Eye Care Review: Giorgio Armani Crema Nera Extrema Youth Memory Eye Serum

I have just tested out this sample of Giorgio Armani Youth Memory Eye Serum which managed to survive 5 days and nights. The eye serum feels more nourishing than Elemis Absolute Eye Serum perhaps since it targets mature skin...uhem, but like I mentioned in my previous review, I don't find Dior Eyes Essential (see review HERE) nourishing at all. So I suppose the correlation between anti-aging products and extra nourishment is not always valid. Anywayz, I personally think the name of this GA eye serum sounds like one of those advanced products appears in the worlds of Star Wars and AI. Unfortunately, I haven't used it long enough to experience the groundbreaking technology and I can only tell you what I gathered from the 5-day trial.

I quite like the texture of this serum as it feels...thick and rich...sensation-wise...it feels like spreading lip gloss over my under eyes...why will I ever spread lip gloss over my under eyes?!!!...anywayz, I felt like my under eyes are protected by an invisible shield! And despite its lip-gloss-like texture, the serum will be absorbed completely after a short while, leaving not even a tinge of stickiness. To find out how this serum fares, I tried doing with and without the serum under my Elemis Pro-Intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream (see review HERE) and the difference is pretty obvious judging from the state of my undereye concealer at the end of the day. The serum kept my under eyes quite plump throughout the day, with my concealer pretty perfectly in place. Doing without the serum and any eye serum would leave my under eyes dehydrated and the concealer a bit clumpy (as expected). Of course you may argue that I probably just need to wear an eye serum, any eye serum, underneath my eye cream to make the concealer stay put. Trust me, NO! I'd used serums that did practically nothing to my dehydrated under eyes. So although I can't deny that this is not the only serum that works on me, my mini experiment can at least show that it is doing something commendable.  

You're welcome to fill me in with how it works on you if you're on a full size. Cheers!

Eye Care Review: Elemis Absolute Eye Serum

I'm very delighted about my experience with Elemis Absolute Eye Serum. I know it's nothing new, but I reckon it does deserve at least one more round of applause online - by me! *Bravo!* 

I have been using it for months and there is apparent improvement in the suppleness of my under eyes area, even in the midst of dry seasons. Like I said in my previous review on the Dior Capture Totale Eyes Essential serum (see review HERE), I prefer this one over its (equally) luxury rival. It is easily absorbed, leaving your under eyes with zero stickiness. So it won't clump or melt your under eye concealer and powder. Although the serum vanishes upon application, it works! I realize my fine lines under eyes are plumped and erased to a large and visible extent. The only thing is, while I make it sound like an anti-wrinkle eye serum, it's actually meant to combat against dark circles. In this regard, I haven't observed any visible effects...as with most, if not all, of the eye serums I'd used. For dark circles, I believe the best antidote is sleep, sleep at the right time with the right duration of time. I know it's difficult, if it's ever possible for you (and me!).

A good news before I go - I only need at most a drop for my under eyes at each go. I never think my eyes are small and I've always found it dehydrated for my age (I'm 30...Shhhh!). Neither can I imagine how I can ever drench my under eyes with two drops of the serum as instructed. That said, it's not as costly as it seems. *Hurray!*  

Eye Care Review: Christian Dior Dior Capture Totale Eyes Essential Eye Zone Boosting Super Serum

Despite my love for Dior Beaute and Dior fragrances, this Dior Capture Totale Eyes Essential Super Serum is a déception totale to me. I used it for 14 days. No visible improvement of the fine lines under eyes. Believe it or not, although not an anti-wrinkle formula, Elemis Absolute Eye Serum has actually done a better job in ironing out my fine lines. Hmm, perhaps I'm supposed to use this Super Serum for a longer period of time. But at the very least, it's not as superb a serum as it's named. You may have a splendid experience with this Capture Totale Super Serum if you've used it for...say a month...or two...??? Do let me know then.

Sensation-wise, I don't quite like it either. It carries the fragrance of...Dior Forever and Ever, I think...which I personally dislike both as a body fragrance and in any of my skincare products. As with many anti-aging products, there was this short period of tightening sensation after application, which delighted me for a while. But the serum seemed to form a transparent film over my under eyes which came off when I applied my foundation - this is a minor yet annoying issue. Hmm, of course, one possible reason is that the particles of my foundation are too large to blend harmoniously with those of the eye serum. I don't know, but this product has been added to my list of dislikes. 

Eye Cream Review: Elemis Pro-Intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream

Looking for a new eye cream to switch to? I have been using Elemis Pro-Intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream for...the past few weeks, and the effect is so far so good. Although it's a rich anti-aging formula, it absorbs very easily without a tiny bit of stickiness. Honestly, it's not the most moisturizing eye cream I have used, but it's done a fair job in quenching my dehydrated eye area.

It contains active plant stem cells which is supposed to redensify the delicate skin around my eyes (I don't need any lip cream at the moment) and iron out the fine lines to make it firmer and plumper. For sure, the results are not as obvious as what scientists can see from the petri dishes. I can feel a bit of tightness after applying it. And at a closer look, my undereye area does look smoother without makeup, and my concealer glides on more easily. Yes, the formula is great to go under makeup. The only thing is, if you're looking for one that can reduce your dark circles, I haven't seen any improvements in my seasoned pair of dark circles so far. And if you're looking for one that's really moisturizing, I bet this is not for you. I actually think that Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream (vs. Chanel Precision Ultra Correction Lift HERE) and Lancome Genefique Eye Concentrate (HERE) can do a better job in this regard.

As with all Elemis products, it could be quite a good buy when it comes in a gift pack. I purchased mine (HERE) as part of the All About Eyes pack that includes also the Absolute Eye Serum and Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser, which are still on my to-be-tested list. Another tip is to look out for the sales at Lookfantastic. They offer very attractive price slashes from time to time. And if you still find the deal painful, the good news is I only need half a pump for both eyes. Hope it soothes your pain then!  

Skincare Review: Bobbi Brown Brightening Gentle Cream Cleanser

Keeping your face well-cleansed is the first step to having baby soft and clear skin. Especially if you wear makeup almost every single day in a polluted environment, you will tend to be obsessed with products that can slough away the layer of the dirt, residues from the heap of beauty products we use, and the hideous dead skin cells that give you unwanted skin problems. But hang on, how many products in your daily skin care routine contains exfoliants, like glycolic acid??? If you are already doing regular exfoliation and using some sort of a resurfacing serum, it's very likely that you will only need a gentle cleanser...unless you work at a construction site (no offense!).

I'm currently using Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash (see review HERE) and I adore it. But the fact is, I definitely don't need such a strong cleanser for my morning wash. It's simply too clean considered the minimal amount of dirt that will ever deposit on my skin overnight. Plus, on nights that I am doing facial treatments which usually include some sorts of exfoliation, say with Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel or Clinique Turnaround Facial Masque (see review HERE), and worse if I am topping it up with an exfoliating or resurfacing serum, the huge amount of exfoliators (e.g. glycolic acid) will haven take away too much from my skin if I begin the routine with a strong cleanser...With this, if you think yea, but still...Bobbi Brown Brightening Gentle Cream Cleanser could be a good option for you.

The good thing about Bobbi Brown Brightening Gentle Cream Cleanser is that it's gentle and it also removes makeup. Honestly, being a 'worshipper' of Bioderma Cleansing Water, I don't use any other makeup remover. But at least, it says I'm not as gentle as being nothing, if you so want to give your face a good wash in the morning. This pearly iridescent cream formula doesn't strip off your skin's natural moisture, neither will it add too much moisture to your skin. Everything's just nice! I use it in my morning wash and it's good enough to kick off the day. 

A Must-Have in My Battle with Acne

You may already know from my previous entries that I'm getting acne breakouts lately because of various reasons (hormonal changes, stress...). In a sensitive period as such, the golden rule for whatever skin care routine is: Thou shalt play safe! No new products, no essential oils, no fancy masques...nothing strong!

An important step to vanquishing acnes is to keep you face clean and hydrated. If you don't want to invest in a set of anti-blemish skin care just for this periodic breakout, Elemis Anti-Aging Cleansing Duo could be a good way out. The duo set includes a Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash (200ml) and my favorite Balancing Lavender Toner (200ml) (BUY HERE). Especially on days that my skin is fragile and problematic, I can't find a better option that can replace Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner (which I had reviewed HERE). Hardly any toner can simultaneously hydrate, calm and balance my skin THIS well! 

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash is also on my favorite list. It contains non-abrasive exfoliation ingredients from the larch tree and babassu oil. Although the name Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing may sound too strong for sensitive and problem skin, it's in fact very gentle while giving your skin a good exfoliation to encourage cell renewal and prevent further skin inflammation. After wash, my face does feel exfoliated, like I've used a micro-scrub and a purifying masque, yet without feeling stripped, but soft and smooth. 

The whole experience of using this cleansing duo soothes my worries over my blemished face. Hmm, I'm sure I can get back my clear skin soon!

A 2-in-1 treat: Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner

My face always suffers at this time of the year when our relative humidity goes up and down like a yo-yo. My T-zone becomes so oily that hardly any oil control and hydrating products can curb the active oil secretion, while my cheeks are slightly more dehydrated than usual. This is so super annoying! Although my regular facial treatments are doing a great job, it's still not good enough! Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner is my ultimate solution! It's a superb toner that clarifies my complexion, calms my skin and restores its natural pH level without the use of alcohol. My T-zone becomes less oily and my face plump and (comfortably) moist after use. It's perfect for acne-prone and combination skin.

The toner contains lavender extract (which is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory - good for getting rid of your acne or even insect bites), Quillaja wood (a natural soap), and Sweet Betty Flower (a natural clarifying component that retains your skin's natural oils). It comes with a spray nozzle which makes it a handy facial spritzer!

Applying this toner is a pleasant, mind-soothing experience (not only skin-soothing!). It quickly penetrates through my skin, leaving it soft and supple without any grease. My T-zone and cheeks feel instantly calmed and balanced. The fragrance of lavender also works like aromatherapy, adding a little tender touch to my mornings and evenings...look, I'm actually getting 2-in-1 treat!...BUT the best part is yet to come! What really delights me most is its antiseptic property. My face's very sensitive and I'll get a couple of unknown itchy red spots from time to time. No worries! With this toner in my closet, all I have to do is to dab more of this toner on the affected area/spot, and my 'headaches' will be gone in a short while...Yes, it's almost like a magic potion to me!