Sunday, December 30, 2012

Review: Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Essence

This review has been sitting in my to do list for awhile, but I never got around to doing it since I was experimenting with other products on and off. But this product has become a staple in my routine, and for a good reason.

But first, let me get on to my experience with the product first.

Pros
-Easily absorbed, like all the other products in the range.
-Visible brightening effect with consistent usage. Skin is brightened, and hydrated rather than simply whitened.
-Scars heal more easily (I don't really get spots--touch wood---due to my obsession with sunblock on my face)
-scent free, lowering the risk of irritation 

Cons
-can be sticky if you do not pat in the product well, but the feeling disappears quickly, so no biggie
-hard to get the last of the product out, even with the pump. But opening up the bottle solves the problem.

Verdict:
So whats not to love? Pocket friendly product that works. While it does not offer lightning quick whitening results, it does seem to improve the skin texture over the long run. And the results are visible. I should know, since I've used up a several bottles of the stuff (in replacement of my beloved Clarins White HP whitening smoothing essence). For a skincare schizophrenic like me, that's saying a lot.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Review:Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid face wash

Getting older means that my skin isn't what it used to be.From normal/combination to dehydrated skin that has a tendency to turn into an oil field if I use the wrong products, I have had to overhaul my skincare routine in the past year, and thankfully have settled into a routine that works for me. But more about that later.

When my Avene cleanser ran out, I took a leap of faith and tried the SHA (Gokujyun) facial wash from Hada Labo. I was a little skeptical at first, as I had earlier tried the AHA+BHA (Tamagohada) facial wash on my finicky skin with less than desirable results. I was glad I did.

I used it for around 3 weeks before I did this review. Here goes...

Pros
-Rich texture and creamy foam that provides a 'cushion' to the skin while cleansing
-Cleanses well without stripping moisture-- thanks to the super hyaluronic acid content
-No scent to irritate sensitive/sensitized skin

Cons
-May be too rich for skins that clog easily--my friends have commented that they tend to get clogs when the weather gets too humid. But a good exfoliator usually solves this problem. So far, so good for me. My dehydrated skin seems to like it.

Verdict:
I have since purchased the full size, after using up the travel size version that I bought for my overseas trip. It works perfectly for cold weather, or overly strong hotel air conditioning. I didn't have to rush to apply my skincare as there was no tight feeling after I stepped out of the shower.

So far, no complaints from the family using this facial wash even with different skin types in the house. Simple product that does what it says. I will probably stick with it until the itch to try new products strikes me.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Review: Loreal Eversleek Intense Smoothing Conditioner

When it comes to hair, I am a little lazy, believing in the benefits of benign neglect on my hair. (I know, I know I am lazy.)However, lately my scalp has been a little sensitive, and the silicones in my regular conditioner have been weighing down my fine hair, so I decided to give this conditioner a try.

Previously, I have always been cautious of trying Loreal products, not because they do not work, but  mainly due to the fact that they test their products on animals. I was delighted to find a product offering from their haircare range that does not test on animals.

Enough has been said on the negative impact of silicones and sulphates on our body, so I shall not say more. Here is the lowdown.

Pros:

-Very smooth,shiny hair that falls in place nicely after conditioning
-silicone free formula does not weigh down fine hair
-Uses natural oils that nourish the hair-- silicones can dull the hair in the long term.
-Hair smells great, even on the second day.

Cons:
-Smell may be too strong for those with sensitive noses.
-Comes only in tube packaging. I would have preferred a pump. But that's really no big deal, probably just me.


The verdict? Definitely a keeper in my haircare routine. My scalp itchiness seems to have disappeared. Compared to many other sulphate free haircare product ranges on the market, this one is quite pocket friendly at about SGD14.90. (I bought it at a SGD11 at my local SASA.)I am (or rather my hair is) in love with the stuff. I may try the shampoo in the same range after I am done with my current one.

My hair is behaving again and I am so happy... haha... the little pleasures in life...other reviews coming up soon. Till next time!

Back Again!

I am  back again. New reviews + beauty recipes, coming right up!