Empties November 2017

Left to Right:

Labo Labo Super-Keana Lotion

This is a highly raved toner in the Asia market that targets enlarged pores and blackheads. It was recommended by a friend when I was looking for a clarifying toner that can help with my whiteheads and blackheads. The brand is quite a well-known Japanese brand and this toner was very affordable - only around $15 if I recall correctly. I really enjoyed using this toner. The way I use this toner is not to use every day, but to use it after a deep cleansing mask and a quick extraction of blackheads. After the extraction, I soak a cotton pad with this toner and wipe it across my t-zone then leave it on my nose as a quick toning mask for around a minute. I find that it shrinks my pores which are a bit enlarged after all the extraction and calms the skin. I understand it contains lactic acid, malic acid, hyaluronic acid and collagen. It is particularly nice to use in summer because it gives a cooling sensation upon contact with skin.

In fact, I might repurchase this toner. You can get it online here.

La Mer Treatment Lotion

I have previously reviewed this toner here. It is my staple and I already miss it now it’s gone. I will definitely repurchase it when David Jones has its beauty gift card offer. This toner/essence is so soothing and hydrating and I always come back to it when winter/autumn comes.

Mecca Cosmetics - To Save Face SPF 30 Mineral Gel

Mecca Cosmetics knows how to do sunscreen. This mineral gel was a relatively new addition to the “To Save Face” line-up of sunscreens. I bought it on a whim and to my surprise I really enjoyed it. Unlike other mineral sunscreens that are thick and leave white cast, this gel was very lightweight and slightly tinted. It was almost a bit drying if I didn’t use a proper moisturiser underneath, so I image people with oily and/or combination skin would really enjoy this. The tint goes on almost transparent once on the skin, just enough to even out my skintone. And it comes with a pump –hygienic and practical. The only downside is that the product goes off quite quickly. The texture of my tube changed towards the end of my use – not as smooth and slightly separated. Not sure if it was just my tube.

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%

I was a bit disappointed by this because I did not see visible results at all after using up the whole bottle. Retinoid is supposed to be quite an effective anti-aging ingredient so I do not know why this has not worked at all for me. Please let me know if you have used it and how you feel about it.

L’Oréal Gentle Eye and Lips Makeup Remover

A budget friendly and very effective eye makeup remover. It removes my waterproof mascara in a breeze. I dislike the packaging with a passion though. The lid leaks every time I try to pour to a cotton pad. Please change the packaging L’Oreal if you are listening…

Du’It Foot and Heel Balm Plus

This foot cream contains ingredients like 25% urea, AHAs and vitamin E which help to exfoliate the dead skin cells as well as moisturise. It is quite lightweight in texture – almost gel-lotion like. It does moisturise my skin but they didn’t leave my feet baby soft. I think I have used other more moisturising foot creams before so I will not repurchase this one.

Neostrata Bionic Eye Cream

This has earned its full review here. I love it for the price and the results. I have already repurchased.

Clarins Tonic Body Polisher

Full review here. A beautiful body scrub that leaves my skin smooth and moisturised. The essential oils in this product smells heavenly and very relaxing. I will repurchase this when Clarins has a GWP.

(Some links might be affiliated but this post is in no way sponsered. All opinions are my own.)

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Eyes eye cream

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Eyes eye cream

This eye cream claims to do wonderful things such as anti-aging, reducing dark circles and puffiness and smoothing eye contour. Unfortunately I was not able to experience any of these results because I had a terrible allergic reaction to it. More on that later.

What L’Occitane says/product description:

• With 3 patents, the Divine Eyes formula helps to fight visible signs of ageing.
• With daily use, it helps to:- Maintain the skin's youthful potential- Intensely nourish the eye area (74%)*- Visibly reduce puffiness (74%)* and dark circles (81%)*- Visibly smooth the eye contour appearance (91%)* and lessen the appearance of crow’s feet lines (85%)*- Visibly even out skin tone around eyes (85%)*
• Tested under dermatological and ophtalmologist supervision.*Satisfaction tested on 53 women over 4 weeks. **Upper layers of the epidermis.
• RRP: AU$95/15ml

My experience:

As a disclaimer, I should start by saying that I have slightly sensitive skin. I do not normally react to skincare products, including those containing fragrance or strong chemical ingredients. But from time to time, I do find myself reacting to certain products, often leaving me with a mild rash, itchy skin or just general skin texture/tiny bumps. In the past, I have had a similar allergic reaction with the Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil eye cream. Sadly, L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Eyes is another.

The texture of this eye cream is very light and serum like. The first time I put it on, it felt light and refreshing but it did not give me enough moisture for my 30yo eye contour…As a back up plan, I planned to use this eye cream as an eye serum, followed by another richer eye cream such as the Neostrata one which I really enjoyed. But to my horror I woke up the next day with red and swollen eyelids, and they were very itchy. I stopped using this eye cream immediately. In fact, I stopped using all my skincare products, and only used the Blackmores Vitamin E cream as a moisturiser and eye cream (I bought this on a whim for my daughter to use as a body moisturiser when we were travelling earlier this year). After about a week of using the Blackmores cream only, the rash on my eyelids finally went away. But I was stupid enough to give the eye cream a second try, and miracle did not happen. I was left with swollen and itchy eyelids yet again.

So it is safe to say that I did not enjoy this eye cream. Especially given the price, it is marketed as a high end eye cream targeting the mature aged group consumers. But I felt it was not nourishing and moisturising enough for its target consumers. I wish I could return this product back to L’Occitane but I did not keep the receipt either.

Lesson learnt – do not throw away my shopping receipts.

Update: I contacted L'occitane's customer service and they were very helpful. I was able to bring this eye cream back and exchange it for something else of the same value. I ended up exchanging it for a hand lotion, the Almond shower oil which I adore and the Almond milk veil...

Repurchase? Definitely no.

L’Occitane Shea Intensive Hand Balm

L’Occitane Shea Intensive Hand Balm

This is a hand cream I purchased on a whim. It was my birthday and I got an email from L’Occitane that said “happy birthday! Enjoy a free candle on us” or something along those lines. I said to myself “Cool. I will pick it up on my way home” and of course I picked up a hand cream, an eye cream and don’t forget the candle…so there you have it, story of my life :)

What L’Occitane says/product description:

• formulated with a very high concentration of 25% shea butter to provide intense nourishing care
• forms a protective film for skin that is very dry or uncomfortable due to environmental aggressions (cold, air conditioning)
• melts into the hands and nails from the moment it is applied and massaged in
• enriched with allantoin, it helps to immediately soothe the skin, bringing comfort and softness
• used daily, it helps to protect hands from dryness
• RRP AU$46/150ml

My experience:

L’Occitane is well known for its handcreams. This hand balm has the highest concentration of shea butter out of all the handcreams L’Occitane offers and should be therefore the most nourishing. I use it as my night time/bedside handcream and it ticks all the boxes for me.

Surprisingly, the texture of this hand balm is not as thick as I expected and it is easily absorbed into the skin after a quick massage. It is emollient and beautifully nourishing but is not sticky, tacky nor oily. I only need a little every time I use it because it spreads quite easily. I used it through this Sydney winter and my hands have not felt dry at all. And I don’t even use it every night because I either don’t remember to or just don’t bother sometimes…Still my hands are in good condition given all the washing up I do with a little one. My daytime handcream is the Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream which I adore and have gone through at least seven tubes. The Aveeno one has a gel-cream texture and is absorbed instantly. I believe that the combination of the Aveeno hand cream during the day and L’Occitane at night has kept my hands and nails in good condition.

The hand balm has a soft clean scent, similar to the regular shea butter handcream by L’Occitane. I am not sure if it is what shea butter smells like or it might just be the fragrance but I enjoy the scent very much. I prefer the scent to floral or fruity scented handcreams because it just feels more sophisticated.

It is not cheap for a handcream, and if your hands are not exceptionally dry you might just be as happy with the Aveeno Intense Relief one for around $6.

Repurchase? I might, if my hands suffer from extreme dryness.

Clarins Tonic Body Polisher

Clarins Tonic Body Polisher

I enjoy using body scrubs in general as I find the whole experience relaxing and almost therapeutic for me. I have to admit though nothing beats a pair of exfoliating gloves or dry body brushing in terms of the polishing/scrubbing effects. But body scrub is still a regular in my weekly routine because the whole experience is just really uplifting for me, especially after a long day.

What Clarins says/product description:

• features essential oils of rosemary, rosewood, mint, sugar and salt crystals
• feels luxurious as it smoothes away dry cells, flakes and impurities to reveal the glowing skin beneath
• leaves skin looking toned, radiant and sleek.
• RRP AU$48/250ml

My experience:

Clarins is a brand that is a bit underrated in my opinion. We don’t hear much about it on social media and often associate it with words like “mature”, “dull” or “old fashioned”. I happen to find Clarins products to be very reliable, especially its range of body products which I religiously used during my pregnancy and I have very few stretch marks now (also thanks to my mum). The Tonic Body Polisher is another one of those reliable products – it is not love at first sight, but I miss it when I don’t have it.

The polisher is a mixture of sugar and salt crystals that are quite fine. I personally like a rough body scrub so this one is on the gentle side for me. But it still sloughs away dead skin cells beautifully and my skin feels really smooth after. I can even skip the body lotion when using this polisher because the essential oils really nourish my skin. It doesn’t leave oily residues, just a thin layer of moisture that makes my skin looking radiant as claimed. I can’t say much to the toning claim because I did not see any. And I didn’t expect a body scrub to tone my skin anyways…

The scent of the essential oils is heavenly and very spa like. It is not overpowering, just enough to lift my mood and feel relaxed. It is definitely the reason why I kept coming back to this scrub. It is a great balance of exfoliation, moisture and beautiful scent. The price is a bit on the high end for a body scrub, but still reasonable and definitely worth its price (I have tried body scrubs that are more expensive but much less enjoyable than this one). Please let me know if you have found a great body scrub that is more budget friendly!

Repurchase? I still have so many other scrubs I want to try…but I can definitely recommend this scrub and will probably repurchase with a GWP.

August/September 2017 Empties

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Age Support Treatment Cream

I love the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm so I decided to add this moisturiser to my shopping cart when I was repurchasing the cleansing balm. It has lots of promising ingredients such as moringa, evening primrose, rose hip, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. But I was disappointed.

This moisturiser promises ultra-hydration and lifting/tightening effects but I saw none. It is actually quite lightweight and “fluffy”, lighter than an average face cream, just slightly thicker than a lotion. I opened this tub in the beginning of winter and it did not provide enough hydration for my combination to dry skin. I had to rely on other moisturising serums to tackle the lack of hydration. And it had a weird scent, almost sour to my nose so it was not very pleasant to use. (I am confused. Did I get a bad batch?) The packaging is also too bulky for my liking.

La Mer The Renewal Oil

I have done a full review of this beauty here. It is a bi-phase facial oil that is lightweight and hydrating at the same time. It improves the overall radiance and suppleness of my skin and is very versatile. Easily the best facial oil I have used. I have already repurchased.

Kiehl’s - Clearly Corrective Foaming Cleanser

A deluxe sample I received as GWP and I really enjoyed it. I used it as my morning cleanser and it was gentle yet effective. It didn’t leave my skin tight and brightened my face a little bit. I might purchase a full size when I run out of cleansers.

Curel Kao Makeup Cleansing Gel

This is a beautiful Japanese budget cleansing gel for sensitive and dry skin. It transforms from gel to oil with minimal rubbing and washes off very easily with water. It is very effective at removing makeup including waterproof products and is never too harsh for my skin. I go through a tube of this very quickly and this is probably my eighth. It’s a staple for me.

Kiehl's - Crème de Corps

A HG body lotion for many. And I can see the appeal – very moisturising, leaves a beautiful sheen on the skin, buttery melting texture and a cult following. One problem I had was the packaging. It was very difficult to use the last bit in the bottle without cutting open the bottle. It was a limited edition bottle so I didn’t want to cut it…but it also meant a lot of waste of product. Aah the dilemma one has to face…

The Ordinary Buffet (missing from the picture)

I have done a detailed review of this beautiful serum here. It is a lightweight serum targeting dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. I think it is one of the best products The Ordinary has to offer and definitely my personal favourite. I have already repurchased three more bottles when Priceline had its 40% skincare sale. Say no more.

Bifesta Mandom Eye Makeup Remover

If you are into the K-beauty/Asian beauty trend, then you might have heard of this eye makeup remover. It has won multiple awards and is cheap as chips. I have gone through at least five bottles and it is easily my favourite. It removes my waterproof mascara and eyeliner in a breeze with no rubbing. It outperforms many of the high-end makeup removers I have tried and comes at a fraction of the price. Please grab a bottle to try out the next time you visit Asia or you can easily find it online (I got mine from adambeauty.com, not sponsored/affiliated).

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

By now every makeup addict should have tried or heard of the Tarte Shape Tape concealer. It has been on every beauty blogger/youtuber’s tongue since it launched last year. Surprisingly, it is not yet available in Australia. Sephora which sells Tarte in Australia does not carry the famed Shape Tape concealer line. But rest assured Aussies can buy this popular concealer from the Tarte website directly and they have free AU shipping on orders over $88 (this threshold seems to vary constantly!).

What Tarte says/product description:

• A best-selling, full-coverage, vegan, blendable concealer that instantly brightens, smooths & shapes skin.
• Available in 14 shades
• Interesting fact: one shape tape is sold every 26 seconds.
• RRP AU$37/10ml

My experience:

The first thing that jumps out at me is the packaging. It features a massive wand for application. I think Tarte designed the concealer to be used as a contouring product, hence the bigger than normal wand for quicker application. But I only use this for my undereye circles and pigmentation, so I would personally prefer a smaller wand for precise application. On the flip side, the Shape Tape concealer also contains a lot of product – 10ml. Other concealers are typically around 6ml, i.e., Nar Radiant Creamy Concealer is 6ml and Maybelline Fit Me Concealer is 6.8ml.  So the Shape Tape concealer works out to be a great value product.

This concealer offers great coverage and yet blends beautifully into my skin. Given the coverage, I was surprised at how light the texture of this concealer is. Texture wise, it is thinner/lighter than Nars Radiant Creamy concealer but provides better coverage than Nars. And because of the light texture, it does not settle into my fine lines like the Nars one does, which is a huge plus for me. I can see people who have acne really enjoy this concealer because how light and high coverage it is.

My shade is light sand, which has yellow/warm undertone and matches roughly Mac NC20-25, Chanel #20 Clair and Armani LSF 5. The light sand in the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea foundation also matches me quite well so I would say that the shade range runs consistently in the Tarte concealer lineup.

Application of this concealer is a little tricky because it sets/dries down very quickly. I like to dot the concealer around my eyes – two dots for each eye give enough coverage for me, and quickly blend away with a sponge. Then I move on to the corners of my nose and mouth. I found that if I dot the products all over and then start blending, by the time I finish blending my undereyes the concealer around my nose has already started to set, therefore becomes harder to blend. For this reason, I wouldn’t use it for contouring either because it sets too quickly for blending a large area.

Lasting power of this concealer is pretty impressive too. It lasts well for at least eight hours. By the time I am home to remove my makeup, the Shape Tape concealer always performs better than my foundation doesn’t matter what foundation I am wearing on the day.

A minor disappointment is the shelf life of this concealer – only six months. I really don’t see myself finishing all 10ml of this concealer in six months. And because it is a liquid/cream product, I don’t want to use it after expiry date either.

All in all, this is a great all-rounder concealer. It is great for concealing undereyes, pigmentation and acne scarring and lasts really well.

Repurchase? Yes, if I manage to hit pan on this massive tube and finish all my other concealers…

La Mer The Treatment Lotion

La Mer The Treatment Lotion

The Treatment Lotion by La Mer is a high functioning toner/essence that I apply before my serums. It is different to the typical toners on the market because it claims to have bit more benefits to it than just toning the skin. I was sceptical at first especially given the price tag, but it grew on me quickly. Unfortunate for my wallet, both this toner and the Renewal Oil (reviewed here) have become staples in my skincare routine.

What La Mer says/product description:

·       Preps and energises

·       The essential first step toward transformation. Like "liquid energy", this rich and silky hydrator visibly awakens the complexion and drives moisture deep into the skin to improve texture and even tone.

·       Skin is perfectly prepared to receive the full benefit of the La Mer regimen that follows.

·       Application: After cleansing, sprinkle a small amount onto fingertips or saturate a cotton pad. Press into skin.

·       RRP: AU$165/150ml (available from David Jones, Mecca and La Mer online)

My experience:

Now, I still cringe my teeth thinking I paid $165 for a bottle of toner. BUT, this is not your ordinary toner. I feel that you can almost use it as a serum. Its texture is visibly richer/thicker than normal toners - not liquidy and almost lotion like. It is transparent in colour and has no scent. I apply with my fingertips and gently tap into my skin. Although recommended by the La Mer website, even the La Mer beauty adviser told me that applying the Treatment Lotion with a cotton pad is a waste of product.

On most days, I apply this straight after cleansing, mornings and evenings, before any serums. My face feels nourished and moisturised with this lotion alone, while I get the little one ready and dressed etc etc. By the time I am ready to follow up with serums and moisturiser (which is at least half an hour later), my skin would still feel so soft and moisturised. That alone is a tick for me because I have sensitive and dry skin and hate the feeling of tight skin. On the days when my skin gets a bit sensitive, I can immediately feel my skin soothed after applying The Treatment Lotion.

I feel that the claims by La Mer about this Treatment Lotion are quite accurate. It doesn’t claim to anti-age nor fight wrinkles. It does prepare my skin for the rest of my regimen, by injecting moisture into my skin and toning the texture so that serums and moisturiser can be easily absorbed.

Anyone with dry, sensitive and/or mature skin would really really this Treatment Lotion.

Repurchase? Yes (especially when David Jones has its beauty spend and save offers!).

Mecca Max Pout Pop Lipstick

Mecca Max Pout Pop Lipstick

For those who are not from Australia, Mecca Cosmetics is a beauty heaven housing popular mid to high end brands such as Urban Decay, Nars, Too Faced, Drunken Elephant and La Mer etc. (and Sephora Australia does not stock these brands because they are signed exclusively with Mecca!) Mecca also has its own streamlined skincare range including some very popular sunscreens.

This week Mecca has launched its own makeup line – Mecca Max, and it has been on very beauty bird’s lips. The whole range is reasonably priced between around AU$15-$35 (considering L’Oréal foundations retail for more than $30 in Australia), and include products such as lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, primers, foundations, BB creams, eyeshadows, bronzers and blushes etc. Packaging is sleek and cheerful featuring mainly gold, orange and pink. I picked up a few products yesterday to try out and the Pout Pop Lipstick was the first to catch my eyes.

What Mecca says/product description:

·       Colour obsessives, these pop-up pigment bullets of hyper glam, creamy lipstick are your new addiction.

·       There are 29 wantable, ultra-wearable shades of hydrating, longwear pigment in sheer, matte and hi-def opaque payoffs to love.

·       Inject every minute with a high impact colour blast – straight out of the pop-up bullet.

·       RRP AU$20/3.5g

My experience:

This lipstick range comes in three finishes: matte, sheer and hi-def. The shade I picked up was Sunday Sesh in sheer finish. I was swatching the different shades on my hand instore and when I swatched Sunday Sesh I immediately knew it was the one to bring home. It is a beautiful watermelon-y pinky red that flatters warm/yellow skintone very well. It instantly brightens my face when I put this on this morning, and I can see myself wearing this one every day, work or casual. One thing I found with the Mecca Max lipsticks was that the shade range is cleverly designed and all very flattering and wearable.

The Sheer finish is a hydrating and comfortable formula to wear. It has slightly glossy finish which makes my lips look fuller, and the colour pay-off is surprising good for a hydrating lipstick. The hi-def finish lipsticks also seemed very creamy and pigmented when I swatched them instore and the colour payoff was really vibrant. The hi-def lipsticks have a satin-cream finish, not as matte as the Matte ones but definitely not glossy like the Sheer finish. I think I will pick one of the hi-def lipsticks next.

The lipsticks feature a pop up bullet design where you click on the end and the bullet will pop out. I do worry someday I will scratch the actual lipstick while trying to pop it out. The packaging looks sleek and luxe but it is not a metal tube. I think it is made of plastic and it is fine by me as long as the lipstick itself is good.

All in all, I love this lipstick and the shade in Sunday Sesh.

Repurchase? Yes.

The Ordinary “Buffet” (Part II)

The Ordinary “Buffet” (Part II)

Following my  last review of a disappointing product from The Ordinary, I cannot wait to share with you a product I have really enjoyed from the line. Not sure if you can see from the photo below, but my bottle of Buffet is almost gone. Unlike other products from The Ordinary which are mostly sourced from simple ingredients/technology, Buffet is a “multi-technology peptide serum” which serves your skin a cocktail of peptides, amino acids and hyaluronic acids.

What The Ordinary says/product description:

• A multi-technology peptide serum to target multiple signs of ageing at once.
• The technologies are Matrixyl 3,000 peptide complex, Matrixyl Synthe'6 peptide complex, Syn-Ake peptide complex, Relistase peptide complex, Argirelox peptide complex, Probiotic complex, in a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes.
• The total concentration of these technologies in the formula by weight is 25.1% (bang for your buck!)
• Directions: apply to the entire face in the AM and PM after cleaning.
• RRP $24.90/30ml (available from Priceline, Myer, The Ordinary store and online)

My experience:

First off, the texture feels lovely – slightly thicker than the Advanced Retinoid 2% and Lactic Acid 5% serums, but lighter than a gel serum. My skin just drinks this up very quickly. I feel that it provides excellent hydration in this winter weather, probably because of the hyaluronic acid in it. My skin feels soothed and looks quite radiant and supple after using this serum.

In terms of the anti-aging properties, I actually do think it works. My fine lines around my eyes appear smoother after I apply this serum but again they have not disappeared. My face as a whole feels a bit more “lifted” in general. Considering the price, I think Buffet is a great entry-to-mid level anti-aging serum that delivers results in an enjoyable formula.

Sadly, I can only use it at night because I find my sunscreen and foundation pilling if I use this serum in the morning. I have tried it with different moisturisers, sunscreens and foundations, and they all pilled to different degrees. From reading reviews online and talking to friends who also use it, it seems like I am the only one who experience pilling from Buffet. So don’t let this stop you from trying this great serum. I apply this serum every evening, after my toner and an acid serum (such as retinoid or lactic acid), follow by a moisturiser.

Repurchase? Yes! I will stock up tomorrow with the Priceline 40% off skincare sale, hopefully The Ordinary is not excluded from the sale.

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% (Part I)

The Ordinary has received a lot of hypes recently in the beauty world. And it is for the right reasons. The Ordinary is a sub-brand of the bigger parent company Deciem, whose concept I am totally fond of – no BS, straight up effective ingredient in a simple bottle (my word, not theirs). The Ordinary range is priced at a very reasonable price point, and the products target specific skin concerns. Earlier this year, I found out they had a concept store in The Rocks (Sydney) and on the same day I visited the store and splurged. Yes, even though each product is well priced at around AU$15, they do add up when you buy almost every product in the range. I have been using the three products pictured below for the last four months and my experience has been mixed. Today, I’d like share my thoughts on the Advanced Retinoid 2% first because it is the one I had high hopes for (and more on the other products soon).

What The Ordinary says/product description:

• A Stable Emulsion of Next-Generation Forms of Retinoid: The Ordinary website has a lot of useful and detailed information for the product. I recommend reading the information on their website before buying their products.
• Two active ingredients: (the below doesn’t really make sense for me…but I am sure some skincare junkies know their ingredients!)
• Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid;
• a sustained-delivery form of pure retinol in a protective capsule system which supports both the delivery and the effect of Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate.
• Caution: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation.
• Directions: Apply a few drops to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Use sun protection in the AM.
• Price: AU$17.90/30ml from The Ordinary store, Priceline, Myer and online retailers.

My experience:

We have all heard about the proven benefits of retinol/retinoid products. It is a strong and effective ingredient targeting skin concerns such as lines and wrinkles and general anti-aging. I have had positive experiences with other retinol products previously, but the Ordinary’s version was a little disappointing.

It is a water based serum that is oil free and alcohol free. It is milky white in colour and very liquidy in texture. I started by using this serum every second day, and only at night. It is absorbed very quickly. To be honest, I did not see any result. Unlike other retinoid products which gave me radiant and supple skin, I did not see any results from The Ordinary Retinoid 2%. My skin was not sensitive to it either. My skin just had no reaction to it.

After using it every second night for about three weeks, I increased my usage to every night. This time my skin was reacting. It was a little red and sensitive to touch. I even had a few minor breakouts since using this retinoid, and I rarely break out. I have heard from reviews that skin tends to breakout/react before you see a result from the Ordinary’s retinoid, but I have given it a good two months and I have not seen any real results. So I switched back to using it every second night, or sometimes twice a week only, and my skin is back to normal.

Overall, The Ordinary’s Retinoid 2% is not my go to product for a drug store retinol/retinoid treatment. For a drug store alternative, I much prefer the Avene Ysthéal Anti-Wrinkle Emulsion or Cream which was gentle and very effective (but slightly more expensive).

Repurchase? No. I will finish my current bottle but will not buy again. (But if you fancy trying this one out, Priceline is having a skincare sale 40% off this Wednesday to Friday 2^nd Aug to 4^th Aug!)

NeoStrata Bionic Eye Cream Plus (4% PHA)

This eye cream is a relatively new introduction to my skincare routine. Now, I have some pretty serious dark circles (as a result of caring for a toddler and Netflix binge watching), so I value my eye creams and they have a special place in my heart. It is a skincare step that I am prepared to invest in, and have invested in throughout the years. I have tried quite a few eye creams – high and low ends, and this eye cream surprised me.

What NeoStrata says/product description:

• Gentle, effective eye cream with cucumber, yeast extract and green tea to help hide dark under eye circles and target puffiness.
• PHAs (3% Gluconolactone, 1% Lactobionic Acid) to target wrinkles, hydrate and strengthen.
• Pro-vitamins A, C & E provide potent antioxidant protection.
• Suitable for eye puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and crows feet.
• RRP $55.95/15g (though I purchased my tube from Priceline when they had the 40% skincare sale –bargain!)

On NeoStrata’s website, they make some very ambitious claims:

• Clinically Proven: Lighter, Brighter Smoother Eye Area in 4 weeks.*
• 88% noted reduces eye puffiness and reduced eye wrinkles.*
• 91% said it brighten and lighten the under eye area.*
• 85% said it revitalises tired skin around the eyes.*

*Study of 33 subjects using 2x daily over 4 weeks.  Data on file NeoStrata Inc.

My experience:

I have been using this eye cream for the last two months and it really succeeded my expectation. I have heard good things about it before purchase, but did not have high expectation for it.  Because let’s face it - even the most high end eye creams have disappointed us in the past (I am looking at you La Mer).

This eye cream has a fluffy cream texture which is quite unique. It is fluffier than an average cream product, but thicker than the texture of a lotion. It spreads beautifully on the skin and gets absorbed quickly without any oily residue. Using it alone, it is just moisturising enough for me in this weather. Sometimes my undereye area feels a bit dry, I will layer an eye serum underneath this eye cream. I can’t wait to use this eye cream in spring/summer because it would provide just the right amount of hydration for me.

The biggest difference I saw was my dark circles. No, they have not disappeared. But I really do believe this eye cream has helped to brighten my eye area. I am not sure whether it was the PHAs, vitamins or the yeast and green tea extracts, but my shadows do look lighter and I look more awake in general. Those with dark circles will know – it is very rare for an eye cream to work on dark circles. Almost all claim to reduce dark circles, but I rarely see those claims being delivered. But this eye cream did! And for the price, I have no complaint.

In terms of its anti-aging claims, I have three to four fine lines around my eyes and I don’t think this eye cream has made them disappeared. The lines are still there if I look closely, but definitely not as obvious, and I am happy with that. Due to the PHAs in this product, I make sure that my eye area is covered when I apply sun protection in the morning. I might be a bit paranoid but better safe than sorry right?

This eye cream can be easily found in Priceline and most chemists. The retail price is on the higher end of the scale for a drug store product, but it is worth it. I am not sure about you, but I will be buying a (or two) backup in the next Priceline skincare sale (which is rumoured to be in the beginning of August!).

Repurchase? Definitely.

La Mer The Renewal Oil

Let’s start the blog with a favourite of mine. As you can see from the picture, I am about to finish a bottle and already have a backup bottle waiting in line. Considering the price tag of this face oil, buying a back up before it is finished says something – I love it!

What La Mer says/product description:

• This dual-phase elixir blends Miracle Broth™ and sea-sourced actives, unleashing a wave of activity to infuse skin with youth.
• Collagen production improves, helping soften the look of emerging lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin.
• Day by day, skin's natural barrier becomes more resilient. Miracle Broth energises skin's repair process.
• Soft and ultra-smooth, skin glows with new vitality. Aromatic and soothing, the Renewal Oil enriches everywhere it is applied, creating the possibility of infinite bespoke skincare rituals.
• Direction for use: Gently shake to activate. Sweep 3-5 drops over face and neck morning and evening. Massage this nourishing formula into hair, cuticles and dry areas of the body as needed.
• RRP AU$325/30ml

My experience:

While this oil can be used almost everywhere when needed (hair, cuticles and body) as recommended by La Mer, I mainly use it for my face and neck because of the whopping price tag. I have combination skin in summer and dry skin in winter and enjoy using this oil in all seasons. Its texture is surprisingly light, lighter than most facial oils I have used (for example, Trilogy’s rosehip oil and Sisley Black Rose Oil). It has an interesting dual-phase blend which you shake well to mix before applying a few drops to face. I believe it is the dual-phase texture/technology that makes this oil lightweight but really nourishing and moisturising at the same time. (SK II's facial oil also sports this dual-phase technology and I am keen to try it next!)

In summer/spring, I apply 2-3 drops and use it as a serum before moisturiser. When it gets really hot in Sydney, I use the oil as a moisturiser alone and it does not make my skin oily at all. I wake up with supple and radiant skin in the morning (something a godsend for parents with toddlers!). In winter/autumn, I use this oil in the mornings and evenings as a serum, followed by a moisturiser, or sometimes mixed with a moisturiser. Foundation goes on beautifully smooth after this oil, definitely no pilling for me. I have also tried mixing a few drops with my foundation and it gives the most radiant finish to the skin.

In terms of the anti-aging claims, I think La Mer’s claim is accurate. It is not hailed as an intensive anti-aging treatment. Instead, it repairs collagen production in the skin which helps to soften the look of lines and wrinkles. It will not diminish your lines and wrinkles after a few uses but it will make them look more relaxed and as a result skin looks firmer.

Its packaging is hygienic, efficient and elegant. The scent is light and very relaxing. Once it is applied, I do not notice the scent at all.

It is such a versatile product and I have recommended to my friends who have dry skin, sensitive skin, combination skin and oily skin. Almost all loved it (except one dear friend with oily skin who found it a little heavy for her liking). It really ticks all the boxes for me (except for the price!).

Repurchase? Yes, already have.

The journey starts here...

Hello, and here we are. Starting off the new financial year 2017 with a new blog! I blogged briefly (MSN space!) when I was in high school, and after reading blog posts about beauty, life, current affairs and whatnots every day for the last decade, I have decided to create a blog for myself.

Yes, me, a young(ish) woman, living in Sydney, working full time and mother to the most incredible, adorable and funny toddler daughter. It sounds incredibly selfish but I do really hope to dedicate this blog to all the things I am passionate about. It will be mostly about beauty, since I have been fascinated with skincare and makeup since high school. It will be about lifestyle. It might be about life and parenthood – the journey I am on with my lovely daughter. It might be about completely random things.

Let us enjoy every moment of this journey.