Review: Ren Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk

Ren Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk 150 ml 

( 18.00 pounds )

Oh my....It certainly has been ages since my last review..and I have so much more products to catch on. Not wasting any more time, I'll just go straight to this review. I purchased this  last year and has been using this since September last year. Yes, that's 6 months and let's see if this is a keeper or a one time off.

Product Description

A gentle cleansing milk designed to leave more sensitive or delicate skin purified, fresh, calm and soothed.

• Gently removes dirt, pollution and make up.
• Skin purified, calm and soothed.

Ingredients

Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Cetearyl Ethyhexanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Myristyl Myristate, Glycerin, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Extract, Oryzanol, Bisabolol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cinnamomum Linalloliferum (Ho Wood) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Tocopherol. 

My Experience

The cleansing milk is semi thick, not as thick as Antipodes and not as runny as Eucerine. It's somewhere in between which I love.The wonderful floral base scent is lovely and light.

I usually use this only at night and followed by another gel cleanser. I am surprised by it's texture and it's feels good on the skin when used. After rinsing off, it really makes my skin feels clean and nice, and it does not leave any greasy film on the skin. I like the scent too as it kinda prepares you before your sleep.

Review: Melvita's Argan Oil ( Huile d'Argan )

Melvita Argan Oil ( Huile d'Argan ) 50 ml MYR 111

Last year, I made two impromptu purchases from Melvita and I now sigh in relief that the purchases were not in vain. I had success with the Rose Floral Water, which preps my skin really well before any application of serums or oils.

I am an avid user of face oils for 5 years now and I can safely attest that it works remarkably well for my skin type. ( Oily T-zone with parched cheeks ) So purchasing a face oil from Melvita came very naturally for me and I decided to go with Argan Oil, as I have used Rosehip, Jojoba and Avocado oils from other brands before.

Product Description

The Argan tree is found on the Moroccan coast and produces an oil that is exceptionally rich in essential fatty acids and sterols. It has been known for centuries for its repairing properties on dry and sensitive skin and for its moisturizing and protecting qualities. A real 'beauty secret' for Berber woman, the oil is made from un-roasted Argan kernels: it is also traditionally used for massaging joints and for nail and hair care.

Ingredients

100% Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil from Organic Farming

Review: Melvita Damask Rose Floral Water

Melvita Damask Rose Floral Water 200ml MYR 122

Many of us are still oblivious to the fact that toner is an essential in our skin care regime. I used to be one of them. I would rather spend more money on serums, oils or even cleanser, than investing in a good toner. Ever since I started using oil, toner/ floral water has since become an important step in prepping up my skin before any oil or serum applications. 

I was a long time user of  Dermalogica's Active Toner and later, changing to an anti-aging mist. I was, in a few months back, using a hyaluronic and collagen toner from Harahuda, in which I would not want to talk much about it because it didn't make my skin look any better.

My skin was dry, blotchy and dull during my time with the Harahuda toners and I personally couldn't stand it much longer and began my search for a new toner. Hence, I purchased the above toner because I was pretty desperate and they were having some good promotion at that time.

Product Description

Certified organic and fair trade, our floral water is obtained by steam distillation of fresh Rosa Damascena petals. Our unique extraction method enables us to obtain a floral water that is particularly rich in active ingredients, making it a naturally powerful formula. With its fresh, delicate scent, our floral water helps to combat dehyration and regenerate the skin.

Ingredients

Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Water, Polyepsilon-lysine, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol.

My Experience

When I first tested this floral water at the back of my hand at the store, I was quite impressed with the delicate rose smell and the cooling feeling it gave. Back at home, I was equally impressed as I did at the store, as I felt this preps up my skin. I feel refreshed and my senses, relaxed. Like any other toner or floral water, my choice of application is misting my entire face with it and gently tapping it all over.

Mind you, don't expect to see immediate results with this. As any other natural products, it takes time to see and feel the difference. It took me slightly over a week's time to actually see minor difference on my skin. Fast forward after 3 months of usage, my skin looked balanced and my cheeks area, which are prone to dryness, does not feel dehydrated or 'tight'.

At one time, I was sick and you know how it is when you are at that stage, the face is the first thing one would notice if something is wrong with you.Very surprisingly, I didn't look much like a dead rat. Though there were slight unevenness on the the skin tone, my face looked hydrated and balanced. It's weird but I guess this floral water may have lend some contributions to the balance.

While I do not wholly suggest that this floral water acts alone in putting hydration back to my skin, but I can safely say that this greatly aids in the absorption of oils and serums. 

Overall

Though this floral water helped to bring some hydration back to my skin, I personally feel that I can purchase any other floral water of this standard from online ( iHerb, Garden of Wisdom ), at a far more cheaper price than Melvita. While it is good toner/floral water to have and last pretty long too, likely I won't be repurchasing it. 

This item was purchased by me for my personal purposes. This review is based on my honest and personal experience with this product and is not influenced by any parties.

Review: Alterna Bamboo Luminous Shine Shampoo

Alterna Bamboo Luminous Shine Shampoo 250ml MYR  73.00

My quest for a shampoo of 'Holy Grail' status has been a tedious search. Just when I thought I have finally found 'The One', it starts to play havoc to my scalp and hair after 2 weeks.  Is it just me or everyone feels the same when it comes to finding the right shampoo? Personally, searching for the right shampoo seems more difficult than finding the right skincare. 

Anyhow, I've heard much about Alterna Bamboo through bloggers and I was so intrigued about it that I finally bought it when I was shopping at Sephora.

What it says?

This gentle sulfate-free cleanser combines strenghtening eco-certified Bamboo Extract & shine-amplifying Indian Gooseberry for healthy radiance. Freshly cleansed hair is left moisturized, shiny and brilliantly glossy. Formulated with Colour Hold technology. Safe for colour treated hair. Free of: Sulfates, Parabens, Gluten, Sodium Chloride, Phthalates and Synthetic Colour.

My Experience

Shampoo is of a clear gel and quite fragrantly fragranced, a bit too sweet for my liking though. The shampoo foams very minimally, which is a good indicator of minimal or zero harsh surfactants. 

During my first try, my hair was super oily at the scalp and I need to do a second wash, just to make sure that it is clear at the sebum. However, after rinsing, my hair feels awfully squeaky clean and straw-y. Not a nice feeling at all. My normal hair conditioner helped a bit to detangle my hair but I don't feel that my hair was nice to touch. Blow drying actually made my hair look and feel worse with this shampoo.

The second trial was a bit better. I skip the second wash and instead of using my normal conditioner, I proceed with my hair mask. And...it made a LOT of difference to my hair. Not only does my hair looked tamed, it gives me a nice body, volume and feel to it. 

After using this alternatively with another regular shampoo, I personally find that this shampoo helps to balance my hair and scalp. I experienced less flake and itchiness and ironically, it manages to control the oil secretion of my hair. Very weird indeed.

Overall

This shampoo is not suitable for everyday use, as it tends to make my hair squeaky and straw-y looking. Ironically, it worked fantastically well when paired with my hair mask and manages to control my oil secretion when used alternately with another regular shampoo. Funnily, this is the only shampoo that gives me a nice volume and body to my hair.

This item was purchased by me for my personal purposes. This review is based on my honest and personal experience with this product and is not influenced by any parties.

Review: Bioderma Crealine Solution Micellaire

Bioderma Crealine Solution Micellaire 500ml Euro 21.00 for 2 bottles

Yes, this is the famed cleansing water from Bioderma and I finally, I got to try out this product! In Asian countries, they go by the name of Bioderma Sensibo but in Europe, they call it Bioderma Crealine. I am not going to write much about the company's background, nor the product description as they are plenty introductions over the web over this product. I am just going straight to the ingredients and my experience.

Ingredients

Water, Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, glycerin, polysorbate 20, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, ammonium lactate, plantago major leaf extract, mannitol, xylitol, rhamnose, frutooligo saccharides, propylene glycol, disodium edta, cetrimonium bromide.

My Experience

Bioderma Crealine is a micellaire solution or cleansing water, which is basically a face and eye make-up remover for sensitive skin. Using cleansing water as my first step of my double cleanse process is a norm for me. I was a longtime user of L'occitane's Fresh Face Water before Bioderma Crealine came into the picture.

Strong Cleansing Power

The solution is quite easy to use; just pour some unto your cotton pad and gently swipe across your face or eyes. And voila......everything is off! Simple as that. If I need to compare, Bioderma removes all dirt and makeup more powerfully than L'occitane's. 

Though Bioderma Crealine works exceptionally well in removing makeup from your face, I can't positively say it works well for the eyes. Yes, it works great, only if you are removing basic eyeshadows. For eyeliners and mascaras, it has its reservations. It works quite well on removing Clio and Kiss Me Heroine liquid eyeliners but did not budge at all on my Majolica Majorca Glamour On Mascara. Many have said that Majolica Majorca's mascara's are hard to remove but I find that it removes well only on oil based eye makeup removers.

Good for Sensitive Skin

I find that Bioderma is really good for those with sensitive skin as personally, I do not find it irritating or drying to my skin. It does not irritate my eyes either! In fact, I find my skin feeling comfortable and refreshed, after every use.

Overall

This quickly replaces my L'occitane Fresh Face Water as I find that not only the cleansing power is more superior,  it very economical to use too. I started using Bioderma since mid July and till now, my bottle is still 3/4 full! Plus, the price is more reasonable too. The only downside is that it is not available in Malaysia. Boo...So if anyone is going to France, don't ask them for the Eiffel Tower miniature, ask for this instead!  

This item was purchased by me for my personal purposes. This review is based on my honest and personal experience with this product and is not influenced by any parties.

Review: Ren F10 Smooth and Renew Mask

Ren F10 Smooth and Renew Mask 50ml GB Pounds18.00

I have always wanted to try Ren's products....but, the prices in Malaysia are pretty steep. However, if we order direct from Ren's UK website, the prices and discounts made it a reasonable purchase. Coincidentally, I had a relative visiting UK at that time, I had them send my orders to their hotel, just to take advantage of the free UK delivery.

Product Description

Formulated to gently exfoliate and detoxify, this gel mask will leave the complexion visibly vibrant, smooth and toned.

Ingredients

My Experience

I have heard great reviews of their Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask and was very eager to try that. But seeing that I have sensitive skin, I opted with this instead as this is the mild version of the Glycolatic mask. 

As pictured, this mask comes with a muslin cloth, which to be used to wipe off the mask. 

Well thought packaging

Ren's packaging has always been fascinating and I like that pliable plastic inside the plastic container which compresses out every product to minimise wastage. 

I particularly like that they provide a cap to close the little pump! This helps the product to retain its freshness.

Sticky Texture

The mask itself is very thick, smells and feels alike a texture of a "marmalade jam". It is rather sticky when applied and the pasty texture made it hard to apply on the skin evenly. You can either use your fingers but in my case, I use my trusty facial brush. Upon application, I was glad that I didn't experience any tingling or burning sensation. It actually feels comfortable.

Works as good as an exfoliator

The instructions given was to apply in generous amount, leave it for 10 minutes, pat and lift with fingertips and using the dampen muslin cloth to gently wipe off the mask. Lastly, rinse skin with warm water.

Honestly, the "pat and lift with fingertips" was a redundant move. I can't lift the mask using my fingertips because it is too sticky and thick. However, removing it with the dampen muslin cloth actually acts as an exfoliating process, which later, makes my face feels clean and very smooth to touch. This also makes my skin absorbs serums or facial oils readily well.  This mask is for brightening and skin renewal, and I do see some mild brightening on my skin. Though my skin feels very finely exfoliated, I do not feel that this mask gives me any extra hydration. 

Mild allergic reaction 

Despite making my face feels clean and smooth, and a little brighter, I don't think that I am able to use this frequently as I noticed I developed some very tiny bumps around my chin area 2 days after. Any bumps on my skin is usually a sign of allergy reaction and in this case, this is a mild one.

Overall

This is mainly an exfoliating and skin renewal mask and I would have liked it more if this mask provide some hydration action. Sadly, I am restricting the use of this mask to once every 2 weeks, due to the mild allergic reaction, which I got from this product.

This item was purchased by me for my personal purposes. This review is based on my honest and personal experience with this product and is not influenced by any parties.

Review: Phytobaume Colour Protect Express Conditioner

Phytobaume Colour Protect Express Conditioner 150ml Euro 10.90

Conditioning my hair comes naturally for me after shampooing. I have thick, volumious Asian hair and if I miss this step, my hair goes frizzy and could be quite dry at times. Blow drying my hair is an absolute must for me because my hair would take AGES to be fully dried! It is pretty understandable to see the need to condition my hair as my frequent blow drying could further dry out and damage my hair.

Since I was impressed with the Phyto shampoo range, trying out their hair conditioners was a naturally easy decision.  I zoomed in on this, which offers protection on colour-treated hair.

Review: Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner

Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner 0.4 ml MYR 49.90

( This is not an organic/natural based product )

Eyeliners are my thing and are my staples in my makeup routine. I wear glasses, so for more emphasis on my eyes, I much prefer them to mascaras. Mascaras do give me smearing problems because my eye area sweats easily.

I have the 'most oily lids..ever' and I can't use pencil eyeliner because it would smudge terribly on me. The only eyeliner that can last a little longer on my lids are the liquid ones. My first was Lancome Artliner. I love the tip and it's easy for me to draw a nice line but it does not last long on my lids. The most is 2 hours. Come Clio, which I thought is great. I love the intensity of the liquid pen and the gelpresso but it still gives me panda eyes. 

I was at the point where I thought no eyeliner in the world will be able to withstand my oily ( and sweaty ) lids..until I heard of Kiss Me. When I browse through the internet, most claim that this is smudge, sweat, sebum-proof. The results are almost on par with the award winning K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Eyeliner, except that the pigmentation in Kiss Me is more intense. I was really torn between the two and decided with Kiss Me first.

Dealing With T-Zone and Dry Cheeks

Image from here

When I first started this blog, I was dealing with dry and dehydrated skin. The following year, my skin was fine but the sensitivity increased. Fast forward to present, I am currently dealing with over production of oil on my T-zone area ( forehead, nose and chin ) where else, both my cheeks area are dry.Call it hormonal imbalance or seasonal changes but one gotta deal with it quick to balance up the area or it may get worse.

Make some changes in skincare routine

I am a loyalist and I seldom change my routine or skincare products unless my skin calls for it. Because of the current situation I am facing, I did some tweaking, just so to keep my face balanced.

Previous Routine

Morning : Cleanse ( Tepid water only ) < Toner ( Hyaluronic Based ) < Replenish ( MVO Anti-Aging Oil+ ) < Protect ( MVO Moisturizing Face Screen spf 30 )

Current Routine

Morning : Cleanse ( Mild Cleanser ) < Toner ( Hyaluronic Based ) < Replenish ( Alternate with Day Cream and Face Oil ) < Protect ( MVO Everyday Coverage spf 20 )

Review: Yes! Nurse Protect Your Lovely Hands

Yes! Nurse Protect Your Lovely Hands 50ml MYR 29.90

A few months ago, I was given the opportunity by the lovely peeps from The Love Jars to try one of the products they carry called Yes! Nurse Hand Cream.

I have a history of love-hate relationship with hand creams and honestly, I have yet to find a good brand which is worthwhile to keep. This is why I always rely on my body oils instead to keep my hands supple. Weird but it works for me. When this opportunity arose, I was a bit worried because I am not sure if this is able to meet the expectations I have regarding hand creams. Well, let's see if it does.

Brand

All the best things in life started with a story. Apparently chocolate bars were created by a Doctor and his sons in the early 18th century after using it as a medicinal product. Boy do we wish we they were still prescribing chocolate today! 

We do however have our own unique tale to tell. Yes! Nurse was co-founded by a young paediatric nurse at the beginning of 2009. Having been signed off work with dry, cracked and sore hands, she noticed that many of her colleagues were suffering in the same way. 

Trying numerous hand creams with little or no effect she decided to research and develop a unique formula that actually worked.

Guided by nurses across the UK, she co-founded Yes! Nurse and developed an intensive moisturising hand formula that specifically combats the daily routines faced by nurses.  

Yes! Nurse is now a rapidly growing cult brand and quick becoming a trusted favourite of nurses, busy mums and beauty fanatics alike from across the UK.  Yes! Nurse offers a powerful ‘Super Moisturising’ formula crammed full of essential Omega’s, antioxidants and natural actives –  together designed to soothe, hydrate and revive tired skin all day long.

Source: www.yesnurse.co.uk

Product Description
Yes! Nurse's Hand Formula is a fast absorbing, non-greasy emollient. It actively hydrates and replenishes the skin's natural defences against the harsh effects of constant hand washing.

Directions
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry hands regularly throughout the day, and massage well into the skin for at least 30 seconds.

Ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Mel( Active Manuka Honey ), Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sucrose Stearate, Panthenol ( Vit B5 ), Sweet Almond Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine Soja, PEG 100 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Passiflora Edulis Seed (Passionflower) Oil, Punica Granatum Seed (Pomegranate) Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate( Vitamin E ), Salix Alba ( Willow Bark ) Extract, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Coumarin, Linalool.

My Experience

I was greeted with this lovely sight when I open the package! I find that the little gestures and effort from The Love Jars is just lovely and it does make the receiving customer feels warm and appreciated.

Cute packaging and illustration!

The consistency of the hand cream is semi-thick, with a lovely mild 'baby-powdery' scent. As advised, I use a pea-sized amount and massage it well into my skin. I am surprised that it doesn't leave my hands feeling tacky or sticky. It just leaves a thin film of protection, which then slowly sinks in after several minutes. I am not sure if others have the same experience as me, I had experiences with the L'occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, which leaves my hands feeling tight and uncomfortable ( even with generous amount ).  I am glad that this does not leave your hands feeling tight.

My hands are subjected to constant washing, sometimes up to 5-6 times a day with a disinfectant liquid. Because of this, my hands are always dry and tight and no amount of lotions or hand creams I have used were able to give me the nice, moist hands. So this is where my body oil comes into play. It is the only way for me bring back moisture to my hands.

Now with this hand cream, I was taken by surprise on how it replenishes moisture back to my hands almost immediately, making my hands feeling comfortable. However, it does not give you the whole moisture protection with just one use and the feeling would just slowly wear off after 2 hours. In my case, I need to reapply after 3-4 hours to keep my hands feeling comfortable. One thing I like about this hand cream is that it does not hinder your everyday routine. Some hand creams would often leave an overly slip, due to silicones, which makes it a hassle just to grab things with your hands. 

Overall

This hand cream definitely does what it says and has given me protection to my hands for the past one month or so. This is a keeper for me and has met the expectations I have on hand creams. If I have to gripe about something, well...it's the size! I wish these will come in bigger tubes as with the existing size, it will last me to 3 months max. Apart from my gripe on the size, I may have found the hand cream, which is worthwhile for me to invest in the long run.

I am glad to finally see companies like The Love Jars, who are committed to bringing in good, interesting and award-winning products to our shores. We need this in our country! Do visit them at www.thelovejars.com

This item was sent to me by PR for review consideration. This review is based on my honest and personal experience with this product and is not influenced by any parties.