DrGL Restore Gel Mask - Budget-friendly Boutique Skin Solution Review

If you've followed me on my Instagram (@r_san82....oh you haven't? Why not! =P), you may have noticed when I purchased this little titbit during one of my many recent Luxola hauls. I think I bought this at least a month or 2 back so I thought I'd better post this before I forget again ^___^;;;

S$38/100ml, S$68/240ml on Luxola

At only S$38 for the 100ml, it's the cheapest in the Dr.GL range and a very popular item. Combine that with the titles of Cosmo Beauty Grand Prix 2013 Winner, Elle Beauty IT List 2013 and the frequent Luxola sales and you know you really have to try it out~

Description of the Restore Gel Mask:

Bring skin back to equilibrium with this restorative gel for all skin types. Packed with healing botanicals to help sooth skin, it makes a particularly good travel companion as skin tends to be stressed by changing environments, manifesting signs of irritation such as redness and dryness.

A proprietary blend of natural ingredients including Gardenia Florida Extract and Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract heals skin with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial powers. It's blue hue extracted from Guaiazulene helps counteract redness while its all-natural fragrance exerts a calming influence. 

Info from DrGL

Comes in a nondescript dark moss green box and plastic pump bottle that I like in all its simplicity. The pump (and bottle) is sturdy and firm, making it quite easy to dispense the small amount that's needed. I do however worry about the potential wastage once it's finishing >___<

Here's a look at the instructions/details and ingredients:

I know the font is quite hard to make out, doesn't help that it's printed so close to each other >_<

Directions:

• To use as a moisturiser, apply a thin layer in circular motions till gel is fully absorbed.
• To use a mask, apply a thick layer onto skin and leave on for 10 - 20min. Remove remaining gel on face.
• Good for sunburns, post-tanning and post-procedure treatments.
• Best used when chilled. (I LOVE it chilled!)
• To use as shaving gel, apply a thin layer before shaving.

Ingredients:

Water, Scutellaria Baicelensis Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruiticosa Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Coceth-7, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rutin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Centella, Asatica Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Beta-glucan, Guaiazulene, Arginine, Aloe Vera.

Made in Korea. 

Some extra info on a couple of the herbs/flower extracts that are more prominent in the makeup of the Restore Gel Mask:

Scutellaria Baicelensis - One of the 50 fundamentals in Chinese Herbology, this is a pretty purple flowering plant known also known as Skullcaps. Often used in traditional Chinese medicines to dispel 'heatiness', hepatitis, diarrhea and inflammation. Increasingly rare in current times due to its popularity and unfortunate overexploitation.

Paeonia Suffruiticosa - The iconic Chinese Peony, it's roots (called 牡丹皮) are also used commonly in traditional Chinese medicines to dispel 'heatiness', mildly invigorate the blood and 'cool' the blood amongst others.

Licorice - The root extract has shown various medical properties such as being antimicrobial, antiviral and hepatoprotective. In skincare however, it has also shown the ability to treat hyper pigmentation caused by skin inflammation.

Hope this extra info helps give a clearer idea of how the gel works! And just in case some of you were curious where this lovely blue colour came from:

Guaiazulene - The blue hue of the gel is derived from this hydrocarbon, which is an U.S FDA-approved cosmetic colour additive.

Albeit a tad disappointed that the colour isn't a natural occurrence, I still like the calming blue that it is =) And the smell is really soothing too! Makes me think of Chamomile tea mixed with other flower teas. Y'know...like 'ahhhh~~' (▰˘◡˘▰) 

My dad just pointed out that my random squiggle of blue gel-ly goodness looks like umm..well..sperm. 

*awkward silence* (//∇//)

I guess I could've kept quiet and hope that nobody notices but I JUST CAN'T. So yeah, sorry if it looks like a slightly suggestive squiggle of blue~  ~(˘▾˘~)

*ahem*

As recommended, I store it in the fridge and since I'm about halfway through my usual Laneige moisturiser, use this on and off...when I want to give my skin a treat or when it's feeling particularly stressed, dry or sensitive. A little goes a long way so the 100ml bottle will probably last pretty long.    Just so that you have an idea, for basic moisturising I use a little under 1/2 a pump for my whole face, abit lesser than the amount pictured in my lovely Daiso saucer. Oh and may I add that the chilled gel on my face is freakin' awesome in this sticky hot weather we've been having in Singapore recently!

It spreads well and absorbs to a slightly tacky finish after massaging in circular motions but this tackiness will disappear in under 5 min, leaving my skin feeling and looking soothed and really, well, comfortable! It also dries on the matte side so you don't need to worry about the shinies~ 

As a testament to its soothing capabilities, one time when my skin was going through a dry spell and one particular spot on my cheek was so dry that I suffered some abrasion. Nothing too drastic but a flaky red patch on the cheek is pretty hard to miss. I applied just a thin layer of the Restore Gel in the evening and by the next morning the redness was gone and there was only a very slight dry feeling left. Problem solved with a 2nd application that day and no sign of a reoccurence!

So would I repurchase the DrGL Restore Gel Mask? Of course! It's taken a conscious effort NOT to repurchase until my current bottle reaches at least the 30% level~

• Easily available online and with frequent sale deals via Luxola, S$38/100ml and S$68/240ml.
• Often sold out during and around sale period so keep a look out if you want to score a good deal!
• The most affordable in a line of boutique skin solutions, easy on the pocket because a little goes a long way.
• Applies and spreads well, awesome on a hot day when applied fresh from the fridge.
• Requires a minute or so of massaging to fully absorb (if using as a moisturiser) and after a few minutes of very slight tackiness, dries to a matte finish leaving skin soothed and comfortable.
• Keeps my combination/oily skin moisturised without any shine.
• Quickly soothes irritated and dry skin without any discomfort even on my slight facial abrasion.
• Has served my skin very well in recovering from shuttling between dry and humid climates.

Yep, that's all I have to say about this pretty awesome multi-purpose gel~  =) Do drop me a comment if I've left anything out! 

The Tokyo Affair 2014 - Matsumoto Kiyoshi Beauty Loot

Before I left for Tokyo I promised myself that there would not be a repeat of last year's frantic squishing of luggage, desperately trying to fit all my shopping into my bags.....and I did so well this year, that I came back with barely anything! Of course, it also helped to think of my overflowing 'beauty drawer' back home~ XP

Maybe it was because I was there with my husband. I didn't spend as much time browsing and only made 2 trips to the drugstore as opposed to...well...I dunno...8? =P

Let's start with the stuff in sachets!

From left: Choosy lip masks, hot bath salts, whitening bath salts

I'm a big fan of these hot bath salts, feels so good after I soak & sweat buckets! By the time I took this photo, I'd already used 4 packets of bath salts....totally regret not buying more =( But if I get desperate, there's always Nishino Pharmacy or Meidi-ya I guess~

These hydrogel lip masks look yummy and were available in soooo many colours! Everything from nude to reds, pinks and orange shades. They can also double as nipple masks. Yep, NIPPLE masks. I haven't tried them yet though.

Choosy lip masks in Milk and White Pearl (about 100 - 120yen each)

Dual use lip & nipple gel patch!

Formulated with Collagen, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid, this hydrogel lip pack goes on after the lips are thoroughly cleansed. Leave on for anything between 5 - 30min and then gently peel off lips. Depending on which mask you choose, there are also other ingredients in the formula such as argan oil, grapefruit essence, jojoba seed oil, honey and aloe vera~

炭­酸宣言(tan san sen gen) Sparkling Water Pack - 388yen

 

This water pack supposedly will help expand the capillaries in the skin, allowing more oxygen to the skin. From my understanding, it basically improves circulation, activating skin cell metabolism whilst cleansing the pores, improving elasticity and moisture.

 

From the instructions I gather one should mix pack 1 with water then mix in pack 2, at which point a creamy foam will form. Next, immerse your face in the foam for as long or as many times as you want then rinse off with the remaining carbonated water (I'm presuming this is after the initial chemical reaction settles and the foam dissipates.). Pat dry and you're ready for makeup!

Next! Makeup!

(By the way, I am immensely proud that I didn't come back with like 12 different mascaras circa 2013. *fistpump*)

I got a few really basic items like lip gloss and nail polish from Kate cos it was just SOOOO cheap, as always~ And Maybelline Baby Lips in Sweet Beige! Why don't we have this colour in Singapore? Or have I been somehow blindsided again. =\ I actually also bought a lip concealer stick from Canmake...but....I...can't find it....=___=

Kate gloss & polish - 400yen each, Canmake eyebrow liquid - 540yen, Maybelline Baby Lips - 540yen

And then the new Cool BB Spray with UV from Esprique~

Esprique Cool BB Spray - 2,268yen

 

Cooling BB Spray formulated with hyaluronic acid, collagen and mint essence.....I played with the tester a little bit and only felt a little bit of the cooling effect, maybe it'll be more apparent when used over a larger area. Simply spray on a sponge and apply~

 

And that, is it for makeup. Amazing right?!??! Talk about downsizing!

 

In misc goods, I got a couple bottles of these clothes fragrance sprays! They smell SO GOOD! I spritz some on to clothes I'm gonna be wearing the next day or sometimes on my work clothes when they need freshening up. Again, something I regretting not buying more of.

 

Flair Fragrance - 299 yen (so cheap!!!)

And for my daily aching legs~

 

Night Aroma Cooling Sheets - 498yen & SlimWalk compression socks - 1,831yen

Now the cooling sheets were a godsend for the trip because they adhered really well and the cooling effect was really soothing on my aching calves~ I simply slapped them on every night and only removed them in the morning =)

 

The SlimWalk compressions socks/stockings were also pretty great because I have the first ones from Scholl and they were abit hot for Singapore....it's pretty gross to be sweating in them. These new ones are a summertime release and are designed to release any trapped heat, keeping you cool...and compressed! =)

 

Wow, that was really....not a lot of stuff! =\ *feels overly self-censored* I really need to establish a middle ground.... Well, hope you guys enjoyed this short post!

Quick Peek & Review - Skin Inc Custom Blended Skin Rescue Set Get Glowin'!

As some (or most) of you noticed, Luxola had a 2-hr flash sale last night! 30% storewide! And as you may also know, I've done a fair bit of shopping lately so I couldn't go crazy at the sale. I limited myself to just 1 item and this is what I got~

Only S$84 after the discount!

I really like Luxola's delivery service, they sometimes text me in advance to inform that they'll be reaching in about an hour and that really makes things easier for me. And today's delivery came half an hour earlier than the designated window! *thumbs up*

Anyway, I got the Get Glowin' set because I feel like my skin is a tad dull these days...=\  And also because the contents were the most similar to the combination recommended after I took the online skin survey~ Who doesn't want brighter skin right? And I've got good feeling about Skin Inc because I had a little 5ml bottle of the Coenzyme Q10 serum from a girlfriend and it really perked up my skin after only 2 days use!

A little bit about Skin Inc:

Skin Inc is the world's first Skin Supplement Bar offering highly concentrated, 100% pure and active serums and skincare from Japan. Our customised skincare solutions empower time-starved individuals to create their own fuss-free skincare regimes, delivering maximum results. Everyone's skin is different, so individual skin identities and their needs are addressed with products and treatments that are targeted at delivery to the skin's deeper layers where it matters. Treatments are conducted using state-of-the-art non-invasive technology that delivers sustainable results, rivalling other invasive procedures.

(Ummm I'm basically a sucker for anything made in Japan XP)

The Skin Inc Difference

• Empowered skincare It is time you find out what your skin identity is and be conscious of what your skin needs to make informed choices.
• Cents and sensibility Our products contain the optimal concentrations of active ingredients for best results in a shorter time. Skin Inc constantly undertakes research & development in Japan to create skincare formulas to better suit your evolving needs. We ensure our products contain 0% paraben and 0% scent.
• Customised to solve skin problems We begin with a thorough assessment of your skin identity and our consultants are trained to customise the most effective solution to address your unique skin needs. We do not believe in typical stereotyping of skins into oily, combination and dry categories.
• Skin-deep, fast, sustaining results Water-soluble, hydrolysed active ingredients reach the deeper skin faster, showing noticeable improvement often in as little as three days.

Info extracted from SkinInc

It says noticeable improvement in as little as three days, I noticed a difference in two!

Some info off the box:

It says 3 x 10ml serums but fact is it only comes with 3 x 5ml. =(

A look at the contents:

3 x 5ml encapsulated serums, 20ml Pure Revival Peel & 20ml Pure DeepSea Hydrating Mask

I LOVE THE PACKAGING! So cute & simple~

You can see the little orbs of goodness in each of the bottles...I think of them like salmon roe? Like exploding goodness when it's patted onto your skin =D

Get Glowin' combination - Vitamin A, Hyaluronic Acid & Chlorella

Vitamin A (Regenerate) - A lack of vitamin A causes skin to become coarse and sluggish. Vitamin A keeps skin healthy by increasing cell metabolism and circulation, banishing dark circles, dryness and dullness.  (Ingredients: 0% Scent and 0% Paraben. Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Retinyl Palmitate, Corn (Zea Mays) Oil, Carbomer, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Potassium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 80, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Algin, Phenoxyethanol)

Hyaluronic Acid (Replenish) - Able to hold 6 litres of water per gram, hyaluronic acid binds moisture to skin for instant, lasting hydration from within. Lines are refined and skin is plump and smooth. (Ingredients: 0% Scent and 0% Paraben. Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid, Carbomer, Algin, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Polysorbate 80, Titanium Dioxide, Cobalt Aluminium Oxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol)

Chlorella (Revitalize) - Helps brighten and even skintone by activating the growth of new skin cells and preventing melanin production. An algae extract, Chlorella is high in C and anti-oxidants, helping to combat premature aging caused by free radicals and sun damage . It may also help boost the production of collagen, improving skin's elasticity.

And my previous/first little bottle:

Coenzyme Q10 (Renew) - Coenzyme Q10 is a natural cell revitalizer – it activates the production of energy in cells, helping to renew cell functions and increase the absorption of nutrients in skincare products – slowing down the aging process for more youthful skin. (Ingredients: 0% Scent and 0% Paraben. Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Ubiquinone, Carbomer, Algin, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Polysorbate 80, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Lecithin, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol)

All info extracted from SkinInc except Chlorella. I got some basic info about chlorella in skincare and put them together, I hope it helps (^-^);;

From my experience with the previous bottle of Coenzyme Q10 serum:

• Serum is light and easily absorbed, leaving little to no tackiness after absorption. It's also light enough for undereye usage. 
• Zero smell detected.
• My skin looked a lot less tired and revitalized after only 2 days usage!
• Using only 3 drops a day allowed me almost a month's usage out of the 5ml bottle.
• SkinInc, though quite pricey, is a brand worth exploring, thus my purchase of the set before I commit to full-sized bottle. You can always get good deals during sale period~ 

I hope this quick review was helpful to you guys considering a relationship with SkinInc~ On my part, I know I'm falling in love! ( ＾◡＾)っ❤ Come to me, awesome skin!

PureHeal's Galactomyces 90 Ampoule - Galacto-what?

Some months ago, I noticed the new range of Korean skincare at Sephora - PureHeal's. Of course this is no longer new NEW but I've had regular usage of the product for about 4 months now and my satisfaction level remains high (^_^)

PureHeal's products fall mainly into 4 lines:

• Galactomyces (Radiance) - Whitening Line
• Propolis (Moisture) - Moisturising and Anti-Bacterial Line (The Propolis 90 Ampoule is incredibly popular, it's always out of stock when I pop by!)
• Centella (Nutritive) - Anti-aging Line
• Caviar (Renewing) - Skin Renewal and Barrier Enhancing (dual-function)

Picked up the PureHeal's Galactomyces 90 Ampoule for the fairly ridiculous low price of S$28!

S$28 / 30ml

Contains 90% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate which is basically yeast fermentation filtrate combined with honey infused with 10 different Korea-grown herbal ingredients. 30ml doesn't sound like much but I used it twice a day, about 1/2 to 3/4 of a full pump each time and it lasted me about 2 1/2 months!

Here's an idea of the size:

 Back-of-the-box info:

 

5 stars in the wrinkle improvement department!

Some background information here, I've been on the lookout for something to replace my collagen supplements so in the event I get pregnant, I'll have something on hand ready to take care of those pesky laugh lines! Luckily, I encountered PureHeal's just as I was beginning my search~

It's a clear ampoule that dispenses hygienically out of a clear glass dropper. As mentioned earlier, I use 1/2 to 3/4 of a full pump each time. I started out using a full pump each time but I found that it made my face a little over-moisturized aka shiny.

The ampoule spreads well and is absorbed quite nicely after about a minute or so of light patting.

It only leaves a barely noticeable tackiness that disappears after I apply my moisturizer.

So I stopped my collagen pills and started using this ampoule faithfully twice a day before my moisturizer. I noticed the effect very quickly over the next few days. Being a late sleeper by habit, the problem is without my collagen supplements, my laugh lines become really obvious especially when I just wake up. With the PureHeal's Galactomyces ampoule however, I wake up looking really fresh and dare I say, rejuvenated? =D It works well in hand with my Laneige emulsion and extremely well with the Laneige sleeping pack!

Here's the before and after comparison! The first shot was taken the morning after my first usage...both shots taken first thing in the morning after my skincare routine.

I swear the worst part of having a beauty blog is having to show my naked face so often (=___=);;

The whitening effect is very slight and I can't see that big a difference from an overall look but when I studied the shots close up, there were some slight differences.

I'm not sure if it's as noticeable to you but there were a couple of deeper wrinkles on my undereye area that have disappeared and the pores on my cheek look slightly finer too!

So in a nutshell, PureHeal's Galactomyces 90 Ampoule:

• comes in a nice glass bottle with an easy-to-control dropper dispenser.
• is an effective moisturizing ampoule at an extremely affordable price.
• has a very faint floral scent, only noticeable if you sniff at the bottle opening.
• intensive moisturizing effect doesn't leave skin feeling too oily or sticky.
• helps skin look rejuvenated and fresh on mornings after a late night or lack of sleep.
• is light enough for undereye application, helps with undereye wrinkles too!
• recommended patting motion for absorption takes a little longer than usual so impatient types might find that troublesome.

Would I buy this again? In a heartbeat! I'm actually almost 1/3 into my 2nd bottle actually and intend to pick up a couple more later this week~ I also bought the Centella 90 Ampoule some time ago but haven't seen much effect from that one yet =\

GLOMAX Aesthetics @ Soho2 [Sponsored Review]

A couple of weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised to receive an exclusive invite from GLOMAX Aesthetics to try out one of their highly raved about facial treatments! Cursory research on the salon turned up numerous favorable reviews and it seemed to be a very cosy setup right by Clarke Quay MRT Station~

A little more about GLOMAX Aesthetics:

Nestled six floors above Singapore's famous riverside Clarke Quay, GLOMAX Aesthetics - The Face Artistry is everything a cosy soho salon stands for: expertise, customization and modernity. The commitment to your skin deserves only the best preventive and corrective non-invasive treatments here for instant results. They are so good, you would not want to go anywhere else.

 At GLOMAX Aesthetics - The Face Artistry, expect a fine collection of ultimate face and body treatments boosted with award-winning aesthetics machines and celebrity skincare products. Our treatments are specially crafted for instantaneous results and meticulously executed by crack team of amazingly knowledgeable beauty masters.

Some of the advanced treatments offered at GLOMAX include:

• Luminous Detox Energie Care Treatment 90mins
• Intensive Acne Medic Treatment 60mins
• Ultimate Bright Enlightenment 60mins  - Cosmopolitan Best For Sensitive Skin Treatment Award 2013
• Eternal Lifting Treatment 60mins  - The Women's Weekly Best Non-invasive Treatment Award 2013
• Super ACE Anti-oxidant Treatment 90mins 
• Opulence Oxygen Treatment 45mins 

(Just for the record, I do go for regular facials every month, just the run of the mill cleansing+mask type, nothing super fancy ^_^ )

Directions are super easy! Simply exit at The Central and walk straight down past Starbucks, the building right beside The Central is Soho2.

To access the lift lobby, simply punch in the unit number, get buzzed in then take the lift on the left up to the 6th floor~

A little distance down a long narrow corridor....

And we arrived at Glomax~



Just press the doorbell to get in and change into the house slippers~ After a warm welcome drink of ginger tea and filling in my details, I was ushered into one of the treatment rooms for a quick facial cleanse before my consultation.

Evonne, who assessed my skin, was very friendly and professional, suggesting the Luminous Detox Energie Care Treatment for my skin dullness and blackhead & sebum problem minus the facial massage as that might overly stimulate my sebum production >__<

Here's a look at the treatment room:

Love the wallpaper and cosy, quiet surroundings~

Changing into the orange robe and I was ready for my facial!

Beginning with another cleansing, I then had a Diamond Microdermabrasion done. It was my first time and it was basically a repetitive suction feeling all over my face, no pain involved. She did half my face first so I could see the difference before and after, I swear I was immediately a shade fairer and more radiant!

Next, a sonic extraction was done with a spatula-like handheld device to cleanse my face of those pesky whiteheads & blackheads! That hurt! The therapist did a very through job with the device and followed up with the usual extraction procedures. I was UTTERLY convinced I was gonna be walking around with a tortured red face after the treatment! Especially when she asked "You won't be having any functions in the next 2 days I hope?" Eeeks!!

I hate to be gross but here's a look at some of the gunk they got off my face:



The little cotton pad on the left is from the diamond peel device,
the sonic cleansing device is on the right



Next, I had a Vit C serum that was applied with a cold flat headed device (it goes as low as -5 degrees!), smelt nice and felt really good after the extraction! Followed by a 2 layer calming + hydrating mask plus a relaxing shoulder and head massage while waiting for the mask to set in~ ( ^____^)/

After the mask was removed, she applied sebum regulator (I think it was toner?), moisturizer and sunscreen, reminding me that for the next few days, sunscreen would be very important as I'd done the Diamond Microdermabrasion. And that was the end of my session~

My face immediately after the treatment! (Sorry, zero makeup and mussed up hair means I look pretty meh.)

No redness!! No photoshop! 



I was REALLY surprised that there was ZERO redness and swelling. None of the usual indications after extraction! And my face was super smooth, more radiant and felt SO CLEAN! The smooth and clean feeling remained for quite a few days and there were no bumps resulting from the extractions~

In a nutshell, the treatment I had was the Luminous Detox Energie Care Treatment 90mins (S$168):

The ultimate skin purification, this diamond microdermabrasion invigorates cellular renewal to treat clogged, pigmented and sallow skin. Designed with a cocktail* of vitamins to refresh the appearance of the skin by aligning skin cells in the top layer of the skin to achieve clean and radiant glow.

(*Differs depending on different skin type. In my case, Energie Care’s cocktail of vitamins was:

 Whitening: Vit C (promotes collagen production), Green tea extract (anti-oxidant, whitening, anti-bacterial, lightening), Chamomile extract (combat allergies), Pentacalmin (anti-inflammatory, repair broken capillaries, anti-oxidant), ST complex )
 

And now, a little treat for you guys! (For first timers to GLOMAX and by appointment only!)
 

Just quote "Blogger Rhi" to enjoy Luminous Detox Energie Care Treatment 90mins at only S$88 (U.P S$168)

 

 

They're currently running their Xmas package promotions too! You get 20% off a package of 5 treatments & 30% off for a package of 10 treatments! I don't know about you but I'm crazy tempted!! Considering the treatments they offer, I really think the prices are reasonable and I like that they have options for smaller packages~

 

 

GLOMAX Aesthetics (Website)
Tel: +65 6225 5193
12 Eu Tong Sen Street#06-168 @ Soho 2 (Beside Swissotel Merchant Court)

*NOTE: This is a sponsored, non-obligatory review. I am in no way affiliated to GLOMAX and my experience and opinions are solely my own. =)



MOE stands for My October Empties!

It strikes me that I have never done a post with products I've recently finished! So for that, here's this month's throwouts~

From L - R: Sleek Makeup Luminaire Highlighting Concealer, Cyber Colors Cell Recharge Snail Serum,
Lovemore Acnes All Out Purifying Mask and DHC Salicylic Acne Toner

It's taken me quite awhile to finish up some of these products like the Sleek Highlighting Concealer because I don't use much each time so I guess they've been really value for money in the price vs length of use department!

I STILL can't decide whether I want to repurchase the Sleek Luminaire Highlighting Concealer... Sometimes it works great, concealing the little blemishes like dark eye rings and light pigmentation so I can head out without foundation but sometimes I have to layer like crazy >_< The good thing is that at S$17, it's pretty cheap~ (Original review HERE.)

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Ah yes~ The snail serum. I really didn't think much about the whole snail mucus fad until I got this little gem from Cyber Colors at Sasa! And 30ml lasted me pretty long!

I'll never get over how quickly this serum healed a badly popped zit (*_*) 90% Snail mucus ftw! I usually apply it when I have an emerging or busted zit so it's just 1 pump each time and that 1 pump brings up enough product to spread thinly over the rest of my face as well if I want to. I already have a 2nd bottle on standby and will definitely keep repurchasing! (Original review HERE)

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The Lovemore Acnes All Out is a blackhead removal mask set that comes with 3 items, a sebum softener, a purifying mask and an astringent essence. Unfortunately I have abandoned the first and last steps due to laziness personal reasons.

 

These days, I use The Face Shop Volcanic Clay Mask to open up the pores before using the Lovemore Step 2 purifying mask. Been using it on and off for about 2 years now and I still find the peel off results pretty awesome! (Original review HERE)

 

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Lastly, my latest favorite =D The DHC Salicylic Acne Toner. This toner still does a good job of regulating sebum production and keeping those pesky clogs away from my jawline so I am really pleased! If there was one thing to gripe about, it would be that this range is rarely on sale at Watsons! The other DHC products would be on 20% promo and the Acne range would be sitting pretty with their original prices >_< (Original review HERE)

But at the end of the day, the results matter most and it's still a drugstore brand so it isn't that pricey. It's really cheap in Japan though (half the price!) so check it out if you have a trip planned!
 

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So that's it for October~ =)

Oh yeah! In other news, I've received my first sponsored review invite! Pretty excited for my appointment this weekend ^_^ Stay tuned ok?

Show & Tell - BeBe Lip Mask from The Face Shop~

On a recent daytrip to JB I bought a batch of random masks from The Face Shop and the Lovely Me Bebe Lip Mask was one of them~ This isn't a new product but I don't usually pay that much attention to Korean beauty products so it takes awhile for me to catch on there ^_^;; Also, the packet was just too cute =P

Touted as an intensive lip mask for dry, rough lips~

I was also quite amused at the thought of walking around with white lips for 20min hehe

It's basically your regular gel type mask with the webbed backing so it fits quite nicely and adheres to the lips well enough to talk quite comfortably!

After 20 minutes~

I couldn't really tell the difference until I had the before and after shots side by side (^__^;;) But I can see the improvement. Had expected a more drastic change since it's supposed to be an intensive lip mask but I like how my lips look softer and pinker than before~

So in a nutshell, the BeBe Lip Mask:

• easily available since The Face Shop is pretty common in Singapore
• can't recall the exact price but it was only a couple of SGD so it's affordable
• applies easily and comfortably, doesn't affect talking
• leaves no weird aftertaste or feel, the gel absorbs completely~
• a decent enough quick fix for dry, tired looking lips. Might not be intensive enough for really dry lips though?

Would I buy it again?

Hmmm probably for when I need a quick fix... I like that my lips look lighter and pinker but leaving a Vaseline 'mask' on overnight will probably deliver similar moisturizing results.

All in all, despite the ok results I'm quite taken by the idea of a lip mask so I'll probably pop by the mall later on and check out the others!