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. 

The Deserved Winner: Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme Review & Swatch

Being a big fan of NARS Illuminators, I couldn't understand why beauty insiders rave about the award-winning Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme in Rose Gold (BUY HERE) till I have used it myself. It's so multipurpose, foolproof and handy that I can't take my hands off it! I have been carrying it around wherever I go lately! The slim packaging, with the same slimness as my iPhone 4, can easily slip into my pretty stuffed makeup bag. The rather huge mirror which took up the entire interior of the lid allows me to bid farewell to the old days of squinting in cute little mirrors for mid-day retouches.

Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme is a light-diffusing cream that gives a subtle pearly radiance to your skin. The formula is impressively more sheer and lightweight (it's actually weightless!) than I would ever expect of a cream, which makes it foolproof and perfect for layering. You can easily apply it anywhere you want without making a mess because it's just so sheer, non-sticky and spreadable!!! You can use it to highlight your contours and decolletage, brighten your complexion, use it as a natural-looking eye shadow or layer it as a bronzer. Plus, the only tool you need is your finger tip! Best of all, it works great even on powdered face! So it can be used as a good pick-me-up at any time of the day. This Dewy Glow Creme is utterly user-friendly! Gone are the days when you accidentally popped a large glob of fluid or gel highlighter onto your face and ended up looking as if you'd put aluminium foil on your cheeks. Trust me, it's very difficult to go wrong for anybody, including amateurs. And that's why it's produced by Jemma Kidd Make Up School, isn't it?!

For those of you who have yellow skin undertone like me, this sheeny pearly rosy-champagne shade is very close to the natural complexion, but prettier! As the name suggests, the finish is dewy, but not too dewy. You know, some dewy finishes will make you look oily, but this one is just nice in every way. Well honestly, I think shade will actually look fabulous on all skin tones. The golden sheen is so smooth and gentle...not the catchy flashy type...Oh before I forget, the formula contains jojoba oil which truly nourishes your skin for a more natural glow. 

I adore it!!! 

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