All posts in Cleanser & Toner

Review – Dr. CiLabo Enrich-Lift Cleansing & Massage

by Shirleen on January 30, 2012 in 5-star ratings, Cleanser & Toner, Dr. CiLabo with No comments

During my recent trip to Japan in April this year, I happened to come across a lifting cleansing product by Dr CiLabo that comes with an unique texture.

I believe most of you may not have heard of Dr CiLabo. Surprisingly it is pretty popular in Japan as I can find it at almost all the beauty stores I have patronized. Fortunately, Dr CiLabo is now available in Singapore and you can find it at Isetan Orchard, Parco Marina Bay and Centrepoint the Robinsons.

Dr CiLabo, a leading medical cosmetic brand in Japan, was founded by Yoshinori Shirono who is one of the few doctors in Japan specializing in dermatological laser surgery with over 50,000 cases under his name.

Its signature product Aqua Collagen Gel, is FREE of surfactants, mineral oils, artificial colorings or fragrances, has sold more than 10 millions jars so far.

Dr. CiLabo Enrich-Lift Cleansing & Massage, price at S$53.00 for a 110g, is one of the few amazing Dr CiLabo products I’ve tested. It is the love at first use! It is probably one of the best makeup cleansers I’ve use so far. Continue reading to find out more….

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Re-review – New Formulation Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil

by Shirleen on November 17, 2011 in 3-star ratings, Cleanser & Toner, Fancl with 4 Comments

I was first introduced to Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil about 10 years ago and it was one of my favorite cleansing products at the time. And I’ve been faithfully using it for a couple of years before switching to different brand later. During the period, there have not been many cleansing oils in the market to choose from and it was quite new in the market too.

FANCL, a leading preservative-free beauty brand in Japan, is considered the first brand I’ve known that contains no potentially harmful preservatives and other additives.

And for that reason, most Fancl products are packed for a 30-day supply; so the product stays fresh to the last drop. To ensure further assurance, the products always carry the manufacturing date together with a freshness sticker and the FANCL Safety Standard (FSS) mark. It is attached to products that meet the standards for safety, trust and gentleness.

Recently, I have received an invitation to review Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil again though I have actually reviewed it before more than 2 years ago. Many thanks to The Sample Store for extending this invitation to me.

Do continue reading as there’s something interesting for you!

Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil

S$19 for 60ml / S$33 for 120ml

Product Profile

Makeup removal is now blissfully easy with FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil. This powerful formulation now comes enriched with Meadow Foam Oil which aids the removal of keratin plugs over time for a clearer, smoother complexion.

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NEW Hada Labo Cleansing Oil with High Purity Olive Oil

by Shirleen on November 3, 2011 in Cleanser & Toner, Japan, Korea & Taiwan, skincare product 101 with 2 Comments

Hada Labo, one of the popular skincare brands in Japan, has recently launched their latest makeup remover product in Singapore and it is the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Oil with High Purity Olive Oil.

This new cleansing oil is formulated with 2 key ingredients – high purity Olive Oil and Super Hyaluronic Acid. The ultra pure Olive Oil gently remove dirt, oil and heavy makeup effortlessly and it is a 1-step makeup remover that can also remove tough, waterproof mascara and eye liner. Super Hyaluronic Acid gives 2X more moisture than normal hyaluronic acid, where 1g can retain litres of water, giving you refreshing smoothness after cleansing.

Committing to Hada Labo’s ‘PERFECT X SIMPLE’ philosophy, it does not contain mineral oil which is harmful to the skin and clogs pores, unlike other Cleansing Oils in the market. It is FREE of fragrance, color, mineral oil and alcohol.

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Review – DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil & DHC Pore Essence

by Shirleen on September 13, 2011 in 3-star ratings, 4-star ratings, Cleanser & Toner, DHC, Others, Watsons Brands with No comments

Just a while ago, I was delighted to receive a hand delivery from Watsons Singapore and it contains a couple of beauty products that I’m actually quite curious to try out.

Here’s a peek of what I have received – DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil, DHC Pore Essence, SuperDrug Swiss Apple Overnight Skin Renewal Serum, Watsons Bamboo Vinegar & Milk Exfoliating Foot Mask, Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner. These products are exclusively available at selected Watsons stores in Singapore. (read below for store locators)

So let me start with the ones that interest me most, the newly launched DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil and DHC Pore Essence.

DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil – S$37.50 / 150ml

Due to the popular demand of the bestselling botanical DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, DHC has specially created a milder version DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil that helps to effectively remove dirt and impurities while maintaining skin’s moisture levels.

It is formulated with natural Lavender Essential Oil, Plural Amino Acid and Moringa Seed.

It is believed that skin problems such as clogged pores and skin irritation can occur if makeup and impurities are not properly removed, which I fully agree with it! DHC Deep Cleansing Oil solves this problem without stripping off your natural moisture.

This new mild cleansing oil actually contains 2 types of cleansing contents – regular cleansing ingredients and gemini amphiphilic cleansing ingredients. While regular cleansing ingredients contain water and oil dissolvable contents, gemini cleansing ingredients are oil in water emulsions. This helps the latter fulfill both “powerful cleansing” and moisture effect” simultaneously by enabling both oil and water contents to merge together.

In addition, this revolutionary formula disperses oil into ultra fine emulsion, causing makeup and impurities to rise to the surface while preventing re-absorption.

Hence, it is claimed that even the thickest makeup can be removed easily. I decided to do a test to see if the claim is true. Yes, this mild cleansing oil actually removes the permanent makeup effortlessly.

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Review – NEW Bior© Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash

by Shirleen on September 10, 2011 in Cleanser & Toner, Japan, Korea & Taiwan with No comments

To me proper cleansing is one of the most important basic regimen for my healthy-looking skin. My cleansing process comprises of two steps. Step 1 : using a makeup cleanser to remove makeup, dirt and pollution; and step 2 using a facial wash to cleanse away the residue on my face.

Facial wash is usually available in different texture such as gel, cream, foam or scrub; and I preferably like the gel (no soap) and the foamy texture.

As Japanese women believe that pulling and putting pressure on the skin while washing will lead to loss of firmness on the skin, hence the foam-based texture facial wash is especially popular among the Japanese women.

Recently, I have received a complimentary NEW Bior© Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash to test and review. Kao Bior©, a popular drugstore brand from Japan, offers a selection of products that include facial wash, makeup remover, sunblock, pore pack and body powder.

The collagen enriched (moisturising benefit) and ultra fine fluffy foam (effective cleansing) are the 2 key selling points of this recently launched NEW Bior© Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash.

This ultra fine, soft and dense foamy texture acts as a cushion to your skin that is gentle and prevent cleansing pressure on the skin. So I believe that is why this facial wash is called “Marshmallow Whip” because of the texture similarity – bouncy, soft and cushion feel.

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Review – Japan SANA’s Natural Resource Range

by Shirleen on December 3, 2010 in Anti Aging & Moisturizer, Cleanser & Toner, Makeup, Skin79 / SANA, Sunscreen with 23 Comments

A few months ago, I have received a full range of Japan SANA’s Natural Resource products and I was supposed to review them one month after usage. Yes I know it was way overdue. But due to other commitments lately, I have no choice but to defer this review. Excuses excuses excuses hee hee…………..

Thankfully, Carra from SANA has never chased me on this. Thanks Carra and Elfaine from TheSampleStore for their patience and understanding!

Click here to read my earlier preview on SANA’s Natural Resource.

The range of SANA’s Natural Resource products that I have received and to review are :

Natural Resource Medicated Cleansing Oil
Natural Resource Medicated Foamed Wash
Natural Resource Medicated Skin Lotion (Toner)
Natural Resource Medicated Milk Lotion
Natural Resource Medicated Cream
Natural Resource Medicated Essence Lotion (Serum)
Natural Resource Medicated UV Milk SPF19 PA+++ (sunblock)
Natural Resource Liquid Foundation UV SPF22 PA+++
Natural Resource Loose Powder UV SPF19 PA+++
Natural Resource Medicated Compact Pressed Powder
Natural Resource Moist Skincare Powder 24h (night powder)

SANA’s Natural Resource Profile

SANA’s Natural Resource products, from Japan, contain natural ingredients such as balsam, wild rose, magwort, white birch, brown sugar and adlay extracts. They also contain refreshing fruits and fragrant flowers such as geranium, lavender, rosewood, bergamot (orange) and grapefuit. These natural aromas allows skin and mind to relax with the refreshing fragrance of herbal aroma and to heal tired spirit. Frankly, I was a little skeptical to review these products at first. Reason because it contains natural lavender ingredient which (I always have this perception) will cause skin irritation especially on sensitive skin like mine. But I brave myself to try out the products and to my surprise, most of the products do not cause any irritation except the Essence Lotion.

All SANA’s Natural Resource products are FREE of colorants, mineral oil, alcohol (except Skin Lotion AC), paraben, ultraviolet ray absorbent agent and artificial fragrances.

All SANA’s Natural Resource is suitable for sensitive skin except Lotion AC.

SANA’s Natural Resource Cleansing Oil

180ml / S$34.90

SANA’s Natural Resource Cleansing Oil is my favourite SANA Natural Resource product. I like the transparent lightweight, dilute and non-oily texture. It is less oilier than other cleansing oils I have tested before such as Shu Uemura and Fancl. I like the light lavender scent too.

Although SANA Cleansing Oil is very gentle but it effectively removes stubborn waterproof makeup pretty well. This oil-based makeup remover effortlessly remove all traces of makeup and it doesn’t make my skin feeling greasy/oily after use. It doesn’t make my skin feeling dry nor tight. And most importantly, it doesn’t cause any irritation on my sensitive skin. Great! It is definitely suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin too.

Rating

Will I buy it myself? Yes definitely!

SANA’s Natural Resource Foamed Wash

160ml / S$28.90

SANA’s Natural Resource Foamed Wash is my second step cleansing product. It helps to remove impurities, dead skin cells and residue on my skin. The lather is thick and supple. It feels gentle on my skin and it doesn’t cause any skin irritation. My skin feels clean and fresh after usage. Although my skin doesn’t feel tight which most cleansing foams do but SANA NR Foam Wash tends to leave a slight friction on my skin. I reckon it is due to the drying agent such as detergent in it.

Rating

Will I buy it myself? Maybe

SANA’s Natural Resource Skin Lotion M (Toner)

180ml / S$38.90

What I like about SANA’s Natural Resource Skin Lotion is that it provides the third step of cleansing : it further helps to remove the dirt and residue that the cleansing oil and foamed wash missed.

SANA’s Natural Resource Skin Lotion provides this lavender scent which is very refreshing. It is not sticky and it is quite watery. It doesn’t contain alcohol or fragrance which is good.

For night regimen, I will soak a cotton pad in SANA’s Natural Resource Skin lotion and rub my face with it. I will see makeup, residue, dirt and grime on the cotton pad. This mechanical rubbing with the toner-soaked cotton pad also helps to exfoliate the dead skin cells on the surface at the same time.

Rating

Will I buy it myself? Very likely!

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Review – Estee Lauder Soft Clean Silky Hydrating Lotion

by Shirleen on July 15, 2010 in 3-star ratings, Cleanser & Toner, Estee Lauder with 2 Comments

I have came across Estee Lauder Soft Clean Silky Hydrating Lotion at one of the beauty review site and it is reviewed as one of the “BEST TONER” in the market. So to give it a benefit of the doubt, I decided to give it a try and to see if it is what it has claimed to be.

For the last couple of years, I have never stopped searching for a good toner. I have tried and tested numerous toners but I finally realized that it is so hard to find a suitable toner for my skin type – rosacea and sensitive skin.

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Review – Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk

by Shirleen on May 22, 2010 in 3-star ratings, Cleanser & Toner, Clinique with 1 Comment

Proper cleansing is one of the most important regimen for a healthy-looking skin. I believe with good cleansing, skin will not only feel fresh and clean, it will also help to slow down the signs of aging. If skin is not properly cleanse, more residues will accumulate on the skin surface and therefore skin will get duller and rough, and beneficial nutrients will not be able to penetrate onto the skin.

After reading some good online reviews on Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk, I decided to give it a try. Its fragrance-free content which is extremely safe for my sensitive skin, provides more assurance that this product should be good for me.

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Review – Simple Soothing Facial Toner

by Shirleen on December 28, 2009 in 2-star ratings, Cleanser & Toner, Simple with 2 Comments

SIMPLE is an inexpensive, ordinary no-frill UK based skincare brand. For the past 10 years, it has gained my trust all thanks to one of their popular product ‘Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel’. Till now, it is still one of my ‘must-have’ essential daily skincare product. Well, that is why I didn’t have much consideration when I first purchased Simple Soothing Facial Toner.

This toner is relatively cheap @S$7.50, considering it as an United Kingdom-based skincare line. It is such a huge different in price if you compare it with the big brands at departmental stores.

Simple Soothing Facial Toner is claimed to contain NO PERFUME, NO COLOUR and NO ALCOHOL. And it is also claimed suitable for people with sensitive skin like me.

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Review – Kose Sekkisei Supreme Cleansing Cream

by Shirleen on September 23, 2009 in 3-star ratings, Cleanser & Toner, Kose/Kanebo/Kate Cosmetics with No comments

For the last 30 years, Kose from Japan, has always been my mum’s trusted skin care brand. I remembered the first Kose product I have tested was my mum’s favourite Kose facial soap bar. This pinkish soap bar has in fact effectively help to control the oiliness and outbreak on my puberty oily and acne-prone skin.

As I grew older, I have tried on many occasions convince her to switch her skin care products to other brands like Clarins, Estee Lauder or Lancome. But she refuses to give up on Kose. I really salute her for being so faithful to this brand up till now. Thanks goodness, she still has a very good skin.

Kose Sekkisei Supreme Cleansing Cream, a cream based makeup remover, is the first Kose product I’ve bought for my own use.

Product profile

This cleanser comprehensively removes stubborn makeup. Dissolves oily build-up to refresh dullness. Contains Melothria extract, Chinese Indigo extract & Chinese Soapberry extract. Prevents skin oxidation & increases metabolism rate. Leaves skin clean, soft, supple & luminous. Suitable for all skin types.

Ingredients

Kose Sekkisei Supreme Cleansing Cream contains mainly emollient, emulsifier, thickener and humectant.

Although it contains numerous herbal extracts but there is no research showing these have any benefit for skin.

Review

Kose Sekkisei Supreme Cleansing Cream effortlessly removes heavy foundation and light eye makeup although more effort is needed to thoroughly remove waterproof eye makeup. This cleansing cream deeply cleanses pores to sweep away dirt & impurities.

Although Kose Sekkisei Supreme Cleansing Cream is designed for all skin types but I find it too creamy even for my dry skin. What I feel uncomfortable about this product is that it tends to leave a layer of oily finish even after I have followed up with a facial wash.

Well, I have concluded that Kose Sekkisei Supreme Cleansing Cream is just another ordinary cleansing cream which I can easily find similar products on other brands.

Rating

Will I buy it again? May not.