Shielding lotions

I was offered a chance to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion last month. I think it is common knowledge that I am an avid fan of beauty products. Hence, I took up this opportunity to test a new product I have never tried before. Skin MD Natural has kindly offered to send me a bottle of their shielding lotion¹ together with brochures and a few sachets of samples². The shielding lotion is multi-purpose and can be used on the face, hands and body. It also comes with sunscreen SPF 15 which I had purchased myself from local stores because I wanted to see how well both of them worked together.

According to Skin MD Natural, the shielding lotion works differently as compared to conventional moisturiser because it keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary “super” humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day. This makes me even more eager to try out this lotion since I have a problem with dehydrated and oily skin ever since I am on the acne.org regimen 2 years ago.

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

I have been using these lotions for a month as facial moisturisers³ and this is how I feel about it:

Fragrance & Texture

Both lotions are fragrance free but I feel that it has a slight smell of sunscreen, even for the normal lotion without any SPF. The smell does not really bothers me since it is quite faint. Personally, I like it this way and prefer my skincare products without any added artificial fragrance due to my sensitive skin condition. The texture and consistency of the lotion with SPF is thicker than the normal lotion. I would prefer the texture of the normal lotion since it is much lighter and easier to apply.

Texture and consistency of the lotions

Moisturising and oil control factor

I feel that the lotions are able to balance out the moisture and oil on my face such that it is not too matt and keep me looking fresh through out the day. It gets absorb quickly, non-greasy and my face does not feel oily after application. I have to say this is one of the lotions with the best oil control. My face stays dewy through out the day without my usual dose of oil control powder.

With my daily use of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide for my acne, dry and peeling skin is a major issue for me. Honestly speaking, these lotions are not miracle products that transform your skin overnight. It takes time to see results. During the first week of usage, I did not see any significant improvements. From the second week onwards, I started using them twice a day (SPF in the morning and normal lotion at night) and noticed lesser peelings and itching from the dryness. My skin feels well-moisturised instead of being over-moisturised.

Fading of post acne scars

In addition, I have also noticed my acne scars fading, even some of the extremely old scars have started to lighten. It might be due to the SPF shielding lotion I am applying every morning in addition to the other ingredients like Aloe Vera. I did not have the habit of using sunscreen in the past because I was too lazy to apply an additional sunscreen on top of my usual moisturiser. Due to the fact that the lotion comes with SPF, it is more convenient for people like me who is too lazy to slap on another layer of sunscreen in the early mornings.

Packaging

Lotion hardening

I have to say I am not too fond of the bottle packaging. It would be better if it is in a tube container. I have a tendency of over dispensing the product with the current bottle but I just apply the leftovers on my hands. I have noticed the hardening of the shielding lotion with SPF near the opening of the bottle. This problem only occurs in the SPF version and not the normal lotion. However, this has not affect the effects of the lotion as it still works as well.

Moreover, I feel that the overall design of the bottle can be improved. Majority of the time, people will notice products with more attractive designs and be more willing to buy and try it out. But with that said, the quality of the product is still of utmost importance.

Ingredients

I have sensitive skin and am allergy to some ingredients such as mineral oil and algae extract. With a quick glance at the ingredients list, I did not find any ingredients which I will supposedly have a negative reaction to. There are also no paraben which is a plus point. Skin MD Natural’s website also has a detailed list of the ingredients used in the products.

Ingredients of shielding lotion

Ingredients of shielding lotion with SPF 15

Overall comments

I love the fantastic oil control of these lotions and the adequate moisturising factor. It works pretty well for me as a daily facial moisturiser and hand lotion. I will continue to use the lotions due to the superb oil control. I no longer need to apply any oil controlling powder nor do I get all oily when I applied makeup. A bottle can last me for quite some time since I only use them on my face and occasionally my hands. The price might be slightly on the high side for some but for the quality I’m not complaining. I apply the lotion without SPF around my eye area when it gets too dry and so far so good, I don’t get any milia bumps around my eye area.

It is priced at SGD 29.90 / 31.90 at the local Guardians and Watsons in Singapore and USD 18 / 25 online at Skin MD Natural. Skin MD Natural has also generously offered to give a 20% discount for readers of Amour Chaleur. You can use the discount code amour when purchasing it from their website.

Giveaway

I think it is better if you try it out yourself to see if the shielding lotion works for you. Skin MD Natural has kindly offered to give away a full size bottle of the shielding lotion to one of my readers. The lotion will be shipped directly to you by Skin MD Natural. All you have to do is tell me what you like about the shielding lotions by leaving a comment on this entry. You can read up more about the shielding lotions on Skin MD Natural‘s website.

The giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Chervalier for winning the giveaway! Skin MD Natural will be contacting you shortly. Thanks to everyone who participated.

A winner will be picked randomly at the end of the giveaway. Please do remember to use a valid email address for participating entries. This giveaway will end in a week’s time on the 26th of February and the winner will be announce on this entry.

1. As pictured, the shielding lotion is the bottle with red cap
2. I gave the brochures and samples to Chewy since this lotion is suppose to be good for people with eczema
3. I did not really try it on my body but I use it as a hand lotion sometimes

• My recent love for Japanese skincare products
• My love for Nuxe
• Panda Santa’s Christmas Giveaway

My pretties from Soap n Sorbet

For the n^th time, I succumbed to temptation and ordered the famous Steam Creams and Tokyo Milk Rosewater Lip Balm. I have read really good reviews about the multi-purpose steam creams which can be use on the face, hands and body. Besides that, it comes in the most adorable packaging. I ordered one of the limited edition Steam Cream Cute as a Bunny Gift Set which contains the Porky Rabbit and Grace tin designs. I kept the rabbit tin and gave the other one to my sister for her birthday. Thumbs up to Soap ‘n Sorbet for their wonderful packaging and efficient delivery! My orders arrived via registered postage nicely sealed and packed in a sturdy box 2 days after I had placed my orders. Everything was bubble-wrapped carefully and they also included 2 samples of their perfumes and hand creams.

Steam Cream Cute as a Bunny Gift Set

My first reaction when I opened the tin was “Woo, that looks like whipped cream!”. The texture is pretty runny and white, exactly like whipped cream. I am not sure if I would want to bring this out. Even though it’s in a screw lid tin, the cream might spilled if I opened it right after removing it from my bag since the texture is very runny. However, I am quite sure it would not spill if the lid is screwed tightly.

According to the small leaflet that comes with the order, the fragrance is from a combination of essential oils. There are subtle scent of lavender oil. It’s not that I dislike lavender but the combination of other essential oil makes the smell a bit too funky after application. The fragrance of the steam cream is light and refreshing when it is in the tin though. I am not sure why the scent would change after application. I wouldn’t say I’m too bothered by the scent because it certainly won’t be interfering with my perfume.

The steam cream

This cream is non greasy in nature which is a plus point¹. It gets absorb in less than a minute. I often have problems with greasy creams because they take ages to be absorb and when I apply them on my hand, it makes my keyboard oily. I think I wouldn’t have any problem with this one. Moisturising factor is good as my hands no longer feel tight and wrinkly just after one application. I applied it on both my hands and legs after a bathe and it gives a soft “satin-like” finish. I understand where all the raves are coming from now. This is good! I think it’s not going to be long before I finish up the entire tin.

Applying the steam cream on my hand

Tokyo Milk Rosewater Lip Balm

Rosewater lip balm

I decided to get the Tokyo Milk Rosewater Lip Balm after I trashed my A’Kin lip balm after it expired last month. There are many flavours for the lip balm and I choose rosewater mainly because I love the smell of roses. I have to rave about how beautiful the packaging of this lip balm is. Absolute gorgeous! I intended to keep the box and display it on my desk. =D The lip balm smells like a combination of rose and milk which isn’t overpowering.

It’s a clear balm which leaves a slight sheen² after application and there was no sticky feeling at all. A few hours later, I noticed softer lips and the lines on my lips aren’t as obvious as before in spite of the fact that they are still visible. It’s not a bad lip balm, a rather good one in fact. I would love to try a minty one in the future.

Tokyo Milk Rosewater Lip Balm

1. I absolutely cannot stand creams which are so thick and heavy like those from The BodyShop
2. It doesn’t make your lips look glossy

• Shopping loots from Hong Kong & Macau
• My love for Nuxe
• Reviews of my recent beauty buys

My skincare collection from Nuxe

Creme Etincelante

Creme Etincelante

This cream smells absolutely heavenly. It contains flowers extract (poppy petals), citrus fruit and sugar acids and smells strongly of roses that lingers for a while even after application. Even though it’s in cream form, it is neither too thick nor too moisturising. I think it is perfect even for those oily and acne prone skin (like mine!).

It has slight exfoliating effects due to the small amount of AHA content from the sugar acids. Hence, I avoid using it in the day time unless you plan to put on lots of sunscreen. I only use very light sunscreens and I don’t want to risk it hence it’s a night cream for me. It’s recommended to be use in the evening on the packaging as well.

Another thing I like about this moisturiser is the fact that it does not contains any mineral oil. Previously mentioned in my other reviews, I’m allergy to mineral oil.

Creamy texture

It also helps to fade some post acne scars and after using it for the past half a year, my face is less oily when I wake up in the day. You will be surprise that dapping a little of this on zits will help heal faster (and sometimes they disappear overnight). On a negative note, it is packed in a thick glass tub which I find it dangerous and heavy to bring around. It’s not travel friendly so I don’t bring it during my overseas trips. I’ve a strong feeling the glass tub will break when dropped. Besides that, price is the only thing I have complains about. It is slightly on the high side at SGD 71.90 from John Little. One tub can last me 8 months and a little goes a long way.

Micellar Foam Cleanser with 3 Roses

Micellar Foam Cleanser

Micellar Foam Cleanser is the gentlest cleanser I’ve ever tried. Due to my acne condition, I’ve been using rather harsh medicated cleansers in the past year. Somehow, I still end up going back to this cleanser because it does not irritate my skin further.

Medicated cleansers for acne tends to dry out the skin and result in flaky skin condition. With the addition of the zit creams I used, it’s making things worse and that is when this foam cleanser comes in.

It’s extremely gentle and cleanse well without giving me the squeaky clean feeling like the ones from Mentholatum Acnes do. I think it moisturises the skin because after cleansing, it feels softer. The nice smelling rose is an additional plus point. Although it was stated on the bottle that it removes makeup but it does not. I use a separate makeup remover on top of the cleanser.

Foaming cleanser

Fr3b.com

It is a basic cleanser and there is no additional “functions” such as whitening etc. The bottle dispenses white foams and 1 pump is enough for me. Nuxe is changing most of its products to paraben-free formulas and this cleanser is one of those that doesn’t contains paraben. It is usually sold with the toner bundled at SGD 39.90. I cannot remember the exact price for the cleanser but it should be retailing at around SGD 29.90. I would say it’s quite pricey for a basic cleanser that last me for only about 1.5 months if I use it twice a day.

If you are thinking of trying out Nuxe products in Singapore, it’s available at John Little,certain Guardians and Watsons though I highly recommend purchasing it at John Little during the 10% + 20% storewide sales. It’s more value for money.

• Reviews of my recent beauty buys
• My recent love for Japanese skincare products
• My new backup baby

SANA loose powder, blusher and Neutrogena wave cleanser

SANA Maiko-han Loose Powder (Pink)

Packaging

The packaging for this loose powder is simple with a beautiful leaf pattern on it. I bought the one in pink for SGD 15.90 at SASA. It’s retails for SGD 18.90 at John Little thus if you are keen on purchasing it, wait till there’s a 20% sales at SASA. It actually looks like white powder. There’s also another one in beige but it looks quite yellow in the tub. This loose powder has a faint smell of baby powder and very slight shimmers that is suppose to brighten up your complexion.

This loose powder comes with a puff but I use a kabuki brush to apply on my cheeks, nose, forehead and chin to add some radiance after my liquid foundation or BB cream¹ . It has pretty good oil control which can last up to about 6 to 7 hours and I think it works well in brightening up my complexion. The shimmers aren’t obvious once applied and it didn’t look overly white on me either. I was actually worried it might be too fair on me because the powder looks really white when I tested it in the stores. I’m between NC 25 to 30 and when use sparsely, I don’t look like a geisha. :P

How it looks like when opened

Ingredients

SANA Maikohan Blusher (Pink)

SANA Maikohan Blusher

This blusher looks gorgeous in the pan and just as beautiful when applied. Even though it looks very shimmery, the shimmers are very subtle upon application. It gives a very nice glow using a few strokes of the brush. The shimmers doesn’t make the pores looks enlarged so if you are worrying about that, don’t be.

Upon application, it doesn’t look as pink as it does in the pan. I didn’t use the brush provided but my own Missha brush to apply. I don’t like how the packaging didn’t have a place to keep the brush provided. There is a sheet of plastic to put on top of the blusher so that we can put the small brush provided there. I don’t think that’s wise though so I just chunk the brush aside and use my own.

I noticed SANA products are a few bucks more expensive as compared to SASA but I got this one at John Little storewide 20% sales for about SGD 26.30. It retails for SGD 32.90. This is currently my favourite blusher and I wear this daily to school. Texture wise, I would prefer The BodyShop Precious Pearlescents’s blusher. That one is smoother upon application and also much more shimmery.

Things included with the blusher

Colour of the blusher without any flashlight

Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

Things included

The first time I saw this, I thought it was just a marketing gimmick but after reading the review by Kimoko, I was so tempted that I bought it! It comes with 14 foaming pads (with cleanser), an AA battery and the cleansing device. I use it every morning and it takes a lot more time to cleanse my face. It took me at least 10 minutes in the morning to use this cleanser as compared to the normal type of cleanser.

This is supposedly waterproof so you can use it in the shower without worrying it might spoil. I haven’t tried it in the showers yet so I can’t comment on that.

Samples at Fr3b.com

It has menthol in it so your face will feel minty and refresh after cleansing. My face feels very smooth and clean after using this. I think this is a good complement to the CURE Natural Aqua Gel which I’ve reviewed previously. It also has salicylic acid which helps to prevent zits and clog pores. Sounds good? I think I’ve lesser blackheads accumulating on my cheeks since I started using this and CURE Aqua Gel.

One negative aspect of this product is the cost of maintaining the regimen. The “starter kit” retails at SGD 24.90 while a box of refills cost about SGD 13.90. Thus, it’s best to stock up during sales. I got myself another 2 boxes of the refills at the John Little 10% + 20% storewide sales. If I’m not wrong, NTUC is having 20% off this particular cleanser as well.

Instructions on the box

If you are interested in some of the products I’ve reviewed, you may wish to sign up for a Fr3b.com account which gives out samples for free.

1. Blemish balm creams are make-up creams with skincare properties

• Today is results and sales day
• My recent love for Japanese skincare products
• Little things like these make me smile

CURE Natural Aqua Gel

CURE Natura Aqua Gel

I’m very impressed with CURE Natural Aqua Gel. It’s works like a scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells but it has a gel like texture without the usual abrasive beads. For a drug store scrub priced at SGD 38, I find it quite expensive. The price is comparable with other counter brands.

Samples at Fr3b.com

However, the awesome result from this scrub is able to compensate for its hefty price tag. It makes the skin really smooth and my moisturiser can absorbs better. I would say its effects are much better that the normal scrubs I’ve tried. I’m on the acne.org regimen and hence I often have dry flaky skin. Sometimes, I look horrible when I put on makeup because my skin is too dry. This gel totally solves the problem! I use it every other day especially before using any facial masks. Other than the price, I didn’t have much to complain about as there isn’t any negative reaction from my sensitive skin. Samples for CURE Natural Aqua Gel is available at Fr3b.com.

Mandom Beauty Cleansing Express Sebum

Mandom Beauty Cleansing Express Sebum

I purchased Mandom Beauty Cleansing Express after I came back from Hong Kong. Initially I was using cleansing milk but it’s ineffective in removing my sunscreen. Cleansing oil on the other hand usually breaks me out. I haven’t found a good one which I like. However, Dove’s new cleansing oil is on my list of to-try.

Sissy was using the moist version and it was raved by some others in a local forum as well. This makeup remover looks, feels and smells like water. Actually I think it doesn’t have a strong smell at all. It’s very watery in texture and I am able to remove my sunscreen, foundation, loose powder and blusher within minutes. It’s not bad for lazy bums like me who wants to get everything off my face fast. Of course, I double cleanse with my usual cleansing foam after that. Price is economic – SGD 16.90 for a huge 300ml bottle. The only thing I don’t like about this is the way the liquid is being dispensed. As it’s extremely watery, the liquid often squirted on my face and not on the cotton pad.

Nature & Co Bright Mask C

Nature & Co Bright Mask C

Ingredients list for bright mask C

I got these last week at John Little during the weekends sales. So far, I have used it only twice but I love it already. It gives an immediate brightening effect. Only after using this do I realised my complexion had been very dull these days. I must really remember to use my facial masks on a weekly basis, all the late nights must have made it worse. The texture of this mask is very bouncy and it smells nice as well. It’s a very big tub for a face mask. I think it looks more like a hair mask. I would prefer it to be in a smaller quantity. Such a huge amount takes a longer time to use up. I bought it during the sales as I don’t usually spurge on face masks. SGD 33.90 for a tub of face mask is not cheap in my opinion.

Nature & Co Milky Lotion Light

Milky Lotion Light

Do you think this is a toner or moisturiser? I’m assuming it’s a moisturiser since I rarely see toner which are white in colour. Most toners are very watery but this one has a thicker texture. I’m actually quite surprise that my skin seems to be reacting okay with this product even though it contains mineral oil. Further more, mineral oil is quite high up the ingredients list (which means higher concentration of it).

Before purchasing it, I applied it on my left hand and a few minutes later, my left hand looks fairer than my right hand. I succumb to temptation and bought it. A little goes a long way. It’s hydrating enough for my oily but dehydrated skin and seems to work well together with my Mentholatum sunscreen. My pores looks smaller and skin tone is more even after application as well.

Ingredients list for Milky Lotion Light

One thing I dislike about this product is the packaging of the lotion. The bottle opening is so huge that too much lotion is dispense at a time. I wonder why they didn’t realise this when deciding on the packaging for this product. This makes the usage of this lotion really troublesome.

Bottle opening

I’ve to be careful not to dispense too much of it. If I really did, I’ll just use them on my neck instead. Products from Kose usually works pretty good for me and Nature & Co is not an exception either. I’m not disappointed by my recent skincare hauls!

Update 12 Sept: I think the mineral oil is giving me blackheads just like most products with mineral oil does. Though the effects are good, the mineral oil is a huge no no for me. If you usually doesn’t have adverse reaction to mineral oil, these are rather good whitening products to try.

• My love for Nuxe
• Reviews of my recent beauty buys
• Bubble hair dyes are fun!

Kao Liese Bubble Hair Dye in Cassis Berry

I went Jurong Point to meet Michelle for a girl’s night out on Friday. We were browsing through the shelves of Watsons (one of my favourite shops) when we noticed this new bubble hair dye from Liese. My sister sent me an email about it a few days ago about this new hair dye retailing in Singapore. It uses foam instead of the conventional liquid solution. It seems to be gentler than the normal ones and I fell in love with Cassis Berry when I saw the colour swatch. It’s a beautiful shade of red with tints of brown.

By the way, I’m a fan of bright colours and I don’t mind at all having a bright hair colour. So, Michelle was happy to volunteer to help me dye my hair. We were both very excited to see the outcome of this new hair dye so we bought it on the spot and went home to to do it on the same night. The box is so colourful and it’s retailing at SGD 19.90. I think it’s the same product as Kao Prettia. They have a lot more shades in Japan and red happens to be one of my favourite hair colour. But being Asian with dark hair, red is a difficult colour to dye.

Items in 1 box of Liese Bubble Hair Dye

Instruction Booklet

Preparation Phrase

Lots of foam

Michelle's bloody gloves

It’s very foamy and cooling when it’s applied to the hair. Look at the gloves, don’t it look like the ones doctors worn during their surgery? Plus the colour really looks like blood. Michelle looked like she just did a successful major surgery and is so proud of it. =D And so we waited for 30 minutes before washing it off.

The weird thing about this dye is that when we wash off the solution, the water is clear. When using conventional liquid dyes, the water will turn into the colour of the dye, it definitely wouldn’t be clear as far as I know off. But this one is clear. In addition, the chemical smell that is left on the hair after the dye isn’t as strong as the ones I used to use (I think I used L’oreal previously). It also has this nice smelling hair lotion to apply after dying your hair. I have to rave that this hair dye is pretty gentle on the scalp and doesn’t make me itch at all unlike the L’oreal ones I’ve used. However, I have to say I’m disappointed with the results.

Hair colour from the back

The colour looks nothing like the swatch but it could be due to my dark hair colour to begin with. I haven’t dyed my hair in 2 years if I’m not wrong. Anyway, my hair colour becomes dark chocolate brown with tints of red. Even though it looks very natural, it wasn’t what I have expected. Perhaps I should have left it on for a longer time, but who knows how it will turn out then. I have to say I think I look better with dark brown hair colour rather than black. Black hair just doesn’t suits me. The chemical reaction from the dyes seems to make my hair straighter as well (not that it’s a bad thing). =D Overall I would say it’s a good dye if only the colour is brighter and stronger. Perhaps I’ll try a lighter colour next time, Chinese New Year perhaps?

My sister’s planning to get one as well and she has a lighter hair colour. I shall wait to see the outcome of her dye.

And below is the end of of this blue towel. It’s going straight into the bin. It looks like it has just taken part in some kind of bloody event. I may need to get Mum a new towel as compensation soon.

The end of my towel

Fr3b.com

I never seems to step out of John Little empty handed. This weekend was the “spend $50 nett and get $8 off” and I got myself a face mask and moisturiser from Nature & Co (brand under Kose). I think it’s more of a drugstore brand as compared to the other Kose products.

I’ve read some raves about the bright mask C and decided it’s a good time to try out these. The mask seems to have good brightening effects. Someday, I’m going to do a post with reviews for some of my skincare products. =p

Kose - Nature & Co Products

• New hair, new look, new mood
• My recent love for Japanese skincare products
• Kuala Lumpur’s shopping haul