Tuesday 13 April 2010

My Guerlain Ombre Eclat 4 Couleurs "Collection"

Apologies: I used to put prices as a service for those who wanted to know, but I no longer do it. ^__^ Wanted to give you something new and nicer to look at, (rather than my ugly skin in my previous post!) so here's a picture-intensive post. :D I tried out Guerlain last year, starting with the Meteorites, then later their eyeshadow and other base makeup. I loved all their makeup products, but especially became hooked on the soft texture, sheer but buildable pigment and classy colour combinations of Guerlain's Ombre Eclat 4 Couleurs eyeshadow palettes. They are very work-friendly yet also able to create interesting, striking eye looks. The palettes quickly multiplied into this bunch that you see in this post today. I love using them on a daily basis. I've purchased every one of these at a discount but I confess I'd be willing to part with my money for the limited edition palettes at full price if need be. Recently, I picked up one of their blush as well. I really enjoy Guerlain's beautifiul packaging as well as the quality of the products. I'll just leave you with the photos. Hope you enjoy them. :D
Perles Des Mers 405 (Ltd); Paradis Exotique 404 (Ltd)
Violette Du Soir 461; Rose Boise 460
Bal De Minuit 407 (Ltd)
Bronze Dore 481
Jeu D'Ombrelles 408 (Ltd); Cherry Blossom 07 Blush Eclat (Ltd)
Cherry Blossom 07 Blush Eclat (Ltd)
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Sunday 11 April 2010

Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Apologies: I used to put prices as a service for those who wanted to know, but I no longer do it. ^__^ Thanks to Neutrogena for giving me this chance to try the products. It's time to give a review of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost products, after about 1 week's usage. Overall, I found the products to be very comfortable to use. When applied, the products give a sense of high water content and moisturisation. There is no oiliness or stickiness; everything is absorbed quickly upon application. However, I did not like the very strong clinical scent. Some people have mentioned it smells flowery, but I personally can't place the smell. I also found my skin felt very dry if I don't use my usual moisturiser and the cleanser felt abit too strong. Further, after about 4-5 days of use, I found my skin became bumpy and my pores became very clogged up, even in areas like my cheeks where I normally don't have a clogged-pore problem. :( This is strange because my skin felt dry yet clogged! And I normally use heavier products, but those have not clogged my pores. :( At first, I thought it's because I've eaten too much sugar and dairy but after I stopped using the products, my skin returned to normal, even when I continued eating sugary and dairy stuff. I've not tried the mask yet. Here are photos of my skin, after use of each product. Again, photos have not been processed. Bare skin, after cleansing with Hydro Boost Mousse Cleanser. The clear cleanser liquid pumps out into a mousse form. About 1-2 pumps is more than sufficient for cleansing off oil and dirt, however it is not a makeup remover. It leaves a light oily film after rinsing but after drying off, I find my skin feeling tight and dry. You can see my clogged and dry pores!!!!!!!! T_T This is after application of the Hydro Boost Clear Lotion. Perhaps this is one of my favourite items from the range. It does not sting and provides a quick boost of hydration. You can see my skin is more hydrated after using it. The Hydro Boost Essence, I applied after the lotion, which is my usual procedure for most essences. It feels light and absorbs quickly. However, I did not feel it boosted hydration alot and I generally felt that 1 pump was not really hydrating enough. After application of the Hydro Boost Water Gel. Very strange, does my skin appear to get progressively drier in the photos? It's not a wrong sequence. I was careful. Ok, finally, when I used the products, I felt like alot of hydration was absorbed into my skin when I applied the products, so that is very good. But I was shocked at the photos. They proved my skin became drier and clogged. The products also did not leave a layer of protection that I'm used to with my other products. Also overall, the oilier parts of my face fared better than the drier parts of my face. Hence, I conclude that this set of products is better for people with oilier skin. If you'd like to try these products, here are the prices provided from Neutrogena. I did a search on other reviews and the products did receive good reviews from other people, so I do think it really depends on your skin. Perhaps mine is too dry and sensitive.
• Hydro Boost Mousse Cleanser - $15.80
• Hydro Boost Clear Lotion - $13.50
• Hydro Boost Water Gel - $20.90
• Hydro Boost Essence - $16.90
• Hydro Boost Mask - $31.50
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Friday 2 April 2010

Preview: Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Apologies: I used to put prices as a service for those who wanted to know, but I no longer do it. ^__^ Hyaluronic Acid is one of the wonder-ingredients in many skincare and cosmetic products, and it is one of the key ingredients in Neutrogena's Hydro Boost range of skincare products.
"Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a substance that attaches to collagen and elastin to form cartilage. HA not only helps keep the cartilage that cushions joints strong and flexible, but also helps increase supplies of joint-lubricating synovial fluid. Hyaluronic acid is present in every tissue of the body, and it performs many important functions. It helps deliver nutrients to and carry toxins from cells that do not have a blood supply, such as those found in cartilage; without adequate amounts of HA, the joints will become brittle and deteriorate. Not only does it keep joints lubricated, but hyaluronic acid also encourages water retention in other bodily tissues. Hyaluronic acid is gaining popularity in the cosmetic and medical industries. Cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid claim to hydrate the skin, allowing it to appear smoother and more radiant. Clinical studies have shown that it also helps wounds heal more quickly, and can reduce the appearance of both old and new scars. Injectible hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane, are being to lessen the appearance of lines, sagging and depressions in the skin caused by acne scars or injury. "
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost range of products promises to deliver an intensive hydration boost with its innovative Progressive Release System that not only releases moisture steadily into the skin for continuous all-day hydration but also addresses the root causes of inner skin dryness. Combining advanced hydrating elements that replenishes and repairs skin from within, Hydro Boost promises to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the environment. It has a unique formulation containing highly-purified hyaluronic acid which absorbs up to 1,000 times its weight in water and releases it into skin steadily over time, and olive extract derived from highly purified olive oil, which effectively rebuilds skin's natural moisture shield, preventing moisture loss. It is dermatologist tested, with an oil-free and non-comedogenic formulation that promises instant absorbsion into the skin and hydrate with a non-greasy feel. The Hydro Boost range of products includes Hydro Boost Mousse Cleanser, Hydro Boost Clear Lotion, Hydro Boost Essence, Hydro Boost Water Gel and Hydro Boost Mask. I have been sent a set of the entire range of Neutrogena Hydro Boost products and will be trying them over the next few days. Currently this is my clean, unmade-up skin, photo is un-touched and shows my pores and freckles (ugh) in their full "glory". This photo was taken last night, right after cleansing and before my skincare regimen, ie. bare skin with no creams/lotions on it. My skin is on the dry side, aging (so ok, I'm a couple of years shy of 40, so it's inevitable) and very fragile/sensitive/hyper-reactive. My current skincare regimen includes face wash, lotion, serums and creams from Kanebo Impress, Impress IC and Skinceuticals. I will halt use of my personal products, with the exception of my whitening serums (which the Hydro Boost collection does not have). I will also continue using Shu Uemura cleansing oil which is my current makeup remover (oh this reminds me I should do a post on the cleansing oils that I bought). I will be reviewing each of the products and providing more information in detail over the next few days and will post photos of the status of my skin as I use the products. Hope you enjoy this "experimental" new way of reviewing products, which I hope provides a more structured and "scientific" review process. © Copyright. All rights reserved.