Review: Ren F10 Smooth and Renew Mask

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

Ingredients

My ExperienceI 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.

Dealing With T-Zone and Dry Cheeks

source 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 )

With the current routine, I use a mild cleanser, mainly at my T-zone area, just to make sure that the accumulation of oil is properly cleanse before I move on with the rest of my skincare steps. I used to use 2 drops of oil but now I use a squirt, applying on my cheeks first, followed by my neck and lastly at my T-zone area. Using this sequence helps to distribute less facial oil on the oil prone area. I use the same method of application when I use the day cream on alternate days.

Night : Double Cleanse ( Milk based and Gel ) < Toner ( Rose Mist ) < Replenish ( Facial Oil ) < Layering ( Normal Night Cream ) < Eye ( Eye Cream )

The night routine is pretty straight forward, but tweaking it by using the same method of application for the face oil. For the layering, only apply on the dry area ( the cheeks ) to seal in the oil.

Treatment 

My mask are mostly hydration based but with the current T-zone problem, I switched back to use my trusty Bedak Sejuk treatment mask, applying only on the oil prone areas once a week. This treatment is the easiest and most effective ( for me ) to balance out the problematic area.

Do Not Over Exfoliate 

This is true in my case as I have the tendency to over exfoliate, especially my nose area. I have a long history with blackheads problems and I was hoping that if exfoliate that area more, more of the blackheads will diminish. Hmm...fat chance. It made it worse. By morning, my nose area secretes so much oil!

Over exfoliate can lead to skin imbalance, which leads to sensitivity and dryness.

Diminish The Use of Products Containing SLS or ALS 

Products containing surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laurel sulfate can be really harsh and drying to skin. I did have one experience, where I was using a exfoliant, containing SLS. It literally dry out my skin so much and has, one way or another, contributed a little in making my skin sensitive.

Replenish Your Body 

We have heard from many beauty and medical experts ( even our moms ) that we MUST DRINK LOTS OF WATER. I am guilty as charged as I have to remind my self everyday to drink 8 or more glasses a day!

Cut Down Your Intake Of Fried or Junk Food 

I know it is easier said than done as it is difficult to refrain oneself from eating this...especially living in Malaysia, with all the fried items galore. Here we have to choose what is best for us...beauty or indulgence?

Review: NATURE LAB's Argan Oil

NATURE LAB Argan Oil 50 ml 

Last year, I made two impromptu purchases from NATURE LAB and I now sigh in relief that the purchases were not in vain. I had success with the NATURE LAB Rosewater Balancing Mist, 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 NATURE LAB 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

My Experience

The oil is slighty runny, with a light yellow tinge. One may not be able to detect any scent at the beginning but with prolong use, there is a faint nutty scent to it.

Depending on how much you squirt unto the palm of your hands, this oil may seemed a tad greasy if dispensed too much. For me, I like to massage in the oil, little by little unto my face until I feel that it is sufficient enough.  May I point that the dispenser pump on the bottle can be troublesome at times. It makes it very hard to control the amount we need each time. If you dispense too much, just use it for your arms or neck.

When I first started using this in September last year, I was not totally wowed by it. Yes, it was moisturizing but aside from that, I didn't see any beneficial properties it did for my skin....until Jan this year, where I began to see changes on skin.

Recently, I had been swimming quite a bit and you know how it can sometimes makes your skin a little drier and damaged than before. I began to replace my normal oil with this Argan oil and I was so pleased to find that not only it replenishes back moisture to my skin, it repairs my skin as well. I noticed that my skin looked 'refreshed' and 'healthy' every morning. It is rare that I can wake up every morning to that.

On top of that, I was having some 'tiny rash-like bumps ' on some areas of my face due to sensitivity and I was quite pleased to find that this oil actually helps to diminish the problem, thus repairing it in the process.

Overall

This is a slowly, but surely effective oil in repairing dry and sensitive skin....at least for me. It has also effectively and speedily lighten some of my acne or mosquito marks as well. A real bonus for me. What can I say...this is a winner in my books and will be a permanent resident on my beauty table !

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: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque 125ml 

One of the essential part of my skin care routine are masks. If you are a follower of this blog, you may know that most of my masks are hydrating based. I love to incorporate different kinds of mask in a month, alternating with my yoghurt mask, lotion mask and my normal hydrating mask.

I used to love my Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Mask until recently, I found that they have changed the formula and the new formula contain some ingredients which I don't agree. As I was searching for an alternative, I stumble upon this one from Kiehl's.

Product Description 

In just one application this ultra-hydrating masque, formulated with Ophiopogon Japonicus, also known as Fountain Plant, fills skin's 'hydration reservoir' to help moisture depletion. Combined with skin protecting Glacial Proteins and moisture-retaining Desert Plants, our formula leaves skin smoother and softer, refreshed and supple. Silicone-Free. Paraben-Free. Fragrance-Free. Colorant-Free.

Ingredients

Aqua, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Propylene Glycol, Squalane, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Ophinopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Chlorphrnrsin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Fmla.

My Experience 

The mask itself is of a 'gel-like' consistency and opaque in colour. It has a undescribable faint scent to it, which to me, smells kind of acid-y. Not sure if it makes any sense.

At my first application of this product ( right after mild exfoliation ), I applied a thin layer all over my face, avoiding my eye area. Within seconds, I felt a burning sensation, which was pre-warned by the SA. I was quite scared that it might provoke my eczema or might be too strong for my sensitive skin. I was about to rinse it off, but surprisingly, the burning sensation stopped and I decide to leave it on for 10 minutes, after which, I would tissue off the excess. Your face will definitely feel tacky at this point but it is fine to leave it overnight. ( To avoid staining your pillow case, just lay a tea towel over it ).

The following morning, I was surprised to find my skin does feel supple and refreshed after rinsing off the remnants. It feels slightly plumped up and the hydration is very much noticeable, as there is a slight glow on my face. That being said however, the glow may differ for each individual. I used this for my hubby on his very parched skin and his skin just soaks it all in. Though there's no glow in my hubby's case, the hydration level is much noticeable.

Honestly, I wasn't so enthusiastic about this product the first few weeks because I personally feels that it is just ordinary. Aside from making your skin supple, I noticed most people raved about their skin looking brighter after using this product. I am afraid I didn't get the 'brighter' results and I rely on my trusted topical Vitamin C for it.

As I was about to sign off this product as ordinary during the first month, I hold on to that thought because by the second and third month, I noticed that my skin feels and looked much healthier. The hydration level was up, despite being sick for a couple of days. I have a very nice 'tiong tiong' effect on my skin, which indicates that my skin is nicely supple.

Overall

Given time and patience, you will definitely see results with this product. On me, I saw that my hydration level is up and it has maintained the condition, even when I was sick. On my hubby, it replenishes his parched skin almost immediately, making his pores looking slightly smaller.

If you don't like the idea of sleeping with your mask on, it is fine to rinse it off after an hour or so. Personally, I prefer this method. For those with sensitive skin, I highly recommend that you get a sample first before purchasing the whole tub. As said earlier, some may not be able to take the burning sensation right after application.

Personally, this mask grows on me and it does makes my skin looking healthier. I also love the hydration it gives to my skin and I believe this mask does helps to maintain my skin, making it supple. This product has now become one of my staple!

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: Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel 

When I was down with eczema last year, my TCM practitioner recommended me to use pure aloe vera sap on my affected area. I stand today, healed from my eczema woes and I can honestly say that it WORKS! That, to me, has been the best discovery to date. ( Read more about it HERE )

It has since been a norm to me to use it to treat any skin related issues I encounter, be it pimple, dryness, or contact dermatitis. However, I only have one pot of my precious Aloe Vera plant at my home and it breaks my heart every time if I have to cut one of it's stems. Anyone who have a pot of Aloe Vera plant knows that it is painstakingly long for it to grow into full size.

To save my precious Aloe Vera from further agony, I went into Nature Republic one fine day and bought a tub of their best selling Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. 

Product Description 

Enriched with 92% aloe vera! Mild formula free from paraben, mineral oil and artificial colours. This soothing gel with 92% organic aloe vera certified by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) can be used to mildly moisturize various parts of the body such as the face, arms, legs and hair.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract ( 92% ), alcohol, glyceryl polyacrylate, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, polyglutamic acid, betaine sodium hyaluronate, carendula officinalis flower extract, mentha viridis ( spearmint ) extract, melissa officinalis extract, carbomer, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, triethanolamine, phenoxyethane, water, parfum, disodium edta.

Note: I would not park this under pure organic product because of other ingredients listed, especially alcohol and parfum.

My Experience 

The clear gel comes in a huge tub, 300 ml to be exact and I must say that it quite a deal. The gel is clear and looked semi thick. Why I mentioned it 'looked' semi thick, is because it quickly becomes runny ( like water ) when you rub the gel to your skin. This is unlike the 'real' Aloe Vera sap, where the feeling has a more slimy substance like, which then slowly sinks into the skin but leaving behind a soft protective layer.

The gel has a fresh cucumber scent to it and gives a cooling effect once you rub unto your skin. I must say that the cooling effect is good to soothe sun-burns but may I point out that the cooling effect comes from the alcohol content from this gel.

If you do a quick google, Nature Republic did publish several uses of this gel a couple of years back. The cute illustration can still be found....but here's one that I got from this site

I must admit that I didn't use them as per illustrated except for body care! I have dry skin and I just couldn't bear to apply any of it to my face because of the high alcohol content. I only use this mainly on my post eczema skin ( on the palm of my hands ) when it is flared up or looks flaky. Sometimes, I use it as spot treatment if I have a pimple or two. I must say that it works.

I have been using this since May and initially, I wasn't impressed. Many claim that it is moisturising, but I find it isn't so. After application, you do feel it leaves your skin soft to touch but then, I find that the feeling is temporal. I find that it doesn't quite perform as good as the real thing. With real Aloe Vera sap ( straight from the plant ), you can see healing on affected area within a week. With this Nature Republic gel, it would take a longer period to see significant changes.

As I mentioned earlier, I only use this gel as a treatment on my eczema skin ( on the hands ) whenever it begins to itch or peel. Which means, I need to apply the gel on the affected spot, at least 4-6 times a day. What I did was I decant the gel into my beloved Muji bottle and this makes it so easy for me to use it where ever I go.

Overall 

After months of using it, I would say that it does help to soothe my affected spot when it gets itchy. Now, most of you would say eczema skin and alcohol won't mix. Some may argue that it will further dry up the skin. In my case, after the gel application, I apply a thick moisturiser on top of it. Surprisingly, this method works for me. Me and hubs can see that the spot is slowly healing beautifully.

This also works as a spot treatment for me and my blemish spot seemed to heal nicely in days. Yes, it is also nice to use as a quick moisturiser for your body but do get prepared that the results are not mind blowing. It leaves your skin feeling soft and that's about it.

I would choose the 'real' Aloe Vera sap anytime over this. But for convenience sake, this Nature Republic gel does comes in handy.

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: Nature Lab Rose Floral Water

Nature Lab Rose Floral Water 250ml

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.

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

My Experience 

When I first tested this floral water at the back of my hand, I was quite impressed with the delicate rose smell and the cooling feeling it gave. 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 Nature Lab. 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: Yes! Nurse Protect Your Lovely Hands

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.

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.