Tuesday, December 26, 2017

How to inspect the ingredients in skincare or cosmetics?

Hello pretty~

I came to a point where I no longer just buying what really works for me but also inspect the ingredients in skincare for health and safety purpose. I found a few interesting articles that guide consumer how to read skincare ingredients and I sum them up in a few summary points below which are really helpful for me in choosing the best skincare for my skin.
  • The list of ingredients on skincare products must conform to International standard (INCI). This requirements is from FPLA and FDA which mandates that skincare/cosmetic provide list of ingredients in a particular format.
  • Ingredients listed in the order of highest to lowest concentration. Active ingredients may be listed separately on the label as INCI requirements, but does not mean they are in highest concentration.
  • Based on common ingredients as markers to estimate the amounts of the other ingredients:
    • If water is the first ingredients on the label, it is likely that 75-95% of the product is comprised of water.
    • Fragrance is usually anywhere between 0.50 and 3% of the product, any ingredients listed after fragrance is present in a concentration typically less than 3%.
    • Vitamin C, unless listed on the label is typically less than 1% of the product. Vitamin C tend to oxidize when exposed to light, heat or air. Unless otherwise listed, most products will contain 0.025% or less retinol.
    • Buffers such as EDTA are usually present in less than 1% of the product.
  • Usually water is the first ingredients on the label and after that the next 4 or 5 ingredients are usually the ones responsible for the primary functional properties of the product. After the first five ingredients, everything else probably below the 1% line.
  • Any ingredient that is 1% or less of the product can be listed in any order after all the other ingredients present at or above 1%. There is no guideline to disclose where the 1% cut off exists on the label, the best idea is to search for marker ingredients like vitamin C or EDTA in order to ascertain where the 1% grouping generally occurs.
  • Knowing the ingredients can come in multiple forms and a higher concentration of a weaker form does not mean greater result. For example vitamin C also known as L-ascorbic acid is strongest but unstable and only available up to 15% over counter and forms like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate are weaker but more stable and only available up to 2% over the counter.
  • Sometimes you are unable to estimate the concentrations because patented formula do not have to show makeup of active ingredients, instead they are required to submit an FDA application that lists the alias they use on the label in the place of naming the exact ingredients.
This is a basic guidelines to estimate the level of ingredients in skincare/cosmetics. However there are many exceptions to this guidelines. Anyhow, this general guidelines provide some measure of assessing knowledge which could be helpful to a certain extend.

Reference link here and here

Monday, December 11, 2017

Wishtrend Sales!

Hello pretty~

Exciting news to share! Wishtrend is having sales and make sure to check it out before it ends! They are also launching limited holiday package special.

You can get this gorgeous, limited edition sequin pouch with some of Klairs' and ByWishtrend's best products at a huge discounted price - up to 46% off! It's the perfect gift for this holiday season. Don't miss this out! Click here to visit their site.


This is a Centella asiatica extract cream that is perfect as a spot treatment. Especially for acne and post acne mark. It prevent scarring and promotes faster healing! Click here to check it out. 

Happy Shopping!

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Guest Post: Why vitamin E?

Why vitamin E?

A lot of people know that vitamin E is great for the skin but not everyone knows why. They simply believe what ads say and what skincare products claim.

Now, is that a bad thing?

Well, not really since vitamin E is indeed great for the skin. However, knowing what an ingredient or a product can do for your skin is essential if you want to make the most out of it.

It’s also something you have to do if you have really sensitive skin.

Let’s get back to vitamin E.

This vitamin makes a really great moisturizer since it’s able to prevent water loss. And by increasing the natural moisture of the skin, it can also decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.

Vitamin E can protect your skin from free radical damage. It can make your skin cells prone not just to premature skin aging but skin cancer, too.

And you know what else?

Vitamin E also has the ability to reduce the negative effects of UV rays. When applied topically, it can reduce redness and skin damage caused by UV-B rays.

This, however, doesn’t mean that this vitamin can work as a substitute for your sunscreen.

To know more about vitamin E and its benefits to your skin, here’s an infographic you can check out.




Hannah Do is the founder of Thank Your Skin, a beauty blog dedicated to providing honest skin care advice and information. She aspires to help her readers achieve their most beautiful skin by sharing personal tips learned through both years of experience and thorough research. Click here to check out her latest article about best soap for dry skin. You can find her on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.


Friday, November 24, 2017

Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream by Wishtrend Review

Sponsored post

Hello pretty~


It's a few more weeks to Christmas and then new year, times flies. I cannot believe the year is over already. Been so busy and finally found a bit of time to write review again. This review is for Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream by Wishtrend. Let's see the product profile:

Product profile:
Product Name: Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream by Wishtrend
Origin: S. Korea
Content: 50ml
Price: USD14
Available: http://www.wishtrend.com
Function: Vitamin cream / moisturizer

Description from wishtrend website
Containing 75% Vitamin tree (Sea Buckthorn) water Instead of just basic water, the Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream is made with 75% vitamin tree (Sea Buckthorn) water for an increased absorption to hydrate the skin. Meet the gentle vitamin cream that hydrates on a whole new level for that healthy glow. 


The Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream is full of natural Vitamin E with it's earth-friendly ingredients such as sunflower seed, macadamia, and palm tree oil. Vitamin E is excellent for rejuvenation of the skin and helps to prevent the appearance of aging and loss of elasticity. For faster, definite results, we recommend using with the By Wishtrend's Pure Vitamin C21.5 Advanced Serum. 


The Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream is free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, artificial scents, and artificial colors for a safe-to-use, healthy vitamin cream for everyone

How to use?
Use the cream every morning and evening at the last step of your skincare by applying it to the center of the face, and gently spread it to the outermost parts of the face in light tapping motions for better absorption.


Packing in plastic container

 Ingredients


Description on the box

 Came with a cap inside for freshness


White color cream 

Swatch 

My thoughts:
I have been using the cream since October this year and almost finishing it, one of this can last me about two months plus. Been using this cream daily morning and evening at the last step of my skin care. The texture of this cream is almost gel like, but a bit denser than cream, not oily or greasy. The cream is lightly scented and smell a bit like lemon / citrus scent, I personally like the scent because it's smell refreshing. After using this cream for almost two months, I found this cream to be moisturizing on my skin, light and refreshing, gentle and not irritating to skin. This cream as mentioned is best to use with By Wishtrend's Pure Vitamin C21.5 Advanced Serum, I however didn't use with this serum and still found it good as moisturizer. Overall a good product. This is great for those who would like a non-irritating moisturizer / those with sensitive skin, and would like non-greasy/sticky moisturizer. The pros and cons of this products are:

Pros:
- Moisturizing and hydrating on skin
- Non greasy, non sticky, non oily
- Gentle and non irritating, suitable for sensitive skin
- Free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, artificial scents, and artificial colors 

Cons:
- Not widely available on local store, need to purchase online



If you are interested to purchase this product, you may find the link here, which directly land on wishtrend website.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

SKINMISO Spot Repairing Serum GIVEAWAY!

Anyeong~

Good news for all my followers and readers! 

Get SKINMISO Spot Repairing Serum for FREE - only pay for the shipping fee. Simply put the serum to the cart, and fill in the below code during checkout - Valid until 31st Oct 2017 only. When you fill in the registration page, select your country first, don't let the USA state confuse you, scroll down to select the country first - they deliver worldwide - ship directly from Korea. This serum is 30ml and worth USD24.99, so don't missed out this great offer. 

This serum get rid of red or dark spots / Get rid of pimple scars / Get rid of redness in the skin. Click link below to get it or copy paste link to your browser:




Use the code below when checkout cart:
SPOTFREEOCT



On top of that get 10% off Klairs #VitaminEMask by using code WISHVITE10 - this is a newly launched Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask and also valid until 31 October 2017. 

Click link below to purchase with 10% discount or copy paste link to your browser:


Happy Shopping! :)

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream Review

Hello pretty~


Trying out my first product from Cosrx! It's the Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+PA+++. Okay, this is recommended for dry skin, but also suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. The concept of this sun screen is to protect skin from sun damage and at the same time moisturizing your skin. From the name of the product, yeah of course the main ingredient is Aloe Vera extract. Okay enough said, product claim and profile below.


In a plastic tube with cap

Description

Ingredients

Close up ingredients

Convenient plastic cap

Creamy texture

Product profile:
Product Name: Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Origin: S. Korea
Content: 50ml
Price: MYR49.50
Available: Hermo / Althea
Function: Sun Cream

Product claim from website:
Why Aloe Soothing Sun Cream? Answer is an aloe vera leaf extract! Aloe has been used as great ingredient for hydrating and moisturizing ever since 4,000 years ago. It was one of the favorite natural materials used by Cleopatra for her beauty care. Aloe vera has strong anti-aging effect by creating the powerful moisture layer on the skin while offering the deep soothing effect. Aloe Soothing Sun Cream contains 5,500ppm of aloe vera leaf extract. 


When your skin is exposed to the strong sun light, it can be easily dehydrated as the moisture evaporates from the skin surface. Aloe Soothing Sun Cream protects your skin while preventing any further dehydration. (*Results from the use of beauty product above may vary depending upon the individual and will depend on multiple factors, including your age, gender, skin type and condition, use of other products used, health history, lifestyle, diet and others).

My thoughts:
This sun cream is not greasy at all, Absorb nicely and texture is creamy, not runny or too thick, easy to apply on skin. It is scented and the smell reminded me of my dad's hair cream haha - Brylcreem, my dad used to use it often when I was a kid. It leaves no white cast on skin, very moisturizing but not greasy or sticky, the only thing is that it leave a dewy finish. 

Pros:
-Moisturizing
-Easy to apply, absorb easily
-Non greasy or sticky, light weight
-No white cast
-High SPF (SPF 50+) 
-Affordable 

Cons:
-Dewy finish if you don't mind, some people prefer matte or natural finish
-Scented - if you don't mind the scent which will vanish after sometimes of application

Overall, a good sun cream and I like to use it during rainy weather because I sweat less. On sunny day I use the Saem sun cream which have matte finish after it set. 


Thursday, October 5, 2017

The Saem Urban Eco Harakeke Toner Review

Anyeong~

Today review is for The Saem Urban Eco Harakeke Toner, one of Saem best seller.

Product Profile
Product Name: The Saem Urban Eco Harakeke Toner
Origin: S. Korea
Content: 180ml
Price: MYR68
Available: Lazada
Function: Toner





In plastic bottle

Description at the back

Pump dispenser

Clear runny gel like
Verdict:
Pros: This toner is moisturizing, lightly scented, no additives. Soothing and easily absorb by skin. Did not irritates skin. Cons: no other benefits except for moisturizing as main function. 

In short, suitable for those who looking for simple toner with moisturizing function. Overall a good basic toner.


Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Dr. G Hydrogel Eye Mask Review

Anyeong~

Today review is for Dr. G Hydrogel Eye Mask.

Product Profile
Product Name: Dr. G Hydrogel Eye Mask
Origin: S. Korea
Content: 1 pair Eye Mask per pack
Price: RM80+
Available: Sasa
Purpose: Firming on Eye areas, reduce fine lines.


It sell in one box of 10 individual pack which contains 1 pair of Eye Mask in each pack.
Directions on the package states to put on the Eye Mask (under Eye) after cleaning and put up toner. As usual peel off the mask after 20-30 minutes, use 2-3 times weekly.


Description at the back

This is one pair of eye mask - This is the surface of the mask, underneath is the gel texture 

Verdict:


This mask shows very minimal improvement on fine lines. No benefits for dark circle. Suitable for those have minor fine lines under eyes and don't mind the parabean ingredients in this product. 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream Review

Anyeong~

Today review is for Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream.

Product Profile
Product Name: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream
Origin: USA
Content: 50ml
Price: RM120
Available: Kiehl’s
Function: Moisturizer


In a plastic jar


On Kiehl’s website the description for this product is to provide fresh hydration for normal to oily skin types.


Non-greasy hydrator intensely moisturizes and conditions skin with a fresh texture.
Formulated with Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract and Antarcticine to help skin retain moisture.
Quickly absorbs into skin, with instant cooling effect upon application.
24-hour hydration and shine control. 
Oil-free. Paraben-free. Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic. Allergy-tested.

Pros:
Oil free, non-greasy – gel based.
Paraben free, fragrant free and non-comedogenic.
Quick absorbs into skin.
Moisturize skin.

Cons:
Basic moisturizer - not multi-function, no anti-aging or whitening function.

Verdict:
This gel moisturizer is refreshing to use, oil free and easily absorb by skin. This tube of 50ml last about one month. Good moisturizer of oily skin. 

Monday, October 2, 2017

Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Review

Anyeong~

This is a review for Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar. This product is all skin type.

Product Profile
Product Name: Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar
Origin: US
Content: 60ml
Price: RM170
Available: Sephora



The content is cream like white color, non greasy with light scent. Description on Sephora Website for this product:

What it is:
A skin-renewing moisturizer for a long-lasting glow and continuous hydration. 

Solutions for:
- Dryness
- Dullness and uneven texture

If you want to know more…
The revolutionary, lightweight, whipped formula of Hope In A Jar is renewed and infused with a new innovation: clinically proven skin renewal technology. A triple blend of alpha hydroxy acids refine texture, improving the appearance of fine lines and pores, while Asian fruit extracts help support natural microcirculation.

What else you need to know:
This groundbreaking formulation features a triple blend of alpha hydroxy acids, three forms of hyaluronate, plus an Asian fruit extract to deliver an even longer-lasting glow and continuous hydration benefits. Try this product with Renewed Hope In A Jar refreshing and refining moisturizer for up to 24 hours of daytime skin renewal for a moisture boost, refined texture, and healthy-looking glow. 

Research results:
Based on women who expressed an opinion in an 8-week study based on 52 participants: 
- 91% of women fell in love with the feel of their skin and would recommend renewed hope to a friend

My thoughts:
Okay but not great, will not re-purchase at the moment due to price and no anti aging/whitening benefits. Skin feels fresh and soft after using, easily absorb and light no greasy on skin. Quite expensive though. 

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream Review

Anyeong~

This is a review for Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream. This product is for dry to normal skin type. 

Product Profile
Product Name: Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
Origin: South Korea
Content: 50ml
Price: RM109
Available: Hermo / Laneige Counter


In a bottle jar



As you can see I finished the content already, I would describe the content is white creamy color with creamy non greasy consistency - but upon applying on skin it is a little too rich. After using this product I would say that it is too much on my skin, it didn't absorb as fast, need time to pat into skin otherwise it will leave a shiny look on skin, which when I use this plus the sun screen, it looks greasy on my skin. Even though I have dry skin but this leave a shiny look which I didn't like. I will not be re-purchase this product again. Laneige have the gel type which I should have buy instead of this cream type. I will try to check out the gel type next time when I have the urge to try. TT.


Saturday, September 30, 2017

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II Review

Anyeong~


This is a review for Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II. One of many products that beauty blogger rave. The product claims best for blemish, uneven skin tone and wrinkle free. Below is the product profile:

In a plastic bottle with suction dropper dispenser

The description behind


Product Profile
Product Name: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
Origin: USA
Content: 30ml, 50ml
Price: RM270, RM371
Available: Estee Lauder Outlet

Description
Reveal a smoother, more radiant, younger look. Wake up to more beautiful skin every day. Tested and proven: Advanced Night Repair dramatically reduces the look of all key signs of aging. It maximizes the power of skin's natural nighttime renewal with our exclusive ChronoluxCB™ Technology. Lines and wrinkles look significantly reduced. More than 75% of women felt their skin looked more youthful in just 4 weeks. Skin feels smoother, hydrated, stronger. 82% felt their skin was immediately hydrated. Skin looks younger, radiant, more even toned. 83% felt their skin looked healthier, fresher, more rested in just 4 weeks. 25+ Patents and Patents Pending Worldwide. Effective for every ethnicity. *Based on NPD Group Inc. unit sales for department stores for 12 months ending January 2015.



HOW TO USE
Apply on clean skin before your moisturizer. Use several drops. Smooth in gently all over face and throat.

Try This Nightly Ritual
1. Apply a drop on each fingertip of one hand.
2. Touch fingertips of both hands together.
3. Massage serum over face and neck, starting at the center, outward.

My thoughts:
Skin look smoother and younger looking by morning. Liquid is best to pat for better absorb by skin. Use generous amount for better result. Good for anti-aging and anti-wrinkle. It's a good product for hydrate skin as well. Overall a good product if you looking for anti-aging and anti-winkle product. It's better to prevent than repair right. I rate this product 4 over 5 star. Still not impressed enough to rate this product 5 star.



Friday, September 29, 2017

Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate Review

In a glass bottle with suction dropper dispenser

Both day and night oil side by side

Anyeong~
This is a review for Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate. I think Kiehl's came up with the morning version of concentrate due to the popularity of the midnight oil which is one of customers favorite. Below is the product profile:

Product Profile
Product Name: Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate
Origin: USA
Content: 30ml
Price: RM243
Available: Kiehl's Outlet

Description


Lightweight facial oil that keeps skin looking radiant all day
  • Strengthens skin’s defenses against daily aggressors to keep skin youthful and radiant-looking all day
  • Provides antioxidant protection with a powerful blend of naturally-derived oils, including Ginger Root, Sunflower and Tamanu, to help skin feel fresh and look energized morning to night
  • Paraben free, 100% natural origin, Mineral oil free, Non-comedogenic, Non-acnegenic

How to Apply:
-Lightly pat several drops all over face in upward circular motion, avoiding the immediate eye area. Use every morning, after appropriate concentrated serum and before appropriate moisturizer and daily sun protection.

Ingredients: 
  • Tamanu Botanical Oil helps to reduce the appearance of daily damage as well as replenish and soothe skin; sourced from the nut of the fruit of the Tamanu tree, which is indigenous to French Polynesia.
  • Sunflower Botanical Oil helps to strengthen skin’s barrier; also known to improve skin smoothness, texture and hydration.
  • Ginger Root Essential Oil helps defend skin from free radicals and environmental aggressors with antioxidant protection.

My thoughts:
Light weight, not greasy. Need to pat till absorb properly by skin before applying other skin care otherwise will glide and slight difficult to blend other skin care on skin, since I always rushing to apply it happens, and if I am on the rush, I just skip this concentrate. Haven't been impressed by this so far, I think just complimentary product instead of essential. Since it is also expensive I rate this product 3 over 5. I will not be re-purchasing. 

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Review


In a glass bottle with suction dropper

Anyeong~
This is a review for Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Below is the product profile:

Product Profile
Product Name: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Origin: USA
Content: 30ml
Price: RM243
Available: Kiehl's Outlet

Description

A replenishing night time facial oil with distilled botanical that visibly restores the appearance of skin by morning. 

  • Regenerates, repairs, and replenishes skin for smoother, healthier skin.
  • Works with the skin's natural nocturnal activity when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors to dramatically restore skin
  • 99.8% naturally-derived and paraben-free oil for face
  • A customer favorite 

How to Apply:

  • Apply 2-3 drops on cleansed skin
  • Gently press fingertips to cheeks, forehead, and chin to evenly distribute the application before gently massaging it into the skin
  • Can wear alone or under moisturizer
Kiehl’s Insider Tip: Layer over Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate for optimal anti-aging and healthier skin benefits.

Ingredients:
Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose Oil is an effective on skin barrier repair and boosting radiance. 

Lavender Essential Oil 

Lavender Essential Oil helps soothe inflamed or irritated skin while helping reduce skin blotchiness for a more even look. Creates a brighter and more radiant look to skin. 

Squalane (Perhydrosqualene or perhydrosqualene vegetal)

A signature Kiehl’s ingredient, Squalane is a botanical lipid that is similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids. It has an exceptional affinity to skin, and because it’s easily absorbed, Squalane helps restore skin’s natural moisture balance to keep it extra soft and supple.

My thoughts:
At first I tried the sample given and really impressed with the visible appearance of my skin in the morning. Skin look bright, glowy and hydrated. Purchased the full size bottle but the result isn't as good as the sample. Still a good facial oil compare to other brands. 

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid Review

Anyeong~
This is a review for Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid, below is the product profile:

Product Profile
Product Name: Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid
Origin: Korea
Content: 150ml
Price: RM205
Available: Sephora





This is the description of the product as per Dr. Jart Website:

What it is: 
A powerful serum to moisturize the skin.

What it is formulated to do: 
This liquid skin saver plumps and seals dull, dry skin for all day moisture. The serum acts as a liquid cushion that strengthens and protects skin barrier from chronic water loss with the power of ceramides. It transforms rough and dehydrated skin into a hydrated, healthy glow.

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know: 
This product has been dermatologist tested.

Suggested Usage: 
-Apply serum over cleansed skin morning and night.
-Follow with Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream

Ingredients
-Ceramide 3: Provides time-release moisture.
-Licorice Root Extract: Soothes and provides anti-redness properties.
-Portulaca Oleracea and Aloe Vera: Calm irritated skin and hydrate.
-Panthenol: Alleviates and softens skin.

My thoughts:
When apply the liquid on skin, it's better to pad to let the skin to help absorb it better. This is to be used as serum to moisturized skin but it is recommended to use this product along with the Dr. Jart product which called Ceramidin Cream RM239, it's packaging it's like in a tooth paste tube. I use this alone without the cream and it's not that effective for me. I will not re-purchase, it's really expensive in total RM 444 to use this product to achieve the result as said by it (RM205 plus RM239). Wow, I can buy a really good moisturizer with this price. I cannot rate this product since I didn't use the full range as recommended.