Hair Stylez

Doesn't Michelle Yeoh look FABulous at the Venice Film Festival? Even at the age of 45, she has kept herself well. I especially love the way her tresses fall on the side of her shoulders in the pic.

This is a good look for a prom or glam occasion. Elegant & refined.

Rusk Sensories Line - Pure

I had my hair coloured recently and decided to try out the Sensories range by Rusk. The Sensories range contains a unique chemistry known as CFT (Compressed Formula Technology). Compressed during the formulation, Rusk Sensories™ expand with a little water and gentle manipulation, transforming their physical appearance while releasing their provocative botanical/ozonic aromas for an irresistible sensory experience. With Compressed Formula Technology, you use 30% - 50% less product to get double the performance!

I used Pure from the Sensories line as that was for coloured hair. This is meant to awaken the senses and acts as an energy booster for depressed hair. It helps to keep hair colour bold, rich and vibrant and is loaded with UVA/UVB sunscreens and antioxidants.






To maximise the benefits, I used it together with the conditioner. After a few weeks of using this, I find that it didn't really do much for my hair. Not only was the conditioner not silky and emollient enough, it didn't give my hair the incredible shine it promised. I also noticed that there was a lot more product buildup in my hair as the cleanser didn't do a good job of cleaning thoroughly.

I'm switching even though I haven't finished the bottles.

Luv ~ Nothing.

Don't Luv ~ shampoo doesn't clean thoroughly, conditioner isn't conditioning enough.

Eye Designer by Pupa

Pupa has always come up with interesting designs to market their products. This is another product that is unique, application wise for an eyeshadow.

This works such that you get 2 colour shades on your eyelids in one stroke. According to their website, the shape of the anatomical latex applicator has been especially designed to follow the eye's various contours.The kit includes an applicator glide system to release a constant and appropriate quantity of the product. The guides let you regulate pressure on the sponge so that the product does not come out all at once.

I tried out the tester and the handle is made of some sort of latex and you just glide it across the colour from one end to the other. The applicator picks up the colour and it is define quite well. You then slide/stamp it across your eyelids. It does leave the 2 shades on your eyelids. You can then use your fingers to soften and blend the colours.

This is useful for those who wants something quick or can't be bothered too much with makeup, I guess. However, I think I love the whole make up process too much and would rather spend time playing with my colours.

Luv ~ Simple, ease of use for someone new to makeup, quick.
Don't Luv ~ Restricts being able to blend with your own palette of colours.

Exfoliators & Anti-oxidants

Recently, I have been getting a lot of comments from colleagues, friends, even from a beauty waxer about my skin. I have already been in the working field for more than 4 years but a lot of people still mistake me for being a graduate or even a university student.

After pondering over this, I realised what 3 skin ingredients / products that I should give credit to.

I've mentioned about Paula Begoun at an earlier post and I use some of her products. This is definitely one product that in terms of price and what it does, is the best that I've found in the market.

This is a BHA product, also known as salicylic acid. This is a gentle exfoliant that exfoliates both the surface of the skin and also inside the pore. I use to have quite visible pores and blackheads with an oily T-zone. Ever since I started using this, my pores have more or less disappeared and I hardly get pimples anymore other than the occasional ones when I get stressed at work. This is best for skin prone to blemishes and blackheads.

Using this is much better than using a scrub as it is much gentler on the skin and it is able to penetrate the pores to work on any dirt on the inside. I use it daily and don't use a facial scrub anymore. This is also at a pH level of 3.2 which is optimal for effective exfoliation. A lot of BHA products in the market has either too little of the BHA or are not at the optimum pH level. A whole bottle lasts me a year and is definitely value for money.

I've recommended this to friends and after 3-4 months, their skin has cleared up considerably. Both my female and male friends have since receive compliments and it was their turn to rave about this product. This BHA comes at a strength level of 1% or 2% and comes in either gel or liquid form depending on your preference.

This is one product that I cannot be without and will always use. Do not expect a miracle straightaway as it takes at least 3-4 months for any visible results. Initially, it helps to clear your skin and you continue to use this to maintain your skin. Exfoliation can only reach a certain level before it stays that way. Don't think that it's no longer working, it's still working to maintain it.

I was really busy during a period and stopped using it for a few weeks and I saw a difference in my skin after. I resumed using it and the glow has returned.

The other product that I use is the AHA lotion from her as well. This contains 8% glycolic acid that works to exfoliate the outer surface of the skin to reveal beautifully smooth and healthy skin. I used this to help remove minor spots and freckles and keep my skin smooth.

You can use both products on your body wherever there are break outs as well.

Both AHAs and BHA affect the top layers of skin, and they help to improve the appearance of sun-damaged, dry, and/or thickened skin. Removing this dead layer can improve skin texture and color, unclog pores, and allow moisturizers to be better absorbed by the skin.

What is the difference between AHA & BHA?

The primary difference between AHAs and BHA is that AHAs are water-soluble, while BHA is lipid-(oil) soluble. This unique property of BHA allows it to penetrate the oil in the pores and exfoliate accumulated skin cells inside the oil gland that can clog pores. BHA is best used where blackheads and blemishes are the issue, and AHAs are best for sun-damaged, thickened, dry skin where breakouts are not a problem.

To understand more about these exfoliants, check out this article, "Understanding Exfoliants" here.

Ever since I started using the AHA and BHA, my make up slides on smoothly and I don't even use make up sometimes and just dab on sunscreen before leaving for work.

Lastly, I use moisturisers that are loaded with Antioxidants. Antioxidants are ingredients such as vitamins A, C, and E; superoxide dismutase; flavonoids; beta carotene; glutathione; selenium; and zinc. It helps to keep your skin looking youthful and delay the ageing process.

I think that it is a combination of this 3 which allows my skin to stay youthful and glow even on bare skin. Of course, there are other steps such as cleansers and masks which helps but there are many in the market which are good at all price level while the first 2 products are not easy to find a good one and which most people overlook.

In or around Australia, you can buy the AHA & BHA here.

In or around Singapore, you can buy here:

Paula's Choice Singapore

Telephone: +65 9068 3333

Email: paulas@starhub.net.sg

For other countries, please go to here.

Oil Bath by Nivea

Nivea was one of the pioneers when their oil bath bodywash hit the beauty market. Nowadays, other brands such as Dove has join in. When the oil bath first came out, I bought one to try it as it was winter and the timing seems to be right.

A check on the website describes this as suitable for even dry skin, offers a superior caring experience. The 55% caring oils and gentle foam replenish and care for your skin, leaving it feeling beautifully soft and pampered.

I have to say after using it that this definitely contains oil. Not only does it clean but it adds moisture at the same time from the oils. So what happens is that you come out of the shower having your skin feel all silky and smooth.

In a sense, this is good for winter as that is when skin tends to dry out more. It is also for those of us who do not put body lotion on a regular basis. I probably wouldn't place the liquid straight onto my loofah as I found that my loofah lost its toughness due to the oil seeping in. Hence, no more exfoliation benefits from my loofah. It is best to rub the bodywash onto your skin first before using the loofah.

Luv ~ Smooth silky skin. Moisturiser and body wash in one.

Don't Luv ~ Might make your shower floor & loofah a little slippery.