The Not-So-New Olay Advanced Cleansing System =P

Happy December!!! \\\ (^-^)/// With just 2 more weeks to go! How's your Xmas shopping going?

I totally went crazy shopping overseas and went over my budget >_< And the worst part is I haven't gotten a "main course" gift for my Dad yet! Dads are just so hard to shop for when they already have everything~~ (T____T) And on the other end, I bought more than one gift for my Mom! Like wth~~ Oh, in case you were wondering what's a "main course" gift, it's the main bigger ticket item. I like to gift hamper style so there's usually a main item accompanied by smaller "side dishes" hahahaha~~ It just makes me happy to see more packages under the tree y'know? And for the receiver I think it's fun to have multiple packages to open~

Anyway~~~~ my colleagues have recently been abuzz about using Clarisonic as a couple of the girls recently bought theirs and had pretty good results~ Well, Clarisonic is abit too pricey for me to just buy & try so I thought I might start with a more wallet-friendly option first ^_^

Watsons recently had a Xmas sale and my-oh-my the Olay Specialty Cleanser was on sale for about S$35! Done! (Usually retails around S$40 I think.)

Comes with a 20ml sample tube of Olay Skin Renewal Cleanser

Some back of the box info:

 

As a starter kit it's very comprehensive, batteries included!

 

 

As described on the box, the brush head simply clicks on. Pop in the battery and you're all set! I have to say though, that the battery compartment was quite difficult to open >_< Fear of breaking it kept me from wrenching it off and too little strength seemed to get me nowhere =_= It took awhile but I got it done.

 

Here's a closer look at the brush head:

 

Not super fine but for S$35 I'm not expecting so much really =\

If you've played with the Clarisonic display, you'll know those bristles are much finer than this budget option but who knows, maybe they'll be good enough? The 2 speed options available on this brush are also vigorous enough for me since I'm quite wary of over-exfoliating~

 

Well, I've been using this cleansing system for a little over a week now and whilst I still don't see the improved skin texture, it definitely feels very clean and smooth after usage. My skincare products absorb a lot faster too! Usage in colder climates however resulted in very very VERY slight peeling around my lower cheek area and nose, just a tiny little area, wasn't much of a fuss. So whilst Olay may not be an optimal drugstore alternative to the Clarisonic, it does help and it isn't pricey. Replacement heads are cheap too, less than S$10 per brush.

 

I haven't used the Skin Renewal Cleanser sample that came with it yet, been testing the brush with my own cleansers ^^

 

So in short, the Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System Specialty Cleanser:

• Is affordable and easily found in drugstores & dept stores
• Comes in a comprehensive starter kit including battery and sample size Skin Renewal cleanser
• 2-speed control & water resistant, battery compartment's abit stiff to open though
• Bristles are not as fine as Clarisonic's but are not rough on my combination skin. Might be too much for sensitive skin types though?
• Skin feels immediately cleaner and smoother after usage without the squeaky clean feeling (however this is likely to differ with your choice of cleanser)
• Usage in winter climate resulted in VERY slight peeling on my nose and cheeks so people intending to travel with this in winter might want to take it easy
• As expected, skincare products absorbed extra well after using it
• Is most likely NOT the best drugstore alternative to the Clarisonic but performs ok for someone just looking to test out the system

 I wish the bristles were abit finer but hey, for just S$35, I think it wasn't too bad a buy~ =D



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?

Poreclearing with The Face Shop's Volcanic Clay Mask

Hello hello~~~ (>__<) Apologies all around for my brief disappearance after my last post...or did nobody notice? ( T_T ) DIIIIIIID YOUUUUUU NOTICEEEEEE~~~~~~~

....... *awkward silence*

Anyway, moving on. I am still only about halfway sifting through my photos from the Japan trip since I was out of the country again for most of the past week so I shall, in the meantime, post about other stuff.

Today, The Face Shop's Volcanic Clay Blackhead Heating Gel Mask! I bought this in KL quite some time ago for about S$20-ish but only recently got round to using it. It's cheaper in Singapore though, under S$20 I think!

Back-of-the-tube info:

I must admit I'm a sucker for visual presentation and that little sticker showing the white foam turning into black totally did it for me =P It gives me the impression that 'something' has happened and the mask is doing 'something'. Now, what exactly is that 'something' is anybody's guess really...

This is what the dispensed product looks like:

Doesn't look quite so magical huh. =\ Yeah I was abit confused too, like "Did it spoil or separate in the tube?" But I just slapped it on anyway =)

The mask heats up quickly, within a couple minutes of application, but it's a fairly gentle warmth so I doubt it would be painful. As you massage it, it turns grey and finally a dark grey. It also becomes more watery as you massage.

The instructions weren't very clear so I wasn't sure whether to massage for the whole 15 minutes or just massage till it changes colour then leave the mask on for the rest of the 15 minutes. I eventually decided that I'm too lazy my nose will be rubbed raw if I massage for 15 minutes so settled for the latter method.

Here's a before pic:

 

 

Hmm...I now realize the before photo is really rather blurry.....damn...

 

Above is after a couple of uses, about 3 times I believe. I think it's slightly visible that my nose is a tad clearer, just that tiny little bit though.

 

After the first use, I was hoping to see lesser blackheads on my nose but there didn't seem to be a difference. So I took my extractor to my nose and the bits of gunk popped up more willingly than usual. So I deduce that this is more like a pore opener mask rather than straight up blackhead-ridding. So you still need to do your own extraction after washing off the mask, which puts some people off I know.

 

So in short, The Face Shop Volcanic Clay Blackhead Heating Gel Mask is:

• an inexpensive heating mask considering not much is required for T-zone use
• does help in opening up the pores thus making extraction easier and less painful but doesn't mean ALL your blackheads and assorted gunk will surrender
• warming effect is gentle and shouldn't hurt
• mask washes off easily with lukewarm water and doesn't leave the skin with any discomfort e.g: tightness, tackiness etc
• results should be much more visible on more serious cases of course

Would I buy this again? Mmmmm....nah. It doesn't really make that much of a difference to my blackhead situation. It was mildly interesting and I probably will continue usage since it's not entirely useless.

 

Have you found any good blackhead pwning products?

**21 May 2013 Edit: I have recently started using this gel mask as a pore prepper for my various peel off pore masks/packs and it helps a lot in removing extra gunk! Try it! =D

Quick Peek - Nuxe Unclogging Thermo-active Mask

I seem to have amassed a fair number of Nuxe products recently >_< after enjoying the effective convenience of the Nuxe Rose Petal Micellar Cleansing Water (which I ended up buying a 2nd bottle of) and Huile Prodigieuse Multi-usage Dry Oil, I'd like to see what other good products I can find from the range~

This is the Unclogging Thermo-active Mask (awarded 2010 Prix Parents les etoiles de la beaute/Star Beauty) from Nuxe's Aroma-Perfection series:

 

The Aroma-Perfection range is an Anti-Imperfection range, targeted at combination and oily skin. Formulated with rice, walnut powder, jojoba and kaolin clay, the Thermo-Active mask serves to gently exfoliate, clarify and deep cleanse the pores.

I think this mask is one of those that needs to be shaken a little before dispensing as my initial squeeze dispensed a cloudy oil. After shaking you get a consistency more like a cream exfoliant:

Upon application the warm sensation is almost immediate, gentle and fades in less than a minute. The mask also returns to a slightly more oil-like texture.

 

After about 3 minutes, I massaged for about 20 - 30 seconds before washing off with cold water. The fine granules give gentle exfoliation as promised.

 

Well, I regret the lack of an after photo but visually there isn't much difference after only 3 uses over 2 weeks. My skin does feel very smooth (very) and clean without any tightness. The mask also washes off easily and throughly despite the slightly oily texture and doesn't leave you with any lingering 'mask' feeling.

 

In short this initial usage of the Nuxe Unclogging Thermo-Active Mask:

• has a pleasant floral/nutty fragrance that's gentle and not noticeable after the initial whiff
• is, as indicated, a gentle exfoliator so not for those who ummm..'like it rough' so to say =p
• gentle warming sensation occurs almost immediately upon application but fades quickly
• skin feels mattified, clean and very smooth after massage and rinse
• washes off easily and doesn't leave any residual feeling, tautness or oiliness

**Note: Use with caution in dry climate - 1 of the 3 times I used this mask was in a winter climate and the next morning my skin felt dry with patches of light skin peeling! Despite returning to Singapore a day after that, it took about 4 more days before I was able to return my skin back to normal.

I really like the skin smoothening results and the lack of any residual feeling so I'll keep using it and check back in about a month or so with the results~ Really hope it'll help clean out my pores!

 

All the exfoliators I've used so far have only delivered smoothening and dead skin removal results but not much in the pore-cleansing department. How about yours?



Shedding light on the Sleek Luminaire Highlighting Concealer~

Hello all~ ^_^

The last time I dropped by the Luxola office for the Edward Bess openhouse, I purchased the Sleek Luminaire Highlighting Concealer as I was in the market for an undereye concealer at the time. I only recently got to using it though:

S$17 from Luxola.com; Available in 3 shades with L02 being the middle child

Brush tip + Click dispenser control
The initial pumps came up slightly cakey but was fine from then on.

I haven't had the best experiences with highlighters as they tend to not make much of a difference =( The Sleek version?

Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel: Just another Lux Facial Mask?

The luxury glacial mud mask from Cellilux has been quite a hit in Europe, States and Japan and has finally made it's way to our sunny shores~ I received a sample pack so here's a quick peek at this miracle mask!

 

Originally priced at S$238 for the original 6 ounce/180ml jar, Cellilux is in the process of releasing a new, and prettier, 2 ounce jar (above) that'll be easier on the wallet for first timers~ The 6 ounce jar supposedly lasts at least 30 applications so the 2 ounce should last at least 10 applications. This new packaging is to be available late Dec 2012 or January 2012, can't wait!

A look at the packet & info:

 

As you can see..the old packaging really wasn't very pretty >__<

 

 

About Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel:

• does not use acids or damaging chemicals
• the glacial water, nutrients and various extract content help reverse damage to the skin and lay the foundation for collagen and elastin renewal
• contains 100% uncut glacial clay from British Columbia that has natural ocurring minerals that help repair damaged skin and has been shown to increase collagen production
• the glacial water content stimulates the skin, removing acidity and detoxifying the skin, providing a foundation for collagen rebuilding
• also provides hydration and exfoliation for your skin
• is hypoallergenic, therefore suitable for all skin types
• daily usage should deliver a smoother skin with noticeably smaller pores (but seriously, DAILY? I can't afford it! >_<)
• can be used on other part of the body for other skin problems like cellulite and sagging skin

Now, on to the test!

A quick look @ L'egere Pure Aqua Pore Tightening Ice Toner~

As you've probably seen from the BHG sale loot some posts back, I bought the L'egere Pure Aqua Pore Tightening Ice Toner (what a mouthful, try saying that 10 times quickly =P) after some raving from a girlfriend. As I've only just started using it for about a week, it hasn't yielded the desired results (i.e small small smallerrrrr pores, which is quickly becoming something of an urban legend to me) yet but it's enjoyable enough for me to want to share a quick peek!

Product in question:

S$27.90 from BHG's aLT beauty corner

Labelled 'Suitable for all skin types', this product is designed to:

• sooth, heal and hydrate tired skin with the rich mineral and vitamin content of pure Alaskan glacial water
• tighten pores and control sebum secretion with the patented P-Refinyl Pore Tightening formula 
• reduce redness & swelling, unblock clogged pores and kill acne-causing bacteria with salicylic acid

Used before makeup, it's supposed to keep the shinies in check and help your makeup stay put. For me, the shine control and cooling effect was very attractive given the hot weather in Singapore~

As you'll see in abit, Legere's not kidding about the 'ice cooling' bit.

Be Poreless like the Egg Duke?

I absolutely MUST tip a hat in Japan's direction for constantly churning out these adorable mascots! The Egg Duke is the poster boy for Naris Up's Pore Clean Pack with Eggshell essence and Charcoal~

This be the Egg Duke~

Available at Sasa and random beauty stores (I bought mine from British Essential) for S$14.90, I understand that there was a 2-step version available before this that separated the eggshell essence's sebum-softening and the charcoal's cleansing. Don't fret, judging from reviews the effect seems to be more or less the same.

Kiwi Quicky?

Hi! How's your week so far? ^_^ I'm having a busy week running errands all over town, which translate into breaking into a sweat abit more than I'd like. Hope yours is going nice and slow~~

Today I bring to you a product I've been using on and off for about 6 months. It's from Lovemore, a Taiwanese brand popular for their wide range of masks. I picked up the New Zealand Kiwi Acnes All-Out Set for S$24.90 at Watsons out of curiousity and because once again, my blackheads were calling for attention.

 

Out Black Spot! Out!

I think the ever-present blackheads on our noses are a neverending bother. You squeeze them out, they come back. You pull them screaming out with pore strips, they come back. So every time there's a product promising to rid me of these little dinky spots, my nose can't help but wiggle a little in anticipation =D

After using the pore strips on and off for a number of years, I noticed the Naruko Tea Tree Oil Out T-Zone Blackhead Remover at Watson's for the fairly low price of S$15.