Whitening Galore: Cover Up!:Reviews

Sun protection. An integral step in our skincare routine, yet, so often forgotten. Especially in sunny Singapore where yours truly resides, neglecting protection can have devastating consequences. And no, I am not joking. (Repeat after me:UVA rays age, UVB rays burn.). Granted, we all do need our vitamin D from the sun. But, unless you are a hermit that lives in a cave, it is unlikely that you will be lacking.

So many options, which ones to choose? Here are my favourites out of the many I have tried over the years.

ZA True White Day Protector  SPF26PA++

This sunblock (face) has been a lifesaver during the period of time that my T-zone threatened to turn into an oil mine. The face stays matte and protected for hours, and makeup stays matte and perfect, with minimal blotting. It does not irritate my schizophrenic skin. I have however, since stopped using it temporarily since I noticed dry lines forming. (yes, my skin is really thirsty now). Dry skins may want to take note. Great product, nonetheless, especially for oily skins. Budget friendly!

Clarins UV Plus HP Day UVA/UVB Screen High Protection SPF40 PA+++

This sunblock (face) has a lovely light texture that spreads easily, and make up glides on after that. Mind you, I was wary of trying this since I have had bad reaction to mineral sunscreens before, so it took a little courage for me to try this out. But since it was by Clarins (Yes, I love the brand and have used products from it for years without any bad reactions. No I am not paid to say this), I took the plunge. And I was glad I did. This is now a staple in my routine that I reach for quite often. Now, if only the price was less steep...

 Sunplay Super Block SPF130 PA++

  I am sure many of us are familiar with this product. It has one of the highest SPFs on the market. I always had a bottle of this sunblock in my  bag for swimming, and at the beach. This one is a clear winner--I come back from the beach or the pool exactly the same shade as when I left home. It is liquid, and spreads easily, and is dries smooth and non sticky.  The clear winner, and I have not found any sunblock that has performed as well as this so far.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of sun protection--even for those that like being tanned. (Why risk letting yourself become a skin cancer statistic?). For my dear Snow Whites, just think of it, all the work done to make yourself fairer, will go down the drain if you expose yourself to the sun without protection. (hey, long sleeves and umbrellas work too!)

***note: Sunblock on the body needs to be removed before cleansing, just like on the face!

Take care, and come back soon for more reads and some final words on whitening, and staying fair. See you soon!

**No photos here,but any requests, I will be glad to oblige. Just drop me a comment!

Review: Clarins High Definition Body LIft

This is my favourite body shaping/firming product to date. Having tried it and being pleased with the resualts years ago, It did not take a lot of convincing for me to purchase this. This little gem of a product helped me through my more insecure 'fat' days years go. So, I decided to give it another try.

Likes:
-Begins working from very first application
-Almost immediate absorption
-Draining effect on spongy area with water retention
-Following the Clarins self massage method, texture of 'fat' areas are visibly improved.

Gripes:
-None, except the price. But then again, you do need to pay a price for beauty.

Put together the brand's expertise in body products and premium ingredients, you have a definite winner.

I do understand that there are those who say that this product does not live up to its claims and is overrated, but I beg to differ. Of course, if you are expecting to apply this product and shed the kilos without any other effort, you will be sorely disappointed.

A lastingly beautiful body (save for going under the knife) can ONLY come about through exercise and a consistently health lifestyle. Do not be so deluded to think that there really is a magic pill that will give you those tight, toned abs.

A good product can only help you so much. The rest is up to you. And yes, this product will be on my repurchase list.

Review:Clarins Body Shaping Cream

The time has come for me to face the fact that enemy forces have taken control of the lower half of my body: Cellulite.

So what's a lazy vainpot to do? Turn to technology for help. And so, I did. I was lucky that Clarins was (probably still is having) a promotion pack together with the High Definition Body Lift. This was used on my tummy and arms, the HD Body Lift on the rest of my jiggly bits.

Likes:
-Smooth, silky texture
-Great scent
-Firming effect.

Gripes:
-Expensive.
-Requires massage

I have mixed feelings towards this product. While it does smooth and tighten skin, rubbing it in somehow conjures up images for me of rubbing in the Sunday roast. Having said that, the texture is probably to allow for massage to help break up fatty deposits.

Verdict? A good product that assists in removing water retention, and promoting drainage. Not yet holy grail, but a close contender to my beloved HD Body Lift(review coming later).

Nothing, for now, except for cosmetic/surgical procedures, can ever take the place of exercise.

But one can always hope...

Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 UVA-UVB/PA++/Oil-free

I am currently on the lookout for a new sun block to replace my ZA True White Day Protector, as it seems to be drying out my skin. When the SA gave me some samples on my last trip to the Clarins counter, I thought: why not? So here goes:

Likes:
-Smooth, non-greasy texture
-Dries matte and smooth—perfect for makeup.
-Light melon smell. Or is it my imagination?
-Long lasting protection, yet washes off easily. I used some of the sample on my arms to test it out. After many hours in the sun, my arms remained even toned. Rare for me, since I have a tendency towards tanning unevenly. It washed off easily with my usual shower foam, unlike other sunblocks, which I need to pre-cleanse with baby wipes/makeup remover.
-Tinted version reduces the appearance of dark spots/patches.
Gripes:
-None, except the price.

Another quality product from Clarins. I have a tendency towards allergies from mineral makeup/sunscreens, but this little gem did not irritate my skin. Will purchase when my sun block runs out.

Review: Clarins Whitening Moisture Day Emulsion SPF20 PA++ (Oil-free)

Another product from the Clarins White Plus Range. Here is my 2- cents worth.

Likes:
-Smooth, non greasy, liquid texture.
-Prolongs makeup hold
-Easily absorbed
-Forms protective layer over skin (Clarins anti-pollution complex)

Gripes:
-Not moisturizing enough for dehydrated skin. But I do use a serum on most days, so it isn’t a biggie.

While I do love Clarins products, this product is not exactly one of their star products. It however, does live up to its claims. Definitely on my purchase list, however. Despite being the beauty whore that I am, I do like to use products in a set, so that I can make sure that I do not miss out on the benefits of using the whole range of products together.

Review: Clarins Hydra-Quench Cream Mask

I went through a period when my skin became highly dehydrated, and to my horror, my nose, chin, and cheekbones started to look like a snake in the process of changing its skin. I added this to my beauty routine, and sure enough, this little gem was a winner.

Likes:
-Light, creamy, easily absorbed.
-Fresh classic Clarins Scent
-Left skin smooth and hydrated

Gripes:
-None. What's there to dislike?

Conclusion:A definite keeper in the beauty arsenal of those with dehydrated skin. I like!

Reviews:Clarins White Plus Whitening Repairing Night Cream

Another Review for the Clarins White Plus Series. Easy to tell, I'm fan. Love, love love!

Likes:
-Fades spots and scars.
-Repairs 'damaged' skin.
-Luxurious, creamy texture.
-draining effect (smaller face!haha)
-Soothes skin, relaxes.
-Eliminates flakiness
-Minimizes pores, and smoothes out blotchiness almost overnight.

Gripes:
-probably the packaging. Tub=increased contamination risk. But its no biggie, because your hands are supposed to be clean when you're going to touch your face anyway.
-Expensive (but oh, so worth it!)

Just recovering from a bout of extremely bad breakouts on my chin, this cream has been an essential fighter in my arsenal to fight scarring.Conclusion: Absolute holy grail material!

Reviews:Clarins Whitening Pure Aqua Lotion

Recently,I have gotten back into the habit of using a toner again.I know some people feel that a toner is not necessary, but it seems that it is doing my skin good.I'll be talking more about this in the future. First, the review.

Likes:
-Light, refreshing texture
-refreshes, tightens pores, removes surface dirt.
-reduces breakouts with long term use.

Gripes:
-None

This lotion is part of the revamped Clarins White HP series, enriched with sea lily.I have notice less clogged pores within the month that I have been using it.Skin texture has become clearer, and more refined. Drier skins, however, may prefer the Aqua Milk in the same range.

My verdict? Its a lovely luxury.But so far, I haven't been able to find another toner that does the same. So, it will be on my repurchase list.

Review: Clarins White Plus Intensive Whitening Smoothing Serum

I've been using this product for about three months now, and I thought its only fair that I did a review on it. Here goes!

Likes:-Smoothing effect, great under makeup
-Brightening
-Light hydration, easily absorbed
-Non greasy gel cream consistency
-tightens pores

Gripes:-Expensive!

I have always liked Clarins products. Time and again, I have strayed from them, but always come back to them. I love this serum. It helps to lighten old scars, and prevents new ones forming (yes I squeeze my zits, but that's another story...). Your skin is left smooth and velvety to the touch. Regular use has brightened my complexion to give it a slight pinkish glow. It layers well under moisturizer, sunblock, and makeup. So far, as always with Clarins products, no breakouts for me.This is important, since my skin has been very temperamental in recent years.

Would I buy again? Despite the price tag? Yes of course! You only need a pea sized amount each time, and my bottle has already lasted me around 3 months without running out. You do the math.

I am in love...