Review: Essential CC Oil & Night Care Milk

Hi Ladies! Have you ever feel so depressed whenever you have to consult your hairstylist either on hair rebonding/perming, dyeing and even heat styling for special occasions?

I've been there, done that: We are changing our hairstyles (condition) to look more gorgeous as usual. We just want to look better.

Most of us understand the side effects of the 3 main culprits mentioned above. However, do you know that there are other external environment factors and some of our daily habits which also put stress on your hair and impact its health and appearance???

Fun facts about the 5 hair stresses (Thanks Samplestore for the stress balls!)

1. Blow-drying: The process of blow-drying removes moisture from the hair, both outside and inside - leaving hair dry, brittle and susceptible for further damage

2. Combing: Combing through wet hair causes great hair damage as the hair follicle is at the most fragile state. Likewise, the friction caused by coming through dry hair can form hair knots which makes hair prone to unnecessary breakage.

3. Split Ends: The ends of your hair are the oldest and driest parts. When the protective hair cuticle is destroyed at the end of the hair, the hair splits into 2 or more parts.

4. Hair Breakage: Besides daily heat styling, blow drying and brushing, other seemingly harmless actions like tying your hair into a tight ponytail or twirling your hair with your fingers exert excessive stress on your hair, resulting in hair breakage.

5. Dryness: Exposure to the sun, wind or even air-conditioning can result in hair dryness. The hair cuticle that protects the hair is weakened and is unable to retain moisture within the cuticles of the hair.

I've highlighted those important points in bold! It didn't come to my realization that twirling my hair with my fingers exert excessive stress on my hair :\ 

Poor hair~

Essential relaunches its Leave On Treatment range with the brand new CC oil and Night care milk. 

Go away Cruel Combing brother!!!

CC Oil to the rescue! CC: Cuticle Care

Not only it assists to protect our hair from the 5 stress factors explained above, but also leaves us with astonishing, less tangles and manageable hair (!!!). Also, the cuticle coat protection leaves hair smooth & tangle free all day as it contains hair supplement oil, similar to hair's natural oil.

This is what I mean by MANAGEABLE CONDITION.

(Taken after applying CC Oil)

This may not be the tip-top condition for some of you, but it is considered above average for my typical hair condition okay! I feel as though the 5 hair stresses applies to my condition!

To be applied in the morning and can be reapplied any time of the day

Previously, I also had a review on Essential Sleeping Hair Mask here and I've thoroughly mention about the definition of Pillow Friction.

To me, Pillow Friction is the main cause of your supposingly 'bad hair day'.

As we are asleep, tossing and turning causes hair to rub against the pillow, creating friction and this causes the hair cuticles to open up unevenly, causing hair to be rough, frizzy or prone to tangles. As a result of pillow damage, misaligned cuticles creates frizz - resulting in the fabulous lion's mane the next morning.

The night care milk (similar to essential's sleeping hair mask) leaves a protective coat around each hair strand and prevent misaligned cuticle when hair rubs against the pillowcase, leaving hair more manageable the next morning.

Taken right after I woke up the next day!

I won't deduce that the Night care milk is a miracle cream saviour, but based on my past few days observation, the condition is definitely more manageable compared to the past and I could spend more time sleeping rather than washing and blow-drying my hair every morning.

P.S. I'm gonna keep this habit of applying the milk every night from now on! :)

Needless to say, I would personally prefer the Night Care Milk if you ask me to choose between these 2 products.

My dyed hair is undeniably stronger ever since I treat them with the CC Oil + Night care milk!

Play Essential's Mane Hero Facebook game and combat the 5 evil hair stress brothers and Pesky Pillow King to win attractive weekly prizes! 

I'm an active player here, see you at the Scoreboard! ^^

https://apps.facebook.com/essentialmanehero/

RTP: $11.90/bottle

Review: Sleeping Beauty #2

Sleeping Beauty... Does this sound familiar? 

Yes! If you are my avid reader since 2013, you would realize that I'm back with the same product which I have been raving about 2 years back. Click here to find out more!

This simply implies that I have been using this product for approximately 1.5 years (Do note that back then I was switching between Hada Labo's Perfect Gel and the Bio-essence Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask), and today I am here with another rhapsodizing post on this Sleeping Beauty Mask.

Same Aqua packaging as before!

FYI, I'm extremely pleased to receive my second bottle from Bio-Essence :)

 (Spot my pink camera)

The usage instructions were modified though

I appreciate the fact that Bio-essence took the extra mile to produce a more detailed directions as it would definitely benefit women who are not familiar to skin-care products. Basically Step 3 indicates that the Bio-essence Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask not only acts as a  typical sleeping mask, but it also substitutes as a moisturizer! *Please bear with me for repeating the same information*

Never say no to multi-functional products as they are very useful when it comes to travelling / staying out of your house; 

(cr: link on picture)

imagine the amount of step A to Z skin care products to carry...

When you could have brought just one...

OK lah I know I'm exaggerating, but you get my explanation ;)

If you had a 80g bottle that acts as a Mask and Moisturizer, you would definitely choose this portable bottle rather than carrying a ~50g moisturizer and a few sheets of mask right! Talk about spacing efficiency.

"Do multi-functional products work effectively as compared to specialized ones then?"

Allow me to start with the technical terms first.

The Aqua Droplet Sleeping Mask combats 4 common skin problems:

• Brightens dull & tired skin
• Regulates oil & moisture level
• Moisturizes dry & rough skin
• Refines enlarges pores

Simply form big aqua droplets in 3 seconds!

*I did not spray water onto my hand*

The Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask is specially formulated with Bio Aqua Crystals technology which ensures excellent hydrating benefits. This technology forms a protective shield over the hydrating ingredients to prevent moisture loss before application. Upon application, this shield breaks away and big aqua droplets are formed.

• Fills skin up with abundant moisture & ensure moisture gets lock in instantly for non-stop hydration
• Big aqua droplets are made up of fine molecules which allows nutrients to be easily absorbed into skin
• Easily absorbed into skin, allowing nutrients to be delivered to skin rapidly

To sum up, it replenishes moisture level, nourishes and repairs your skin non-stop while you sleep. Say goodbye to dull and tired skin for a smooth, radiant and supple skin the next morning.

... Are you convinced now? ^^

This is one of my essential skin care items which I can't leave without. The process of application has always been amusing and its lightweight formula wraps the skin with a comfortable hydrating protective layer without leaving a greasy and sticky feel. I am loving this product to date and I'm once again very grateful for the opportunity provided since 2013. Without Bio-essence's sponsorship campaign on Sample Store, I wouldn't have the chance to experience it and knowing such an effective product does exist in the market.

What are you waiting for?

Grab yours today @ Watsons, Guardian, Robinsons, John Little, NTUC Fairprice, CK Department store, OG, Sheng Siong, BHG, Sasa, basically almost everywhere you can find! ^^

Do remember to like their facebook page for exciting promotions and latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/bioessence.sg

RTP: $33.90 / 80g

Review: Biore Micellar Cleansing Water

The prominent makeup remover brand is always Biore, everybody knows how effective their products are. Previously I wrote a review on their Biore 2-in-1 Instant foaming wash & it is so impressive that I bought another bottle at the Watsons' members sale!

A brief information on their new Cleansing water version is that it contains Watery Micellar Technology (effectively dissolves and lifts off all makeup), Natural Mineral Water (gentle and soothing formula), Enriched Collagen & White Tea extract (brighter, softer and suppler skin), Anti-bacteria formula (preventing pimples, breakouts and minimises pores for a clearer & more refined complexion).

To sum the above paragraph into simplified sentences: the 4 main features of the product assists in removing makeup gently while improving your complexion to a higher level without clogging your pores!

Let's put it right into the test after a satisfying celebration with JY:

Before removing any traces of makeup 

Concealer, compact powder, eyebrow pencil, bronzer, blush, subtle lipstick (due to the appetizing buffet), highlighter, mascara and tight-lining my waterline

*Do note that I have no eyeliner*

1. You'll need a cotton pad

2. Pump an appropriate amount onto the cotton pad

3. Simply use the soaked cotton pad to gently wipe off makeup (best part: No rinsing required!!!)

4. Removing every traces on your eye is the most crucial process (IMO)

For eye makeup, place soaked cotton pad and...

Hold for 5 seconds before wiping it in a downwards motion (to get rid of the mascara)

Last but not least, repeat until all makeup is removed & cotton pad is clean.

Extra tip for waterline (my version):

Fold the soaked cotton pad into half & rub it gently on your waterline to remove the makeup traces effectively.

After the product usage (About 4 circular cotton pads are used)

As you can deduce from my scary picture, 98% of the makeup products mentioned earlier has been removed but there are remaining traces on my waterline (I used my personal tip for waterline). I'm using em cosmetics waterliner in chocolate dream. I resorted to the Biore Eye & Lip remover as I believe that a specialize product will do the job more effectively compared to a general product. 

However I must compliment that the Cleansing Water did a superb job by leaving my skin clean and refreshed with no sticky or oily after-feel which is a bonus compared to the Bifesta makeup remover. Although the Bifesta remover mentioned that is a makeup remover cum cleansing - which means it serves the same purpose as Biore 2-in-1 Instant forming wash, the oily-based creates that sticky feeling after using & I felt so insecure to the extent whereby I will use my cleanser eventually...

& I also love the fact that No rinsing is required.

Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin

To conclude this review, the Biore Micellar Cleansing Water is a gentle, non-comedogenic (oil-free) and user-friendly product. I will recommend it to beginners with minimal makeup products, wiping traces of makeup are effortless after a hectic day!

the Biore Micellar Cleansing Water is retailing for S$18.90 and is available in all pharmacies, hypermarkets & supermarkets and major departmental stores, start including a watery-based remover in your skincare collection now!

Review: I Love Yo! All-in-1 Yogurt Cleanser

Samplestore

Do you know?

Yogurt is a powerful natural cleanser. It contains a powerhouse of nutrients that are especially great for the skin. These nutrients are responsible for rejuvenating and promoting healthy skin. As quoted, some benefits of using yogurt include: skin lightening, tightening skin pores, clears acne and wrinkle-free face.

Source: http://healthmunsta.hubpages.com/hub/Yogurt-for-Skin

That being said, I guess I could skip the boring introduction of this product originated from Korea: I Love Yo! All-in-1 Yogurt Cleanser. Yes, I know the product name is pretty unique in a sense.

Aloe flavour (skin moisturizing)

According to this product,

• Claims to remove all makeup in 1 minute
• Non-oily, non-alcoholic organic cleanser
• Creamy formula & extremely gentle on the skin
• Prevents breakouts
• Minimizes skin irritation
• Unclogs blocked pores with makeup
• Soothing sensation after use

I have to admit that their packaging is extremely cute and interesting with green apple fragrance. 

A spatula is included for hygiene purposes

Natural Yogurt cleanser

Scoop the yogurt onto my fingers with the spatula provided

After you're done, you should place your mini spatula like this for storage! So cute

Makeup products on my face: Face primer, tad bit of liquid foundation, eyebrow pencil, bronzer, highlighter and lipstick.

As usual, I took this picture after I'm out for almost 10 hours (~7am to 5pm). From my point of view, it is more appropriate to test any makeup remover products together with your daily routine instead of testing RIGHT after you applied makeup. I mean... ultimately if you decide to stick with this remover product, you should only use after a hectic day, right? :\

Directions: Apply a small amount of Yogurt cleanser onto your face, massage around the face and eye area to remove face and eye makeup. Then rinse off with water.

It feels weird to apply (over) creamy cleanser on my face initially. As instructed, massaging the Yogurt cleanser around the face (exclude eye area for my case as I don't have any eye makeup on) smoothens out the texture more. I left the Yogurt cleanser on my face for ~1 minute before rinsing off as nutrients take some time to be absorbed. 

**After rinsing & wiping**

My skin feels relatively smooth, it removes my makeup products (excluding lip as I'm quite skeptical about lip makeup removers) without leaving any trace but my face feels kinda oily after trying this product. I would personally prefer Biore Uru Uru 2-in-1 foaming wash to this Yogurt cleanser because I can conclude that my skin doesn't react well with this cleanser...

However, this product will be suitable for women who loves applying light makeup on a daily basis and at the same time is looking for skin brightening effects and unclogging of pores problem.

That aside, for those who are interested in this I Love Yo! All-in-1 Yogurt Cleanser, do head down to any Guardian outlets in Singapore soon as this product will only be available for the month of April 2014 only!!!

Thank you for reading! xx

Review: Biore Uru Uru 2-in-1 Instant Foaming Wash

Yes I've been an avid user of Biore products for a while

Ever wish for combining your makeup remover and facial cleanser on days whereby you can't wait to get over the skincare routine? Well, I do, especially after a hectic day and I just want to crash on my bed after changing into my pyjamas!

Lets put it to a test:

After a looooooong day spent with JY, we played Dance central 3 @ St Games followed by a lengthy journey to Changi Airport, reached back around 11pm+.

*clipped up my fringe for a clearer view of my face*

Makeup products used:

• Face powder
• Eyebrow pencil
• Concealer
• Eyeliner
• Pencil Liner
• Mascara
• Blusher
• Lip crayon

160ml

"Uru Uru" means soft & moist skin

As I'm using Biore Marshmallow whip facial wash, I feel so glad to own another foaming wash product! This time, even better because it removes and cleanse at the same time! (I could even save money on Biore makeup remover whipes haha)

Some product information:

1. Convenient & Gentle
2. High cleansing ability
3. Soft, moisturized skin

To summarize, you just require 2-3 pumps to remove light makeup*, dirt & sebum in 1 step, it is 8x denser foam to ensure close contact with the skin and pores with minimal harsh cleansing lotion. 

*Light makeup includes face powder, liquid foundation, BB cream, blusher, eyebrow pencil, lip gloss, UV

I have the tendency of splashing water on my face before applying any facial products. You'll require less product this way and washing will be easier. In other words, the water helps to reduce "friction" caused on your skin. I detest that "friction" feeling. Try applying body foam without wetting your body... that feeling is awful.

2 pumps is more than enough although they recommend 3 pumps!

Instead of rubbing foams on my hand before slapping on my face, I'd prefer spreading evenly (my forehead, nose, cheeks and chin) first, followed by massaging directly.

FYI: How the foam turns out to be after 1 minute...

Eeew

Last but not least, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water & proceed with your usual skincare products i.e. toner, moisturizer, eyecream before heading to bed!

Let's analyze the difference after the 2-in-1 instant foaming wash.

Definitely my face powder & concealer is removed (my pimples are more visible now), eyebrow pencil as well as blusher. 

It removes my lip crayon a little but i'm kinda skeptical towards lip products, I feel that we should use product specialized on lips instead of others. Therefore I shall not include lip crayon because I used a lip remover instead!

All in all, I won't deduce that this Instant foaming wash is a bad one because I understand it is a tedious effort to remove mascara & waterliner. This foaming wash is definitely handy for women (professionals, managers, executives and young mothers) who prefers minimal makeup style!

On lazy days, I'll just slap some sunscreen, eyebrow pencil and lip balm. I feel so wasted to use makeup remover wipes JUST FOR THESE MINIMAL MAKEUP PRODUCTS ON MY FACE. Luckily this 2-in-1 foaming wash came in handy for days like this!

Oh, did I mention that the foam has this rose fragrance? Call me a weirdo but I'm really addicted to the smell! The fragrance is so much better compared to the Marshmallow whip facial wash!

Thank you Biore for inventing facial foam wash! My kiddy side is here again thanks to the foam! Kids love bubbles/foams right...?

Do remember to 'like' SampleStore Facebook & Instagram & 10 lucky people will win Biore Uru Uru 2-in-1 Instant Foaming Wash!

Exclusively sold @ Watsons for $14.90/160ml! Grab yours now~

Thank you all for reading! :D