2011 Most Loved Skincare

Hello. Happy 2012!!! I hope everyone is having a great New Year. Every year, I like to do a recap of beauty products that I love the prior year. Below are my favorite in 2011.

Kiehl’s Washing Milk Cleanser
I have been enjoying this milky cleanser this winter. I use it as either part of a double cleansing process or alone if I am not wearing much makeup. It is easy to rinse, gentle, and does not strip my skin of moisture. Full Review

Sana Soya Milk Rich Toner
I would recommend this light texture yet moisturizing toner to those with normal to dry skin. It contains Soybean Isoflavone to moisturize skin and help skincare products absorb better. Sana Nameraka Honpo skin care range is fragrances, preservatives, and mineral oil free.  Full Review

Dermalogica Clean Start Bedtime for Breakouts to the Rescue
I purchased the .5oz travel size and it lasted me for 6 months and sometime I use it almost daily, making it budget friendly. It is a 2% salicylic treatment that is gentle and non-drying for even my sensitive skin. You should also see the size of your acne reduce by the next morning.  Full Review

Boscia Restorative Amino 3P Firming Serum
I really like the way this serum makes my skin feel. It makes my skin silky smooth and also calm down any redness so I wake up with clearer skin. It contains a blend of antioxidants like olive oil, jojoba and rosemary extract, vitamin A, B5, amino acid and peptide. Definitely a good, natural product option for preventative measure though I am not sure if it will reverse any aging effect if you already have them. Full Review

Perricone MD Concentrated Restorative Treatment
One of the most effective treatment I have ever used.  It has a high level of stable Vitamin C that does not irritate my sensitive skin.  It keeps my skin clear, balance, smooth, and just healthy. Full Review

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer
I just really love the texture of this moisturizer, it is a bit thick which I like but does not feel heavy. You don't need a lot and it absorb well. I feel like it creates a shield to protect my skin. I literally touch my face sometime just to feel how soft and smooth it is. Full Review

Reviva Labs Essential Fatty Acid EFAs Cream
The bad first, you may have to get over the initial fishy smell. However, it is no wear as bad as Perricone MD Cold Plasma, the Cold Plasma stinks so bad, I could not stand it. This moisturizer is affordable, great ingredients, very non greasy, absorb quickly, wears well under makeup, and give my skin a healthy dose of hydration.  Full Review

Caudalie Moisturing Cream Mask for Face and Eye
This one is multi-purpose, you can use it as a mask or night cream if you have really dry skin. At first, I thought it was pricey but I deemed it worthy because it sooth and smooth my skin when it was going through an irritated, flaky mess stage.  Full Review

Bliss Fabulous Skin Reviving Mask
This mask is so fun to use. Best of all, it hydrate, smooth and make my skin supple afterward.  Full Review

Bliss Fabulous Skin-Reviving Rubberizing Mask Review

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Bliss rubberizing mask that was recently launched in July. There are two versions, the Fabulous Skin-Reviving (which I am reviewing) for all skin types and the No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Breakout-Busting formula for acne prone skin. They are designed to temporarily envelop your skin’s surface to allow the mask’s key ingredients to be optimally absorbed by the skin.

To use is very simple. Empty one packet into a mixing bowl, add water using the enclosed measuring cup, mix and apply.

 

Please note, empty any leftover in a wastebasket, not sink.

 

Price: $38 (6 packs/masks per box)

Pros: It’s fun! If you like to bake or mix ingredients like a chemist, you will have fun with this. Instead of water, you can also substitute some water with toner (the nourishing type like rose water, not astringents) and I even added some rose oil for extra hydration. I also have a money saving tip, I find that one packet is too much product for me; half would be enough and this way, you can have 12 masks per box instead of 6.

Even when used with water alone, it is a smooth paste texture and goes on cool and calming. I left the mask on for more than 25 minutes (the box said 15-20 minutes) and not once did it makes my skin feel tight or uncomfortable. It is also easy to take off, unlike some peel off mask that can pull the skin during removal causing pain and redness.

It peels off in large pieces.

Cons: What is there not to like? Nada!

Overall: I dig this mask. I think it is perfect for after a hot summer day because the cooling sensation seems to calm and balance out my skin.

Rating: 5/5


Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

 

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask Review

I have always wanted to see the Oprah show in person, especially one of her Favorite Things giveaway show.  Few years ago, I tried to get tickets a few times but no luck.   Few weeks ago, Oprah declares Bliss Labs as her favorite facial on the finally show.  Obviously, I was thrill to get a chance to try Bliss products out myself.

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask claims to be a quick fix for dull, tired skin. It supposes to mimic and give you similar effect as their famous Triple Oxygen Treatment spa facial at the comfort of your home.

Price: $52 for 3.4oz

Pros: This is my first time trying an oxygen mask and I must say it’s a novelty and FUN. Coming out of the bottle is a gel texture and once you lather it in, it turns frothy. I came out of the bathroom and my hubby jumped, he said “oh shiz, what is that on your face”. Haha!

It first come out of the can as a gel texture.

 After 1 minutes of massage onto damn skin, it turns into a foam.

After 3 minutes, it foams up even more then start to dissipate at about 5 minutes . 

 

Other than being a novelty, after 5 minutes, my skin feel softer, smoother, and brighter as well. It contains vitamin C to lighten and tighten the skin. $52 a bottle may sounds like a lot but seriously, you only need a nickel size amount of product each time. Since one container is 3.4oz, this will last you a long, long time and therefore not that expensive after all.

Cons: I was surprise to see SLS in the ingredients. I guess that is how it foam up?  Luckily I experience no dryness after usage.

Overall: I don’t know if this will provide any long term benefit. However, as it claims, it is the perfect quick fix or picks me up before a big event or days when you didn’t get enough sleep. My skin does look better after using it.

Rating: 4.5/5

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

Caudalie Moisturizing Cream-Mask Face and Eyes Review

Caudalie Moisturizing Cream-Mask Face and Eyes is a hydrating mask that contains grape seed extract (polyphenols antioxidant), glycerin from plant and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate. You can wear a thick layer as a mask or for very dry skin, you can apply a thin layer in place of your regular moisturizer or eye cream.

Price: $40/1.6oz tube

Pros: The first time I tried this was on an afternoon where my skin was dry, flakey, tight and uncomfortable. I was getting ready to go out so I didn’t have a lot of time to leave this on, 10-15 minutes max. When I wiped it off, I was blown away. My skin was soft and smooth; the dry, flakey patches were gone. What I also really like is that I have very sensitive eyes and I can apply this as close to it as I like without any irritation. Unfortunately when my skin is normal or just a little dry, this mask does not give me the same wow factor as it does the first time.

Cons: It is expensive, I am not sure if the price justify.

Overall: If your skin is normal, you may not see a big improvement after using this mask. I think this is best as part of your emergency kit for when things go wrong, that is when you will really appreciate it. Rating: 4/5.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Reviva Labs Collagen Fibre Eye Mask

Reviva Labs Collagen Fibre Eye Pad Kit contains four pair of eye pads and a bottle of Skin Energizing Gel.  Let’s start with how to use these eye pads.  You first apply the gel under your eye and then you place the pad on top of the gel.  Next, take a damp cloth or cotton pad, dab it on top of the pad to help it adhere.  Wait for 15-20 minutes then peel it off. 

Price: $38 for 1 kit.


Pros: Personally I like mask, they are fun, especially for your eyes. I experience no irritation. It tingles a bit but went away after a minute. Upon removal, you will notice temporary firmness, brightening, and smoothness.


Cons: Nothing really as long as you have realistic expectation. Realize that there is currently no cream or mask in the market that can instantly lift and erase wrinkles “permanently”; we just simply don’t have that technology. Also, I used 3 pair of pad so far and still have 95% of the gel left; I wish they give more pads in a box as it is kind of expensive. However, refill pads are available for purchase.


Overall: This is a great option for a at home spa day or right before a special event. The firming and brightening effect give you a lifted, more rested look. I imagine the smoothness should also help with makeup going on better.  Rating: 4/5.


Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences