IPSA Refiner Skin Clear-ize Clay

Hi all,

Another IPSA product review, not that I am a loyal fan of this brand, as I do have a habit when I want to try a new skincare brand, I tends to get the whole skincare set (Cleanser, toner, moisturizer, serum, treatment product).

Previously, I have reviewed the IPSA Refiner Massage Gel, and my sister Kitty commented whether it would be too heavy for oily skin. The answer is, it doesn't feel heavy at all on my skin, but if you have oily skin, I do recommend you to try this product that I am going to introduce below:

IPSA Refiner Skin Clear-ize Clay

This is a beautiful clay mask with exfoliating beads, so not only it will absorb the excess oil from your skin, it also help you to remove dead skin cells, blackheads & whiteheads.

The direction from the IPSA website is that you massage this onto cleansed face for 1 minute to removed all dead skin cells, and then leave it on for 5 min as a clay mask.

However, I found massage it straight onto dried skin still a little too harsh on my sensitive skin, so put this on first, leave it for around 10-15 minute. When the mask dried, I splash water onto my face and then massage it as an exfoliator.

It gives my skin fresh and clean feeling but without making them feel tight and dry. Very good!

IPSA Refiner Water Massage

Hi all,

Just been to my 2nd visit of Pier Beauty facial today, it was so relaxing and now my face is so clear and glowing! Today, I ask them to add pearl powder to my treatment (you get 3 pearl powder with 10 session facial purchased) and I do feel it makes my skin appears brighter!

I highly recommend people to at least go to facial at least once a fortnight (or once a month for those who is on the budget) because the way they massage your skin helps blood circulations, it's like giving your skin a nice workout.

Facial can be pricey for some (e.g. myself), so I tend to do my own massage at home from time to time.

Today, I am going to introduce you a massage gel that I've used lately.

IPSA Refiner Water Massage

This massage gel creme is amazing, it's light and it glides on your face like water (probably why they called it water massage?). I usually put a generous amount on cleansed face and massage for about 3 minutes, then you can either tissue it off or rinse it off.

Because I have dry skin, so my skin usually absorb everything after 3 minutes of massaging, hence I don't usually rinse it off, and will apply my moisturiser afterwards.

The result: Hydrated glowing skin! :)

Alice

Cosline Oxygen Drop Foaming Mask

Hi all,

Let me share with you this new mask that I am trying out lately.

Cosline Oxygen Drop Foaming Mask

"Bubble therapy pack, which purifies soiled skin with self-generating oxygen bubbles and deep-cleanses skin-pores."

It comes out as a thick gel, and once it oxidise with air, it forms this very thick creamy foam. It's feels amazing! you can hear the bubbles popping on your face which makes you think that this mask is WORKING! haha....woman like me is so easy to be amazed!

Once the foam gets thick, you can massage it and then rinse it off!

Please don't be alarmed with the following photos! >_<
I look like a snowman!!! hahhahah


Alice

It also claim that this mask can remove dead skin cells, diminish discolouration/pigmentation and also hydrate the skin with a nice healthy glow! (haha...it almost does everything!)

My take on this mask is that, it doesn't really deep cleanse my pores nor it diminish any pigmentation (I only used this mask 3 times), but it does gives my skin a nice healthy glow. At the end of the day, I really enjoy having this thick foam on my face, it's quite fun and it feels really good! haha~

I got this from Sasa.com, I'm sure there are other foaming masks out there as well! ^_^

Alice

Summer!

Hi all,

Summer is finally here! Gosh, I miss the sunshine so much!
To all the lovely girls out there (in NZ), remember to wear sunscreen/or moisturiser with SPF!

My personal favourite sunscreen is Shiseido Face and Body sunblock SPF30! :>
Applying powder is another great way to protect your skin from the harsh sun as well!

Enjoy~

Alice

Review: Pier Beauty Facial

Hi all,

While I still have a vivid memory of the facial I did at Pier Beauty on Saturday, I think it is better for me to upload this post asap!

The treatment that I chose is their standard facial (the cheapest one), I think the name is called De Monte (90 min)? And it goes like this:

1. Cleansing & Exfoliating – she put a cleansing milk/cream on my face, did not do too much of a massage and then wipe it off with tissue. Then she put a scrub on my face and exfoliates my skin. If I was wearing makeup that day, I do not think cleaning my face in less than 15 seconds is going to remove my makeup, so I rate this 5/10.
2. Facial massage – I actually expected an extraction before a facial massage, but I guess that’s the way they do it. The massage was wonderful, very relaxing, and I can feel it improves the circulation of my skin and gave my skin a good work out. She also includes shoulder & scalp massage as well, which is nice. I rate this 8/10.
3. Extraction – She use two piece of tissue between her fingers to extract my blackheads and whiteheads, it hurts much more that other facial where they use the extracting tools (few tears went down my face), but it didn’t leave much of a broken capillaries to my skin, hence I was pretty impress! She then use an ultrasound tools (?) on those areas she worked on, from memory, this tool is to reduce inflammation. I rate this 8/10 as well, coz my nose looks very clear afterwards.
4. Mask – She did not explain what the mask was for, but it feels okay. I rate this 7/10
5. Moisturize – she put eye cream and moisturizer after cleaning the mask off (no serum was used, did not ask me whether I want sunscreen). 7/10

Overall, I rate this facial 7/10. My skin did look very radiant and clear afterwards, but the overall experience was just okay.

Other comment:

Personally, I feel the people who works there can be friendlier. When I got there, I told them I have book for a facial, and then the lady at the reception told me to sit down and wait; there aren’t any smiles or greeting at all! Also, no-one do any skin consultation nor explain what they are doing during the facial.

The lady who did my facial was very polite, but she did not communicate with me at all, e.g. my skin concern, whether I have sensitive skin or what kind of mask is she putting on my skin! For a first time customer like me, I feel the experience was not very, well interactive.

In terms of the 4 criteria I talked before:

1. Breathe – Yes, I can smell her breathe, but it is not horrible and because she does not speak that much, it was okay. 6/10
2. Hands – I don’t think she have long finger nails, at least I cannot feel it poking my face. Her hands are soft and gentle. 8/10
3. Conversation – no conversation, it is good because I can just relax, but I do expect a little information from her as in what she is doing on my face today. 7/10
4. Hard sell – need I say more? She didn’t even talk to me, how can she hard sell? 10/10 haha

The above is only my personal experience, and I am sure different people have different standard in their expectation of facial. Personally, I still think Skin Touch is the best, because everyone who works there are super nice, but never hard sell. I think after I used up my 10 sessions from Pier Beauty, I might go back to Skin Touch. J

Alice

Facial in general

Hi ladies~

I haven’t had a facial for so long! Almost 8 months? I use to go to this little facial place in Meadowland called Skin Touch, but since I’ve moved out to CBD, I have not re-purchased their 10 session package. Anyway, my lovely partner bought me 10 session facial voucher in Pier Beauty Botany, and I have book myself for my first appointment there tomorrow.

I’ve been to Pier Beauty facial ages ago, and I am talking about almost 8 years ago? But I remember my experience there was only average. The main reason that I could think of that puts me off from going back was that all their customer’s bed was lining up in one big area (like a hospital) with no curtains to separate it. YES! So I can actually hear very clearly the lady who is lying next to me, and trust me, when Asian go to facial, it almost like a social event! They all like to talk, and when there aren’t anything to separate all of us in that big area, it almost as loud as if you go to yum cha!

I can stand the noise, coz I found the things that some people talked about quiet interesting! (and because I am such a nosy person as well…haha), but I vividly remember one time, when this old lady (I think she is in her 40s-50s) lying next to me was talking so loud that I turn my head and trying to see what she look like. OMG! She was doing some sort of armpit hair removal, and once I turn my head, her armpit was like right in front of me! YES….I think that was the last day I went there and I remember I did not use up my 10 session voucher.

So hopefully this was history when I go back tomorrow, they must have improve it right? I mean, it was almost 8 years ago!

There are a few things I look for in a facial spa, well other than the facial procedures itself & the product they use:

1. Breathe – this is almost the key thing I take note when I choose my facial therapist, because like I said, most of the time the facial therapist will be talking to you in regards your skin or random things. Having to smell what they have for lunch, coffee or cigarette is so disgusting. Seriously, that really puts me right OFF.
2. Hands – Facial therapist should not have long nails in my opinion. Why? Because they spend almost half an hour massaging your face, having long nails not only may scratch your face, but the bacteria that trapped inside those nails may spread across your skin (especially when they do extraction). Having extremely cold hands is also a no-no.
3. Conversation – Personally, I enjoy my facial session to be nice and quiet. It’s the best time to relax and unwind yourself, therefore, unless the therapist is talking about my skin, I don’t like therapist who talks and talks and just couldn’t stop.
4. Hard sell – I know it is their job to up-sell treatments of products to their client, but over doing it will only pissed me off and puts me off from going again.

These are the main 4 points I can think of, so let's see how much Pier score tomorrow.

Alice

New Skincare Additions

Hi all,

Apologise for my short vanish, "work" have been driving nuts lately! NUTS!!!!

Anyhow, just because I am stressed out, I won't forget to take care of my skin. In fact, washing my face, doing a mask at home has become my relaxing and de-stressing activity! hehe~

I have finished my ipsa foaming cleanser & Botani serum and even though they are brilliant products, I cannot resist to try new things! So, I have replaced these two items with the following: SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser & Lancome High Resolution Collaser-48 Intensive Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum.

My opinion:

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser

My first time trying SK-II product, and to be honest, I am a bit disappointed. It is after all a high-end product, and for all those hype about this brand, this cleanser is just, well, an ordinary cleanser to me! Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad cleanser, it does clean really well but it doesn't leave my skin soft like ipsa cleaning foam does. The texture and smell does reminds me of Shiseido cleanser though.

Lancome High Resolution Collaser-48 Intensive Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum

This is a really rich serum, it comes out almost like a cream, and it feels quite heavy on. It doesn't bother me at all, as I like heavy creams, but for those of you who has oily skin, this may not be ideal. I don't have a serious wrinkle problem, just dry lines around my mouth and under my eyes. I do not feel that this product help diminishing those lines though, again, a little disappointing.

Overall, I rated both of these products 6/10. Not bad, but I do not feel they worth the price.

Next!

I've got myself another eye cream for night time, as the ipsa serum is not as moist enough for my dry, puffy dark under eye area!

Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream

I don't think I have try this long enough to give it a fair review. But I am liking this product at the moment, it does feel really nice and moist after I've applied it. Great for pre-concealer!

Then, let me introduce the sunscreen that I'm using. I should use sunscreen everyday, I used to, but with all the rain and wind and gloomy weather this winter, it just puts me off from putting so much layers on my skin. So, until Summer finally knock on my door, I just apply this when the sun comes to visit me! :)

Dermalogica Oil Free Matte Block SPF20

This is really nice, I won't say it does a lot in mattifying my skin though, it still gives me a nice sheen that other sunblock do to my skin. Foundation stays on for the whole day even if I wear this under it.

Okay, that's it for now! not a very exciting review, but hope this will help.

Alice

Dr. G Hydra Intensive Blemish Balm

Hi everyone,

I need to share with you one of my makeup MUST HAVE! If I can only bring one makeup product with me, this is it!

Dr. G Hydra Intensive Blemish Balm (BB Cream) SPF 30 PA++

Let me list a few great things about this products:

1. Good coverage - can hide my redness, discolouration & blemish (honestly I don't really need a concealer);
2. Dewy finish - look natural on skin and doesn't look cakey at all;
3. Hydrating - keeps my skin hydrated the whole day;
4. Sun protection - don't need to wear sunscreen under this product, hence you won't feel like you put layers of products on (great for summer);
5. Does not break me out;
6. Easy to blend - I usually apply this with my finger and all you need is a pea size amount for the whole face.

This product is available at http://www.sasa.com/ and it is highly rated on the website as well.
Check it out!

Synergie Skin Exfoliating Serum

Hi everyone,

Another serum which I have a lot of requests to do an review on is this Synergie Skin Exfoliating Serum. 

I bought this serum at Erica's Store located in TST Hong Kong. Again, this is another product which I got drawn into after watching her video.

To be honest, I don't think I have use this product long enough to review it, but I can give you my experience with this product so far.

I have used other products with AHA/BHA before (even I have sensitive skin, but like I said, I love to try new things). Some are too strong that it actually make my skin irritate (feels like burning, skin turns red and sensitive), some gives me a glow, and some just doesn't do anything other than making your skin smells like acid.

This exfoliating serum is good, not great, but good. It doesn't irritate my skin, I do feel like it gets rid of dead skin on my face, but to be honest, I don't feel it has improve my blackhead problems. I use this only at night (because product which consist of acid can actually makes your skin prone to sun damage), and I use it on my nose, forehead & chin. 

Overall, this product is fair, but if you are after a product that removes blackheads, I'm afraid this product may disappoint you. I have read a book explaining that blackheads are impossible to get rid of since it is actually a shadow of your pores. Very interesting....

Anyway, here is the link to MiMingMart's website:
Synergie Skin Exfoliating Serum

Alice

Botani Olive Skin Serum

Hi everyone,

I've just finish my first bottle of Botani Olive Skin Serum, and I just want to say I LOVE IT! I think it is one of the best serums that I have ever encounter.

This serum was first introduced to me from Erica Yuen's youtube channel. Although I am always quite skeptical about the products that she reviewed (because she actually sell those products), but I thought I might give this a go! and to my surprise, this serum works beautifully!

I am not a girl who is afraid to use oil products on my face, in fact, I am a girl who loves thick moisturisers, serum, cleansing lotion/cream etc. So the fact that this serum is oil doesn't bother me at all. 

I usually use this at night, after toner and before moisturiser (sometimes I skip moisturiser altogether). I put a few drop on my hand, rub my hand together to warm it up, and then press it onto my face. It instantly gives my skin a healthy glow and then the day after when you wake up, my skin is so soft and supple!!!!

It doesn't break me out at all, but if you have oily skin I suggest you to use less of the product, maybe use 2 drops instead of 3 drops.

Anyway, love love love!!!! 

Here is the link for more details:
Botani Olive Skin Serum

Alice

My Makeup Bag

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I actually have a "makeup bag" inside my bag! the reason for that is because I can't fit everything in that tiny bag, so I end up just stuffing everything in my work bag.

So few weeks ago, I was clearing out my bag as it is getting heavier and heavier! and guess what? I found 4 lipsticks, 3 lip glosses & 3 lip balms! HOW DO THEY GET THERE?
thanks to another bad habit of mine - whenever I go out, I will just throw in a lip product in my bag, coz I CAN"T STAND dry lips!!

But yet, 10 lip products is just too much! so I finally found a little cosmetic bag and try to be more tidy and organise! I mean, it would be quite embarrassing if one day you drop your bag on the ground and then 10 lip sticks fall off your bag right? hahaha

Here is what I have in my current makeup bag:

Back to front, left to right:

- Shiseido Lipstick SL5 (beautiful peach colour with shimmer)

- MAC Dazzleglass "Sugarrimmed" (glittery milky lipgloss)

- Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick "700 Nude Delight" (best nude lipstick ever)

- Kanebo Lavshuca Lip Gloss RD-1 (sheer glittery lipgloss)

- L'Occitane Rosebud Hand Cream

- Clinique eye shadow & blush palette (gift with purchase - great size for makeup bag)

- Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream (can't live without it in winter)

- Smith's Lip Balm "Minted Rose" (great lip balm, very nourishing and last forever)

- Coastal Scents angled travel brush

- RMK Gel Emulsion Compact

Left: Shiseido Lipstick
Right: Rimmel Lipstick

This RMK compact is a beauty! Natural finish and good coverage!


The RMK Gel Emulsion Compact is made with a new emulsion formula which provides the extraordinary difference on the fit, glide and finish to your skin. It creates a fresh translucent veil onto the complexion, immersing your skin in moisture with the skincare ingredients such as Sugar Beet, and letting your skin glow in its flawless, natural dewy finish.



My shade is: 102

My Skincare Routine

There is no loyalty in me when it comes to skincare & makeup! I like to tried different things all the time! there are heaps of products I want to try, sometimes I just wish my face is bigger to use them up more quickly!

Yes, my other bad habit is that I feel really guilty if I can't finish one products before I moved on to the next! so my speed of trying different products is also quite slow!

I've been using the following routine since April this year, it is working really well on my skin, I haven't have pimple for a long time, and my skin is glowing!

Just a little note here, it is winter in New Zealand and I do have dry and flaky skin during winter, so this routine might not be suitable if you have very oily skin!

Majority of the product mentioned below are from a Japanese brand called "ipsa". I bought all the products from Hong Kong, and they will undergo proper skin analysis with their special machine before recommend you the suitable products for your skin!

Back from left to right:

1. ipsa Cleansing Sensitive Mousse

2. ipsa Preparing Clear Lotion EX2

3. ipsa Metabolizer Sensitive 2

4. ipsa The Time Reset SR

Front from left to right:

5. ipsa Essence Eye Zone Repairance

6. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Spot Gel

7. Botani Olive Skin Serum

8. Synergie Skin Exfoliating Serum

9. Aquajuju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Morning routine:

1+2+5+3+4

Night routine:

1+2+5+9+7+4

Treatment:

8 (when I have alot of dead skin cells on my skin or blackheads) I use this to substitue 9 at night.

6 (only when I have breakouts)

ipsa Cleansing Sensitive Mousse - nice creamy foam!

This cleansing mousse can cleanse face without leaving your skin feeling really dry and tight!

ipsa eye serum - light texture

Very effective spot gel

Recommended by Kitty - leave skin
nice and soft, however if you put
moisturiser on top of it, it can feel
extremely sticky.

Recommended by a youtuber "ericayuen"!
Superb products! will definitely re-purchase!

 

Things you should stop doing to your skin

eOver many years of obsession on skincare, cosmetics, beauty articles, beauty books, beauty youtube channels etc etc....basically any information i can get in regards making my skin healthier....

Here is a list of things that I do not recommend you do if you want nice skin!

1. DO NOT continuously touch your face with your hands (coz they are full of germs)
2. DO NOT use those horrible nose strips (have you ever seen someone really get rid of the appearance of blackheads permanently after using it? they are really harsh for your skin!)
3. DO NOT attempt to extract blackhead yourself (unless you are the professional!! very high chance that the blackhead will turn into a huge pimple)
4. DO NOT smoke (shamefully....i still haven't quit yet!)
5. DO NOT over-exfoliate (skin suppose to be there to protect you, over-exfoliate would mean you have remove all the protection you have....not good!)
6. DO NOT over-moisturise (that's how sebum form)
7. DO NOT forget to apply sunscreen before going out in the sun (trust me...pigmentation is HARD to get rid of)
8. DO NOT forget to remove makeup before going to sleep (this is just common sense)

mmm...that's about it! and of coz....healthy diet, getting enough sleep and being happy is a MUST to healthy skin too!

Alice

a little introduction about.....Alice

Let me give you all a little introduction about myself....
My name is Alice, I'm from New Zealand (but originally from Hong Kong)

I have combination/dry/sensitive skin....actually...they change all the time! but lately, its been abit dry!

I vividly remembered when I first introduced and started to fell in love with skincare & cosmetics.....

Back in college, when i was around 15.....my sister's friend Emily recommend this sunblock stick from Shiseido (which her mum brought for her) to my sister....i remember the stick is white itself, and the packaging is teal blue (they still sell it in store).

One day, after school, me and my sister went into a pharmacy to check it out.
The lady there was very nice introducing the Pureness range to us.....and that day.....we brought our very first high-end skincare product, a day time moisturiser with SPF (does not exist anymore)....and from then on, we got addicted to beauty products ever since....

Alice

Welcome!

After looooong humming and haaring....I have finally put my act together and start this blog which I have been planning to do for over a year!

There are a few reasons that held me back in the past year....

1. the commitment i am about to put myself into....i mean...no one wants to follow a blog (i mean i won't) which takes 1 month to upload one post!
2. my writing skill - honestly, i am not a writer....definitely suck at grammar...pls forgive me for the way i write here...
3. last but not least.....LAZINESS!!!!

haha....anyway....welcome! and i hope this page will be helpful to someone out there who either share the same passion as i do (fashion, beauty, shopping) or someone who just have too much time to kill... :D

Alice