Akaran Essential Water Gel Review

With my love for Japanese products, I'm here to review the latest all-in-1 gel from an non-advertising Japanese brand, Akaran.

If you don't have time for personal grooming, or simply lazy like me to maintain a proper skincare regime, please try this all-in-1 essential gel immediately to save your skin!

As the name suggests, this all-in-1 gel is an essential water gel that will meet all your skincare needs! Just imagine your toner, lotion, serum, moisturizer and facial mask all in one, it’s that convenient. 

 

It is colourless and pretty odourless (just a very very light scent), and is said to be gentle enough for all skin types. As mentioned above, it works to replace all different type of skincare - helping to tone, moisturise, repair and sooth our skin all at one go. One of the more impactful effect I've noticed to my skin is that it is more moisturised and the tone is more evened out the following day of using this all-in-1 water gel.

 

For those who are into reading the ingredients of the product, this gel contains 3 types of hyaluronic acid, 2 types of collagen, Botanical ceramide, and Fucoidan. 

I've learnt that Botanical ceramide (Citrus Junos Fruit Extract) is extracted from plants and they replenish the original ceramides (lipids) found in our skin barrier which are lost during the aging process. Critical for retaining moisture and minimising environmental exposure, they will improve our cellular turnover to enhance skin elasticity and plumpness.

Fucoidan (Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract) on the other hand, is an unique marine ingredient that has anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory qualities. It stimulates collagen production, inhibits the activity of radical

enzymes that age skin, reduces tissue damage, and increases cell proliferation. 

Akaran essential water gel does not contain any oil, this means there is also an absence of surface-active agents which are commonly used to mix water and oil in skincare and bodycare products. Surface-active agents can potentially accelerate the

loss of moisture and hinder the barrier function of our epidermis. Extremely mild on the skin, akaran essential water gel is

free of 8 additives commonly found in commercial cosmetics and skincare that are potentially harmful for the skin in

the long term: Parabens; Silicons; Ethanol; Mineral oil; Oils; Colour dyes; Fragrances; Surface-active agents.

 

Akaran essential water gel retails at $55 for 120g at all Sasa stores if you're interested to try it out! :*

bSoul Physiological Normalization Kit Review - with discount code!

Following my review on bSoul Hydra Lip, I had the honour to try out the Physiological Normalization Kit. Discount code is available at the end of the post if you're interested in trying it out!

The Physiological Normalization Kit contains:

1. Hydra-Milk Cleanser  (100ml), $48

2. Hydra-Face Scrub 3Action (100ml), $138

3. Redness Sinergy (30ml), $138

4. Hydra-Comfort Cream (50ml), $110

Once again, for those who have not read my previous post, here's the background of bSoul:

"bSoul is the first eco-friendly phytoceutical cosmetic line rich in certified active principles. From nature, the performance of a natural but ingredient-rich line, which gives the best to the skin, while respecting the skin and the environment: both of them are a heritage to protect. This is the reason behind the decision to exclude the use of parabens, silicones, petrolatum, paraffin, SLES and of course no testing on animals.

bSoul skin care is truly certified by ICEA (Environmental and Ethical Certification Institute) and well received in Italy. 

bSoul does not use non-bio-compatible substances, plastics and silicones on our skin as bSoul thinks that skin improvement should be true and not an illusion caused by paraffin, acrylics and silicones. These last ingredients, even if combines with excellent activities will interfere with our natural moistening properties and disrupt the ability of our skin to self-regenerate and self-protect. bSoul skincare are made with formulas that are easy on the environment and, as a result, on us human beings."

The skin, like any other organs in the body has a restorative, normalization and reactivation time given by physiological rhythms and modalities imposed by nature.

Our physiological normalization is suitable for sensitive skin, oily, dry, acne-prone skin and many more other types of skins. bSoul acts with its unique physiological normalization, when a skin manifests a blemish, it will cause an alternation of the skin barrier, therefore bSoul products are formulated to restore balance and radiance to every skin type!

bSoul is a new way of skin care, it encourages the skin to start working in a right, physiological way and for some people, they may experience some discomfort in the beginning. This could be signs that their skin was working in a wrong way. Especially for those who have tried many types of synthetic skin care and cosmetics before, and have a complicated skin history, their skin will need a longer time to stabilize.

When using bsoul products, it would be advisable to use only this range. If possible, and for best results, do not even use other brands of makeup remover and even sunblock as they interfere with the skin’s innate ability to self-regenerate and self-protect. 

The product I love most from this Physiological Normalization Kit is the Hydra-Face Scrub 3Action which happened to be the winning product of Women's Weekly Beauty Buys 2015 too!

The scrub which aims to normalize cell turnover and restore skin lipids works to cleanse my skin really thoroughly, yet gently at the same time. I also like the soothing and moisturizing effect it has due to the jojoba element in it, instead of drying out my skin like most other scrubs do.

And the next best bottle of goodness is the Redness Sinergy, a serum with a very high functional ingredients concentration suitable for redness and fragile skin. It stimulates the skin’s defense mechanism against oxidative stress. Great for reducing the lines on my neck and I like how the serum is absorbed rather quickly after massaging it in.

The Hydra-Milk Cleanser is a cleansing emulsion with argan oil, rosa moschata,extracts of rosemary, sage, thyme and natural surfactants. Not only it acts as a makeup remover, you can also share it with your man for his shaving ;) 

The Hydra-Comfort Cream is a soft and pleasant cream with a delicate and natural fragrance that immediately restores hydration, strengthening the skin’s defences against external agents and preventing skin aging while providing comfort, radiance and softness. It has effective antioxidant action and is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive and delicate.

It is recommended that during the initial period of normalization, only natural make-up should be used as not to interfere with the treatment. I don't use much makeup, except eyeliners, so it didn't affect me much for my daily routine.

bSOul products are available online www.meditrina.com.sg and in all Meditrina authorized beauty salons.

http://www.meditrina.com.sg/detail.php?ProductID=982

Enjoy 10% discount off the bSoul Normalisation Set with “BSHuiZi10%”, valid till 30 Aug 2015. 

More information on Meditrina 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/meditrina.singapore

Instagram: @meditrina_sg

Blog: http://meditrinabeauty.blogspot.sg/

Swensen’s Mothers' Day Heart of Youth Cake - With Giveaway!

Ladies no longer need much persuasion to eat cakes with this unique creation by Swensen's!

The Heart of Youth cake is a symbol of love that not only tastes decadent with its winning flavor blend of Vanilla with Chocolate Fudge chunks, for it comes infused with a healthy dose of Marine Collagen as well. But, don't worry! It didn't taste anything "fishy" at all :)
This natural supplement is renowned worldwide for its myriad of anti-aging benefits. Collagen makes up one-third of proteins in the body, and functions to upkeep healthy skin and strong bones through active regeneration.

 

Thus, this Mother’s Day, send love and a cherished ode to your mother’s health with Swensen’s Heart of Youth cake infused with Marine Collagen.

Beautifully encased in pink piping jelly with a pearl cream outline, the heart-shaped cake comes complete with a delicate adornment of intricate sugar flowers and a white chocolate crown as a perfect symbolic creation of affection for your beloved mother. As collagen production decreases with age, the Heart of Youth cake keeps your mom’s woes at bay as she tucks into the saccharine invention that boasts innate anti-ageing goodness.



Heart of Youth is priced at $51 (excluding GST) and no advanced ordering is required. Available at all Swensen’s and Earle Swensen’s outlets from 23rd April to 10th May 2015 (while stocks last).


GIVEAWAY! :)

Win a Heart of Youth cake (worth $51) simply by doing the following:

1. Follow @SwensensSingapore on Instagram.

2. Follow @OYHZ on Instagram and tag 2 friends with your email address in a comment on any of the Heart of Youth cake photo.

Giveaway is open to all Singapore residents, until 3 May, 23:59 (Singapore time). Winner will be contacted via email soon after.

Good luck and have a happy Mothers' Day! :)

Alfero Artisan Gelato – Singapore

Alfero Artisan Gelato – Singapore

6 Raffles Boulevard 02-226A/B 

Marina Square Singapore 039594. 

Tel: 

+65 6338 5828

Opening Hours: 

Monday to Sunday 12:00 to 22:00

Cafes have been popping up all over Singapore in recent years; but we all have heard a number of cafes closing down at the same time – due to lack of flavor (both the food and concept). Setting up a F&B business is never easy, what’s more with required constant efforts in maintaining the fundamental gist of the business – the food. Nonetheless, as much as competitive is still tough, Alfero Artisan Gelato proved itself with quality gelato and steadfastly expanding over these years. Other than that, gelato is also much less sinful than their ice-cream counterpart!

Alfero Artisan Gelato believes that everyone deserves to enjoy a great Italian gelato made as it should be. 

“This is not just a business, but also a lifestyle philosophy - offering and rediscovering the taste of authentic Italian products such as gelato, without sacrificing quality. Alfero Artisan Gelato conforms to a philosophy based on taste and an unforgettable customer experience. We consider that "what we put inside our body" is far more important of what some people think, and that taste and quality matters!”

Ex-colleagues and I used to pop by their gelato outlet at Marina Square for a convenient lunchtime perk-me-up ;) However, we usually have the common safe choices such as mango or lime flavours. The recent tasting session (with Mia, Finaldust, Hazel and Janel) allowed us to indulge in more flavours and also got to know Marco Alfero, the originator of the gelato from Italy. We hear stories of how he became “localized”, coming in touch with ingredients in one of their rawest forms (read, Gula Melaka cubes?) to formulate new gelato flavours and met him personally relishing his own creation in the cafe with his family and friends on that weekend. When a chef appreciates his own food so much, you can be sure he had placed his 100% in cooking it – and this applies the same to a gelato artiste.

“Alfero Artisan Gelato aims to bring to Singapore the real experience of homemade Italian gelato produced with the best quality of imported ingredients and freshness and taste guaranteed. It is designed and catered to the market with a whole unique taste of authentic Italian products with quality assured.”

*credits Molly-Mia

The 11 flavours from top right, in clockwise direction:

(Cup-left) Bacio, (Cup-right) Dark Chocolate, (Cup-back) Yuzu, (Cup-front) Strawberry Milk, (Cup-left) Walnut, (Cup-right) Pistachio, Mango, Durian, Avocado, Passionfruit, Lemon.

My personal favourite out of the lot is still mango ;) There is not even a microscopic hint of any artificial mango flavourings unlike most other mango ice-creams or gelato. I also enjoyed other fruit flavours for alike reasons i.e. the durian, avocado, and yuzu. The tangy zest of the yuzu refreshes your mood instantly.

If you’re looking for something more “filling”, try the durian or avocado which is denser, smoother and more velvety in texture. The durian one actually contains real fruit flesh! Again, no trace of artificial flavourings at all. 

If you would prefer something over the sorbets, try the Bianco! It is chocolate with hazelnuts – similar to other gelato brands’ “Tartufo” or “Ferrero Rocher” flavour. That should be an easy choice to make for the kids especially. For adults, you will not go wrong with pistachio is you would like a more unique flavour. The pistachio gelato is so surprisingly fragrant that the few of us finished that flavour very soon!

Chendol Gelato Waffles

This innovative flavour is specially created by Marco Alfero to cater to the locals. The gelato only has a slight hint of Chendol, which personally I would have prefer it to be stronger. The waffle is pretty soft and fluffy.

Brownie with Snow White Gelato

One of the perfect food combination in the world - brownie with ice-cream.

Snow White is Alfero's milk flavoured gelato and its smooth, velvety texture complements the dry, crumbly brownie flawlessly.

For those looking for afternoon tea, Alfero Artisan Gelato also offers a small selection of coffees and teas. Do check out the menu or enquire with the staff when you’re there :)

❤ ❤ ❤ 

bSoul Hydra Lip review

So, I managed to try an amazing lip product recently - bSoul Hydra Lip - with special thanks to Herine for this sponsorship from Meditrina! :)

I was half-curious and half-skeptical while reading Mia’s review some time back and decided that I really ought to try it for myself after she insisted that “it’s very different!” haha ;)

If you’re new to the bSoul products like me, here’s a brief introduction to the brand:

"bSoul is the first eco-friendly phytoceutical cosmetic line rich in certified active principles. From nature, the performance of a natural but ingredient-rich line, which gives the best to the skin, while respecting the skin and the environment: both of them are a heritage to protect. This is the reason behind the decision to exclude the use of parabens, silicones, petrolatum, paraffin, SLES and of course no testing on animals.
bSoul skin care is truly certified by ICEA (Environmental and Ethical Certification Institute) and well received in Italy. "

***

I don’t have severe issues with my lips usually, perhaps just a little chapped once in a while when I travel to a cold country or feel "heaty". However, I will welcome a good lip balm any time to prevent problems from occurring at all, especially the high risk of excessive drying due to prolong time spent in the air-conditioned environment (I work, shop, exercise and sleep all under air-conditioning).

The problem with the usual lip balms is that they form a synthetic film over the surface of the lips, causing us to think that our lips are properly moisturized? Such ingredients do not work any further than just the surface and may even cause our own body and skin to forget to function by itself! Otherwise, the lip balm will stay as a protective layer until your next meal or tea, or until you just decided to eat it up to get rid of that oily or waxy feeling over your lips.

On the other hand, the bSoul Hydra Lip is a lip cream that gets absorbed in almost in less than a minute! No more problems with ingesting your lip care product or having oily lips even in the early morning.

How to use?

Simply put on a sparing amount on both lips and rub them lightly against each other like you would do when putting on lipsticks, and viola! The cream is absorbed and your lips get moisturised in an instant.

1. Before the application

2. Immediately after the application

3. Massaging the cream into the lips

4. 1 minute after the application

I didn't find flakes coming off as the cream is massaged into my lips. Probably cos like I've mentioned, I don't usually use lip colour that contains synthetic ingredients or silicon. If you do, worry not to find your lips flaking as it is simply getting rid of the "dead skin cells" caused by the artificial ingredients of your lip products.

However, if you're sharp, there's a red sore-like bump on my lips due to my body being heaty recently. I circled it in step 1 picture for your convenience. This red "sore" actually disappeared after I applied the lip cream. Amazing. It actually calmed down the sore, probably due to the active ingredients used? Or the moisturizing effect of the product simply aided it.

For those who put on lipstick on a daily basis, this lip cream preps your lips well and reduces any waiting time before the lip colour. Hence, great news if you’re looking to shorten your preparation time before heading out every day.

Even for those who do not use lip colour like me, this lip cream moisturizes and reveals the natural nude pink tone of your lips, completing your makeup almost instantaneously.

It definitely served me well for my dinner recently :)

bSoul Hydra-Lip retails at SGD$52 on Meditrina website.

Key HuiZi10% for 10% off your Hydra-Lip purchase. Meaning you can get it at only SGD$46.80! :)

For online members, every $10 spent accumulates 1 credit point. Every 1 credit point offset $1 off  future purchases!

***

Visit bSoul Singapore Facebook page HERE.

For more products endorsed by Meditrina, click HERE.

Korean Skin Care - Skinwecare SG

Haven't been blogging much except the advertorials due because of my busier-than-usual schedule. If you wanna know more of my day-to-day activities, you can view it on Instagram @OYHZ :)

2015 had been certainly different from other years.

Q1 saw me travelling to the furthest country I've ever been step foot on - the U.S.

Spent the first CNY without much preparations unlike past years, simply because I was too tired from many things. But still managed to enjoy CNY pretty much!

Had a performance at the Istana on CNY day 2 and met with Mr President and the lovely First Lady.

Also the first CNY where M and I went visiting as Fiancé/Fiancée :`)

And we just had our pre-wedding photoshoot done earlier this month in one of his favourite cities!

Hmm, now that I look back, it seems like a somewhat satisfying quarter :) Then, there are still more to come, I truly pray to pull them off successfully!

***

Alright, before I digress further, let me know get back to what I started out for this post - my korean skin care supplies!

Many friends know I am an avid fan of Japanese brand-name, Shiseido - I have been using various products from Shiseido since 18 years old and am still using currently!

However, with the Korean wave on-going in recent years, I couldn’t help but be tempted to try skin care from a few of the big Korean skin care brands every now and then. I still stick to Shiseido for my basic cleanser and serum, but with further add-ons in the regime from Korean brands such as Laneige, InnisFree, TheFaceShop, and so on.

Some of my regularly used Korean skin care products are these!

One of my must-use sleeping mask is from Laniege. Water Sleeping Pack.

Laneige came up with an upgraded version last year which has an additional benefit to it – firming effects! Not only that, after an advertorial for TheFaceShop last year, I was hooked onto their natura sun eco sunscreen! On top of it, I also love TFS white seed exfoliating wash which is gentle yet effective still as a daily scrub.

Not in the picture are InnisFree super jeju volcanic pore clay mask and Skinfood black sugar scrub which I use periodically too!

Another reason why I started purchasing Korean skin care products is because I have the chance to get them at prices much cheaper than retail stores, and some even cheaper than buying from Korea retailers!

Curious to know where? It's none other than Skinwecare SG!

I have been purchasing my Korean skin care supplies from Skinwecare SG since two years back in 2013 (I paid for all my usual skin care alright ^^) and I would like to emphasize that not only their prices are far lower than retail pricing, the service given had been impeccable. 

They provide meetup services for purchases above $50, and also door-step deliveries for bulk orders. So if you would like the convenience, gather some like-minded female colleagues to place orders together and Skinwecare SG can make deliveries to your offices! :)

Skinwecare SG focuses more on popular brand-name Laneige. Check out the website for their latest Laneige product prices:

(Price updated on 22 Feb 2015)

Basic Care Series 

Power essence skin refiner: $31

Power Essential Skin Refiner Light: $31

Power Essential Skin Refiner Sensitive: $31

Balancing Emulsion (moisture): $33

Balancing Emulsion (sensitive): $33

Water Bank EX Series

Water bank Double Gel Soothing Mask: $30

Water bank essence EX: $46

Water bank gel cream EX: $40

Water Bank Moisture cream EX: $40

Water Bank Eye Gel EX: $38

White Plus Renew Series

White Plus Renew Original Essence: $50

White Plus Renew Eye Cream: $41

White Plus Renew Purifying Mask:$35

White Plus Renew Bubble Cleanser:$28

White Plus Renew Skin Refiner: $32

White Plus Renew Emulsion:$34

White Plus Renew Skin Night cream: $43

Perfect Renew Series

Perfect Renew Skin Refiner: $38

Perfect Renew Emulsion: $41

Perfect Renew Essence: $60

Perfect Renew Night Treatment: $63

Perfect Renew Cream: $59

Perfect Renew Firming Eye Cream:$50

Time freeze Series

Time Freeze Essence: $62

Time Freeze Wrinkle Filler:$48

Pore Care Series

Pore Tightening Essence: $39

Pore Clearing Essence: $30

Pore Deep Clearing Foam: $20

Pore Minimizing Pack: $26

Blackhead melting gel:$28

Black Head Pore strips 10 sheets:$13

Trouble Care Series

Trouble Relief Toner:$30

Trouble Relief Cream:$38

Trouble Spot Gel:$30

Mask Series

Water Sleeping Pack: $28

Multi Berry Yogurt Repair Pack:$28

Multi Berry Yogurt Repair Gel:$26

Firming Sleeping Pack: $33

Cleansing series

Fresh Laneige Brightening Cleansing Oil:$39

Laneige Pore Perfect Cleansing Oil:$39

Lip & Eye Remover ( water-proof ):$20

Multi Cleanser:$26

Foaming Cleanser:$22

Other products 

Whitening BB cushion SPF 50 with Extra Refill: $37

Pore control cushion SPF 50 with Extra Refill:$37

If you're interested in any other brands like I do, feel free to email them at skinwecaresg@gmail.com or simply text/whatsapp +65 93289542 for quotes :) You can be assured of very competitive pricing for the products you are looking at because Skinwecare SG gets their supplies directly from suppliers in Korea.

Recently, they have brought in a new range of masks supplies from LEADERS and very generously given me a few boxes to try!

I'm pretty sure many of us had heard of LEADERS Insolution masks which was all the rave back in year 2012. 

Now, 2 years later, LEADERS came up with a new product line called LEADERS Mediu. I had been trying out the masks for the past few months and even brought them along on my U.S. work trip and recent pre-wedding photoshoot holiday. And in summary, these masks have been keeping my skin great in those cold, winter weathers!

There are 5 different mask functions available and I try to use masks of different functions on a rotational basis as follows:

 Clearing -> Pore-tighting -> Calming -> Moisture -> Lifting

Each box includes 10 pieces of masks and each sheet of mask contains 25ml of essence in it.

To use, simply follow the 3 steps:

1) After cleansing and toning, remove the plastic covering from the back of the mask and fit mask onto the face.

2) Let the mask absorb for approximately 15-20 minutes and remove.

3) After removing the mask, pat the remaining essence with your fingertips to help it absorb into the skin.

After trying all five types of masks, I can safely conclude the following:

- The masks are safe for sensitive skin like mine

- All five types of masks are very hydrating, helping with overall dull and lack-lustre skin tone

- Fit of the sheet mask is slightly above average, it doesn't fit completely, but important parts of the face are covered (T zones, sides of nose, cheeks and chin)

- My favourite out of the lot gotta be the clearing mask because they kept my pimples away during high-stress periods, especially right before the pre-wedding photoshoot!

***

In addition, I've also gotten HERA Hyaluronic filler ampoule sample set.

Can't wait to set aside a week or so to try out the samples consecutively!

I'm also interested in Sulwhasoo after seeing some reviews and raves on this brand. Does anyone have any recommendations on which product I should start off with? Snowise Brightening Serum? Ginseng Renewing Essential Oil?

Will greatly appreciate any advices!

Then, that will be the next item I order from Skinwecare SG ;)

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