Operation Use It Up

With winter now upon us, I've been slathering on all manner of moisturisers to stave off the dry flakies, which explains the preponderance of moisturisers in this batch of product empties for October and November.

1. Korres Basil Lemon Body Milk: This has a lovely citrusy scent that is refreshing without being too generic. The body milk is light with a runny texture well-suited for the summer months when skin needs less hydration.

2. Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker Soft Body Lotion: Lovely was one of my favourite scents a few years ago and a distinctively unique creation amidst the flood of cynically sweet floral fruity celebrity juices. It's a pity that SJP has stopped releasing fragrances as she had an interesting range. (Chandler Burr wrote a great book "The Perfect Scent: A Year Inside the Perfume Industry" detailing the creation of Lovely and a Hermes fragrance, which is a must-read for anyone interested in fragrances.) I liked this body lotion for the dreamy scent. It moisturised my skin without leaving any greasy feeling.

3. Rituals Mei Dao Rich Moisturising Body Cream in Organic White Lotus and Yi Yi Ren: Rituals offers several beautifully scented bodycare lines and this is one of my favourites. It's a calming, comfortable scent. The cream offers good hydration without the greasy after-feel of Body Shop's Body Butter.

4. Kenzoki Energisant Stimulating Body Moisturiser: This was the most pricey body moisturiser that I ever purchased but it was well worth it with a cooling texture that hydrates without feeling greasy or heavy. The scent is also wonderfully relaxing. I liked using this in the summer.

5. Philosophy Summer Grace Perfumed Body Emulsion: This worked nicely enough on my skin and had a pleasant scent although it was much less memorable than the Lovely, Mei Dao and Kenzoki moisturisers.

6. The Body Shop Candied Ginger Body Butter: A past holiday release, I liked the ginger scent but this never fully absorbed into my skin and I could feel the oiliness when my skin brushed against the furniture.

7. Shiseido Tsubaki Massage Spa Mask: This was pretty mediocre in terms of conditioning my hair. The Tsubaki conditioners in red or white are much more effective.

8. L'Oreal Elseve Relaxing Mask: This helped to detangle and soften my hair but it was otherwise rather average, so I would not re-purchase.

9. Suqqu Refining Foam: This was included in Suqqu's holiday coffrets for both 2013 and 2012. It lathers up easily and cleanses my skin thoroughly but like many Japanese foaming cleansers, it does tend to leave the skin feeling dry so following up with a good hydrating lotion or moisturiser is a must. Not quite worth the £33 price tag as there are much more affordable cleansers that are more gentle on the skin.

10. H2O+ Marine Cleansing Gel: This has a clear wobbly jelly-like texture that feels refreshing on the skin. It cleanses well without leaving the skin feeling stripped.

11. Ren Micro Polish Cleanser: This contains small scrub particles and glycolic acid for double exfoliating action. This is gentle enough to use 2-3 times a week and it never irritates my skin. Used in combination with Pixi Glow Tonic, this has helped to keep my skin clear.

12. Astalift Jelly Aquarysta: This red jelly moisturiser works well for my skin without making it more oily than normal. My skin also feels more supple when I use this.

13. Elisha Coy Herb Clay Pore Refining Mask: This left my skin feeling softer and smoother. It felt like a nice weekly detoxing treat for the skin and does not dry it out excessively even if left on for more than 20 minutes.

14. Lancome DreamTone 1: Just released a few months ago, this supposedly helps to even out skintone. The 5ml sample lasted around two weeks with daily usage. It absorbs nicely without making my skin greasy but I didn't notice any significant lightening effect on the dark pigmentation spots on my cheeks, although two weeks is probably too short a testing time to make a definitive assessment.

15. Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Overnight Repair Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Pads: My skin stayed generally clear and free of major eruptions while I was using this. The pads also stayed nicely soaked up until the very last one, unlike some other brands which dry out in the pot.

16. Lancome BiFacil: This works well for removing eye makeup including waterproof mascara without irritating the eyes. It's too pricey for me to purchase it as L'Oreal makes a cheaper alternative, but I often get BiFacil as a gift with purchase or included as part of a set.

17. Jill Stuart Shower Gel: This was part of a summer travel bodycare set. The scent is a tad artificially sweet, typical of Jill Stuart and probably too cloying for some people.

18. Lush It's Raining Men: This has the same sweet honey scent of Lush's bestselling Honey I Washed the Kids soap, so I did not hesitate to purchase it. It cleanses thoroughly without drying the skin. I would re-purchase it except that I still have far too many shower gels to use up.

19. The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Shower Gel: This was pleasant enough but not that special that I would re-purchase it.

Operation Use It Up

I mean to write this post earlier but got sidetracked into reading the Hunger Games trilogy last weekend. After plowing through all three books in three days, the tale has been haunting me. The writing is not the most masterful but nevertheless, it's a thrilling page-turner that gets very grim in parts. So much death, loss and broken spirits. Now I can't wait to see the movie which will be released in less than two weeks.

Anyway, here are the products that I finished up this past month. I've been focusing on using up all these small sample bottles as I'm getting tired of them taking up space in my cabinets and carting them around with me each time I move house.

Lush Retread (£9.50) is described as a "deluxe, specially enhanced triple strength conditioner" made with conditioning olive, jojoba and avocado oils, soya milk, melon juice and yoghurt in a seaweed and lanolin base. The consistency is like liquid yogurt, more watery than the usual conditioners so I usually have to use a generous palmful of it on my hair. It is not as richly hydrating as say, Tsubaki, but it leaves my hair tangle-free and feeling clean without the the heavy silicone-y feel of richer conditioners. It is relatively expensive though and lasted only about three weeks with daily usage. Lush has a recycling programme in the UK whereby if you bring back 5 clean black pots, you can get a Fresh Face Mask free.

When I breathed in the invigorating mandarin and mint scent of Rituals Fujiyama Shower Foam (£6.50, 200ml), I knew instantly that this would become one of my favourite shower products of all time. The rich foam lather feels luxurious on the skin and rinses off without drying out the skin. The delicious scent is perfect for chasing away the trials and tribulations of the day.


H2O+ Exfoliating Marine Body Butter contains skin-smoothing multi-hydroxy acids plus hydrating marine algae, seagrass and cucumber extract. The scent is light and clean. The 15ml tube was barely enough for one application, certainly not enough to notice any exfoliating effect. It hydrates nicely enough without feeling greasy.

I also used up a few deluxe samples of Kenzoki moisturisers: Nightwatcher, Melts On Contact Face Gel and Face Phenomenon. These have the usual calming scents typical of Kenzoki and absorb very nicely into the skin, helping to stave away flakiness. Of these, I liked Nightwatcher the best. Each 5ml tube usually lasts about 5 days with twice daily use. My skin gets oily after some time, but using a moisturiser is vital to stave off the eczema that I experienced briefly during the winter. The Fondant Rice Lotion is a milky lotion that preps the skin nicely in the mornings for foundation.

Next up are lotions and toners: Kanebo Blanchir Superior White Deep Clear Conditioner II, RMK Skintuner Smoother, Impress Lotion II, Chanel Hydramax+ Active Nanolotion and La Mer The Tonic. These were all quite average, and simply made the skin feel more refreshed without any tightness.

L'Oreal Elseve Liss-Intense Serum Anti-frizz does a great job of keeping my dehydrated locks manageable and frizz-free so I've already re-purchased this.

L'Occitane Verbena Shower Gel is another citrus-scented favourite. I would indulge in this more often except that my current stash of shower gels will last me well into 2013 and possibly beyond!

Kenzoki Clearwater Gel is a nicely refreshing lotion to perk up the skin. When it's very hot, I often just use this and skip moisturiser.

Crabree & Evelyn Iris Body Cream moisturises well but takes a bit of time and effort to absorb into the skin.

Saforelle Soothing Cream was recommended by my doctor for use on my shins which saw a bad case of folliculitis during the winter. It did help to calm the skin down over time.

Like most Japanese foaming cleansers, Kanebo Impress Creamy Soap leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean and so it may be too drying for some people.

Operation Use It Up

Here are the products that I've used up this month so far.

1. Cosme Decorte Essence Makeup Remover: This biphase makeup remover worked well for removing eye makeup without irritating the eyes.

2. Burt's Bees Extra Energising Citrus & Ginger Root Body Wash: This was pretty average. I didn't find the scent to be particularly refreshing or energising, so I would not re-purchase this.

3. Body Shop Moisture White Shiso Make-up Cleansing Oil: This works well for removing makeup and rinses off easily without any oily residue. The shiso scent is unusual but not unpleasant and it doesn't linger on the skin. I didn't notice any whitening effect after using this for the past month.

4. Shiseido Tsubaki Damage Care Shampoo: This works really well for my color-treated hair and rinses off easily without leaving my hair in tangles.

5. L'Oreal Liss-Intense conditioner: I think this is the same as L'Oreal Smooth Intense conditioner. It contains argan oil for nourishing the hair. It helps to de-tangle my hair but it was less impressive in terms of combating the dryness and frizziness.

6. RMK Gel Scrub: This has been reviewed here. This did not provide enough exfoliating action for me.

7. RMK UV Face Protector SPF43: RMK recently revamped its UV Face Protector and bumped up the SPF factor from SPF35 to SPF43 PA+++ while retaining the same light, citrus-scented texture. I like the non-greasy texture but it has a slight tendency to peel on my skin.

8. K-Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow Powder: I've been a loyal user of the K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow for over a year as it is so easy to use, thanks to the fine brush tip that never splays. It lasts all day on me, no matter how oily my skin gets. This is the new dual-ended version which comes with a brow powder that can be used for a softer effect but it tends to apply patchily on me, so I usually use only the liquid end. The brow liquid lasted just slightly over two months for me with daily usage.

9. Fragrance samples of Jean Paul Gaultier Classique X, Dior J'Adore, Love Chloe and Si Lolita by Lolita Lempicka. Si Lolita was too spicy for my liking while J'Adore and Love, Chloe were nice for daily wear, but I'm not sure that I like them enough to want to purchase a full bottle.

10. Kenzoki Bare Body Night Cream: Not only does this body cream hydrate well, it also has the most wonderfully soothing scent. It is a pricey indulgence but I'll definitely consider investing in it in the future.

11. Kenzoki Fresh Jelly and Gum Drops: This is supposed to exfoliate and purify the skin but the gum drops in it basically just slipped and slided all over the skin. This did not impress me at all due to the lack of exfoliating action.

12. Steam Cream: I think this is the 3rd or 4th pot I've used up! It works well for combating the dry patches on my limbs but in humid weather like Singapore's climate, it can feel oily on the skin.

13. Philosophy Mimosa Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath: I like trying out Philosophy's shower gels just for the interesting scents. This is supposed to have a champagne and citrus scent but it smells more like sweet orange candy to me. It lathers up well and doesn't dry out my skin.

14. Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum: This new serum by Chanel is too heavily fragranced for my liking. It absorbs quite well but after about an hour or two, my skin gets oily again.

My Potions and Lotions: Current Skincare Routine

My skincare routine has always pretty simple as my skin does not take kindly to the piling on of skincare products. My oily skintype has been the bane of my life as while it means having relatively few fine lines, I have enlarged pores and acne scars on my cheeks and forehead. In my 30s, I still get occasional spots, usually in the week before the time of the month. Most are relatively small with perhaps just a big one every month (the kind that takes days to form and even longer to fade). When deciding on which skincare products to purchase, I usually look for products that are gentle on the skin and help to keep my pores clean without drying out my skin. I don't go for facials, laser resurfacing or peels although I may try them out in the future.

For facial cleansers, I'm currently using REN Rosa Centifolia Facial Cleansing Gel in the mornings and Coast To Coast Rainforest Clarifying Facial Cleanser.

I like to use the REN cleanser in the morning as it is an light, slightly watery gel cleanser that is extremely gentle on the skin. It leaves my skin feeling clean and soft without any dryness. It has a lovely soft rose scent. REN is a UK brand that does not use petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances or colours, glycols and silicones in its products. It is available at Escentials in Tangs Orchard.

The Coast To Coast cleanser is a light foaming gel cleanser meant for oily and problematic skin. I use this in the evening after using a cleansing oil to remove makeup. It cleanses effectively without stripping my skin.

For removing makeup, I usually use a cleansing oil, such as those by Shu Uemura, followed by a facial cleanser. Currently, I'm using the Body Shop Moisture White Shiso Make-up Cleansing Oil, which works well too although I haven't noticed any significant whitening effect from it. Recently, I also picked up Bioderma Sebium H2O Micellar Solution. This is a non-rinse cleansing water for acne-prone skin. While it does remove makeup quite well (but not waterproof mascara), I found that it leaves my skin feeling taut after some time.


For removing eye makeup, I always use an eye makeup remover. My favourite is Cleansing Express but right now, I'm using a sample bottle of Jill Stuart Makeup Remover (Eye & Lip). It is a biphase remover that works well for removing eyeshadows and eyeliners but it doesn't completely remove some mascaras, like Suqqu Mascara Volume Long N.

After cleansing, I usually apply a toner or lotion with a cotton pad. Over the past month, I've used up two 50ml bottles of Shu Uemura White Recovery EX+ Whitening Lotion. It feels refreshing and hydrates my skin without leaving it sticky, but I haven't seen any significant lightening of my skin pigmentation.

After applying the lotion, I've been using Cosme Decorte Moisture Liposome. This does a great job of keeping my skin from flaking and prepping my skin for foundation in the mornings. I'm down to my very last sample sachet and am seriously considering buying a bottle. I've also been trying Lancome Genefique Youth Activator but it doesn't seem to do much for my skin, plus it feels slightly sticky unlike Moisture Liposome which absorbs very nicely into my skin.


For protecting the face from UV rays, I like to use Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Mousse SPF50 if I'm not wearing makeup. RMK's Face Protector is nice too but on the pricey side. If I'm wearing makeup, I usually use either a primer or a foundation with SPF.

For the delicate eye area, I've been alternating between Lancome Blanc Expert Anti-Dark Circles Eye Serum, L'Occitane Angelica Eye Roll-On and Kenzoki Belle de Jour Angel Eyes. The Lancome eye serum absorbs very nicely without stickiness. The L'Occitane eye roll-on feels cooling and therapeutic thanks to the metal roller ball but I've had problems with the roller ball either getting stuck in the cap or failing to dispense any serum. The Kenzoki Angel Eyes has a slightly creamier and denser consistency than the Lancome serum, but it also helps to hydrate the eye area effectively.

For exfoliating the skin, I use my Clarisonic Mia a few times a week (never more than once a day) or a facial scrub like RMK Gel Scrub or Benefit Refined Finish Facial Polish. Once or twice a week, I also use a clay mask which helps to combat the oiliness. I've been using Suqqu HA White Mask, which is alright but super pricey. I've just started using Avene Cleanance Mask, which also has glycolic acid, salicylic acid and tiny scrubby bits for an exfoliating effect.

I've also been trying Garnier Self-Heating Sauna Mask with zinc. The heat sensation is interesting but I'm not sure if it actually has any significant effect on the skin. If my skin is looking dull or flaky, I use My Beauty Diary sheet masks. For de-clogging my pores, there's still no other product as effective as Biore nose strips. I use these not only on my nose, but also my forehead and cheeks as the pores in these areas get clogged too. Kose Seikisho Mask White works too but it is painful to remove.

And finally for keeping my lips from chapping, I use an assortment of lip balms from Paul & Joe and Fresh. Recently, I've also been using Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey almost every day, including the recent look that I did with the YSL Midnight Garden palette.

All of the above products were purchased by me, except for the Body Shop Cleansing Oil which was provided by the PR company.

Kenzo Eau de Fleur Camellia

Being a devoted fan of the Kenzo Eau de Fleur range of fragrances, I was delighted to read on Voce's website that Kenzo will be launching a new Eau de Fleur Camellia eau de toilette on 4 November in Japan. Described as a "sparkling musky floral", Eau de Fleur Camellia is limited edition and will retail at 7350yen for 50ml. Of the four Eau de Fleur fragrances in my stash, I still love Eau de Fleur Tea the most, followed by Yuzu.

Kenzo is also releasing a Christmas Kit for Sensual Skin (8400yen) that includes an Enveloping Velvety Wash 150ml, Sensual Lotion 150ml, Cream With A Sheen 15ml, Twilight Cream 15ml, perfumed soap 100g and a pouch. This will be released on 18 November in Japan.

Kenzo Cashmere for Body Skin

Kenzo Cashmere for Body Skin, as the name suggests, is a luxurious soothing treat for the skin that I recently re-discovered in my beauty stash.

It's a spray-on powdery body lotion infused with a relaxing blend of essential oils that gently moisturise the skin. I love the white lotus aroma, which lingers on my skin throughout the day, much longer than most of the perfumes that I own.

The lotion absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any greasy after-feeling or visible sheen. Although there is powder in the lotion, you can't see any of it when it's sprayed on the skin.


It is very pricey at S$68 but Kenzo usually offers a 20% direct discount during Metro's sales. In Japan, the retail price is even more exorbitant at 5985yen (S$90). It's not listed on the Kenzo USA website though so it may not be available in the US.




The list of ingredients.

Operation Use It Up!

My perennial new year resolution is to use up more of my beauty stash. I usually write out a list of about 20 to 30 items to target to finish up over the next month, and I find that it really helps to keep me focused. I also did a bit of cleaning out of my makeup stash over the weekend, dumping out lipglosses and some other products that I haven't touched in 3 years or more. Powder products keep much better than liquids and creams, so I keep my eyeshadows and face powders for much longer than lip products or liquid foundations.

Here's what I've managed to use up so far this month.

1. Sala Repair Shampoo and Conditioner: Sala is a drugstore haircare brand by Kanebo that is quite affordable and usually works well for my hair. The line is revamped quite frequently, so this series is no longer available. The Sala official website can be viewed here.

2. Shiseido Ma Cherie Two Way Wax: This was quite good at taming flyaway strands without making my hair feel stiff.

3. Lancome Bi-Facil: This doesn't sting the eyes and removes most eyeshadows and eyeliners effectively but it can't remove my waterproof Visee mascara.

4. Juicy Couture Royal Body Cream: This did a good job of hydrating my skin but the strong distinctive scent is probably not for everybody.

5. REN Jojoba Micro Bead Purifying Facial Scrub: This is a good gentle scrub for people with sensitive skin that cannot take scrubs that are too abrasive. The jojoba oil micro beads also help to provide a good massaging action to invigorate skin.

6. Jill Stuart Shower Gel: I find the floral scent of Jill Stuart's bath products to be too sweet and syrupy. It didn't dry out my skin but it's not something I would splurge on.

7. Dior X4 Control Compact Foundation: This was a good powder foundation for oily skin but the clasp on the case broke after a few months, which meant that the case could not close properly. I liked it but I probably won't re-purchase it as I like to try out new foundations.

8. K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow 24hr 01: I loved this so much that I re-purchased it even before I used it up. 01 (the lighter brown) is a better shade for me than 02, which I am using currently. It's simply brilliant and so easy to use. Even if I mess up, it's easy to wipe away and re-draw. After it sets, it lasts the whole day on me.

9. Kenzoki Clearwater Gel: Good basic skin refresher.

10. Kenzoki Face Recharger serum: This provides a more deeply hydrating effect than the Clearwater Gel.

11. Sample vials of Kenzo Eau de Fleur de Yuzu, KenzoAmour EDT Florale and Relaxing Beneficial Water: I love Kenzo fragrances which are always refined, elegant and subtle.

Kenzoki Milky Rice Body Scrub

Yesterday being Christmas, I decided to break out the Kenzoki Milky Rice Body Scrub. I had purchased this a few months ago but decided to save it for a special occasion while I finish up my other body scrubs.

With just one use, I have to say that I am completely and unreservedly smitten. It is simply heavenly. The scrub is part of Kenzoki's Sensual range which has a soothing rice steam scent with a subtle sweet milkiness.

The scrub looks like porridge and has just the perfect creamy consistency without being too watery. The scrubby bits provide just the right amount of exfoliation and do not feel harsh or too abrasive. The scrubby bits also don't melt away. I didn't like the Jill Stuart Sugar Body Scrub as the sugar bits melt away too fast, giving you less than a minute of scrubbing action.

The scrub also rinses off easily without leaving any greasy residue. Not only did it leave my skin extra soft and scented with the subtle rice fragrance, my skin also felt well moisturised without the need to apply a separate body lotion. Compared to Lush Buffy Body Butter which is also a moisturising and exfoliating scrub to be used in the shower, Buffy was more intensively hydrating and left my skin feeling slightly oily. For Singapore's hot and humid climate, the Kenzoki Milky Rice Body Scrub feels much more comfortable. I was also impressed by the fact that when I woke up the next morning (about 10 hours later), my skin still had that silky soft and hydrated feeling.

Here's the product description and explanation of the key ingredients in the scrub like plant water, rice wax and rice powder.




Here's the ingredients list. The body scrub is made in France and the box is printed with a shelf life of 18 months.

The Milky-Rice Body Scrub normally retails at S$68 for 200ml, which makes it a very pricey indulgence but after using it, I think it's definitely worth treating yourself to it once in a while. The best time to purchase it is during Metro's 20% storewide sales as the Kenzo counters give a direct 20% discount during these sales. You can find the Kenzoki skincare line at Metro Paragon, Robinsons (Raffles City & Centrepoint) as well as Takashimaya.