Bloop Fuzzy Germ Blaster

Name: Bloop Fuzzy Germ Blaster
Price: RM 4.90 for 29 ml

Any germaphobes reading this post? Bloop's Fuzzy Germ Blaster is clearly meant for you!

This range is not your garden variety (at least over here) because of the many scents or powers as it is called by Bloop in their blurb. The one pictured, Fuzzy, is a cheery yellow gel that promises to slash 99.9% germs.

It leaves my paws lightly scented and clean but parched. It is way too drying! I have used my fair share of hand sanitisers and this takes the cake. By the way, I have been wondering a while... can anyone tell me what is the purpose of the blue beads? I don't see it doing anything besides leaving hands grainy.

If given a choice, I would rather clean my hands with soap+water, followed by hand wipes and my final selection would be hand sanitisers. That said, the 29 ml size is perfect to toss in the bag - it is really good to have around on the go or when one is in a pinch, haha!

It even has holders but that would bump the price tag up to RM 12.90 from the initial price of RM 4.90. To buy, visit bloop-bloop.com.

The full ingredient list:
Actives:-
Triclosan 0.3%

Inactives:-
Water (Aqua, Eau), TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Lauramide DEA, Fragrance (Parfum), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Polyethylene, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Tetrasodium EDTA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 33 (CI 17200), Blue 1 (CI 42090).

Etude House Play 101 Pencil 1, 6, 8, 11, 43 & 44

No more bulging makeup pouches! Enliven your zombified appearance before you step off the plane! The Play 101 Pencils can be used on all areas of the face.

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Play 101 Pencil 플레이 101 펜슬
Price: ₩ 6,000 for 0.5 g
Made in: Korea

These multi purpose mechanical pencils are equipped with their own sharpeners and are waterproof (except for the ones with glossy finishes). Naturally you would only use specific colours for certain purposes (unless you are able to get your creative juices flowing?).

It would be a little dull if all fifty shades were to share the same finish, hence the variety in textures. There are five altogether:

Creamy 크리미 smooth adhesion with vivid colouring in just one touch
Matte 매트 soft application with a powdery finish (used for eye shadow, eyebrow and concealer)
Glossy 글로시 moist glossy type that effectively fills in lip wrinkles and suitable for wide smudging such as blush (lip and blush)
Shimmering 쉬머링 contains fine pearly particles for a shimmering glow
Glitter 글리터 contains large glittery pearl particles for a glamorous finish

I own 1, 6, 8, 11, 43 and 44. 1, 6, 43 and 44 have great creamy consistencies whereas 8 and 11 are drier and require more care.

1 (Creamy) is a black prone to smudging. You would think it would not budge after a couple of minutes but I guess it is no match against my oily lids.

6 (Shimmering) a champagne and 43 (Glitter) a rose gold are great as bases over the lids. 6 can be used as a highlighter too as long as the glitter particles are diffused first.

8 (Matte) light beige lacks the pigmentation needed to conceal dark circles plus the dry texture tugs on the delicate undereye area. It is better off as a brow bone highlighter.

11 (Creamy) tangerine works a treat as a blush. On the lips, the texture leaves much to be desired seeing that it clings to lines and dry patches.

44 (Glitter) is a golden brown. It is not too warm that it would be a concern (I prefer the cooler spectrum) and is a foolproof way of adding definition to the lids.

1 - 6 - 8 - 11 - 43 - 44

These colours in particular can be used to create a chic, smokey look, as shown on Pony, a Korean beauty guru. She has created many a tutorial on the behalf of major Korean brands!

Play 101 Pencil is certainly a line worth investigating. I am thinking of expanding my collection with 22 (Glossy) and 49 (Creamy). Any thoughts? Perhaps you have others to recommend?

(Source: Promotional images are from etude.co.kr/)

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

Clinelle Review: WhitenUp Whitening Spot Corrector Essence, WhitenUp Whitening Serum, WhitenUp Whitening Day Cream SPF20

I have stopped using brightening products for a while now and to my displeasure, I noticed that I have gotten darker. What better time to jump back to that bandwagon? With impeccable timing, mere days after I voiced my thoughts, several products from Clinelle's WhitenUp range made their way to me.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese brands, the products in WhitenUp are enriched with Japanese Purple Rice Extract, Vitamin C, Daisy Flower Extract and Hydrolyzed Tahitian Black Pearl to promote all encompassing flawless fairness.

ღ WhitenUp Whitening Spot Corrector Essence

Name: Clinelle WhitenUp Whitening Spot Corrector Essence
Price: RM 59.90 for 15 ml
Made in: USA

Did you know that treatments such as the Whitening Spot Corrector Essence are supposed to go right after the toning step? Why? You want it to be close to your skin, so that it will be able to penetrate deeply and to avoid interference from other products.

I have been using it for a number of weeks now on my hyperpigmentation, both old and new. The newer ones fared well for they were lighter than when I first started out but I had no luck in fading older spots.

It gives a smooth, velvety finish, and you'd best wait a couple of minutes for it to set before following up with an oil (I forget my serum on occasions) since it has a tendency to pill.

The full ingredient list for WhitenUp Whitening Spot Corrector Essence:
Aqua (Water), Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Olivate, Glycerin, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, PEG-75 Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Steareth-20, Ceteth-20, O-cymen-5-OL, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulphite, Vanillin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Dextrin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (White Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Pearl.

ღ WhitenUp Whitening Serum

Name: Clinelle WhitenUp Whitening Serum
Price: RM 79.90 for 20 ml
Made in: USA

At first I was not overly pleased with the scent. It was different from the usual suspects because it was medicinal enough to create an impression of seriousness yet tempered with floral hints for a more agreeable olfactory experience. In time I grew to appreciate it, and now I take in deep whiffs every single time I apply the serum. Whitening Spot Corrector Essence bears the same scent as well, however, I don't use it near to my nose, so I don't get to enjoy it.

It has a clear, watery texture, almost as if it was brimming with moisture. With frequent use of this serum, I found my skin to be brighter, so this is definitely a keeper. As the serum spreads effortlessly, you can get away with applying one pump's worth of product. I use two - my neck needs some tender loving care too. Haha!

I only wish that Clinelle sized up. I am seeing an end to the 20 ml bottle all too soon.

The full ingredient list for WhitenUp Whitening Serum:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenoxyethanol, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, O-cymen-5-OL, Sodium Metabisulphite, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Dextrin, Vanillin, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (White Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Pearl.

ღ WhitenUp Whitening Day Cream SPF20

Name: Clinelle WhitenUp Whitening Day Cream SPF20
Price: RM 53.90 for 40 ml
Made in: USA

This moisturiser dries to a semi-matte finish and imparts a brightening effect. You can feel it when you wear it (it seems to form a tangible veil on the skin). I think the formula is more suited towards normal or oily skin types considering it lacks the moisture needed for drier skin types.

Even though Clinelle tried to mask it, there is indication in the fancy floral scent of the presence of sun protection ingredients (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide).

I feel less guilty about skipping sunscreen when I have this on. I am good about wearing sunscreen when I am out and about but not so much when I know I am going to be indoors. Just one question for my dear readers, am I supposed to cleanse it with a makeup remover or will a regular cleanser do?

It would have taken a step closer to perfection if it were to have a PA rating - can't forget the UVA rays! We need all the help possible to delay signs of ageing.

The full ingredient list for WhitenUp Whitening Day Cream SPF20:
Aqua (Water), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Methyl Anthranilate, Glyceryl Stearate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Galactoarabinan, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, O-cymen-5-OL, Sodium Hydroxide, Vanillin, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (White Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Dextrin, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Pearl.

Clinelle WhitenUp is available at AEON Wellness, Caring, Guardian, Watsons and selected independent pharmacies nationwide. Like their Facebook page or visit clinelle.com to keep abreast of Clinelle's latest news and events.

Disclosure: Press samples.

Hada Labo Air Aqua UV Fresh SPF50 PA+++

Harnessing the power of Sebonormine, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Agetect, Vitamin C and Super Hyaluronic Acid (to name a few of the many beneficial ingredients), Air Aqua UV in the variant Fresh offers an advanced defense system against UVA and UVB rays.

Name: Hada Labo 肌研 Air Aqua UV Fresh 肌呼吸極輕透美白隔離乳 SPF50 PA+++
Price: RM 49.90 for 30 g
Made in: China

True enough to the ultra light claim mentioned in the blurb, it does not feel like I am wearing anything. The milky formula absorbs quickly and truth to be told, I expected nothing less from Hada Labo. The matte finish is flattering but I would prefer it if it came without a sheen.

In spite of having the words oil control take centre stage, I noticed oil breakthrough around the three hour mark. It failed to make the grade seeing that my T-zone usually begins to secrete copious amounts of sebum after three hours anyways.

Without - With

Eyeballing the ingredient list tells me Air Aqua UV Fresh is most likely a chemical sunscreen (I could be wrong for I am no great shakes at telling apart sunscreens). In light of the reports of skin aggravation caused by chemical sunscreens, you may want to opt for a physical alternative, of which Mentholatum (Hada Labo is under the Mentholatum umbrella) has an abundance of. As with anything new, do proceed carefully to minimise adverse reactions.

I can only speak for myself when I say it does not cause any breakouts (my sensitive skin is very vocal about its likes and dislikes) nor is it accompanied by flashback during photography. Indeed, this is where chemical sunscreens triumphs over their physical counterparts!

Despite that one concern, I still find myself liking this sunscreen a whole lot. It is THE sunscreen I am chucking in my bags if when I go on a vacation. Both the Fresh and Moist variations are sold at all leading hypermarkets and pharmacies nationwide for RM 49.90 each.

The full ingredient list for Air Aqua UV Fresh SPF50 PA+++:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyglycerin-10, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Dimethicone, Water/Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Arachidyl Alcohol/Behenyl Alcohol/Arachidyl Glucoside, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dimethicone/Dimethiconol, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 60, Water/Polyquaternium-51, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum/Hectorite/Cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, 3-o-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Butyl Avocadate, Water/Butylene Glycol/Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Water/Butylene Glycol/Nephelium Longana Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Resveratrol.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Happy Price Tokyo Love Soap Pure Girls

Hi, my name is Blair and I am addicted to soap. There. I said it. There could be worse addictions, at least mine just takes up space and results in a ready to burst set of drawers? Haha!

Rich, dense lather

Name: Happy Price ハッピープライス Tokyo Love Soap 東京ラブソープ Pure Girls ピュアガールズ
Price: ¥ 1,480 for 80 g
Made in: Japan

Spurred by Happy Price's recommendation, I fearlessly used Pure Girls on my face. It left this weird squeaky sensation that immediately triggered alarm signals. And rightly so, I should have listened to my instinct! After a couple of days, I started breaking out in the jaw area. It cleared up once I stopped, so as of now the soap is reserved for my body.

Judging from the substantial lengthening of my routine, the soap is best left for the evening. It is only when the weekend rolls around that I use it in the mornings too.

We all know that the original version is the one that propelled Tokyo Love Soap to stardom. How does Pure Girls differ from it? Pure Girls is infused with the aroma of Bulgarian Rose and Ylang-ylang whereas original is non-perfumed. Secondly, Pure Girls contains more anti-ageing as well moisturising ingredients.

True enough, the soap does leave my skin moisturised. Even without a veil of lotion/oil/what have you enveloping it, my skin feels soft and smooth to the touch.

What about the other benefits? Did my skin seem brighter? Did it clear my pores? Did it eliminate odour? Did it refine hair growth? No, no, no and no...

I don't know why it failed to resonate with me. Others love it to bits so why am I the odd one out? Am I doing something wrong? Kindly clue me in if you figure out a solution to my problem, and while you are at it, please share your favourite brightening product of the moment.

Intrigued? Tokyo Love Soap is sold at nattacosme.com for RM 85. Note that pregnant and nursing mothers should refrain from using Pure Girls or any of the other variations.

The full ingredient list for Tokyo Love Soap Pure Girls:
Soap Base, Fragrance, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sativa Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Persimmon Tannin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sericin, Soybean Milk Culture Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Placental Protein, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Trehalose, Betaine, PEG-75, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Water, Etidronic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Human Oligopeptide-1, Glycerin, Lecithin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sodium Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Swiftlet Nest Extract, Ceramide 3, Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+ PA+++

It should be a crime for Song Hye-kyo to look beautiful in the midst of applying makeup!

She is using the regular BB Cushion in the still cut, but I am far more interested in the pore purifying version.

(Source: laneige.com.my/)

Name: Laneige 라네즈 BB Cushion Pore Control 비비 쿠션 포어 컨트롤 SPF50+ PA+++
Price: ₩ 37,000 for 15 g ×2
Made in: Korea

This medium coverage alliterative base glides on smoothly and gives a matte finish for there is no dewiness to it at all. It does not cover pores but it does lessen their appearance. I normally associate enlarged pores with shine, so it is a shame that it is not effective against oil secretion.

I experienced slight oxidation as well as creasing along the nasolabial folds when worn alone. A primer must be applied beforehand to prolong its wear.

Without

With

Retailing for a reasonable RM 150 (thanks to the refill) at Laneige counters and boutiques nationwide, BB Cushion Pore Control comes in four shades:

◆ 13 True Beige
◆ 21 Natural Beige
◆ 23 Sand Beige
◆ 31 Brown Beige

21 Natural Beige

The shade range is fairly wide (admirable really because most of the others only offer two to three choices) so Laneige is definitely the (Korean) brand to go to for those with sunkissed hues.

The full ingredient list for BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+ PA+++:
정제수, 징크옥사이드, 티타늄디옥사이드, 사이클로펜타실록산, 에칠헥실메톡시신나메이트, 메칠트리메치콘, 디카프릴릴카보네이트, 폴리메칠메타크릴레이트, 세틸피이지/ 피피지-10/1디메치콘, 부틸렌글라이콜, 사이클로헥사실록산, 알부틴, 나일론-12, 에이치디아이/트리메칠올헥실락톤크로스폴리머, 소듐클로라이드, 소르비탄이소스 테아레이트, 아크릴레이트/에칠헥실아크릴레이트/디메치콘메타크릴레이트코폴리머, 알루미늄하이드록사이드, 디스테아디모늄헥토라이트, 스테아릭애씨드, 페녹시에탄올, 트리에톡시카프릴릴실란, 에칠헥실글리세린, 디소듐이디티에이, 실리카, 인도멀구슬 나무추출물, 살리실릭애씨드, 에탄올, 프로테아제, 황색산화철, 적색산화철, 흑색산화철, 향료.

Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion

According to Hada Labo, the decrease of Hyaluronic Acid levels in our body is the cause of ageing. Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion addresses this concern with four types of Hyaluronic Acid (3D Hyaluronic Acid, Nano Hyaluronic Acid, Super Hyaluronic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid), along with Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A derivative) and Hydrolyzed Collagen.

Name: Hada Labo 肌ラボ Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion 極潤α 化粧水
Price: RM 59.90 for 170 ml
@cosme rating: 3.3 ★
Made in: Japan

Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion is a true blue Japanese lotion. The texture is a bit like an emulsion, where it is thick yet fluid, unlike watery Western toners that we are accustomed to. I use my fingers to gently pat it in (it is not meant to be swiped on with a cotton pad). It takes a good while for it to completely absorb due to the lack of alcohol in the formulation.

I found the lotion to be intensely hydrating. I do follow with a hydrating serum afterwards but I know that I can go without it. It is just my wont to apply serum afterwards. I feel uneasy when my routine is too simple...

I reserve it solely for the evening to ensure that one of the ingredients, Retinyl Palmitate, is not rendered inactive. Since it is only used once a day, the amount given stretches - this bottle will last me two months at the very least. That turns out to be RM 30 thereabouts a month, and I know for a fact that it is discounted fairly often, so the price goes even lower!

I read that it takes up to twelve weeks for smoothening (of fine lines and wrinkles) to occur and I am only onto my fourth week. I will most certainly update this review sometime next month when if I encounter visible skin improvement.

In the event that you notice discomfort after slathering the lotion or any products from the range, you may want to lessen the frequency of usage or discontinue use altogether. The Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming range is pH balanced and free from colourant, fragrance and mineral oil.

You can locate Hada Labo at all leading hypermarkets and pharmacies nationwide.

The full ingredient list for Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Methylparaben, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triethanolamine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Disodium EDTA, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, BHT, Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Zea Mays (Corn Oil), Thioctic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer.

Disclosure: Press sample.