Review: Kracie Hadabisei Whitening Mask

Another review for kracie mask. the whitening one this time. Bought it for $1.95/pc at taka watsons earlier this month, i dont find them in single packs when i went there last week though.

they are retailing at Watsons for $18.90, for a box of 5pc. Quite expensive i think.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Potassium Hydroxide, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Lemon (Citrus Medica Limonum) Extract, Soluble Collagen, Alcohol, Job’s Tears (Coix Lacryma-jobi) Extract.

Do note that it contains alcohol and added fragrance.

Result:

The material of this mask was different from the moisturising (red range) which i tried previously. this mask does not have those micro look alike holes on it. The material is those normal ones, a bit stiff, a little hard to adjust, thickness is just right, not really like cotton material ( like skinvitals) though.

The cutting is quite big for my face, but im glad mask adhere quite well on face. Big eye holes, i like! haha.

Essence is 20ml, stated on the mask. When i took it out, its not those dripping kind, moderately wet. Cant detect any scent though fragrance was added.

After like 13min, face did look a little brighter. Essence was not sticky. After massage, essence was absorbed in quite fast. Face felt quite hydrated but dont feel very smooth.

After like 1h, red patches appeared at forehead area again. I realised i tend to have this problem with whitening mask :( Well, i gathered its because of citric acid（果酸）. I have sensitive skin by the way. So those with sensitive skin, you may want to think twice before trying this mask. My red patches were not those serious kind, will go away after a while say 30min or so but its still quite irritating cos its a little itchy. I felt better after spraying avene water too.

I watched those taiwan variety show and understand that sensitive skin has to be careful with 果酸, AHA. I googled online and realised citric acid is one of the 5 main types of AHA found in skincare. AHA helps to get rid of dead skin and activate skin regeneration, hence enhancing essence absorption etc. Thats why some whitening products contain them. Since it contains AHA, I think its best to apply this mask at night cos AHA can increase sun sensitivity.

My face was less oily this morning and looked a bit radiant, 1 new mini zit pop out with another threaten to pop out any moment too.

Verdict:

I only judge it on the whitening/brightening effect, hydration, smoothness etc. Will not penalise it for the red patches it gave me.

I got no choice but to send it to hall of hates cos it gave me zits!

Seems like i do not have much luck with kracie masks. Hopefully the charcoal one will be better.

How To Create Lots of Foam with Cleansers?!

As promised, today's post will be on foam! haha.

I am not sure how many of us out there have got this same problem as me. I always have difficulty creating enough foam with foam cleansers. I used foam cleansers ( those in tube form) for many years, since i was a secondary school kid, all the way to university year 1. I remembered the last one i tried was thefaceshop mung bean cleanser haha. I guess many of us now still do since it was the most common kind of cleansers in our local market.

Well, no1 teached me how to properly lather up etc. What i did was , squeeze about 1.5cm of cleanser onto my wet hands then rub back and forth, then the cleanser will become sorta like a creamy liquid form, I will then massage them onto my face.

Over the years I became more and more crazy about skincare lol, I read magazines, watched beauty variety shows etc, and realised that it is very important to create enough foam while cleansing to ensure that our faces are properly cleansed and yet not too drying for our skin. I came upon fancl washing powder and fell in love with the cushiony foammmm!! :) Since then, I never touch those foam cleansers anymore cos i think they cant provide me the same kinda foam i get from fancl.

I tried ettusais soap cleanser and I managed to create lotsa foam with fancl's foaming ball too. Just roll the ball on the soap for like 10seconds, then squeeze the ball a bit, keep rolling and you will get enough foam. I am not sure how people usually lather up soap cleansers but I find it very easy with fancl foaming ball. I got to know this method cos i was given a foaming ball by ettusais when i purchase their soap 2 years ago. It was on promotion and it came with free casing and foam ball. Since i am a fancl cleanser at the same time, I've got no problem getting their foam ball too. Those who have problem lathering enough with soap cleansers can try this method. Its quite easy to get foam ball from fancl counters, just tell them you need one and they will give it to you generously. I heard that we need to pay in japan for that!

I tried DHC salicylic acne wash sample lately and i decided to use it with the foaming ball since i knew i could never create enough foam with my bare hands. It was in gel form so i rolled the ball back and forth, allowing it to 'absorb' in the gel. Within seconds, trust me, it less than 5 seconds, with a little squeezing for the ball, foam was created! I dint managed to snap a photo of it but i tried it with vichy purifying cleansing gel today. That was my 1st gel cleanser, received it as a freebie when i bought the pore minimiser product lately. I opened it not long ago but was too busy to try it haha.

the blue ball on the right is how fancl foaming ball looks like. They come in green too.

shocking right haha! I used roughly same amount of gel for both tries yet the difference was soooo biggggg!

I dont have any opened foam cleansers (tube form) with me right now so i cant try it, but if you have the same problem as me, try it with fancl foaming ball! OR any other foaming sponge/ball you can find in the market :) I was thinking daiso may have such cleansing tools since japanese are crazy about foam haha.

Alternatively, you can opt for mousse or bubble cleansers, those pump kind whereby foam was already created and stored in those pump bottles and we just need to press the pump to get the foam. I know hada labo, nuxe ($20+) & Juju aquamoist (around $15) have their cleansers in pump form at watsons. Do take note that these cleansers finishes faster. Whether those foam are 'thin' or dense, i guess will have to depends on brand.

Review: DHC Salicylic Acne Wash

Received this sample few months ago, decided to try it lately haha. Cos I'm too in love with my foamy fancl powder lol! This small sachet was only enough for 2 washes.

Saw that brown circle sticker on the right? Thats to remind myself that i received it in april! For samples its best to use it up within 6months upon receiving since it likely that samples are old stocks, i mean who knows right! Yah, im a freak in these areas, Im scared of using expired stuff on my face =p

This acne wash(120ml) is retailing for $29.50 at Watsons. This range contains active ingredient, salicylic acid, 2%. The ingredients look impressive with aloe, royal jelly etc.

Result:

This acne wash is yellowish in color, very runny gel. The scent is quite overwhelming, smells exactly like the moisturiser. has got this herbal like scent, i dont quite like it personally.

Im too used to thick foam, so i use my fancl foaming ball with this cleanser and i managed to create lotsa foam! I will write a post about creating foam with cleansers this weekend :) though there are lotsa foam, but its a little 'thin', not those dense kind like fancl. For some reason, there are lotsa bubbles too. Though foam is thin, but still possible to massage on my face, still quite acceptable.

After cleansing, face feel soft, not tight and smooth! I think my face looks a little clearer and brighter too.

Verdict: 8/10

Since i only used it twice, i dono if it helps in combatting zits or what, but the after wash feel is not bad!

Cleo Hall of Fame 2010: Winners Revealed!

Lately, I realised quite a number people found my blog when they were searching for cleo hall of fame 2010. I guess they should be kinda disappointed since i dint list out the full list of winners previously in my post.

Well, fret not! I am going to reveal the winners today for those who dint managed to get that cleo issue :) I will skip the perfume section nail color though =p



LASHES:

Mascara for that false-lash effect: Anna Sui Super-Black full Mascara in 001 Noir Intense, Heroine Make long & Curl Mascar 01

Best Waterproof Mascara: Diorshow iconic extreme lash curl, Maybelline New york the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof, Majolica majolira lash expander mascara frame plus

Most beautifully colored mascara: Benefit badgal plum eye color intensifying mascara, Za Wide eyes masara in violet, LA splash lash splash waterproof mascara in envy

Best treatment for lashes: Lancome Oscillation Power Booster, Loreal Paris Renewal Lash Serum & Canmake Lash care essence

Smoothest kohl pencil for smoky eyes: Shiseido Makeup Smoothing Eyeliner in BK901, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye pencil in zero, Heavy rotation perfect eyeliner in E91 Deep black

EYES

most eye catching eyeliner: shu uemura painting liner in me purple, rimmel glam eye professional liquid liner in 008 aqua glow

most seductive eye shades: shu uemura pressed eyeshadow in p purple 781, revlon colorstay 12hour eye shadow in 18 azure mist

Best day to night eye palette: Dior 5 couleurs designer all-in-one artistry palette in 208 navy, urban design eyeshadow ammo

Best brown eyeshadow: Chanel quadra eye shadow in 18 kaska beige, canmake four shiny eyes in 01, fasio eye color br-1

Most effective concealers for dark cirles: Lancome flash retouche perfecting brush-on concealer, make up store easy cover in chai, canmake color stick 02

Best eye cream for the 20+ girls: vichy aqualia thermal eye roll on, fancl resteye gel, nuxe nirvanesque first expression lines eye cream.

Best eye rescue treatment: kiehl's dermatologist solutions ultimate white darkness diminishing activated eye treatment, ginvera green tea jade dark eye roll, loreal pairs Dermo-expertise revitalift double lifting eye

Best eye makeup remover: bobbi brown instant long wear makeup remover, cleansing express eye remover

LIPS:

glossiest Lipstick: Lancome color fever gloss sensual vibrant lipshine, maybelline new york watershine pure lipcolot

Best nude lippie: Chanel rouge allure luminous satin lip color in 69 mythic, thefaceshop diamond shine lipgloss in BR801

Most comfortable lip gloss: Shu uemura gloss unlimited, make up store twin gloss

Prettiest pink lippie: Chanel rouge allure laque luminious sain lip lacquer in 76 ming, ZA pure shine lips in pk2, metholatum lip ice sheer color strawberry lip conditioner

Hottest red lipstick: Dior rouge replenishing lipcolor in 863, urban decay lipstick in revolution, loreal paris color riche made for me intenses in 643

Best balm for chapped lips: clarins moisture replenishing balm, burt's bees beeswax, juice beauty organic lip moisturiser

BEst lippie shade to wear daily: Dior addict lip glow color awakening lipbalm in color reviver balm, burt's bee lip shinner in peony

Most hydrating lost-lasting lippie: Dior rouge dior serum de rouge, rimmel moisture renew lipstick


HAIR

Best treatment for frizzy hair: Loreal professional serie expert thermo repair serum, loreal paris elseve smooth intense anti frizz serum

best curl enhancer: Joico curl definer creme, medavita lissant creme, lucidol-L designing whip hair foam

Best treatment for sensitive scapls: ecru sea clean shampoo, phyto phytoapaisant gentle rebalancing treatment

best hair wax: professional sebastian matte putty texturizer, loreal paris studio mineral control modelling gel paste, lucidol-L designing pot smask fixer

Perfect bodyguard for colored tresses: kiehl's sunflower color preserving conditioner, keratase reflection chroma thermique thermo-radiance protecting milk, joico color endure shampoo

shampoo that will land you a commercial contract: shiseido professional prosynergy treatment shampoo, phyto phytolisse perfect smoothing shampoo

best deep-cleansing hair treat: loreal professional serie nature terre d-argile purifiante purifying clay masque for oily hair, wella biotouch pure purifying shampoo, phyto phytopolleine universal elixir

Best gloss for locks: fekkai glossing sheer shine mist, loreal paris elseve smooth intense anti frizz serum

BODY

body scrubs: biotherm lait de gommage gentle exfoliating milk, OPI maicure pedicure cucumber scrub, himalaya gentle exfoliating walnut scrub, the body shop spa wisdom africa ximenia and salt scru

best cellulite buster: biotherm celluli laser intensive night high precision night slimming care, clarins high definition body lift, loreal paris body expertise perfect slim lifting pro

most therapeutic shower treat: biotherm lait de douche cleansing shower milk, ahava mineral botanic micro peeling cream wash

body lotion leaves you blissed out: kiehl superbly restorative argan body lotion, loccitanne rose 4 reines lait de roses body milk

HANDS

most repairing hand treatment: sisley nutritive handcare, julique purely age defying, loccitane hand cream with organic olive tree

FACE

best organic face cream: juice beauty oil free moisturiser, john masters organics rose and apricot antioxidant day creme

best remover: shu uemura white recovery EX brightening cleansing oil advanced formula, the body shop cucumber cleansing milk, cleansing express sebum cleansing lotion

best pore minimiser: vichy normaderm refine total pore resurfacing essence , fancl pore essence ,nuxe aroma perfection pore reducing serun

bets moisturiser for blemished skin: mario badescu AHA & ceramide, the body shop tea tree skin clearing lotion

Best sheet mask fir thirsty skin: SK2 skin signature 3D redefining mask, neutrogena hydro boost, my beauty diary pearl powder

most hydrating cleanser: perfect potion replenish cleansing milk, biotherm bio-source hydra mineral cleansing toning mouuse, kawaii tokyo brighten up wash spring vaction nutriious facial wash

gentlest exfoliator: kiehl dermatologist solutions ultimate white surface brightening exfoliator, ginvera green tea whitening marvel gel, bio-essence deep exfoliating gel with ATP

best zip zapper: mario badescu drYing lotion, skin basique clearify, la roche posay effaclar duo corrective and unclogging anti imperfection

most lightweight moisturiser: madara ecoface deep moisture gel, la mer the moisturising gel cream, neutrogena hydro boost water gel, bliv cellnique quench me moisturising gel

best sunscreen: vichy uv pro secure daily ultra block spf 40 pa+++, neutrogena sheer complete uv waterlight lotion spf 50 PA+++

best serum to start using now: lancome genifique youth activator, bio-essencey outh essence woth ATP, olay white radiance intensive brightening serum

best skin brightener: sk2 cellumination essence, shiseido white lucent intensive spot targeting serum, loreal paris dermo expertise white perfect rafiance boosting essence, dhc acerola 100

complexion enhancer for sexy skin: anna sui protective foundation primer, the face shop baked shimmer all over illuminator in 03

best bb cream: lancome uv expert gn shield high potency active protection bb base spf 50 PA+++, maybelline new york clear smooth minerals, elishacoy always triple bb

beauty nightcap for the morning after glow: elizabeth arden white glove extreme skin brightening overnight capsules, beauty credit conenzyme q10 sleeping pack, bio-essence hydra spa energy complete nourishing sleeping mask

rosiest cheeks blusher: shiseido make up luminizing satin face color pk304, canmake cream cheek 02

ultimate flaw concealer: benefit boi-ing industrial strength concealer, mac studio sculpt concealer

FOUNDATION & BASE

best mineral make up: bare minerals spf 15 foundation, la splash mineral foundation

Compact foundation for finest finish: shiseido makeup sheer mattifying compact, chanel vitalumier eclat comfort radiance compact, za skin beauty 2 way, rimmel renew and lift brightening power with minerals

compact that stays on and on: sk2 skin signature cream in foundation, za skin beauty 2 way, revlon colorstay pressed power

best make up base: shu uemura uv base mousse, beauty credit q10 bb sun base, esprique precious dramtical stay base

liquid foundation for natural coverage: maquillage lasting liquid uv, diorskin nude natural glow hydrating makeup, loreal paris true match, stage picture perfect foundation

finally done!! so tiring.. hopefully the list here will help all of us to choose a product you need :)

Benefit PORE-fessional!

A New product from benefit :)

Pore-fessional is a primer which can be used both under and over make up to instantly minimise pores! Its retailing at $54.

Exclusive available at Taka from 20th to 26th August 2010.

Only 3 people reviewed it at Taiwan Forum UrCosme. All 3 people rate it 6/7.

Cleo September 2010 Issue

Bought this issue last friday and found it to be one of the most informative & interesting issue so far, at least for me. Usually a copy of cleo wont last me more than 1.5h, but i actually spent quite some time reading this issue.

SO whats in this issue?! I only list those that i find interesting haha.

Great beauty finds under $25 recommended by 11 makeup & hair experts.

New skincare or makeup in Sg!

- DHC acne care make up series ( Not found in Watsons yet, prolly 2 more weeks?)

- Kanebo Freshel BB cream & Skincare ( Heeren ALT, Sasa, John Little & Watsons)

- Heme BB cream (Watsons & Sasa. I notice Heme carry this brand too, not sure if bb cream is found there though)

- Dr Wu BB cream ( Watsons & OG)

- Ettusais speedy eye make of & eye lash essence with chrysanthemum extract. Ettusais always has a 1 page special in CLeo I realised.i dont think these 2 products are out yet, prolly end of the month.

Freebies for this issue: One Whisper 40cm pad, Lancome genifique youth activator sample sachet.

For Watsons card members, 20% with 40 bonus points ( =$2) with every purchase of himalaya neem range.

Interesting Facts & articles:

Do we need to apply moisturiser after masking?! Yes if you've dehydrated skin. a moisturiser is used to seal in the goodness of the mask, but do remember to give our skin a few minutes to absorb in mask before applying moisturiser :)

Burning Questions about lip sticks! Foolproof way of applying lipstick especially when you've dry lips. I learnt quite a bit on lipsticks from this article :)

Fashion Trends this Fall/Winter

What do i Use these brushes for? An article on brushes, showing us the different types of brushes available in the market, good for beginners like myself! Im trying to find out about the different types of brushes for eye make up lately.

Guys who hold their girlfriends' Handbag: Fool or Foe? quite an interesting article.

Products that I am keen on after reading Cleo:

(Got to know them from 2page maquillage special)

Maquillage Treatment Lasting compact: Combines the coverage of a liquid foundation with the smoothness of powder to give natural looking yet flawless skin. sounds like cream foundation to me haha. 70% treatment ingredients, skin is kept moisturised up to 8 hrs! sounds great hur?!

Maquillage Rouge Enamel ($43). Pretty packaging! Provides the gloss from lipgloss and brighter colors from lip stick. Not sure if its a 2-way application though.

Kate white eye liner pencil. To line lower lash and prolly inner eye. should be affordable too haha. Then i need not use my eye shadow to highlight inner eye area anymore. Got interested about eye make up lately hohoho~

Conclusion: An issue worth buying! :)

Review: Skinfood Gold Caviar Cream

Since the number of samples i have in my bag are increasing day by day, i decide to clear some by using them on my neck hehe. I chose to use them on my neck simply because i knew it was not going to be suitable for my face, yet i dint wanna waste it cos who knows it may be something good right haha.

I received skinfood gold caviar cream sample from koreanbb when i bought the egg moisture hair pack from them a few months back. i checked online, it was meant for anti-aging. im very particular about stuff to be applied onto my face, so of cos this sample is going to be applied to my neck instead.

Result:

Scent is very mild, bascially cant smell it unless you applied it near nose i guess. Texture is thick cream, white in color. Very hard to massage onto neck due to the thick texture. It never got absorbed in apparently and my neck was very oily after usage! eek~ i got a mini bump the very next day so i reckon it must be this cream! I nv get bumps on neck before.. omg.

Verdict: Hate it!