The Body Shop Superfood Face Masks Review and Giveaway

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Being increasingly health conscious, my interest is often piqued at the word "Superfood". Whether you are into health topics or not, you are bound to see "superfood" related discussions being posted on social media regularly.

How about superfoods for the face? 

Last year, The Body Shop introduces a range of FIVE expert facial masks containing superfood natural ingredients, garnering positive responses from all over the world. 

These 5 masks include:

British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask– 100% Vegan. Contains real rose petals, rosehip oil from Chile and Community Trade organic aloe vera from Mexico. For moisturised, toned and soothed skin.

Amazonian Acai Energizing Radiance Mask– 100% Vegan. Contains ingredients from Brazil such as acai berry extract and guarana seed extract, and Community Trade organic babassu oil. For invigorating skin that shows signs of fatigue and stress.

Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask– 100% Vegan. Contains green tea leaves from Japan and Community trade organic tea tree oil from Kenya. To detoxify skin, clarify pores and reveal a youthful glow.

Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Mask – 100% Vegetarian. Contains Ginseng extract and rice extract from China, Community Trade organic sesame seed oil from Nicaragua. For brightening and revitalising dull skin.

Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask– 100% Vegetarian. Contains Community Trade ingredients such as honey from Ethiopia, marula oil from Namibia and organic olive oil from Italy. For intense nourishment.

Apart from being 100% vegetarian (with three of them being vegan), these masks also come with a fun way to use: MULTI-MASKING!

Since the 5 masks are made to target different skin needs, it makes sense to get creative & apply more than 1 mask onto different parts of the face to give that section of our skin the specific help it needs.

HOW I MULTI-MASK WITH THE BODY SHOP SUPERFOOD FACE MASKS

The Replenish & Recharge Facial

Below shows how I use Amazonian Acai Radiance Mask, Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask and British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask (recommended by TBS on the above illustration) to restore a healthy glow to the face. This is highly recommended for jet setters whose skins always feel dry and weather beaten.

You can use a mask brush for increased level of hygiene 

OR just use clean hands for convenience sake!

The All-In Kiasu Facial

Only recommend this when you can spare some time for a full-on pampering home facial session! 

I apply Amazonian Acai Radiance Mask to plump up the dull skin on my forehead ( lines too!) , Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask on my nose area to draw out impurities, Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Polishing Mask to brighten my on my freckled cheeks, British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask to soothe the hormonal-causing blemishes on my chin and Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask to deeply moisturise & nourish my necklines.

RESULT:

More refined pores, smoother complexion, lightened marks, glow on certain areas (especially the nose!) and overall clean, healthy & radiant skin!

My After face: unedited, no filter, no makeup!

MY THOUGHTS

"There are no ugly women, only lazy ones." - I can totally relate to this originally Mandarin beauty quote here. My skin hasn't look any better than this! Multi-tasking indeed requires some effort, but it totally works to give the love your skin needs. 

I truly enjoy the textures and scents of all the masks. The feel of rose petals, tea leaves and charcoal bits on your skin & fingers brings the masking experience to another level. Each of them have unique blend of natural scents of their own, none too overpowering.

Do note that Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Polishing Mask and British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask contains alcohol denat, so they may slightly irritate sensitive skin. My skin type is sensitive combi; fortunately, it did not react adversely to any of the masks. Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask gives off a significant cooling sensation and a stronger alcohol smell too, so do a test patch on your inner arm before applying onto the face.

Personal Favourites: Amazonian Acai, British Rose and Himalayan Charcoal. The former two feels really comfortable on the skin during masking while they work to calm, smoothen & give life back to my stressed skin;  the latter produces the most "glow". 

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!
In collaboration with The Body Shop Singapore, I will be giving away ONE FULL SET of 5 Superfood Face Masks (worth more than SDG160)! All you need to do is to follow me & @thebodyshopsg and share the love with your friends by tagging them on my IG post.

*More details and T&C on Instagram.

Makeup glides on so much more easily after using these masks!

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Price per jar : SGD32.90

Available at The Body Stores from August 2016.

For more details, go to http://www.thebodyshop.com.sg/

BAN ANIMAL TESTING!!

That's not all. The Body Shop wishes to bring to your attention one of the most unfortunate aspect of the beauty industry that we hope to end today.Animal testing remains a problem around the world, with over 80% of countries still having no laws against testing in cosmetic products and ingredients. Despite the fact that reliable alternatives are available, millions of animals continue to suffer. Cruelty Free International estimates that more than 500,000 animals are used worldwide in cosmetics testing each year.

The new Forever Against Animal Testing campaign is the most ambitious campaign ever against animal testing  in cosmetics, hoping to achieve 8 million signatures.  With your help, we want to stop all cosmetic animal testing of ingredients and products, everywhere and forever.

Please sign the petition HERE!

My Current Top 10 Essences and Serums For Every Skin Condition

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Toners, essences and serums are an integral part of an effective daily skincare routine, whether or not you're into the Korean 10-step skincare routine. 

For those of us who don't have the luxury of time, amongst the three, try to not skip essences or serums before your moisturiser. Use at least 1! They are the ones which aid cell turnover and target skin concerns (regenerate, repair, firm, whiten and basically heal & provide us with the kind of effects we want for our skin). Your usual toner & moisturiser will not be sufficient if you want some changes to your current skin condition - they only maintain it.

Pre-serums and Essence

These deliver nourishment and usually get absorbed quickly due to their light textures. Some of them feel like toners, while others feel slightly heavier than toners but still lighter than serums. After applying pre-serums/essences, a serum targeting your skin concern can be layered on top.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS

WHITENING

The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Healthy Brightening Serum

It states "serum" on the bottle, but it feels so watery in texture and its absorption power is almost instant! Hence,  I boldly categorise this as a pre-serum. It is okay to layer another serum with it. So far I have no problems, even with other brands. Read more of my review HERE.

HYDRATION

HADA LABO SHA Premium Hydrating Lotion

This is in fact a toner, but the texture is denser than a normal water-based toner, so I classify this under essence category. Product contains 5 types of hyaluronic acids! If you are a true blue HA fan, look no further - this is a perfect product for you. And I personally witnessed the immense hydration effect from its first usage. After 30 minutes, you can perpetually see the glow on the face. And over long-term use, skin no longer feels dry and looks healthy & plumped. The only complaint I have is, as with many HADA LABO products, my skin tend to develop a few tiny, micro-sized bumps during use...which go away after I stopped using the product. So I could be sensitive to this brand, I don't know. But the hydration effects are immediate and breathtaking!

SU:M 37 Waterfull Timeless Pore Essence

Another hydrating essence, this is a luxury treat for the skin and senses. Just look at the beautiful blue packaging! Very easy to apply and instant absorption, although it is less fluid & more "jellish" than normal essences. The citrus oceanus scent is a bonus. With bamboo sap as its key ingredient, and other Korean medicinal herbs as secondary ingredients, I am amazed it smells as good as it works. My skin calms down so much whenever I use this.

Available in Tangs Vivo City 1 June, and Tangs Orchard 21 July.

ACNE CARE

V10 Plus Vitamin C Serum

Lightweight and feels like an essence, this Vitamin C serum improves inflammatory pimples, size of pores and even helps a little on post acne marks. Since it is so lightweight, I usually layer another serum on top of this.

Available at various spas and salons. View store locations HERE.

OVERALL SKIN HEALTH

SU:M 37 Secret Essence

Lovers of natural fermentation products, listen up! This is a cult favorite under the Korean luxury skincare category. I say, not many other brands in Korean does traditional fermentation like SU:M 37. The "37" signifies 37 degrees - the optimal fermentation temperature. (Yaaas! Says the expert!) Fermentation products are best suited for dry skin, but I'd say this particular essence is good for most skin types and for anyone who wants to strengthen and improve overall skin texture; plus it's supposed to be good for sensitive skin too (well, that I cannot be certain).

Available in Tangs Vivo City from 1 June, and Tangs Orchard from 21 July.

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SERUMS

Just like essences and pre-serums, different serums target different skin concerns. They are usually heavier and should be used daily. For folks with sensitive skin, I usually tell them "less is more". Try to use only one serum at a time (especially you are already pairing it with another essence), and avoid layering serums not from the same range...there may be conflicts between incompatible ingredients or excessive amount of a certain repeated ingredient. So do read labels carefully before layering!

MY RECOMMENDATIONS

HYDRATION

Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster

With just 11 ingredients, and one of  them Vichy Thermal Spring water! Sometimes simplicity is the best for sensitive skin. This one is meant to be a booster, meaning, a first-step serum in your skincare regime which makes it a officially a pre-serum. But I can't bring myself to categorise this as such, because the texture is really tacky. Upon first application, you will feel the stickiness on your palms...but luckily, stickiness doesn't last long. After product gets massaged into skin, what's left is just smooth, moisturized, calm skin. It serves to also strengthen skin barrier and protect from environmental pollutants. My above bottle is from a press kit, so actual packaging is not like that. It should look like below instead:

Available in Singapore drugstores mid June.

ACNE CARE

Dr Wu Daily Renewal Serum with Mandelic Acid

This is not just for acne-prone skin, but for anyone who wishes to renew their skin pronto.

"The gentle formula combines Three Acids in the perfect 5:2:1 Golden Ratio of Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Pyruvic Acid to penetrate deeper and faster for immediate skin regeneration! This breakthrough mild formula targets all epidermal layers with precision to eliminate skin troubles in one simple step — say bye-bye to acne, blackheads, enlarged pores and rough dullness!" 

I used it for a week, and I totally agreed to its claims. Furthermore, knowing that this is formulated by a world-renowned clinical professor of National Taiwan University Hospital somehow feels so reassuring. 

ANTI-AGING

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Seriously, whoever hasn't heard or tried this classic before might have just lived under the rock for a bloody long time. Haha!

ANR is the serum I go back to faithfully, again and again, time after time. I first tried it when I was 18, then went back to it when I was 25, now again when I am over 30. I believe it suits a wide age group and all skin types. Basically,  this is THE SERUM you buy at any age when you feel like pampering yourself. Guess what, you won't be disappointed!

Mamonde First Energy Firming Boosting Serum 

Mamonde is targeted at more for the late teens to late twenties age group, so this firming serum is not oily & not too rich, which makes it a perfect candidate for combination skin type. Lightweight and absorbs fast - it is an excellent moisturising serum as well. Skin gradually feel healthier and firmer after a few weeks of use.

Mamonde is available at Tangs VivoCity from June onwards.

OVERALL SKIN HEALTH

V10 Plus Pycnogenol Serum

It's alright, I don't know how to pronounce 'Pycnogenol' either. But guess what? This serum is DA BOMB for me! Out of the 10 serums & essences I mentioned, if I can only bring one along to a deserted island, this is IT for me! 

If you research more on the key ingredient which we can't pronounce, you will be mindblown. It is used for so many various health disorders (some are rather uncommon), you wonder what it can actually do for your skin? Well, take it from me... THIS CAN DO LOADS. It produces unspeakable results such as brightening, turning your skin tone from dull to rosier, more glowy, intense hydration, calming redness & inflammation, etc. etc. This serum is meant to fortify your existing skincare regime but being the high performer it is, I say it can be used alone too. Both ways gave me excellent results. However, when I combined with The Body Shop Drops of Light, my skin's natural pink glow the next morning is guaranteed no matter how little sleep I had the night prior.


Available at various spas and salons. View store locations HERE.

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P.S: Although I have already stated clearly under my DISCLOSURE PAGE, I still want to reiterate that even though products are sponsored, my opinions presented in this blog post are HONEST and TRANSPARENT. I truly enjoy using these products on my own skin, and if I have to, I will repurchase them (maybe except for the Vichy and Hada Labo ones mentioned above). 

Feel free to hit me with any questions about the products. Are there any serums you think I should know about? Give me some recommendations!

Review of The Body Shop Drops Of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Eye Cream and Pure Healthy Brightening Serum

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Following the success of the highly-raved Drops of Youth™  range, The Body Shop introduces Drops of Light ™  skincare range for users looking for fairer & more radiant skin. This March, there has been a new addition of Pure Healthy Brightening Eye Cream to the Drops of Light™  skincare line.

Drops of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Range  has multi- functions to support healthy skin and is formulated to suit all skin types, even sensitive skin. Combining the natural goodness of Red Algae Extract harvested from the North Atlantic, plus the power of Vitamin C - one of the most potent skin antioxidants, this range of products targets sensitive skin that needs help in brightening and moisture. 

I tested out the Drops Of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Eye Cream and Pure Healthy Brightening Serum for a week and am now pleased to share my results.

I usually do not review skin care products which I tested on my skin for less than 2 weeks, simply because results don't show. But guess what, I was totally surprised by the results of  The Body Shop ™  this time round...

Drops Of Light Pure Healthy Brightening Eye Cream 

15ml - $36.90

This is supposed to be a quick-fix eye care essential that visibly brightens the area around the eyes after first use. Fitted with a cooling metal applicator, it helps to massage & stimulate blood circulation around eyes, resulting in reduced puffiness and fresher-look skin.

As pictured, the cream is nude-coloured and contains subtle reflective pigments, thus the ability to instantly brightens eye contours upon application. With continued application, it promises to brighten eye area and possibly reduce dark eye circles/eye bags.

MY THOUGHTS

Its distinctive nutty scent took me some getting used to. Apart from this fact, I enjoyed my twice-a-day application of this eye cream due to its cooling applicator - making the experience fuss-free, comforting and pampering. The texture is lightweight and non-greasy.

RESULTS: Although I don't see any visible difference upon first usage, the brightening effects become rather apparent after just 3 days! I felt I look less tired (even though I was completely stressed out & exhausted these days) and my dark circles seemed to appear less serious than normal days.

Moisturizing factor was okay - just enough for day use. I layer with another eye serum at nights for an added boost of hydration (when I am diligent. Haha!).

PRODUCT RATING:

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Drops Of Light Pure Healthy Brightening Serum 

30ml - $43.90

Infused with Red Algae Extract, Vitamin C, minerals & nutrients, this face serum has been tested on 59 Asian women over a span of 4 weeks, and results were quite promising. In the 85th percentile of women reported healthy brightness, more even tone, pure translucency, minimized appearance of pores and increased suppleness. The serum is also clinically tested to significantly reduce the number and intensity of dark spots.

 

Fitted with a dropper, 2-3 drops is potent enough for the entire face & neck. 

MY THOUGHTS

Drops Of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Serum has a watery consistency and it absorbs into skin speedily, leaving no residue or any form of tackiness. The scent is much more palatable than the eye cream, in my opinion. I love the serum's light floral scent - it reminds me of roses although the product do not contain roses. 

2-3 drops almost didn't feel sufficient due to its super absorption power and also since it is so fluid. That being said, the actual results were astonishing! My skin immediately feels more hydrated & looks more luminous after the first use!

Below shows how my skin were like some weeks back; and how my skin changes after using Drops of Light Range™ for 7 days.

(Both pics taken under same daylight conditions; with the same sunscreen on and no other base makeup.)

RESULTS: More even-toned facial skin, decreased intensity of pigments in sun spots, smoother & more plumped, healthy luminosity with less yellowness.

I really adore this product. Totally did not expect an affordable serum like this can actually work.

 

PRODUCT RATING: 

The Body Shop's Drops of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Range also includes:

*NEW* Pure Healthy Brightening Eye Cream 15ml - $36.90

Pure Healthy Brightening Serum 30ml - $43.90

Pure Healthy Brightening Day Cream 50ml - $39.90

Clarifying Foam Wash 125ml - $24.90

Pure Translucency Essence Lotion 160ml - $32.90

 

For more information on The Body Shop Drops Of Light™  Skincare range, visit: http://www.thebodyshop.com.sg

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Thank you lovelies for reading this! Have you tried anything from The Body Shop Drops Of Light™ range? Shared with me if you have~! Would love to hear from you. Meanwhile, take care and stay sparkly!!

Review of Lafine Vegetable Deep Cleansing Cream

Editorial

The current market has no lack of oil makeup removers and makeup cleansing water. However, in comparison, there isn't as wide a range of cleansing cream available.

For sensitive or dry skin, makeup removing can be a nightmare if one does not use the right makeup remover. In fact, for anyone who uses makeup, the first utmost important step to good skin is makeup removing!

When I saw that in the August '16 Beauty Box, there appeared a jar of Deep Cleansing Cream, my curiosity was piqued immediately. BNT always sends amazing K-Beauty products that are not-as-accessible in Singapore as of now; this time round, it is no exception.

How to Use

MY THOUGHTS

Skincare products made from natural ingredients always hit right up my alley. Especially since this one seems so healthy with its vegetable-based ingredients: extracts from cucumber, carrot, water parsley, tomato and parsley. Another bonus is it doesn't smell too botanical or herbal. It smells & feels refreshing, non-greasy and cleans makeup amazingly well* (just gotta follow the above pictorial instructions!). 

In addition, after rinsing-off, skin feels soft and comfortable even before toning & moisturising.

Disclaimer: I haven't tried long enough to see if this can clog pores or causes breakouts, like how some of my other oil makeup removers did to my skin. Do note that it contains mineral oil as well as an ingredient named 'ethylhexyl palmitate', which according to COSDNA, has a high rating of 4/5 for comodegenic ingredients.

*cleans even the most waterproof makeup 

Rating:

 
PRICE: 17 000 won

Check out Bntnews for Korean news and trends!

 

Eliminating Stress with Spa Ceylon De-Stress Home Spa range

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"I am so stressed!" I am sure everyone has said that at some point in time, or have heard of people around you saying that. In a fast-paced society like Singapore, stress is inevitable. But stress is also the causal factor for a lot of illnesses.

How do you beat stress? For me, there are a few tested-and-proven methods to combat the stresses of life. First is to exercise, second is to chill out over a good cuppa with good company/good friends, and lastly go for massage and enjoy some good ol' aromatherapy.

Recently I have been invited to the Healing Touch at Tanglin Shopping Centre for a massage therapy session - a collaboration with Spa Ceylon De-Stress range. That night I could sleep like a baby after losing sleep for many days...all thanks to the masseuse,  Anne's magic touch.

I also brought the spa back home!

Or so I wished.

 Spa Ceylon De-Stress Home Spa range

So glad I bagged home this set plus a brightening hand cream!

Originating from Sri Lanka, Spa Ceylon is the world’s leading luxury Ayurveda brand with nearly 50 years of expertise in the field of natural health and beauty products. Awards-winner Spa Ceylon has launched its all new, most high-performing premium De-Stress range of health and wellness products which are designed to help ease stress and still the mind, thus promoting natural harmony and chakra balance.

This De-Stress range's lead ingredient is precious Frankincense, which is proven to be calming, pacifying and revitalising. 

The range is also infused with soothing Sandalwood, refreshing Tangerine and Kaffir Lime to promote clarity, and fresh organic Aloe Vera to cool and soothe the body system. The range is also enriched with powerful Ayurveda herbs, and features the traditional Dashamula formula fortified with potent extracts of 10 medicinal goods.

 Spa Ceylon De-Stress Home Spa Set (SGD 76.50)

The home spa gift set I took home is a miniature version. The full-sized range includes the following products and are available for sale separately:

1. De-Stress Relaxing Body Cleanser (250ml) - SGD34.90
2. De-Stress Calming Body Elixir (250ml) - SGD39.90
3. De-Stress Calming Body Massage Serum (100ml) - SGD39.90
4. De-Stress Harmonising Essence Mist (100ml) - SGD39.90
5. De-Stress Harmonising Balm (25g) - SGD19.90 
6. De-Stress  Harmonising Balm Roll-on (10ml) - SGD19.90
7. 
   

   De-Stress  Dashamula Body Treatment Oil (100ml) - SGD29.90
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Swatches

   
   

    De-Stress Relaxing Body Cleanser (60ml)

This foaming body cleanser is the first step to your home spa experience! Non-oily, non-drying, smooth clear texture that smells oh-so-dive divine and preps the skin for the upcoming goodness.

De-Stress Cleansing Bar (35g)

For frequent travellers who prefer convenient soap bars in place of cleanser, this is for you. The effects on skin are similar to those of the body cleanser. But for me, I'll pick the cleanser anytime.

De-Stress Calming Body Elixir (250ml)

 

Don't be confused by the name "elixir". This is just like a body cream that you apply to all over the body to hydrate and moisturise your skin. I like this one as it feels lightweight and doesn't leave an oily film behind.

De-Stress Calming Body Massage Serum (100ml)

Body serum isn't quite the same as face serum. Do not layer this beneath a body cream like we do with face serums. I feel this is a tad sticky and heavy, but fortunately it is to be wash off after 1 hour. Function-wise, although it seems to be quite repetitive to the Body Elixir as both are moisturiser products; but this is used in a massage on hands & body, and needs to be rinsed off. 

De-Stress Dashamula Body Treatment Oil (100ml)  

This is a massage oil for the scalp and body - it works best when warmed up. Honestly, I did not use this at home on my scalp nor on my whole body. I only tested it on my arms and washed off thereafter. I think for this one, you need someone to massage your body to enjoy its full effect. That being said, I do enjoy its scent a lot as I did for the other products in the same range. The massage I had at Healing Touch used this Body Treatment Oil on my whole body and I think it's pretty good.

De-Stress Harmonizing Essence Mist and De-Stress Harmonizing Balm

 

These two are by far my MOST favourites of the lot, and I felt they were the most user-friendly pieces too! They are convenient to bring along to travel, especially the balm - you can slip in into your handbag daily, and dab a little under your nose or on your temples whenever you feel tensed up and need some relief. I have been spritzing the essence mist every night on my pillows and bed and even in my bathroom! No only it does wonders for helping me relax, I felt my sleep quality improve greatly too!

OVERALL THOUGHTS & RATING: 

Since the base notes of this range are Frankincense and Sandalwood, (and not something as appealing/commonplace as lavender) this can go either way - you will adore it or you will dislike it. For me, I am initially not a fan of both ingredients - I find their scents more 'masculine'. But after using the essence mist for 2 days, the acquired scent gradually grew on me. This De-Stress range fulfilled its primary function - to destress, to relax... and in turn, that helps me sleep better. Anything that helps a insomniac sleep naturally is as precious as a diamond.

On top of that, knowing that the ingredients are natural, and free of silicones, paraben, paraffin and alcohol puts one's mind at ease too. On a personal level, I am happy that they are environmentally friendly, not tested on animals and 100% vegetarian.

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The Spa Ceylon boutique is located at Wisma Atria #01-43.

For more information on Spa Ceylon, please go to http://sg.spaceylon.com/sg/ or their Facebook page.