Saturday, January 29, 2011

CUskin Review: Dr. Repair Skin, Smooth Moisture Cream

I was sent some CUskin products to try earlier this month and I’m finally ready to post my thoughts after integrating them in my daily skincare regimen.

(Source: en.cueshop.co.kr/)

CUskin is a Korean cosmeceutical brand which has been collaboratively developed by doctors of medicine, doctors of oriental medicine, and dermatologists in the CU Dermatologist Network. Their products were initially sold only at skin clinics and aesthetic treatment shops, they are now gradually expanding to franchises as well as their own online shop.

Dr. Repair Skin


Name: CUskin Dr. Repair Skin
Price: RM 105 for 15 ml


Dr. Repair Skin is formulated to accelerate healing, enhance tissue repair and diminish dark pigmentation. According to the CUskin PR, it can also be used on areas affected by acne. After testing thoroughly, I’m concluding that it does calm breakouts in the beginning stages but not fully formed ones like the unfortunate pimple in the picture below.

Before (January 8th) and after (January 28th) pictures of my brow.


It’s a battle to keep my cheeks clear, they are always plagued by these infernal crap (- ω -)


Superb at healing areas affected by breakouts!

I enjoy the scent of this cream, it is perfume-y yet comforting. It’s far preferable over my Annasalbe cream that smells like rotten eggs. In terms of consistency and texture, the cream feels light and smooth. It is so lovely to use - it absorbs easily, doesn’t dry out my skin and a little goes a long way.


I will purchase it once I run out even though it is a fairly expensive upkeep.

The ingredient list for Dr. Repair Cream:
Water, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Smooth Moisture Cream

(Source: facebook.com/pages/CUskin-Malaysia/)

Name: CUskin Smooth Moisture Cream
Price: RM 220 for 50 ml

Moisturizers are very difficult to evaluate as they depend on your individual skin type, personal preference as well as the changes in weather. This is one of the reasons why I’m only going to touch on the scent and texture of Smooth Moisture Cream, besides the obvious - it is impossible to ascertain the effects of any particular skincare product after using only three sample sachets.

Smooth Moisture Cream is designed to moisturize, nourish, and protect dry and aging skins. It is a rich, white cream that sinks into my skin like butter. When it is completely absorbed, it forms a smooth protective barrier. I do catch a faint chemical like scent from it, but it is virtually undetectable once it is completely taken in by my skin.


I couldn't resist adding this bit in, even though I said I wouldn't earlier on~ As far as initial impression goes, it is great at making my face feel firmer (or should I say more youthful? hahaha) but I came to notice that it increases sebum production.

The ingredient list for Smooth Moisture Cream:
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Dimethicone, Glycol Stearate SE/Cetearyl Alcohol/Stearic Acid/Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Betaine, Sea Water, PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate, Ceramide 1/Ceramide 3/Ceramide 6II/Phytosphingosine/Cholesterol/Sodium Lauroyl, Lactylate/Carbomer/Xanthan gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Paraben, Phenoxyethanol, Propyl Paraben, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Water/Butylene Glycol/Algin/Sodium Citrate/Atelocollagen/Serine, Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol, Beta-Glucan, Arnica Montana Flower Extract/Gentiana Lutea Root Extract/Achillea Millefolium, Extract/Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract/Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract/Glycerin/Water, Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, BHT.

Evoskin is the sole distributor of CUskin in Malaysia. You can find out more about them or CUskin products at their Facebook page. For further enquiries do contact them via e-mail at info@evoskin.com.my. And if you’d like to try out CUskin products, please do mention my name upon ordering - you will enjoy a 10% discount on all products purchased! Will you check them out?

Disclosure: Press samples.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Look Inspired By Tsubasa Masuwaka

Tsubasa Masuwaka always has an impeccable eye makeup on, and I felt that the look that I chose to replicate is different from her usual looks haha~ For one thing, it is not her usual neutral shade AND it is very subtle.



She’s using Dolly Wink products here, but I don’t see why we can’t replace them with items in our own arsenal (^ ω ^)

Eyeshadows-wise, I have NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil Pots & Pans all over lid, lilac grey shade from Max Factor Chic Monotone in the middle of the upper lid. Lastly I defined my inner and outer corners with a white also from Chic Monotone.


I need to get bottom lashes! I won’t have to spend as much time lengthening my lashes with mascara and also smudging my lower lids in the process


Ummm yeah, the lashes that I chose are too long and my liner isn't droopy enough (- ω -)


Tender nude cheeks with Ayura Aura Feel Veil RD01.



FACE atelier Lipstick Wheat to finish off my look~



That's all, sorry for making you suffer through my look which ended up not resembling Tsubasa's at all haha~

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

My Beauty Diary: Arbutin Whitening, Collagen Firming, Damask Rose, Formosa White Phalaenopsis, Camellia, White Peony Tea, White Truffle Fantastic Whitening

I have professed my dislike for My Beauty Diary masks numerous times but I am weak against their new releases. Right after I use their masks and go 'ughh this is crap', new flavours will pop up (and sometimes they even have the most overused evil phrase limited edition tagged on!).. Yeah, a vicious cycle. Haha!

Arbutin Whitening (whitening)


Name: My Beauty Diary Arbutin Whitening Mask
Price: HKD 168 for the following
Arbutin Whitening (23 ml ×15)
Collagen Firming (23 ml ×15)
Gold + Marine Collagen (28 ml ×2)
Platinum + Pearl (28 ml ×2)

Price: ★★★★★★★ RM 1.99/piece
Scent: ★★★★★★☆ faint custard apple fragrance
Moisturising level: ★★★★★★☆
Whitening degree: ★★★★★★☆
Recommend: Yes!!! My complexion looks so clear and almost translucent. Thumbs up!

Ingredients:


Collagen Firming (firming)


Name: My Beauty Diary Collagen Firming Mask
Price: HKD 168 for the following
Arbutin Whitening (23 ml) x15
Collagen Firming (23 ml) x15
Gold + Marine Collagen (28 ml) x2
Platinum + Pearl (28 ml) x2

Price: ★★★★★★★ RM 1.99/piece
Scent: ★★★★★★★ soothing yet sweet, the nicest fragrance amongst all 6 flavours!
Moisturizing level: ★★★★★★☆
Whitening degree: ★★★★★★☆
Recommend: Yes!!! That being said this mask is more for smell and the brightening effect only, I didn't experience any firming effects whatsoever (- ω -)

Ingredients:


Damask Rose Ice Cream (whitening, soothing)


Name: My Beauty Diary Blooming of Beauty Damask Rose Ice Cream Mask
Price: HKD 28 for 5 pieces (23 ml each)

Price: ★★★★★★★ RM 2.26/piece
Scent: ★★★★★★☆ unobtrusive sweet rosy scent, it isn’t as overwhelming or as rose-like as Bulgarian White Rose
Moisturising level: ★★★★★★☆
Whitening degree: ★★★★★★☆
Recommend: Yes!!! It's superb at brightening and hydrating plus can anyone resist the LE novelty factor? (^ ω ^)

Ingredients:


Formosa White Phalaenopsis (whitening, nourishing)


Name: My Beauty Diary Blooming of Beauty Formosa White Phalaenopsis Mask
Price: HKD 28 for 5 pieces (23 ml each)

Price: ★★★★★★★ RM 2.26/piece
Scent: ★★★☆☆☆☆ light floral fragrance, nothing memorable about it
Moisturising level: ★★★★★★☆
Whitening degree: ★★★★★★☆
Recommend: Yes!! Love the brightening effect even though the scent leaves much to be desired.

Ingredients:


Camellia (moisturizing, brightening, anti oxidant)


Name: My Beauty Diary Camellia Mask
Price: NT$ 69 for 30 g

Price: ★★★★★★☆ RM 7.25/piece
Scent: ★★★☆☆☆☆ light forgettable scent
Moisturising level: ★★★★☆☆☆ no noticeable difference
Whitening degree: ★★★★☆☆☆ average
Recommend: No. This flavour is too average in every way to justify the price.

Ingredients:


White Peony Tea (whitening, brightening, soothing)


Name: My Beauty Diary White Peony Tea Mask
Price: NT$ 69 for 30 g

Price: ★★★★★★☆ RM 7.25/piece
Scent: ★★★☆☆☆☆ not too enamoured over the mild floral scent. Thank goodness it is undetectable once on.
Moisturising level: ★★★★★★★ extremely moisturizing
Whitening degree: ★★★☆☆☆☆ mediocre
Recommend: Yes if you have dry or mature skin. The essence in this mask might be too rich for some; several tiny bumps sprouted on my chin (> ω <)

Ingredients:


White Truffle Fantastic Whitening
(brightening, lightening of scars and freckles, regenerating)


Name: My Beauty Diary White Truffle Fantastic Whitening Mask
Price: NT$ 69 for 30 g

Price: ★★★★★★☆ RM 7.25/piece
Scent: ★★☆☆☆☆☆ light chemical scent. Again, this scent doesn't linger.
Moisturising level: ★★★★★★★
Whitening degree: ★★★☆☆☆☆
Recommend: No. Another bore from the luxury line.. at this rate, I'm not even remotely interested in trying out the Platinum Nanocolloid variation.

Ingredients:


I LOVE the regular and Blooming of Beauty variations, they are excellent!! It's obvious that I find the luxury line rather average (to put it lightly) from my lackluster ratings. It is so far behind the regular line to warrant the higher price tag.

Besides that, the regular line went through an upheaval recently and is now equipped with a similar fabric as the luxury line; all the more reasons for giving the luxury line a wide berth haha (^ ω ~)

PS: I will NEVER EVER repurchase MBD masks from Eternal Beauty or their distributors Guardian Pharmacy and Watsons. These masks cost RM 4.99 to RM 8.45 per piece (depends on which box set you choose), talk about rip-off!!

If Mannings (the Hong Kong version of Guardian Pharmacy) can sell a piece for RM 1.99 to RM 2.26 thereabouts, I don’t see why Eternal Beauty can't.

PPS: Sorry for ranting!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

O’slee Review: Rosehip Beauty Solution Advanced Formula III, UV Block Powder SPF20 PA++ (UV White++), Rosehip Whitening Mask

December is the best time to stock up on drugstore products. This is when they go on sale!!

(Source: facebook.com/pages/Oslee-Malaysia/)

O'slee is a brand from Hong Kong and it recently won an award 'Beloved Toner' from Mannings. Mannings is what Guardian Pharmacy is to us, and for those of you not in the know, Mannings is a retail chain that offers a comprehensive range from health to beauty products.

Rosehip Beauty Solution Advanced Formula III


Name: O'slee Rosehip Beauty Solution Advanced Formula III 玫瑰果美肌水第三代
Price: RM 59.90 for 100 ml
Made in: Hong Kong

The Rosehip Beauty Solution Advanced Formula III is the product that O'slee is most famously known for.

This beauty solution reminds me of Japanese face lotions (化粧水); it preps skin for subsequent skincare products to absorb better, hydrates and also provides whitening benefits.


This 'toner' feels like water, is really refreshing, soothing and has a nice rosy fragrance. It absorbs really quickly and moisturises my face nicely.

The ingredient list for Rosehip Beauty Solution Advanced Formula III:
Rosehip Extracts, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, L-Zinc-2-Hydroxy Propionate, Hydrumine Hamanelis Liquid, D-Pantothenyl Alcohol, Nicotinamide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tinocare Gl, Rose and Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Diazolidinyl Urea/Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

UV Block Powder SPF20 PA++ (UV White++)


Name: O'slee UV Block Powder SPF20 PA++ (UV White++) 清爽幼滑防曬粉 SPF 20 PA ++ (美白)
Price: RM 68.90 for 8 g
Made in: Hong Kong

UV Block Powder SPF20 PA++ (UV White++) is can be used before or after makeup, which makes it perfect for touch-ups! I must stress the importance of touching up sunscreen - UV rays cause premature ageing and hyperpigmentation.

It is chunky, but still portable. It comes in a sifter pot, with the powder contained in the bottom portion. It also contains a white poof.


How to use:


The powder is a lemony shade, which doesn't conform to expectations. I've seen quite a few powder sunscreens and they are all white.. The yellow doesn't show on my skin and I have worn it over foundation, BB cream and alone (when I'm at home and not planning to scare anyone). It reduces sebum production and provides the tiniest hint of coverage.

I really enjoy using this product, and I can't live without it now!

The ingredient list for UV Block Powder SPF20 PA++ (UV White++):
Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Zinc Oxide/Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Iron Oxide Yellow, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Rose Essential Oil, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil.

Rosehip Whitening Mask


Name: O'slee Rosehip Whitening Mask 水潤淨白美肌面膜
Price: RM 39.90 for 1 box (×5)
Made in: Hong Kong

I adore sheet masks, they are so convenient to use – just slap it on and no rinsing required. I usually use one every two days unless I'm lazy *shifty eyes* haha~

This mask is saturated in a ton of fluid and there's a lot of excess left in the foil pack after removing the mask. It took a while for my face to absorb the essence after some light massaging.

Price: ★★★★★★☆ RM 7.98/sachet. My favoured masks from My Scheming Beauty and faceQ are much more affordable!
Scent: ★★★★★★☆ lovely light rose scent
Moisturising level: ★★★★★★☆ pretty good, my face felt bouncy the next day
Whitening degree: ★★★★☆☆☆ average, MSB and faceQ masks do a better job

The ingredient list for Rosehip Whitening Mask:
Aqua, Rosa Canina Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylates/Acrylonitrogens Copolymer, Panthenol, Papain, Methylparaben, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil.

O'slee products can be found in selected Guardian Pharmacies nationwide or online on oslee.com.my, sasa.com and cosme-de.com. They're well worth a look!

Disclosure: Gift.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Lunasol Blooming Eyes 02C White Gradation Review, Swatches, EOTD

January just only began but I’m already showcasing a FOTD for a spring palette! But if I think about it, spring 2011 collections for many Japanese brands are already released, so this EOTD wouldn’t be amiss at all (^ ω ^)


White Gradation was released in spring 2009 as one of the five quads released for the 蕾咲浄化 (tsubomisaki jyouka), or Blooming Purification collection.


Name: Lunasol ルナソル Blooming Eyes レイヤーブルームアイズ 02C White Gradation
Price: ¥ 5,250 for 6.7 g
@cosme rating: 4.7
Release date: 16.1.2009

White Gradation is favoured by Japanese beauty aficionadas when weddings loom in the horizon. Henceforth it made its name as one of Lunasol’s top five lucky products. (Source: rougedeluxe.blogspot.com/)

(Source: kanebo-cosmetics.jp/)

Packaging: It comes in Lunasol’s traditional bronze compact with two double ended applicators. The quality of the brush applicator is rather lacking.. I much prefer Kate’s, the bristles do not shed plus they are so soft and dense!


Colour: White Gradation was inspired by the 白モクレン (haku mokuren; white magnolia) flower. The colours are offered are very subtle, a pale mint main color, silvery white shining highlight, light yellow nuance color and khaki shade color (clockwise from bottom left).


Natural light


Muted flash

Swatches.


Natural light


Muted flash

Texture: The eyeshadows feel silky smooth to the touch, they aren’t gritty at all. It has the finest shimmers amongst all of the Lunasol palettes that I own.

Thoughts: I am so relieved that these colours show up on me, they are so light in the pan! It has good pigmentation, and all of the shades can be easily distinguished when on the lids. White Gradation creates a flattering translucent look that is both cool and sophisticated. Much as I love this quad, the chances are high that it will not suit everyone.

Here's what it looks like on my eyes.


PRODUCTS USED
♥ Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner 202 Black Brown
♥ Taiwanese clear lashband lashes

Sorry for the disjointed post, I'm too sleepy to articulate my thoughts clearly haha~ Goodnight everyone and thanks for reading!!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Dolly Wink Eyeshadow And Canmake Gradation Wink Swatches

I'm rather fond of Dolly Wink products and to my relief, they are readily available where I'm at. I've swatched Tsubasa's latest release in this entry - eyeshadow quads - for your perusal!


Name: Dolly Wink Eyeshadow
Price: ¥ 1680
@cosme rating: 4.2
Release date: 24.11.2010

No.01 Brown



No.02 Gray Pink



No.03 Blue Orange



No.04 Green Pink



The texture is buttery smooth and to my consternation the beautiful sheen is not obvious in these swatches (> ω <)

I'm also including swatches of Canmake's Gradation Wink trios. They are my main reason to brave the drugstores haha~


Name: Canmake Gradation Wink
Price: ¥ 546
@cosme rating: 4.6
Release date: 1.9.2010


01 Caramel Madeleine


02 Chocolate Millefeuille


03 Strawberry Tart


04 Blueberry Tart


I have no idea what's the texture like as I forgot to run my fingers along the Gradation Wink shadows (> ω <) I set my heart on Caramel Madeleine but Chocolate Millefeuille caught my eye upon swatching. I'm still undecided on which to get, help??

All of the swatches in this entry were done with one swipe so you can imagine how pigmented they are.

Sorry for this short entry, my next one will be longer! And hopefully you find these swatches helpful!!

(Source: Images are from koji-honpo.co.jp/tsubasa/ and canmake.com/en/)