I have heard plenty of raving regarding Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate for the longest time. Now that they’ve launched a matching Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eyes; I thought it is high time I trial them both now. To be honest, I have not trial that many Kiehl’s products that made me fell head over heels for. I have the mentality of the more potent it is the better it is; hence I haven’t been much of a fan for organic, natural products.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
RRP AUD$59
My experience with Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate came along very timely. About the time I had to undergo a laser treatment. Needless to say, leading up to the laser I was using this as my serum/moisturiser every night. Since most of the ingredients were derived from natural ingredients (pure essential oils and distilled botanicals) they were great for prepping my skin for the laser and my skin post laser. This replenishing concentrate is lightweight, only required a few drops for full face application. I usually drop 3-5 drops on my palm warm it up a little and gently pat and press all over my face and neck area. Love the dropper packaging as it makes the serum easy for dispensing as well.
It is recommended to use as a serum and finish with a moisturiser but since I have fairly oily skin, I went with the serum step only and did not suffer any signs of tightness or dryness. In the morning, I find my skin soft and smooth with no signs of oiliness around my face at all. As this serum is designed to boost moisture, I’d highly recommend this for all skin types that are suffering from skin dryness. I am happy to report that my oily skin did not break out from this either.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye
RRP AUD$44
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eyes is the new product from Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery product range. Designed as a restorative night treatment for the eyes so that you can wake up to fresher, puffiness and younger looking eyes in the morning. While I can’t vow for the younger looking eyes effect, I did however woke up to softer, less puffy and more supple under eyes.
All you really need is a tiny 1-2 drops of the eye cream and gently pat under eyes and along the orbital bones. I usually incorporate some gentle massage to ensure the eye cream absorb thoroughly and quickly. I am also happy to report that I didn’t get any milia around the eye area while using this.
All products are paraben free, fragrance free and mineral oil free
Available on Kiehl’s counters now
Left: Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer (old), Right: Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renewer (new)
For the longest time, Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer has been ‘the’ HG serum for me. I have heard mixed reviews regarding this serum but it has worked perfectly for me – delivering what it promises to do, even out my skin done, reduce dull appearance and overall smooth and plumps my skin.
So when Clinique told me that they have launched a newer version of the same thing, I was interested to see how it fare with the old one. Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renewer comes in a shorter and wider bottle (something that is barely noticeable) then the old pump packaging. To me, an upgrade is always better than no upgrade, to say I was stoked about the new product would be an understatement.
Why I love it:
- It is an exfoliating serum, by exfoliating it creates a luminous skin finish perfect for those that are prone to flakiness, dry bits or uneven skin tone (ME, ME, ME!).
- The cocktail of ingredients help to optimise surface skin by naturally boosting cell renewal to unveil a more even skin tone, softer and younger looking skin.
- Star ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Padina Pavonica
- Silky, oil-free texture that absorbs onto skin matte and leaving it comfortable
- I usually incorporate some massage technique to ensure the products get thoroughly worked into my skin and boost some circulation at the same time
- Do I rate this product? Why of course yes! I know it’s an instant winner when upon first application you can instantly see results and the same results still show through in the following applications
- Great for all skin type both day and night but be sure to follow up with a moisturiser to lock in the serum goodness and deligent SPF protection always.
RRP AUD$74
Available on Clinique counters now
This product is one of the awesome products in my currently “winning routine” for skincare. I have to say I can’t be happier with the skincare combination I have right now and most importantly my monthly hormonal breakout is nowhere to be seen since I started this skincare routine. Clearly, the products I am using is making a change for my skin wellbeing.
My ‘winning’ daily routine involves something like this (have cut down on heaps of products):
Day: SKII Facial Essence > Skinceutical Retexturing Activator > SKII Whitening Spot Specialist > Jurlique Calendula Cream > Jurlique Sun Lotion SPF 30+
Night: Alpha H Prep + Prime > Alpha H Liquid Gold Original
So prior to my Alpha H and Jurlique regime (I have only been using Alpha H & Jurlique since 1st of Oct), I have been on Skinceutical Retexturing Activator to help heal and regenerate some pretty awful and intense acne scars that was left behind from a nasty acne breakout.
This multi award winning serum acts to resurface skin (important for scar healing) and replenish (deeply hydrate) skin’s barrier for healthier and radiant skin cell. To call this serum potent is an understatement as it delivers effects equivalent to a 20% glycolic treatment for a smoother and softer skin texture by diminishing any surface lines on the skin.
Weirdly enough, my skin did not react to the serum with any tingling or redness at all. It just soaks up all the clear liquid (watery with the slightest hint of stickiness that is super easy to work and massage onto face) goodness with no hint of tightness or uncomfortable.
Star ingredients: Hydroxyethyl Urea/ Aminosulfonic Acid Compound with Kombuchka and Hyaluronic Acid
It is oil free, can be used twice daily 4-6 drops to face/neck and is suitable for all skin types.
What the product promises:
- Normalizes epidermal renewal to resurface the skin
- Stimulates enzymes that promote efficient desquamation without irritation
- Promotes cell differentiation encouraging new cell migration to the skin’s surface
- Replenishes moisture levels critical for efficient cell differentiation and desquamation
- Reinforces skin’s barrier by optimizing the amino acid supply, a key element of skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
- Smoothes skin and improves radiance and tone
RRP AUD$114
Available in AdoreBeauty, Skincare Store, Advanced Cosmeceuticals
Before I start this post, I have to say you have been warned. I am beyond obsessed with Elemis’ Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing range and you have probably heard me rave about them one too many times on Twitter. Let’s start shall we?
So what is Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing technology all about you ask?
It is designed for dull, ageing skin by exfoliating, moisturising, soothing and protecting skin against environmental damage. Now this sounds pretty stock standard to what most skincare promises in the market. What makes Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing unique is that they utilises expensive and research proven to be effective ingredients and the technique of layering enzymes (wash, serum, cream) helps to boost the effectiveness of the ingredients for a visible quicker result.
Some of the star ingredients used for this range includes Galactoarabinan, a Polysaccharide to exfoliate, Brazilian Babussu Oil, Moringa, White Truffle, Poria Cocos, AHAs, Vitamins and lipids.
Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash – 200ml RRP AUD$
This pump bottle facial wash is creamy and smells devine. I prefer to use this on dry skin and massage it thoroughly all over my face and neck and rinse it off after. The result in instantly ‘cleaner and clearer’ skin without leaving skin tight and dry. I love how my skin feels smoother to touch and visibly refined. You know it’s love at first sight when you feel that the cleanser has worked hard and your skin glows after. May I say, this is my holy grail cleanser (not makeup remover) at the moment and if you must splurge on a cleanser please make this be it!
Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum – 30ml RRP AUD$
I go through this bottle much like how baby goes through milk! I guess my skin is loving this so much it is just soaking it all up. I am a big believer in serum, I firmly believe that this is the most important step in all skincare routine right up there next to sunscreen of course! Crazy fact: I judge a skincare range by it’s serum and how amazing it performs. This serum of course won me over at hello and boy am I a mini experts in judging serums as I’ve tried quite a few of them available in the market.
What this serum does is to stimulate skin’s natural cell renewal cycle by naturally peeling, smooth and tone the skin without irritation, redness or actual skin peeling off your skin. Sold yet? Again, it is one of those beauty products that once you’ve tried it, you’ll fall in love immediately like how I did. I love how it delivers the brighter, luminous skin like for real and the serum prevents my skin from flaking all through winter!
I am perhaps 80% through this serum already at point of typing this post and I’m already starting to freak out when it runs out.
Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream – 50ml RRP AUD$
This night cream smells just as divine like the rest of the range and comes with a plastic scooper that keep things hygienic and portion controlled. This gel like cream looks really thick but once applied on the skin it absorbs immediately and leaves a smooth matte finish.
I love how this night cream promotes skin repairing at night and to boost lipid complex combined with strengthening skin’s daily defense. Who wouldn’t like a hardworking cream that works while you sleep and wake up to glowy skin? My skin also instantly brightens up each time using this night cream. After couple of weeks using this night cream combined with the serum day and night, I feel my skin more hydrated and overall skin looks brighter (double win!).
Did you know that for each Elemis product you buy, you’ll also get free surprise little samples in each product.
To find out more about the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing range, check it out here.
Are you stuck in a skincare rut and need a breathe of fresh air to mix things up a little? Fret not, this happens to me all the time, hence I am constantly switching things up once in a while to ensure my skin gets the most benefit out of the skincare routine. Biotherm recently released the Skin.Ergetic range that boosts live and energy back into skin.
So who is this Skin.Ergetic range designed for? For us who live the modern life of course. If you lead an unbalanced lifestyle, stresses, have unbalanced diet and having exposed to pollution all the time, then your skin will need to re-energise too. Got dull, lacklustre, dehydrated, stress skin? This will be the answer to your prayers.
Here are my thoughts on the products:
Skin.ergetic Energy Up Complex Serum RRP AUD$74
- An innovative, fresh concept that retains the freshness of the ingredients by having to DIY yourself. All you need to do is mix the vial of ‘dry’ concentrate into the bottle ‘wet’ content to activate the serum. This ensures nothing but the freshest product on to your skin.
- This fluid textured serum is deigned to fight fatigue, dullness and general skin concern by keeping skin well hydrated and effectively radiant boosting.
- Star ingredients: Broccoli, Apple, Soy, Lemon, Sugar Cane (Sound good enough to eat!)
- This serum is also paraben free, mineral oil free, synthetic colorant free and is suitable for even sensitive skin
- After almost a month into this, I find my skin overall appearance looks smoother and less random breakout. My VISIA test done yesterday came back with glowing results in terms of skin texture and ageing concerns.
Skin.ergetic Non Stop Anti- Fatigue Moisturiser RRP AUD$65
- Housed in Biotherm’s signature roundish jar, this day moisturiser comes in cream gel and cream option. I went for the cream gel as I have oily/combination skin.
- Even though this is a day cream it doesn’t come with SPF so be sure to pop a thick layer of SPF everyday after moisturising.
- This moisturiser focuses on 5 active fruit and vegetable extracts much like the serum to target fre radical and protect skin from environmental elements, keeping skin fresh and luminous.
- It also smells very citrusy perfect for a morning refreshing moisturiser.
Skin.ergetic Night Recovery Moisturiser RRP AUD$65
- Works similarly to the day moisturiser, the night moisturiser is a tad richer than the day moisturiser
- It works to fight visible signs of fatigue, so in the morning you’re guaranteed well rested skin.
- Star ingredients: Tea, Buckwheat, Ruscus, Soy and Cranberry
- The cranberry scent is quite dominant in this cream and it gives skin a smooth and well hydrated feel right after application. Be sure to massage the cream into the skin until fully absorbed.
All Biotherm products are available on counter and online via AdoreBeauty
It is no news that Estee Lauder is definitely a beauty company you should always look out for their skincare and makeup products. I for one purchased my first lipstick (it was such a grown up moment!) from Estee Lauder and til this day I could still remember the very moment when I hand over my cash for that tube of lipstick. It was from their Signature Collection in #Apricot Sun and when the lady put it on my lips, the luxurious packaging and the vibrant colour confirmed that I am a red/coral/pink lips kind of girl.
Fast forward many years later, I am still excited over Estee Lauder’s simple, sleek and clean packaging that never fails to ooze the sense of luxurious and having little girls all around the world craving for their gold caps. Be it a lipstick, an eye palette, a jar of cream or an eye cream - they always seem to tick all the right boxes and almost* always deliver what they promises.
In June, I was sent a sample of the Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator (RRP AUD$105 (30ml), AUD$150 (50ml)), a serum that:
- Targeting issues from different ethnicities experience with uneven skintone, by fighting redness, blotchiness, discolorations, acne marks, sun spots and dark spots
- The gentle formula is oil free, very lightweight to apply all over face and doesn’t irritate skin and doesn’t clog any pores
- Star ingredients: Triple-Optic Technology, CorrectTone Technology, Glucosamine-DP molecule blend, Vitamin C, Botanical Extracts, Rice Bran Extract, Vitamin E, Licorice, Gentian
- The scent of this serum is refreshingly citrusy and has a lingering floral sweetness
- In just 4 weeks, it promises to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and injects radiance into skin
- Personally, I find this serum very effective in keeping skin matte, well hydrated, visibly smoother and brighter over the course of 4 weeks of using it. Some of my pigmentation issues still persist and these won’t go away without the help of some clinical intense pulse lightening treatments. Overall skin appearance wise, I find my skin much brighter and smoother without makeup on.
- If you’re a big fan of scientific proofs, head over to Nicki’s blog who gave this serum a 10 out of a 10 in terms of effectiveness of the ingredients in this serum. She also mentioned that using a cream rich in niacinamide can improve the appearance of pigmentation, try it if you’re game!
In addition to the serum there is also another new winning product, the Cooling Eye Illuminator (RRP AUD$95). This one is definitely a market first in terms of the “ceramic tip applicator” which is always cooling to touch. This makes it the perfect applicator for eye creams, gone are the days of storing your eye cream in the fridge.
The Cooling Eye Illuminator works to dramatically reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. After just one use, I could clearly see a brighter under eye area and less puffiness. Over a recommended of 8 weeks, you’ll see massive reduction in puffiness and brightened eye area. I am on my week three of the eye illuminator and can already see a brighter undereye area and is loving my morning and night ritual of “smoothing the ceramic tip” under my eye. The refreshing and cooling sensation is perfect for tired and sleepy eyes.
Star ingredients: Pinoxide, Magnolia Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Botanical Extracts, Sea Algae, Caffeine Sucrose
This is how it is recommended to be used. Key word = gentle.
- Gently squeeze tube to release a dot sized amount
- Gently massage ceramic tip under each eye from inner corner to the outer corner
- It is recommended two or more times of massaging the tip under the eye, knowing me I went for the 10-15 times under each eyes which takes less than 1 minute to do both eyes
- Gently pat the remaining residue into the skin until fully absorbed
- Wipe off ceramic tip with tissue after each use
I don’t have obvious puffy eyes to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Cooling Eye Illuminator, why don’t you see it for yourself in this video that was demonstrated by a Hong Kong actress? Ignore the language and fast forward to 2:49 for before & after shots. Otherwise, you can watch her video in full to see how to use the ceramic applicator to it’s full advantage. Definitely won a spot in the ‘miracle product’ basket doesn’t it?
*To be brutally honest, not every single product available in the market delivers what they promises.
I have been using SKII Facial Treatment Repair C for more than 2 weeks now.
I am happy to let you know this highly concentrated serum works wonder to hydrate + plumps up the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines (I have prove for this, especially around the eye area) and also improves the skin texture and elasticity.
This oil-free repair C contains the concentrated Pitera as do most of other SKII products.
I especially love the current SKII range that I am using because you can use almost all the product around the eye area. Including the essence, day/night cream and this.
If you want plump, refined, dewy textured skin. Look no further. This is the ultimate answer to perfect skin.
All you need to do is to massage it into your skin. Simple as that.
Roughly 150 licks.
Some time ago, I’ve started to use this SK-II Whitening Source. I am told it is discontinued and now I know why. Don’t get me wrong, to begin with I am a huge SK-II fan and I have huge faith in it but this definitely did nothing to my skin as compared to other SK-II products.
This whitening source is an oil free gel hydrator which promises to bring radiance, tone and help reduce spots, pigmentations and freckles.
To be fair, I see the moisture and tone part but nothing else. And any reasonable moisturizer can do the tone and moisture thing.
This is by far the most disappointing product that I have used given its reputation and promising ads.
Luckily I didn’t have to buy it.
