Friday, December 29, 2017

Mamonde Introduces Flower Facial Masks For Different Skin Needs

One mask is not enough!

So, for me, multi-masking is the way to go. I tailor my pampering seshs by addressing different concerns with their own remedies at the same time. Alternatively, I can opt to layer, which consists of applying a mask, washing it off, then topping with another mask.

This brings me to the new flower based (rose, heartleaf houttuynia, calendula and evening primrose) line of masks from Mamonde. It is a great way to get a customised treatment depending on your needs for the day.


Dull and fatigued skin... use the Petal Purifying Bubble Mask (RM 85 for 100 ml). Comes crammed with green tea and peppermint extracts and visible rose petals, this mask revitalises stressed skin caused by environmental aggressors to reanimate dull-looking skin.

Thing to note: massage the fine bubbles (they will form approximately 1 minute in) with moistened hands.


Oily and clogged skin... use the Pore Clean Clay Mask (RM 85 for 100 ml). The naturally occurring mineral clay is infused with grounded heartleaf houttuynia and walnut shells to sop up sebum and at the same time, exfoliate dead skin cells.

Thing to note: wash off after 15 minutes.


Sensitive and dry skin... use the Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask (RM 85 for 100 ml). A magical mix of calendula petals blended with centella, aloe vera and cucumber extracts calms skin and locks in moisture.

Thing to note: finish off your regimen with this product.


Flaky and dehydrated skin... use the Enriched Nutri Sleeping Mask (RM 85 for 100 ml). Formulated with evening primrose, camellia and sunflower oils, this mask fortifies the protective layer of the skin, thus lowering the chances of external pollutants from harming the skin.

Thing to note: burst the capsules as you spread the mask to release the nutrients.


Killer combos:
✤ For luminosity × moisturisation: Petal Purifying Bubble Mask + Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask
✤ For detoxification × nourishment: Pore Clean Clay Mask + Enriched Nutri Sleeping Mask

These are just two of the many medleys that you can dab your hand at. I hope you have just as much fun (and relaxation) as I did!

Have a new year full of sparkling moments and I will see you soon! ❤️

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Cream

Late nights, overindulgence (don't get me started on the buffets!) and juggling 5,691 holiday obligations can quickly take their toll, resulting in chapped and flaky skin. The Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Cream deals with these plights by injecting the skin with 5 types of Hyaluronic Acids, ceramides and Aphanothece Sacrum (an algae!) for a fresher and smoother complexion.


Name: Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Cream
Price: RM 78.90 for 50 g
Made in: China

I mentioned the advantages of each Hyaluronic Acid in my Premium Hydrating Lotion post, but here they are again:

Hyaluronic Acid
Forms a layer of moisture retention barrier on skin's surface to prevent moisture loss.

Super Hyaluronic Acid
With 2 times moisture retention capacity of Hyaluronic Acid to lock-in and retain large volume of moisture inside the skin for super hydration.

Nano Hyaluronic Acid
With fine molecule size that can penetrate deeply into skin to provide moisture deep down into the inner skin layers.

Absorbent Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid with strong holding feature that allows it to stay longer on skin even after sweat or washing.

3D Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid that is closely bound together to form a 3D moisture net that wraps the skin to provide superior and long-lasting moisture retention.


Due to the rich formula, I only use this cream at night so it has time to fully sink in. I have tried to use it in the mornings but I couldn't give it a proper massage (meaning forever pressed for time) so it just sits on the skin and causes makeup to slip 'n slide *sob* I highly doubt those with very parched skin would face this problem though, so please give it a go and let me know how you fare!


Find it at leading pharmacies and supermarkets for RM 78.90.

The full ingredient list for Premium Hydrating Cream:
Water, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Glyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Palmitic Acid, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Betaine, Behenyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Allantoin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Ceramide 3, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Caprylyl Methicone, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Sodium Isostearate, Sucrose Distearate, Squalane, Methylparaben, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Ceramide 6 II, Phytosphingosine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Hyaluronic Acid, BHT, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide 1.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Sugao Review: Cheek & Lip, Air Fit CC Cream Smooth SPF23 PA+++

Sugao (スガオ) - meaning bare, natural face - is a Japanese makeup series that draws on naturality, sheer lightness and softness in achieving natural beauty. The star of the show for me is, without a doubt, the Cheek & Lip (RM 59.90 for 6.5 g). It has a light, fluffy mousse-like formula that blends easily.


Available in 3 colours - Natural Red, Active Orange and Brilliant Pink - this 2-in-1 hybrid product is best applied with the most underutilised makeup tool: fingers. I work a small dot onto the apples of my cheeks (or the centre of my lips) and use tapping motions to blend out.


The soft lustre of colour that Brilliant Pink lends my cheeks is nothing short of flattering, but it doesn't quite work as a lip colour for me (anything this pale just doesn't show up on my lips). Instead, I use it as a primer, and it provides a matte surface to enhance the colour of any lip product that goes on top of it.


Formulated with Rohto's patented Air-Fit Technology, a tiny blob of Air Fit CC Cream Smooth SPF23 PA+++ (RM 69.90 for 25 g) covers a surprising amount of ground with the breathable airy formula blending seamlessly with my skin.


At the risk of spoiling the party, I do think the claims are stretching the truth a little (minimising imperfections, blurring pores and absorbing excess sebum), but it is marvellous at brightening the complexion (I am using 02 Pure Ochre), evening out redness and creating that pulled-together look.


It relies on a good canvas to work with because it will sit on flakes, pool into dry areas, and highlight dry patches. If you have PIH or dark circles, you will require a separate, heavy duty concealer. But if you are going for the au naturel look, then the Air Fit CC Cream Smooth SPF23 PA+++ is the man for the job!


Shop for Sugao at selected Watsons outlets as well as watsons.com.my.


From left: Brilliant Pink - 02 Pure Ochre

The full ingredient list for Cheek & Lip Brilliant Pink:
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethylhexanoin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mineral Oil, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Hydrogen Dimethicone, BHT, Aluminum/Calcium/Manganese Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Red 6 CI 15850, Red 7 CI 15850, Yellow 5 CI 19140, Aluminium Hydroxide.

The full ingredient list for Air Fit CC Cream Smooth SPF23 PA+++:
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Triethylhexanoin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Triethylhexyl Trimellitate, Mineral Oil, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Iron Oxides, Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Aluminium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Hydrated Silica, Aluminum/Calcium/Manganese Oxide, Methicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT.

Disclosure: Press samples.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Mentholatum WaterLip Tone Up CC SPF20 PA++

Whether you are basking in the sun or seeking shelter from the rain, Mentholatum has got your lips protected with the WaterLip Tone Up CC SPF20 PA++.


Name: Mentholatum メンソレータム WaterLip Tone Up CC ウォーターリップ トーンアップCC SPF20 PA++
Price: RM 16.90 for 4.5 g
@cosme rating: 4.2
Release date: 27.7.2016
Made in: Japan

This ultra-nourishing formula of vitamin E, olive oil and jojoba oil is available in two shades: Pure Red ピュアレッド and Rose Pink ローズピンク. Pure Red is a warm toned pink, whereas Rose Pink is a cool toned pink (as far as the eye can tell anyways). You can tell the difference if you concentrate hard enough (on paper!), but they can hardly be distinguished once they go on the lips.


From left: Pure Red, Rose Pink

The colour payoff is very much subdued - a sheer pink, just enough to make my lips look flushed and healthy. My apologies if my swatches give the impression that Pure Red and Rose Pink are terribly pigmented; I went over that same spot at least a thousand times (greatly exaggerated but you get the gist, heh).


From left: Pure Red, Rose Pink

At RM 16.90 each at all leading pharmacies and major supermarket outlets, buying one (or both!) won't be a burden!

The full ingredient list for WaterLip Tone Up CC Pure Red SPF20 PA++:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyethylene, Diisostearyl Malate, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Lanolin, Petrolatum, Microcrystalline Wax, Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polyglyceryl-4-Oleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Barium Sulfate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, CI 19140, CI 15850.

The full ingredient list for WaterLip Tone Up CC Rose Pink SPF20 PA++:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyethylene, Diisostearyl Malate, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Lanolin, Petrolatum, Microcrystalline Wax, Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polyglyceryl-4-Oleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Barium Sulfate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, CI 15850.

Disclosure: Press samples.