Sephora Essential Colorful Masks

The weekend is a perfect time to pamper your skin and explore different treatment options. While I'm still giving my new Nūface device a try (that's not something you use once or twice and write a review about), here are some economical options!

I have many friends who rave about the Sephora Essential Colorful Sheer Masks. But I think it's so great that they've come up with capsules because - sometimes - I'm just not in the mood to fuss with messy drippy sheets that get on my hair or run down my neck. With these you just open a pod, dig it out, apply, and you're good to go.

The new pods come in every one of your favorite colors; orchid, lotus, pearl, green tea... If you haven't paid attention to these before, here's a run-down of what they do.

• Avocado (moisturizing, nourishing) - softens and hydrates very dry, compromised skin barrier and helps protect chapped skin. 
• Ginseng (toning, revitalizing) - if your dkin is dull, tired and a bit puffy, ginseng can improve circulation and help firm and tighten slightly.
• Green Tea (mattifying, refreshing) - for those who have oily skin but don't like drying clay masks, this is one that helps calm and absorb excess sebum. It won't have the same anti-bacterial or pore-clearing properties as stronger masks but  sometimes when you are having hormonal breakouts, you need skin soothing more than skin drying.
• Job's Tears (moisturizing, brightening) - this is probably my fave off the whole series. It's good for a 10 minute quick fix to smooth and brighten skin. It's also good for acne-prone skin as it's calming and helps lighten fresh scars.
• Lotus (soothing, moisturizing) - a refreshing hydrating mask that helps soothe tired, stressed skin.
• Matine Algae (nourishing, deeply hydrating) - the difference between this and the Avocado is that this is better for skin that lacks water (dehydrated) and Avocado is better for skin that lacks oil (dry). Many people are can be oily and dehydrated at the same time due to not drinking enough water or using drying skin products to treat oily skin. If that sounds like you, you need to add back water, not oil.
• Orchid (anti-aging, regenerating) - if you want your mask to do more than temporarily smooth your skin, try something with antioxidant extracts. 
• Anti-aging is about prevention so even if you're young, using an anti-aging treatment regularly helps protect what is there. 
• Pearl (brightening, perfecting) - pearl powder has been used as a beauty aid in Chinese culture for centuries. It not only helps smooth and protect skin barrier, it also imparts a beautiul luminosity to thw skin. I consider this more of a special occasion boost than something for regular use to even out the skin as I find Job's Tear better for that.
• Pomegranate (anti-fatigue) - besides being loaded with antioxidants, Pomegranate also tones and perks up dull, tired looking skin.
• Rose (moisturizing, brightening) - we all love our rose masks because besides toning and intensely hydrating, they just feel like such luxurious, pampering treatments.

To be perfectly honest, many of these have overlapping properties and benefits. All of them are hydrating for one.

But the good thing is you don't need to over-invest. Just pick up a handful that appral to you and pop one open depending on how your skin feels that day. Put them in the fridge. They feel even better. 

And bring them traveling.

Some New Loves from Jurlique: Purely Age-Defying Skincare and Rose Silk Finishing Powder

If you live in the UK or Australasia and you're into skincare, the name Jurlique is probably not new to you.

Born in 1985, the credo of the company has always been centered around natural, eco-friendly, organic plant-based beauty, and today, they have a comprehensive range of skincare and body products targeted at different skin issues and concerns.

The bestselling Purely Age-Defying range is targeted at fighting visible signs of aging; namely those who are starting to see fine lines, some slackness and loss of elasticity, and some unevenness in skintone. So I wanted to start my Jurlique journey with some of the cornerstone products in this series.

First there is the key item in any skincare range, and the item that I usually advise most people to invest in. Far better to skimp on a basic moisturizer and invest in a good serum, because they usually contain a concentrated amount of active ingredients, are formulated to penetrate faster and deeper, and also work quite well with most lotions and creams you want to put on top.

Purely Age-Defying Firming and Tightening Serum (SGD$137) is targeted at smoothing wrinkles and improving skin clarity. It contains:

• Oat Kernel extract - anti-inflammatory and soothing; as we get older our skin starts to react more easily to environmental aggressors and hormonal imbalances, and anti-inflammatory ingredients are critical to keeping everything balanced and well-behaved, which is a key to reduction of oxidative stress in the skin.
• Beech Tree Bud extract - extracted from a plant that lives for hundreds of years, beech tree bud extract contains a lot of flavonoids and peptides, things which counteract oxidation and help strengthen your epidermis structure.
• Tapioca starch - this sounds strange but actually it's a great humectant and can help to hold water on the skin surface longer.

And if these are not enough, the serum also contains all the most popular skin protectant/repair ingredients like Licorice extract, yeast, algae, and squalane. The best thing is despite all these nourishing ingredients, it sinks in quickly and doesn't leave a heavy film on the skin, so even if you have oily acne-prone skin, this can fit nicely into your existing skincare routine.

Purely Age-Defying Mist (SGD$76) is one of those face mists we all love and can't get enough of.
This is an alcohol-free, glycerin-based hydrating and antioxidant mist (for those of you who want to avoid all alcohol in your skincare), and key ingredients include:

• Beech Tree Bud extract
• Rock Samphire - also called sea fennel, this is a rare plant whose extract helps to soften and condition dry skin
• Licorice extract
• Ascorbyl Glucoside - Vitamin C is a powerful topical antioxidant which has been proven not just to even out skintone, but also to fight effects of aging and photo-damage. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stabilized derivative of Vitamin C (non-stabilized Vitamin C starts to degrade the moment it is exposed to light and air, so before you invest in any Vitamin C products make sure you ask if it is a stable formula)

I'm not a fan of mists that are just "spring water". If you're going to use a mist, make sure it contains plenty of other good stuff, because it's a convenient way to deliver extra hydration and antioxidants to your skin over the day, especially if you're wearing makeup and going in and out of dry air-conditioned environment and hot humidity.

And this particular one contains tons of "good stuff". It has a slight herbal scent that's not offensive, but the mister does spray quite a bit of liquid out with each pump, so just aim properly and hold the bottle some distance away so you don't drench your face. (Or simply spray in your palm and press it on gently.)

P.S. the glass bottle is just beautiful, but if you want to travel with this you might want to decant it into a plastic bottle as it's quite heavy.

Pure Age-Defying Firming Face Oil (SGD$106) is my absolute favorite product of the lot. Hands-down. You might not be surprised since I'm a bit of an oil-junkie. I love how calming face oils are, and how they can help balance oil production with regular use, while helping to condition the skin without additional fillers and chemicals that can sometimes cause reactions in sensitive skin.

This product is based on safflower seed oil, which means it is very conditioning and emollient, and contains lots of essential fatty acids that help to repair and protect skin barrier. If you have thin, dry or fragile skin that is prone to mild sensitivities, safflower is a pretty good option, although it's not all that commonly used compared to jojoba, grapeseed and sweet almond. 

Other than safflower, this also contains a lot of other conditioning and antioxidant extracts including:

• Sunflower Seed Oil
• Macadamia Seed Oil
• Rosa Canina (Dog rose) Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Black Currant Seed Oil
• Rock Samphire extract
• Buriti Oil
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Licorice extract

What stands out to me are the Vitamin A and Buriti which contains beta-carotene (a Vitamin A derivative). If you haven't heard, Vitamin A is a powerful wrinkle-fighting ingredients which also helps cell turnover. Retinol and Retinoids are all Vitamin A derivatives used to fight fine lines and hyper-pigmentation.

Of course, some people are sensitive to certain oils, so make sure you try a sample or do a patch test (as with any skincare product). This is not a comedogenic formula so I don't see it being problematic for most people, but you might still find it feels a little too nourishing for you if you are very oil-prone. You can get around this by changing your method of application.

TIPS FOR FACIAL OIL APPLICATION:

1. Press it on over clean-skin, BEFORE serum/lotion. The lighter product you massage on top of the oil helps to emulsify and increase absorption of the oil. This is my favorite method for application because I find everything absorbs faster and I can apply makeup over it.
2. Add a few drops in your palm, spray a pump or two of the face mist over it, and mix between your palms to emulsify before pressing over your face. This turns everything into a light milk which you can use in place of a regular moisturizer if you don't want too much product on your face.
3. Mix a couple of drops into your regular oil-free lotion or cream and apply together as the last step of your skincare. This boosts the nourishing effect of your lotion or cream.

You can use a regular cream in the day and leave the oil for night, but I personally have slightly combi/dry skin and apply this anytime of the day. It leaves my skin feeling comfortable and smooth for hours, and really helps my makeup to glide on. In fact, it's calmed my skin down so well that I didn't even have a breakout when I was PMS-ing recently, which hasn't happened for a long while.

One last note on facial oils - Jurlique doesn't have a ton of preservatives in the formula and the oil is not mineral-based so you do have to store the product in a cool dry place and try to finish it within a year (6 months is best) so it doesn't go rancid, which is the same for all plant-based oils. If you store it in the fridge, you can extend the shelf life quite a bit as well. Just a tip!

Lastly, a cult classic. Rose Silk Finishing Powder (SGD$63). 

This is something I've been meaning to try for years (ever since I saw Lisa Eldridge talking about the Citrus Silk Finishing Powder, which has sadly been discontinued), but kept forgetting about. Well I am very glad I finally did because it's gorgeous. I want to bathe in this stuff. This is a translucent mattifying powder that balances the skin and subtle evens out skin-tone without looking like makeup. 

It contains Sage and Rosemary extracts to help naturally reduce surface oiliness and also Daisy, luxurious Iris (Orris Root), and even Witch Hazel for a refreshing and cooling feel on the skin. My skin just feels smooth and silky, not powdery or overly-matte and cakey looking.

And did I mention the divine smell? Dust it on and you immediately feel like you're sitting in a 1920's boudoir in your beaded gown, powdering your nose with a luxurious, delicately rose-scented French powder, before going out for an evening at a jazz club. It's a beautiful thing.

A round-up of some new (and evergreen) skincare, makeup, fragrance, and fashion loves!

Now that I've given Jurlique products a nice test-drive, I'm keen to try more of their face oils and masks.

The range is pretty extensive, and they have a number of items for sensitive skins which I am very curious to check out next. So far I haven't been disappointed with any of the items I've tried, which is not surprising given their focus on effective, simple, but elegant formulas made with pure ingredients, many of which are grown and harvested on their own biodynamic farms in Adelaide, Australia.

Highly recommend swinging by a store if you haven't already taken a look at their range!

Jurlique is available in Singapore at Ngee Ann City #B1-56, TANGS Vivocity Lev 1, Raffles City Robinsons Lev 1, Robinsons Heeren Lev 1. 

You can also stay posted on any promotional news and updates on their Facebook page and Instagram @jurliquesg!

Imedeen Time Perfection 3-Month Trial and Ultrasound Skin Scans

Awhile ago, I started on a 3-month course of Imedeen Time Perfection tablets to see what effect it might have on my skin. I've invested in skincare since I was 20, so I'm really no stranger to spending $400-500 on creams to stave off the aging process. But now that I'm approaching my mid-30s, I'm starting to notice that applying topical products can only do so much, and I've been looking out for ways to supplement my basic skincare routine.

Imedeen is one of the best-known and best-selling anti-aging supplements around, and it's designed to support collagen production and moisture-retention levels in the skin, as well as help fight external aggressors like UV damage, so I suppose it was only a matter of time before I tried it for myself.

Before you begin any skin treatment, remember that skin maintenance and repair is a slow process that takes place over weeks, so any treatment that works from the inside out can take around a month or two to show results, as you slough off old cells and new cells start coming to the surface. If you want to try oral supplements, remember it's like wearing sunblock and applying antioxidants. Be consistent, and be prepared to invest for the long term.

Imedeen Skin Perfecting Formula contains:

• a proprietary Biomarine Complex with protein and polysaccharides that are necessary to skin repair and regeneration
• Tomato extract, Vitamin C, zinc, and Grape Seed extract - a "super-soup" of antioxidants and nutrients that support cell-division and protect the skin from environmental damage and free radicals that break down collagen

It's not meant to replace a healthy lifestyle, but if you're like me and you don't always manage to consistently get enough sleep, drink enough water, and eat a very balanced diet (yes - I'm quite terrible), a daily supplement and good skincare can really help to maintain the condition of your skin. And I dislike the taste of liquid oral supplements in general, so taking 2 tablets a day before bed was easier and more ideal for me.

I've also gotten questions from people asking if it is meant to treat acne, and also if it causes acne. The answer is no. Imedeen is an anti-aging supplement which contains marine extracts and plant-based antioxidants. There is currently no scientific evidence I can find that says any of the ingredients it contains will reduce natural sebum production or cause more acne.

My experience:

For me, the objective of taking oral supplements should be to support your body's own processes and stimulate or accelerate regeneration and repair. I've got pretty dry skin which can get a bit sensitive when the cell barrier is compromised (which happens quite often as I test so many skincare products), so one of the things I wanted to see was whether Imedeen actually could help to maintain moisture balance.

Another thing is that I'd just gone for Thermage awhile ago, which boosts collagen production for up to a year or two, so I have to say I wasn't expecting a dramatic difference in terms of collagen levels in my skin, but I did want to see a better condition overall.

After about a month or so of taking the pills, what I did observe was less dryness and less instances of chronic flaking around the tip of my nose. My skin felt more moist overall, after about two months, felt like it was combination/dry instead of just dry all over. I can get away with wearing matte foundations without it being tight and uncomfortable.

I went for an ultrasound skin scan in February before beginning on my course of Imedeen, and it might be hard to understand the graphs above but I'll walk you through it. Both scans were done on my left cheek, which is a typically normal-to-dry area of my face.

Dark, yellow and red areas represent collagen distribution and moisture levels. The more evenly distributed and dense those colored clusters are, the better.

You can see above that in May, the dark clusters on the surface are significantly increased. In February, my collagen levels were already pretty good, but the surface isn't exactly in the best condition. There were several gaps in my skin barrier, so I needed heavy moisturizers to keep my skin balanced, and makeup always faded quickly because of how dry my skin was.

In May, the surface density is noticeably higher. That probably explains why I felt more like I had "normal" skin, and there's more of a natural glow even without applying highlighting primers or powders. Makeup sits better and lasts better now that I'm not quite as dry, and I feel (marginally) less guilty about my late nights and lack of water.

It's still hard for me to get 8 hours of sleep except when I'm ill, and I drink more tea and Diet Coke than water. I know; it's terrible. But 2 pills a day, I can manage!

I do want to remind everyone that Imedeen - and any oral supplement - is a long-term investment and something of a lifestyle commitment, like wearing a proper high-SPF and PA sunblock daily. Do not expect a quick temporary skin-fix although some people do respond better and faster than others. You should be prepared to take it on an ongoing basis as a longer-term investment for your skin.

If you're interested in supplementing your basic skincare routine I suggest starting in your late-20s to early-30s, when your natural repair functions are starting to get sluggish. When you are very young, there might not be a noticeable effect on your skin while it is still functioning at its peak.

If you're the sort to spare no expense on your skin, but don't have the time to fuss with lasers and other procedures, or are too sensitive for retinols and acids, this might would be a good thing to try for a few months to see if your skin responds well to it!

Albion Skin Conditioner Review

Albion has long been one of the top high-end beauty brands in Japan, and even before I'd seen the products myself I'd heard of people passing Albion shopping lists to travelers visiting Tokyo.

This skincare line is based on rigorous scientific research and officially supplies the Japanese Imperial Family, so they've certainly got a prestigious reputation as well as the sales figures to back them up. But I admit I am pretty jaded when it comes to skincare, especially toners. In this day and age when removers are much more effective at removing makeup and rinsing off without residue, the whole "cotton pad and toner" step in skincare routines is outdated and redundant, and meant to dig more cash out of wallets. There are little to no skincare benefits, and in cases of harsh astringent formulas (e.g. exfoliating toners) they are overly harsh on the skin and can cause more skin problems. 

For me, it only makes sense to add that extra step if the product in question is a "treatment water" of sorts, which contains ingredients more concentrated than, or complementary to, the rest of your skincare routine. They should also be gentle and contain enough beneficial ingredients (none of that spring-water nonsense; sorry Evian!) to be used as a misting spray throughout the day to soothe, condition, and protect the skin without disturbing makeup.

Albion's Skin Conditioner (SGD$140) meets all these requirements, happily enough. This product, more fondly known to fans as "Ski-Con", has been the No. 1 seller in Japan since 1974. They sell over a million units per year in Japan alone. Based around Jobs' Tears, the formula is meant to help skin maintain optimum health by regulating cell metabolism and helping to reduce the negative reactions caused by external factors like weather, as well as internal factors like hormonal fluctuations and a poor diet.

This year, they've brought out a limited edition Skin Conditioner Mist in a small spray bottle, which can be tucked in your purse for on-the-go refreshment, which is perfect for me because I find treatment waters more useful on the go. Unlike Caudalie's Beauty Elixir, which has menthol and contains alcohol, this is more suited for dry, sensitive skins. Skin Conditioner has a medicinal-floral scent, which I kinda like because it smells a little like old-school cologne waters my grandparents used to use.

The bad news is, this mist bottle is not for sale. The very good news is - it actually comes free in a limited edition Summer pack with every full-size Skin Conditioner purchase while stocks last. As a nod to the legion of Ski-Con fans, the kit also includes 2 packets of facial cotton and a pack of sheet masks, which you can saturate with Skin Conditioner and place over your face for quick treatment sessions, something loyal users have been doing for decades.

I did take my time trying out the product before typing up this review, so I'm not sure if there are any stocks left right now!

If you use Albion skincare products already, you will be aware of the rather different order in terms of skincare application. Skin Conditioner is supposed to be used as Step 3.

1 - Cleanser

2 - Milk lotion

3 - Skin Conditioner

4 - Serum

Those who have never tried Albion before might find it odd to apply the lotion before "toner" and serum, but Albion's milk lotions are more like preparatory products that help prime and soften the skin to increase product penetration and moisture retention. 

My experience?

Skin Conditioner is extremely light-weight and leaves no residue or scent once it sinks in. It's also extremely good at soothing inflammation and general skin stress, so the product is recommended for acne-prone skins as well. I test many skincare products each week and I often get reactions to some of the harsher ingredients. I do have "SOS products" that I use in these occasions, but I've found placing a cotton pad soaked with Skin Conditioner over the raw, red areas and being able to mist my face every couple of hours - even when I'm out and wearing makeup - really helps subdue any reaction faster.

The most surprising thing was how conditioned and moisturized my skin felt. There's no dewiness or grease but my skin just felt more supple and balanced, even after hours in cold air-conditioned rooms. I was previously a fan of the brand's Exage Moist Rich Serum Mist for hydration, but I have to say this has taken the top spot because it feels lighter on the skin, more soothing, and seems to have a balancing effect that lasts for hours. My guess is I needed the extra soothing, conditioning properties instead of just hydration. 

I probably haven't said this of many treatment waters to date, but I highly recommend anyone with sensitive or reactive skins try this out, regardless of whether you are oily, normal or dry. It's not a cheap buy, but one I feel is worth the investment, if you're in the market for a proper treatment water.

Skincare Rave: Skin Inc Get Glowin' Brightening Mask

I've heard people raving about Skin Inc's Pure Snow White+ Mask, but hadn't tried it until recently. The product has undergone a rebrand and is now known as the Get Glowin Brightening Mask.

I was recovering from rashes and general sensitivity recently, so I was quite reluctant to try new face masks, especially since many brightening masks tend to work through the use of exfoliating acid-based formulas. The basic premise of Get Glowin' Brightening Mask is its anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, and hydrating properties however. 

The main key selling points of this product are:

• the host of soothing, repairing, anti sun-damage extracts such as licorice, ginseng, hyaluronic acid, stabilized Vitamin C, Morus Alba root, natto, aloe, and tyrosinase-inhibiting Scutellaria Baicalensis, which stops formation of dark spots and skin burning.
• nano technology to ensure maximum absorption of active ingredients; active ingredients are no larger than 100nm, which means they can penetrate deeper and work faster. 
• a web of positive ions pulls negative ions from within your skin, which helps speed up clarification and gives an immediate boost of translucency

Get Glowin Brightening Mask should be applied for 10 minutes and then rinsed off with lukewarm water. If you need intensive repair for a big occasion, you can use this daily for 2 weeks straight. I haven't tried using it that intensively, but I really liked what I saw every time I used this.

When you first apply it, you actually feel a soothing, cooling sensation on your skin. The nanonized water and extracts very quickly go to work smoothing and calming your skin. It's not often that I actually find masks pleasant on the skin; they're usually drying (oil-absorbents), tingly/stinging (exfoliants), or sticky/messy (hydrating/soothing). This non-drying, non-greasy, fluffy white cream just feels refreshing.

The first time I used this was after a workout outdoors, when my skin was all flushed and I could really use the speed cooling and the emergency after-sun repair. When I rinsed off the mask 10 minutes later, my skin felt completely fresh, and also looked very smooth. This isn't a pore-refining or anti-blemish mask but somehow it felt like my pores were tighter as well. Don't quote me on that; I can't figure out what ingredients actually does that, but I am guessing it's the positive ions.

I personally can't say for sure if neutralizing negative ions from within the skin has any long-lasting benefits, but it sure feels good and gives a quick instant boost.

And I like the fact that this is able to perform rapid repair and help neutralize free radicals - especially after sun exposure and physical activity when skin is much more stressed out and inflamed. I apply SPF50 PA+++ (at least) every time I go for a workout, but there's no way to block 100% of UV damage, especially with all that sweat. So the best way to take care of your skin is to pair pre-exposure sun protection with post-exposure repair.

Get Glowing' Brightening Mask is available at Skin Inc stores and on iloveskininc.com for SGD$98 for 30ml, S$178 for 50ml and $286 for the jumbo 100ml size. It's a bit of an investment, but in my opinion getting skin repair right is critical. Many of us don't think twice about paying over $90 for premium mud masks which have little to no long-term anti-aging benefits. 

I do as well - so there's no reason to skimp on a repair mask which will go a much longer way in terms of skin rejuvenation. If forced to choose, I'd far rather invest on this and skimp on my mud masks in future. But that's just my opinion!

Mary Kay MelaCEP Plus+™ Ultimate Serum

Mary Kay is in Singapore, and one of their newer star products is the MelaCEP Plus+™ Ultimate Serum.

Formulated in South Korea, this skin-brightening and -evening serum is designed to target hyperpigmentation and unevenness. It contains:

• edelweiss extract - a powerful plant extract which not only has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties but also has some natural UV protection abilities
• niacinamide - Vit B3 that helps improve skin barrier function and also evens out the skintone
• algae extract - mainly emollient and possibly some mild anti-inflammatory benefits, but because the exact type of algae extract is not stated I can't tell you for sure
• vegetable amino acids
• Hexylresorcinol - used previously as an antiseptic but now popular in skincare for its ability to target and block processes in the skin that lead to hyperpigmentation 

About Skin Brightening Serums

Back in the day, Western "whitening" products initially contained Hydroquinone, which literally BLEACHES pigmentation from your skin but has a lot of potentially severe side-effects which defeat the purpose. Improper use can worsen your hyperpigmentation and dark spots.  

Whitening products as we know them today (protective and healing, rather than bleaching) primarily took off because of the huge appetite for skincare products in East Asia. Women want radiant, luminous skin, not so much because they want to look like they are a different race (many East Asians are already paler than women in the West), but more because it is the ultimate symbol of youth. Unevenness and spots are frequently far more aging than fine lines, and in general, a lot of time and money is invested into maintaining its appearance from quite a young age. (Skincare makes up the bulk of money spent on cosmetics in the East, while makeup accounts for a majority of the revenue in the West.)

There are broadly speaking 2 kinds of "whitening" products.

1. Bleaching/lightening agents - the faster way to even out skintone and remove existing pigmentation. These are done through use of ingredients such as Hydroquinone (no longer in use by most brands, and NOT recommended due to the potentially severe side-effects, including making hyperpigmentation worse) and more recently, Tranexamic Acid, which is a far safer option and a drug previously used internally to help increase blood clotting.
2. Repair/Antioxidant agents - these work slower because they neutralize free-radicals and other environmental stressors, and support the skin's ability to repair itself naturally. These are to me almost a must for everyone who is concerned about slowing the aging process, because unlike lightening agents, these give other positive benefits such as preventing DNA and collagen damage.

You can always use a tranexamic acid product in the short term to reduce the appearance of scarring and melasma, but make sure you also supply a regular dose of antioxidants to your skin and continue to wear sunblock on a daily basis so your skin stays in optimal condition. Otherwise you would just be pale and wrinkly as you get older.

What do I think about the Mary Kay MelaCEP Plus+™ Ultimate Serum?

From personal experience, you will not see fast results if you have existing hyperpigmentation and unevenness. Results will come gradually over weeks or months depending on the severity of your skin damage, and only as you shed your old layers of skin to reveal healthier layers beneath. What it CAN do is help to reduce the severity of scarring and darkening from new blemishes and sun exposure, and to speed up the lightening of new marks. It will not be able to significantly lighten old marks or more serious melasma quickly. If you need to deal with those issues, you might want to add a tranexamic acid product into your regime.

I would say it's always good to have a serum like this on hand for daily age-prevention, even if you're not looking for skintone-brightening. Whitening skincare ingredients are just too good to pass up in favor of "regular skincare".I would use it not just at night but also in the day, under moisturizer (if you have dry skin) and sunblock. If you are oily, you can just use it in place of a light lotion, under sunblock. If you have not been using a proper antioxidant serum regularly, you might start to see your skin looking fresher and more radiant quite quickly.

The cons? At SGD$160, this is not exactly cheap compared to what you can get in the drugstore. Sure, that bottle of Olay Regenerist might not contain exotic edelweiss extract and hexylresorcinol, but Niacinamide is a chief ingredients for both, and probably the ingredient doing most of the heavy-lifting here. And if you're going to be stingy and apply just a tiny bit of this to certain parts of your face, then I'd rather you just get a cheaper product that you are more likely to apply generously all over.

Still, if you have the budget and you want something more sophisticated than the average drugstore anti-aging or brightening serum, this might be a nice one to check out. I can't compare proportions of active ingredients just from looking at the ingredients list, but all else being equal, I feel it is comparable to many of the high-end brightening serums from brands like Estee Lauder. 

Biotherm Miracle Mobile - Get a free Miracle Gift Pack on 27-28 June 2015!

Biotherm is celebrating the launch of the jumbo-sized 200ml Life Plankton Essence treatment water by giving away hundreds of free Miracle Gift Packs in Singapore.

This coming weekend, just spot the Biotherm Miracle Mobile at these locations:

27 June - Somerset Orchard outside Mandarin Gallery (from 12 PM)
28 June - TANGS Vivocity entrance Lv 1 (from 12 PM)

Grab one of the generous gift packs of their best-selling skincare and pick a Miracle sticker with a variety of personal pledges, like "donate $10 to charity" etc. The first 100 people on each day also receive a deluxe 30ml bottle of Life Plankton Essence free.

Win a 2D1N Luxury Staycation!

Early birds who post a picture of themselves on Facebook with their Miracle Sticker and Miracle Gift pack on 27 June, and then show themselves fulfilling their pledge on the very same day, stand a chance to win a 2D1N staycation for free. 

Just make sure you hashtag #biothermsg and #ibelieveinmiracles on Facebook to enter.

Results will be announced end-July. 

Kiehls' Exclusive SG50 Kits for Singapore

Kiehl's is celebrating SG50 in Singapore with a series of Heritage Collection orchid-printed limited edition boxes which are actually pretty great value if you already use or intend to try some of their cult classic skincare products.

The one shown above is the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream Heritage Collection, which contains:

• Ultra Facial Oil-free Gel Cream 50ml
• Lip Balm #1
• Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner 40ml
• Creme de Corps 30ml
• Midnight Recovery Concentrate 4ml

This retails at SGD65 and is worth about $106 in retail value.

There are also:

• Ultra Facial Cream Heritage Collection $65
• Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Heritage Collection $58
• Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate Heritage Collection $58

From 3 - 30 June, Kiehl's is inviting all Singaporeans to try the Heritage Ride Challenge online. You go through 5 "stations" with puzzles, and at each one, you can unlock 2 product samples for yourself. Kiehl's will also donate $1 to the Preservation of Monuments Act of Singapore for maintenance and restoration of national monuments. At the end of  the month, 3 lucky players will stand a chance to win a Kiehl's Classics Collection set worth $500.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation demo and review

Bobbi Brown's new Intensive Skin Serum comes in a black glass dropper bottle that might remind you of a volatile oil foundation.

But it's not.

Unlike those silicone-y, fast-drying, lightweight liquids, this is a thick luxurious feeling skincare cream foundation more similar to those that come in jars than in dropper bottles. 

Created based on Bobbi Brown's Intensive Skin Serum, this foundation amalgamates skincare and coverage, and contains Cordyceps Mushroom extract, Bamboo Grass, and Lychee extracts for antioxidant, soothing, hydrating, and anti-aging skin benefits. What it aims to do is to provide a plumping and smoothing effect to the skin.

I think the first thing you will notice most about this formula is how hydrating it is compared to typical foundations. The dropper bottle dispenses a single pea-sized amount in a squeeze, which should be sufficient for spreading over most of your face if you want lighter coverage. 

This foundation is buildable, but you need to let the first layer set a bit first. Otherwise the creaminess might end up dissolving and sheering out the first layer. Spread out with fingers or a brush, it acts almost like a tinted moisturizer with higher coverage. The sheen and hydrating texture only adds to that effect.

To build up more coverage, take a bit more product on your hands after letting the first layer set a bit, then dab a bit more where you need coverage and pat - don't rub - the product until it evens out and blends in.

This foundation gives the effect of clean, moisturized skin. It looks so real that I almost look like I have no makeup on in the "After" image. But you can see the little mole on my inner cheek is almost not visible. The little veins around my lower cheeks are also hidden. 

But you WILL need to set this foundation with powder because even if you have dry skin, it can still crease a bit around laugh lines and under the eyes. As mentioned earlier, this feels quite like a traditional cream foundation for normal to dry skins and doesn't set completely, even though it's not oily. The dewy sheen can also emphasize pores around the inner cheek area, so it's always a good idea to powder around those areas.

Otherwise, if you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, it can start to feel a tiny bit rich on the skin. 

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation after powdered

Though Bobbi Brown states this foundation is suited for all skin types, I still believe every foundation works better on some skins than others. And this is not one that I think oilier skins would enjoy. It might not be oily or comedogenic in formula, but it can still feel a bit heavier compared to other options on the market.

My recommendation is that if you have normal to dry or more mature skin that needs the plumping and smoothing effect, and you like fluffy cream foundations like Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or Clinique's Dermawhite, this would be a nice option to consider.

Base makeup notes:

• Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation 3.5
• Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Concealers in 3 and 4
• Clear Last Face Powder (medicated)
• The Balm Bahama Mama powder for subtle sculpting
• MAC Mineralize Skin Finish powder in Lightscapade on cheekbones

This is pretty much what I do daily for my base routine even though I switch the products in and out. And sometimes I'll keep it simple and just keep the focus on my lips.

Super-nude makeup look with just an intense lacquered red lip

• Givenchy Ombre Couture 1 Blanc Satin on lids - nothing but tiny diamond sparkles
• Physicians Formula Organic Wear mascara - don't like this mascara in the original formula; I'm just using it up!
• L'oreal Color Riche Lipstick in RW512 Bloody Mary - a deep dark cherry-toned red
• Shu Uemura Laque Supreme in RD 02 - cherry-toned cool scarlet gloss stain

Oily-Skin Night Treatment: Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

Once a month, when I'm PMS-ing my skin goes haywire. I get extremely sensitive and can come out in rashes and eczema spots at the slightest things. At the same time, I can get congested pores AND dry flaky skin at exactly the same time, so I do need to take care of both dry and oily areas while avoiding potentially sensitizing additives and preservatives.

Few skincare products are more minimalist that face oils, as long as you check that:

1. you have no known personal allergies to the active/essential oils listed
2. the base oils are non-comedogenic (do a quick look on sites like these to see the comedogenic ratings of the oils in the ingredient list; the oilier and more clog-prone your skin, the more you should stick to ingredients with 0 and 1 ratings)

I own several face oils that I like, but a couple of the Clarins Rebalancing Face Treatment Oils are some of my recent faves, so I'm going to talk about Huile Lotus for oily and combination skins today, since more people seem to have issues with oil and congestion.

Clarins uses hazelnut oil as a base for its face treatment oils, and it contains a lot of Vitamin E, which is a natural oil-based antioxidant and can help soothe the skin and help reduce fine lines. Lotus Face Treatment Oil contains Rosewood, Geranium, and Lotus extracts, which are supposed to help tighten pores, purify the skin to reduce breakouts, and refine skin texture.

What you're supposed to do is to take a few drops in the palm of your hand nightly (after toner, if you use that), rub your palms together to warm it up, and then gently PRESS (not rub) to distribute a thin, even layer over the problem-prone areas of your face. Your T-zone, inner cheeks, jaws, anywhere you're likely to get clogged and oily.

If you're not used to the feeling of applying oil straight to the face, an alternate way to use this (as instructed on the Clarins site) is to mix a couple of drops into a splash of alcohol-free toner in your palm, rub together, then press on. This makes it feel a little fresher on the skin.

Unlike with other oils, you are NOT advised to apply this to areas where you're dry; it can actually dry them out a bit.

And I know if you struggle with oily skin, it can feel downright scary applying oil to your face before bedtime, but I have tried this several times, and it really leaves my skin feeling smooth and comfortable - actually less oily - in the mornings.



I also have a bottle of the Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil for dehydrated skin, which I use only on parched areas of my face. (And no - there isn't an oil for normal skin because normal skin doesn't need "rebalancing".)

I would suggest getting a sample to try if you can, and then seeing how you like it. Not every skin responds well to oil, but I do really believe oily skins are out of balance. Constantly drying it out on the surface with all sorts of mattifying, oil-absorbing products and acne treatments can sometimes drive it further off-balance and result in a vicious cycle where your skin detects that it is "dry" and keeps trying to produce more and more oil to compensate.

Skin needs a balance of moisture and oil.
We often get told that we need water, not oil. But I'm personally not so sure about that. Oils are required for certain skin protective functions and water-based ingredients aren't always adequate substitutes. Besides soothing and signaling the skin to stop producing so much sebum, some essential oils also have therapeutic properties that prevent inflammatory responses (redness and swelling), or might have anti-bacterial and pore-refining properties.

While this might not be the solution for every single person since our skin issues are often unique, it's certainly worth checking out a sample if none of the "oil-free", "mattifying" products are working for you.

Thermage Total Tip 3.0 Experience and Post-Treatment Review

Now I'm usually all about the "shallow" stuff. Makeup, skincare; generally things that go on the surface of your skin and enhance your appearance from the outside.

But there comes a point in your life when you start getting problems that regular skincare cannot penetrate deep enough to fix, but you're not quite at the point where you need to start considering anything drastic yet.

Many of you know I'm a big believer in prevention over cure. 

Rather than spending a lot of money trying to hide the signs of aging with temporary fixes, if there is something that can potentially rewind the clock and get your body to naturally behave like it used to a few years ago, then that's really ideal to me.

Which is why I even considered Thermage in the first place.

For those of you who are not familiar with it, Thermage - in a nutshell - is a non-invasive procedure where pulses of radio-frequency waves are sent into the deeper layers of your skin using a special device. This energy stimulates your skin and triggers a response whereby it ramps up collagen production and regeneration for 3-6 months following the procedure. Basically, it's like a wake up call which forces your sluggish cells to behave the way they used to years ago.

I used to have the misconception that Thermage was like a non-invasive "lunch time face lift". I.e. it was meant for "mature women". (I'm not young; I'm 33. But I do take good enough care of my skin that I feel I'm relatively young-looking for my age.) So Thermage couldn't be right for me, no?

Not exactly.

Here are some of the common problems we start to face as we get a bit older:

• Enlarged pores: Collagen is what holds our pores close. As we get older and collagen levels diminish, the skin around pores gets slack and leads to the appearance of larger pores, even without black heads.
• Expression lines: Fine lines form around our eyes, forehead, and beside our noses and mouths from daily movement, and start to become more pronounced or stay there permanently even when we're not frowning or smiling.
• Slackness/Sagging: One area women often don't pay attention to until it's a bit too late is the jaw line. Around your 30's is the time our lower cheeks start to slide downwards imperceptibly. Our faces start to look square and our jaw line less smooth. In time, they can develop into marionette lines (deep furrows leading from the outer corners of your mouth down towards the jaw), full blown "bull-dog" jowls, and a double-chin.

Now here's a reminder. Thermage works best on women in their 30s - 50s, whose skin is still in relatively healthy condition. 

For skin that has aged to an advanced degree, Thermage is not as effective because there isn't enough of a healthy collagen matrix left to stimulate. Also, if you are in your 30's, the results from a single session often lasts much longer (about 2 years) than if you were doing it in your 50s (about a year). 

Thermage's latest advancement Total Tip 3.0 (left) versus the previous face tip.

If you're in your 20's, Thermage can still stimulate your collagen and give it a boost, but you won't see much of a noticeable difference because your skin is probably still in its peak condition.

Thermage has been around for quite awhile, and is currently in its third generation. Reputable clinics should now be using the latest Total Tip 3.0. How it differs from previous generations is:

1. it's designed with a special vibrating function to desensitize the skin and make the procedure less painful
2. it's designed to send radio-frequency waves deeper; hence it's more effective than the previous Face Tip

My experience:

Thermage pre-treatment image (photo credits - Aesthetics & Hair Clinic): my personal areas of concern!

1. During my pre-procedure consultation at Aesthetics & Hair Clinic with Dr Tyng Tan, we discussed my "pain points", and I mentioned expression lines (mainly the nasolabial lines), lines on my neck, as well as a slackening jaw line. We agreed this would be the area we want to focus more on during my treatment.
2. I was led to the treatment room where my skin was cleaned, numbing cream was applied, and then a marker sheet applied (see the scary image above).
3. Thermage has adjustable energy settings and your doctor can dial it up or down depending on your pain tolerance. Unfortunately, I was a complete wimp and even with the numbing cream, I could only tolerate up to about level 2.
4. After the procedure which took about 30 mins, my face was cleaned, I was given a post-treatment balm to use for a few days, and I simply walked out without any redness or residual pain.

Results:

• Immediately that night, it felt like my skin was tighter. But I decided to put that down to some subtle post-procedure swelling, and didn't want to jump to conclusions. 
• A month later, my neck lines started looking a bit less deep and obvious, and my jawline felt tighter, more sculpted. Pores are also seem more uniform and tightened.
• 2 months in, my nasolabial lines are much shallower, as are my neck lines. What I did NOT expect was that my jawline actually looked more defined and tapered (more a "V" then a "U" if you know what I mean) compared to before images. I hadn't lost any weight. In fact I probably gained a little, so I was expecting my jawline to look puffier compared to before. 
• I didn't notice much of an improvement to the eye or forehead areas.

I got the pre- and post-treatment images directly from the clinic after my review visit. They were taken by a nurse, not myself. I also did not retouch or edit other than to add in text and water-marks.

Thermage 2-month post treatment image (photo credits - Aesthetics & Hair Clinic)

Which brings me to one extra benefit of Thermage (besides anti-aging) which, actually, to many of us younger women is a HUGE thing. Thermage has that sneaky way of helping to sculpt and contour the face. By tightening your contours, it actually reduces the "puffy" look and almost lifts everything upwards imperceptibly, so your cheekbones are more prominent, and your contours are more defined. (I could have sworn I was slimmer in the After page.)

My next review is in another 6 months, because Thermage continues to work for up to half a year, so in the good cases, patients see a continual improvement for quite a while. 

After saying all this, I do have to mention some cons of course:

1. It's expensive. It's not like buying a $50 face cream or a $100 serum. You do need to consider it carefully. But if you're tired of buying and trying so many different anti-aging products and having a majority of them do nothing for you, maybe it's time to try something different.
2. I won't lie. There is a certain amount of pain to tolerate. Thermage is an "as much as you can handle" treatment, so no matter what, you'll need to raise the setting to the point where you feel you can't go any higher. 
3. In some cases, patients who have a very high pain threshold might experience mild blistering, redness or some peeling. This is usually minor and goes away in a few days, but if you have a major event to attend (like your wedding) and need to have zero down-time, you will need to be careful and stick with a slightly lower setting. 
4. It isn't as effective on everyone. Everyone's skin condition is different. As with all things, some people may respond to treatment better than others.

P.S. If you have a low pain threshold like me, don't feel you're not getting your money's worth, because using a lower setting and doing more passes over an area (as opposed to going over an area only once at a high setting) can give similarly good results while reducing the pain you need to bear.

All in all, I have to say I'm very pleased with the results.

I'd actually thought there wouldn't be any difference, and the only benefit for me would be that of stimulating my skin's collagen production levels. But apparently, there WAS a visible difference. And I do have to say, it's kinda cool that unlike Botox or fillers, it's my skin condition that's improved, and the benefits do last for up to 2 years.

It's like suspending the aging process for awhile. I'll still be in a far better state than I would be if I didn't have the procedure now.

For more information on Thermage or to locate a clinic, check out the below resources:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thermagesg?fref=ts

Website: http://www.thermagesg.com/