Do you know sun damage is the No.1 cause of premature skin aging? Even with low-intensity exposure to UV rays but in a long-term, it will still cause significant aging of the skin eventually.

Nevertheless, sunscreen is ultimately the most important skincare product I can’t leave without whether I’m in or out of home. And it is absolutely necessary during the timing from 10am to 4pm, even on a cloudy day.

Recently, I was being introduced to a new sunscreen by Yves Saint Laurent and what got me excited about this product is the PA++++! It is the Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets UV Shield High Protection UV Skincare SPF 50 PA++++. It is a new addition to its Top Secrets collection and was launched in April 2013.

Wow! PA++++? This is the only sunscreen I’ve came across that is formulated with the highest PA++++! So far, the highest PA rating we can find in most sunscreens is only PA+++.

When choosing a good sunscreen, apart from having a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 to 50 which protect skin (sunburn) against UVB, PA rating system is the crucial factor I will consider to help protect my skin against harmful UVA that causes skin aging. UVA (Ultraviolet-A) rays penetrate deep into the skin, which can cause premature signs of aging, including sunspots, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets UV Shield High Protection UV Skincare SPF 50 PA++++ – S$69 / 30ml

Product Profile :

Imperceptible SPF50 / PA++++ protection, the UV SHIELD effectively combats UVB and UVA rays. Enriched with an anti-pollution active ingredient, it helps the skin fight against everyday external aggressions. This TOP SECRETS care is ideal for keeping the skin protected each and every day.

The secrets of a “triple shield”

For even skin, protection against sun-induced spots and preserved radiance, UV SHIELD acts like a super-effective triple shield.

An anti-pollution barrier: enriched with Shea butter extract with detoxifying properties to protect skin against everyday urban aggressions by capturing floating metal particles.

The active sunscreen ingredient is the nano Titanium Dioxide. Spotted alcohol denat in this product , thankfully my skin doesn’t feel dry nor irritated with it.

As this sunscreen contains Titanium Dioxide, the lightweight texture leaves a tinge of translucent white cast upon application that makes my skin appears smooth and bright yet natural. It doesn’t leave a greasy feeling and my skin feels hydrated all day long. It has an ultra light fragrance scent that fades quickly.

My skin appears brighter and glowing and hence I can leave without any foundation at all. All I need is to dust a tinge of loose powder on the entire face and apply cheek blush; and I’m good to go. I actually receive compliments from peers on a few occasion actually.

Top Secrets UV Shield High Protection UV Skincare SPF 50 PA++++ is so far has the highest PA rating I’ve came across and if you are looking for a sunscreen that provides the high protection against harmful UVA rays, look no further then.

Availability

Top Secrets UV Shield High Protection UV Skincare SPF 50 PA++++, retailing at S$69, is now available at ION Orchard #B2-34, Tel : 6509 7423 and Tangs Beauty Hall @ Tangs Orchard, Tel : 6235 9206.

Now in mid-40s, apart from pigmentation; wrinkles and loss of elasticity are other signs of aging I’ve been trying hard to fight off in the recent years. Though wrinkle is a common sign of aging but I actually could have minimized the look of wrinkles if I have taken good care of my skin when I was younger. I applied nothing at night, not even a moisturizer and I did not apply any sunscreen in the day too until I was in my early 30s.

I first noticed mild fine lines on my forehead and lower eyelid areas during my late 20s. It didn’t bother me much at that time and without realizing it, these fine lines (on my forehead) eventually turned into wrinkles after I reached my late 30s. Hence I will strongly advise you to start an anti-aging regimen if you have not. It’s never too late to start one even if you’re only in your early 20s. Here’s something for you!

Understanding the top concerns of women are fine lines, wrinkles and pores, Kiehl’s chemists offer a new approach to addressing these key concerns, and proudly introduced the highly anticipated Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing Cream and Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream, which are officially available from May 2013 onwards.

A couple of weeks ago, I was glad to be one of the first few bloggers to preview Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing Cream and Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream.

The preview event was held at The Fullerton Bay Hotel @ Collyer Quay. What a lovely venue with a spectacular view!

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing Cream – S$80 / 50ml

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing Cream, powered with Copper PCA and Calcium PCA, is said to reduce the appearance of wrinkle and pores for a smooth skin complexion in as little as 4 weeks! It is claimed that this wrinkle-fighting reducing formula is clinically demonstrated to significantly improve elasticity by 32% and texture by 26% within 4 weeks.

Developed to strengthen skin’s elasticity, Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing Cream is formulated with powerful micronutrients to help boost elasticity, reduce wrinkles, smooth texture and improve the appearance of pores.

Micronutrients are nutrients required by the human body to function correctly, but in fact cannot be produced by the body. Micronutrients include minerals such as copper and calcium. Micronutrients also include vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, niacin and riboflavin. Harnessing copper and calcium, in the form of Copper PCA and Calcium PCA, Kiehl’s chemists developed a formulation built to improve the appearance of aging skin.

Copper acts directly on fibroblasts to stimulate the production of elastin and Calcium helps improve hydration of the skin barrier and stimulate rapid cell turnover. And Calcium also aids in collagen formation and protein structuring in DNA and RNA.

Do you know loss of elasticity actually begins in our 20s with the slow progressive decrease and alteration of our elastin and collagen fibers? It is one of the fundamental reasons why fine lines, wrinkles and pores begin forming.

To protect and improve skin elasticity, three skin areas need to be addressed:

1. Organize and protect skin’s elastic fiber network
2. Protect and strengthen the skin barrier
3. Restore hydration

The ingredient list is hidden at the bottom of the jar. Spotted some amazing ingredients, pretty impressed with its formulation.

It has a soft creamy texture that absorbs into the skin easily. It doesn’t leave any greasy residue upon application. There is no synthetic fragrance added which is a good thing.

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream – S$65 / 15ml

Utilizing the power of Copper PCA and Calcium PCA, Kiehl’s chemists extended this efficacious combination to its Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream. Developed to target serious aging concerns in the delicate eye area, this preparation is demonstrated to visibly correct the appearance of wrinkles and smooth skin texture.

A consumer study was performed, within 4 weeks : 80% reported crow’s feet visibly reduced and 81% reported fine lines visibly reduced.

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream also contains Ceramides (to protect skin’s moisture barrier) and Caffeine (to decrease the appearance of puffiness).

I like its light silky soft yet creamy texture that glides over the skin easily. Similarly to the face cream, this eye cream doesn’t leave any greasy residue upon application and it doesn’t have any fragrance scent at all.

I can’t wait to try out both products soon, do stay tuned for the review.

Availability

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing Cream and Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream will be available at all Kiehl’s stores from May 2013 onwards.

Robinsons Raffles City t: 6338-3457 | VivoCity #01-11/12 t: 6376-9017 | TANGS Beauty at TANGS Orchard t: 6732-5394 | Tampines Mall #01-29 t: 6785-7610 | Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City, #B1-33 t: 6732-9695 | ION Orchard #B3-54 T: 6509-8941 | Plaza Singapura #01-66 t:6454-3457 | Parkway Parade #01-K2 t: 63461276| Bugis Junction #01-13 t:63369022| Great World City #01-16 t:67353755

A while back, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a lovely maroon and black chiffon wrapped gift parcel from BRAND’s Singapore. Many thanks to BRAND’s Singapore for the special gifts!

It contains BRAND’s new supplement Sesamin with Schisandra Extract, The Body Shop Organic Cotton Rounds and The Body Shop Lipscuff. Both Body Shop products are specially selected based on my liking and they are actually my favorite and must-have products. So sweet of them!

BRAND’S^®, a leader with more than 170 years of rich experience in health nutrition, has developed a health supplement to help protect liver, eliminate free radicals and maintain a healthy blood lipid profile for a healthy liver.

For optimal liver health, BRAND’S Sesamin with Schisandra is a scientifically proven supplement that harnesses the prowess of Sesamin and Schisandra to promote liver detoxification. Thanks to its holistic approach, the supplement harnesses the prowess of Sesamin and Schisandra to activate the liver enzyme system as well as liver cell regeneration. Sesamin is an antioxidant that purges the body system of harmful substances, while Schisandra complements it to protect the liver and maintain liver health.

An all-natural ingredients, Sesamin makes up only 0.5% of a sesame seed.

Beneficial for :

• Ideal for those who lead a stressful lifestyle, suffer from lack of sleep or drink alcohol regularly
• Helps to purge the liver of toxins and promote overall liver health
• Powerful supplement containing Sesamin and Schisandra which are scientically proven to improve liver health

Do visit BRAND’s Facebook Page or website for more info on BRAND’s products.

Perricone MD, a cosmeceuticals brand founded by Dr. Nicholas Perricone in 1997, has recently launched a daily no-peel peel product and it is the new BLUE PLASMA. This non-acidic daily peel for brightening and radiance, is scientifically formulated to deliver the benefits of a more traditional peel, without the side effects.

For years, Dr. Perricone has warned against the use of harsh chemical peels and abrasive exfoliators as methods to unveil new skin surface. Whether administered in spas, doctor’s offices, or purchased over the counter, their effects are not potentially damaging short term, but can impact skin’s long-term health. In addition, traditional peels can be acidic and work by “assaulting” the skin surface to get results. They essentially burn the skin off, attacking both dead and healthy skin cells, that often leads to redness, irritation and sensitivity. Scrub-like exfoliators create micro-tears on the surface, making skin more thin or fragile over time.

Upon spending years researching alternatives that deliver the same surface benefits without causing damage or irritation to the skin, Dr. Perricone created BLUE PLASMA.

Through bio-specific technology, BLUE PLASMA performs three synergistic modes of action :

First, with bio-specific accuracy, it peels only dead skin cells, accelerating cell renewal and turnover that naturally slows down as we age. Second, it micro-extracts surface debris with deep action and purifies the skin of build-up and pollutants. Third, it hydro-fuses the skin with nutrient-rich water.

BLUE PLASMA is claimed to see results including :

• Resurfacing of the skin
• Luxurious luminosity, radiance & clarity
• Improved light reflectivity with increased brightness and glow
• Unparalleled softness and smoothness
• Plumpness of lines & wrinkles and reduction in pore size

The Power of NO :

• No skin damage
• No micro-tears or abrasions
• No dryness, no flaking
• No environmental sensitivity
• No downtime

The Key Ingredients include :

• Salmon Egg Enzyme - Big-specific peeling agent that tackles only dead skin cells
• L-Carnitine - Extracts, unclogs, purifies and promotes cell-turnover, embodies natural hydrating qualities
• Pterostilbene - Historically found in blueberries, antioxidant-rich; delivers radiance and brightening benefits
• Honokiol & Magnolol - Extracts of magnolia bark; powerful anti-inflammatory and very soothing
• Copper - Helps repair and promote skin health; naturally contributes to the gorgeous blue color of Blue Plasma

BLUE PLASMA is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic fragrances. Urea (3rd ingredient) and gluconolactone (6th ingredient) act as a leave-on exfoliant. Not comfortable about two ingredients – the last ingredient “Blue 1 (CI 42090)”, a coloring agent and menthyl lactate, a potential skin irritant.

BLUE PLASMA is claimed to be ideal for all skin types and skin conditions, including sensitive skin.

BLUE PLASMA has a light blue fluid texture that absorbs into the skin easily.

I’m glad to receive a full bottle to try it out. Many thanks to Luxasia Singapore.

Application

Dr. Perricone recommends applying BLUE PLASMA daily after proper cleansing. It can be applied during the day or night. Begin by cleansing the skin then follow with BLUE PLASMA and your recommended treatment. No rinsing is required.

Availability

BLUE PLASMA, retailing at S$177, is exclusively available at escentials at Tangs Orchard, escentials at Paragon, escentials The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Metro Paragon, Robinsons Raffles City, Robinsons The Centrepoint and Sephora.

In April 2013, Crabtree & Evelyn has launched a new fragrance bath and body collection – the Somerset Meadow Collection! The light green, fruity-floral scent of Somerset Meadow is an aromatic impression of a beautiful English landscape in bloom.

The scent of sparkling bergamot and dew-kissed blackberry buds is refreshing and tart, its juicy sweetness perfectly balanced with the bitter greens of ivy and fern. A heart of white blossoms, water lily and earthy geranium flourishes as if warmed by the morning sun. The scent of leaf, grass and fragrant petals are suffused by creamy clouds of musk, whilst willow and moss tether all the casually floating close to the skin and bring a soft, sensuous touch.

The scent of Somerset Meadow :

Top Notes : Bergamot, Morning Dew, English Ivy, Blackberry Bud
Heart Notes : Fern, Geranium, Water Lily, White Blossom
Base Notes : Silver Birch, White Musk, Willow, Moss

Somerset Meadow® Bath & Body Collection is comprising of 5 products : Somerset Meadow Perfume Gel, Eau De Toilette, Bath & Shower Gel, Scented Body Lotion and Hand Therapy. All are stowed within beautiful packaging, illustrated with the pretty fruits and flowers of the meadow.

Somerset Meadow Perfume Gel – S$25 / 12ml

What’s interesting about this collection is the Perfume Gel. This Crabtree & Evelyn’s first Perfume Gel has a gel-like luxurious texture that provides a long-lasting fragrance. Massage this moisturising fragrance gel onto pulse points and revel in the fresh scent of flowers and fruits.

Somerset Meadow Eau De Toilette – S$58 / 60ml

Fresh and lovely, the light green fruity-floral scent of Somerset Meadow is graciously charming with an addictive allure.

Somerset Meadow Bath & Shower Gel – S$35 / 200ml

Formulated with conditioning extracts of water lily and ivy, this richly lathering cleansing gel also creates a wonderfully foaming bath that awakens the senses and leaves skin feeling silky smooth.

Somerset Meadow Scented Body Lotion – S$40 / 200ml

With the freshness of a dew-kissed meadow, this moisture-rich lotion beautifully softens and rehydrates the skin with sweet almond oil, shea butter, and conditioning water lily and ivy extracts.

Somerset Meadow Hand Therapy – S$33 / 100g

Dry hands – including nails and cuticles – will delight in this superior moisturising and conditioning blend of macadamia nut oil, shea butter, antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, and water lily and ivy extracts. This restorative hand treatment also leaves a subtle, tantalising aroma on the skin.

Crabtree & Evelyn also offers 2 Somerset Meadow Gift Sets, I’m glad to receive one too.

Availability

Somerset Meadow® Bath & Body Collection, launched in mid-April 2013, is now available at at all Crabtree & Evelyn stores islandwide : The Star Vista #01-03 (NEW), The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-16A, Paragon #B1-26, Ngee Ann City #B1-13, The Centrepoint #01-12A, Raffles City Shopping Centre #B1-29, VivoCity #01-09, Suntec City Mall #01-129, Bugis Junction #01-14, Tampines Mall #01-31A and Parkway Parade #01-07.

Promotions

From 19 April to 19 May, shoppers enjoy specials Gifts with Purchases with minimum nett spending:

With every $120 nett spent in a single receipt, receive a Limited Edition Somerset Meadow Umbrella.
With every $150 nett spent in a single receipt, receive a 1-for-1 lunch buffet offer at Marriott Café, Singapore Marriott Hotel.

* Offer is limited to one per customer, while stocks last. The 1-for-1 lunch buffet voucher is valid for Mondays through Saturdays.
* Terms and conditions apply.
* Visuals of the limited edition umbrella and buffet voucher is attached in this email for your illustration purposes.

Many weeks back, I was introduced to the new Elizabeth Arden Visible Whitening Skincare line during an one-to-one private coffee session and also get to try out the new range of products during a mini beauty facial treatment too. Launched in mid March 2013, Visible Whitening is a regimen-based skincare collection that controls melanin production at all five stages, while also enhancing skin’s ability to reflect light.

Do you know biological and environmental factors such as aging, hormones, inflammation and exposure to UV rays can produce excess melanin, leaving skin darker in tone? In addition, environmental factors can also decrease collagen and elastin and increase pore size, leaving skin thin and rough. As a result, light reflectivity is reduced and skin loses its vibrant, healthy glow.

To combat both issues, Research & Development at Elizabeth Arden has created Visible Whitening System technology, a scientific approach that utilizes a complex symphony of ingredients to address the visible effects of lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone including minimizing the look of hyper-pigmentation and maximizing skin’s radiance.

The Visible Whitening regimen features innovative ingredients including vitamin C derivatives and SpectraBright™, a potent botanical Hops extract that originated from France and acts on signal reaction from UV light and melanosome transportation, to prevent melanin production.

Visible Whitening System technology counteracts melanin production at all five stages :

1. Signal reaction from UV light
2. Tyrosinase synthesis
3. Melanosome formation
4. Melanin transportation
5. Deposition of melanin

However, melanin inhibition only treats part of the problem. With a combination of ingredients including antioxidants, collagen and elastin boosters, pore reducers, and diamond powders, Visible Whitening System technology is clinically proven to create a surface that reflects more light.

Immediate benefits :

• Exfoliates, minimizes the look of pores, improves light reflectivity
• Decreases look of melanin on skin’s surface

Long-term benefits :

• Controls melanin production at all five stages for a flawless, even toned, translucent appearance
• Improves hydration
• Strengthens collagen/elastin matrix

The regimen :

CLEANSE – Visible Whitening Smoothing Cleanser – S$55 / 125ml
TONE – Visible Whitening Pore Minimizing Toner – S$70 / 200ml
TREAT (AM) – Visible Whitening Melanin Control Day Essence – S$130 / 30ml
TREAT (PM) – Visible Whitening Melanin Control Night Capsules – S$140 / 50 capsules
HYDRATE – Visible Whitening Smooth and Brighten Emulsion – S$120 / 100ml
MOISTURIZE – Visible Whitening Firm and Reflect Moisturizer – S$120 / 50ml
PROTECT – Visible Whitening Multi Targeted UV Shield BB Cream SPF 30 PA++ – S$80
BRIGHTEN – Visible Whitening Illuminating Eye Serum – S$85 / 15ml

Each product is claimed to uniquely develop to enhance the whitening and brightening power of every other product in the collection hence it is optimal to use all products within the skincare regimen.

[Above product information is extracted from press kit.]

Here’s a lovely invitation to the private coffee session and the mini beauty facial treatment.

My skin looks glowing and radiant upon the mini facial. Like the texture of the UV Shield BB Cream that gives a great coverage and the shade matches my skin tone very well. It appears natural as if I never apply anything on my skin.

Upon the mini facial, I’m pleased to receive a goodie bag that contains a big body towel, a full size Visible Whitening Smoothing Cleanser, a trial size Visible Whitening Illuminating Eye Serum (5ml) and Visible Whitening Melanin Control Night Capsules (7 capsules).

Visible Whitening collection is now available at all Elizabeth Arden counters islandwide from mid March 2013 onwards.

SK-II, being the leading skincare brand in the world, has recently conducted an online poll on “What makes up the “IT” factor?”. Among more than 50 respondents, majority of women and men said their SKIN IS REALLY THE PROOF of beauty.

A few weeks ago, SK-II has unveiled their first-ever “IT” Guy and “IT” Girl at Isetan Scotts and I’m glad to be invited to this exclusive event.

The “IT” Guy and “IT” Girl are host and former MTV VJ, Uttsada Panichkul, and famous local musician, Sara Wee. The winning combination of both dynamic duo lies in innate confidence, relevance to the current scene, ability to inspire others and more importantly, having good, well-maintained skin. They share their Moments of Proof to achieve the “IT” status with SK-II’s iconic Facial Treatment Essence.

The Proof Behind the 5 Dimensions of Crystal Clarity

For more than 30 years, SK-II has continued to deliver the promise of crystal clear skin with its iconic Facial Treatment Essence. Powered by over 90% Pitera™, SK-II’s signature ingredient, Facial Treatment Essence acts directly on the five dimensions of texture, radiance, firmness, spot control and wrinkle resilience – or what is the tangible proof to realize beautiful crystal clear skin.

Putting this to the test – SK-II conducted further clinical studies on the efficacy of Facial Treatment Essence to shift across the five dimensions to crystal clarity, in a collaboration with Ellead, an established Korean clinical and biotechnology company, researches found that within 14 days of following a regimen of Facial Treatment, all five dimensions of texture, radiance, firmness, spot control and wrinkle resilience revealed visible improvements.

SK-II Beauty Counselor Trainer, Cindy Cheong, put Sara’s skin to a test using SK-II’s latest skin analysis device – “Magic Ring” – that is designed to map and analyse personal skin conditions based on the five critical dimensions of crystal clear skin – all within less than 10 minutes.

Her result were evident with spot control scoring well.

SK-II MEN – SK-II first men’s prestige skincare range, comprises of (from left to right) MEN Moisturizing Cleanser, MEN Facial Treatment Essence in 75ml, MEN Facial Treatment Essence in 150ml and MEN Age Revitalize Moisturizer.

Upon the event, I was pleased to receive a bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and a bottle of SK-II MEN Facial Treatment Essence, both in 75ml.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and SK-II MEN Facial Treatment Essence are priced at :
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (75 ml) – S$99.00
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (150 ml) – S$168.00
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (215 ml) – S$209.00
SK-II MEN Facial Treatment Essence (75 ml) – S$99.00
SK-II MEN Facial Treatment Essence (150 ml) – S$183.00

That’s all for today, thanks for reading! See ya soon!

As we age, collagen production can slow and lead to a loss in skin volume and firmness, elastin fibers also begin to lose their spring, fray and become disorganized, making them less able to bounce back and withstand the forces of gravity. All of these factors can lead to a loss of facial definition and volume that can keep skin from looking youthful and plump.

Apart from pigmentation, lines and wrinkles; volume and lift are in fact my key anti-aging concern. What I hate most now are my nasolabial folds and marionette lines which make me look old. They are caused by the loss of elasticity, collagen and volume in the skin. For a truly youthful appearance, my facial volumes must be lifted.

Till now, I have not found any skincare products or non-invasive treatments that can help reduce the look of these signs of aging. Unless I opt for a surgical face-lift treatment but for now this option is a no-no for me.

Recently, Philosophy has launched a new advanced volumizing and lifting skincare collection that is said to reawaken the skin’s natural revitalizing system that supports natural collagen and elastin, and help to restore the appearance of full, firm and lifted skin.

Introducing the FULL OF PROMISE, comprised a 2-step TREAT and MOISTURIZE regimen.

Step 1 – TREAT

FULL OF PROMISE Treatment Duo For Uplifting Days & Volumizing Nights – S$120 / 30ml

FULL OF PROMISE Treatment Duo For Uplifting Days & Volumizing Nights is a dynamic a.m./p.m. protocol (uplifting for the day and volumizing for the night) to help rejuvenate and restore skin by following its natural rhythms. To maintain a youthful-looking skin, it is essential to repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep and protect it against harmful environmental factors such as pollution, UV rays in the day.

In the daytime, as the pull of gravity can drag down skin contours, we need to strengthen and reorganize elastin fibers, and provide an immediate tightening sensation to give skin the uplifting boost it needs to face the day.

The uplifting daytime serum is formulated with :
• Rye seed extracts - helps reinforce skin elasticity to visibly lift skin
• Kigelia extracts - a rare bio-active fruit that helps improve skin’s firmness and elasticity

In the evening, when skin is actively rejuvenating itself, we help to improve the appearance of natural skin volume by supporting natural collagen.

The volumizing nighttime serum is formulated with :
• High-performance retinoid (hpr) - exclusive retinoid helps restore volume for improved facial contours and definition
• Kigelia extract - a rare-active african fruit that helps improves skin’s firmness and elasticity

Step 2 – MOISTURIZE

FULL OF PROMISE Dual-Action Restoring Cream For Volume and Lift – S$102 / 60ml

FULL OF PROMISE Dual-Action Restoring Cream For Volume and Lift is a restoring cream that reawakens skin’s natural recycling system to help restore volume and lift. Skin is hydrated all day long, and feels smooth and supple.

Formulated with a unique protein recycling complex of a proprietary peptide and marine microalgae :
• Marine phytoplankton - a microalgae extract that helps boost proteasome activity
• Myristoyl pentapeptide-9 and cocoyl pentapeptide-9 - exclusive philosophy peptides that work to help support natural collagen
• Kigela extract - a rare bio-active african fruit that helps improve skin’s firmness and elasticity
• Protein recycling complex (prc) - technology powered by a proprietary peptide, combined with marine microalgae, that reawakens proteasome activity to help repurpose accumulated skin proteins into the building blocks that support natural collagen and elastin

Sharing below the Volumizing Technology that may be of interest to you.*

The proteasome is a natural recycling system that exists in skin cells. Its role is to maintain the balance of proteins by recycling old or damaged proteins. The proper function of the proteasome is to contribute to skin cells’ metabolism, to ensure protein turnover and to optimize neosynthesis of new proteins (i.e. collagen). This has a positive impact for youthfully firmer skin.

Age can slow proteasome activity, resulting in reduced protein turnover and an accumulation of oxidized and malfunctioning proteins in skin cells. Philosophy’s unique protein recycling complex, comprised of proprietary peptides and marine microalgae, reawakens proteasome activity to help repurpose accumulated skin protein into the building blocks that support natural collagen.

* information extracted from press kit

Availability

FULL OF PROMISE Dual-Action Restoring Cream For Volume and Lift and Dual-Action Restoring Cream For Volume and Lift is now available at Philosophy stores @ Tangs Beauty, Tangs L1 and all Sephora stores.

For Yves Saint Laurent, beauty is not just a matter of demanding the best. It is a way of playing and seducing, it is a promise of wonder that changes with the times.

Yves Saint Laurent’s Touché Éclat is a legend in its own right. Since its launch in 1992, it has been making waves around the world as the best highlighter pen that a woman can ever own, and its status as a must-have accessory for every woman is cemented in the fact that a Touché Éclat is sold around the world every 10 seconds.

In one quick click, the Touché Éclat instantly releases its magic light, highlighting, sculpting, and defining the face, erasing all signs of fatigue and dark circles.

Every year since 2010, a limited edition Touché Éclat is released, marking yet another year in the history of this famed make-up accessory. This year, inspired by the crystal bead-covered Haute Couture “Edition Soir” evening gown designed by Mr Yves Saint Laurent himself in the 1960s, the already iconic Touché Éclat Collector 2013 is delicately engraved and embossed with a sparking shower of light, like an exquisitely embroidered dress.

A pure jewel, this irresistibly alluring goldsmithing masterpiece celebrates the worship of light and the art of illuminating every woman’s complexion by Yves Saint Laurent, and gives yet another compelling reason for women to own the iconic Touché Éclat.

To make the launch of our Limited Edition Touché Éclat Collector 2013 a special one in its own right, 3 Golden Tickets have been inserted into 3 Limited Edition Touché Éclat at random! Three lucky YSL fans stand to walk away with a set of YSL Rituel Lumiere regime worth $500 personalised for their skin, and also a one-on-one workshop session on how to create the signature YSL radiance when they purchase the Touché Éclat Collector 2013 with the Golden Ticket in it!

So come on down and join YSL for an exclusive preview event at the YSL boutique at ION Orchard, #B2-34 on 27th April 2013, at 10am sharp when the doors open, and stand to be one of the lucky winners of the Golden Ticket! The Limited Edition Touché Éclat will be available in stores, whilst stocks last.

Winners must present their ticket to the YSL artists at ION in order to be verified as a winner. (T&C applies)

Click HERE to visit YSL Facebook Page for more info.

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.

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.

Ingredients

There is no difference on the ingredients between the old and new packaging.

Review

The similar lightweight texture absorbs into the skin pretty easily and leaves an extremely silky soft feel on skin. Every night, I diligently apply a generous amount of the spot eraser on my upper cheek (cheekbone, below lower eyelid areas) instead on my whole face, after all serums before the night moisturizer and eye cream.

As mentioned earlier, ever since finishing the first tube, I have not been using any spot eraser for about three months. And hence the stubborn dark spots on my right cheek has became darker and heavily pigmented.

After using the second tube for about three weeks, I’ve noticed a significant improvement on the stubborn dark spots on my upper right cheek area. I’m very surprised with the result! The discoloration and yellowish skin tone (due to aging) situated around the cheek area is now in control and is less visible too. Thankfully, I’ve not noticed any new skin pigmentation surface.

I have learned that even in spot-free skin, both melanogenesis (the formation of melanin) and melanolysis (the export of melanin grains from melanocytes to keratinocytes) processes will still take place which happen underneath the deepest layer of the skin. Therefore, in order for me to keep both processes in control and to combat dark spots, it is essential to diligently apply the spot eraser every night. And also to maintain my stress level as it is said to be one of the causes for skin pigmentation.

Rating

Will I buy it again? Probably Yes!