Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur

Out of all the oil cleansers I've used including Lancome, Shu Uemura, Bobby Brown - I loved Lancome the most. It had the thickest oil and I enjoyed giving myself a massage every evening. As the oil moist my skin thoroughly, the dead skin would peel away along with the makeup residues of the day. A lot of my girlfriends vote for Shu Uemura and would purchase 2-3 bottles every time we go through duty frees, but I did not find it thick enough.

For some incomprehensible reason, Lancome's Oil Cleanser (Huile Douceur) has been out of production and I could not purchase it for some time everywhere! Seriously devastating...! I've heard amazing things about Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil but I decided to stay loyal to Lancome and try their fresh water cleanser.

Paula's Choice had warned me about the water cleanser and the exact words were: "why bother?"

A fancy French name with scientific claims and a spa personality cannot change the fact that this toner is a great big “why bother?” of a product. For your money, you’re getting mostly water, slip agents, fragrance, and preservatives. Any alcohol- and menthol-free toner from the drugstore would beat this product by a long shot, and save you a good deal of money to boot.

(www.paulaschoice.com)

Read more after the jump!! :-)

First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream Review

A few weeks ago, sephora had a VIB sale offering 20% off all products. Luckly, I had my skin care products run out by the time so I could enjoy the perks of being a VIB member(Finally!)- I don't like stocking up on cosmetic products since they have expiry dates. Trying to stay within the budget while buying so many skincare products I ran out of, I had to find an eye cream that is relatively on the affordable side.

While researching for an eye cream, I came across First Aid Beauty (FAB), which was launched in 2009. They claim to be free of harsh chemicals thus is healthier for your skin. 

Their 5 in 1 Eye Cream seemed to fall in all the categories of what I was looking for: affordable, effective, and no parabens (which can possibly be carcinogenic), sulfates, and synthetic dyes or sparkles that would trick me to think my eyes look instantly brighter (and there is no such thing as instant improvement!)

Fresh Skincare Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream Review

Pro: fresh products have never let me down! Every one of their item's I've tried so far has worked out perfectly as if customized clinic care. Their website kindly outlines all the ingredients used and are of natural ingredients like sugar.

Con: a bit expensive compared to other options available. I've heard the strong floral fragrance is not for everyone.

I have just an average skin type: bit oily around T-zone, dry elsewhere, lately (in my late 20s now) concerning for appearance of wrinkles around eyes and mouth, etc etc. It's not super sensitive other than the blemishes I get after playing with my cat.




Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

It hasn't been very long I have started using the fresh lotus face cream ($42). In fact I'm just going through the second jar. However I'm already a fan of this fresh product and you will be too once you've tried. Unlike Vivian, my nightly skincare routine is very simple (if any). I have to confess that I may not remove my makeup off my face before passing out once-in-a-quite-often-while. Other nights, I do what the other least human beings do: wash & apply moisturizer!

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream is very easy to spread. I do my usual 5 dots on a face and just spread them out. It has this distinct but very subtle lotus smell that's similar to cool cucumber and I love it. Sitting in room temperature, the cool cream has a calming effect to it, too.  Fresh website states that their formula is "proprietary Super 7 that provides 24 hours of moisture."

(Fresh.com)

The above photo is before the cream set into my skin yet. It has no artificial chemicals to trick my eyes. And the below is after the cream has been well absorbed into my skin. It is really soft and evened out when you feel it with your fingertips. And definitely more moisturized! 

It isn't whole lot oily either. And when I test the test with another piece of oil control film some time after the application (10 minutes?) you get minimal darkened area. 

I do agree for the long lasting moisture. It might be the brisk weather too but I find my skin condition being the same hours after having washed my face & applying my cream immediately. Of course I can no longer smell the fresh cucumbery scent that excites me anymore though. It is not heavy on your skin and never oily at all. I alternate evening application between this and another balm type cream for more stickiness to tighten my skin. Fresh cream is perfect for morning application before makeups! Personally it is hard to tell of enhanced radiance but I do admit I have no complaints on my conditions of my skin ever since I started using Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream (phew, such a long name!). I do get comments on the brightness of my face but I....think it's more my foundation. :-P) Vivian has also bought a jar recently, so you'd be able to make a direct comparison very soon! *Hint: Viv has more dry skin.

Thanks for reading! :-)

Watershed Naturals: Lavender Avocado Shea Butter

I take my skin care routine very VERY seriously since I am in my late twenties. My skin cells generate 80% less collagen than in my early twenties. And hence, more and more wrinkles and sun damages become visible. *Sigh...* Moreover, and especially in winter, my skin gets so thirsty! It dries up so fast even after treating it with moisturizing mask! I have the desire for the perfect silky smooth, however I still have my dignity to undergo any plastic surgeries or laser treatments. My only rock is to spend spend a lot of time & effort with my skin care routine. I will explain in more detail on another post very soon. Instead for today, I would like to share a product that I have been quite satisfied with for overnight protection from dehydration.

Natalie has already introduced you all with "Watershed Naturals" in her precious post about their bath salt (fyi: http://natalieskirakira.blogspot.ca/2014/11/potion-9-bath-salt.html.) At the Circle Craft Christmas Market, I picked up this little jar hoping it to saving me from dry morning skin.  It was only $18 and considering other brand name products at Sephora I cry for help with, I think it is a pretty good deal. It's been less than a week and yes I have already used it a lot cuz I love it so much! I should have taken a picture before using it if I knew I would be posting about it.  Please read more after the jump!

Potion 9 Bath Salt

I am a ritualistic bath person. It is the time I devote for myself as a pat on the shoulder for the "hard work" of the long day. Whether it be fruity foam bath bombs from lush, or cheaper drugstore brands that I can wastefully pour into my tub, I love bath products. Vivian has been praising her l'occitane bath salt from her last trip to Seattle Premium Outlet thus far. And when I came across the pretty coloured coarse sea crystals from Watershed Naturals at Craft Circle Christmas Market, I knew this would be a well spent $18. For my posting about Craft Circle Christmas Market - please click the link Circle Craft Christmas Market 2014 to be redirected! :-)

Bath salts are developed to resemble the benefits of hot springs. Their specific benefits are the following: act as detergent, soften calloused skin, & aid in exfoliation. According to the Wikipedia page, research found positive correlation between bath salts & treatment to arthritis as well!