upon application. This mask feels like a thick moisturiser on my face. It doesn't dries up and feel so uncomfortable. If I used this more than 10 minutes, it makes my skin red. I just wanna quickly wash this off. Its very expensive and probably more suitable on dry, matured or photodamaged skin. A cheaper alternative is MD Forte, Skin Rejuvenation Hydra- masque only half the price of this mask.I,ve used this and it has exactly same color, smell and ingredients (AHA, BHA, vitamins) but different brand.

4. Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant

After reading great reviews on this scrub on Makeupalley.com, I managed to get a sample of this. This skin polisher combines both physical and chemical exfoliants. It has microgranules with Lactic Acid that activates upon contact with water. As advised by the sale's lady, I used this on dry skin and I think its too harsh on my skin. It makes my skin red and raw. The thermal effect dissipate pretty quickly. I only used sample, so I can't tell the long-term effect of this. This scrub is pretty expensive too.

5. Dermalogica Day Bright SPF 15

This reminds me so much of Shiseido White Lucent Day Cream which I hate. First of all,both of this creams make my skin PINK. Seriously noticeable pink. How am I supposed to go out looking like a pink pather. Secondly, both of this does nothing on my skin. No brightening or whitening effect..NADA! Both doesn't cause any breakout but pretty mediocre products considering how expensive these are.

6. Dermalogica Climate Control Lip Balm

I'm pretty disappointed with this lip balm. First of all, it smell and taste like a lemongrass which I don't prefer. And secondly, I used this at night, so I don't wake up with dry chapped lips but this cause whitish stuff on my lips in the morning.Urgghh!!. This product actually enhance the skin's natural lipid barrier. Could the white stuff be lipid? Not sure. It doesn't moisturise my lips that well though. There are so many great lip balm out there but this one is not one of them.

* All in all, I'm going to end my relationship with most of Dermalogica products. I'm going to keep using my Gentle Cream Exfoliant. Definitely a keeper. The price of dermalogica products are more expensive than the price offered by Skincarestore. For example, the price of Special Cleansing Gel is RM15o (AUD 50) compared to AUD38 from Skincarestore. So overpriced (come on dermalogica!). Dermalogica should be aggressive in term of promoting their products in Malaysia because they have such great range of products.

Dermalogica Review Part 1

I've been an avid user of Dermalogica products since 4 years ago.Only recently that I change to other brand.I used to live in Australia, so I bought all my products through online website called Skincarestore.com because their price are cheaper and postage is free all around Australia.I had pretty bad experience with Dermalogica sale's assistant in Malaysia. Recently I purchased Dermalogica Mini Size set for my mother because she love their Special Cleansing Gel. The sale's assistant followed me around so closely everywhere in the shop and she was also very persuasive.After I made my purchase, I asked them for a sample of Dermalogica Thermafoliant which I've been dying to try. She asked the other lady (probably her superior) whether they should gave me the sample for free or I should pay for it. What??? I ended up paying RM1 for 2 sample of Dermalogica Thermafoliant. So kedekut!!!Dermalogica is one of those brand that are not easy to find.I only saw their product being sold at branch called Aster Springs and Leonard Drake in Malaysia. Its not a very famous brand in Malaysia but in my opinion is probably one of the best brand I've ever came across.

My love with Dermalogica begin with my visit for a facial in QV Victoria at pharmacy near Lonsdale St. I had terrible breakout from using Shiseido. I actually can see an instant result from the facial.I tried their acne-prone set and I instanly fall in love with Dermalogica and this line has help to 'normalised' my skin and really keep my acne at bay.

Dermalogica products that I love:

1. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

A soap-free, translucent gel that foams easily and suitable for all skin types.No drying or tight feeling on the skin post-wash.One of the best I've used so far.It cleans make-up very well too. Lasts a long time. Probably around 6 months for 25oml bottle.Packaging is very hygiencic and easy to use.

2. Dermalogica Pre-cleanse

An oil that I used on dry skin using dry hands and spread it all over the face. Put a little bit of water to make the make-up emulsify.Rub a little bit more on area where you used a lot of makeup. It just sucks up all the oil and dirt on your face. Be careful with area around the eye as this can sting like crazy if it gets into the eye. Effective even with water-proof makeup. It has a very nice aromatherapy scent that smell relaxing.At first its hard to imagine using an oil on your face to clean your makeup.I was afraid too that this will cause more breakout. But it make sense, because oil has hydrophobic (water hating, fat loving) properties and it will attract oil on your skin. When I first used Mac Studio Fix fluid, I have lots of breakout. And I blame Mac for this but the reason that I'm having breakout after using foundation is because I didn't use any oil based pre-cleanser to properly clean my skin. And surely, after I used this with my cleanser, I have no breakout from Mac again. Dermalogica recommends using pre-cleanse with the cleanser as an effective double cleansing.150 ml bottle last me over one and a half year.

3. Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant

1

This is once or twice a week mask and suitable for all skin type except for sensitive skin. A bit drying on people with dry or mature skin. It has thick, yellowish consistency.This is a chemical exfoliant that is so gentle to removes dead skin cells. Th

is works better on dry skin that has been properly washed. It contains both AHA and BHA from natural fruit enzymes to detach the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum) and stimulate cell renewal. It can sting a little if you're not used to AHA/BHA based products but it dissipate quickly. Its recommended that you follow this with moisturing mask such as Intensive Moisture Mask of Skin Hydrating Mask or any cloth mask. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and you can see that a little bit of your skin exfoliate.Probably the best chemical exfoliant I've tried. You need to use sunscreen at least spf 15 if you use this product as this product can make your skin more senstive to sun exposure.I usually use this at night and only a thin layer of this mask is needed and this last a long time too.

4. Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub

This is a skin-polishing physical exfoliant that you used about 3-4 times a week. It has thick consistency and colour like Gentle Cream Exfoliant. It has finely-granulated Corn Cob Meal that gently removes outer layer of your skin. I preferred this than their Daily Microfoliant. I usually mixed this with Special Cleansing Gel. It gives your skin a healthy and more polished look.

5. Dermalogica Medi Bac Clearing Skin Wash

I used this when I had terrible breakout and this helps a lot. It has salicylic acid that sloughs off dead skin cells to clear congested follicles, helping to prevent future breakout.It also has naturally-antiseptic extracts to calm congested, aggravated skin. But I didn't use this for long because this helps to control oil on my face and it sort of make my skin normal again. Using this for long cause a bit of drying on my skin.

Continued....