Clinique Youth Surge

I have not been blogging for a while simply because I started a new job and was busy adapting to work and the culture. So therefore I have tons and tons of products that I have not reviewed. I have even decided not to review some because I don’t think they are good :p

Anyway, I have purchased this promotional pack sometime end of last year and i have just finish using this. I also bought the hydration pack but I will only review later because I have just started using it.

The pack consists of a cleanser, a day moisturizer and a night moisturizer and all these come in a pouch.

The one item that I do not like most is the Cleanser. I think that it is very drying. This is not my first experience with Clinique cleanser. When I was a teenager,i  used to use their cleanser and it was the same problem for me. I had hoped that their cleanser formula would have improved after so many years.

As for the moisturizers, the day one is lighter and the night one is thicker and they both smells the same. I think they are ok to be used for maintenance, but a serum is definitely needed. I have been using these with my Cellnique Hydrating Complex, so it works alright for me. If I take the Cellnique Hydrating Complex out of the routine, it may not be sufficient.  This is just based on my experience and my skin condition. I am exposed to air cond EVERYDAY, at work at home and in my room, so my skins tend to be very dry.

Verdict: hmmm… I am never a big fan of Clinique products and this did not change me either. Hopefully the hydrating range will score a better review.

Price: Slightly high range – Promotional pack – RM 40

Where: Clinique counters nationwide (at the time of writing, the promotion period is over)

Cellnique Intensive Hydrating Silk Masque

This was a free item that I got when I purchased the Intensive Hydrating Serum beginning of this year. I have read some reviews about this mask and most of the reviews said that this is nothing to shout about. This is the most expensive sheet mask that I have ever used. That is why, I only used it to the rescue when my face is in a very bad condition. 

 

For the past 1 week, I have been suffering from dry, flaky, red  and itchy cheeks. I am not sure what causes it, probably my Ipoh trip because I was walking under the sun for quite a while. I used the mask yesterday after the Origins Scrub. I place the mask in the fridge for 20 minutes prior to putting it on my face. The mask was quite wet but because I put it in the fridge beforehand, it wasn’t dripping. The mask is a little thin and I accidently tear of the part near the cheeks but it was ok. After I place the mask on my face, I can feel a little tingle. I left it there for about 25 minutes, then I massaged the essence onto my face till it is fully absorbed.

The next morning I woke up and I felt really happy because when I touched my cheeks the flaky texture is gone. It is still a little red but it felt much much smoother. I will use the Taiwan mask I bought tonight and I think by no time, my skin will be back to normal.

Verdict: Aside from it being a little wet and thin, it is a hero mask for dry flaky skin.

Price: Premium

Where: Cellnique Salons

Origins Moden Friction – Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion

I bought this together at my Origins haul about 2 months ago. This is a sample size and it is also my new favourite scrub because it is easy to use and fast comparing to my Bio-Mask from Cellnique. I think it gives the same effect but the Bio-Mask smells much nicer because of the tropical fruit ingredient.

This scrub contains rice starch which is the main ingredient that helps remove sluggish cells, and uneven patches. It also contains aloe which keeps skin calm and comfy and I think that is why my skin does not feel dry after the scrub instead it was smooth. 

According to the instruction, this scrub can be used 2-3 times a week. First, make sure your face is dry. Squeeze a reasonable amount of scrub on your fingertips and start working onto the face in circular motion. If it is too difficult to go in circular motion, squeeze out a little more scrub. 

Then wet your fingertips and start working a circular motion again on your face for a gentle lather (add water when necessary). At this point you can already feel how smooth the lather feels. After that, rinse off clean. It really makes my face very smooth and prep it really well for any skin care that follows.

Verdict: Easy to use, convenient, keeps skin smooth. Scent might be unpleasant to some but I am fine with it and I will definitely re-purchase

Price: Pricey RM 150 – 125 ml

Where: Origins store nationwide. ( Gardens MidValley, Parkson Pavillion, Metrojaya Mid Valley, Parkson 1 Utama, Isetan KLCC, Queensbay Mall, Parkson Gurney Plaza, Johor Tebrau City)

LÓccitane Honey Miel & Lemon Citron Delightful Cream

I bought this quite sometime ago. This was from Singapore and LÓccitane does not carry this in Malaysia. For those who have read my post on the L'Occitane Honey Miel & Lemon Citron Hand Cream would know that i LOVE this range. You can read the review HERE. Unfortunately, when i purchased in Singapore, the sales person told me that they are also going to discontinue this.

The texture of this cream is very smooth and light and it glides very easily onto the skin. It also absorbs pretty quickly. It really keeps the skin moisturize and the best thing is i adore the scent so much! Because i only bought 1 jar, i am now using it for the top half of my body and bottom half, i am using another lotion. Sayang to use up so quickly because i know i cannot get this any more.

And this cream can also be use on your face. I tried using this cream to massage my face a couple of times but then i got lazy :p anyhow, i think it is a little too oily for the face.

Verdict : Nice texture, glides smoothly on skin without the oily feeling. Very nice strong scent (if you like lemon and honey). Too bad they will not have this anymore :(

Price - Premium - SGD 56 (250ml)

Where : Not available in Malaysia (have been discontinued in Singapore)

My Revlon Haul

I ran out of powder foundation as I have finished my benefit Hello Flawless foundation. Read my review HERE. Really liked it but I am kinda broke these days so I was out looking for a more economical option :)

I tested the new Revlon Photogenic foundation but I feel that it is too shimmery for day wear and I did not pick the Beyond Natural powder foundation because I wanted to try something else. So in the end, my pick was Revlon New Complexion one step make up and because it is a liquid with powder finish foundation, the sales advisor said that I need to top up with loose powder, so I also bought the loose powder from the same range.

This is my first time using 2 in 1 liquid & powder foundation (something new mahh). I would normally settle for liquid foundation or powder foundation but never tried 2 in 1.

The foundation glides on very easily and gives a pretty good coverage. On the other hand, I think that it might not be too suitable for people who have oily skin. Maybe in general oily skin should stick with powder foundation as it gives a sheer finish.

I feel that I cannot skip the loose powder if I am using this liquid with powder finish foundation or else I will look pretty “shinny” after my moisturizer and sunblock. But I have also tried using this loose powder alone after my skin care and sun block. It works as well but of course coverage is minimal. I am using 03 sand beige for the New Complexion one step make up and translucent 01 for the loose powder.

Verdict: The foundation comes with SPF 15 and glides on smoothly. Both also come with a sponge. The packaging is not very appealing. Nothing much to shout about, for me this is just normal, value for money.

Price: Mid-Range

New Complexion one step compact make up – RM 52 (9.9g)

New Complexion loose face powder – RM 50 (30g)

Where: Watson & Guardian pharmacies nation wide

Benefit Realness of Concealness

I am a huge fan of benefit. Before Chinese New year they had this slash down on a lot of their products and I have teamed up with my sister and bought quite an amount of their products at discounted price. We purchased them online so some of the stuff is not available in Malaysia. My sister is very crazy about her eye bags and she has convinced me to purchase the Realness of Concealness.

What I like about this all-in-one super concealer pack is that the products are all available in mini sizes. Below is a review for all the mini size items.

1) Lemon aid (1.0g) – This is meant to be applied on your lids. It is a yellow correcting cream that hides discoloration. I think that it really works but I don’t think that is long lasting maybe because I touch my eyes quite often.

2) Boi-ing (1.20g) – This is a concealer to hide dark eye circles. I think that this concealer does its job and it is not drying so you will not have to worry about it caking up. Again I do not think that it is long lasting.

3) Ooh la lift (2.5g) – This consist of raspberry and chamomile extracts and it is supposed to de-puff and firm up the under eye area . BUT I do not think it works because I really do not see any difference.

4) High beam (2.5g) – This is a highlighter that is supposed to highlights your cheeks and you can also use it on the bridge of your nose. This is one of the best highlighter that really does its magic. It is best to use with a cheek tint. Dot the cheek tint and the highlighter on your cheeks and blend it together and voila you will have a really high beam. The only sad side is that it does not last. If you sweat or wipe your cheeks, it will be gone but you can always touch up :)

5) Lip Plump (2.5g) – This is supposed to be applied on your lips, let it dry then apply your favorite lippie. I would suggest that you put on your lip balm before applying this lip plump because it can be a bit drying. I am not use to using this because it feels as though you are applying foundation on your lips.

Verdict : What I like most about travel packs and all-in-one packs is that you are able to try a variety of products before deciding what you really need or work for you. My favorite item in the realness of concealness would be the high beam. The con about these products is that they do not last long so touch up is needed.

Price : Mid-range – USD24 approximately RM 84 after conversion (not available in Malaysia )

Where : I purchased it from the website but I think they have discontinue this. Alternatively, you can check out their confession of a concealaholic which was just launched about 1 month ago. http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/product/B002WDZGMU/sr=1-1/qid=1272086237/ref=sr_1_1/188-7353574-9458225?ie=UTF8&n=164982011&bcBrand=core

Fiber wig paint-on false lashes mascara and Dejavu Lasting fine eyeliner

I bought this about 3 weeks back. Sasa was having a promotion where these 2 products came together at the price of RM 59. I think this is a value for money because the original price for the mascara alone is RM 59.

This is a smudge proof but not water proof mascara. I was a little confuse at first, when I asked the sales assistant, she said that smudge proof means that it will not smear (none smudge proof mascara will leave you with panda eyes if you are not careful). This mascara is not water proof, meaning when you get into water, the mascara will wear off.

I like it that this is a fiber type mascara and even if you accidentally rub your eyes, it will not smear, instead you will see small little fiber which looks like your eye lashes around your eyes. For a quick fix, go to the ladies and just wipe or pick off those little fibers around your eye area. No make-up remover needed!

The eye liner is also very easy to use. It is also smudge proof. This liner also allows you to draw a fine line. The one thing I do not like about it is that the color is not dark enough.

Verdict: Mascara is good if you do not want to worry about getting panda eyes later in the day and it separates the lashes neatly. It is also easy to remove and if you are lazy, you can remove it with water only. But sadly I do not think it helps much in lengthening and volumising my lashes. It still looks almost the same maybe because my lashes are short and sparse. But on another note, I have a friend who has very long lashes who uses the same mascara and have gotten a better effect. As for the liner, it does last you the whole day without panda eyes but I think the color is a bit to light.

Price : Mid – range : RM 59

Where : Any Sasa outlet

Neutrogena Deep Hydrating Mask

I am not a great fan of neutrogena product. I remember using their cleanser once and it made my skin really dry. And i have also tried their sun block and i feel it is a little too thick for the face. If i can only recommend one product froon this brand, it would be their hydrating mask. I think it is one of the most affordable and effective hydrating mask. I used it every day during my Tanjung Jara Trip and my skin did not peel at all even though I was under the sun for the entire trip.

On usual days, I used it once or twice a week. If you want a healthy glow and a “plump” face, you can try using it every day for a week. You should be able to see the result. Remember to scrub your face once a week too. It really helps to let the liquid and nutrients from the mask to absorb more effectively. The best thing about a tissue mask is convenience, use and pop it into the dustbin after. Just open the packet and place the mask on your face, leave it for 15-20 minutes, then remove and massage the remaining liquid onto skin. You can top up with your moisturizer, but normally I don’t bother.

Another tip: Put it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before using the mask. This will give you nice cooling effect and it does perk your skin up.

Verdict: Nice and easy to use product. Good to bring along for holidays.

Price: Mid Range – RM 49.90 (5 pieces)

Where: Any major pharmacy. (Sometimes they offer between 10-20% discount OR 1 sheet of FREE mask)

Sun Play Skin Aqua - UV Moisture Milk

The reason I bought this sun block is because it has moisturizing properties. Skin Aqua is SPF 50 and it contains Hyaluronic Acid and collagen to keep skin soft and moisturize. It also claims to be non-greasy. After I put on this sun block, I can feel an extra velvety layer on my face. It Is not a greasy feeling as it absorbs quite quickly. This sun block can also be use on your body but I think that it is too expensive to use on the body.

Verdict: I think this sun block is more suitable for dry skin. I have a combination skin; therefore I think the product is too rich for my skin.

Price: Mid-range - RM 34.90 (42gm)

Where : Guardian and Watson

Marjolica Marjoca’s Lash Gorgeous Wing Mascara

This is one of the best mid-range mascara. The result is a lot better if it is used together with the base coat. This mascara really lengthens your eyelashes and the best part is that it does NOT smear even after more than 12 hours of wearing it! It still looks as neat as when you first put it on. For those who did not already know, this brand is a sister brand of Shiseido. I have not used any mascara from Shiseido before, but this one is definitely a value buy.

Verdict: A smear-proof mascara that works it’s magic at an affordable price. Suitable for those who are looking for a not so premium brand mascara at an acceptable price.

Price: Mascara : RM 45.90 (6g) , Base Coat RM RM 45.90 (7.5g)

Where to find : Watson.They have a 10-15% discount sometimes.

Montagne Jeunesse Foot Scrub

This is a very soothing and deodorizing product. This foot scrub contains watermelon and balm mint and i assure you that your whole bathroom will be filled with a minty smell when you are done. The balm mint also gives you a cooling and tingling sensation after you rinse and I felt so squeaky clean. For me, i think the amount is too much for 1 time usage. I normally keep the remaining scrub in the fridge and use it the next round. The packaging is not very friendly though; they should have the zip thing in the packaging so that it is more user- friendly. But overall, it gives a very refreshing feeling to your feet.

Verdict – This product is suitable for working adults and athlete who are either always in their heels/shoes or has sweaty feet. The smell of the mint might be a little too overwhelming for some

Price: Affordable – RM 5.90 (25ml)

Where : Guardian

theBalm time Balm Concealer

On the packaging, it is written as concealer.anticernes. I was wondering what the heck was anticernes. I googled and found out that it is French and it means under eye dark circle concealer. I was looking at my time balm and reading the ingredients and instruction and I was surprise that the back of the round container says for day time, night time and bed time! Errrrr….. why would people put on concealer to sleep. I investigated further and went on to their website and realized that this is an anti-wrinkle concealer that you can use anytime including bedtime. It not only helps to cover dark circles but also protects the delicate eye area. It is available in 6 different shades.

Verdict: I have only tried using it during the day as a concealer and the good thing about it is very natural and it does not look cakey. Coverage is ok when you first apply but later part of the day, you can somehow feel that it kind of fades away and the coverage is not as good as when it was freshly applied. I have not try putting it on during bedtime because I do not want to stain my pillow! So if anyone have tried using it at night, do let us know if it works well.

Price : Premium – RM 55 (7.5g/net wt 0.26oz)

Where : Sasa Mid Valley. (They might have them in other Sasa as well)

Benefit Hello Flawless Compact Powder

This compact powder has a very nice packaging. It has a mirror with light bulbs around it which is an actual reflector material where you can see your own reflection :). The whole packaging sits very well with the product name “Hello Flawless”. This product has a little lesson “booklet” attached. In the booklet, there are tips on how to get a sheer finish effect and also how to cover up spot and have a full coverage. This compact powder comes with 2 applicators, a sponge and a brush. If you want a sheer finish, use the brush and if you want better coverage, the sponge will do the job. For those who wants extra protection against the sun, this product also comes with SPF 15.

Verdict: The packaging is very practical for those who are always on the go because it comes with the brush and sponge. Other than that it is just a normal compact powder. Personally I feel that it does not last me throughout the day. My take is that this product is suitable for girls who want convenience, light coverage and a nice box.

Price: Premium - RM 145 (7gm Net wt. 0.23oz)

Where: Metrojaya Mid Valley, Sogo, Robinsons, the Gardens, Parkson 1 Utama, KLCC & Pavillion

theBalm Luxury Travel Size Cosmetic

I hope that you girls are anticipating this 2nd entry for theBalm. I am going to review the travel pack.The travel pack consist all 4 products listed below (in mini sizes).

1) Hot Mama Shadow and Blush (1gm) – The color is very natural and it has a shimmering
effect. The only down side is that it does not come with a brush.
2) Staniac (2.3gm) – This is a cheek and lip tint. If you want a pinkish tint on your lip,
it does create that effect. Alternatively you can use it together with Hot mama.
First put the tint on your cheeks and follow with Hot Mama and you will have a
longer lasting pinky cheeks.
3) Plump your pucker tinted gloss in cocoa my coconut (2.3gm) – This gloss has a cooling
feeling when apply and it really taste like cocoa and coconut! It gives you a
nude color lip.
4) Balm Shelter tinted gloss with SPF 17 in girl’s best friend (2.3gm)– This gloss tastes
like watermelon. It looks pink but when you apply it onto your lips, it is almost
colorless but it gives you a very nice glossy look.

Verdict: This is a very basic traveler set. The gloss has a very light tinge of color making it suitable for daily wear. I think that they should swap either one of the lip gloss and include a mini mascara instead to complete the set. If you are a sucker for packaging, this is a MUST buy item.

Price : Mid-Range – RM 88

Where : Sasa Mid Valley. (They might have them in other Sasa as well)

L’Occitane Honey Miel & Lemon Citron Hand Cream

This is one of my favorite hand cream. The 1st Honey Miel & Lemon Citron hand cream I had was a present from a friend. She bought it from the US. I absolutely love the smell. It also really keeps my hand moisturize my hands and keeping it soft. This product contains fresh lemons and the natural sweetness of Provencal bees. It is also enriched in shea butter. No wonder it smells so nice la… I bought myself 2 more tubes from Narita airport last month while I was in Japan.

I went to L’Occitane Mid Valley last week and asked if they carry this range here and to my disappointment, they do not have the hand cream. They only have the shower gel, lip balm and the perfume. Haihhhh…. I hope my friends will be travelling before I run out of stock.

Verdict: Smells Super Duper Nice. A little pricey, but It is worth paying for the scent and also its natural ingredients.

Price: Premium - 1,800 yen approximately RM 72 ( 75ml).

Where: Not available in Malaysia. If you do travel, try looking out for L’Occitane outlets in the airport.

theBalm Pick–Up Liner

When I saw this brand in a magazine, the first thing that came to my mind is that it looks like Benefit BUT with a more affordable price. I saw their promo booth in mid valley few weeks ago but did not have time to check it out. So the second option was to ask Google :). I ran a search in Google but did not find any information on where I can find this brand in Malaysia.

I dropped by Mid Valley again to look for this brand. I went to Metrojaya and Jusco cosmetic floor in search for the brand and they say they don’t carry it, some even say they have never heard of this brand. I went around again and guess where I found theBalm??! In SASA. They are the only company who carries this brand in Malaysia, for now.

I am a sucker for packaging and I WILL buy products with interesting or unique packaging. The look of these products brings me back to the Marilyn Monroe and Oliver Newton in Grease era but in a comic format.
I bought a few of their products, but I am only going to review the eyeliner in this entry. I am saving the rest of the products for my future entries hehehehe.
I like the way they name the product, it sounds very fun and appealing. It also has a very quirky (some might say lame) copy. The line says; your name must be Mickey ‘cuz you’re so fine!’

The copy aside, this is one of the most unique packaging that I have seen before; the eye liner packaging comes with a sharpener. And it not only has 1 liner, but 3 different eye liners in black, brown and gray. They also have another variant that consist of blue, green and purple liners. Because it is a pencil liner, therefore it is very easy to apply and also very accurate. And according to their website, it says that it is water resistent too. But i did not find that line in the actual product.

Verdict : It is convenient for girls who want variety because all the liners comes in mini sizes. This is also a very nice gift. This is definitely a MUST buy for those who are a sucker for packaging like me. BUT when it comes to the product, i will not give as many brownie points as i did for the packaging. I find that the liners does not last and also it kind of smear and leave a stain on the top of my lid after wearing for the whole day.

Price : Mid-Range RM 55

Where : Sasa Mid Valley

More info: https://www.thebalm.com/makeup/pick_up.htm