Makeup Review: Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme vs. Le Blanc Light Creator Whitening Compact Foundation SPF25/PA+++

I recently came across a comic strip from my friend's Whatsapp which illustrated how girls, or female in general, tend to spend loads of time to make sure we've packed into our luggages every little thing that's possibly needed in a trip. Although I do have girlfriends who are experts in packing up for their business trips within 30 minutes...What?!...and others who will only bother to literally chuck things into their luggages, I myself tend to fall into the stereotypical I-bring-everything category. I can remember how irritating it was when I forgot to bring my Clinique concealer (many years back) and the same item was not available in Melbourne at all...you know, not everything from the same brand fits your skin, especially when it comes to undereye concealer...But this years-long mentality of mine is recently proved invalid ;)

I was waiting for my flight to Ireland for a conference when flashback images of my Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme (see previous review HERE) lying on my desk suddenly crossed my mind. I fished into my handbag. Not there. I dashed to the Chanel counter in Duty Free Shop, but my #20 Beige was sold out...Oh NO!!! I looked and looked and looked at the rest of the compacts. Should I get another Mat Lumiere Extreme or should I try something new? I ended up grabbing their Le Blanc Light Creator Whitening Compact Foundation, which was the only existing Chanel compact foundation that I hadn't tried. Ah-ha! The experience turned out to be a blessing in disguise! In fact, I like it more than Mat Extreme. 

What I have been very happy about Mat Lumiere Extreme are its oil control effect and lasting power which can pretty much stay put all day with a teeny bit of oil blotting. In this regard, the Le Blanc Light Creator Whitening Compact fares just as well, at least on my skin. Adding to the good things of Mat Lumiere Extreme is its slightly lighter shade (it's still in #20 Beige), which puts my skin under a natural-looking spotlight. Although Chanel didn't emphasize its hydrating effect, I do find this more hydrating than Mat Lumiere Extreme, and it smells way more pleasant as well. On a personal note, Mat Lumiere Extreme missed a mark when it comes to its fragrance, which smells too strong for me. As for the lasting power of this Le Blanc compact, like Mat Lumiere Extreme, it melts a bit after a few hours into a healthy glow. That said, I don't have to worry about how I look even in our hot and humid summer days and on days that I've to wear my makeup from morning till 11ish at night. In terms of coverage, the compact is very buildable. It can conceal the redness of my hormonal acne and some mild blemishes brilliantly. 

Weather conditions, and therefore skin conditions, vary a lot in different countries and regions. If I were to carry along a foolproof foundation in my travel handbag, this will absolutely be the one before anything new and better appears in my beauty junkie life. ;)  

Skincare Review: Must-haves for the Hot, Humid Summer Days

Hi there! Suddenly realized that I'm approaching my 100th post very very soon! Having read about the long list of products that I loved/love, I believe it's time I update you all with the products that I'm still using or keep getting back to - Thanks to those who have reminded me of this! xxx

First on the My Faves series are the staple, holy grail items that I rely on over our sizzling hot and super humid summer here in Hong Kong. That said, these products are brilliant in controling sebum and I shall say pretty heat-resistant with great lasting power. Also for your info, I've combination skin with an oily T-zone which probably secretes enough oil for frying an egg in spring and summer. It's also pretty sensitive, especially to AHA, anything with soy, yeast and natural essential oils, and I get PMS acne pretty much every month. So the products below are all hypoallergenic. By the way, I'm not into beauty products that feature high-tech stuff like nanotechnology and stem cells.

1. Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel (Hypoallergenic)

Can't remember how many bottles I've used. I've tried other cleansers along the course, but still got back to it in the end. It effectively removes the grit and grime without stripping much of your natural moisture layer. My face feels fresh with no stretchy tightening sensation after wash. 

2. Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturizing Toning Lotion (Hypoallergenic)

If the main point of using a toner is to rehydrate your skin after wash, this Bioderma toner does an excellent job. To me, I never think a toner should do anything more than rehydration as I believe my skin needs to be strengthened with something simple and effective before it can take anything more advanced, like brightening and anti-aging. And in fact Bioderma is what I will turn to whenever my skin is fragile and hypersensitive. This toner has never failed to leave my skin soft and supple. The best is, I can use it on my eyes as well, which I love and insist for toners! This toner is in my staple item list...literally the water that quenches my thirty skin after every wash - NO GIMMICK! 

3. Laneige Water Bank Essence (see review HERE)

Again, I've been using this for ages, but it's really THIS good! For those of you who are not familiar with Laneige, it's a popular Korean brand under one of the giants in the korean beauty industry, Amore Pacific Group. The Water Bank series is their best seller which features great hydration power. This essence pumps water into my skin, leaving it...bouncy! Not sticky at all. And my skin feels absolutely hydrated and strengthened after use.  

4. Caudalie Radiance Serum (see review HERE)

The serum contains great anti-oxidants - polyphenols and resveratrol. I only use Radiance Serum for my undereyes on summer days as I really wanna keep my skin feeling light, fresh and supple. It provides a wonderful protective layer for the fragile undereyes by locking in moisture throughout the day. My undereye concealer manages to stay put without sinking into fine lines.   

5. *Innisfree Anti-Trouble Spot Essence W and Essence R
I highly recommend to use the two essence together as they work hand in hand to heal and soothe bumps and pimples, including hormonal ones. They feature the efficacious Jeju torreya seed oil and natural salicylic acid. Essence W feels more like a lotion than an essence. It provides a foundation for the skin treatment. In fact I'm also using the lotion from this Anti-Trouble series between W and R, topically on the affected areas. Essence R usually comes last in my entire skincare routine before bed and I use it sparingly on bumps, pimples and acne-prone areas. My skin is smoothened and the inflammation is usually tamed the next morning, as if nothing has ever happened - Hurray!

6. *Innisfree Capsule Recipe (Jejubija & Tea Tree)

This clay mask contains less kaolin than most other clay masks, which makes it friendlier to sensitive skin like mine. It supplements the Anti-Trouble products in use to tame and heal my sensitive and sometimes troubled skin, especially in times when PMS hits! It's one of the few products I found so far that can combat hormonal acne without strong chemicals. And because of the natural ingredients used, I use this mask every other night or sometimes on consecutive nights when my skin breaks out cuz of hormonal changes. Highly recommended!

7. Avene Cleanance K Cream-Gel (see review HERE)

Although I'm mainly using Essences W and R for acne treatment these days, Cleanace K is still on my desk for intensive treatment. It goes well under makeup. The only thing is, don't use it too generously as it will still burn and peel your skin since it's acidic. Very effective though! ;)

8. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream

This is the eye cream that I keep getting back to. I love its luxurious texture and above all, its moisturizing power that goes well under makeup the entire day. Unlike many other moisturizing eye cream I've used, including the high-end ones, it seeps into my undereyes to plump them up without getting sticky or oily. It won't clump my undereye concealer even after long hours. Love it! xx

9. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light (Cream)

I use it as a night cream on summer nights cuz it's a bit too rich for me in the day. It's soothing and moisturizing, just enough for replenishing my skin at the close of the day. It doesn't break my skin even when I use it sparingly. 

10. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

This watery cream is one of my new discoveries and I love it upon my first application. The sherbet-like cream seeps through my skin in no time and leaves my skin soft and supple without any burdens on these hot, humid summer days. Beautiful texture and great hydrating power. It's absolutely a delight applying it every day!

The Korean brands I introduced are carried in many online shops (e.g. http://www.ibuybeauti.com which offers free international shipping), as well as eBay. 

*Innisfree is another Korean brand under Amore Pacific Group - the mother company of Sulwhasoo. The brand vouches to be environmental-friendly. Their products feature powerful natural ingredients from the beautiful, pollution-free Jeju Island. All their products are hypoallergenic and free of parabens, mineral oils and artificial colorings. 

Skincare Review: SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion

Long time, gals! I have been slacking and slacking since I wrapped up this 4-year research weeks ago. What a treat! Pretty sure I deserve some fresh air before moving on again! My auto-detox system however began to break my skin out with effect from the wooh-I-am-done! moment, as usual. But I gathered over these few weeks that SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (see my previous review HERE) is really like a godsend skincare item. My zits plus the scars that follow are recovering so much faster than they used to. Despite the blemishes that are, thank God, fading out now, my skin is smooth and radiant. I am finishing my first bottle of this magic potion and it's added to my staple list if I haven't already told you. 

With this fascination in mind, I tested out SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion, which turns out to be pretty good, but not fantastic for sure. As the name speaks for itself, it's a translucent fluid that does what sheet masks do for you, but this one, in a flash. It contains a high concentration of the signature Pitera and you can tell without using a calculator that it's rather affordable compared to the real SK-II sheet masks! The texture of this Lotion is brilliant. The fluid seeps through my skin in no time. I tried rubbing it at the center of my palms before patting it directly onto my skin. Unlike Sulwhasoo First Care Serum (see review HERE), there's literally no traces of the Mask-In Lotion when I removed my palms. Yes, I'm sure something got through my skin! But of course, the bottle can survive longer if you apply it with cotton pads. Upon application, my skin does feel like I have just used a sheet mask - quenched and soft plus you know that sticky hydrated sensation you get after using a mask? I have to confess that this item is definitely not imperatively needed, rather it's more of a treat, a luxury to your skin. I honestly don't see any further improvement in skin radiance, on top of the exhilarating effect of the Treatment Essence. At most, it boosts my skin's suppleness...yes, it really does. I can feel it. So the ultimate question is whether you want to add yet another pre-serum item (if you are already using the Treatment Essence or its equivalents, e.g. L'Oreal Youth Code Serum) to your skincare regimen.

Skincare Review: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence has been advertised as the Magic Potion in Asia. I always thought it's a hype, but after using it for a month now, I really am impressed!

The Essence vouches to enhance your skin texture and regulate your skin's natural pH balance, making your skin refined and crystal clear. It features Pitera, a secret ingredient churned out of rice yeast fermentation process which is said to keep the old brewers' hands soft and smooth. As the star item of the Pitera line, the Facial Treatment Essence is said to contain an intense dose of up to 90% Pitera. Because of its watery consistency, it is easily mistaken as a toner. But listen, it is an essence! In one way or another, it also serves as a pre-essence which promotes the absorption of the skincare products that follow. 

For me, the first sign of improvement was visible within days of using it. My skin was noticeably softer and smoother. Weeks passed by, my skin became less prone to irritation and the blotches and spots that did surface appear to recover much faster than before, most of time under control the next morning - Hurray! Another obvious improvement is the healthier and more even complexion I now get in the morning, except for those mornings of monthly discomfort...otherwise I'm pretty presentable indeed, I think. I love the glow on face so much that, on a few occasions, I deliberately tilted my face at different angles to admire the way light was reflected...Uhem, a bit narcissistic I know...In a word, my skin is calmed and refined, with the dull areas brightened and the entire face radiated after a month.  

So how is this different from Sulwhasoo First Care Serum (see my earlier review HERE)? My observation is that this essence   gives a more refreshing finish and it works faster in terms of skin 'retexturing' while the First Care Serum helps make my skin plumped with moisture and elasticity. Although many people regard them as two mutually-inclusive pre-essences (i.e. you only need one of them), I actually find them complementary. I tried using either one of them, but the result is not as...complete...in one way or another. Of course, that said, I will have to increase my budget for skincare, but I personally think it's worthwhile as these two are the most impressive serums I have ever used so far. For your information, I have only survived with Laneige Water Bank Essence (see review HERE) for hydration and no other whitening serum after using these two 'pre-essences' lately. And guess what? I actually find my complexion fairer and more even than before (you know, the truth reveals in the morning)! As it's advertised, I think it's functional, and it's multifunctional. My apology for harping on about how magical SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is, but that's because I'm so truly super duper impressed and I have already listed it as my staple beauty item, though again, that's simply my personal experience for your reference. 

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!

Skincare Review: Laneige Water Bank Essence

I have been relying on Laneige Water Bank Essence to quench my skin this entire winter and it has become a staple item by now. For those of you who are new to Laneige, it's a younger skincare and cosmetics brand under Amore Pacific, the group that Sulwhasoo belongs to...something like the relationship of Clinique and Estee Lauder...My first great experience with this essence was actually last summer when I was flying over to Paris. My skin was literally cracking out of dehydration. I was sooooo glad that I'd slipped a sample sachet of Water Bank Essence into my handbag - it's super duper skin-quenching! The lightweight gel seeped into my skin and the unbearable tightness was soothed almost instantly, leaving my skin as soft and 'lively' as it is in normal days! I felt great for rest of the long-haul journey, but somehow I forgot all about this essence until the dry seasons set in late last year.

I finally purchased it in full size. I need one and a half pump on dry days and only one pump on humid days. What I like most about it is that it quenches my skin very well, and I really mean very well, without adding a tinge of oil to my skin. I feel like my skin is literally plumped with water - bouncy, soft and smooth. It's a splendid hydration product to use after your toner (which slightly rehydrates your skin...and tightens pores perhaps) and before your moisturizer (which locks in moisture). As a matter of fact, the belief that toners can rehydrate your skin sufficiently is wrong, neither can moisturizers do so. Moisturizers moisturize your skin and lock the aqua in - they don't do hydration! It's almost like the layer of oil floating on chicken soup...it's not the chicken soup itself...uhem, doesn't sound like a good analogy, but you get what I mean...Another thing is, our pores are like stomata cells, they tighten when enough aqua is available - that's when your skin looks silky smooth and flawless! Water Bank Essence helps you achieve in this regard. Plus, the price tag is very inviting!

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!*  

Skincare Review: Vichy Soothing & Fortifying 24 hr Hydrating Serum & Cream (Light)

It's particularly at this time of the year when the season changes and my skin feels more fragile that I will opt for everything hypoallergenic...in case I end up with blotches, bumps and/or zits over the jolly Christmas hol! To this end, Vichy Soothing & Fortifying 24 hr Hydrating Serum and Cream will make a brilliant duo.

Let me first make myself clear that hydrating products usually don't moisturize your skin..they only hydrate! As the names have spoken for themselves, this Vichy duo does skin hydration. It pumps water into your skin, making it soft and supple without a tinge of stickiness. It doesn't add weight to your skin at all. I can't describe how just-nice they are...it's just exactly right for this dry season. Oh, but one thing, the cream I use is a light version and it's only enough for daytime. I use Avene Clean-Ac Cream in the evening for a richer skin treat.

Beauty tips: To better lock in the skin's moisture, I use Sulwhasoo Balancing Emulsion (see review HERE) after this Vichy serum and my Caudalie Radiance Serum (see review HERE), and before this Vichy cream. I personally find the regime phenomenal so far. 

Skincare Review: Sulwhasoo Balancing Emulsion

As you may have noticed, I'm getting addicted to Sulwhasoo products lately. I know their products may not be very popular or accessible in your country, but none of them has let me down so far. I have been testing out their samples and actually can't wait to purchase them in full size!

The testing has been utterly enjoyable since all the Sulwhasoo products I have tried are brilliant, especially for dry seasons. This Balancing Emulsion from the basic line is just as lovable as their First Care Serum. The lightweight cream formula absorbs easily and it feels like the edgy surface of my skin is being ironed out and plumped. Instead of using it as a day cream, the SA actually recommended me to use it underneath the whitening, repairing or whatsoever serums in my usual skincare regime. She said although it's named an emulsion, it's meant to be an additional moisture replenishing layer that goes under serums and regular moisturizer in the Korean skincare regime. I however find the regime too moisturizing on humid days, but it definitely does a great job in the dehydrating months. It makes my skin softer and more supple than it was. And like I said in the First Care Serum entry (HERE), I now look so much more radiant in the morning!

Change of Seasons Skincare Essential: Bioderma Hydrabio Mask

It's too late if you only begin prepping your skin when the brutal cold weather sets in. Act now! Although the sea of luxury facial treatment products could be utterly alluring, the back-to-basics are, in fact, equally brilliant.

My all-time fave is Bioderma Hydrabio Mask. I personally think it's a mask you should always own despite the number of luxury alternatives you have added to your skincare compartment. Why so? Because it's literally an all-time facial mask! It's almost the only facial mask you can use under any skin conditions. Plus, it can be used as a quick fix, part of your regular regimen, a massaging agent or an overnight mask...and above all, as frequently as is needed. I like to leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then tissue off the excess. It leaves my skin supple and baby soft without a tinge of grease. My pores are instantly refined since the skin cells are well-quenched. What more do you want? 

Fruit for Your Skin: Caudalie Grape Water

There are two things I will reach for whenever I get bored with my writing - Clinique All About Eyes Serum (preferably chilled! - HERE) and Caudalie Grape Water. I'd purchased Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist and Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray, but none managed to grasp my attention and all ended up sitting on my desk, almost untouched. Caudalie Grape Water is the first spritzer I have ever thought of using amid my work. With 2 out of its 3 simple ingredients being natural extracts of grape, I don't feel like I'm loading my face with chemicals at all. Instead, it feels more like pumping nutrients into my tired skin. What I like most is that the hydration it gives is just nice for a midday spritz. It doesn't feel greasy, sticky, or at the other extreme, too watery. And because it comes in an aerosol bottle, the mist is so fine that you really don't need to pat it in after spraying, as is noted on the bottle. I however think that it's not hydrating enough to be used as a toner after wash. But that's fine. It's very affordable (HKD69 or USD9 for 100ml) and it also comes in a cute little 50ml bottle which you can easily pop into your handbag. 

The Essence of Korean Beauty: Sulwhasoo First Care Serum

I begin to look forward to my facial wash every morning and evening because of Sulwhasoo First Care Serum. My skin texture has visibly improved - softer, more refined and more radiant in the morning - after using it for a month. It really feels like it's restoring my skin texture from inside out.

For best results, there are two tricks you should take note of. 

1. Unlike all the other serums, they actually advise you to use it right after your facial wash (yes, it isn't a toner!) if you don't apply your toner with cotton pads. But you do, you should then use it after toning your skin as per normal. The rule of the thumb: Don't wipe it off! 

2. Another trick is to rub two pumps of the serum at the center of your palms before wiping it in upward and outward motions over your face. This will warm up the serum and promote absorption.

The serum looks like maple syrup and smells herbal since it's made of Korean medicinal herbs. The scent won't linger around after application, so no worries. Unlike many other Sulwhasoo products, it won't be too moisturizing for younger skin. Although it does hydrate your skin, its major function is to regulate your skin and promote the absorption, and therefore the effects, of the beauty products you use in your skincare regime. In the spring/summer months, you may consider whether you want to top it up with another hydrating serum, but you will definitely need to do so in the fall/winter months. The serum can seep into your skin in a flash and the difference it makes will be noticeable in days.

Price-wise, it's may look pricey at the first glance - HKD600 (USD77) for 60ml - and for your information, it's almost half the price in Korea! But if you are already using serums like Lancome Blanc Expert Melanolyser (HKD680/30ml - read about it HERE) or Shiseido White Lucent Spot Targeting Serum (HKD760/30ml - see review HERE), First Care Serum doesn't really burn a big hole in your wallet after all.

Caution!
According to their sales representative, you may get some bumps or even pimples when you first begin using the serum as the ingredients help detoxify your skin. But your skin texture will significantly improve after that. To avoid another skin breakout, I began with one pump, not over the entire face, but only somewhere close to my jaws. I gradually move on to one and a half pump, then two, to allow more time for my skin to accept the formula. I'm very delighted so far. 

A Budgety Rescue Remedy to Desensitize and Restore Your Skin

If you ever bother to read the ingredient list of your beauty products, you should have noticed that glycerin or glycerol always appears as one of the first ingredients. But what exactly is glycerin? Glycerin is a thick sweet-tasting liquid derived from animal fats or sugar. When diluted with water, it works wonder for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin...oh, cracked lips too! While some people are allergic to natural essential oils, glycerin can actually soothe such allergic reactions and strengthen your skin's natural barrier by restoring its moisture balance.

I once unknowingly applied something very wrong on my face for days and my skin became embarrasingly red and irritated. I spread a generous layer of glycerin over my face with damp hands, massaged a bit and left it overnight (it's water-soluble, so no worries about staining your pillowcase!). The result was amazing. The skin irritation was calmed and the redness had almost subsided completely the next morning. That's no exaggeration! I repeated the regime for a few nights and it worked like a magic potion, really. I could hang out with my head up on the third day! The entire rescue regime is chemical-free, gimmick-free and cheap. You can easily get a bottle of pure glycerin from the drugstore across the road at a very attractive price.

Apart from using it as an overnight mask, it's an excellent massaging agent when your skin is fatigue, irritated or dehydrated. Spread it over your face with damp hands, gently massage it in for 3-5 minutes in circular motion, and tissue off the excess. Unlike some massage creams in the market (including those of luxury brands), glycerin leaves your skin soft and supple with zero stickiness and skin irritation. Over time, it builds up your skin's natural defense mechanism, making it healthier and less vulnerable to climatic changes and allergens...Of course, that's given that you are diligent with the regime. Oh by the way, since it's multi-purpose like a much cheaper version of Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, I enjoy rubbing the excess on my hands and hair ends. So to speak, no wastage at all. What better deal do you want?

Great Complexion for A Great Day Off: La Roche Posay UVIDEA XL Melt-In Cream (SPF 50+++)

Can't be bothered to wear a full-on makeup, but still want something to perk up your complexion over weekends? MAC Skin Enhancer has been my fave (see review HERE), but it can't hide my dull complexion well enough under cool white light that beauty counters and some boutiques like to install. I hate it when the white spotlights reveal my blemishes and dullness like X-ray - what a holiday spoiler!!! La Roche Posay Melt-In Cream rescues me from my embarrassment and allows me to enjoy a foundation-free day off.

The Melt-In Cream is more tinted than it feels. So if you do your makeup in a room lit with warm lightings, you can easily get over-enthusiastic about layering it because of its sheer texture. As you can hopefully see from the picture, it really melts into your skin like you have just rubbed in some lightweight day moisturizer. La Roche Posay has actually launched a BB cream, but I personally find this more comfortable to wear. And for such a lightweight tinted cream, the coverage it offers is impressive. When I use it as a primer, I only have to sweep a bit of powder/compact foundation (at the moment, Christian Dior Diorskin Forever Compact - see review ) on the dull areas to make sure my complexion is brightened throughout the day. And yes, I did say a bit. At least for me, my face looked cakey on the few occasions that I didn't trust the Melt-in Cream enough! And in fact, using it alone can already give you an almost-porcelain complexion if your skin is already pretty good.

Partially rubbed in

Comparing to MAC Skin Enhancer, the Melt-In Cream is more hydrating and more spreadable. My makeup stays longer when I used it as a primer. It provides a broader spectrum of UV protection, good enough for a day of hangout. What's more, it's a godsend product for sensitive skin since it's fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. And not to forget the great coverage that I mentioned...You can already tell that I'm ranking this higher than MAC Skin Enhancer. Honestly, it's really this great!

The Basics of Dior Beaute Fall 2011: Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup SPF 25+++

I said I will test out Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation when the weather cools down and I finally did so. The liquid foundation is as brilliant as the compact (see review HERE). The Forever foundation twins is by far the most lasting foundation I have ever worn.  Like the compact, it melts into a natural radiant glow after some time as if my skin is just nicely moisturized. Besides, I can see how this skincare-makeup hybrid maintains my skin's water-oil balance. Also like the compact, this fluid foundation saves me the trouble of midday retouches. I only need to blot the excess oil once or twice a day...or rather, when I remember to do so, and my makeup look will stay put for the entire day. What impresses me is, it is very sweat-proof, leaving no patches after patting dry my face!

In terms of coverage, though lightweight, I personally think that the fluid version provides a higher coverage than the compact without layering. You can layer it up for even better coverage, of course, but one thin layer is good enough to give me porcelain-like skin. I absolutely adore this Forever twins, although if I were to choose, I still prefer the compact as it is literally weightless.

Thanks to Forever, I will no longer look like a zombie at the end of the evening!

The Wonders of Grapes: Caudalie Toning Lotion

I'm again so much into the French pharmacy brands lately. Most of them, if not all, are great for sensitive skin and it is simply difficult to go wrong! I always think seeing the real French women (not celebs or models) on the streets of Paris is an excellent quality assurance of their skincare products. They demonstrate how beauty can come with great skin and minimal makeup. 

Other than Bioderma Cleansing Water, which has been my staple item, I have recently purchased a few items from Avene (see review HERE) which are like dreams for my horrifying skin breakouts. It healed and cleared my skin in less than 2 weeks. 

Another French brand that I'm obsessed with is Caudalie. I have reviewed the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum in the previous entry (HERE). Love it! Their Toning Lotion is also brilliant and quite a good buy indeed (unlike the Radiance Serum which is a bit pricey if it's not discounted). It carries this refreshing scent of green grapes and it's gentle enough for your eye area too. I will usually press the soaked cotton pad over my eyes for a few seconds to rehydrate this delicate area after wash. The amount of hydration it gives is just nice for combination skin like mine. It leaves my relatively dry cheeks soft and supple without making my oily T-zone sticky and shiny. More importantly, I don't have to worry about skin irritation or any sort of allergic reaction at all. It's alcohol-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free. And as with all Caudalie products, it contains this natural antioxidant, grape seed polyphenols, which makes this Toning Lotion hydrating and anti-aging. How nice! Believe it or not, I actually like it over some of my luxury toners. 

Skincare Review for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting

I love this serum!!! One of the things I adore is that I can also apply it on my eye area, which allows me to skip my usual eye serum on the nights that I'm super exhausted and just want to get my skin prepped and zzzzzzzzzz. In this sense, it's like a 2-for-1 offer, isn't it?! The best part is, I get what I have paid for. I slept at 4a.m. on several occasions, but still my complexion looked brighter than I had expected the next morning. I realize it also managed to overcome the dullness brought by the strong medicated acne treatment I was using (and which failed to curb the horrible breakout) before purchasing Avene Cleanance Cream-Gel (see review HERE). This is a fantastic news because I now have a serum that can make me look better over my very depressive, blemished days. And since it's hypoallergenic, I can use it during my worst skin breakout with no worries at all. What's more, I think it also speeds up the recovery of my blemishes. My skin has stopped breaking out within days of beginning my new skincare regime with the new Avene purchases (HERE), and the spots are minimizing and fading out at a very desirable pace. It's been less than 2 weeks by now, and with only light makeup, my friends are hardly aware that I had just gone through one of my worst skin breakouts! 

Texture-wise, the Radiance Serum feels a bit sticky when I first apply it on my skin. I usually leave it for a few minutes before applying moisturizer to allow the serum to sink in. You will know when it's ready as it will feel noticeably less sticky. The stickiness actually owes to its hydrating property. Now that the weather is still humid, I only apply it on my blemishes and areas that require brightening, say the apples of my cheeks and my undereyes. But my guess is, I can use it over my entire face when the wintry weather sets in. 

Oh, one last thing. Don't forget that the serum contains a star ingredient, grape seed polyphenols, a natural, highly potent antioxidant that helps delay or slow down the skin aging process that we all detest. In other words, it's an antioxidant, hydrating, and brightening serum. It's great especially for acne-prone, sensitive skin and it's definitely a value-for-money product (even better if it comes in a gift pack!) that you should seriously consider including in your coming beauty haul.  

Skincare Review for Acne-Prone Skin: Eau Thermale Avene Anti-blemish Trio

My skin has been hypersensitive since the beginning of August with exposure to a cocktail of acne-boosting factors (e.g. overexposure to the sun, skin allergy, stress, etc.). My latest skincare routine has included a handful of hypoallergenic products, which I will review in two separate entries. They have done magic to my irritated skin within days. I recommended Dermalogica Overnight Clearing gel (see review HERE) some weeks ago, but it's no longer enough to fight the battle. This is the second time my skin breaks out so badly in my 30 years of life. It's a hard battle indeed, but surprising the golden rule of thumb is: Go simple and mild! It doesn't only apply to what you apply after your facial wash, but also to what you use to wash.

I see a stark improvement in my skin condition after using 3 items from Eau Thermale Avene, one of the brands commonly recommended by dermatologists. 

1. Clean-Ac Cleansing Cream

I have combination-dry skin, which means my cheeks are rather dry even under this humid spring/summer weather. So I opted for this cleansing cream for better hydration. It is a misconception that the oily T-zone needs no hydration since it is actually oily because of dehydration! What makes this cleansing cream great for sensitive skin is that it's soapless! It's utterly gentle, but it can also remove sunscreen and grime without overstripping your skin. My skin feels clean and calm after the wash.

2. Cleanance K Cream-Gel

Thanks to the effectiveness of AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid), Cleanance K can exfoliate, hydrate, and balance the sebum-secretion of the affected areas. I have to stress that it is indeed very effective in treating acnes and blemishes. But I have one note of caution: Don't be greedy!!! Apply ONLY a thin layer to the affected areas as it may burn your skin if you layer too much! It may sting a bit even with a thin layer. My skin actually turned red when my pimples were really inflamed. The redness subsided after like 10 minutes...and I haven't experienced much stingy sensation and redness since the inflammation was treated after two nights of application. But in any cases, you do really need to spare that 10 minutes for the formula to sink in for better results anyway. I think this cream-gel is the crux of the entire skin rescue. My pimples were dried up, or at least partially dried, the next morning!

3. Clean-Ac Hydrating Cream

The moisturizer is specially formulated for blemish-prone sensitive skin. As it vouches, it does hydrate and soothe my irritated skin. It also instantly calms the stingy sensation brought by Cleanance K. It provides the nourishment and protection my blemished skin needs for recovery. The only thing is, it's apparently heavier than my usual moisturizers and I just can't make myself use it over my T-zone area (on which I'm still using Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner - HERE). Other than this, it's a brilliant moisturizer, especially for the upcoming fall season. 

Overall, with these 3 Avene Products, my skin is now tamed, my face is clearing...everything's on the right track!

   

Review of the New Hybrid: Dior Diorskin Forever Compact Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup SPF 25++

I'm given a sample set comprising of a radiant makeup base, a fluid foundation, and a compact foundation, all from the latest Fall/Winter 2011 collection of Dior Beaute. I have only tested out the compact foundation so far for several reasons that you may also like to consider when you are struggling with what to include in your beauty haul.

Firstly and honestly, I have been super lazy with my makeup lately as I'm rushing through the final stages of my research like a racing doggie. What's more, I personally find the UV protection offered by the makeup base (with SPF 20+) too low to withstand the invincible sunshine these days. And again, the horrible heat actually makes it easier for whatever you put on your face to clog your pores. The thought of wearing a primer, fluid foundation, and a powder finish seems to spurt up my body temperature! It's good to wear powder or compact foundation in sweltering weather as it is more likely to melt into a natural glowy finish that is not too sticky for your summer hangouts. Think I will save the makeup base and the fluid foundation for later when the weather gets cooler and more comfortable, hopefully toward the end of this month...Anywayz, so much of reasoning...

I am actually beginning to like Diorskin Forever Compact over my beloved Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact (see reviews HERE and HERE), which I know I have been raving about. It comes in 6 shades and what I received is in Light Beige (020). I apply it with my Lily Lolo kabuki brush (buy HERE with free worldwide delivery) and it's perfect in terms of both the shade and finish. Like GA Lasting Silk, the shade blends perfectly with my natural complexion, and the texture is so sheer that it really gives the second-skin effect that it vouches. It's almost indistinguishable whether I'm wearing any makeup and I just look brightened! 

But what Diorskin Forever really outshines GA Lasting Silk are its coverage and its amazingly lasting quality. Although sheer, it provides a noticeably better coverage than GA Lasting Silk. If the latter gives me an even-toned, no-makeup complexion, Diorskin Forever gives me an even-toned, no-makeup-but-better complexion. A porcelain yet natural-looking finish. The best part is, the skincare serum infiltrated in the compact foundation seems to be really effective in maintaining the water-oil balance of my skin. Great for combination skin. It manages to stay put for 9 hours (that's the longest I have tried...may last even longer...) with only occasional oil-blotting around the T-zone. No patches, no streaks, no sliding - Hurray! 

It's truly a brilliant hybrid of makeup and skincare. It feels nothing, but looks perfect. I will definitely purchase the compact after finishing this generous sample palette. Oh for your information, the compact is quite pigmented. All I need is a few light strokes over my face and this little will go a long long long way. Over here, it's sold at HKD 440 (USD 56.50) and it's worth every penny.

Skincare Review: Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate (vs. Bobbi Brown)

I have just finished two sachet samples of Lancome Genifique Eye Concentrate. Although  I can't physically see whether the Eye Concentrate has really boosted the production of my youth genes, the whole experience was great.

Like Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream, this Eye Concentrate could effectively plump up the fine lines under eyes (I'm a contact lens wearer) and keep my super dehydrated under eyes well-quenched the whole day. I'm not sure if it has really worked on my dark circles or it's simply the results of better-quality sleep. Although I slept at 2-3am for a few nights, I reckon my concealer seemed to be more able to cover up my dark circles than it used to. Hmm, is it sleep, the Eye Concentrate, or illusion??? 

On the whole, the Eye Concentrate is very similar to Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream. The major differences are that the Eye Concentrate is slightly smoother and noticeably more matt. It moisturizes my eye area well enough. Brilliant! Price-wise, both are about the same. Having compared the texture and quality, think it depends more on whether you happen to pass by a Bobbi Brown shop or a Lancome shop when you yearn for a new bottle of eye cream...and yes, if you have any particular loyalty toward a brand. Right now, I have added Genefique Eye Concentrate to my favorite list!