All posts in Whitening

Review – Lancôme Blanc Expert Melanolyser™ Integral Whiteness Spot Eraser (New Packaging)

 

lancome blanc expert melanolyser spot eraser

Early this year in 2013, Lancome Singapore has relaunched the iconic Blanc Expert Melanolyser™ Spot Eraser that is specially designed for Asian women to help erase dark spots with a long-lasting effect. It has renamed as Blanc Expert Melanolyser™ Integral Whiteness Spot Eraser.

Blanc Expert Melanolyser™ was first launched in 2011 and it combines two actions : the improvement of the elimination of installed melanin by targeting a newly identified biological mechanism (melanolysis) and the moderation of the melanin production. Today, an upgraded efficacy data has shown that this iconic Blanc Expert Melanolyser™ provides a long-lasting effect on dark spots which result is said to last 3 weeks even after women stopped using the product.

lancome blanc expert melanolyser spot eraser

The iconic blue tube has been luxuriously redesigned with a deeper, metallic shade of midnight blue. The three silver bands around the tube symbolize the formula’s 3 weeks long-lasting effect. I’m pleased to receive a complimentary tube of this new packaging and to review it again.

In Oct 2012, I’ve actually reviewed the first launched (old packaging) Spot Eraser, click here if you are keen to read the previous review. I’ve long finished up the first tube and have not been using any spot eraser since then. And because of that, the stubborn dark spots on my upper right cheek has became bigger and darker. :-(

 

Product Profile

Dark spots dissolved: reduces surface spots, inhibits melanin production and dissolves melanin trapped in skin cells. Clinically proven: even after weeks without usage*, dark spots are fewer and smaller and their skin tone more even, brighter and freed from dullness.

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Review – Hada Labo Whitening Lotion (New Nano Formula)

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hada labo whitening lotion nano formula

 

Recently, I was invited to review the new Hada Labo Whitening Lotion with Nano formulation. I accepted it without much hesitation as I personally adore this drugstore brand pretty much. Many thanks to Elfaine from EK Media for extending this invitation to me.

I have already tested a couple of the Super HA Hydrating range products including the Hydrating Lotion which I find relatively good. That is why I’m really excited to try out this new whitening lotion as to see if it’s able to boost hydration and brighten up my skin at the same time.

Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion, so well loved by Japanese women that it was the ‘Number 1″ in sales for whitening products in Japan. It is claimed to combat and prevent dark spots caused by UV exposure for a smooth and clear skin.

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One Drop Reveals Natural Fairness

Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening range consists of four products that include Whitening Lotion, Whitening Essence, Whitening Milk and Whitening Mask. This Arbutin Whitening line is claimed to provide three benefits in just one step.

Formulated with Arbutin, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, skin gets fairer, more hydrated and brighter.

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Review – Lancome Blanc Expert Gn-White Generating New Whiteness Spot Eraser

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I started to notice pigmentation and discoloration on my face when I was in my early 30s. Pigmentation is one of my first signs of aging and I didn’t get it treated earlier until much later before realizing it was too too late. Hiaz!

Pigment spots are mostly situated around the cheekbone areas (directly below my eye sockets) and I’m also having discoloration around my cheek areas too. What has been troubling me the most is the stubborn sun spots on my right cheekbone area.

I was first introduced to Lancome Blanc Expert Gn-White Generating New Whiteness Spot Eraser during a Lanc´me blogger event in early 2010 (just before it was officially launched in Singapore). I was presented with a trial size during the event and without hesitation I immediately tested the product on the following day. After tested the product for almost 2 weeks, I started to notice a superficial improvement on the stubborn sun spots and decided to make a purchase on the full size product at Perfumes & Cosmetics outlet @ Changi Airport where I can enjoy fabulous duty-free savings.

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Review – StriVectin-WH Photo-White Booster Serum & Day Lotion SPF 30 (20 Readers To Win A FREE Trial Pack Worth $50)

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Many weeks ago, I’ve actually attended my first StriVectin event to preview their latest and first whitening range – WH Photo-White. Click here to read my previous post on the launch event.

I was presented with a full size StriVectin-WH Photo-White Booster Serum and Photo-White Day Lotion SPF 30 during the event. So here’s my review on both products after testing them for almost 8 weeks.

Do read on to find out how to win a FREE trial pack of StriVectin products worth S$50.

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WH Photo-White Brief Introduction

Presently, WH Photo-White range actually comprises of StriVectin WH Photo-White Booster Serum, Spot Repair and Day Lotion SPF 30. A fourth product, Hydrating Night Cream, will probably be launched in later part of the year.

WH Photo-White, formulated with vitamin C complex® and NIA-114, help diminish the appearance of excess pigmentation (such as dark spots and skin discoloration) and skin becomes more even toned, brighter and radiant.

Its patented formula NIA-114 is claimed to be clinically proven to be 6x more effective than brightening actives alone in just 4 weeks.

StriVectin-WH Photo-White treatments works on three levels to:

  • Slow down the production of melanin
  • Normalize the transfer of pigment and improve the overall quality of the cell
  • Increase cell turnover to reveal those higher quality cells and get rid of dark spots
    and discolorations quicker!

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Ingredients

StriVectin WH Photo-White Booster Serum ingredient list.

StriVectin WH Photo-White Day Lotion SPF 30 ingredient list.

Proprietary NIA-114 (niacin, in the form of Nicotinic Acid) targets the triggers that cause hyperpigmentation by normalizing the transfer of pigments, and rebuilding skin health so you can hold onto new radiance.

Natural Tyrosinase Inhibitors, Vitamin C and Synovea® Skin Brightener (hexylresorcinol), help to regulate melanin formation, which is the source of dark spots, sun spots and age spots.

Vitamin C (stable ascorbyl glucoside) diminishes melanin production, reduces existing melanin, stimulates collagen and acts as a strong antioxidant.

Willowbark Extract, a natural form of salicylic acid, generates cell turnover to shed pigmented cells and improve skin texture.

Betaine, from Sugar Beet, a natural skin softener, minimizes transepidermal water loss (TEWL) for an overall smoother, healthier-looking complexion.

Pomegranate Extract, a powerful antioxidant, aids in enhancing cell turnover.

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Reviews! Reviews! Reviews!

I have been suffering from stubborn dark spots around cheek areas and a slight discolorations and uneven skin tone for the longest time. So when I was being invited to test the newly launched StriVectin-WH Photo-White Booster Serum and Photo-White Day Lotion SPF 30 for 8 weeks, I accepted it without any hesitation. ;-)

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Review – Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator & Dark Spot Corrector

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Late last year in 2011, I’ve received a new skin lightening product – Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator & Dark Spot Corrector from Clariancy Singapore.

Clariancy Singapore, partnering with Syneron Beauty, has obtained the exclusive distributorship for the Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator & Dark Spot Corrector (retailing at S$175) in Singapore and Malaysia.

What make me curious to try this product is that it said to contain a natural occurring biological enzyme, LIP, that is more effective than prescription 2% hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone, often known as skin bleach, is a ingredient that is commonly used for skin lightening. It can be found in lightening serums and creams at both over-the-counter or in higher concentrations, prescribed dermatologist and plastic surgeons. Unfortunately this melanin cell blocking chemical is actually banned in parts of Europe and all throughout Asia due to the studies that prolonged use of hydroquinone can cause a condition where skin develops thick, dark patches or even blue-black skin and it is believed to cause cancer.

Luminaze contains no hydroquinone and its patented Active Luminaze Enzyme LIP is claimed to break down melanin for a visible improvement in the appearance of dark spots, acne scars and overall evenness of skin tone in only 7 days. It’s clinically proven to work better and faster than the leading prescription ingredient, and it’s gentle enough to use every day with limited potential for skin irritation.

Luminaze is claimed to help provide a fairer and radiance skin in just 28 days that is scientifically proven with clinical trials conducted worldwide.

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Review – Clarins White Plus HP Sea Lily Enriched Whitening Night Cream, Renewing Gentle Exfoliator & Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel

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You probably have read my earlier post on the launch of three new additions to Clarins White Plus HP Sea Lily Enriched Series which are Whitening Night Cream, Renewing Gentle Exfoliator and Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel.

Click here to read my previous introduction post on White Plus HP Sea Lily Enriched.

And after a month of usage, I’m now ready for a full review. Do read on to find out if these products work for me.

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Do you know pigmentation does not stop at night?

The interesting thing I have learned during the preview event is that pigmentation does not actually stop at night. It was really an eye opening. I didn’t realize it until I was explained on the cause and how pigmentation is developed.

Do you know that melanocytes (melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis) will continue producing more melanin even while you sleep? So can we do anything to prevent it? Well, I guess we can, do read on to find the answer.

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Other Major Cause For Hyperpigmentation

Clarins believe that sun is not the only major cause for hyperpigmentation.

In fact, the other major cause for pigmentation is due to stress factors. Yes, I totally agree with Clarins. Whenever I’m under extreme stress, pigmentation will seem to appear darker and more obvious. And worst, more new pigment spots will start to surface out of nowhere. To make things worst :

stress >> more pigmentation >> more stress >> even more pigmentation! ArHHH!!

So in order to keep pigmentation at bay, I guess I need to manage my stress level and be happy as much as possible. Of course, not forgetting the Clarins White Plus HP skin care range too.

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White Plus HP Sea Lily Enriched – Brightening Powers Of Two White Flowers

For these three latest additions, Clarins Research has incorporated two innovative high performance brightening ingredients into its White Plus HP skin care range. These white flowers, Sea Lily Extract and Daisy Extract, provide dual action to combat against the direct and indirect causes of skin hyperpigmentation.

Sea Lily Extract

Sea Lily extract, an exceptional brightening plant active ingredient, has been used for the first time in White Plus HP skin care range. Clarins Research has demonstrated the capacity of Sea Lily extract to control the extension of melanocyte dendrites, the “arms” of melanocytes which deliver melanin to cells in the epidermis.

While direct pigmentation is linked to daytime UV rays, the production of melanin it triggers during the day will continue at night. Sea Lily extract has the capacity to help control the extension of melanocytes dendrites for producing more melanin.

Daisy Extract

As mentioned earlier, stress factors are the indirect cause of pigmentation. Stress will cause skin to weaken and thereby speed up melanin synthesis. Daisy extract, an anti-stress ingredient, helps to calm and soothe the skin, to leave it soft, fresh and bright again in the morning.

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Review

Whitening Repairing Night Cream – S$110

This essential anti-dark spots night cream has became my must-have night product. It is the first night cream with white flower extracts which controls hyperpigmentation due to daytime UV rays, and also stress accumulated from morning to night.

I especially like the soft lightweight creamy texture and the flowery scent. It absorbs onto the skin pretty well.

Whitening Repairing Night Cream contains pretty good ingredients except minuscule amount of fragrance which thankfully doesn’t cause any skin irritation on my skin.

All-in-all, I’m pretty pleased with this Whitening Repairing Night Cream. It has became my night regimen must-have skin care product. As I sleep an average of 6 hours in an air-conditioning room daily, I definitely need a slightly more richer cream for the night. Therefore this creamy yet lightweight texture is definitely ideal for my slightly dehydrated skin.

As you know that the direct pigmentation that is linked by UV rays has triggered more production of melanin during the day and unfortunately does not STOP at night! Therefore Whitening Repairing Night Cream is definitely a perfect night product to help control further production of melanin while I sleep. All thanks to the powerful brightening white flower, Sea lily extract.

And also due to the numerous daytime stress factors, more melanin production are triggered too. And again thanks to the presence of soothing, anti-stress ingredient Daisy extract that helps to calm, soothe my skin and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed in the morning. And most importantly, the pigmentation is under control too.

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Review – Est©e Lauder CyberWhite Ex Extra Intensive Purifying Treatment

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I have to confess! I’m a super fan of Nu Ren Wo Zui Da 女人我最大, a popular Taiwanese Beauty Variety Show. Many months back, it has featured a new whitening collection by Est©e Lauder – Est©e Lauder CyberWhite Ex. Lao Niu Da Ke ç‰›çˆ¾è€å¸«, the Taiwan’s most famous beauty advisor demonstrated the usage of these products on a model. I was surprised to see amazing results and therefore decided to make a trip down to one of the Est©e Lauder outlet to check out the products.

After some product testings at the counter, I immediately fall in love with the CyberWhite Ex Extra Intensive Purifying Treatment. This interesting foaming whitening mask is considered one of the best innovative breakthrough by Est©e Lauder.

I was delighted to receive a complimentary Est©e Lauder CyberWhite Ex Extra Intensive Purifying Treatment after a request to the office.

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Est©e Lauder CyberWhite Ex

This New CyberWhite Ex Whitening Collection, specifically created for and tested on Asian skin in Asia, is designed to give your skin the comprehensive care it needs to look virtually spotless, brighter and beautifully even-toned – immediately and year after year.

Building on over 20 years of proven brightening expertise and on the knowledge that not all dark spots are created equal. Est©e Lauder Asia Research advances the most comprehensive brightening system ever with four highly targeted, breakthrough technologies. Correcting and helping prevent four different kinds of dark spots responsible for clouding the complexion. Stubborn Age Spots, Small Surface Spots, Those Barely Visible Spots just below skin’s surface and now persistent Recurring Spots.

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Product Profile

Est©e Lauder CyberWhite Ex Extra Intensive Purifying Treatment. Fast-acting, micro-purifying treatment transforms into a refreshing, skin-brightening foam to target Small Surface Spots. Instantly, helps clarify the most hard-to-reach pores of melanin-darkened skin cells with concentrated levels of N Acetyl Glucosamine and nature’s most powerful skin brighteners.

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Review – Paula’s Choice Resist Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion

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When I was younger, I love the sun. I will go sun bathing and water skiing almost every weekend. And the best thing is that, I do not believe in sun protection. I do not wear sunscreen (I hate the oiliness) until much later in my 30s. Sadly, these stupid habits have caused serious problems in my later life – photo aging.

So as early as in my late 20s, I began to notice pigmentations below the eye areas and on the cheek areas. The pigmentation is especially obvious on my right cheek area and these sun spots are size of 4 rice grains. In order to treat these aging spots, on top of my whitening products, I have tried various non-invasive treatments like IPL, Pigment Laser and Pixel. There is no visible result from IPL and Pixel at all. Although Pigment Laser is able to help remove the sun spots (on my right cheek) initially but after months later the spots reappeared again and bigger than what they were before. I almost give up on finding ways to remove them until I came across Paula’s Choice Resist Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion.

Before I have used this product, I never believe in skin lightening / whitening skincare products and their efficacies. Well after trying numerous whitening products, most of them can only help to create a fairer skin but not able to lighten the pigmentation. So far only Paula’s Choice Resist Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion can do that little magic!

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Review – I Use Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C To Brighten Up My Skin

 

Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C is the first Sisley product I have tested and also one of my favourite product that I’m still consistently using.

Although, there are many highly concentrated form of vitamin C serums available in the market but to source for a good one is not that easy after all when topical preparations of vitamin C is greatly important. 

The truly good vitamin C serum must comprise of :

  • The correct percentage and type of vitamin C used and the pH of the product.
  • Highly concentrated, pure and stable vitamin C product that people can easily use at home. 

Vitamin C and its stability

Vitamin C is actually quite delicate and it is water soluble, but when mixed with water and exposed to oxygen it isn’t able to maintain its antioxidant activity. In addition, vitamin C rapidly disintegrates when exposed to light. 

Although, there are many cosmetic companies have painstaking researched and developed a highly concentrated form of vitamin C in a water-free lotion or cream. But Sisley has successfully created a ‘mix and use’ products that involve mixing vitamin C into a base and applying it immediately while the vitamn C is still active and Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C is the one. I think this way of topical preparations of vitamin C is quite effective, especially for higher concentrations of vitamin C. The irritation potential of such high concentrations of vitamin C is eliminated by including skin soothers and an emollient in the formula.

Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C

Like all other products from the Sisley line, Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence is the result of Sisley’s world-renowned scientific and technological expertise. Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence contains maximum concentration of ingredients, well known for their clearing effects. The formula is based on Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), works to lighten the complexion for a visibly improved radiant complexion. Extracts of white mulberry and scutellaria, both known for their extremely effective clearing properties, are combined with extracts of Licorice which help soothe and soften skin. Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence works very evenly and uniformly on the skin to clarify without dehydrating the skin.

Product claims

Bring luminosity and a unique glow to dull skin. After approximately 28 days, the skin begins to lighten significantly. Each vial contains applications for 7 days.

Method of use

Remove the protective film and twist the upper part (the cap) to break the seal. Press firmly on the cap to pierce the reservoir and release the vitamin C. Shake well for 20 seconds to mix the powder and gel, then tap on the cap to empty out the mixture. Remove the cap. Replace with the dropper. Once the vial is opened, start using it the same day and use for a maximum of 7 consecutive days. Keep in a cool place, away from light.

One application every night. Each vial contains the exact amount needed for 7 applications – one week’s supply. Each box of 8 vials represents 2 months of treatment.

It is designed to keep the vitamin C pure and stable. 

Ingredients

Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C contains 5% of ascorbic acid which is a good form of vitamin C that has antioxidant properties.

Morus alba root extract, as known as mulberry extract, some studies have shown that it can help to prevent melanin production. Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, a herbal extract, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for skin. 

Review

Firstly, I will have to give a thumb up on the packaging for Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C. Well done Sisley! It has effectively helped to maintain the high concentrated vitamin C in a stable and pure form. It is so stable even my sensitive skin doesn’t get irritated at all.

Another plus plus point is that Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C contains enough anti-inflammatory agents which can reduce and control inflammation, since inflammation creates free radicals.

As each box of 8 vials represents 2 months of treatment, I will make it a point to use 3 boxes per year. 

The result is brilliant. Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C has effectively brightened up my skin and skin becomes more radiant then before. It has also softened the fine lines and wrinkles significantly. It has also helped to boost up the collagen production and leaves a smooth, clear and luminous complexion.

Although it is expensive, but I believe it’s definitely worth it. Nevertheless, I vote Sisley Phyto-Blanc Clearing Essence With Vitamin C as my favourite product of all time, a fantastic product indeed!

Rating

  Love it so much!

Will I buy it again? Definitely YES YES YES!!!

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Review – Vichy Laboratoires Bi-White Reveal Double Corrective Whitening Essence

 

Vichy Laboratoires Bi-White Reveal Double Corrective Whitening Essence is a water-in-oil emulsion that claims to give an immediate ‘soft focus’ effect and smoothes complexion. 

In fact, I have first tested this product from a product sample in a local magazine. I like it so much and I have decided to get one instead.

Ingredients

One of their key ingredient, salicylic acid – also known as beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is said to provide exfoliation, removal of superficial pigment, and can also stimulate new collagen, if it’s used at the right percentage.

It contains some potent ingredients like ascorbyl glucoside, a form of vitamin C that combined with glucose. And tocopherol, vitamin E, is considered an antioxidant superstar. Both actually provide signification antioxidant protection against ultraviolet radiation – induced oxidative damage.

Another active ingredient is titanium dioxide. It is a sunscreen ingredient that protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation and is considered to have no risk of skin irritation. Though this is a day and night product, I do find it weird to have this ingredient if it use at night. 

Other ingredients are caprylic/capric triglyceride – extract derived from coconut and considered a good emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Sodium citrate – used primarily to control the pH level of a product, this ingredient also has antioxidant and preservative properties.

Texture

Lightweight and creamy. Fast penetration with matt and non-sticky finish after application. Can be used in day and/or night.

Results

Skin is brighten and slightly fairer. Skin tone is more even but no visible improvement on my dark spots.

Ratings

Will I buy it again? …… Very likely!