Dior Diorskin Star SPF30 PA++

Finding a foundation that works for your skin type is worth its weight in gold. And I may have just found mine in the form of Dior's Diorskin Star.

Name: Dior Diorskin Star SPF30 PA++ 011 Crème
Price: RM 175 for 30 ml
Made in: France

Inspired by the professional illuminating techniques and expertise of its makeup artists, Dior invents Diorskin Star, its first brightening foundation: a weightless fluid capable of instantly and lastingly recreating the spectacular and perfecting light of Dior studios.
Dior

I was colour matched to both 011 Crème and 021 Linen after I mentioned my preference for yellow toned bases. I went home with 011, a light beige, because I feared oxidation. On hindsight, I should have gone with 021. I tan easily, so at this very moment, 011 is far too fair on me.

I am in love with the stunning finish... one thin layer yields light coverage and the second, dabbed over areas needing more attention will form an impeccable skin-like veil. I get eight hours of touch up free wear and find that it works extremely well in sweltering heat.

Without

With

It has to be worn with a powder in tow. The powder will keep the foundation in place and also prevent it from oiling up overmuch. After some experimentation, I found out that the brand (Dior, Make Up For Ever, Nars) and the type of powder (loose or pressed) does not matter as long as I dust some on. If you go without a powder, be on the lookout for it pooling in the pores on the nose after the sixth hour mark.

I have only used it with a sponge wedge so far. During the makeover, the BA used the Fluid Foundation Sponge to apply the foundation on me, and dare I say that I can't quite forget how marvelous my skin looked? Haha! The next time I am in the vicinity of a Dior boutique, I will make it a point to stop by for the sponge and also take a look at the Cosmopolite Fall 2015 collection (if it hasn't sold out already).

The full ingredient list for Diorskin Star SPF30 PA++:
Aqua (Water), Isododecane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Glycerin, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Barium Sulfate, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Parfum (Fragrance), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lecithin, Tromethamine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Carbonate, BHT, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Linalool, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Palmitic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citronellol, Sodium Phosphate, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Magnesium Hydroxide, Tocopherol. [+/-: CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)].

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SK-II Opens The Door To A World Of New Destinies

Empowered by women's commitment to continually #changedestiny, SK-II opened the doors to new destinies at the SK-II #changedestiny World at Suria KLCC from August 18th to 23rd. This marks the next stage of the brand's global #changedestiny movement to inspire and empower women to go beyond their limitations and take control of their own destinies.

The Power is in Your Hands
At the official launch of SK-II #changedestiny World, SK-II's influencers, Soo Wincci (beauty queen-turned-singer actress) and Marsha Milan Londoh (singer, actress and emcee) spoke of their struggles to join the entertainment industry and journey to get where they are today - living proofs that courage and determination can shape destiny.

General Manager of Suria KLCC Ben Chong, Londoh, P&G Country CEO Malaysia & Singapore Nicolas de La Giroday, Soo and Assistant General Manager of Parkson Sophie Yip

Through the Doors to #changedestiny
The #changedestiny World features four doors, each leading guests to a different destination of the #changedestiny journey:

◆ #changedestiny Voices: insights from real Malaysian women on top challenges they face and their thoughts on #changedestiny

◆ #changedestiny Secret Key: learn about the miracle of Pitera™, and experience proof of the miracle that has changed the skin destinies of women across the world

Soo, Joanne Yew and Londoh feeling the texture of Koji rice that holds the secret to SK-II's iconic Pitera™

◆ #changedestiny Timeless Beauty: introducing a new age of firmness from every angle with the new SK-II R.N.A. Power, the brand's latest anti-ageing innovation

SK-II's next generation anti-ageing series, R.N.A. Power is the key to youthful skin for the next 15 years

◆ #changedestiny Beginnings: join the movement and pledge your commitment to #changedestiny

New Age of Firmness from Every Angle with SK-II R.N.A. Power
We also experienced the efficacy of the next generation anti-ageing skincare line first-hand, where the benefits of the SK-II R.N.A. (Radical New Age) Power range was conducted via a live demonstration.

R.N.A. Power Essence (left) and R.N.A. Power (right)

Graduating from stem cell science to the next generation anti-ageing R.N.A. science, the new boutique promises that women of any age can take control of their destiny to achieve youthful, lengthwise × crosswise firm skin that looks and feels good from every angle.

SK-II scientist, Chen Lu, highlighting the benefits of the R.N.A. Power Essence

The R.N.A. Power range will replace the Stempower Essence and Stempower from the current SK-II anti-ageing boutique. R.N.A. Power Essence is priced at RM 419 (30 ml), RM 606 (50 ml) and RM 862 (75 ml) whereas R.N.A. Power goes for RM 373 (50 g), RM 561 (80 g) and RM 599 (100 g).

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Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector [LR 2412 4% - Cx]

Name: Lancôme 랑콤 Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector 비지오네르 어드밴스드 스킨 코렉터 [LR 2412 4% - Cx]
Price: RM 292 for 30 ml
Made in: France

Visionnaire is a serum with Double Jasmonate Complex and smoothing ingredients to correct wrinkles, pores and skin texture in real time, and over time.

I can't vouch for all that but I can tell you that it gives me unparalleled softness when paired with Advanced Génifique (AG goes first). I don't know if it will work as well alone nor am I keen to find out because this combination is keeping my skin in tip top condition.

Good as it may be, I do have some frivolous concerns to grouch about:

① Packaging
We are talking about plastic bottles here! A nice, hefty glass bottle would have reflected the premium price tag and also softened the blow to the wallet.

② Scent
It is a bit too masculine for my tastes... if I am paying RM 292 for a serum, it wouldn't be too much for me to hope that it transports me to a spa? Then again, scents are very subjective.

What do you think? Have you used this serum [LR 2412 4% - Cx] or its predecessor [LR 2412 4%]?

The full ingredient list for Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector [LR 2412 4% - Cx]:
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Tetrahydrojasmonate, Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Paraffium Liquidum/Mineral Oil, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, CI 19140/Yellow 5, CI 14700/Red 4, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Secale Cereale Extract/Rye Seed Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Adenosine, Polysilicone-11, Silica, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Limonene, Pentylene Glycol, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Myristyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Citronellol, Alumina, Parfum/Fragrance (FIL: B164756/1).

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Kose SkinTech 2015 - The Future Of Skincare

Members of the media and beauty enthusiasts convened at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur on August 7th for Kosé SkinTech 2015! The seminar was graced by Dr. Noboru Naito (Executive Director and Director of Research & Development Division in Kosé Corporation) and Dr. Akinobu Hayashi (General Manager, Advanced Cosmetic Research Laboratories, Kosé Corporation).

They put their all into extensive research to come up with high performing products to produce unsurpassed results. I had the pleasure of trying a couple of products from Kosé Corporation's various lines (including Jill Stuart, Esprique and Junkisui) and have never been let down.

(left to right): Dr. Naito and Dr. Hayashi

Now, on to the two new key products that were introduced during this very informative session!

① Decorte Liposome Treatment Liquid

A liposome is a tiny bubble made of phospholipids or the same material as a cell membrane measuring 0.1 - 0.2 µ. As cells measure 60 - 80 µ, liposomes are much smaller than skin cells. And thanks to its capsule format, it can release actives to targeted areas at designated timings.

Moisture Liposome Essence is the brand's hero product with over three million bottles sold to date, but I really think the all-new Decorte Liposome Treatment Liquid, the industry's first multi-layered liposome lotion, is next in line for the throne!

The rationale behind the creation of Decorte Liposome Treatment Liquid was revealed by Dr. Naito during his speech. A substance between the layers of the stratum corneum, known as 'skin capacitors', was discovered to allow skin to retain moisture. Skin with larger skin capacitors are able to absorb and retain more nutrients, improving the barrier function and in turn, maintaining its healthy, beautiful condition.

The liposome technology deployed in Decorte Liposome Treatment Liquid allows the liposome to increase skin capacitor size and inject plant extracts as well as nutrients to the skin. Among its many functions and benefits include improved skin clarity, increased moisture retention ability, refined skin texture and minimised pores.

During the session, we caught a glimpse at how the Decorte Liposome Treatment Liquid worked. And let me tell you, the ability of the product to disperse through a stimulated stratum corneum membrane was no joke. On the other hand, conventional emulsions that underwent the same test just sat there and did nothing. Safe to say that you can have high expectations for this product's efficacy!

② Infinity Kosé Realizing White Stick XX

Dr. Hayashi explained that dark spots are caused by the effects of Tyrosinase, which contains copper ions. When our skin is exposed to UV rays, the copper ions send messages to the Tyrosinase to start working, resulting in melanin production and pigmentation.

Kojic Acid strips away the copper ions so that they fail to activate the Tyrosinase, thus preventing melanin production. Kojic Acid is found to be effective in controlling and lightening the four main types of pigmentation: liver spots, age spots, freckles and inflammatory scars.

The latest whitening beauty product from Kosé that incorporates Kojic Acid is the Infinity Kosé Realizing White Stick XX. It innovatively delivers the naturally-derived Kojic Acid through a precision sealing formula. When the stick is applied on the skin, beauty ingredients are sealed off with a highly adhesive oil for intensive effects.

It will inhibit the generation of melanin, prevent blemishes and freckles and create highly translucent skin that is bright and supple.

And why Kojic Acid instead of other known whitening agents such as L-Cystein, Thiourea and Hydroquinone? An experiment was done where the addition of Kojic Acid to water in which black goldfish was kept induced a colour change after a month. Later on, the same goldfish was kept in water without Kojic Acid. It turned back to its original colour! This indicated that only melanogenesis was inhibited and not systematic metabolism. Impressed yet?

What are your thoughts? Are you liking the sound of these products? Decorte Liposome Treatment Liquid will retail for RM 378.40 (170 ml) whereas Infinity Kosé Realizing White Stick XX will go for RM 254.40 (4 g).

Thank you, Kosé Malaysia, for the invitation, the generous gift bag and the fabulously filling lunch! I simply cannot wait to see how these products will transform my skin! Reviews to come up soon!

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Lafine Vegetable Foam Cleansing

Name: Lafine 라피네 Vegetable Foam Cleansing 야채 폼 클렌징
Price: ₩ 14,000 for 120 ml
Made in: Korea

Vegetable Foam Cleansing has a fresh, vegetal scent. It is only natural seeing as it is composed from cucumber, carrot, watercress, tomato and parsley. To make it even more appealing, it is free from parabens, benzophenone, talc, animal oil and triclosan.

It is a typical foaming cleanser. Upon closer inspection, the paste like cream contains little colourful beads, like what you would see from a physical exfoliator. They are not plentiful; sparse enough that you don't feel like you are giving your face a good scrubbing yet copious enough that you can feel them there.

I fail to see the purpose of the granules aside from entering my eyes thus irritating them, but I highly doubt this is what Lafine had in mind when they formulated the cleanser. Plus this is supposed to be a low-irritation cleanser, and the presence of these particles steers it more to the abrasive side. Can anyone please shed some light on this mystery?

The rich foam is capable of removing sunscreens - I found no remnants for my toner to pick up. I haven't put it to the task of removing makeup though, nor do I plan to in the near future. I keep all my makeup removing to cleansing oils.

This cleanser does its job without stripping my skin. There are some that make me run for a moisturiser immediately after washing my face. But not this one. I could even get away sans moisturiser if I was so inclined. Full marks if it didn't come with the beads.

The full ingredient list for Vegetable Foam Cleansing:
Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Sorbitol, Lauric Acid, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Hydroxide, Myristic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Cocamide DEA, PEG-150 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Catalpa Ovata Bark/Leaf Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sabvus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Oenanthe Javanica Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Butytene Glycol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Iron Oxides, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chromium Oxide Greens, Iron Oxides, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, CI 19140, CI 42090.

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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I-Miix Magic Capsule Silky Make Up Base White

Second up from the treasure trove that is my August BNTNews beauty box is I-Miix's Magic Capsule Silky Make Up Base. I have not heard of I-Miix prior to this, so I was really happy to add a new brand to my lexicon.

Name: I-Miix Magic Capsule Silky Make Up Base 매직 캡슐 실키 메이크업 베이스 White 화이트
Price: ₩ 47,000 for 35 ml
Made in: Korea

Formulated with Corn Extract, Yeast Extract and Vitamin E, Magic Capsule Silky Make Up Base boosts and refreshes tired skin while protecting it from the elements for a flawless canvas all day long. It has extremely distinctive spherical particles that I can marvel over all day long.

The pearls are crushed by the pump mechanism resulting in a pearly white gel. This formula is best smoothed out with a sponge wedge because it is also able to sweep away bits of pearls. It provides a beautiful powdery canvas once it dries down and has a floral scent that is reminiscent of my lilac Castledew primer that I finished an eon ago.

The pearl white shade provides a fine layer to blur the appearance of fine lines, bringing luster back to the skin. With this primer, you can get away with using it all over your face (unlike coloured primers where you only use them over specific areas) for it imparts the most subtle effect. What's more, it even brightens slightly!

Without - With

I find that it does not add longevity to my base makeup seeing as the foundation on my T-zone faded after a couple of hours. Additionally, it fails to stave off oiliness. However, it does prevent foundation from creasing around my mouth area which is a surprise considering how often I munch on something.

It is better suited for someone with drier skin who is looking for a moisturising base that brightens. I would have appreciated it a whole lot more had my skin be less oily!

The full ingredient list for Magic Capsule Silky Make Up Base:
Water, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Polysorbate 60, Stearic Acid, Algin, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Agar, Carrageenan, Methyl Paraben, Allantoin, Carbomer, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Propyl Paraben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cellulose Gum, Yeast Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fragrance.

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Daeng Gi Meo Ri Luxury Special Hair Care Shampoo

Would you like to have beautiful hair, just like Han Chae-ah's? Well, Daeng Gi Meo Ri is here to help you realise your dreams!

Name: Daeng Gi Meo Ri 댕기머리 Luxury Special 명품 스페셜 Hair Care Shampoo 모발 관리 샴푸
Price: ₩ 27,900 for 500 ml + 145 ml
Made in: Korea

The Luxury Special Hair Care Shampoo uses a blend of extracts (Lily, Caulerpa Racemosa, Chlorella, fermented Pseudoalteromonas, Wilfordii Root, False Daisy, Hazelnut, Camellia), i.e. oriental magic, to strengthen, reinforce and revitalise damaged locks from the inside out.

It has a strong herbaceous scent; heavily laden with ginseng, cordyceps and their ilk. It can overwhelm the senses, which can be a boon and a bane (one man's meat is another man's poison). It is the type of product that you need to give a good sniff first before you buy it.

This shampoo is essential to keep my strands healthy. The amount of hair trapped in my bathroom's stopper has halved ever since I started using this shampoo and I can take longer in between clearing out sessions - I am my bathroom's only occupant so I get full control over its level of cleanliness *shifty eyes*

I read accounts saying that it is supposed to be used alone (no conditioner needed), but my mane needs more TLC than that! It leaves my tresses a little on the dry side so I have been pairing it with conditioners from Mandom's Moist Diane and also Kao's Essential (because they are all I have in my bathroom, haha!) to maintain my hair's softness and shine. Any conditioner will do the trick though!

This sulphate-free yet super sudsy shampoo comes in a pack of two: a large 500 ml bottle and a travel size 145 ml bottle. They are both a delight to have in any bathroom (the intricate details are swoon worthy!) and I can't fawn over them enough!

The full ingredient list for Luxury Special Hair Care Shampoo:

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Mousse Cleanser

Name: Innisfree 이니스프리 Jeju Volcanic Mousse Cleanser 화산송이 무스 클렌저
Price: ₩ 10,000 for 150 ml
Made in: Korea

Innisfree promises that this cleanser will remove makeup and sunscreen quickly and efficiently without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. 11.85 mg Jeju Volcanic Ash purifies as plant extracts (Orange, Orchid, Green Tea, Prickly Pear) maintain the skin's right balance.

The dense and fluffy foam (like whipped cream!) elevates the entire cleansing experience - by far the most luxurious and relaxing! The scent even adds to the whole atmosphere. A Korean blog that I came across is way off the mark (the author mentioned that it was awful), and unless my nose is deceiving me, I would describe it as a cross between floral and herbaceous.

It gently dislodges impurities, leaving skin feeling clean and fresh. I believe it is recommended for daily use but I only whip it out when my skin feels particularly clogged. I am accustomed to my gel/milk cleansers after all... that said, it doesn't dry, aggravate or irritate my skin. For those of you wondering, I have dehydrated skin and I am prone to hormonal breakouts.

Even though the blurb says that it is able to remove base makeup, double cleanse all the same (to be on the safe side). We wouldn't want remnants of makeup and pollutants interfering with our expensive serums right? And don't forget to give the bottle a good shake before working the mousse onto your skin!

Jeju Volcanic Mousse Cleanser is sold at all Innisfree outlets for RM 40!

The full ingredient list for Jeju Volcanic Mousse Cleanser:
정제수, 글리세린, 피이지-6카프릴릭/카프릭글리세라이드, 미리스틱애씨드,부탄, 아미노메칠프로판올, 스테아릭애씨드, 프로판, 라우레스-23, 소듐스테아로일글루타메이트, 화산재 (11.85 mg), 이산화탄소, 귤껍질추출물, 난추출물, 녹차추출물, 동백나무잎추출물, 백년초열매추출물, 실리카, 세틸알코올, 포타슘하이드록사이드, 에칠헥실글리세린, 페녹시에탄올, 향료.

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