Hada Labo UV Perfect Gel SPF50+ PA++++

Name: Hada Labo 肌ラボ UV Perfect Gel 極潤 UVホワイトゲル SPF50+ PA++++
Price: RM 94.90 for 90 g
Made in: Japan

This 5-in-1 gel from Hada Labo functions as an essence, moisturiser, mask, sunscreen and makeup base. The texture teeters in between a lotion sunscreen and a gel moisturiser... it has the whitish sunscreen look with none of the spreadability issues - it blends easily and absorbs fairly quickly.

It leaves me with a tight sensation despite the Nano Hyaluronic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid content. Nothing to worry about because a rich lotion or a rich lotion and rich serum combo solves this hiccup. Funnily enough, while not being sufficiently moisturising, it somehow manages to accelerate my sebum secretion; my entire face instantaneously takes on a sheen after 2 hours.

The Japanese name for this gel, 極潤 UVホワイトゲル, directly translates to UV White Gel. It is a clear indicator that there is something more to this gel beyond slimming down our morning routines and this is confirmed by the incorporation of a Vitamin C derivative. This powerful antioxidant will enhance the efficacy of the filters in the formulation and also visibly even out skin tone to promote fairness and prevent dark spots!

I came across texts saying we should never rely on other products aside from sunscreens for our sun protection needs but UV Perfect Gel may just be the exception to the rule. I whack on a huge blob (as recommended by the brand), which a lot more than what I would normally use; so I think in this case, my bending the rules is excusable. Care to weigh in?

It is available at all leading pharmacies nationwide for RM 94.90. Time your shopping trips to coincide with sales because the price can drop to RM 70! Are you liking the sound of UV Perfect Gel?

The full ingredient list for UV Perfect Gel SPF50+ PA++++:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Polysilicone-15, Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-13, Bis-Ethyl-Hexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Polystyrene, Methylparaben, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Titanium Dioxide, Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrated Silica, Aluminium Hydroxide, Hydrogen Dimethicone.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Etude House Precious Mineral Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ (2015)

Originally released in 2013, Precious Mineral Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ is given a face lift in 2015. The new iteration has an improved staying power for pearly, bright skin all day long.

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Precious Mineral Any Cushion 진주알 맑은 애니 쿠션 SPF50+ PA+++ W13 Natural Beige 내추럴 베이지
Price: US$ 18 for 15 g
Made in: Korea

The first thing I noticed is the texture: watery, weightless and how quickly it blended in. I was able to achieve medium coverage with some careful layering - it evens out the skin tone without coming off mask-like. For dark circles, blemishes and the lot, a concealer will be required.

W13 Natural Beige, the shade shown in the picture below, is a neutral ochre. It does not lean too much towards the pink or the yellow side. It is right smack in the middle. Well to me, everything is on the pink side (because I am terribly yellow) so take this with a pinch of salt and trust your sight instead, hah!

It targets those with a fondness for matte finishes. The sebum controlling formula (rendered ineffective against my oil glands) manages to last a full day on my face with slight pooling in the pores on the nose. Naturally, I had some help from a primer and a glow inducing setting mist to lock everything in (yes, I like my mug dewy!).

Without

With

While I prefer the Moist version, perhaps some of you will find this more to your liking? It costs US$ 18 on etudehouse.com.

Cushion reviews that may interest you:
Precious Mineral Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ (2013)
Precious Mineral Magic Any Cushion SPF34 PA++
Precious Mineral Moist Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++

The full ingredient list for Precious Mineral Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Trimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mother Of Pearl, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Alcohol, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Fragrance.

Disclosure: Pink Bird sample.

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An Afternoon With Dior At Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

I headed over to the launch of La Collection Privée Christian Dior at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday June 16th, and it was so fabulous I thought I should share a few pictures with you all!

The exclusive event saw the Centre Court transformed into a wonderland

La Collection Privée Christian Dior is a collection of authentic, elegant fragrances for men and women, created using only carefully selected, exceptional raw materials. Handcrafted in a traditional manner, these fragrances benefit from all of Dior's know-how and expertise. Priced at RM 869 for 125 ml; and RM 1,240 for 250 ml.
Dior

A camera in one hand and a macaron in the other, I got to have a good old chin wag with people that I 'met' on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter prior to this. It was such a fun way to learn about the fragrances while having a lovely girly afternoon out.

Models sandwiching Angela Ong, Joyce Yap, Jamie Ong and Kung Suan Ai

I also managed to tour Dior's newly opened boutique on the third floor. It is a space that would satisfy the keenest of shoppers with the finest skincare, makeup and of course, fragrances - the ultimate Parisian beauty haven!

Reminiscing makes me long for Friday... so please roll on the weekend already? And don't forget to check back later this month (more likely over the next couple of weeks) for some Dior reviews!

Thank you, Dior Malaysia, for having me!

Address:
Lot 3.09.01, Level 3,
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Telephone:
03-2110 2768

Hours:
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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Elianto Long Wear Eyeshadow Stick

There is something to be said about the texture of these Long Wear Eyeshadow Sticks! The way they glide on is just like spreading butter onto freshly toasted bread. Yuum! Ummm, where was I again?

Name: Elianto Long Wear Eyeshadow Stick
Price: RM 31.90 for 1.4 g
Made in: Germany

They are extremely easy to use and handy to have around. Theoretically, you could use them to transform your daytime look to something more smoldering for the night out. You could also forgo totting brushes around for they work amazingly with fingers. Practicality wise, well, they are just not up to par...

Navy - Blue - White - Brown - Purple - Black

Why? Simply because these sticks are not oil proof. They may be water proof and smudge proof but what use are those in face of oily lids? My trial run went downhill quickly - creasing and also fading begun after 30 minutes and got worse over time. They desperately need the help of an eyelid primer to stay put.

Navy - Blue - White - Brown - Purple - Black

On the upside, Elianto has thoughtfully included in-built sharpeners to restore the blunted edges back to their former glory. Some accounts recommend them as eyeliners. I find them to be too stubby for that purpose - I like my liners reaaally fine - so with that said, I will leave you to decide what to do from there.

The Long Wear Eyeshadow Sticks are available in shades of navy, blue, white, brown, purple and black. Note to Elianto: more colours please! For instance, a taupe, a light beige or a golden pink (sorry, that is my love for neutrals shining through).

Look out for them in stores or online on elianto.biz.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Skin Aqua Sarafit UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++

Name: Skin Aqua スキンアクア Sarafit UV Essence サラフィットUV さらさらエッセンス SPF50+ PA++++
Price: RM 40 for 50 g
Made in: Japan

A recent, and thoroughly pleasant sunscreen discovery is Skin Aqua's Sarafit UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++. Suitable for all skin types, this sweat-proof sunscreen delivers a comfortable, non-greasy sensation while leaving a smooth, powdery finish thanks to the Double Silky Powder Technology.

I liked the UV Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++ at first but a change in the condition of my skin found me shying away from it. Contrarily, I found Sarafit UV Essence to be hydrating enough for me (both formulas have Hyaluronic Acid and Super Hyaluronic Acid, so it may be my skin being finicky, haha!).

I can use it over my normal moisturiser, or in place of a moisturiser if I am pressed for time. It doesn't dry my skin out or exacerbate flakey patches. Of course, if you have oiler skin than mine then you may find it a tad bit too rich. It is not the typical lighter-than-air texture that i have come to expect from Japanese sunscreens... this one feels creamier and more like a lotion.

It smells exactly like the Sarafit UV Mist SPF50+ PA++++, which is what you'd want a body lotion to smell like - unassumingly light, inoffensive and unobtrusive should someone get close enough for a whiff.

The Skin Aqua Sarafit UV range consists of the Sarafit UV Essence and Sarafit UV Mist. They are sold at all leading pharmacies and supermarkets.

The full ingredient list for Sarafit UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++:
Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Silica, Butyl Methoxybenzoylmethane, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Triethylhexyl Trimellitate, Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer,
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Methylparaben, Triethanolamine, Fragrance, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Polymethylsilsesquixone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Crystal Tomato® Plus

Crystal Tomato® Plus is made from a special varietal of 100% natural non-genetically-modified, preservative-free tomatoes in a GMP and TGA certified laboratory in the United States of America. Certified halal by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, each Crystal Tomato® Plus caplet contains 800 mg Crystal Tomato® Carotenoids, which corresponds to three fresh Crystal Tomatoes.

Unlike orange or red carotenoids, which change the colour of the skin to an orange shade when consumed in large amounts, Crystal Tomato® Carotenoids will not affect the colour of the skin. When consumed, Crystal Tomato® Carotenoids protect the skin in the following ways:

✤ Natural sun protection against UVA/UVB rays
✤ Act as an antioxidant
✤ Anti-inflammatory properties
✤ Inhibit melanin synthesis
✤ Reduce melanin presence

I don't see tangible effects as of yet – of course, this is based on my results from one blister. In view that the skin is a large organ and the benefits are delivered head to toe, two to three months for visible radiance and lightening effects should be expected.

Taking Crystal Tomato® Plus is like eating fresh tomatoes and can be taken anytime, day or night, before food or after food. It is recommended to take daily at a regular time (i.e. if a pill is taken in the morning on the 1st day, try to follow the same sequence the following days).

It is suitable and safe for all including pregnant women, breast feeding mothers and vegetarians – with the exception of people who are allergic to tomatoes or have been advised by their physicians not to take tomatoes. Available at aesthetic medical clinics at RM 480 for a box of three blisters (30 caplets).

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Clinelle CaviarGold Firming Eye Serum

Name: Clinelle CaviarGold Firming Eye Serum
Price: RM 101.70 for 15 ml
Made in: Korea

CaviarGold Firming Eye Serum is formulated with a revolutionary Triple-Gold Lifting & Firming Complex that combines Caviar (rich in nutritious elements) with encapsulated 24K Nano Gold (stimulates collagen synthesis) and plant PhytoGold (80 times more effective than Arbutin).

It promises to lift, firm, hydrate and nourish the eye zone. It does the last three really well. The first, well, not so much... Then again, this is only my tenth day in, and my saggy eye area may need more pampering before any lifting can be seen. To use, pat a drop of the serum with your middle and ring fingers, follow with a 6-point circulation massage and end by circling the eye area.

Like most ladies, I covet gold - a surefire sign that I am no longer a spring chicken. I wasn't this keen on gold in the past! *clears throat* Anyways, it is really fascinating to see the gold capsules that were suspended in the tube melting into my eye contours. Perhaps my eye bags can glow now that it has taken in some gold? Haha!

The full ingredient list for CaviarGold Firming Eye Serum:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethanol, Adenosine, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Caviar Extract, Acetyle Heptapeptide-9, Colloidal Gold, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl, Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PPG-26-Butheth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sucrose, Mannitol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI77491, Tin Oxide, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA.

Disclosure: Gift certificate.

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Tatcha Kinu Pure Silk Polishing Face Cloth

I went for Tatcha's Kinu Pure Silk Polishing Face Cloth with zero expectations but I came out with my jaw on the ground. This cloth is pure magic, I tell you!

Name: Tatcha Kinu Pure Silk Polishing Face Cloth
Price: US$ 18
Size: 7 × 7 inches
Made in: Japan

I use it to spread my cleanser all over my face in circular motions concentrating on my nose and my chin and whatever area that is particularly congested. At this point, I am basically working it throughly over my whole face, haha! In spite of me having too much fun rubbing it all over my face, it doesn't lengthen my cleansing routine.

Wow results are obvious from the first usage. My face feels baby smooth, as if I have been going at it with a scrub. It is really amazing considering that this is just a piece of cloth silk but you get my meaning right? In fact, I can't believe that it counts as exfoliation because in no way does it feel like I am exfoliating my skin, just massaging it...

I really recommend the Kinu Pure Silk Polishing Face Cloth if you are looking for an exfoliating product that is also gentle on the skin. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with it! You can get it from tatcha.com for US$ 18.

The full ingredient list:
100% pure silk.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Public Service Announcement: Dental Health

Interrupting my unending musings on beauty for a public service announcement~

But before that, I shall spazz over Three Meals a Day (삼시세끼) first! I find this show utterly hilarious, and the episode that aired yesterday saw Ji Sung (지성) making a guest appearance! Has anyone watched episode 4 yet?

Speaking of Ji Sung, he heads the Oral-B UltraThin Toothbrush campaign, which aims to raise awareness on gum health issues and how it can be easily addressed by choosing the right toothbrush.

Oral-B UltraThin Toothbrush comes with 100% finely tapered 0.01 mm ultra thin bristles which is 20 times thinner than normal toothbrushes. With its small 25 mm head and soft brush, it gently cleanses the gum line and removes plaque.

Used together with Pro-Health Fresh Tooth & Gum Care Mouth Rinse and Glide Pro Health Deep Clean Floss, they give you reliable, everyday protection against plaque and cavities.

Also remember that regular visits to a dentist are a must for complete, all-encompassing oral health!

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Skin Aqua Sarafit UV Mist SPF50+ PA++++

Name: Skin Aqua スキンアクア Sarafit UV Mist サラフィットUV さらさらスプレー SPF50+ PA++++
Price: RM 42.30 for 50 g
Made in: Japan

It was love at first sight spritz with Skin Aqua's Sarafit UV Mist SPF50+ PA++++. The fine mist feels cool, smells awesome and does not leave a residue. I don't even have to pat it in when I hold it away from my skin (preferably at the 10 - 15 cm distance).

I know I am not supposed to advocate this, but I squirt the sunscreen straight to my face despite the 'do not spray directly into face' instruction. The no hands approach is the best, puahaha! Ladies, I beg of you to not follow my deplorable example!

It is suitable for the whole body: knobby knees, turned-out toes, scurfy scalp, just name it, and you can apply it there. And to elaborate on a previously mentioned point, the blossoming flower smell is a nice change from most sunscreens with their oppressing old-school scents.

I would not have minded a more substantial bottle... for me to keep at home and spray liberally before I head out. Y'know, like those giant cans of 300 ml thermal water mists? But this 50 ml option is the ideal size to toss in the bag - I hardly notice the added weight, if at all.

Sarafit UV Mist SPF50+ PA++++ is suitable for all skin types. Grab yours at a leading pharmacy or supermarket today!

The full ingredient list for Sarafit UV Mist SPF50+ PA++++:
Butane, Propane, Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Triethylhexyl Trimellitate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-15, Lauryl PEG-9 Polymethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Arginine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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