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: 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!

My Old Friend: Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum

I call it my old friend because I'd finished 3 bottles before switching to Lancome Blanc Expert Melanolyser (HERE) this year. With that, I can't see why I should ever leave it out in my beauty blog!

Honestly, as many people will agree, the name of this product is quite misleading. Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum is not spot targeting at all, but I kept repurchasing it for its excellent work in evening out my skin tone and its super absorbable and sheer texture. I know there are quite a handful of negative reviews of this serum because it really doesn't erase any of your spots! But I shall stress that if you're looking at its overall illuminating power, it is a brilliant product. Like I said, it didn't lighten my sun spots at all, but my usual dull areas, the nose and chin, were noticeably brightened, adding radiance to the overall look. What's more, the formula is literally weightless. It seeped through my skin like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel (HERE) and it left my skin baby smooth and soft. Come to think of it, think the texture is actually what I liked most, but of course you may not put sheerness so high on your checklist like me.

One last thing, a bottle could last for one and half month, which makes it a lot more pricey than Lancome Melanolyser. As a matter of fact, I have been using Melanolyser since early April and I am still on my first tube now (finishing though)! So all in all, this Shiseido Spot Targeting Serum is not a perfect beauty product, but in one way or another I did know what I'd paid for. Worth the money? It depends on what you will scream over...

BB Cream Mania: Laneige Snow BB Cream SPF 41++

Oh gosh, I have delayed this post for soooooooooo looooooong! I have actually purchased Laneige Snow BB Cream shortly after its launch. I was attracted by the antioxidant effect, the texture, the price, and the aqua image of the brand.

The BB Cream comes in two shades, but it turned out that even the darker shade is too fair for me! As with many traditional or earlier generations of BB creams, the fairness is rather grayish, which unfortunately doesn't settle and blend into your natural complexion like what MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm does (review pending!). So I will only recommend this Laneige one to those with pink skin undertones and super fair complexion like the Korean girls we often see on TV dramas. 

But even so, I have to confess that I do like its texture. It's soufflé-like, ultra sheer, and less sticky than Lancome UV Expert BB Base (HERE). For your information, I find it quite uncomfortable to wear Lancome UV Expert BB Base living in this 33-degree hot air. There's no way I can get rid of the stickiness with powder lately and I have decided to reserve it for autumn and winter. Back to this Laneige Snow BB Cream, yes, I love the texture. It literally feels like my second skin and my Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge (for reviews, see HERE and HERE) blends in perfectly. But again, it's too fair for my face and reduce wastage, I can only use it on my neck and chest on days that I find my face paler for any reasons. Oh, and one more thing, I also like the scent, which is actually identical to the pleasant floral scent of their Water Sleeping Pack. Will be fabulous if they can add some darker shades to the collection next year...!

BB Cream Mania: Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield High Potency Active Protection BB Base SPF 50+++

Pop...Another BB cream in my basket! I have been struggling between Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield BB Base and Dior Diorsnow BB Cream since their launches. Finally...bling...I received a promotion text from Lancome which moved my feet to the counter...

It was a wise purchase. Although it doesn't give the bubbly sensation of Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse (HERE), the texture is very sheer and spreadable. Before I left the Lancome counter, the sales representative reminded me to start with just a thin layer. She was very right. A thin layer will suffice for a brightened and natural finish since the cream comes in quite a fair shade (which is the only shade)...Fair, but not ashy white (See swatches below). You may find it too fair before it is completely rubbed in and settled. So please be a bit more patient! Before you know, it will melt and blend into your skin like a lightweight moisturizer while correcting your dull complexion. It leaves your face dewy and nude all day long. The UV protection it provides is also enough to shield you from this major source of premature aging for 12 hours straight. 

The only thing that kind of bothers me is its stickiness. Yes, it's sticky no matter how long I let it settle in. BUT, since I usually set the makeup with my Mac Blot Powder, the problem can be easily forgotten. 

Another thing you may like to know before your purchase is that it only provides a light coverage. I don't have much blemishes, so it's not really a concern to me. But anyway, I do think it blurs the spots on my face. 

I like it!

Partially rubbed in

Fully rubbed in

UV Fighters IV: Lancome Blanc Expert Melanolyser Whiteness Activating Spot Eraser

Asian girls, including myself, are known for their obsession over fair complexion. I wasn't lucky enough to be born with snowy fair skin, but my experience says proper skincare regime and treatments plus UV protection can essentially make up for what nature's brought me. I don't want to use the word 'whitening' here since only products that contain bleach or alike can really whiten your skin. I'm madly indulged in brighhtening products and I actually think everybody needs it. Even if you're a beach babe who prefers bronze complexion, you won't wanna end up with freckles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Choosing a good serum is utterly important here because that's what plays the magic in your daily skincare routine.

I tested out Lancome Blanc Expert Melanolyser Whiteness Activating Spot Eraser for a month. The product says that it will dissolve pigmentations and discoloration, minimize melanin production, and speed up the exfoliation of surface dead cells which are packed with melanin to reveal finer, fairer, and more even skin texture. To a considerable extent, it does.

Unlike some of the online reviews which joyfully reported that their spots faded out the next morning, I haven't observed such a dramatic effect and I believe I never will. Looking into the mirror, my overall skin tone is indeed significantly brightened and evened out. I know I'm repeating, but I have to stress that the product has really done quite a good job in evening out my skin tone. I THINK my blemishes and spots are slightly lightened as well...for this, frankly, I'm not sure if it's just a "placebo effect"...anyway, on the whole, I'll give this product an A-. 

Why an A-? 

I always expect serums to be super lightweight, and I think they have to be lightweight. Look, it's only the first layer of product that I'll apply on my face after cleansing and toning. At the very least, there'll be a moisturizer or emulsion layering on top of it...that's provided I'm not wearing makeup...This Melanolyser is however a bit too rich for a serum. It's perfect for those who prefer a more moisturizing formula. It leaves a moisture layer on my skin, and even before applying my emulsion, it already feels like I have! You may find that a good news if it means your moisturizer or emulsion can last a bit longer. Yes, I'm really using a smaller drop of emulsion these days. But no, I'll still hunt for another brightening serum for summer and adore Blanc Expert Melanolyser in our dry fall and winter. Anyway, don't get me wrong - it's a good product! *wink*