Caudalie Divine Oil

Name: Caudalie 꼬달리 Divine Oil 디바인 오일
Price: € 23.70 for 100 ml
Made in: France

Huile Divine (French for Divine Oil) is based on four vegetable oils, Grape Seed Oil, Hibiscus Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil and Argan Oil, which make up 60% of the composition. Caudalie's patented blend of anti-ageing extracts, Resveratrol, Viniferine and Polyphenol, attribute to the remaining 40%. As with all products Caudalie, Divine Oil is free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, mineral oil and sodium laureth sulphate.

This is how the oil is described:
Moisturises, nourishes and enhances the face, body and hair, thanks to its unique formula made with exceptional blend of oils combined with our patented anti-oxidant Polyphenols. It envelops the skin with a subtle, floral and sun-kissed fragrance with woody notes.

Divine Oil is a multi purpose oil - you can use it on your face, body and hair. For the purposes of research, I bought the biggest size, 100 ml. The lengths I go for beauty blogging hahaha *clears throat*

The presentation is really something. The bottle is impeccably made and aesthetically pleasing - an amber glass with a cluster of grapes grooves at the back, topped with a wooden lid. I know I extolled the virtues of spray dispensers in an older review, but after a revaluation, I decided that drizzers are the way to go. They are much more convenient and less prone to making a mess (splotches of oil everywhere).

The oil works brilliantly. It melts into the skin without leaving greasy traces, so you need not recoil at the mere thought of looking shiny. Divine Oil promises to moisturise, nourish and enhance, and surprisingly (or not) it actually delivers! I reserve it for my hair and body because I have a multitude of different oils serving my face.

If green moss on tree barks can smell sophisticated, then Divine Oil has captured the very essence of this unique spin to a T. The scent is a let down. I expected more from it after reading so many glowing reviews. But hey, I get it because scents are very personal!

At RM 130 for a 100 ml bottle at KENS Apothecary and Sephora Malaysia, this is one of the best budget beauty products out there.

The full ingredient list for Divine Oil:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Isoamyl Cocoate*, Coco-Caprylate*, Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexyl Palmitate*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Tocopherol*, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract*, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract*, Citric Acid*, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol.
*plant origin

Read More

Rohto ChuLip Sweet Pink & Vivid Pink

Want a sweet treat without the accompanying calories? Check out these all-new adorable dome-shaped tinted lip balms!

Name: Rohto ロート製薬 ChuLip チューリップ SPF22
Price: RM 18.90 for 7 g
@cosme rating: 4.2 ★
Made in: Japan

Fans of the ChuLip lip balm will be happy to know that ChuLip has just released two new colours to the ChuLip Tinted range. Sweet Pink スイートピンク is a blue-based baby pink shade. Vivid Pink ビビッドピンク on the other hand is a muted rosy red colour.

Sweet Pink - Vivid Pink

These minty balms are infused with Vitamin C and Vitamin E derivatives to keep lips plumped and hydrated. They are also packed with Olive Oil, Shea Butter and Rosehip Oil for an extra burst of moisture.

They are light, non-greasy and frequent reapplication is a must, but surely, that is all part of the appeal. The fun factor is further amped up by the accompanying pink candy fragrance.

Sweet Pink - Vivid Pink

The all new ChuLips have hit the pharmacies and supermarket outlets – go forth to purchase and immediately lose, only to find again once you have gotten a replacement *darts eyes*

The full ingredient list for ChuLip Sweet Pink:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Triisostearin, Synthetic Wax, Ceresin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Petrolatum, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Microcrystalline Wax, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Flavor, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Menthol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 73360/Red 30, CI 45410/Red 27, Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Sucralose, Aluminium Hydroxide.

The full ingredient list for ChuLip Vivid Pink:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Triisostearin, Synthetic Wax, Ceresin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Petrolatum, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Microcrystalline Wax, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Flavor, Pentylene Glycol, Menthol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, CI 19140/Yellow 5, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 15850/Red 7, CI 45410/Red 27, Tocopherol, Dimethicone, CI 45380/Red 21, CI 73360/Red 30, Sucralose, Aluminium Hydroxide.

Disclosure: Press samples.

Read More

Hansaeng Cosmetics Rin Bi-gyeol Yun Cream

I was bemused when the Rin Bi-gyeol Yun Cream landed in my postbox. As you may or may not remember, I reviewed the Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Cream nearly a month ago. In a nutshell, they contain similar-ish ingredients but Soo leans more towards the moisturising side whereas Yun is for nourishment purposes.

And what's the difference between a moisturising and a nourishing cream? This page will help you!

Name: Hansaeng Cosmetics 한생화장품 Rin Bi-gyeol Yun Cream 린 비결 윤 크림
Price: ₩ 44,000 for 50 g
Made in: Korea

Rin Bi-gyeol Yun Cream is a moisturiser composed of fermented ginseng and an oriental medicine flower complex (called 단화연 in Korean) that is made up from 10 valuable extracts including Phellinus Linteus and Mulberry to deliver highly enriched nutrients to the skin, leaving it supple and smooth.

It is a non-sticky cream that absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. Sensorial wise, it is rather like the Soo cream aside from the balmier texture. The colour also distincts them; Soo is a pale blue whereas Yun comes in a delightful caramel shade.

My skin has been parched and crappy and riddled with holes - no thanks to an excess of pimple creams – a bit like the desert really. The Rin Bi-gyeol Yun Cream has been stepping up to the plate in inserting plumpness to my face. A dollop in the morning and night, and my skin looks dewier and a lot more alive than it would do otherwise.

It costs ₩ 44,000 for 50 g at lamy.co.kr. A fair price really, considering how nourishing it is!

The full ingredient list for Rin Bi-gyeol Yun Cream:
Water, Glycerin, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Petrolatum, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Synthetic Wax, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cercis Chinensis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Uncaria Sinensis Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice) Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Angelica gigas Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Papaver Rhoeas Petal Extract, Pueraria Thunbergiana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Squalene, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract, Magnolia Liliiflora Bud Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopherol Acetate, Adenosine, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, CI 19140, CI 15985.

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

Read More

Chuu Beige Hard Finish Eye Brow #253 Dark Brown

I heaved a sigh of relief when I discovered that I needn't sharpen Hard Finish Eye Brow with a blade for a regular sharpener will do as well. I heard too many horror stories of people butchering their pencils when they do it themselves, so I have stayed away from hard formulas until now.

Name: Chuu Beige Hard Finish Eye Brow #253 Dark Brown
Price: ₩ 10,000
Made in: Korea

From what I read, the lead only deposits colour pigments when it comes in contact with the oils in the brow hairs. I tested it on the back of my hand and there was barely any colour being released.

The results? A natural wash of colour that will never look overly harsh. It also glosses over imperfections, namely, extending the tail, covering a gap and sharpening an arch. Plus, it doesn't budge once applied, staying put all day long. Even beginners will find it difficult to mess up with this formula!

Before

After

This is a long pencil that should last a pretty good while even with constant sharpening (just saying, not that you need to!). Find it at en.chuu.co.kr for US$ 12.

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

Read More

Clinivita Marine Placenta Skin Serum

Formulated in Germany, Japan and Korea and manufactured in Malaysia and Germany at the highest manufacturing quality standards, Clinivita delivers halal preventive healthcare solutions that are clinically proven to be effective.

Name: Clinivita Marine Placenta Skin Serum
Price: RM 219 for 50 ml
Made in: Malaysia

The Marine Placenta Skin Serum is a great option for those who want a little bit of everything in one (frosted glass) bottle. It tackles ageing (salmon placenta and collagen), provides hydration (Hyaluronic Acid), perceptibly tightens (Pepha®-Tight) and helps in restructuring (milk protein).

It is a water-based, almost weightless liquid that glides oh-so-easily beneath moisturiser. 3 spritzes are enough to tide me (both my mug and neck) over. I have to say, this is my first time to encounter a serum with a spray nozzle. Be that as it may, I still need to spritz the serum onto my hands and then rub it on - just like what I'd do with serums that come with a pump.

It works perfectly for me (oily T-zone, tight and dry elsewhere): it plumps nicely (lines are less noticeable now) and also hastens healing (hyperpigmentation doesn't take as long to fade). If you hate layering product in the daytime, then this serum works very well directly beneath sunscreen. Just give it a minute or two to sink in completely first.

Before

After

Granted, the fishy smell (I wouldn't expect anything less for a marine based product) isn't the easiest to take to, but I got desensitised to it after a couple of uses. 6 weeks in and I can't even smell it now! I am lucky my nose quickly adapts to new stuff. Otherwise, I'd be unbearable in this review with my ceaseless moaning, haha!

Call the toll free number 1-800-813173 for guidance to the your nearest healthcare professional (Clinivita's products are only sold at selected dermatologists, aesthetics clinics and GPs) or e-mail customercare@klactive.com if you would like a go at this serum.

The full ingredient list for Marine Placenta Skin Serum:
Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Collagen, Pepha®-Tight, Salmon Placenta, Wheat Dextrin, Milk Protein (GFC™), Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Fragrance.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Read More

Lafine Vegetable Deep Cleansing Cream

The Lafine Vegetable Deep Cleansing Cream (there is a foaming cleanser too, reviewed here and here) includes cucumber, carrot, watercress, tomato and parsley to nourish and moisturise.

Name: Lafine 라피네 Vegetable Deep Cleansing Cream 야채 딥 클렌징 크림
Price: ₩ 15,000 for 200 ml
Made in: Korea

I massage it to dry (dirty) skin, wipe off using damp cotton pads, and follow up with a good rinse. It is supposed to completely remove makeup but it struggles on the stubborn, waterproof stuff... then again, nearly everything has trouble with that!

To my horror, it leaves an oily film after rinsing - even my cleansing oils don't do that! A second cleanser is a must with this cleansing cream. Not one for me, but that may have more to do with my requirements and skin type than a problem with the product itself.

The full ingredient list for Vegetable Deep Cleansing Cream:
Mineral Oil, Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Propylene Glycol, 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, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Iron Oxides, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chromium Oxide Greens, Iron Oxides, Carbomer, 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!

Read More

L'Oreal Paris Makeup Designer True Match Genius SPF26 PA+++

Known for delivering wearable everyday glamour with innovative products, L'Oréal Paris revealed a brand new identity for its makeup products in star studded bash at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur a few moons ago. With this debut, beauty enthusiasts are able to discover the art of makeup from three aspects:
☑ Face Architect
☑ Eye Artistry
☑ Colour Obsession

3rd from left: Group Product Manager of L'Oréal Paris Malaysia Daniel Lim, General Manager of L'Oréal Consumer Products Division Darren Ho and Product Manager of L'Oréal Paris Makeup Designer Florence Ong

Base makeup never fails to get my blood pumping so of course I had to bang on a racehorse of a product from the Face Architect stable: the True Match Genius. It promises to smoothen skin's surface like a primer, glide and unify more precisely than a fluid foundation, cover imperfections like a concealer and finish like a powder. Sounds absolutely brilliant right??

Name: L'Oréal Paris Makeup Designer True Match Genius SPF26 PA+++
Price: RM 59.90

It has a pretty decent selection of shades - 7 altogether - and the one I wear is the lightest in the golden category, G1 Gold Ivory (only because it has more obvious yellow undertones than its sisters).

This foundation is very creamy and emollient. Due to the extreme creaminess, a brush may leave unsightly streak marks during application, which is why it is best to go in with the inclusive sponge, or a sponge wedge. Wet or dry is up to you - I myself prefer a damp sponge.

It gives a pretty good evenness to the skin: redness is neutralised and pigmentation isn't as obvious. There is no need for a separate concealer with this, but I did dot the Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer beneath my eyes to further disguise shadows.

Before

After

Although this is targeted for all skin types, oilier skin types should set it with a setting powder to lock everything in place. As mentioned above, it is too emollient to be left alone. Wear time is about an hour before touch-ups are needed (it moves about too much!).

Saying that it takes the place of a primer and a powder is a bit of a stretch. My experience with the True Match Genius tells me that I needed a primer to fill in my massive pores and a powder to tame my T-zone. It does a good job as a foundation cum concealer though, so there is that.

So, this is the opinion of a girl suffering from combination skin... care to share the perspective from the other side of the spectrum in the comment section? You can find out more about L'Oréal Paris Makeup Designer's new innovative products at lorealparis.com.my.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Read More

All New Laneige BB Cushion Whitening & BB Cushion Pore Control (2016)

The Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion took the world by storm in 2012. Since then, Laneige has come out with the BB Cushion Whitening, followed by the BB Cushion Pore Control (reviewed here), and then the BB Cushion Anti-Aging.

Stepping through time

And now, in 2016, these cushions (not all of them mind you, only the BB Cushion Whitening and the BB Cushion Pore Control) have been given a major revamp both looks and formula-wise!

The facelift resulted in a change in packaging (the holographic cover diffuses light in different colours) and the design of the sponge.

These BB cushions will retain their 6-in-1 functionality and an upgraded technology:

☑ 3D Skin Fit Cushion
The new 3D Skin Fit Cushion design allows the optimum amount of product to be picked up by the puff to deliver a translucent and even finish.

☑ Super Flex Lasting™
Super Flex Lasting™ technology builds an anti-darkening film to keep skin bright all day long.

☑ Hydro Ion Mineral Water
Containing 6 minerals (Manganese, Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium) and 3 essential vitamins (A, C and E), Laneige's signature Hydro Ion Mineral Water quickly and effectively supplies moisturising energy to the skin.

The all new BB Cushion Whitening and BB Cushion Pore Control are available in neutral (13, 21, 23, 31, 33, 35) and cool (13C, 21C) shades. Sold at all Laneige boutiques and beauty counters for RM 159 (inclusive of one refill).

Read More