Skincare Review: History of Whoo In Yang Neck & Face Sleeping Repair

I love sleeping masks. It's a brilliant invention of the century to busy city girls who can hardly have time to sit back for facial treatments. I'm sure Laneige Water Sleeping Pack is not new to those of you who live in Asian cities (a holy grail item for long-haul flights. Talk more soon!). I still adore it, but I adore this History of Whoo In Yang Neck & Face Sleeping Repair almost just as much.

For those who are not familiar with using sleeping masks, it's supposed to be the last things you apply in your bedtime skincare regimen, so it can form a nourishing and/or hydrating layer that promotes and supplements the absorption of other skincare products when your skin is in its most relaxed state during sleep. And if you are new to this brand, it is one of the major competitors of Sulwhasoo, and therefore with products marked within a similar price range. As with all other products of History of Whoo, this Neck & Face Sleeping Repair is marketed as a secret imperial formula churned out of a combination of Korean medicinal ingredients that aims to enhance skin conditions and overcome skin problems by balancing the In and Yang in one's inner system. 

It is a nourishing cream formula that comes in a gorgeous container designed with a traditional Korean touch. The texture is simply beautiful and the fragrance is very soothing as a bedtime regimen. Though rich and full, I can feel that some of the cream is already absorbed by my skin as I gently massage it in. Overnight, it leaves my skin very soft and supple after the morning wash. In fact, I personally find it more effective than Laneige Water Sleeping Pack. The entire experience, from scooping the cream out of the beautiful jar to applying and massaging the cream into my skin, feels like a pampering treat that puts a perfect end to the day. 

One thing to note is that although the product claims to restore skin texture and rejuvenate problem skin, on nights that my skin is sensitive and unstable, I still think Water Sleeping Pack, or better still, Bioderma Hydrobio Mask (see previous review HERE) will be better bets. It just feels safer to use a simpler formula when you skin is frail. But I have to confess that my spots literally vanished the next morning on a few occasions after wearing this Sleeping Repair cream overnight. 

You may be a bit hesitant seeing the price tag, but the good new is, I need only a dime size for my cheeks, chin and mouth area. It seems to take forever to finish the entire jar! With its brilliant performance, to me, it's definitely worthwhile.  

The Godsend Treatment: Vitamin E Oil for Hormonal Acne and Allergies

Hurray! I found it!!! For many many months, I have been suffering from hormonal breakouts around my mouth and chin area every single month as my period came close and whenever I'd eaten any hormone-laden food, like milk, beef and soy - all my faves...And when it hit, it went quite out of control. 

Prayers granted as I popped into a health food store near my place and came across this booth displaying natural vitamin E oil of different dosages. I bought the one that contains 32,000 IU of vitamin E, originally meant for eliminating stretch marks and scars. But hey, acne and allergies are in a sense inflammation, which could be remedied by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and repairing properties of natural vitamin E oil. 

I layered the vitamin E oil generously over the affected areas and a little over the good areas, massaged it in and leave it on as a sleeping mask. Believe it or not, it worked wonders overnight! After washing it off the next morning, my skin was tamed, soft and supple. The best part is, the angry pimples are calmed, bumps subsided and I even thought the pimple scars shrank a bit as well! Since then, I repeat this routine every night to replace my facial moisturizer - the very last step. I would still highly recommend you to hydrate your skin as per normal before using the oil. After all, this last step is supposed to lock in the moisture of your well-hydrated skin. That said, I still treat my skin with toner, essence and hydration cream-gel before massaging in this oil. My hormonal acne is pretty much in control these days, with only mild acne which dries up significantly faster and the blemishes diminish significantly faster than ever before...erm alright, since my teenager years. 

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? 

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?

A Taste of the Korean Skincare Secrets: Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask

I have heard a lot about Sulwhasoo since their gift packs were presented to the first ladies as a souvenir in the G20 Seoul Summit 2010. It is also visible how the brand is gaining its popularity here in Hong Kong. I see more and more ladies, ranging from mothers to those in their mid-20s or early-30s, raving about their products. To quench my curiosity, I purchased their Skin Clarifying Mask to get a taste of luxury Korean skincare.

Sulwahsoo products feature the use of Korean medicinal herbs. And after testing out the Skin Clarifying Mask, I realize it's nothing gimmicky. It really works! Unlike many of the clarifying masks on my shelf, it doesn't rely on kaolin (clay) to remove the excess oil and impurities on my skin. It's a gel peel-off mask, with a consistency thicker than honey, that is produced using traditional methods for preparing Korean medicine. Because of its thick consistency, it's not as spreadable as Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, so I used more than I'd expected and that explains why it comes in a big 150ml tube. Honestly, I found the brownish gel a bit gross at the start...uhem, try to imagine it's honey or maple syrup...but look, it actually smells herbal...no, it's honeyed ginger!

I could feel quite a strong pull on my face as it dried. After about 20 minutes, I could easily peel it off downward from my forehead as instructed. I found my complexion brighter and my pores more refined even in the next day. According to the Sulwhasoo Regime, it should be used after their Massage Cream and before any replenishing serums and moisturizers. I use it after Shiseido White Lucent Massage Cream and the Skin Clarifying Mask does a brilliant job in balancing and refining my skin after the facial massage. I reviewed Shiseido White Lucent Massage Cream (HERE) last month and I still adore it. I haven't used any sort of microdermabrasion since I began the Massage Cream a month ago. It's indeed a gentle alternative to skin exfoliants. My face is still smooth and clear. The outcome is even better when I pair it with this Sulwhasoo clarifying mask, which is noticeably more effective than Shiseido Revital Refining Mask (as is used in the Shiseido facial treatment session), and the price is more attractive too!  

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. 

What Makes My Skin Smile: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Massage Cream

I went for this promotional event by Shiseido last Tuesday which included a complimentary skin analysis and a 60-min facial session at this Conrad ballroom. My apologies for not taking any pictures as I was too busy relaxing...oops!

The session began with a skin analysis. And as expected of my combo skin, my cheeks were slightly dry. According to the results and my purchase record, I was prescribed with a range of White Lucent products plus a mask from their Revital line. 

What impressed me most was the White Lucent Brightening Massage Cream, which left my skin feeling so super soft and well-rested after the massage in the facial session, like it had just undergone a yoga session - relaxed and refreshed! The facial therapist suggested me to try using it for 7 days to speed up the cell renewal of my recently blemished skin.

I have used it for 5 days now and I can almost feel my skin metabolism being activated! Uhem, I may have exaggerated a bit here, but I'm truly happy with this purchase because I could see how it replenished my skin's moisture level after the very first application at home! I was surprised that my pores looked smaller and my face became more luminous...I could visualize my skin cells being hydrated like a stomata! What I also like is that it can be used on the delicate eye area and problem skin too.

Although my face massaging skill was not that professional, my face was warm after the 3- to 5-minute massage. I assumed it had really activated my blood circulation, and anywayz, my face was really brightened with more radiance after it's cooled down. The skincare products that followed could also seep through my skin more easily. The best was, I couldn't remember the last time I woke up with such radiant skin! What's more, this gigantic pimple that had just begun to dry out on the day of the facial session had completely dried and shrunk into a small dot after using the Massage Cream for 3 consecutive nights! That's almost the recovery speed I got when I was a teen (I hardly had any acne problem then)!

The relaxation, radiance and visible replenishment make the product an addictive one. The results are visible too. I haven't worn any foundation for the past 4 days and I can now hang out with great complexion using only my MAC Pre + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer in purple (HERE) and a bit of concealer under eyes (currently using Diorskin Sculpt - HERE) - Hooray!

My Overnight Companion in the Acne War: Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel

For a few years, I'd been using Clinique Spot Treatment Gel for my occasional pimples until I was down with a very horrible acne breakout like two years ago. The dermatologist prescribed me with this super pimple cream from the pharmacy, which has worked magic since. I don't want to conveniently recommend any of you to go for this super pimple cream without any professional diagnosis. And in fact, despite its impressive effectiveness, I actually began to wonder recently if I shall switch back to something milder before my skin has built up a strong tolerance against the normal acne treatments.

Amid my recent Acne War, I purchased Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel, just for a desperate go. It turns out that, inclusive of this Clearing Gel, Dermalogica products (HERE) have never let me down! 

In terms of ingredients, this Gel contains Niacinamide and Biotin, the two important members of the Vitamin B family that work on our skin, hair, and cuticles. There is also the ever-familiar Salicylic Acid that clears your pores and sloughs off the dead skin cell to prevent further breakouts. Alright, enough of introducing the featured ingredients...

The actual results? It functions like an overnight film mask that, I suppose, absorbs the excessive sebum and strengthens your skin cells to eradicate the breakouts. I have used it for two weeks by now. What I like about this gel is that it doesn't really dry out my skin, at least there's no peeling so far, although I do need to use a hydrating mask. But it won't give me any problem with my makeup. It also doesn't carry any medicinal smell that some medicated pimple creams do. In fact, it's fragrance free. And above all, I could see the pimples healing the next morning and, unexpectedly, it also seems to have sped up the recovery of my pimple scars! Bravo! I know Dermalogica has recently launched this Clean Start line that targets on acne-prone skin, but I find the pricing quite steep. Although this one may also look pricey at the first glance, but hey, you get 50ml when you are practically using it by drops, plus its brilliant results, it's definitely a deal!!! 

Findings of the Experiment: Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On

After using Garnier's newly launched Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On (HERE) day and night for a few days, the results are quite positive, though not very positive.

Sensation-wise, the roll-on serum is quite absorbable and it doesn't leave a stubborn film on my skin like some other anti-blemish products, which gives me trouble when applying other beauty products. The icy minty touch also brings my blemished face some refreshments.

Does it serve the desired function? Well, it did reduce the size of my spots. The result was particularly visible on the second morning than the days after. Though not measurable, I feel that it has sped up skin renewal without drying out my skin. However, please don't take it as an intensive or 'flash' treatment. Honestly, the effect has been pretty subtle after the second day. You will definitely need to use other skin rejuvenation or purifying treatments (such as Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque - HERE and Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque - HERE) simultaneously for a speedy elimination of your skin imperfections.

Decleor Aroma White Brightening Purifying Mask

If you're looking for something gentle, yet deep-cleansing, clarifying, brightening, and pore-refining...wait, have I just named all that I want for my skin?...but yes, Decleor Aroma White Brightening Purifying Mask does all of them. It's a GENTLE deep-cleansing white clay mask that evens out the irregular pigmentation, absorbs excessive oil, and refines your skin! It's suitable for ALL skin type without any drying and tingling sensation. Unlike many other purifying masks, it's utterly comfortable to wear and it feels like my skin is wrapped with some sort of nourishing balm.

The only thing is, I personally find the fragrance a bit too strong. Wonder if it's meant to be some sort of an aromatherapy...but that's during the treatment...I can barely smell it after rinse, and even if I can, it'll only be lingering in a soothing way (your nose gotta be really good then!!!). BUT I ought to stress that this mask is NOT a 'flash treatment' that you may like to go for the night before a date. You should go for Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque (HERE) if you are desperate for a visible and instant skin purification or if you wish to speed up the recovery of your acne. Although both masques contain kaolin (white clay) which absorbs excess oil, I personally find Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque more effective in treating acne-prone skin. I usually opt for Decleor Purifying Mask when I'm drained late at night, yet feeling as if there are layers of dirt and dead cells piled on my face.

Balancing regime for combination skin: Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque

One of the things I hate about summer is the extra whiteheads (and sometimes blackheads or even zits!) I get on my T-zone. It's a season whereby everything, including oil secretion, is activated! To keep my skin clear and balanced, I can't live without some sort of a purifying mask in my weekly skincare regime. And mind you, I really mean weekly. Unless you want to disrupt and impair your skin's natural functions, you won't need a daily deep-cleansing...which I shall say twice a week is the max! 

Out of the few purifying masks in my skincare cupboard, Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque has been the one I use most often. I realize it really helps keep my face clean and clear in just 10 minutes, without any tingling sensation that I sometimes get from other clay masks. I like to apply a thicker layer over my T-zone, jawline and any potential acne.  Besides the familiar oil-absorbing Kaolin and Bentonite, which are often found in purifying clay masks, this one also contains Vitamin C and E for a more nourishing treat. It's been quite an effective 'first-aid', as well as 'maintenance' treatment so far. My skin always feels fresh, balanced, and soft after use. It says, "Bye shiny nose and acne!" Hooray!!! 

The first step to real facial treats - Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial

I've this indulgence in exfoliating and brightening/purifying masks lately, which (you're right!) kind of burns a hole in my wallet! BUT, you can expect more reviews of mask coming up! 

Exfoliation is a 'must' in everybody's skincare regime. There was a period of time when I was too lazy to exfoliate my skin regularly. But before I knew, my skin started protesting. It looked dull and bumpy. My lotion couldn't seep through and my makeup couldn't stick. AHHHhhhhh! The moral of the story is, no matter how busy you are, don't ever hesitate to spare JUST a few minutes (fine, about 10-15 minutes) to remove the irritating dead cells, which weakens your skin and tarnishes your natural beauty! 

For many years, I've been using Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial. The company launched it years back as a modified version of the Turnaround 15-minute Facial. It truly is an upgrade and it's a product I can't live without these few years! Well, I do find it a bit misleading to name it a 'Facial' or 'Masque' in French as it's more of a facial scrub to me. Erm...but yes, on second thought, perhaps it does a little more than a scrub. The ultrafine microdermabrasion beads can cover every tiny bit of my skin and 'grip' onto the dead cells and impurities on my face. As I scrub my face with water in a circular motion, I'm able to take all the 'junks' off my skin in a gentle, yet effective way. It never fails to leave my skin silky smooth, radiant, and more even-toned. My skin can then 'drink up' my other skincare products and it also saves me lots of glooming time in the next couple of days since my cosmetics can now glide on my face! I've tried other exfoliators (e.g. Dermalogica, Bioderma, and Estee Lauder - reviews pending I promise), but this is thus far THE ONE that I always end up getting back to.  

My 'zoned' last-minute rescue facial

I was horribly exhausted last week, but I had to attend a wedding ceremony on Saturday morning. Like many other girls, I'd definitely want to look great in front of my long-lost high school friends! Trust me, I was a legal zombie by Friday. The rescue started at 11:30pm on Friday. Although my friend commented that I could be better off sleeping earlier, I still did my rescue facial. After all, it only took me like half an hour more, so why not, ya?

By now, you should know that I've combination skin with an oily T-zone, dry face, and super dehydrated and dark under eyes. For a more targeted rescue, I used Clinique Pore Minimizer Refining Mask on my T-zone and chin, Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque on my face, and Borghese Spa-Whitening Eye Masque. 

I've been using Clinique's refining mask for years. The white clay tightens pores and absorbs excessive sebum from your skin in just 10 to 15 min. You can feel the 'pull' as the clay dries and it doesn't leave your skin dehydrated, but smooth, glowy, and balanced. It comes in a huge tube which is probably enough for years, many years, considered the relatively small amount you need each time. By the way, the mask is very spreadable and you don't really need to apply a thick layer. Simply make sure you've fully covered the targeted area and you can sit back to wait for the mask to do its job!

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque 'helps skin recover from damage while enhancing barrier properties and promoting healthy tissue regeneration'. It pampers your skin with a concentrated boost of vitamins A, C, E and F. It feels a bit tingling, just a  very tiny bit, which kinda worried me at first as my face can be really sensitive. But no worries, it's actually very gentle and it left my skin soft and supple, and more importantly for last Saturday, looking radiant as if I've had 7 days of quality sleep! Apply generously for best results. Although this also means that the tube will soon be flattened, I believe you won't hesitate to get the most out of what you've paid for!

Borghese Spa-Whitening Eye Masque contains a registered whitening essence, soluble collagen, and natural minerals which brightens, repair and hydrate the eye area. It can be used both as a quick-fix or an overnight treatment. Personally, I can't use it overnight as it seems to get into my eyes. I usually use it simultaneously with other facial masks, like what I did for last Friday's rescue. Again, apply it generously and it will work even on seasoned dark circles like mine! It plumps up the eye area instantly! The brightening and hydrating effect can last for around 2 days. Well, there could be a more lasting eye treatment, but my experience is that many other masks don't really brighten my eyes as the product description has claimed. This is so far the best I've found. Still in search for better ones tho...=p

Clinique for younger skin (Part I)

Before the change of skin condition last summer, I was practically a die-hard fan of Clinique (well I did and still do use a couple of products from Shiseido). But as I said in the previous entry, almost the entire collection didn't work all of a sudden. It must be AGE! 

Like many other Clinique users, I used Clarifying Lotion 2 (one of the Clinique items that I'm still using - it's a great exfoliator!), Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief for my cheeks, Anti-blemish Moisturizer for my T-zone, All About Eyes Rich and I topped up with their Antioxidant Night Moisturizer at night. I also used and am still using their Turnaround Facial Mask once or twice a week (if I remember). The collection gave me flawless skin for...2 to 3 years...That's somewhere between early- and mid-twenties! 

Some people may find their Clarifying Lotion too dehydrating. The rule of thumb is, you don't always have to use it on your entire face. It really depends on the season. Here in Hong Kong, I will definitely go without it or any other toner in winter, when the relative humidity hovers around 20-60%. Over those dry days, I will only do a weekly facial scrub (with Turnaround Facial Mask), which is of course followed by a moisturizing mask. In summer, as I apply the toner with a cotton pad, I will first wipe the Clarifying Lotion on my T-zone, then my cheeks and other parts of my face. On certain days, I may only wipe it on my T-zone. If you can be selective in using it, it can be one of the best exfoliator in town! Another rule is, make sure you use a moisturizer after that!

Although the official Clinique website says that Moisture Surge can be used as a quick facial mask, it never worked for me. It's too greasy even for my relatively dry face. But the product was great if I used it in a smaller amount, just nice to cover a thin layer on my face (excluding my T-zone). The gel is very spreadable can be absorbed very easily. Plus, the aloe vera extract in the gel really gave my skin a soft hydrating finish. 

I love Turnaround Facial Mask because the grains are really fine and since you're supposed to scrub it while dapping a bit of water onto your face, it won't damage your skin, but give your skin a good gentle exfoliating massage. The pearly particles in the mask leaves a natural-looking glow on your face. Clinique advises you to use their Turnaround serum right after the mask. My skin felt really smooth, looked poreless and illuminated after using the mask (and the serum). But other than the smoothness, I personally don't think there's anything special with the serum. You can happily use other serums which provide more beauty benefits. Again, the usual moisturizing regime is a must after using this mask!