Category: beauty recommendations

beauty recommendations, nivea, nivea body intensive moisture serum, review

NIVEA Body Intensive Moisture Serum keeps my skin happy!

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on NIVEA Body Intensive Moisture Serum keeps my skin happy!
New addition to my bedside table.

I was recently sent the new Nivea Body Intensive Moisture Serum. When I first tried it on, a wave of nostalgia hit me and I was transported back to when I was little again. If you’re an 80’s kid like me, you might remember this NIVEA Crème that came in this blue metal tin packaging… 

My mum religiously applied this NIVEA Crème creme everyday when I was little and I remember just sitting beside and watching her smoothed the luxurious white cream that smelled so heavenly and womanly to me all over her hands and legs. She’d let me have a go at it sometimes and on some days when she was not watching, I’d open the tin and sneak a bit of it on my legs to catch a whiff of the scent and pretend that I was all grown up. My mum -surely due to her religious application of the NIVEA Crème everyday- has velvety soft and super fair skin up till today and I’ve always wanted skin like hers. Somehow, this NIVEA Crème got lost and forgotten through the growing up years…I’m excited to ‘find’ it again and can’t wait to add it to my daily skincare regime. 
What I really like about this body serum is that it’s lightweight and easily absorbs into the skin very quickly. I really dislike the heavy creams that stay on the skin and remain sticky in our humid Singapore weather. Upon application, the skin seems to ‘drink’ the lightweight body serum and my skin immediately feels refreshed, hydrated and softer to the touch. 
According to what’s on the packaging, the serum contains Vitamin E+ and Grape Seed Oil. It is also the first body moisture serum with sun protection, SPF 25 PA++ (hooray to SPF!) to combat 10 signs of dry and damaged skin:
1. Flaky
2. Itchy
3. Uneven
4. Scratched
5. Rough
6. Cracked
7. Stressed
8. Dull
9. Peeling
10. Tight
I’ve been applying the serum every morning for 3 days in a row especially on my elbows and knees where the skin is rough and dry with some flaky bits.  Already I’ve noticed considerable improvements in the skin around those areas – there are lesser lines, almost no more flaky bits and and the skin feels a lot more hydrated, like the moisture is retained as compared to just superficial moisturizing.
I also like that the packaging is simple and fuss free. The flip cap top opens and closes easily and dispenses the serum with a good dosage with every squeeze of the tube. The last thing I want for a body moisturizer is cumbersome screw caps and those open tubs that run the risk of spilling when you leave it on the bed whilst moisturizing.
Thank you, NIVEA for sending this wonderful tube of goodness to me. It keeps my skin hydrated, happy and supple…and I can’t wait to share it with my mum. I’m sure she’ll love it as much as I do!
-xoxo-
beauty, beauty recommendations, beauty tips, eyelash, flutters, lash extensions, recoomendations, vintage

Fluttery Lashes

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on Fluttery Lashes
I recently got my lashes fluttered at Flutters, the lash parlour. I’ve been hooked on eyelash extensions for awhile now just because they’re so super convenient. I used to stick eyelash falsies before the awesome discovery of lash extensions and we all know how annoying falsies can get mid-day when they start falling off and all. So, I’ve since moved on to extensions and have not looked back.
I used to have my lash extensions done at Far East Plaza. My only complain there is that the glue they use seem really harsh on the eyes. Although I’ve never experienced any aftermath irritation, but I’ve always had to use a mini fan to ‘dry’ the lashes for about 20-30 minutes after each session at the shop. If not, the glue will really sting my eyes.
This time around though at Flutters – I experienced (almost) zero irritation and stinging from the glue used for the extensions. My entire experience was super smooth and painless. The therapist took time to patiently explain the different types of extensions available, from the different lash curl types to the length of curl and fullness of the eyelashes. 

It was only after I was sure of the type of extensions that I was going to have was I led to the room to start the extension process. The whole process took about an hour – I fell asleep on the comfy bed and when the therapist pronounced that I was done, I anticipated the follow on tedious procedure of using a mini fan to dry my lashes. To my surprise, I opened my eyes and felt no stinging sensation at all! She asked if I felt ok – no irritation, no stinging – and I said yes. And it was then when she told me I was done. Woo hoo! How painless! 
And now I’ve got such pretty lashes~ 
It’s been a week since I’ve had the extensions done and they’re still going strong. A couple have fallen off – which is completely normal – but I expect this set to last for about 2-3 weeks before I head for a touch-up.
I‘ve got awesome news for my readers:

Quote my name, Jeneen at Flutters and receive:

– 10% off ala carte services and trials
– 5% off regular packages (until year end of 2014)

And here are more promotions! 

Look for Flutters at:

15A Duxton Road
Website: http://www.flutters.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flutterssingapore
Instagram: @fluttersg
P/S Did I mention that I love the vintage theme of Flutters? These are a few pictures of the shop interior that I stole off their Instagram. 

Love pin-up girls!
Happy Friday everyone! 
I’m off to Guangzhou today for another little adventure. 🙂
-xoxo-
  
Anna Sui, beauty, beauty recommendations, beauty tips, make-up, recommendations

Hello, Anna Sui!

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on Hello, Anna Sui!
Look what arrived at my door today!!! It’s been such a good year so far, with so many surprises springing up sporadically at my door. Always a huge fan of Anna Sui’s beauty products, I was super excited and couldn’t wait to see what was inside the pretty bag.

I think every girl will fall in love with Anna Sui. They are a brand that pay so much attention to details; from the outer packaging, to the smell, and even to the experience you get upon application of their products. Two thumbs up every step of the way!

Here’s a peek of what’s inside.
Ta-da! (From left to right) Pearl Gel Primer, Refreshing Loose Powder, Lipstick in Shades 400 & 301.

Opened the product packagings and all the make-up smell soooo good – like a garden of nice smelling roses. Mmm…! And here they are, sitting pretty on my make-up counter.

Pearl Gel Primer

Check out the pretty mini blue and purple beads! The primer felt so cool on my skin upon application. Very very refreshing. I can imagine using this in the early morning to ‘wake’ my skin up.
Refreshing Loose Powder

Really shocked upon application of the loose powder. It felt so cool against my skin and almost felt like water melting into my face. It definitely holds up to its name of ‘Refreshing Loose Powder’. I’ve never tried any loose powder that felt like this before. Super amazing!! The powder also has a nice touch of glitter shimmer – just enough to give your skin a nice sheen and highlight, but not too much that it makes your skin look oily. I’m sure you girls know what I mean! I’ve bought powders with an overdose of shimmer before and it made my face look like a huge shiny oil pot. 

The powder puff comes in a nice separate black packaging. Can’t stop raving about how pretty Anna Sui’s packaging is.
Super attention to details – the holder for the puff comes with breathable holes so your puff won’t turn mucky and smelly.
The pretty purple puff. 

The powder is very fine and applies well on the skin. Of course, I’m sure the primer before this helped with the smooth and easy application!
Love, love, love the texture, smell and refreshing feeling upon application! Here’s me looking nice and bright after the primer and loose powder. 
Lipsticks in Shades 301 & 400

Prettiest lipstick ever!

Shade 301 (left) and 400 (right)
Shade 301 is a really pretty sweet pink, and 400 is a super hot, sexy red. I’ve been looking for a pale pink, and hot red lipstick for the longest time. These 2 are perfect! So happy! Even the lipsticks smell like roses!!
Check out my kiss imprints. Haha.
I’m wearing the pink 301 here. Such a sugary sweet colour, I melt! (Girls, I’m sure the guys around you will melt with this lippie colour too!)
Me in the vampy red. The red shade is oh-so-perfect. Not too gaudy!
Close up of my lips (the lipsticks have got a nice glossy texture):

301

400
All made up and ready to go! I’m ready for my close up now. 😀
albion skincare, beauty recommendations, beauty tips

Albion Skincare

by xoxojeneen1 Comment on Albion Skincare

I was recently sent a bunch of skincare from Albion to try – the Skin Conditioner Essential, Exage White Crystal Milk I and the Skin Conditioner Essential Paper Mask. I am quite the beauty junkie (as you can tell from the photo below), but have sensitive skin (my skin breaks out or turns red easily), so I have to be very careful with the type of products that I put on my face.

My skincare products.

I was initially slightly worried to try these new products. I was worried that my skin will break out or turn red, hot and flustered, but I’ve heard good reviews and have read Kay Kay’s earlier rave on her blog. Plus, it completely helps that Albion is from Japan – I’ve been completely sworn into Japanese products ever since my flight attendant days in JAL. I think their products are generally so much more suited for Asian skin. 

Before I started trying the products, I took a read on their website www.albion.co.jp to find out more about the Albion brand. This sentence about the brand got me very excited: 
“Based on our belief that whitening is the fundamental starting point in the quest for feminine beauty, we chose the name ALBION because it stands for the timeless dream of womankind and therefore symbolizes our pursuit of the ideal…”

Omg, so excited. I am ALL about whitening (and brightening). Besides needing my skincare to do the basics like cleansing, toning etc., whitening is a complete must and I’m on a constant quest to look for skincare products that help whiten and brighten the skin. 
“Since its launch in 1956, Albion has consistently engaged in the research and development of various products and skincare systems for making skin ‘translucent and supple’.” 
Super high hopes on the products after reading and researching their website. 
These are the instructions given to me on how to use the products:
Step 1. Apply Exage White Crystal Milk Lotion after cleansing to soften skin and prepare skin to receive the nutrients and goodness from the rest of the skincare products.

How the product looks.
Step 2. Skin Conditioner Essential Lotion (Albion’s Star Product!) to be used after the milk lotion and before moisturizer. Pat it in with a cotton pad and upon usage, you can see that skin is instantly clearer and smoother with a more refined texture.

The product on the cotton pad.
Skin Conditioner Mask: To be used twice a week to hydrate the skin.

Being a complete mask-aholic, the first product I tried was naturally, the Skin Conditioner Mask. Here’s a ‘before’ photo of me right after my shower, before putting on the mask. My skin was feeling quite tight and dry, not to mention dull looking, sallow and slightly splotchy. 

No make-up, edit or filter. Very scary. Check out my dark circles! :S

After 15 minutes:

I’m super surprised with the results! Skin is feeling super comfortable, soft and looking dewy. Skin also looks brighter and fairer! Plus my dark circles seem to have lighten too?! (I tried as best to take this photo under the same conditions as the earlier ‘before’ photo, with no editing, filtering or make-up.)

I applied the milk lotion after. It’s super nice smelling! Followed by the Skin Conditioner and was surprised at how cooling my skin felt upon application. Super comfortable! (Ok, I’m raving already!!)

Here’s my skin after the 3 steps: Super dewy, comfortable, brighter, fairer and most of all… my skin does not feel irritated at all and there’s not even the slightest redness. Yay!! So so happy!! Looking at this photo with no edit, I swear that even my pores look more refined. All these results with only the 1st usage. Super excited to use it long term now. Good skin here I come?? 🙂

Here’s what I got from the Albion Skin Conditioner website:

Six Reliable Effects of the Skin Conditioner:
1. Breakouts, irritability – Adds firmness and moisture to skin that tends to be dry.
2. Clarifies – Cleanses skin, leaving it bright and clear.
3. Wards off flushes after sunburn or snow burn – Cool sensation wards off flushness.
4. Draws skin tight – Keeps makeup in place.
5. Wards off pimples – Removes sebum so skin doesn’t feel oily.
6. Fresh, youthful skin – Comfortably hydrates, so skin feels fresh and pleasant.

THANK YOU ALBION!!

To find out more about Albion products, you can ‘like’ their Facebook page here.

Albion products are also available for purchase at Takashimaya’s Beauty Hall.

xoxo
beauty recommendations, beauty tips, make-up, recommendations, vanity trove

Vanity Trove

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on Vanity Trove
Look what arrived at my doorstep today. Christmas came wayyy early for me! 

and not just 1, but 3 troves…all for me! 
Lucky, lucky me. 🙂
“Beautiful surprises”…can’t wait to rip the packages open and find out what’s inside.
Trove 1 – January’s edition
Here’s what’s inside: 
1. My Beauty Diary – Q10 Rejuvenating Mask
This is one of my favourite brand masks. Ever since I saw it on some Taiwan beauty programme, I’ve been sold. Just found out that each sheet mask is made from eco-friendly plant fibres and has a soft and unique three-layered structure that is perfectly plush and comfortable. No wonder it’s so comfortable when put on!
2. Slim Secrets Bars – Snack Attack!
Been having massive snack cravings post CNY. Definitely going to try this when the next crazy craving for junk food comes. It contains an anti-oxidant derived from the Prickly Pear Cactus that reduces fat absorption naturally. Wow.
3. Bifesta – Make-Up Remover
Been hearing quite a bit about this brand lately. It’s water-based, and gentle yet powerful enough to get rid of the most stubborn make-up including waterproof mascara. It may just be my next beauty must-have!
4. Dr Ci:Labo – Aqua Collagen Gel Enrich-Lift-Ex
Another brand that I’ve been seeing around quite a bit and meaning to try. This Aqua Collagen Gel directly works on the causes of ‘sagging’ skin. This is an anti-ageing lotion, anti-ageing emulsion, lifting serum, brightening and make-up base. Sell me anti-ageing, collagen anything and I’m sold! (excited to try this!)
5. Yuskin A – Hand Cream
I’ve been addicted to hand creams since my JAL flight attendant days. Can’t leave home without it. This is a top-selling moisturiser in Japan and is light, non-greasy and contains Vitamin E and Glycyrrhetinic Acid to heal chapped skins. I’m putting this handy bottle into my make-up pouch right now!
6. Trulife – Lingzhi Immunity
This is perfect for when you are feeling frazzled by hectic schedules or just looking to improve your general well-being. This drink combines Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, Zinc and Niacin with 100% Lingzhi spore powder as well as Red Dates, Longan, Wolfberries and Gan Chao extracts. So many awesome things packed into 1 tiny bottle! 
7. Essence – Sun Club Bronzer
Bronzer is the favourite part of my beauty regime where I start shading and defining my face. Of course, it can also be used for a radiant sun-kissed tint, but for those like me who like to look fair, it’ll work absolutely well as a shading powder. This one even has different tones for highlighting the face. How perfect.
Trove 2 – February’s Edition
Here’s what’s inside:
1. Yuan Soap
Made from precious plants from Yuan farm, there are various types targeting at different type of ‘problems’. E.g. The Oat Soap is especially effective for atopic dermatitis patients with sensitive skin. I just opened my package and oh-it-smells-so-good…
2. Lovemore Facial Mask – Japan Soymilk Enzyme Moisturising & Smoothing Mask
I’m a huge huge fan of face masks and doesn’t the name of this mask sound so good already? Japan Soymilk Enzyme Moisturising & Smoothing…give it to me already! *slaps on face*
3. Kiehl’s – Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Formulated for Asian skins, this Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is 100% active. Once applied, it immediately targets deep-set dark spot. The power-packed key ingredient, Activated C has “anti-cluster” technology that breaks apart discolorations and prevents melanin clusters. Unlike traditional discolouration products, this solution is lightweight, hydrating and suitable for use all year-round. Again, I’m totally sold. Going to start putting this on my dark freckle spots!
4. Pure DKNY Rose
Hmm…this smells so good…the rose scent is one of my most favourite scent in this world. This new fragrance by DKNY also partners with CARE, a leading humanitarian organisation that lifts women out of poverty.
5. GabaNite – All Natural Drink Relaxer
I’m quite a chronic insomniac and a friend has recommended me this drink before. So excited to see it in this trove. I’m going to try it tonight! It contains natural plant-derived ingredients and is safe for use every night. This may just be the solution to my sleep problems!
6. Origins – Plantscription
This Anti-ageing cream contains powerhouse ingredient, African Anogeissus to combat the ageing process. Each full-sized jar contains 300,000 raspberry plant stem cells to revitalise ageing skin. As said earlier, give me anti-ageing anything and I’ll be sold. Excited to try this product!
7. Phytomer – Souffle Marin
An energising oxygenating serum that instantly delivers oxygen to the skin – making it feel soft and invigorated. It is formulated with marine extracts to protect your skin. I’ve heard only good things about oxygenating products. Here’s another one I can’t wait to try!
8. Jorubi – Aloe Vera Gel
This pure and versatile gel is a boon for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skins. Aloe has healing and anti-inflammatory properties and is an effective general first-aid agent. Use it to treat ulcers, stretch marks rashes, sunburn, bruises, cuts, insect bites and more. Do I see ‘stretch marks’??? I’ll be super happy if this works on my ugly stretch marks!
Trove 3 – March’s Edition
Here’s what’s inside:
1. Clio – Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner
I just tried this one and it really glides on easily. The shimmery pink is really pretty too. Extremely easy to apply (I’m not very good with make-up usually, especially working with eyeshadow and colours), the colour stays put all day long and is smudge proof and waterproof. Available in a range of versatile colours. 
2. My Beauty Diary – Bulgarian White Rose Mask
Yay! Another My Beauty Diary mask. Tip: Don’t let the moisturising serum go to waste. Use it to nourish your neck and body too!
3. Kilo Off – Organic Herbal Slimming Tea
Just what I need to get rid of excess weight from CNY binging! This light and refreshing tea is made in France and contains natural and herbal ingredients. The slimming detoxification tea with hibiscus and meadowsweet helps eliminate excess water, toxins, fights water retention and activates microcirculation. This tea also helps stimulate digestion and prevents bloating.
4. Laura Mercier – Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact
Laura Mercier’s best-selling tinted moisturizer now comes in a convenient compact. Aside from giving your skin a dewy, natural-looking flawless finish, the creme has SPF 20 as well as antioxidants Vitamin C and E to guard the skin from environmental stressors. A must-have in your travel and makeup pouch!
5. Burberry – Body Tender
What a pretty pink packaging! Understated, yet feminine, the scent is a light, spirited expression of the iconic Burberry Body fragrance.
6. Skin Food – Gold Kiwi
This brightening skin care line contains quercetin, an ingredient from the gold kiwi. The hydrating formula cools the skin and drenches it with moisture so it looks firmer and clearer.
7. Bellewave Eyewave – Visionergy ATP Cell Activating Serum
Inspired by the revolutionary science of cellular regeneration, this potent serum recharges tired skin cells with a boost of ATP to help stimulate the cell renewal process. It helps to prevent tissue collapse in skin cells that ultimately lead to wrinkles. Prevention of tissue collapsing and preventing wrinkles? I’m on-board! Can’t wait to try. 
My Top 5 Recommendations
I’m going to try and pick 5 items out of these 3 troves to recommend to you. Honestly, I’m too spoilt for choice, but here goes:

Recommendation #1. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact
I’ve applied it on my face and the creme compact feels lightweight, smooth and easy to apply. I like that it’s got SPF20 and Vitamins C and E. My skin does look smoother and more flawless after application. The compact size is also perfect for makeup pouches.
Recommendation #2. Clio – Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner

I’ve got the liner on my right eye. I like that the pigments are strong, and the creamy smooth texture. Makes application much easier! Double bonus that it’s smudge and waterproof.

Applied it on my top lid, above my black liner.
Recommendation #3. GabaNite – All Natural Drink Relaxer
Only because I’ve got sleeping problems and have been on the look-out for a natural solution (instead of popping sleeping pills). Really excited for this one.
Recommendation #4. Dr Ci:Labo – Aqua Collagen Gel Enrich-Lift-Ex
The gel is light-weight and quickly absorbed into my skin upon application. It smells nice too! Coupled with its anti-ageing, lifting and brightening properties, I’m so sold. 
Recommendation #5. My Beauty Diary – Bulgarian White Rose Mask
Always a fan of My Beauty Diary masks, my skin always looks brighter and fairer after a mask application. Plus, the sheet masks are so comfortable to use. I tend to fall asleep with it on my face!
Thank you Vanity Trove!
Want beautiful surprises for yourself too? Sign up for Vanity trove now, and you can have a trove full of beauty goodness delivered to your doorstep. 

Quote my name, ‘Jeneen’ when you subscribe and get an extra surprise, the Laura Mercier Compact!

You can sign up for your troves here:

https://www.vanitytrove.com/?r=21811

xoxo!