3 Step Skincare by Clinique

After I have been using the Clinique 3 Step Skincare for around 2 week +, I think it should around be the right time for me to sum up my experience.


Step 1

They say, "The first step in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System. All the benefits of Clinique's dermatologist-developed Facial Soap in a liquid formula. Cleanses without stripping protective lipids. Preps skin for the exfoliating action of Clarifying Lotion. Convenient pump dispenses just the right amount"


I say, this is really gentle, my skin wasn't dry at all these 2 weeks. Smell wise, quite typical soap smell, nothing fancy. The only down fall is that no matter how I use it, I cannot generate bubbles at all (please tell me how if you are die hard fan of this) and this is basic the only down fall that I hate, as I really like bubbles 8_8




Step 2

They say "Step 2 in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System-and the difference-maker for great skin. Gentle exfoliating lotion developed by Clinique's dermatologists de-flakes to reveal clearer skin. Smooths the way for moisture. Formulas for oilier skin help sweep away oil, maintain clearer skin."


I say, as all toners, I don't always see points that are very special, but I think their downfall can be spot out very easily. This is so-so as the main downfall is that the alcohol smell is quite strong (which I heard about this before in other blogs) and there's nothing much I want to mention particularlly. =.= Also, I finished the toner before the other 2, so I think this should be larger size compare with the other 2.


Step 3

They say "Skin's moisture "drink". Helps replenish lost moisture. Skin looks fresher and healthier. Leaves no residue. Safe to use around eye area. Comforts and smoothes the skin."


I say, this is the one I like most out of these 3 and I can see why this is heard most out of everything from Clinique. This is really moisturise my skin and can be absorb quite easily.  It smoothes my skin and I quite like this. The only downfall is that I found it quite difficult to spread, so I need a little bit more than I need to spread around.


Conclusion


I can see why this series has been around for these years, but I don't think I will buy them again other than the moisturising lotion as I am not quite a fan of the cleanser and toner.


Anyway, they are on ofter at the moment. It is only £10 for a travel size set and can be bought at Boots.


Score


Cleanser 60/100
Toner 55/100
Lotion 65/100 


So what do you think?


Kyanvi.

Nivea Skincare for Normal and Combination Skin

When I was packing things into my wash bag, just found these 2 samples that I have tried and forgotten. Although my skin is more normal to dry, this is still suitable for me when I was in Cornwall last April as it was quite sunny and hot, so my skin is slightly greaser than usual.

For the wash gel, it claims 'To keep normal and combination skin fresh & supple all day long, its natural moisture balance should be respected even during cleansing.'  and I agreed with that. It just give the skin a gentle wash without drying up the skin and I personally prefer gel form face wash.


For the day cream, it claims ' NIVEA VISAGE MOISTURISING DAY CREAM is a light, fast absorbing formula that supports the natural moisture balance of normal and combination skin' and I am also agreed with that. haha. It is light weighted, easy to spread and I have to mention their scents, the smell of lotus, i think, as it claims to have lotus extract, is really my taste. I don't like strong scents, but sometimes I just like some floral, citrus-y scent.
Also it is good for a day cream to have a UV filter as it helps protect the skin from environmental influences.  


They are less than £4 each and available at Boots and Superdrugs and other supermarkets.


Score 75/100


So what do you think of them?

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

The reason that I start to use DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is that my mum uses this at home, so when I start to put make up on, quite obviously that I will end up using this. The concept of cleansing oil start from Shu Uemura, but then, the price tag was quite high in HK, unless you buy this in Taiwan around 10 years ago (my source for this is my mum, a housewife, who carefully compare the prices). So when DHC launched in HK, my mum bought this to have a try out and I think we have already used at least 5 bottles in total (since I have used almost 2 bottle and got 1 bottle in the cupboard in UK)

So did I tried the other cleansing oil?

Yes, actually... 

I tried Shu Uemura's white recovery brightening cleansing oil when my mum brought a small sample when she visited my place in London last year and I tired Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Oil sample that came with a Taiwan magazine that I bought in HK airport.

Compare with these 2, I like the texture of DHC more as it is less viscous, which is easier for me to 'rub' around my face to remove the makeup. Also, I found that DHC is more 'powerful' as the make up can be removed very easily while the others, I need more time to work on. Furthermore, Neutrogena one irritates my eyes, so I don't think I will purchase that at all, but do note that, even it is the same product, I am not sure the formula will be the same or not, as it depends on the manufacturing origin. (I said that as since I have home here in UK and home in HK, or my relatives' place in the States, even if it's the same brand, same product, e.g. Pantene shampoo, they are different depends on where you purchased @.@) 

Also, one thing that I will rate the product is the packaging. I have samples for these 3 cleansing oil, I like DHC packaging the best. This is because the bottle is a stretched oval shape which is much easier to handle when you have one palm full of oil. Of course, Shu's design is not bad too, for their cleansing oil, there're lots of choices depends on your skin type/ need. However, the packaging of Neutrogena is the worst, as it simple come in a bottle and a screw cap, nothing else, (I am not sure what's the word that is called for the plastic cap that has a hole to control the liquid, so that it come out drop by drop @.@ please tell me if you know what I meant, thanks), so I just accidently pour out 1/2 of the bottle into the sink as it slipped out of my hand when I used that for the 1st time @.@

Conclusion

I still wonder whether I will repurchase or not, as I am quite tempted to try to make my own cleansing oil that I saw online... Also, I am quite tempted to try Ponds' or Biore's new cleansing oil as I saw the comments in HK forums and that the price is cheaper. (as these are the Japanese editions, seems every multinational company like to produce a set of 'western' edition and a 'Japanese/ Asia' edition for the cosmetics/skincare lines) However, other than these uncertainities, I think I am going to continue to use this as a bottle does last me around 1 year even though I used almost every single day. So for £16 (just checked out on DHC official site), it's not a bad price, is it?

Score

80/100

Where to purchase?
For anyone who is not living in Asia (as they have stores in HK, Japan, Taiwan, etc), DHC has their own website in UK and US

DHC UK

DHC US

Kyanvi.

p.s. thanks for everyone that have entered my giveaway, I didn't expect I will have response this quick!

Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Radiance Enhancing Cream Wash

I got this randomly by using Boots £5 off voucher. For me, Olay is not the brand that I love, but I know their products are realiable in a small price. As some people may have remembered, few years ago, there was a trial carried out in the State. The scientist behind that trial have found out that Olay Total Effect, I think, or its other skincare line, beaten other expensive brand on their anti-wrikle effects. Therefore, I always believe that it is a good brand though I am not a fan of it.

Anyway, the reason that I want to review this as I found it suprisingly good. Normally, after using any cleansing products, I need to put face cream on as my skin is so dry and tighten. But for this one, I do not need to apply face cream. even though it is a bad habit for skin. But I still manage to go to sleep and wake up in a good skin condition. (Of coz my skin is kinda dry compare with my normal skin)

According to Olay's website, it can remove makeup as well, maybe I should try someday. Also here's what it suppose to do:

OLAY total effects Radiance Enhancing Cream Wash with exfoliating micro-beads gives you 7-in-1 anti ageing effects for younger, more radiant skin.

• Gently exfoliates to improve skin softness.
• Improves light reflection from the skin surface
• Improves skin smoothness
• Enhances hydration to improve skin elasticity
• Polishes away dry surface skin cells
• Gently removes makeup and everyday impurities
• Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines

[Copied from http://www.olay.co.uk/product-range/total-effects/totaleffects_radiance_enhancing_cream_wash.php]

But I have tested out, it can't even remove a simple Kohl pencil line, so just beware and don't rely on that.

Conclusion

Will I buy this again?
Well, actually, I have already bought a 2nd bottle after I have used this for a week, as for 86p, this is totally a star!

Score
80/100

K.

p.s. Just have a relax weekend at my friend's house... seems everyone need to recharge sometime. Take a break when you need it!

Olay Pore Refining Mouse Cleanser

I think lots of bloggers who live in UK will pop to poundland, 99p shop or other pound shop for a bargain hunt sometimes. As I saw this on a forum last week, I pop into the local poundland and look for this... Although that particular lady did not enjoy this product much as she said this product was not effective on her, I actually think there's no harm if I give it a try. Only a pound, nothing lose. (besides, I checked online, it costs USD$8 to get this in the states, so finally there's something cheaper here~)

The reason that I recommenced ladies to buy this and try is that I love the texture of the mousse. Normally, i use those toothpaste shaped bottle cleaners, it wont give me a foam textures, (unless I use those 'foam-forming' net that I saw some Asian ladies used online).

As a pore refining cleansers, I don't think it works as good as Origin's Modern Friction or Biore Pore Refining Cleasner. But, as a daily cleanser, it works brilliantly. My pores are more refining (compare with my daily olay cleanser) after I used this 3days in a row and my black heads are more 'shown up' after I came out from the shower. Furthermore, my skin wasn't too tight right after cleansing it, I can still stand for an hour before applying toners and creams.

The only 1 problem is that as it is in an aerosol can, I have no idea how long this will last. So I cannot really estimate how worthy this product is. ( But, I have already use more than 10times, so not that $$, yea?)

Conclusion

Worth to try, at least it is different from old toothpaste tube cleaners. Also, its by Olay, one of the brand that I really think worth the money, so if you see it at the price around £1, grab it home, why not?

Score 70/100

K.

p.s. there's a green version, I think its a moisturizing version, or something like that @.@

Biotherm Biosource/ Aquasource Series II

1st Step

Biosource Clarifying Cleansing Gel

Apparently, this is no longer available as Biotherm replaced this with another cleansing foam. But since I am a very slow user, I still got this at home.

(Out of topic, for any bloggers that can read chinese, the beauty guide on elle.com.hk is quite good as it has descriptions on almost every main brand products on there. But not the ones you can find in those Parallel import shops...)

Description

Instantly removes dead cells impurities Visibly helps even out the complexion Provides a in-depth yet thorough exfoliation Promotes brighter, clearer appearance

My opinion

The texture is colouress, pale yellow gel and its very easy to form foam. It is good at removing oil as I use this after using DHC Cleansing Oil, but my skin isnt dry but stays moisturise. So it's my favourite at the moment since the old problem has back...

To be continue...

Kyanvi

Lush Fresher Box!!

Lush!!

They are doing fresher box at the moment, 8 pieces for £10.

1 shampoo bar
1 face cream (trial size)
2 soap
1 body sugar scrub
2 toner (1 vitamin E & 1 vitamin C)
1 face mask

Review of Biore Cleasing wipes & Botanic Cleansing wipes

In the recent post, I bought Botanic Quick Fix Wipes and I said I will do a review on this product. So here it is.


You may thought, hand on, why you stick Biore's wipes instead above??


This is because... the Botanic Quick Fix Cleansing Wipe is NO GOOD.


I am not a wipe person, the one i have only used is Biore Cleansing Oil Sheets, since age 13. I have own around 2 mini packs. They are lovely. By the smell, the tecture of the sheet and the ability of removing makeup. Also, it isn't too expensive. (when i bought it few years ago, don't know the price now)


So whats wrong with this Botanic wipe???Bad points


1. this is not the cheapest one in Boots, a middle price label one.
2. it is very ROUGH.. seems like normal wet wipes are smoother than this!! we wipe this one face, cannot imagine... (i have already use 2 to test on in 2 different days... poor me)
3. it takes me really long to remove my Gosh Velet Eyeliner, which is waterproof.

Good points


1. it claims to be biodegradable, so good for environment-lovers
2. the remover does irritate my eyes.

Conclusion

1.Only try it when its a free gift and it is good for cleaning brushes and our hands after we tried comestic products outside.

2.Also, do try the Biore one if you travel/ live in Asia, I think they only sell this in Asia as it made in Japan. (even the product label is in japanese) They are available in Mannings, Watsons, Sasa, etc.

So, for the Botanic Cleansing Wipes 35/100
                 Biore Cleansing Wipes 65/100


p.s.
looking forward to try out the other 2 that i just bought

No 7 Quick ThinkingSimple Kind to Skin

No 7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes

Just bought the legandary No 7 Quick Thinking wipes. I have read lots of comments on this product, both in english and chinese sites. therefore, for my last £5 off voucher, I get this for only £2.

So I will update and give a quick review when I use it one day. ( as i am not a wipe person =.=)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I didnt know the power of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) until 3years ago when i began to use DHC Cleaning oil to remove my makeup. I was thinking of writing a review about this myself, but yesterday, I saw a blogger, Jojoba, wrote stuff on this, so I asked her to lend me her work and she kindly agreed.

So this is the review on EVOO by Jojoba @ http://mymakeupreviews.blogspot.com/
and this is the page that I found this review: http://mymakeupreviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/skin-carethoughts-extra-virgin-olive.html

[As Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the highest grade of olive oil because it's made from the first pressing of the olives and has the least amount of oleic acid. The lower the acid, the more full flavoured and aromatic the oil is.

In order for an oil to be labeled extra virgin, it must contain less than 1% acidity. Virgin Olive Oil, which is the next category, can have a maximum of 2% acidity. Pure Olive Oil is often produced from inferior oils that have been blended then chemically rectified and deodorized.

I would say that you could use either Extra Virgin or Virgin Olive Oil for skin and hair. Personally, I won't be bothered with Pure Olive Oil, either as a food item or skin/hair care product.

Therefore, when purchasing fine quality olive oil, beware of bargain prices. Purchase olive oil from a reliable source that has a good turnover. Be sure the vendor is properly storing the oils. At home, olive oil should always be stored in dim glass decanters or bottles, never tins, which will impart an undesirable metallic flavour. Keep olive oil unrefrigerated in a cool dark place shielded from direct light. The full flavour of extra virgin olive oil diminishes as it ages, and it should be used within one year of production.

My favourite EVOO is from The Tuscan but countries like Spain also produces very good olive oil. Unless it's used for cooking, I really don't think there is any difference in performance. Therefore, if you don't intend to cook with it, get whatever suits your budget.

Now, allow me to share my EVOO beauty experiences with you...



1. Eye/Face Makeup Remover:

This is properly the best known function of EVOO other than cooking. My first experience with it on my eyes wasn't a happy one because I got cloudy eyes. That irritated my eyes big time and I had quit using it. However, as time went by, it seemed to lose that cloudy effect on my eyes for some unexplained reason and I returned to use it regularly.

However, I prefer using it to remove face than eye makeup. I normally leave my eye makeup to coconut oil deal with and EVOO does the cleaning work on the rest of the face. You would probably ask, "Why don't you just use coconut oil to remove all makeup?" Well, I did try that but it wasn't successful. Coconut oil isn't as runny on my skin and it seems to sink into my skin instead doing its removing makeup job. It also takes a lot more time and more coconut oil to remove face makeup compared to EVOO. Therefore, I use coconut oil to remove eye makeup (as it's more gentle) but EVOO to remove face makeup. It's a lot more efficient this way.

If I am on the move, I'd only bring EVOO for convenience's sake.

I do use an additional facial cleanser after using EVOO as oil alone doesn't help my face squeaky clean. (I am one who believes in double cleansing.) I know many may argue that double cleansing isn't suitable for dry skin (like me) but it's been working for me for many donkey years and I've never had any problems with this method so I am sticking to it.

2. Oil Removes Oil:

As my son has dry and sensitive skin, I always try to stick to natural and simple products at home. And I have taught my son well to use EVOO to prewash paint off his body then follow with Eucerin Sensitive Skin pH5 Washlotion for body and face. There is always a bottle of EVOO by the sink in the bathroom so he can reach for it easily. My son knows the routine and teaches his cousin or friends who come to play with him. :)


3. Moisturizer:

This is a light moisturizer compared to other stuff I use despite its oil form. I use EVOO on my entire body when it is dry. However, I only do this immediately after a shower and toweled dry. The oil is absorbed into the skin quicker this way and my skin feels supple without the greasy feel afterwards. If I just rub it on my dry legs and arms without a shower, the oil seems to stay on the skin instead of sinking into it. Therefore, I prefer using other commercial moisturizers for daytime, if there is a need. EVOO is treated as an "essential oil" for me, a remedy for the night. :)


4. Softens Earwax:

How disgusting!!! I know the title sounds really unappealing but it's the truth! I learned this the hard way too. This happened when my son was 3 and just started swimming lessons. One night, he woke up at midnight crying about his left ear being very painful. My husband and I had to rush him to an ENT friend's house at 1am to see if anything was wrong with his ear! (The medically trained dad checked his ear but couldn't find the problem. The dad was worried an insect might have flown inside so he woke up his good friend as he didn't want to bring his son to a 24-hour clinic. *_*)

As a result, it was because my son had too much earwax built-up. The constant swimming had made some loose and tiny blocks wobbled inside his ear. (OK, please don't gross out...) Therefore, our ENT friend gave us some clear liquid to soften those blocks. (I believe it was some gasoline based liquid but I can't recall the name now.) Then he gave a tiny bottle of olive oil to me. He explained this was the best thing for preventing earwax building up and also the best agent to clean ears with. He said just use a cotton swab to dip into the oil and lightly sweep around inner ears with the oily swab every few days and the ears will not have buildup anymore. He told me that's one of the secret weapons all the ENTs have. (I guess my gastroenterologist husband wasn't trained to clean ears so he never remembered to tell me about it! But he sheepishly whispered to me that this oil is used often in the hospitals. Darn it!)

From then on, I have been using EVOO for this purpose and I dare to say all our ears are quite clean. :) My dad said that he finally could hear better after all these years. OMG! I wonder how much earwax he had in his ears before the EVOO came along. (Shuddered...)


5. Deep Hair Conditioner:

I don't do this often other than when I am on a trip as I normally dislike hotel shampoo and conditioner (especially when they give you those 2-in-1 products.) I will use some olive oil on my hair like the way you'd do with any prewash conditioner. I will massage the oil on my dry, dirty hair for a while before stepping into the shower for a good, deep wash. Be ware of washing the oil off carefully or else you can end up with lumpy unruly hair that may lead you back to the bathroom for another wash! If dealt properly, you will end up with baby soft hair that's so shiny. I know I normally use Coconut Milk Hair Soak to deep condition my hair, but this is the drastic measure for a dire circumstance when I am on the move...] *

*All the paragraphs above belongs to Jojoba @ http://mymakeupreviews.blogspot.com/

p.s. I will write a review on EVOO when I have time, as I am kinda busy atm...