AD: Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion

I guess most people would have been familiar this this brand - 'Hada Labo'.

This product did indeed live up to its name of "1 sold every 2 seconds in Japan". With the slogan of "One Drop Locks Up an Ocean"; this lotion is indeed the No.1 Hydrating product you will reach out for when your skin is screaming for moisture.

Recently I was given a chance to review on Hada Labo's award winning SHA Hydrating Lotion from Sample Store.com.

A quick summary on how the website operates Sample Store.com; they are Singapore's first and largest Tryvertising platform.

Basically, they give people a chance to try on the products before actually purchasing them in the first place from the retail store itself, pretty much through the "sample before you buy concept".

If you are a long term user of Sample Store, you would notice that there was not only did major changes done to their website layout, but also to their product packaging.

 

Okay, back to our featured product.

So it was my first time trying out a hydrating lotion since I wasn't sure if it would work for people with oily skin. (I tend to keep away from product with the word "Hydrating".)

Anyway, I gave the product a try and turned out to be GREAT!

After washing my face, I applied toner and proceed on pad to the hydrating lotion on my face. There wasn't even a need to apply moisturizer after that. My skin felt really supple and hydrated.

The best part is, it actually helps with oil control! Ironically, when your skin is producing oil, it's a way of telling you that it's losing moisture. To keep your skin from drying out, it produces oil.

Moving on, I found another way to utilise this product to its full usage.

Let's say you are out on a vacation and your skin is drying out pretty badly, you can actually use the this product as a mask. To make this mask, it's super easy. All you need is a few cotton pad and your Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion.

Step 1:


Take your cotton pad and soak it with a generous amount of the Hydrating Lotion.

And it should look like this:

Step 2:

Divide the soaked cotton pads up into several pieces depending on how big of the area you wish to cover.

Step 3:

Apply the cotton pad onto the dry areas.

 

Leave it on for about 10-15 mins and remove the cotton pads when done.
Gently massage the remaining essence onto your skin in a circular motion.

And you are done!

This should keep your skin hydrated for the day~

***********************************************************


Want to redeem free samples of Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion?

Visit the link below:
http://www.samplestore.com/product/details/800/0/name-hada-labo-sha-hydrating-lotion

*Redemption starts from 29th October 2013




 That's it for today. Till next time~

Cassandra  

Review: Benefit Stay Flawless Primer

 

 

 

One of the ways to keep your make up stay throughout the whole day is to prep your skin properly.

 

 

And of course that goes without saying, you skin care before make up:

 

 

1. Tone

2. Serum

3. Moisturize

 

 

Besides that, putting on a primer is also one of the key point.

 

Benefit have release their Benefit Stay Flawless Primer which claim to keep your make up looking flawless for up to 15 hours.

 

 

For someone with oily skin, having my make up staying for more than 3 hours without budging is a big deal which is why I rush to get this primer the day it was release at Sephora.

 

It retails for about S$50 if I remember it correctly, around the same price point for some of the primers found at Sephora.

 

 

I can't help but to compare the Stay Flawless primer with their POREfessional primer.

 

Both have silicon in their ingredient list and is colourless. (Using the travel size primer from the "How To Look The Best At Everything" kit.)

 

Let's zoom into the details of both products:

- Packaging: The Stay Flawless Primer comes in a stick form while the POREfessional primer comes in a "Gel" like consistency. If you are someone who is very particular about the hygiene of your make up product, do that note of the Stay Flawless primer's packaging.


- Consistency: The finish of both primers are different. The Stay Flawless primer has a matt finish, almost to the point where it is kind of difficult to blend out while the POREfessional primer has a smooth and silky texture.


- Lasting Power: When it comes to the Benefit's primers, it doesn't seems to make my foundation last any longer that 3 hours. Anytime after that, I will have to blot and touch up my make up.

Will I re-purchase both primers?

I would say most probably if I have the extra money. They are both quite a decent primer and would work great on people with normal to combination skin. Especially living in Singapore where the weather are mostly sunny, you won't want your make up to slip and slide.


That's it for today. Till next time~

Cassandra  

Updates #2

Phew... Finally had some time to write a post.

I just managed to clear up the remaining stuff at work and now I'm finally free! (^-^ )v

Anyway, I just came back from Thailand last week and I'm already starting to miss that place.

Just a day before the trip, something hectic caught up as bf is down with fever and he sprained his ankle. There was a debate whether to cancel the trip or to postpone it.

We called up agoda and requested for a change in the check-in date for the hotel. The staff is really nice, he managed to help us with our request to postpone the dates. Unfortunately for the flight, we are unable to make any changes as it was too last minute.

But by night time, bf was saying that he recovered and was able to continue as previously planned. We tried to call up agoda to ask if we could change the check-in date to the original plan but was told to wait for the next day as the hotel is not picking up the call.

In the end after a terrible mess. We managed to get a deal from the hotel to upgrade it to a suite. Lucky us!

And off we go to the land of smiles!

We fly there via scoot. Everything on board is great. The only thing is their flight. Basically, they only have 1 timing per day and you kinda wasted a day because by the time you reach Bangkok, it's already night time.

Upon arrival, the first thing I did was to rush over to get my SIM Card! Then we took a cab to our hotel for 700 baht.

We stayed at Baiyoke Sky Hotel. At first when I went to read up on the review of this hotel, it's quite bad. So I did not really had any high hopes for the hotel, just hope that it's "clean", that's all.

Luckily, the hotel wasn't as bad as I thought it would be . It's pretty good actually! Especially the location. Pratunam market is just below us and the walk to Platinum fashion mall is just a 5 mins walk away.

What I like best is their buffet breakfast.

 

 

If you are looking for a short getaway. Try going to BKK! Everything is cheap there, even their Taxi!

The best part is if you love shopping, Platinum Fashion Mall is a must for you to go. You will literally buy things without thinking.

Didn't really take much picture this time because most of the time my hand is carrying something.

That's it for today. Till next time~

Cassandra    

VanityTrove Nylon by VanityTrove

A few days back, I just received my Vanity Box from Vanity Trove.

 

The products that are featured is super awesome. Ranging from Skin Care products to Hair Care Serum. When I saw the content, it's a must for me to get it. Price is reasonable for the number of product you get @ SGD$35.

 

 

Biotherm Purefect Skin Kit Trio!

 

 

This 3 steps skin care consist of a anti-shine purifying gel, Micro-exfoliating purifying toner and a pure skin effect hydrating gel. A few months back, I managed to get samples of this trio set from the Biothem counter, it is indeed a skin care product made for the people with oily skin. It's a bit drying but still works!

 

 

 

Lancôme Advanced GÉNIFIQUE Youth Activating Concentrate

 

 

Won't need this since I haven't reach the age to use Anti-Aging product, especially when I have super oily skin, will be passing this to my mum.

 

 

 

 

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense

 

 

Have yet to give this a try but I heard good reviews of this product. Looking forward to see how it will work for me. Kiehl always makes promising products!

 

 

 

Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil

 

 

If you have yet to give this a try, this is one of the best cleansing oil. I use this on days where I pile on heavy make up. Just a hand full is enough remove all the make up, including waterproof mascara. This thing works like magic!

 

Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited Lip Gloss

 

 

Didn't try anything other than their eyelash curler from Shu Uemura. Got to figure out how can I pull it off since I don't really look flattering with cherry pink lips.

 

 

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe

 

 

Apparently, for someone with oily scalp, I don't really like the idea of applying oil to my hair. Even if it's only to the root, I'm still sceptical about the results. Will give this a try to see if it work for my dry ends.

 

 

Redken Smooth Lock Shampoo & Redken Smooth Lock Conditioner

 

 

I will bring this 2 bottles along with me when I go for my Thailand trip in September. Hope it works well!

 

 

 

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation





 

It's either you like it a lot or you simply hate it. This sheer coverage foundation is suitable on days where you wish to achieve a natural look. Gives off a subtle glow to the face.

 

 

Full List of products:

 

- Biotherm Purefect Skin Kit Trio

- Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited Lip Gloss
- Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil
- Lancôme Advanced GÉNIFIQUE Youth Activating Concentrate
- Lancôme Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara
- Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gioao (Not featured)
- Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe
- Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense
- Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation
- Redken Smooth Lock Shampoo
- Redken Smooth Lock Conditioner

 

 

If you are keen to give this edition of the Vanity Box a try, you can visit their website: https://www.vanitytrove.com/p/vanitytrove-nylon

 

They ship super fast and the price includes registered postage.

 

 

That's it for today. Till next time~

Cassandra    

Hair: Dry End, Oily Root?

Sorry for the lack of updates. I'm back!

Anyway, I have been trying a different way to shampoo my hair, hoping that it will help to solve my really problematic hair issue.

Okay, I have super fine hair and I do suffer from hair loss. (Not sure if it's hereditary or I just suck at maintaining my hair)

Not to mention I have super oily roots and my hair will look greasy when it reaches the afternoon. (I shampoo every morning and night). I can't be using shampoo that are too drying because I have dry ends and my hair breaks easily.

There was once I went for a scalp scan and was told that the reason why I'm suffering from hair loss is because my scalps are clogged. ( ~_~)
And the guy went on to promote this treatment that will treat my hair problem.. blah blah blah..

It's not that I don't want to give it a shot but I have spend way too much on this" claimed to work treatment" and I  seriously don't see any difference at all.

So there was once while reading the newspaper and I came across an article saying how can we treat oily root and dry ends.

"Condition your ends and shampoo afterwards".

Okay, I know that sounds rather weird but I have been trying it out for the past few weeks, can't really say I can see obvious changes but my root have indeed became less oily.

BUT! Please don't use a shampoo that's too drying. I tried it with my Nioxin shampoo and it's pretty much bad but it works when I uses my Kerastase shampoo.



Alright, besides using this method works. There are days where I bound to stay under the sun and will be active outdoors. My hair still look flat and oily within hours.

Solved it by using a dry shampoo. I bought my Oscar Blandi from Sephora. Works like magic!

You do not need a lot, just pump some product onto the scalp and massage it. It makes my hair more volumize and smell nice!

For a cheaper alternative, you can try body powder, works the almost the same too.
(NOTE: Everyone's reaction to a certain product is different. It may work for me but may not work for some of you)


That's it for today. Till next time~

Cassandra    

AD: Hada Labo Perfect Gel (3 in 1 Ultra Hydrating Gel)

[Sponsored Post]

Hada Labo have recently launched their new product - Perfect Gel (3 in 1 Ultra Hydrating Gel)

              

This gel form sleeping mask helps to hydrate your skin during your sleeping hours.

Recently I am so busy with work, I simply do not have time to pamper my skin. *Non-stop working mode*

Being in an air-con room almost 8 hours everyday, my skin is super dry and patchy even when I applied moisturiser beforehand.


The new Perfect Gel can be use as a sleeping mask or even as a moisturiser.

 

Sleep is the time when the body repairs itself. During these optimal seven to nine hours of sleep, the body is rested both physically and mentally from a day’s activities. As such, many hair, face and body products are most effective overnight as the body absorbs it better. Hada Labo introduces the new Hada Labo Perfect Gel to replenish the skin’s moisture while you sleep.

Being all essence, cream and mask at once (3-in-1), the Hada Labo Perfect Gel is also suitable for daily use with the ability to provide 24 hours deep moisturizing effect with its five main ingredients.

The Hada Labo Perfect Gel has a rich cream texture that is non-sticky, allowing your skin to feel light even after applying. Its versatility and effectiveness has won the hearts of so many women that it is No.1. Sales in ‘All-in-One’ gel product segment in Japan.

 
3 Types of Hyaluronic Acid for deep and long-lasting moisturization:

1.  Hyaluronic Acid is able to hold 6l of water per gram, providing intense moisture to the skin when applied.
2. Super Hyaluronic Acid is able to hold 2X as much water than Hyaluronic Acid per gram, providing maximum moisturization.
3. Nano Hyaluronic Acid is able to penetrate deep into the skin, providing long lasting and deep moisture to the skin.

Collagen:
4. As the body’s collagen levels decline, the skin starts to age with wrinkles, large pores and poor skin clarity. The Hada Labo Perfect Gel contains collagen to provide firm, elastic and wrinkle-free skin.

Ceramide:
5. Skin that lacks ceramide is often dry,irritated, and often easily affected by the sun and dust in air. Hada Labo Perfect Gel help to hold and repair the surface skin cells together for a healthy, smooth skin.

I have been using the Perfect Gel for the past 3 days. All I can say is this product does not break me out, neither does it makes my skin even more oily.

 

Before heading to bed, I will cleanse my face properly, pad it dry and apply the product onto my skin in circular motion. It absorb super quickly without leaving the skin feeling greasy and sticky.

 

When I wake up in the morning, my skin does not produce as much oil and I can see my pores are visibly smaller as compared to using only a toner.

 

If you are someone who is on a super busy schedule and have no time to apply facial mask regularly. Do give this sleeping mask a try. The 80g of product is worth every single cent.

 

 

 

 

Hada Labo is available at Watsons nationwide. 

 

 That's it for today. Till next time~

Cassandra    

Contact Lens: GEO XCM-214

One of my favourite contact lens got to be from GEO lens. They provide a wide range of designs and diameter.

If you are a first time contact lens wearer, I would recommend looking into this brand. Perhaps start from a 14.0mm-14.2mm lens, they are smaller in diameter but able to make a difference.

As the authorities are banning the sales of contact lens on the internet, it is now harder for us to buy these cosmetic lens online. When buying contact lens online, please be sure that you are buying from reliable source. Your eyes are too precious for you to test things out, so be safe than sorry!

My first ever cosmetic lens I have tried is the XCM series from GEO Lens. I often get good comments while wearing this lens. The design is vibrant and unique, bringing more attention to the eyes. They also have a wide variety of colours to choose from. For a more natural look, choose a colour that is more closer to your natural eye colour. For me, it's either brown or grey.

If you watch my recent make up tutorial video, I am wearing GEO Lens in XCM-214 which is the brown shade.

 

 

Pro: Super comfy, able to last for 8 hours without irritating eye
Con: None, in my opinion

Comfort Level: 4.5/5
Vibrancy: 4.5/5
Repurchase: Definitely

If you experience dry eyes, just drip a few drops of eye drops and it will ease the discomfort. Please do take note that you should only use eye drops that are meant for contact lens user. It is not advisable to use normal eye drop. One of the eye drop I would recommend is Rohto eye drop. It comes in the unique square shape. You can buy it from local drug store like Watsons or Guardian at about $10.

 

 

 That's it for today. Till next time~

Cassandra

Basic: Exfoliating

It’s summer time! Actually for Singapore, you probably get the sunny weather most of the time. Not to mention the humidity! It's hard for our make up to stay on for long and for me, my extremely oily skin only make things worse.

For me, my make up don’t usually last for more than 4 hours, even with primer. I start to see caking around the cheek area and my foundation seems to slip and slide around. Having extremely oily skin means it’s going to be very difficult to maintain that matt look. And usually I ended up with unwanted shines reflecting off my face. URGH!

To minimize such problems, oil control is very important. Putting on a primer before your foundation is a must and most importantly, do not apply too many layers of make up on your skin!

Most primer usually contain silicones, it is one of the ingredients that help to provide the smooth texture to your skin. But silicones are usually the reason why you get clog pores and if you don’t remove them properly, they are going to stay on your skin and causes breakouts. So cleanse your face properly!

 

One of the important factors to keep your skin smooth and clean is to exfoliate!  That’s right, in such harsh weathers, your make up is most likely going to melt and all those unwanted make up that you pile on your face is going to clog your pores! Exfoliating not only helps to unclog pores, it also removes dead skin cells, giving you that fresh and clean look.

 

Amethyst Story from Ginvera! This is one of the exfoliator I use to exfoliate my face. Another good alternative you can try is CURE exfoliator. It's on the pricier side though.

Result after exfoliating. You can see the obvious result, the skin is more clearer and fairer.

I would normally apply mask after exfoliating. This is because after you exfoliate, you pores are clean and would allow better absorbent. In this way, your skin can get all the goodies and vitamins from the mask! One of my favourite mask from Etude House. Super economical since your are paying for four different masks with all the different effects. If you are someone who likes to try out different product, this is definitely a mask you can try out. Great results and it does not break me out.

After your mask, apply toners and pore serum to help minimize the appearance of your pore. And do bear in mind that your pores do not open and close. You can only enlarge or shrink your pores.

To help keep your skin in a "healthy" mode, the best way is to drink lots of water. Not only is it good for your skin, it also helps to flush out toxic from your body. Eat lots of fruits that are high in anti-oxidant and Vitamin C!

 

 That's it for today. Till next time~

Cassandra