My Experience: Dry Skin, Use Sleeping Mask as a Serum

My skin type is normally combination, slightly oily at the t-zone and dehydrated at the cheeks.

Recently, my skin has been very dry and even flaky at the nose area. So I have been trying all means and ways to rehydrate my skin. Dry skin is a pain as it hurts at times when using certain skin products and causes my skin to be more sensitive than usual and my eczema sometimes flares up as well.

The routine I have been sticking with has been working well:

Cleansing: Shu Uemura cleansing oil. Avene gel cleanser
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion 2
Serum: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack
Moisturiser: La Mer Creme de La Mer

Yes, I have been using Laneige Water Sleeping Pack as a serum, before moisturiser every night and I find it works nicely as a hydrating serum and a wonderful water boost for my skin. It takes a while to absorb and sink in, but it's like I am using a hydrating mask and then using the Creme de la Mer to seal the moisture in. I find that this works better than the other way round: Creme de la Mer then Laneige Water Sleeping Pack. I can't explain why but the effect is just different. In the mornings, I wake up with everything absorbed. My skin is not oily in the mornings but nicely moisturised. Unfortunately, by mid day my skin gets dry again (might be the office air con).

I would only recommend this routine if your skin is really dry or dehydrated like mine as it is this routine is not only rich in moisture but also in oil content. Dry skin means lacking in both oil and moisture, dehydrated skin lacks moisture but not oil. The Creme is really rich in the sense that it is very emollient and acts as a good barrier to prevent moisture loss. This is why I always have a tub of creme de la mer with me cos its the best to use in such skin changes and emergency situations like sensitive reactions.

So, if you have dry skin, you can try using your sleeping mask as a serum before an emollient (rich, oily) moisturiser. It might work better than using it as the last step.

Skincare-holic's Skincare Tip #9: My Skincare Routine- Eye Cream

When i blogged about my current day skincare routine, I forgot to include the eye cream that I use so I decided to do a separate post on eye creams that I use nowadays.

Day:
La Roche-Posay Active C Eyes

Night:
Avene Eluage Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate
Hanskin Intense Eye Cream
Creme de La Mer

I use La Roche-Posay Active C Eye cream in the morning as I want to use a retinoid at night. And I read that we should not use Vit C and Vit A together as they deactivate each other.

LRP Active C Eye cream absorbs fast so its great when I have to rush in the morning. Vit C is also good for enhancing sun protection. LRP Active C used to sting my eyes but that rarely happens nowadays. It is good as it is a stable Vit C product.

I use Avene Eluage Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate at night as an eye serum then a richer eye cream like Creme de La Mer (I know, it's technically not an eye cream but Creme de La Mer works everywhere and it works nicely on my eyes but it can be too rich for my whole face). Avene Eluage Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate has been working well for me. I have been using this for a few months and I am seeing improvements in my lines.

I bought Hanskin Intense Eye Cream from Korea, together with some Hanskin BB creams. It contains Argireline, which is a derivative of Botox. It supposedly helps reduce expression lines. I just started using this not long ago so I will monitor and see how it works for me.

I will be doing full reviews of these products soon!

Skincare-holic's Skincare Tip #8: My Skincare Routine-Day

Recently I made a lot of changes to my skincare routine. I started incorporating Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and retinoids as they are clinically proven to improve skin conditions like acne and wrinkles, resulting in clearer skin. I simplified my skincare routine as a result.

Day:
Cleanser: Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser/ Vichy Essentielles Foaming Facial Cleanser/ La Mer The Cleansing Lotion
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion 2/ La Mer The Tonic
Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream

Comments: My day routine is much simpler now than before. I stopped using a moisturiser before my sunscreen as the LRP Uvidea Cream is moisturising enough and adding a moisturiser would make my skin oily. I also read some articles saying that sunscreen should be applied to bare skin to allow the chemical sunscreen to react with the skin in order for it to work well. Also, sunscreen - when tested in the lab - is used on bare skin, so to get maximum protection, sunscreen should be the first thing applied. (I got this information from dermtv.com, there are many useful videos there).

At times, especially when I have any pimple scars, I will use a whitening serum with Vit C before my sunscreen. Now, this is another source of debate. Some people say that antioxidants and whitening products should only be used at night as whitening ingredients make the skin more sensitive to the sun and might make the skin darker. Some also advocate that antioxidants be used at night as the sun deactivates the antioxidants.

Then there are those (for example Skinceuticals), who manufacture serums like Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, which consists of antioxidants like Vit C, E and Ferulic to enhance sunscreen protection.

In my opinion, as long as adequate sunscreen is applied, I think it is okay to use whitening products like Vit C. By adequate, I mean 1.25ml on the face alone. I often feel that when I try to apply this amount, the LRP Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream becomes shiny and makes my skin look oily. So I am again on a lookout for a better sunscreen product.

I will follow with my Night routine in a separate post.

What is your day skincare routine like? =)

Skincare-holic's 2010 Avoid List

As requested by some readers, I decided it would be good to do up a list of products that did nothing for me, was a waste of money or made my skin sensitive (i.e. redness, burning/stinging sensation). As with all other skincare products, these products might do wonders for your skin but not work for mine. For the record, I have combination, sensitive, dehydrated skin. Click the product name/picture to see my review.

The Face Shop Salon Effect Pearl Collagen Mask Powder. 

The name and what it touts to do was what made me attracted to this mask. I thought I was going to get an at-home facial. But this mask burned and made my skin red. I washed it off after a minute as the stinging was just not tolerable. I notice that The Face Shop makes masks with a lot of perfume/fragrance in them. Perhaps the only thing worth getting is the Raspberry Slim and Life Collagen Eye Patch, which happens to be one of my 2010 favouites.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Warming Treatment

This was a total waste of money. Really, save your money and get a better scrub with better quality and quantity. The tube is tiny and it is not that cheap for just a few usages.

Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF50+/UVA28

This sunscreen was greasy on me, did not absorb well and made me look and feel like an oil mine. It was
chucked aside after a few usages. I'm sure there are better sunscreens out there. Such a waste as I always thought that Cetaphil was a good brand with dermatological background and not just merely marketing hype.

La Mer The Radiant Infusion

Another expensive product with no effects on my skin. This La Mer Radiant Infusion really burnt a hole in my pocket and I was praying hard that it would work. After this La Mer experience, I am convinced that nothing can be done with pore size (I already knew with all the articles out there, but I harboured some hope!) and I will not be wasting money again, regardless of what the next sales assistant says - this product was supposed to give radiance, clarity, minimise pores and tone skin. A good toner would suffice, I still don't get why there is a need for this product. Perhaps for some marketing reasons? The Hydrating Infusion would make more sense since it serves a more definite purpose but I wasn't going to burn another hole to buy a hydrating lotion/serum with a nice name - Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion seemed cheaper and worked. I liked Creme De La Mer though and it is one of my 2010 favourites.

Proactiv Renewing Cleanser

I included this here because it didn't suit my skin. It made my skin sensitive. However, it might be good for oily, acne-prone skin, which it was designed for.  I don't hate this product but I avoid it now, even though I still have a good amount of it left.

Skincare-holic's 2010 Favourites List

2010 is coming to an end and I thought I'd do up a Favourites List like the one I did for 2009! I looked through the reviews I did in 2010 and rounded up the few I really liked.


Best 2010 Cleanser: Hada Labo AHA/BHA Tamagohada Exfoliating Face Wash Foam

This Hada Labo cleanser doesn't exfoliate well but it cleanses well enough. I like that it is self-foaming and convenient to use. It removes dirt and oil without making my skin feel dry or tight. I used to like Fancl Washing Powder a lot and this cleanser is a good competitor as it doesn't require a foaming ball nor do I have to worry about expiry dates.




Best 2010 Lotion: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

This lotion helped improve my skin texture. I could see that my dehydrated skin was more plumped up. It comes in a big bottle and each usage only requires a small amount, so it lasts a long time. 



Best 2010 Moisturizer: La Mer Creme de La Mer

This was the only cream I could use when I had patches of dermatitis on my face. It may be rich but if you control the amount you use it will not clog pores (I first press the creme into my cheek area before using the remaining on the t-zone). I like that it is quite soothing, even when my skin was sensitive and would react to most other products. I felt my skin become smoother with usage.


Best 2010 Hydrating Mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

I used to like Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Relief but Clinique did not work well when my skin was very dehydrated and sensitive. It caused redness and stinging. Laneige, however, worked really well and helped restore my skin to normal. I don't experience any clogged pores even when I apply a thick layer. I wake up the next day with hydrated skin.

Best 2010 Clay Mask: BeautyDIY Dead Sea Mud Mask

I think this dead sea mud mask is cheap yet good. Its main purpose is to suck out dirt and excess oil from the pores so I don't need an expensive mask with wonderful ingredients and this mask does just that. As the mask dries, I can see spots of oil where pimple or blackheads are at, which shows it really works. It contains tea tree oil, which helps dry out and heal pimples. It is good to follow up with a hydrating mask to replenish moisture. 

Best 2010 Eye Mask: The Face Shop Raspberry Slim & Lift Collagen Eye Patch

I almost forgot that I really liked this eye mask until I looked through my 2010 reviews again. It is a bit pricey but it works nicely to hydrate and plump up my under eye area. After using this mask, the jelly-like mask becomes thinner, which shows the essence has been absorbed by the skin. I think I will be purchasing some more soon. 

Best 2010 Face Spray/Sensitive Skin Product: Avene Thermal Spring Water

I have been using this for a few years now and I always re-stock whenever there is the 2 for S$29.90 promotion. The Avene Thermal Spring Water soothes my sensitive skin really well and I even use it as an eye mask at times - by saturating a cotton pad with the spring water then tearing it into half and using it as a normal eye mask. It is cooling on the skin and reduces my redness effectively. It also helps when skincare products are too thick/sticky, I spray this over my face and try to massage the products in again. 

**This is all for my favourites list this year. It is too bad I didn't find a favourite sunscreen. I have been looking but haven't found one that I like yet. 

Do comment with recommendations of skincare products you like and find works well! I would like to try more skincare in 2011 =)

My Experience: La Mer Creme De La Mer as Treatment Face Mask

I dropped by the La Mer counter to replenish my La Mer Creme De La Mer or The Moisturising Gel Cream. I didn't know which to get as I like both. The Moisturising Gel Cream suits my skin type (dehydrated combination) better but the Creme De La Mer suits all skin type and when I use Creme De La Mer I use it around my eyes as well. 

I asked the SA for advice and she gave me two reasons to choose the creme. It seems she prefers it more. 

1. The creme is slightly more economical because one tends to use more of the Gel each time as it is less oily. This is really true! I realised very early on that I tend to use more Gel than Creme as I tend to be more careful not to scoop too much Creme cos of the risk of it being too rich for my skin. When I use the Gel it seems habitual to scoop more so that my skin is more than adequately hydrated and smooth. 

2. The SA taught me a new way to use the Creme - as a treatment face mask. I also spread it over my eye area as an eye mask. 

First spread a thicker than usual layer of the Creme onto your skin (without rubbing).

Leave it on for 5 minutes and then rub your hands together to warm them and press the Creme into your skin. The Creme will melt and then massage the Creme into your skin in upwards motion. This helps in lifting and firming. 

Then dab off the excess Creme with a tissue if you find that it is too oily. But I usually massage it in as much as I can, then I warm my palms and press them onto my face.

It is recommended that you use this about once every three weeks as a treatment face mask. It is very rich so it is not recommended to use it too often.

Price: $240 for 30ml

Review: La Mer The Radiant Infusion

Product information (from La Mer website):

This high-potency treatment infuses the skin with a cascade of activity to deliver extreme radiance, clarity, pore-minimizing and tone on demand.

The Radiant Infusion's vital ingredients - ionizing sea salts, Radiant Ferments and super anti-oxidants - are suspended within a radical, fluid architecture. Expanding and contracting as necessary, the mesh-like sea gel works with La Mer's exclusive Deconstructed Waters™ to deliver extraordinary activity.

Immediately, skin looks bright and refreshed. Pores that may have lost their integrity look tightened and refined, toning the skin's appearance. A natural source of electrolytes essential to the body's well-being, ionizing sea salts work in The Radiant Infusion to release a flood of beneficial negative ions, immediately energizing the skin and awakening a healthy, more vital and luminous appearance.

Augmented with La Mer's exclusive Lime Tea and a super anti-oxidant cocktail, a combination of Radiant Ferments works to prevent the appearance of future discoloration, helping skin discover a refreshed, renewed, radiant life.

My Review:

I didn't think that this product worked wonders for me. The product description said skin looks bright and radiant immediately but that did not happen for me. Despite finishing the bottle, it still did not look like my pores were minimised. I thought that this La Mer Radiant Infusion was like an expensive additional step that did little for me. I did appreciate that there are anti-oxidants in The Radiant Infusion, which are always a good thing to have in any product.

This product supposedly is a pre-serum step. And I think it works to boost the performance of the serum/creme but I also think it has some astringent properties due to the alcohol.

This product has alcohol denat as the third ingredient, so those concerned with alcohol or with sensitive skin should not choose this product. I have experienced some redness when my skin is more sensitive than usual. The Hydrating Infusion will be a more recommended product if you have sensitive skin.

The price of La Mer The Radiant Infusion is $195 and I thought that the effects didn't match the price tag. I think I might have gotten more out of a serum of the same price. I doubt I will purchase this again.

Updated Review: Creme de La Mer & The Moisturizing Gel de La Mer

[Updates]: Someone dropped me a note and asked for more details on the effects of creme/gel de la mer. I shall add on to my previous review.(I understand that it is expensive and more consideration has to be made before purchasing this! =) )

For Creme de La Mer, the creme was too rich for my skin, which is why I now use it as my eye cream. It is moisturising enough as an eye cream as it has a lot of emollient ingredients. It absorbs well and has not given me any milia seeds. As a moisturising cream, it is a bit on the oily side for my combination skin, despite me reducing the amount of creme used. My skin lacks moisture, not oil as I have a dehydrated oily skin type, so it did not suit me that well. I think it might have contributed to some clogs on my face as well. I think that it will be good for those with dry skin type.

The gel is more refreshing for my skin. Absorbs fast and gives my skin a glow. I find that my clogs are lesser when using this gel. Perhaps due to the higher water content of gels, which is what my skin needs.

Effects wise, for both creme and gel de la mer, I find that my red pimple marks healed/faded faster than usual. But I wonder if it is psychological. I use my usual Kose Sekkisei Lotion, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence but I don't use any whitening serum. If you are looking at investing in the creme for wrinkles, I find that it did not help with any of my undereye lines. I have 2 lines at the left side (not the right!), and they have not disappeared.

If you are considering which to purchase, I suggest buying the one that suits your skin type. The La Mer website actually states that the creme is suitable for all skin types. And because I wanted to buy the classical product from the La Mer skincare line (due to the price, I should get the classic one right?), I chose to buy the Creme but I find that it does not suit my skin as a moisturiser. Thankfully it works well as an eye cream, or else I would have given it to my mom. The website does state that the creme is suitable for the eye area, which was why when I was using the creme for the face, I used it for my eye area as well, saving me one additional product and skincare step. 

The creme works better if you have sensitive skin. The Gel sometimes make my skin a little red. It doesn't happen often but I would stick to the creme.

I hope I provided more information for you to consider before making your purchase! =)

p.s. I  am currently using the La Mer Radiant Infusion. I will give the product more time for it to make its magic and I will review it here soon! For now, the Radiant Infusion has not done much for my skin.

Price: $240 for 30ml 

Review: La Mer The Moisturizing Gel Cream & Creme De La Mer

Product Information:

Gel de La Mer is an ultralight edition of the original Crème de la Mer that hydrates and refreshes the skin, leaving a supremely soft finish. Its gel-like texture is ideal for warmer weather and times when a true cream just might be too rich.

I am currently using both the Creme de La Mer and the gel cream version. I initially started out with the Creme as I wanted to try the classical version first. But I found it a bit too rich for my combination skin. Although the Creme is purported to suit all skin types, I suggest using the gel version for combination and oily skin especially in humid and warm Singapore weather.

I will provide a short comparison between the Creme de La Mer and Gel de La Mer. The Creme has to be warmed between the fingertips to activate the broth and 'pressed' into the skin. The gel skips the warming step.

The Creme, when applied leaves an occlusive film on my skin. I think that this has to do with the rich emollient ingredients in the creme like lanolin. I find that it requires some time for it to be absorbed and I have to warm my palms to aid in absorption. Some people might find the richness of the creme uncomfortable in our climate. I am okay with this richness but I worry it might clog my pores further (the creme has ingredients like mineral oil and lanolin that potentially clog pores) so I now use the creme as an eye cream as it is suitable for use around the eye area as well. It moisturises really well as an eye cream as my eye area is dryer than my facial skin and requires a richer cream.

The gel suits my facial skin very well. It is readily absorbed and does not leave my skin feeling oily after it is absorbed. It gives a refreshing feel upon application and despite its gel form, it moisturises very well. I really like the Gel de La Mer and I find that gel cream moisturisers are usually the best for skin that is oily yet dehydrated like mine, and not too rich for the T-zone as well.

Both the Creme de La Mer and gel de La Mer are wonderful products but are very dreadful to the wallet. However, if you are willing to splurge on moisturisers as an investment for your future skin, I recommend these two products, but do choose them according to your skin type for it to work best.

Do read my updated review here.

Price: $240 for 30ml 

New Product! : La Mer - The Hydrating Facial Mask

As mentioned in my earlier post, La Mer, Takashimaya held an event to promote their new Hydrating Facial Mask. I attended the one-to-one session which allowed me to try (and successfully tempting me to purchase) the Hydrating Facial mask.

The essence is somewhat thick, and white in colour, almost like a gel-cream texture. The mask is a two-zoned masks so that it can fit perfectly on your face. The mask only needs to be left on for 8 minutes, however there is still lots of essence left, so you can use this on your neck or elsewhere. This is an intensive treatment mask and only needs to be used once a week.

Mask Benefits:

A sumptuous spa-like facial that brings skincare to a new level of luxury. The Hydrating Facial saturates the skin with signature Hydrating Ferments to reawaken the appearance of youth.

A cascade of moisture comforts and quenches the skin on contact, encouraging it to feel hydrated, nourished and conditioned as never before. Dryness and dehydration become a concern of the past as skin is enveloped in the healing energies of the sea.

Potent marine extracts help diminish the visible signs of aging.  Dark spots and discoloration begin to fade from view, revealing a clearer, more even complexion.

Ultra soft to the touch, this spun-lace cotton mask is embedded with tourmaline to quickly and generously hydrate the skin. As the spa journey is completed, a youthful tone, resilience, and vitality begin to emerge. Skin looks smoother, feels soft and supple to the touch.

Even dry complexions are renewed as skin is visibly transformed.

The effects are very obvious! There is very good hydrating properties and I could see my skin's fine lines disappeared. There was also very obvious brightening up of my dull skin tone. My skin soaked up all the moisture it could from the mask. Really lovely!

The down side would be the hefty price tag of the La Mer brand.

Price: S$460 for a box of 6 masks

Rate: 4.5/5   Excellent mask with an equally expensive price.

Skincare Brands' Facial Services Overview

Some skincare brands have facial services available and these are usually not heavily advertised as they serve a dedicated clientele.

La Mer facial : located at Tangs Orchard on the third floor. First go to the La Mer counter at the cosmetics section at Level 1 and purchase a facial voucher then proceed to Level 3 for the facial at a cabin that they have there. Call the Tangs Orchard branch for an appointment. Quite a luxurious facial.
Price of La Mer Facial is around $150-180 for basic facial, $280 for whitening facial, depending on products used.

Jurlique Day Spa : located at wheelock place. They use massage techniques as a main part of the facial complimented with essential oils and the use of Jurlique products. It's a relaxing experience.
Prices are $70 for 30min anti stress facial; $125 and above for 60mins

Lancome Beauty Institute: located at Goodwood Park Hotel. A bit out of the way for those who don't drive. Prices are $125 for 60min extreme purity facial.

Fancl: located at Isetan Orchard and Tampines. Prices start from $60. This is where I usually go for facial as it is the easiest on the wallet.

Skin Inc: located at ION orchard ad 2 other locations, their facials make use of machines such as microdermabrasion and oxy-infusion therapy. There is no extraction as Skin Inc therapist said that it is damaging to the skin, it is available upon request though. Prices are $168 for microdermabrasion, which I think is more expensive compared to going to an Aesthetic doctor. First trial is at a 50% discount.

SK-II Boutique Spa - located at Raffles City shopping centre (new branch) and along Scotts Road, this luxurious spa offers $50 off for first time customers. It's a good way to experience SK-II's miracle products. Prices start from $98 for Aqua Physics facial, and $135 for Crystal clear facial.

La Mer - The Hydrating Facial in Singapore

La Mer has launched the new The Hydrating Facial in Singapore!!



There is an event going on at Takashimaya Ngee Ann City, Singapore from Fri 6 Nov to Thu 12 Nov at Level 1, Cosmetics Department.

The SA will introduce the new Hydrating Facial mask to you with some snacks.
I have booked my appointment to be on Wed 11 Nov so I will be back with updates! Do go down to find out more about La Mer's Christmas promotions!
(I hope to receive some samples!!)


Read other related posts about Facial services in Singapore:

• Skincare Brands Facial services in Singapore