Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Skin Aqua Review: UV Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++ & UV Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++

The meager selection of PA++++ sunscreens in the Malaysian market is bolstered by the arrival of UV Watery Essence and UV Watery Gel. Hopefully they will soon be the norm!


The milky Skin Aqua UV Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++ (80 g) gives an ever so slight glow after it completely sinks in.



Skin Aqua UV Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ (50 g) is watery like its name would suggest yet it dries off to a matte, almost powdery finish.



These sunscreens provide 16× more protection against UVA rays thanks to the presence of 6 UV filters. They are also formulated with Vitamin C to fight dark spots alongside Rona Care Ectoin from Germany and Golden Seaweed Extract from France to stave off photoageing.

If you have combination skin like myself, then you can apply these sunscreens straight after serum. They contain Hyaluronic Acid, which helps the skin to retain moisture, so they could technically double up as moisturisers. I like to downsize in the AM (the weather contributes to this decision) to avoid the stuffy sensation that I usually experience with excessive layers of products.

The bonus with the sunscreens would be their scents. They have a floral (with a hint of citrus) smell, so it helps with the illusion that I am smoothing a moisturiser on. Another advantage is how cooling they feel upon application.

UV Watery Gel is the tiniest bit more substantial than UV Watery Essence. They are not heavy, just not weightless like some of the PA+++ sunscreens. They possess light textures but they belong to the printer paper light category as opposed to the feather light category, if that makes any sense.

The only minor issue I see here is the need to blend well along the edges (jaw and hairline). Otherwise, they will ball up and we definitely don't want that happening. Nonetheless, I believe that this is a trade off that many would be willing to make in exchange for an exemplary PA++++ rating.

Overall top marks and the best of all, they are a very affordable RM 37.90 each at all leading pharmacies and major supermarket outlets.

The full ingredient list for UV Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++:


The full ingredient list for UV Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++:


Disclosure: Press samples.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

GoodSkin Labs Equinol Dark Spot Concentrate

Dark spots. Age spots. Sun spots. Acne marks. No matter the name, you just want to get rid of them.

Truer words were never spoken!


Name: GoodSkin Labs Equinol Dark Spot Concentrate
Price: RM 155 for 20 ml
Made in: Canada

Equinol Dark Spot Concentrate is a joy to use. I apply it in the AM and PM under my regular serum. In the PM, I add on an acid for an extra boost, and so far this combination is looking good. Alone it will work well too, albeit at a slower pace. I am on on a tight schedule so I had to hasten the proceedings a little...


Redness significantly subsided

This treatment is a bit of a multi tasker because it promises to improve discolourations (SR12 Complex), slough dead skin cells (Salicylic Acid and Glucosamine) and provide antioxidant protection (Vitamin E and Grapefruit Peel Extract). The fact that it is packed full of plant extracts that will put many anti-ageing serums to shame certainly heightens its desirability.


The silicones (Dimethicone and PEG-10 Dimethicone) in the formula lends this product some slip, thus allowing it to glide smoothly. Not to the extent that it feels like a makeup base seeing that it gives me the impression of smoothing on a facial serum. I hope I did not cause any confusion? And since I am in the topic of the ingredient list, I also realised that the clinical scent occurs naturally, which is a boon for those with sensitivity towards fragrance in their skincare products.


Due to its light texture, I believe that Equinol Dark Spot Concentrate would suit almost all skin types. There is no harm in giving it a look if you suffer from hyperpigmentation. Available at SaSa for RM 155.

The full ingredient list for Equinol Dark Spot Concentrate:
Water, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 40, Pentylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polyacrylamide, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Gentiana Lutea (Gentian) Root Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Scuterllaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Morus Bombycis (Mulberry) Root Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Whey Protein, Caffeine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Salicylic Acid, Sucrose, Sorbitol, Sodium RNA, Yeast Extract, Myristyl Alcohol, Laureth-7, PEG-10 Dimethicone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Propylene Glycol Dicaparate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, DI-C-12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Sulfite, Sodum Metabisulfite, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Etude House Dear My Wish Lips-Talk PK003 & BE101

Much love to Etude House - these new lipsticks are phenomenal!


Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Dear My Wish Lips-Talk 디어 마이 위시 립스-톡
Price: US$ 9.50 for 3.5 g
Made in: Korea

PK003 Thrilling Secret Romance 짜릿한 비밀연애 핑크 is a feminine berry. For those who feel that the colour of the year, radiant orchid, is hard to carry off, this would be the wearable equivalent.




BE101 Chic Hollywood Actress 시크한 헐리웃 베이지 is a warm neutral. This is one of the rare nudes that actually flatters because it looks almost peachy pink on the lips!




The rich pigmentation means that a mirror is a must but once they are on, they become practically undetectable. Oh yes, the level of moisturisation is that effective! Of course, this also means they need constant reapplication throughout the day.



PK003 - BE101

There is something about moisturising lipsticks that will always resonate with me even though they may not be the trend during the autumn season. My lips are dry enough on their own, I don't want to apply anything (matte lipsticks, I am speaking to you!) that would exacerbate their condition.

Individual lipsticks cost US$ 9.50 which makes it an excellent way to trial trends without a bank loan. Etude House has just opened their online store etudehouse.com, so add it to your bookmarks if you wish for a lipstick or just about any makeup item!

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

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Etude House Fantastic Color Eyes #1 Bloody Halloween

I apologise to readers who have expectations for postings unrelated to press releases. My laptop has not been cooperating well ever since it sputtered to a stop in July. I have done my best to iron out the kinks, so hopefully you guys can enjoy an uninterrupted flow of musings from me again. Haha!

Jokes aside, I dusted off my eyeshadow brushes to bring you a look from the devilish Bloody Halloween palette. I am not good enough to replicate the look shown on the model, so you will have to bear with my sloppy handwork...



Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Fantastic Color Eyes 판타스틱 컬러 아이즈 #1 Bloody Halloween 블러디 할로원
Price: US$ 14 for 0.5g×1 + 0.7g×5
Made in: Korea

The powder shadows are smooth, blend well and pretty much all have excellent pigmentation. The only problem is having to deal with fallout. If you can overlook that, you will have on hand a budget conscious alternative to the usual neutral shades.


Please ignore the dark circles, they weren't as obvious prior to the picture being taken!?

I am all for berry colours so it is only fitting that Zombie Kiss (the only one in the palette with a cream formula) is my favourite amongst the bunch. It looks awesome on the cheeks and lips!


Not only does it fit special occasions - Halloween being a good example (sorry, I couldn't help myself) - but it is also a brilliant addition to makeup pouches thanks to the chic and slim packaging. If #1 Bloody Halloween does not enchant you, perhaps #2 Bohemian Soul will be up your alley?

(Source: etude.co.kr/)

You can find these palettes as well as a whole other bunch of pretties at etudehouse.com.

Disclosure: Pink Bird sample.