[Sponsored Product] Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum

Introducing the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum! I have been an avid fan of Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot because it worked like magic on my hormones-driven-pimple. 

This package was kindly sent to me by L'oreal x VanityTrove

About Product:
It is the first hydrating power serum containing 3 energising sugars and Vichy Thermal Spa Water that can capture and retain moisture. Further enhanced with dynamic hydration technology to continuously even out moisture in all facial zones for fresh-looking skin all day long

My feedbacks? 

I don't use this on a daily basis. Maybe weekly?

So far, I have only used the serum and not the moisturiser, each time with two pumps. I know it is a lot. But it is also the reason why I skipped the moisturiser. Just don't like to use too many things on my face at night. It is way too troublesome. Since the serum was power-packed with so many great stuff, I would think it it sufficient. Plus... my face would breakout if it is way too oily.  

Upon application, the serum felt super luxe. Like it had a lot H20 ready to burst into my face. Given that I applied such a thick layer, I was expecting for it to be really heavy on my face. 

But it wasn't. Within like 15 - 30 seconds, the product got absorbed into my face and I can sleep through the night and not be afraid that my face would feel dry the next morning. 

The funny thing about this product is, though it feels as it is being absorbed, meaning no sticky, no eeky feeling... but when I wash it off in the morning, or my face come in contact with water/foam later part of the day, I can feel the product coming off.. I'm not sure what the real definition is but... that's  about it! 


Recommended for women aged between 25 - 60 years old who are looking for products that can provide long lasting hydration.

------------

Side note: Think I'm getting really bad at writing reviews. Thus, I'm going to stop for awhile, until.. I feel extremely motivated to do so.

Oh! Another exciting side note - TICKETS BOOKED!!! 

xoxo

Andrea

OLAY AquAction Long Lasting Hydration Gel [Product Review]

OLAY AquAction Long Lasting Hydration Gel

Yes! It’s OLAY again! Being an extremely popular brand in Asia, this time round, the researchers of OLAY have discovered something we would never think of! I would have to say, this is definitely thinking outside the box!

If you have watched sufficient Hong Kong drama that filmed about the historical days of this concubine who the past majesty got so mesmerised by, you will definitely have a clue who I’m talking about!

Yang Gui Fei

Working on such a historical Asian beauty, means that the products are more suitable Asian Skin Types!

Of course, there is more to the eye! The OLAY AquAction Long Lasting Hydration Gel has the following new ingredients to assist that full/pump look that every girl out here is trying to achieve; that incredible QQ and bouncy skin texture.  This is definitely the star product of the Olay AquAction range!

The lightweight gel appears light blue inside the jar and is packed with intensive moisturising agent to help boost the moisture level of our dry skin with just one application. It has proven to have continuously moisturized the skin all day long (up to 24 hours) to deliver that bouncy skin that every woman is trying to achieve.

Did a swatch on my arm with a generous amount from the jar! Funny how the product appeared blue in the jar buy transparent on my skin. No idea how that works too - Left the product alone to get absorbed by my skin while I happily re-watched the America’s Next Top Model Cycle 20 (Splash Paint). Haha! Not sure if it was because I applied an overly generous amount on my skin or my skin wasn’t absorbing the product quickly enough, but even after 10 minutes, it still appeared like that.

 

With the high concentration in water levels as well as how moisturising this product is, I believe for most skin types, this would work better as a mask than a daily moisturizer. I would definitely choose to use it as a sleeping mask or a RESCUE mask when I feel that my face is lacking the moisture that it requires (though that will usually be a lil too late).

Congrats to OLAY once again, for discovering the beauty ingredients behind the legendary beauty figure. 

xoxo

Andrea

Neogence Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence [Product Review]

From the Website:

Premium grade Hyaluronic Acid in High Concentration 

• A Holistic Approach to Give your Skin the Moisture Boost 
• Premium grade Hyaluronic Acid in high concentration from biochemical facility in Japan 
• Forms a thin water-rich barrier film on the surface of the skin, and maintains this high water level over a long period of time 
• Use on its own, or with other skincare products; it gives your skin a moisture boost with a holistic approach 
• Improves the condition of dryness and roughness in the skin, soothes fine lines caused by dehydration 
• Gel-like texture can be quickly absorbed by the skin and suits all skintypes 
• Small Molecules of Hyaluronic Acid for moisture replenishment and retention; macro molecules of Hyaluronic Acid for long lasting hydration

VLV Review:

How do I use it? 

The Neogence Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence can be used on its own or applied on after your toner/lotion and before moisturiser. 

What is the texture like? Is it nice smelling? 

The texture of the product is ironically lightweight (unlike many commercialised products). 

It is light, transparent and non-greasy. 

Low irritant and gentle. 

The product smells refreshing (smells a little like those facial paper mask that you use before catered for moisturisation)

Who should try?:

People who have dry skin, or skin that looks incredibly tired from either staying up late to do projects or having to OT like crazy over the past few weeks. 

After Using:

Ok I have to be very honest when it comes to HYALURONIC products these days. There have been way too many products that claim to have hyaluronic content in them but failed to perform - really badly. I shan't name them. I am also very particular when it comes to such product as I have often experienced breakout after using them for a period of time. (Guess my face just wasn't used to being that ... moist..) 

I feel that the product is light enough to use to mix with other products that you have to cater to your skin needs. It is a great alternative to having to place a facial sheet mask over especially for women like myself who can't pull ourselves awake after having the masks on. Sometimes, the 15 minutes period just seem a little too long, and if I'm really sleepy, poof - I'm off to sleepy land .. I know I know, it isn't a good habit. 

Overall, I give this product a 4/5. As it doesn't give the sticky feeling after application and it does promise a richer, less dry and soothe the lines on my face that is cause by fatigue and..sadly, we all have to admit - (old age). 

xoxo

Andrea

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution [Skincare Review]

Yellow Bananas!

I must be a terrible blogger who has not updated her blog ever since. I really would like to apologise as I have been too caught up with everything in my life. Especially my job. Also, if you don't know. I don't own a smart phone (technically I own a blackberry, but it limits me from doing quite a lot of things - if you know what I mean).

But once again, I am still a berry fan, and I'll continue being one. Because I love keypads than screens. I may be changing to an andriod, but you know, once that change happens, my instagram will be flooded with my selfies. And I don't want to scare you guys away! HAHAHA.

Alright, tracks back...

-------------------------------------------------------------------

The Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution which I received in my previous trove has been.. tried and tested! I'm half way through the bottle now, and I must say, I am seeing results! (which is also why I'm so motivated to write this right now.)

Yes I ain't kidding about this!

Let me share a little with you first.

Every time of the month when the period draws closer, a particularly HUGE pimple would appear on my face. I have tried many many ways to prevent this from happening (watching diet, more mask) but it still happens. It really has something to do with my hormones, but I deem this as perfectly normal.

So usually, what I would do is whenever that pimple pops up, or start surfacing, I would start applying my pimple cream, do spot treatments (with my Origins Out Of Trouble mask) and let it subside. So far, this has worked perfectly. Usually, the redness will go away after 3days.

But the battle isn't over yet.

I would have this dark red scar on my face, which I have to use so much concealer on (and on days when I slacken, the scars make me feel soooooooooo *eekie*). Its true. Nobody around me can ever be comfortable with scars on their face. Let alone myself. I already have a strawberry nose to deal with. Why would I want to have scars to contribute to my facial woes! ):

So.. THANKFULLY I had chosen this in my Vanity Trove selection (it is still available - so hurry!). Just one miracle drop is sufficient. I don't spread it across my face because I think its quite a waste as.. I only have spots on a specific area and my skin tone (except my scars) are even!

[Product Review]
I know the product has been in the market for a while but it still remains as Kiehl's Bestsellers! 

The product is transparent, light (slides off your finger when you squeeze a drop) and easy to spread/dap on.  No sticky or eeky feeling and gets absorb really quickly! 

It is miraculous. I have this prominent scar on my left cheek due to those "headless" pimple and it is starting to heal. You don't know how happy I am when I see the scars lighten as the days goes.

It has been a week that I have been using this product religiously - day and night, after toner/lotion before moisturiser. 

Hold on, the product also has No Silicones, No Parabens, No Fragrance, No Colorants and No Optical Diffusers.   

How much more awesome can it get?!

If you're like me, thinking about if the product truly works, why not subscribe to Vanity Trove and have this in your trove! (read more about what others have to say here) Don't forget, you can add on another 5 more items on top of this fantastic product! 


On a side note.... 

I CAUGHT THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA MUSICAL LAST NIGHT AT MBS AND IT WAS FANTASTIC. 

I'm not sure if the tickets are still available, but I must say, even if you don't want to splurge on the pricey tickets, just buy the ones at $55 for the experience. We were seated like 3 seats away from the stage and it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!! 

To be moved by the theatrics as well the entire plot. Its amazing! I don't even know where I should begin with. The love that the Phantoms holds. My gawd!!!

The well-trained, well-rehearsed, and so into-characters casts are just 

FAN-TAS-TIC!!

THANK YOU B FOR THIS WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

#ootd
Dress: LoveBonito
Accessories: F21 Necklace,
Bag: Aldo Tote,
Shoes: Passion

Well, the next one that I'll definitely pay to watch will have to be CATS!  or even better, Moulin Rouge.

COME TO SINGAPORE SOON

xx

Andrea

HELLO JULY! & TSUBAKI NEW & IMPROVED FORMULA LAUNCH!

Hello JULY! 

YES! Finally it is here. The long wait since... the beginning of 2013. We have survived the first Half of the year - and if it wasn't a good one, well; we still have the rest of the other half of the year to look forward to! SO YAY JULY!

First on my list is of course MY BIRTHDAY which coincides with the official movie launch of DESPICABLE ME 2.  - ok, don't be spoilers.  I've been waiting forever for my minions to come back on screen, and despite it being available for preview since last Friday, I decided that I should wait. #julywillbe 

Back to Business...

On June 5th, I was invited to attend the Tsubaki Blogger Event ! They are launching a new range called - Head Spa, followed by a new and improved formula for the current products that are in the market right  now! 

TSUBAKI, launched in 2006, has been leading the hair care market in Japan with a record total number of shipments of over 270 million units. TSUBAKI is valued as a brand created to serve the beauty of Japanese women’s hair while enhancing the attractiveness of Japanese women.

  New technology includes:

• Contains Arginine, a Melanin hole repair ingredient
• Contains a UV protective ingredient to cut daily UV radiation, which causes hair melanin and protein to be lost, and protect hair from UV damage.
• Selected Camellia Oil for Shine & Elasticity

I was really late for the event, and missed out on the presentation that Vanessa was conducting, but thankfully, there were these nicely printed out notes for us to refer to when we got back home! I must say, the effort placed by the Shiseido Marketing Team is way beyond "a lot". It is like a gigantic-enormously amount of effort for each and every single event. Must be tough being part of the team!

(RED) Shining:

Shampoo (220ml) – S$8.90

Shampoo (550ml) – S$17.90

Conditioner (220ml) – S$8.90

Conditioner (550ml) – S$17.90

Treatment – S$15.90

Hair Mask – S$19.90

(WHITE) Damage Care:

Shampoo (220ml) – S$8.90

Shampoo (550ml) – S$18.90

Conditioner (220ml) – S$9.90

Conditioner (550ml) – S$18.90

Treatment – S$16.90

Hair Mask – S$21.90

(GOLD/YELLOW) Head Spa:

Shampoo – S$19.90

Conditioner – S$19.90

Extra Cleansing – S$15.90

Mask – S$22.90

Because the event was held at the Shiseido (I would assume training school for hairstylist), it was fully decorated with Tsubaki products. The entire area looked like a real salon. Therefore, I was able to give the product a try right on the spot during the event. I mean, how better to convince someone to do a brand switch than allow one to trial the product immediately! Don't you agree too?

In my AUD21 Awesome Stripey Dress from my Melbourne Trip!

At the end of the event, we were given a choice of which product we wanted to bring home to test it out.  Kinda regretted that I should have taken the Damage Care range, but because I had only had my hair re-dyed by John @ Salon Vim, I wanted my hair to look shiny. So.. Bimbotic me, chose the Red one! (:

Review: I have been using it for more than a week now, and my hair looks shinier even when I do not apply any after care treatment (ok, I do apply on a daily basis, except if I do not head out of the house then I can't be bothered). My hair smells superb too - the floral scent does not smell as strong as the ones you get from Herbal Essence (my usual shampoo) but ironically has the ability to last the whole day! No irritation on my scalp as well. The product does not foam up as much as the other commercial brands out there as well. So if you like foamy shampoo, then maybe this isn't the one you're looking for.

The only down side to the introduction of this brand is that... I don't really fancy the conditioner. Maybe cause I'm too used to the Dove Conditioner that I have been using previously, cause you can really feel that it nourishes your hair and the silky feeling (some may find it oily, but I think it works best for me, especially when my hair is rather damaged from all the colouring jobs). The Tsubaki Conditioner doesn't give me that feeling of nourishment, I had to apply like 4 pumps of it to my not-very-long hair to have the same feeling. But this is my personal habit. I like the feeling of being able to comb through my hair after conditioner. So usually, i will use a more lux conditioner which most would deem it as oily.

The new formula range will be launched on 4THJULY @ ALL WATSONS STORE! 

WOOHOO. One more happy occasion to look forward to! 

Its a tad bit expensive, but I'm sure you can purchase it during the Watson's Sale at a discounted price (that is if you're willing to wait).

 

Show your support and LIKE Tsubaki Facebook page! 

I HOPE EVERYONE HAVE A FANTABULOUS WEEK AHEAD! 

xx
Andrea

[Product Review] SK-II - The Miracle of Pitera

In recent events, I have decided to give this highly raved product a good try. I received this generous trial kit during one of the bellaboxes that I subscribed to previously, and was hesitating to try it only until.. well, recently!

It's only my third day using the product. Twice a day. I wouldn't say I have seen a vast improvement on my skin, cause that is definitely a lie. But I would say that, after these few days, I realised that the product isn't as strong or as I had thought - that it only suited matured skin.  Before I even start, I have heard so much about SK-II advertisement, strongly emphasising on its unique product ingredient - The Pitera. Whenever the word pops out, I would think of an old lady who was washing rice or soaking rice in some sort a wooden tub and the SK-II people noticed how moist and soft the hands of the old ladies are, and.... then it was discovered. - Or something along that line.

Wait, here's the advertisement

(I stole this from their website)

So here's my review for the above!

Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser

Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser cares for your skin while it cleanses. It contains Concentrated Pitera^TM and Mild Treatment Essence that leaves your skin hydrated even 30 minutes after cleansing. Work up a fine-textured lather and enjoy its mild rose scent.

VLV: I had thought that the cleanser would foam up as I lather it, but apparently not. For cleanser that doesn't foam up, I have a little doubts about feeling "clean" after the facial wash. But this was different. Despite the gentle actions from the cleanser, I liked how light it was, especially well for days whereby I don't have makeup on, and just need to cleanse the sebum excretion on my face! (: Oh! and the smell of the product reminded me of this super old school product called Hazeline Snow... (I used it when I was younger as a moisturiser.. I bet the older generation has seen it before..)

Cellumination Mask-In Lotion

This unique everyday lotion delivers a mask-like experience on top of its skin conditioning function. It provides intensive moisturisation while boosting skin’s Aura- Lucency, delivering hydration and whitening benefits to the skin.

VLV: If you still don't know, in most Japanese brands, toners are often known as Lotion. I remember learning about why it was called Lotion instead of Toner was because, it is meant to soften the skin and clear off the impurities while improving skin condition than the toner that is more known to tighten pores. So this lotion reminds me of a certain brand texture that I have previously used. I would usually pour it on a cotton pad and wipe it across my face gently. With the excess, I would use it on my neck and my calves.(don't judge). I usually leave it on for about 30seconds before proceeding with the next...

Facial Treatment Essence

Containing more than 90% Pitera™, this much loved miracle water is a must-have for healthy, radiant skin. It helps maintain the skin's natural renewal cycle to its optimum condition to allow skin nourishment. It also works to balance the skin's pH and sebum secretion, so oily and dry areas are properly moisturised.

VLV: Ah, the Miracle water! The product is light, gives the impression that it will be easier to penetrate than the lotion above. What I do is, I pat it onto my skin with my bare hands instead of putting it on the cotton pad. Cause... I don't want to waste a single drop of this essence!

Cellumination Deep Surge Ex

This daily moisturiser is infused with a unique active whitening ingredient, De-Melano P3C, that works to balance your skin tone from within to unleash your skin’s translucent aura.

VLV: The moisturiser doesn't feel oily, but the sad thing is, it doesn't have any SPF, so I had to rely on my foundation SPF to block out the harmful rays from the sun, and recently - the haze. (and speaking of the haze and how locals reacted to it, makes my blood boil, but I'll skip that). The moisturiser is light and usually cause I want to do things really quickly, I somehow blend the essence and moisturiser in circular motion on my face. 

Was I convinced thus far? On a scale of 1 - 10. I would say 8.5.


xx
Andrea

[Product Review] Biore Marshmallow Facial Whip - For Dry Skin

Biore has come up with a new formula, specially catered to acne skin this time round. If you have followed me since the beginning of VLV, you would have know that I swear off the Biore marshmallow whip facial wash, cause it is the best you can ever find in the entire universe!

Biore Marshmallow Whip Extra Moist Facial Wash gives you instant foam with just 1 pump! With an improved formula, it has Skin Purifying Technology that rebalances & improves skin. Also contains 40% Beauty Serum for extra moisturization. With 800% more micro-bubbles and 8x denser foam, Biore Marshmallow Whip Extra Moist Facial Wash can penetrate into pores to remove all dirt, oil and impurities. Suitable for dry skin.

I swear off the cleanser because it has promised me results! I first started with the pink bottle initially for normal to combination skin. But I did feel that the product was a little dry on my face (not sure what's the exact cause, it could be my skin condition). But since they have come up with the dry skin version,  I knew I had to give it a try. 

Never would I know that I have been using it for the past few months! 

That was also the reason why I decided to choose this range instead of the new one! No point promoting something that I don't use religiously right? 

What I love about it, is the convenience! Every one full pump gives you the right amount of foam to be spread all across your face. 

In recent times, when I spot the product at our local supermarkets and drugstores, I realised that they have raised the price. So here's a tip, buy in large quantity when they have watsons sale or sometimes, at NTUC, they have it on a discounted price! (: Oh! It comes in a refill pack as well. Love eco-friendly products. Mega brownie points!  

Ok, that's just the auntie me, but really, friends around me who uses this product has claimed that it leaves your face feeling smooth and soft 

xx
Andrea