In the month of February, super timely with the Chinese New Year celebrations, Lancôme wants you to... well, put your best face forward and give their Super Serums a go!

❧

I'm certain many are no strangers to Lancôme's Génifique Youth Activator, be it if you have seen it around, personally swear by it or have relatives / friends who have recommended it to you.

Since its launch in 2009, Génifique has received 130 awards worldwide and millions of bottles have been snatched up.

While Génifique probably needs no introduction, I will go ahead and throw in some science behind its formulation anyway, for those interested to know.

The Science of Genefique –

The Génifique Youth Activator is derived from in-depth studies of protein production in our skin and targets 50 identified criterias for youthful skin, yielding results of a rejuvenated complexion in just 7 days.

Upon identifying the characteristics of protein within youthful skin, a biolysat extract that Génifique is formulated with helps to stimulate 7 activities in the stratum corneum (outer most layer of the skin, mainly consisting of dead cells) to help restore a balance in our skin. 

Apart from plumping up the moisture levels in the skin for a brightened complexion, Génifique also rids dead surface cells and strives towards a more luminuous complexion overall.

The key aspect of Génifique Youth Activator would also be the fact that it functions as a serum booster, allowing you to add this into your routine without having to eliminate or replace anything that you are already comfortable using.

--

Fast-forward to a more recent breakthrough, the Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector which sparked immediate interest even before it was launched.

The Science of Visionnaire –

Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector functions on a different track from Génifique Youth Activator, yet at the same time they both go hand in hand.

Inspired by the plants' natural abilities to heal themselves, Lancôme's laboratories discovered a molecule that was able to permeate and self-propel through the layers of our skin. This molecule is able to whizz its way through to visibly reduce wrinkles, pores and uneven skintones.

The LR 2412 molecule does all that by accelerating the skin's ability to heal itself, thus boosting cell renewal, tissue repair and improves the skin's barrier in a very gentle and non-intrusive way.

The results derived from the use of Visionnaire is so compelling that 2 out of 3 women tempted by a cosmetic procedure actually post-poned it. Now that, is some intriguing news!

❧

After I have given an introduction to both the Super Serums, it may sound much to combine 2 power houses together but yet that is exactly what Lancôme recommends for you to do!

Rated as the 'best serums' by Singaporean women, many are convinced of the spectacular results achieved when using these two Super Serums together.

Here are the reported statistics from a survey done by 134 Singaporean women:

• 90% think Visionnaire and Génifique are the best serums they have ever tried
• 94% see dramatically improved results when using Visionnaire and Génifique together
• 89% are satisfied with the results after using both Visionnaire with Génifique
• 87% agree Visionnaire and Génifique combination is the best skincare regime they have ever tried
• 87% find Visionnaire and Génifique combination the best skincare investment

With results as such, it might get you curious to give this powerhouse combo a go (if you haven't already!), so in the month of February, here's how Lancôme is striving towards better skin.

Super Serum Sets

Those who are already avid users of Génifique and Visionnaire, or those looking to splurge and spend, will be pleased to know that Lancôme is rolling out 'Super Serum' sets for the month of February..

Aside from that, with every purchase of a 30ml Visionnaire or Génifique, you receive 3pc gift (sample sizes) of Visionnaire, Génifique and UV Expert.

Now... if you wish to try before you spend, you can too with the Super Serums Sampling Campaign that Lancôme is rolling out in the month of February!

Super Serums Sampling Campaign

Anyone can get their hands on a FREE 1 week sample set of the Super Serums (Génifique and Visionnaire) at any Lancôme counter island-wide!

Aside from visiting a counter, you can also register at this website to receive your sample set.

Or if those options aren't enough, you can also have a little fun and scan this QR-code to be directed to a space to sign up and receive your samples!

Hope you enjoy Lancôme's February promotions and thanks for reading!

Incase I don't get to it in time, A Happy Lunar New Year everyone!

Disclosure:
Some information and pictures featured were extracted from a press file (with or without paraphrasing).
Opinions and thoughts otherwise mentioned are my own.

It may seem odd to extract this from the bunch to review first but since I have not converted to using the entire range and am gathering my thoughts for the rest, I figured I would give this a mention first.

After all, a cleanser is typically more straight-forward to review.

❧

Rachel K's See the Difference skincare range always has me mixed up with the new Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference skincare revamp(?). Don't get me wrong, they aren't the same but its just the names and my scatter-brained self.

The Stem Cell Purfiying Gel Cleanser sounds mighty fancy with the term 'Stem Cell' in the name. Though this cleanser is in fact formulated with innovative PhytoCellTec™ technology and meant to boost the natural performance of our skin's stem cells.

In theory that makes for rejuvenated and supple skin post-wash and while the term 'Purifying' in its name may bring thoughts of a stripping clean feel, this is actually very mild and gentle on the skin.

The gel cleanser is free of foaming chemicals which can dry the skin out with use. Hence this leaves my skin feeling mildly cleansed and refreshed post-wash without any taut or stripped feeling.

Though, this also means that the cleanser does not foam up and for some people that translates to 'the cleanser not really cleaning well'.

However I don't have an issue with cleansers that function that way and while this does not foam up to a puffy mousse extent, it does have a slight sud-ing effect so it is not entirely a 'Cetaphil-sensation' either.

Containing Witch Hazel and also Aloe Vera to help refresh and soothe skin, this has a soft botanical scent to it that I find befitting with the whole gentle nature of the cleanser.

An itsy-bitsy packaging issue I have with this is how the cleanser seems to collect and clot a little on the pump. While that (thankfully) does not affect the function of the pump, it can get a bit messy and in harsher words, gross, over time.

This bottle is also far from being travel-friendly due to the glass-like exterior of it and the loose-fitting plastic cap. Though if you ask me, I have always preferred to travel with squeeze tubes anyway.

Maybe Rachel K can come up with a travel-friendly pack? Just a thought...

❧

Overall I really like this cleanser for how gentle it feels and the ease of using it. It is definitely not one for grueling skin cleansing or makeup removing but as something to refresh the skin and rid it of oilies and impurities, I think this does the job just right in its mild and refreshing ways.

I am still gathering my thoughts about everything else in the range so all those will come (probably together) a little later!

Rachel K See the Difference Stem Cell Purifying Cleanser retails for S$19 at Watsons.

Are you a fan of foam-free cleansers or prefer full out foamy ones?

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Hello!

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya to those who celebrate the occasion!

In this entry I will be running through 2 things -
one, the facial experience and
two, the introduction of a fairly interesting (and potent!) product, which is also part 2 of the facial experience.

Hope that doesn't confuse you!

The facial experience works to compliment the usage of the product by prepping your skin, cleaning it and ridding it of any surface impurities. It's not a necessity as the product can be used day-to-day in the comfort of your own home but hey, if there's a pampering facial session to go with, I'll take it!

❧

I had my facial session at Beauty Veranda, one of the few beauty salons that carry out this Jyunka M+ facial treatment (along with carrying the product).

(image from Beauty Veranda)

The session was kept simple without fancy machines and devices since the aim of the facial is the serum - Jyunka M+

Due to a series of situations, I didn't have my proper camera with me so you will have to make do with some iffy shots snapped with an iPhone. My bad!

My beautician for the evening, Cherry, pointed out that it has been awhile since my last proper facial session. According to her, while my skin is looking good, it wasn't at the most optimal as some portions could use a little exfoliation to brighten it up. And to think I felt that my skin didn't need that much love now!

I'll run through the facial as brief as I can, just so you know what was done but since it is a prepping step, it's not that far different from your usual sessions.

--

I was ushered into a small room where my session was held at and did the usual of changing into the robes provided.

Cleansing
The facial started off with Cherry cleansing my skin and removing all traces of makeup.

Epidermal Peel
After cleansing, Cherry continued with an epidermal peel. She used Jyunka's Epidermal Peel Cream which is a product you can actually purchase from Beauty Veranda for an at-home exfoliation session.

Upon application, this does have a slight stinging sensation to it. That feeling is most similar to the facial procedure of putting fruit acids on your skin, where you get a biting feeling that isn't entirely painful (depends on your threshold!) but I would say it's far from comfortable. I sucked it up and winced at the biting, knowing I would have smoother skin after!

Epidermal Lotion
After leaving me in some agony for 5 minutes, okay I dramatize, Cherry returned and applied some Epidermal Lotion to my skin. Because the peel tends to pull the skin's pH into the acidic zone, the Lotion works at neutralizing and returning it to the optimal pH levels once more. This also ceases the biting sensation.

Facial & Shoulder Massage + Masking Session
Following the above, I was treated to a very relaxing facial massage along with a much-needed shoulder massage. Digressing here but I could literally feel how much more tense I was in the right shoulder and Cherry helped me massage the tension away - as much as she could that is. See, don't always lug your bags on one side!

While the shoulder massage was underway, Cherry had also thrown on a soothing facial mask for me. There are various types available and they will 'prescribe' one for you based on your skin condition. If I am not wrong, I received the hydrating one becaused Cherry noted that my skin was tip-toeing in the dry zone.

So I was a little unfair and clumped the remaining bits together, but like I said, the facial session itself isn't too miraculously different to go into detail of and I don't want to bore you too much before I get to the main point of this entry!

Once the whole facial session was over, I did notice a slight brightening effect to my skin and it seems as if some dead skin and darkened portions were sloughed off, not to mention smoother skin!

It's not a magical brightening procedure but it did make my skin appear more rejuvenated.

Know what this calls for? Cue mildly freaky before and after photos:

Not major but I would say my skin looks slightly better and more 'perked up' in the After?

❧

So moving on, after the facial session was completed, I was ushered out into a consultation room to witness the effect of and also to try out the Miracle Fluid, Jyunka M+.

Introducing Jyunka M+ Fluid...

Before this experience, I received the fact sheet and did some googling of my own. The search results were actually rather intriguing and apparently this Miracle Fluid (as Jyunka calls it) has been mentioned since a good while back on forums like Cozycot and Flowerpod. While it probably isn't that new to the market, it's the first time I was introduced to this.

Jyunka M+ Fluid is largely made up of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) which is a nutrient essential to our bodies. We do see the inclusion of Vitamin C in a lot of skincare products as well because it helps promote clear and beautiful skin.

Vitamin C works best when it is absorbed directly by the skin. While ingesting it has its benefits, it doesn't contribute all that much to surface beauty since a good part of it gets lost in our dietary tract and does not even get absorbed for our skin. However, since pure Vitamin C is sensitive to sunlight, oxidizes with oxygen and water-soluble (our skin is a barrier to water and absorbs oil-based items quicker), it is difficult to properly find a way to slather that straight onto our skin.

However, Jyunka had found a method to solve the problem and it does involve a little bit of science but I will aid the explanation with some visuals! I know it's a lot of words but if you are into the science of how things work (and to understand how this seems more potent), do read on!

Yes, this flashback to chemistry lesson in school is the answer. Jyunka encapsulates their Vitamin C within this little thing called the Qu-some Particle.

Basically this Qu-some Particle is

• Super nano in size so it can penetrate the skin's first membrane
• Alternates water and oil layers to help penetrate different layers of the skin. While the outermost layer of the skin absorbs oil quicker, the inner-most layers do better with water.
• Helps hold the active ingredient stable within the particle

So in short, this ensures that Jyunka M+ Fluid is fast-absorbing and you honestly see results about 10 minutes in after application (more so if it's your first-time).

To wrap up my experience with the science part of Jyunka M+ Fluid, I was shown a little experiment about how potent the Vitamin C content is in comparison to ... a lemon!

Iodine was dropped into 2 'jars' and while a tad more Iodine was dispensed into the Jyunka one, it doesn't matter.

(Above) Upon squeezing the lemon juice, the jar did turn significantly lighter in tone (pre-stirring) while the Jyunka remained exactly the same in shade.

After stirring both jars up, the one with Lemon Juice cleared up to a cloudy state while the one with Jyunka M+ became completely clear! That was really surprising given how soy-sauce-looking it was previously.

With this experiment, it was explained that besides the obvious fact that one squirt of Jyunka M+ packs more Vitamin C than juicing half a lemon, Jyunka keeps the Vitamin C 'encapsulated' until stimulated.

For some reason the last part of that sentence makes me laugh but it is truth. The Qu-some Particle stabilizes the Vitamin C within until you stir it or in our case of use, until you rub it out on your skin.

Science talk aside, I was asked to try Jyunka M+ Fluid on one half of my face while I was at the beauty salon.

How did that turn out?

Well, you'll just have to stay tuned to the review entry to follow! I feel this post is getting way long and I have done enough here with introducing my Facial Experience with Jyunka M+ so I will save findings, detailed skincare benefits and all for what's to come!

Stay tuned if you are intrigued with the wonders of Jyunka M+ Fluid!

Thanks for reading this lengthy entry and really, you don't have to wait long for the next one!

[edit: Review and thoughts of Jyunka M+ Fluid is up! Read it over here!]

If you follow me on twitter, you would know I 'make use' of the boy a little. Such as peeling my crabs / prawns, being my 'swatch-board' when i run out of space and more recently, cutting up my UDPP.

All that aside, I do repay him in my own ways and one of the more blog-related / beauty ways would be to indulge him in some skincare!

Thankfully for me, the boy is very open to skincare and sometimes even bugs me to give him a mini facial session with my daily night routine.

While I share some of my regimen with him every now and then, I thought I would get him his own 'man-ly' skincare products from The Face Shop.

Okay maybe there was a slight motive since I had TFS Vouchers to use (from my birthday) but I had no idea what to pick up so... why not spend it on him? It's the thought that counts, right? Heh.

I got him his very own toner and also a 'moisturizer'.

This is the hydrating range, of the two homme ranges that TFS carries. The boy has slightly dry skin, which he refuses to believe, thinking it's more oily but we know the rationale behind dry-oily skin.

He has been using these products for awhile now and I can certainly see some improvement, mainly because his skin needed that hydration all along!

❧

For the toner, I opted for the non-alcohol one though they have an alcohol variant too. I am always been more inclined towards the alcohol-free version, if given a choice, and decided so for the boy too.

Unlike female skincare ranges where there are a thousand and one moisturizers, when I enquired for a moisturizer, the sales assistant pointed me to the Emulsion.

Emulsion, as I know is a very light moisturizer and I hardly consider it hydrating enough to use for the night (in aircon) but I suppose when it comes to guy-skincare, it's about as moisturizer-ish as they can go.

I 'sampled' the SK-II Men moisturizer and texture-wise (purely texture!) it was similar to this or just that general emulsion / light gel moisturizer feel.

I don't think I will be snitching his skincare as I am quite content with mine but I did apply them for him once, to get a feel of their textures.

The Emulsion was surprisingly more hydrating than the ones I typically use for myself, hence I suppose this could serve its moisturizing purposes but if I were using it I would still double up with a night cream.

Scent-wise, it's very typical to that of male skincare items, that guy-ish masculine scent which I quite like. Not on myself, of course.

Long entry short... see, I do pamper him through my own means. Ha!

Do you like to look out for skincare products for your man / dad or brother?

Thanks for reading will share more soon but let me get these 'quick entries' out of the way!

Hello, here's a quick entry!

I came across this promotion and figured I would share! Especially for SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence lovers out there.

If you love and use FTE, you may want to stock up on the 215ml bottle.

Currently the counter at TANGS is giving away a rather dandy 'travel' set with every purchase of the 215ml Facial Treatment Essence.

Within the set, you will receive the:
• Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
• Facial Treatment Essence
• Cellumination Mask-in Lotion
• Cellumination Deep Surge EX
• Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask

There isn't an indication of size but my guess is that they are about 30-40ml.

I was initially planning to get the 150ml FTE and go but the SA brought this promotion up. While the 215ml costs about S$50 more, I think it's a fairly good deal if you are looking to try some of their other stuff too! It also makes for a good 'gift set'.

Incase you are wondering, nope I didn't get this for myself, it is what I decided on for my mom's birthday gift (she doesn't read my blog, phew). Which explains why I didn't take the bottle out to photograph it. After reading up on it, I have grown curious about this miracle water and... maybe I might just snag the travel sized FTE, after consulting the birthday girl.

After all, how long is the 215ml one going to last! Heh.

Hope this was helpful to those who love and need to stock up on FTE or perhaps those who are looking to splurge and try. I don't know if this promotion is valid at all SK-II counters but I was at the TANGS Orchard one.

150ml - S$168 | 215ml - S$209
(it comes in 1 more size before 150ml, I don't know the price of that one)

Thanks for reading!

Apart from welcoming their new brand ambassadors, the Brown Eyed Girls, Skin79 also welcomes a new product to their shelves in Singapore!

Nope, it's not a new BB Cream nor is it a powder pact, it's actually a BB Cleanser!

A small part of me is going, FINALLY!

What are BB Cleansers and how do they differ from makeup cleansers or regular cleansers?

Well, here's what I know from before but I can't vouch it's the actual story or 'history'.

These days we have a more thorough makeup cleansing regime with cleansing oils and such but back when BB Creams first made their debut, many felt it was so much like skincare that normal cleansers would be good enough to remove it. Which then brought about the whole idea of BB Creams having their own special cleansers because it was said that normal cleansers didn't clean BB Creams off well enough.

There are still some mentions that BB Creams are hard to properly get off and all but I think almost nothing can phase oil cleansers, in terms of foundation at least.

❧

That's what I know but if it's total gibberish... I have been deceived!

Either ways, for Skin79, a brand that has so many different types of BB Creams under their wings, it's honestly about time they rolled out a BB Cleanser.

This cleanser comes with a handy pump that they claim is easy to work with. However, I find the oddly large shape something I have to get used to.

Regardless, you press - it dispenses. Simple as that!

This O2 BB Cleanser is a self-bubbling cleanser (that sounds cool) and comes with a whooping 6-in-1 effect.

Though the effects mainly cover things like properly removing BB Cream, lending a brightening effect, clearing up the skin sebum, offering elasticity and moisture, and also being paraben and color free.

So... going back to the cool sounding self-bubbling fact, here's how it works:

The product dispenses like a normal gel and instructions say to spread this over your face and leave it for a minute or two.

You probably don't have to wait for a minute because the self-bubbling does occurs after the gel has sat on the skin for awhile.

Here's the 'bubbling' that was captured. It is essentially more air bubbles forming within the gel.

(click to enlarge!)

While using this on my face I didn't notice the bubbles this obviously, perhaps because this was done on a dry hand? Though you can certainly feel some very minor bubbling occuring when you have this on your face - it's akin to an odd itch.

After all that, I like to rub and foam everything up again before I rinse it off.

Personally I like using this in the shower which is normally after I have removed my makeup for the day. Something about it being a BB Cleanser makes it feel like this could remove leftover makeup residue, if any.

It feels mild on the skin and is certainly moisturizing because my skin doesn't feel dry or stripped after using this. I didn't notice any film or residue on my face after the wash either.

The bubbling novelty is quite interesting too and I normally slap this on and proceed to rinse my hair conditioner out so I do allow some time to let it 'bubble' without just standing around waiting for it. Though I can't imagine waiting around everytime if I had to use this by the sink.

In all it's a cute product to check out if BB Cleansers are your thing or if you are looking into getting one! It's milder, more hydrating and not as invigorating as Etude House's Baking Soda BB Cleanser, which I used and loved from before, so... it really depends on what you are after!

Skin79's O2 BB Cleanser retails for S$24.90 at Watsons, John Little, Sasa & BHG

I was not expecting this simple post to turn into something this lengthy but thank you for reading!

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

As I was packing for the staycation at Marina Bay Sands, I figured why not share what I would bring along with me on a staycation.

I haven't experienced many staycations (this is my second) but I have stayed over at friend's places, bf's place and all that. While staycations and house stays call for different packing requirements, everytime I pack for a simple slumber night (cause it's not always a party) people ask if I'm packing for a trip.

Okay, it's not that extreme because clothes-wise it's simple but I really try to water down my night routine and even my makeup routine for the next day yet there are some essential things that you will have to bring no matter what.

Case in point, body moisturizer.

Sometimes if I am bunking over at a friend's place I can skip it and just use theirs but if it is a hotel staycation I must must must bring either my Jergens or Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Body Moisturizer. Full size or not, I need it to fight the very unforgiving hotel air-conditioning.

Enough chatter.

I'll try and keep this a quick 'sharing' post and perhaps you all could tell me if you lug around this amount of stuff when you have a little slumber night as well. Just so I know it's really not just me...

First, body/skincare stuff! I received this Cetaphil toiletry bag fairly recently and am loving how useful and spacious it is!

BODY CARE

1. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
   For slathering on all over the legs and arms
2. Steam Cream
   Somewhat a backup and also a lighter multi-purpose moisturizer. Can be used for elbows, hands and even the face!

Typically for skincare products I try to find whatever is small and travel sized so this does change from time to time, depending on the duration of the stay too. Here's what I managed to dig up for this one.

SKIN CARE

1. Pure Beauty Cleansing Foam
   Just happened to have this out. I prefer tubes cause they are easier to travel with and I always bring a full size cleanser cause the boyfriend shares my cleanser when 'traveling'
2. Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner
   Toner! I have about a few drops of this left.
3. Laneige Waterbank Essence
   I rarely use this at home because I use a separate brand's essence but this size is handy for travel. I apply the essence as a light moisturizer after showers too, when I'm not ready for the full night routine yet.
4. Vichy Normaderm Spot Treatment
   Just incase I have a zit to zap!
5. Vichy Normaderm Night Cream
6. Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminée Eye and Lip Cream
   Really handy but I mainly use it under the eye. I find it quite light on the lips and not balmy enough for my liking.
7. Mogitate Kajitsu Strawberry Lipbalm
   Simple ole lipbalm. Need to bring balms out, I can't live without them.
8. Shu Uemura Fresh Cleansing Oil
   So glad I found a little sample 'vial' of this!

As for makeup it gets a little complicated but typically I pack a lot or try to cover as many 'aspects' as I can but I don't always end up using everything. Though it's always good to have it on hand... just incase!

MAKEUP

1. Smashbox Photofinish Primer in Hydrating
   I don't normally carry a day moisturizer and use my sunblock (not pictured) and this to supplement my skin. In this case, thank goodness for our humid weather.
2. 0Kuma Concealer
   I've been loving this a lot for a quick fix under the eye and over light blemishes hence it's a good 2-in-1 product (for me) to easily carry around!
3. Lancôme Maqui Blanc Miracle (2011 version)
   I keep the 2012 revised version at home to ensure it stays pristine and lug around the 2011 version for touch ups and on-the-go makeup. Really loving Maqui Blanc and think I will repurchase the refills!
4. MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved
5. SANA New Born Lasting W Brow in LB3
6. CLIO Professional Brush Liner in Black
7. Maquillage Glossy Perfect Rouge in 203
8. Maquillage Brow Wax in 77
9. Wet N Wild Bronzer
   Mainly using this for contouring purposes. It looks rather warm here but when applied lightly does the job of contouring.
10. Rhomlon Eyeshadow in Black
    Always need this for setting my liner!
11. Too Faced Glamour To Go Pocket Palette
    This takes care of my eyeshadow and blush hence I didn't bother packing separate ones (aside from Rhomlon).

I forgot to include Urban Decay Primer Potion here but later remembered to pack it. Phew!

It may seem like quite a bit to bring for one simple night's stay but like I said, I don't always use everything and totally ditched the idea of contouring and even priming my lids the next day! Slapped on a super simple makeup look and I was good to go.

Just to share, this would be the assortment of brushes I would bring. I keep brushes as simple as possible since I don't like the idea of bringing them out for fear of mis-shaping or 'contaminating' them.

❧

So much for keeping it short... it always never happens but I tried 'point-forming' things so it's easier to read if you choose to read or find out more!

Lastly, thought I would share some pics from the staycation though I have probably spammed my instagram and twitter with enough!

I rarely go on a staycation, much less one at a hotel as gorgeous as this, and I have 2 very lovely and dear friends to thank for this experience. I would share more on-goings that happened at Marina Bay Sands but I think that in itself deserves another entry.

In the meantime, here are some shots of the suite we got because I'm guessing everyone has seen the infinity pool be it through pictures or in person so... not posting those.

The view when you get in, the living room portion!

Pool table tucked in a corner of the room. There were 3 televisions within the room, whoa!

Bedroom!

And of course... the toilet!

I wish my future toilet looked like that but I don't think that's possible with the current housing sizes...

Oh well, a girl can dream!

Thanks so much for reading and I hope everyone had an eventful and great weekend and Mothers' Day!

Do you also lug around a good number of stuff when having a staycation or bunking over at a friend's place?

Whitening is all the rage these days with many brands putting out ranges and products to aid us in our quest for fairer, brighter and more translucent skin.

Whether you are a fan of fair skin or not, one cannot deny that the concept of acquiring clearer, brightened and translucent skin is quite appealing.

I was recently introduced to a new (in my terms) whitening product that aims to give you a 'glowing complexion in less time than it takes for a catnap'. Whitening products are a plenty and while it's not my ultimate goal to be a Snow White (hurhur mask name) state of fair, I like the idea of combatting pigmentation and keeping the skin clear of dark spots for as long as I can.

But back to this.

This entry will mainly be an introduction to the science, technology and ingredients of Skin Inc Pure Snow White+ Mask. If it's too text heavy for you to start the week with, I have an application entry coming right up so if you feel intrigued enough after that, you can always come back to this!

The Pure Snow White+ Mask comes concocted with 16 potent ingredients and equipped with mind-boggling technology, it is the new secret to draw out skin-darkening melanin, prevent further pigmentation and reflect maximum light.

The product claims to be able to:

• Lighten the overall skin appearance
• Present a brightened and more translucent complexion
• Shrink pores
• Moisturize and plump skin for a beautiful glow
• Prevent photo-ageing
• Minimizes fine lines and rev up blood circulation + collagen production

It sounds like a lot to offer and if you are intrigued about how this product claims and aims to achieve all that, read on.

The following would be an elaboration of how this product works with the context and informative bits referenced from the press release - not my personal opinion of it. I have re-worded majority of it as best as I can and tried to make it an easy yet informative read - tried.

Whitening Force Field

Upon slathering a thin layer of the mask, positive ions will form over the skin's surface and pull negatively charged melanin (pigmentation) from deep within the skin to the surface. This technology helps purge the skin-darkening melanin to give you instantly brightened and translucent skin with just one application.

A Beauty Paradox

Those cursed pigmentation and melanin spots are actually your skin's defence mechanism to UV rays. Regardless if you have slathered on a sunblock or sunscreen, your skin will do what it is structured to do once you're out basking or exposing yourself to the sun. Ohgon Extract, present within Pure Snow White+ Mask, is an ingredient that actually helps to regulate this defence and prevents your skin from going into a frenzy and darkening; Since it's not like we can tell our skin, "no I have sunblock today, don't go overboard with the melanin production on me."

Thus this pre-emptive approach is to prevent pigmentation from forming in the first place. Licorice Root Extract is also present in this, which serves a similar purpose. The combined result promises skin that is a few shades lighter after a month of use.

Banish Pores Instantly

Ohgon Extract, which I gave mention to earlier, also doubles as a powerful astringent to help shrink those nasty P things called pores. One application is said to be good enough to show results.

Fundamental Whitening Truth

This somewhat mirrors (no pun intended) the idea of Lancoôme's Teint Miracle, minus the profound aspect of pink and blue pigments. Okay, maybe it's a lot different in concept but Teint Miracle was the first thing that creeped into my mind. The secret to a brighter appearance is through reflecting more light off the skin, in a subdued manner that is. We're not talking disco ball sparkly reflecting here.

To attain a better light reflecting quality, the surface of the skin is made smooth and even with a concoction of products. With Ohgon Extract keeping the pores in check, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Natto Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and Hyaluronic Acid help plump the skin surface. Aside from reflecting light, Magnesium, Chorella Vulgaris and Aluminium Silicate does what Whitening products are made to do - lighten melanin.

Anti-Ageing Benefits

For those concerned with achieving a youthful skin appearance, the Pure Snow White+ Mask contains Chlorella Vulgaris Extract to prevent photo-ageing (ageing of the skin due to UVA/UVB exposure). Protection aside, it also nourishes the skin with key youth generators such as Panax Ginseng Root Extract which minimises fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps improve blood blood circulation and collagen production.

Phew! Did you manage to go through all the above information? If you did I'm guessing you must be one that's keen on this product or perhaps whitening as a whole?

Regardless, this Skin Inc's Pure Snow White+ Mask is sounding like a heavy weight contender in the whitening industry with promises of improvements and results with just one session.

A one-time application will reap you these benefits:

• Whiter and more translucent skin
• Visible decrease in pore size
• A perfect cavas for makeup application

Use it weekly for a month, and see:

• Renewed skin and improved skin condition
• Greatly reduced pigmentation, as brighter, translucent skin is revealed
• A reduction in pigmentation formulation
• Smoother skin and improvements to acne-plagued skin
• Reduced sebum production and increased moisture levels

I will raise my hand to giving this product the initial eyebrow raise just because it does have some really big promises to live up to! Though, more about my thoughts and opinions in the upcoming post!

Skin Inc Pure Snow White+ Mask (100ml) retails for S$268 at all Skin Inc concept and specialty stores.

List of Skin Inc stores (locally and internationally)

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Note; Masking Up is generally a brief and initial mention of how the featured mask applies and feels on. This is in no way a representation of how the mask benefits long-term.

So... I started up this Masking Up series and skipped out on posting an entry last week. Oops!

From my end while, I didn't use anything very notable, I still did my once-a-week-masking promise by throwing on the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX. I think that will be something I can fall back upon when the weekends get too crazy to find some 'mask time'. I normally do my masking sessions over the weekends as I feel there's hardly enough hours in a weekday for me to go through everything, much less to include masking.

Does anyone else feel that way?

❧

That aside, with the busy Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) preparations, I managed to squeeze in a little time for masking. Afterall, it's crucial to get the skin all prepped up for the visiting period!

Initially I wanted to go for a whitening/brightening mask but in the end I pulled out this Leaders Insolution Mask in Tea Tree.

I was provided this product and to my knowledge (or what I was informed of), Leaders Insolution is part of the LEADER Group that consists of specialists who are graduates of the prestigious Seoul National University or also known as Seoul-dae (서울대) to the Koreans, which you might have heard mentioned if you are a K-variety/drama fanatic.

There is a little more knowledge behind the brand but I'll save that for next time if and when I am doing a proper write-up about them. As mentioned, Masking Up is aimed at being a more initial/brief entry.

Description
The Tea Tree mask is to help with relaxing your skin and in the process reduce the symptoms of troubled skin over prolonged usage. The use of Tea Tree oil helps target and calm down acne-prone areas.

The masks have a rough chart representation to give you an idea of what the mask aids with.

I am no skincare ingredient expert but I find it a little funny how the mask is fairly Tea Tree-centric yet Tea Trea Oil happens to be the last ingredient in the list...

I know it's a little strange to get started on using this since it is meant to be a 'results over a long term period' usage and right now my skin isn't all too troubled but I got suckered in by the 'Relaxing' quality of it.

The mask itself is a very thin cellulose material soaked in the gel-like serum.

The mask is of a see-through/translucent quality so you can see your skin right through it.

Application
I applied the mask for 20 minutes before removing. As per usual, I massage and pat the remaining serum till it reaches a tacky state before rinsing it off. The instructions recommend you to leave it on but I cannot imagine that. The serum is fairly thick and will not pat out to a decently tacky feeling (like night cream), so I recommend rinsing off.

However if you think see-through-ish mask equals a lesser scare factor when it comes to the boyfriend/family, that's not all true. It's scary in it's own way but when has a mask ever looked sexy on, right?

Here's my post-mask find which is very very typical of most masks, after all this is a result-after-prolonged-usage one:

• I did not detect any strong Tea Tree scent while masking (for those who might hate it)
• No irritation on my skin during or post-masking
• Skin felt supple and smooth after (but don't expect this to be for long)
• It did not feel like there was a need to follow up with a moisturizer after rinsing, skin felt hydrated enough
• In terms of after-mask radiance, this one didnt quite have that

So this wraps up another masking addition! I'm thinking to try this mask out for a long-term period (about a month) and see how good it's acne healing powers are but I'll do that when my skin starts acting up.

Did you do any pre-Chinese New Year skin pampering? Do share!

Thanks for reading!

In 2011, Laneige had refreshed their Water Bank series and this new formula is said to boost hydration in the skin for 24 hours instead of the initlal 12 hour claim. This hydration technology banks (no pun intended) on something called 'designer water' and also the Water Pump System. Both additions are aimed at increasing the rate of skin regeneration, fortifying damaged cells and restoring them to a plump, healthy state.

❧

I haven't used many items from Laneige but prior to this I did try my hand at their popular Water Sleeping Pack_EX, which I love. More about that later but I was glad to receive the Essential Care Trial Set_Light and give these hydrating products (that I have heard so much about) a shot.

I prompty swapped these travel sized items into my skincare routine after receiving them. I have been using (some of) them religiously for the past 2 months and am liking how they apply and feel on my skin.

The Essential Care Trial Set_Light contains:

• Laneige Multi Cleanser
• Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner (Light)
• Laneige Balancing Emulsion (Light)
• Laneige Water Bank Essence
• Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream
• Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX

I will run through the products individually, sharing what I felt about each of them and how they worked for me before providing a general overview about the routine. If the amount of products listed seem a bit confusing, the order of mention will also be the order of usage if you were incorporating them all into a routine.

First up!

Laneige Multi Cleanser

Quoted as a 4-in-1 multi cleanser that works for removing makeup, sunscreen, exfoliation and cleansing, this reminds me a little of the Etude House Baking Powder Cleanser. It contains very minute and gentle scrubby bits that eventually dissipates into the foamy lather.

Scent-wise I can't seem to pull out the right words to describe the scent of this whole routine but they all smell very soft, mild and clean. I find it relatively calming and only pull the Multi cleanser out to use before bed though you can use it both night and day. Both the scent and scrubby bits combined makes my skin feel soft and cleansed without the taut-ness after, I really like that.

Despite the 4-in-1 claim, I use a seperate makeup remover and still do my weekly bout of exfoliating.

Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner (Light)

Also termed a toner, I moisten a cotten pad with product and sweep it gently over my skin, outwards. This step helps eliminate impurities in the pores and removes keratin for a brighter complexion. It also contains Bio Dusali that promotes Keratin turnover (for a brighter complexion), brightens with Niacinamide and Hyacinth to purify the skin.

This product contains alcohol, if you're conscious about it - 2nd ingredient listed, after Water. Thinking back it's been awhile since I've used a toner with alcohol but it didn't irritate the skin and if anything I barely felt the alcohol except for that faint cooling sensation. Like most alcohol-based toners, it doesn't leave a stick after.

Scent-wise this felt very nostalgic and reminded me of the Clean & Clear toner I used to use in my early teen days.

Laneige Balancing Emulsion (Light)

This is a light-weight emulsion or basically a skin lotion which I dispense onto a cotton pad and sweep over the skin, much like the Skin Refiner.

It contains similar ingredients to the Skin Refiner (Bio Dusali, Niacinamide and Hyacinth) with additions of Ginger extracts to control excess sebum and skin troubles while balancing oil-moisture for oily skin.

It feels very light-weight and is quickly absorbed into my skin, leaving it smooth and supple feeling right after. My skin will still crave moisture but this seems to satiate it a little. The full size product comes with a pump but this travel sized bottle makes it impossibly hard to dispense the first few times. I skip this during the day and go straight to a day moisturizer after my toner.

Laneige Water Bank Essence

Unlike the earlier products which were slightly runnier, this essence dispenses in a firm blob which blends out feeling very watery. Yet amidst all that confusing texture it's actually very hydrating and feels a little on the heavy-hydration side. It would be a stellar product if you have dry skin or are going through a parched-skin period.

After using this for awhile I actually swapped it out because I preferred what the Biotherm Skinergetic was doing for my skin (digressing: Though I didn't notice much while using Skinergetic I actually noticed/missed it's effects when I stopped).

Not to discredit this in any way, it had it's fair share of proving it's worth. Remember that dry/peeling nose saga I had? I dabbed this on the spot for a couple of days and my nose was completely peel-free after so I like keeping this around for times when my skin starts feeling like the Sahara.

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

This gel-type moisturizer is really dandy to provide ultimate hydration yet beat around the humidity of our climate.

The gel consistency allows this to blends out easily and be absorbed quickly. This left me wondering if it would hold up a night in an air-conditioned room since my skin felt as if I had nothing on after rubbing this in. To my surprise it passed the test and I woke up with my skin feeling nicely hydrated, without feeling taut/dry or oily.

A moisturizer that can feel lightweight on yet withstand the peril dry dangers of the air-conditioned room always wins my vote! I'm really glad I got to try this out with the Essential Care Trial Set.

Laneige Sleeping Pack_EX

Now this little bugger here probably needs no introduction whatsoever but I'll just do a brief one, for formalties sake and for those who might not have tried it.

This Water Sleeping Pack was recommended to me a while back and I had given it a shot and fell in love with how easy it was to use. Needless to say it showed some pretty good results with use as well. Basically it's a mask for 'lazy people' or for the diligent it adds as an extra mask to do while you sleep.

Just apply a layer of this on (and you don't need a lot), leave it for about 5 minutes before you proceed to enjoy your beauty sleep. When you wake in the morning, just wash this off before you cleanse your face. While it feels like there's nothing left on your face, when in contact with water you'll literally feel the mask being washed off in the same jelly-ish texture that it was applied. It's almost fun to use and the skin looks really supple and plumped with moisture the next day.

I indulge in this once a week because even for a Sleeping Pack I do get a little lazy.

❧

So that was the long run down of some of the items I have welcomed to my skincare routine over the past 2 months. There are still some 'missing links' like eye-cream, day moisturizer and all but this isn't a skincare routine breakdown so I shan't mention those in here.

If I had to highlight a couple of products I really loved from the routine, they would be:

• Laneige Multi Cleanser
• Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream
• Laneige Sleeping Pack_EX (obviously!)

Overall Thoughts:

I really enjoyed incorporating these items into my routine because they felt very comfortable to use. I liked the texture of the products and how light-weight and mild they felt on, nothing was particularly strong in scent, texture or 'effect'. As it's a hydrating range, I feel perfectly fine concocting my own routine by swapping things in and out as I wish, almost as if this was the solid base routine with other stuff just passing through.

I doubt I make good sense but in general though I don't battle dry skin I can feel that my skin has been plumped up and hydrated after the course of use. Of course there is also the thought that keeping your skin hydrated helps with the battle against signs of aging!

Regardless your skin concerns, it's always good to inject a bit of moisture and I think this set is decently priced at S$39 at Laneige counters. I've been using them for 2 months now and I think I could get another month's use out of all of them, or maybe a little over that.

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.