Luxola - Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care Review

Was happy to receive Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care Regime Set from Luxola recently! Had just been pondering whether to try Clinique products when I was in the US few months ago, cos the prices are slightly cheaper over there. So imagine my excitement in receiving the Clinique skincare set! :)

Clinique partnered with practicing physicians—clinicians—to pioneer the first-ever dermatologist-developed skin care system, Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care Regime: Cleanse with Facial Soap, exfoliate with Clarifying Lotion, moisturize with Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion or Gel. All skins enjoy new transparency, clarity, life from just 3 products, 3 minutes, twice a day.

At Clinique a product is allergy tested 12 times on 600 people; if even one of those 7,200 applications incites an allergic reaction, Clinique will reformulate. All eye products are also ophthalmologist tested.

Read Luxola's e-magazine for more details on Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care Regime Set!

***

Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care Regime Set consist of Facial Soap, Clarifying Lotion, and Moistuizing Lotion.

I have the set for Type 2 skin which is suitable for normal / combination skin types.

Liquid Facial Soap

Use twice a day, morning and night.

The facial soap is light and lathers easily with water. It doesn't feel drying on any part of my skin at all - which is especially important for non-oily areas like below the cheeks, the jaw, neck, area near the lips, and such. My skin doesn't feel tight after cleansing, but still effectively clean and soft to touch as I swipe my finger across. The facial soap has just a very, very, very faint scent, which is acceptable to someone like me who doesn't like scented products.

Clarifying Lotion

Use twice a day, morning and night.

This works like an exfoliating toner lotion, that should be used with a cotton ball / cotton pad and sweeped over face and neck. It has an exfoliating effect per claim, clearing away deep-trapped dirt or dead cell flakes, which makes my skin appear smooth and slightly glowing right after use. This lotion contains alcohol, just to highlight, but it doesn't dry out my skin or irritates it like some products containing alcohol. Skin is still dewy after the Step 1 Cleanser and Step 2 Lotion :) Just take note to avoid the eye area when using the lotion as the eye area is more sensitive. 

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

The final step in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care Regime is this moisture "drink" developed by Clinique's dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for very dry skins, or skins dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the T-zone. With a new complex, this formula aims to strengthen the skin's own moisture barrier by 54%. As more moisture stays in., the skin will feel soft and springy.

I love this lotion the most out of the collection because it makes my skin feels really good. This moisturizing lotion is absorbed rather easily into my skin and smells nice. And, most importantly, I can see how it plumps up my skin (not obvious in photos though no photo comparisons) by keeping it hydrated!

Thanks so much to Luxola again for letting me have the chance to try out Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care Set!

If you're interested to get anything on Luxola, check out using this discount code BLX-OYHZ!
From now till 15 August 2015, enjoy 15% off all first time orders with the code.

(This offer is not valid on non-discountable brands as found in the FAQ page.)

LIN's - Reed Diffuser and Soy Candle Review

Trying out home spa recently to relax and keep calm amidst the busy schedule. Was introduced to LIN's by Chris, an Australian brand looking to bringing nature into urbane settings.

"LIN's seeks to exude the wonders of mother earth with our natural and organic concept into your lifestyle. 

Envisioning the needs of modern living, LIN's embraces a natural and an organic concept that holistically intertwines all your senses, proffering the ultimate sensory adventure and capturing the good from the earth, transforming its beauty into a conglomerate of touches, scents and visuals.

In LIN's, you can assimilate a range of quality skin, body, hair and scented natural products with an organic interpretation of beauty into an everyday routine. Extracted from plants with selective bottling of nature, we deliver gentle, wholesome and delicate products that are the best off our soil."

I was thrilled to try the reed diffuser from LIN's home spa series.

Tilley Lily of the Valley Diffuser

$69.00

http://www.lins.com.sg/product_info.php?products_id=175

The deliciously fresh, green, deep waft of Lily of the Valley makes every bathroom complete.

You would be welcomed with the scent immediately after opening the packaging. It's strong in my opinion, so would suggest using less reeds to begin with and slowly adding on according to your personal preference. But that may be because I'm pretty sensitive to scents in general. If u wan a quick diffuse of the scent, use all the given reeds, and turn them around every 3hours or so :)

Not just that, I had the soy candle as well!

Tilley Lily of the Valley Candle

$55

http://www.lins.com.sg/product_info.php?cPath=26_42&products_id=163

Delicate, fresh and hypnotic, this beautiful lily of the valley candle instantly delights. Made from the finest ingredients with a slow burning lead-free cotton wick, the glowing white frosted glass container adds an elegant ambience to any décor.

This is a lighter version compared to its sister reed diffuser. The glass container looks elegant and would make a nice decor for my new house!

They have bundles promotion which you may want to check it out here!

http://www.lins.com.sg/index.php?cPath=27_57

Tilley Bath Salt + Reed Diffuser is only at $62.16 (UP $88.80)

You may mix and match any scent you want, there are more than 10 scent options available for the diffuser! :)

Besides the website, LIN's has a retail outlet located at United Square.

101 Thomson Rd #B1-70 United Square Singapore 307591

Tel
6254 6009

Operating hours
10.30am to 9.30pm

How do you like these home spa products?
Let me know if you have tried LIN's before, or any diffusers you would like to recommend :)

Coast to Coast Australia Skincare Review

I'm heading to Perth soon! Any recommendations or meetups? :)
So many things had been happening recently that I really need a good break from everything! :(

In the mean time, here's an Australian brand to introduce to you, Coast to Coast!
A brand born during a holiday in Australia when Nicole Chadwick – with husband Nick Chadwick founder of Red Earth – marvelled at our country’s raw, natural beauty. She just wanted to capture the essence of the landscape and its purity … and bottle it!

A passionate believer in the power of native extracts and botanicals, Nicole collaborated with one of Australia’s leading formulators to begin years of trials and research into native Australian ingredients to create a collection of skincare, body and hair care products rich in natural potency and quality that actually work. Today that dream is Coast to Coast.

Drawing on the wisdom of indigenous plant knowledge and combining it with the very best in modern science, Coast to Coast is a range of pure and authentic skin, bath, body and hair care products.

Coast to Coast products deliver optimum results for your skin, body and hair using powerful natural ingredients from our beautiful homeland. It is a product range that embodies the beauty and purity of the Australian landscape.

From Coast to Coast, experience natural solutions to enhance the integrity of your body, mind and spirit.

I received products from the Coastal range which are intended for normal-dry skin, to enable a smoother and more supple complexion.

It was after reading through the description and ingredients contained, I find the functions quite suitable for my skin even though I may not exactly have dry skin per say. Also, the products are of 'ultra gentle' range, gentle enough for sensitive skin and to be used daily. So I was quite inclined to give them a try!

The Coastal Collection has been specially formulated with ultra soothing ingredients collected from the Coastal regions around Australia. Botanicals such as Tasmanian Sea Kelp, Sea Parsley Eucalyptus and Wild Rosella contain anti-oxidant vitamins and skin soothing nutrients to protect against dehydration, UV stress and skin inflammation, making it ideal for after sun care or for those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Fresh tropical notes of Jasmine, Grapefruit, Geranium, Rosewood and Eucalyptus essential oils uplift and refresh to lightly scent the skin.

Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser
$32.00
Wild Rosella & Sea Parsley
http://coasttocoastaustralia.com.sg/product/ultra-gentle-foaming-cleanser/

This delicately fragranced frothy face cleanser caringly removes surface debris & environmental impurities. Botanical extracts of Organic Aloe, Wild Rosella & Native Sea Parsley help to soothe sensitive skin throughout the cleansing process, while Salicylic Acid helps to clear the skin of pore-clogging oils & breakout-causing bacteria. Skin emerges youthfully soft, fresh & clear.

I like how this facial cleanser contains Salicylic Acid which will help with my oily and clogged pores.



Ultra Gentle Facial Polish
$37.00
Wild Rosella & Oatmeal
http://coasttocoastaustralia.com.sg/product/ultra-gentle-facial-polish/



Scrub away dryness & impurities with this foaming face polish containing Australian Oatmeal to gently exfoliate plus Organic Aloe, Wild Rosella & soothing marine extracts to calm sensitive skin throughout the cleansing process. There’s no ouch, just a clearer, smoother & fresher complexion.

I was initially apprehensive about the scrub because it contains oatmeal. My last experience with organic oatmeal scrub didn't turn out well. But this Australian Oatmeal facial scrub has really micro beads, and very fine oatmeal-like granules that aren't harsh on my skin. The overall texture is really gentle and seems great for daily use! Only con is that I find the scent pretty strong.

Here are some awards Coast to Coast Australia had obtained over the years :)



Have you tried Coast to Coast before? Do share with me your experience!

Skinlab The Medical Spa - Salicylic Acid Peel Facial Review

Time flies after the 25-year-old mark, and I realize I really ought to start taking proper care of my skin now. No more leaving makeup overnight or washing my face with only tap water at times :/ To begin with, I needed a thorough deep cleansing of my skin to get rid of all the accumulated gunk in my clogged pores.

Chris was really nice to head down with me to SkinLab The Medical Spa, at Plaza Singapura, for a sponsored facial treatment. 

*credits: http://www.wellnessly.com/

SkinLab The Medical Spa integrates the pampering, attentive yet unobtrusive service of a world-class spa with the most advanced of aesthetics techniques and cosmetic dermatology. In this facility, they create non-invasive, non-surgical, safe and effective beauty solutions to treat mind, body and soul.

The edge that sets SkinLab The Medical Spa apart from others comes not just from the well- researched, latest technological machines that they provide and the top-grade products carried here. It also comes from the in-house tailored treatments and the well-trained therapists and consultants whose knowledge help every individual client find the treatment that will best meet her that will best meet her needs.

***

My experience with SkinLab The Medical Spa started with a consultation session with the manager, Cheryl, and she recommended me the Salicylic Acid Peel Facial due to my uneven skin tone, and those blackheads and tiny bumps on my skin.

 

Salicylic Acid Peel Facial is the new generation facial treatment for improving the appearance of the skin. It is a superior exfoliate that improves the appearance of ageing and sun-damaged skin. Salicylic Acid Peel Facial breaks down the protein bonds between the layers of skin.

For those suffering from acne and oily skin, this peel is a highly effective treatment as it acts as an anti-inflammatory which helps  to immediately reduce the inflammation of the acne. It is oil-soluble and lipophilic so it penetrates sebum filled follicles and helps to unclog pores, loosen and lift out blackheads, even out skin tone, and prevent future outbreaks.

The Salicylic Acid Peel Facial is also effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving overall facial texture because it exfoliates both the skin surface and within pores.

Salicylic Acid Peel Facial blends powerful skin exfoliation with skin soothing actions. It has ultraviolet absorbing properties that help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It can be used more frequently than the other peels without much risk for irritation.

Normal skin cleansing may not be enough to keep your skin clear and bright, but incorporating a Salicylic Acid Peel Facial can help exfoliate the skin and reveal the healthy, new skin underneath.

Salicylic Acid Peel Facial can treat all of the following for nearly all skin tones and textures:
· oily skin
· acne
· blackheads
· whiteheads
· fine lines
· premature ageing
· uneven skin tone

Salicylic Acid Peel Facial gets rid of surplus sebum, bacteria and inflammation from deep inside the pores of the skin. It attacks the systematic core causes of skin problems, specifically acne. It also fights fungus and yeast. Overall it improves skin texture, tone, clearness and quality.

Salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients to combat the cause of facial oil, acne and blemishes, as well as providing an excellent rejuvenation addition and alternative to Glycolic.

***

I was led into a cosy treatment room by the therapist to change into a white robe for the treatment:

1. The therapist started by removing my makeup (had eyeliner on even though I skipped the powders) and did a thorough cleanse of my entire face and neck to prepare the skin for the treatment.

2. As I don’t do facials usually, and my skin may not be accustomed to strong chemicals, the recommended chemical peel was of the lowest concentration of only 10%. There are options of 10%, 20% and 30% strength which will be advised accordingly for each individual.

3. The clear, gelish chemical peel was applied to my skin for 10mins, timed by this a cute old school alarm clock. During the 10-min interval, the therapist constantly checked on my condition as she wanted to take care that the chemical is not too potent for my skin. Throughout, I experienced only very, very slight tingling sensation on my cheeks which wasn’t even itchy enough to make me feel like scratching. So it was all great! I wondered if a chemical peel of higher concentration should have been used instead though!

4. The chemical peel was sponged off and the therapist did extraction of the blackheads and tiny bumps on my face. The skin was pretty much softened after the chemical peel and the whiteheads and blackheads surfaced, making extraction a breeze. No tearing or wincing at all ;) Cold rose toner was constantly applied after each area of extraction was done, to calm the skin and prevent any redness/soreness.

5. The therapist showed me my skin with a mirror after the peel and extraction and I was truly amazed at how much visibly clearer and brighter my skin is. It actually made me slightly embarrassed at how ‘dirty’ my face was when I first stepped into the clinic hurhur.

6. The treatment continued with a hydrating ampoule and face massage which felt so pampering!

7. Not just that, as my skin started to show signs of redness from the extraction, a herbal mask was applied and left on for about 20mins to further calm the skin. Concurrently, I was given a head and shoulder massage which was sooo pleasurable and made me sleepy. Soon the therapist left me to have some eye shut.

8. Finally, after a good rest, the herbal mask was removed and the treatment ended well with a quick shoulder massage again!

All the products used during the treatment are SkinLab’s in-house products, researched and developed by doctors to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here’s a comparison picture of my skin a day before facial; 2 hours after facial; the morning after facial and evening after work (with blusher and loose powder).

 

Again, thank you SkinLab for having me. 

I certainly like my skin after SkinLab’s chemical peel treatment. It is now clearer and brighter overall, with the blackheads on my nose gone and pores on the cheeks unclogged significantly. Best of all, there were no irritation to my skin during the chemical peel.
The therapist also trimmed my messy brows ^^ So my face really looks so much cleaner / groomed than before.

In fact, I'm so impressed with this facial that I feel that I should try out other aesthetic offers they have too. Let me check out other procedures and keep this space updated if I do go for any :)

Each session of Salicylic Acid Peel Facial is at $268. If you like to experience the chemical peel facial yourself, give SkinLab a call now :)

SkinLab The Medical Spa

Plaza Singapura

68 Orchard Road, #03-33

Operating Hours:

Mondays to Fridays 10am - 9.30pm

Weekends and Public Holidays 10am - 8.30pm

Contact

+6563361106

Website

http://skinlabmedspa.com 

Other branches:

#04-04 Wheelock Place Tel: 6235 3246

#03-33 Plaza Singapura Tel: 6336 1106 #B1-62

Jurong Point Tel: 6316 2556 / 6316 2246

Facebook: SkinLab Medical Spa

Instagram: SkinLabSG 

DOM© Gel (Deep Ocean Mineral Gel) Review

I don't usually do a lot of exercises or gym, but I try to maintain some workout for my body by attending weekly dance sessions on the weekends. As a result, I always end up with an achy and tired body on Mondays (hurhur) and have to carry around a bottle of pain reliever liquid (and having one bottle in office for that even) to soothe my aching muscle, torturing everyone around me with the strong smell of it each time.

When Herine introduced me DOM© Gel (Deep Ocean Mineral Gel) that can be used as a self-application or massage gel, to relieve muscle aches, cramps and pains., AND also helps to maintain proper muscle function (great for sports person!) and calm overactive nerves, I was elated!

DOM© Gel is a macro mineral and botanical approach to muscle relief by using transdermal delivery system; a method of delivering nutrients to the body through the skin, the largest organ of the body. DOM© Gel is formulated with the highest concentration of ionized Deep Ocean Minerals (DOM) concentrate to be used as a selfapplication or massage gel, to relieve muscle aches, cramps and pains. It also helps to maintain proper muscle function and calm overactive nerves. We added Butcher’s Broom, Centella and English Marigold. Butcher’s Broom and Centella help to reduce inflammation, edema and varicose veins while English Marigold reduces muscle spasms.

Protected 2,200 feet (662 meters) deep in the Pacific Ocean off Hua Lien Coast, the mineral rich deep seawater is kept pure and unpolluted. Deep Ocean Mineral Gel is made at the source, using only the cleanest and naturally mineral rich water. We believe that only the freshest ingredients can produce a product of the highest quality.

Some key ingredients and benefits:

- Ionized DOM Concentrate (Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Chloride and Magnesium Sulphate): Reduce symptoms from conditions such as chronic muscle aches, pains and tension.

- Butcher’s Broom: Helps to reduce edema, water retention and muscle fatigue.

- Centella: Eases inflammation, improves micro circulation and appearance varicose veins.

- English Marigold: Soothes inflammation and reduce muscle spasms.

- Panthenol: A provitamin of B5, helps to smooth and hydrate the skin.

In its gelled form, DOM© Gel’s unique formulation provides excellent results in massages that involve tissue manipulation, such as deep tissue massage, tui na, sports massage, trigger point therapy, shiatsu and reflexology.

Compared to traditional massage gels, creams and oils, Deep Ocean Mineral Gel delivers exceptional performance in achieving the desired outcome. It can also be used at home as a topical gel. Just apply the desired amount and rub into the localized area thoroughly. Repeat application a few times a day on the areas that need more attention.
It comes in a size handy enough to pop into your gym /sports bag.

 

As DOM© Gel is designed to stay on the skin, it may feel a little oily on the skin. This is attributed to the deep ocean minerals when dissolved in water at high concentrations. Personally, I find it more convenient to use it only when I'm home cos it's really oily. Herine advised me to apply it sparingly, but I still haven't quite master the art of it lol. However, the gel is so effective that there isn't much need to reapply it throughout the day or outside of home. It works so much better than the previous pain reliever I have, reducing the muscle ache or even almost eliminating the pain within a day. Also, there is no awkward smell at all using this gel. I would strongly recommend this to any athletes and sportsmen, dancers, yoga fans etc.

  

DOM© Gel is a product of Meditrina and is available online www.meditrina.com.sg and in all Meditrina authorized beauty salons.

It retails at SGD$48.00

If you're getting it online, simply register as a member and make your purchase here http://www.meditrina.com.sg/detail.php?ProductID=1005

Delivery within Singapore is free. What's more, for every $10 spent,  you'll accumulate 1 point for a $1 rebate for your next purchase!

More information on Meditrina 

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

Instagram: @meditrina_sg

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

GoBuyLah - Your one-stop shopping site, with discount code!

I was introduced to a relatively new shopping website recently and thought it's a pretty innovative all-in-one site for our shopping necessities.

"Gobuylah.sg was created with YOU in mind. We know that much like us, your day-to-day life is usually full to the brim with work, family, and other personal activities. We understand that your TIME is precious and your MONEY hard-earned. That is why our main goal has always been to help you save time and get more value for your money so that you are able to maximize each day of your life!

Shopping for household items and the like is often a tiresome chore, and going online shopping is often a daunting task. But with Gobuylah.sg, we bring back together the pleasure in shopping and the convenience in online transactions!"

"Gobuylah.sg is the first online store in Singapore that combines the B2C and C2C markets into one solid platform. Whether you’re looking for the perfect product or selling the perfect product, we’ve got the right avenue for you! We also have one of the widest range of home appliances in an online store based in Singapore. Finally, we offer “Personalized Order Schedules” that make sure you get your products when you need it at the right time!

From daily household items and office supplies to special delicacies, trust that Gobuylah.sg has it all!"

Check out the list of sub-sections below:

There are even further sub-sections eg:
Home & Living > Home Appliances > Wine Cooler

 Now let us check out the 'Beauty and Health'. From the first few pages, we can see popular korean beauty brands (which may not even be available in Singapore stores) such as 3CE, and IOPE ^^

Other than beauty products, there are also personal care to have a good foundation for beauty :)

I think we're mostly familiar with shopping online for beauty finds and fashion.
How about an ONLINE mama shop? ;)

I carted some snacks to replenish my colleague's "mama shop" immediately.
This is so funnily apt as we were just started a private joke on her desk being the mama shop of our department only last week.

Tissue packs (and in my favourite design ♥) for sharing food and also the cleaning-up that follows.



Not only Gobuylah has such a huge variety of items available, they also have discounts under the Hot Deals tab.

You've really got to check out the website yourself to know how WIDE the variety is!

It would be good if there is a 'sort' function to sort according to brand names A-Z, or price high - low, or sold qty high - low. That way, it can allow consumers with more specific objectives to find their items more quickly.

For now, we can use the sub-sections to do some filtering.

As I'm always buying beauty products and fashion wear online, this time round, I decided to be slightly more adventurous and shop for home appliances instead.

Gobuylah.sg has free delivery by the way, saves me the trouble of lugging appliances home if I were to shop at B&M stores!

Since I'm not done with my home renovation concept yet, decided to buy something of smaller scale first so that nothing would go wrong with the purchase, hee.

Carted an electric kettle from Bosch cos I prefer an electric kettle more than a stove (whistling) type. 

Chose this also because of the established branding, and it was cheaper than buying directly from Bosch website!

Only $95 (before GST) on Gobuylah.sg.

$119 if you were to buy it from the original website.

List of things I ended up buying ^.^"

Free delivery! Yay!

Not only does Gobuylah.sg have a wide variety of items, hot deals, and free delivery, the service level was pretty pleasant as well.
I received a response from the Gobuylah.sg coordinator almost immediately after I checked out the items, informing me that one of the items that requires longer waiting time due to some reasons which he clearly explained in the email. Thumbs up for that!
Overall, it's been an pleasant experience!

I shall update this post again once I've received the items completely :)

Here’s the code for you to enjoy the additional $5 off besides the usual $5 when you sign up as GoBuyLah member.
Valid till 16 Aug 2015.

Simply key in: OYHZ05 at the bottom left corner of the cart-out page.



Now, go buy lah :p