REVIEW: SK-II's Stempower Eye Cream

Ageing is becoming very real to me as I passed the 25-year old mark. My once-greasy cheeks are now drying up faster than you can say 'desert'. When I smile, my skin literally crinkles. Needless to say, deeper lines are forming around my eyes because here, the skin is at its thinnest. Also, with all the work and daily happenings, I average about 5 hours of sleep everyday. Eeps! :\ And that is why I was so thankful when Rachel from Devries sent over SK-II's Stempower Eye Cream.

The 3 critical points around the eye where ageing rears its wrinkly head are the eyelid, the under-eye area and the outer eye corner. SK-II's Stempower Eye Cream contains the following ingredients to reveal eyes that look more youthful:

• Stempower Trio Active: A coocktail of concentrated Pitera, Stem Acanax and Artichoke Extract to improve skin's plumpness and boost radical firmness and inner resilience.
• PAL-VB Complex: Specially formulated ingredient promotes production of skin's structural protein that is important for its elasticity and wrinkle resilience.
• Lupine-Alfalfa Extract: Aids in preventing the sagging of eye bags.

To apply, I dip my ring finger lightly into the jar and pat the cream under and above my eyes. Since it is a cream, its consistency is pretty thick. But with the appropriate amount (You really just need a teeny weeny bit!), it sinks into the skin quite quickly. For the past 2 months, I have been waking up to well-hydrated skin around my eyes and my triple eyelids appear all the time (Usually, the ones on my right disappear when I'm tired and the skin around my eyes get dry.). I haven't experienced any irritations or new milia seeds. (:

SK-II's Stempower Eye Cream (15g) is available at all SK-II counters at $144.

P.S.: Psst! Now that you know a little more about how ageing affects our eye areas, SK-II invites you to participate in a short interactive online poll here! This poll will bust some myths on ageing and unveil the exciting discovery behind SK-II's journey in fixing the signs of ageing. :D

REVIEW: Olay's Total Effects 7-in-one Pore Minimizing CC Cream

This July, Olay launched its first C.C. cream in Singapore. Combining 7 benefits in one, the Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream is a multi-tasker that gives us a seemingly airbrushed complexion. Our skin becomes smoother, tone made even and pores appear smaller... All in one simple step!

Here are 4 facts that you should know about Olay's Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream:

1. The Science - Instant results with the Smart Color + 3D Pore Coverage technology: Reduces glare and diffuses light, reflecting off the skin to immediately minimize the appearance of pores and reveal skin's natural luminosity and radiance. Niacinamide firms and exfoliate the skin around pores, reducing their appearance and smoothing skin's texture at the same time.
2. The Formula: Lightweight and oil-free, it won't clog pores or magnify the appearance of pores and uneven texture, giving an airbrushed finish.
3. Usage Direction: Used alone or as a primer, apply liberally and blend evenly across skin for natural and even coverage.
4. Results: Proven to instantly reduce the look of pores and uneven pigmentation, and improve skin radiance.

Though the drop of Olay's Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream looks quite thick in the earlier photo, it actually spreads out into a thin and watery layer. Thus, coverage is pretty light but it does a great job in concealing redness and uneven skin tone. However, blemishes and dark circles will need some help from the concealer (In the above photos, I used Estée Lauder's Brush-On Glow B.B Highlighter.). I won't say that the finish is airbrushed, but my complexion looks clear, radiant and smooth.

As the C.C. cream is lightweight and oil-free, it sits very comfortably on the skin. It starts wearing out mid-day and my T-zone gets oily, BUT the formula is quite hydrating; my usually parched cheeks feel less thirsty. :D This would be ideal for ladies who are looking for something simple and hydrating that they can use everyday.

The Olay Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream (50g) is available in 2 shades, (1) Light and (2) Medium, and can be found in most leading department stores and pharmacies where Olay products are sold at $32.50.

REVIEW: Bioré's Micellar Cleansing Water

This June, Bioré introduced the Micellar Cleansing Water. It is a lightweight makeup remover that cleans off more makeup in one gentle swipe. With fewer wipes and less tugging, we exert less stress and damage on our skin. And so, reduce the chances of developing premature fine lines and wrinkles.

This makeup remover is formulated with the Watery Micellar Technology. Micellar Water consists of tiny micellar particles that are able to draw out all makeup, sebum and impurities from our skin. It deep cleanses, removes all makeup and no double cleansing is needed. Our skin is left feeling comfortably clean and refreshingly cool, without any of the sticky, oily after-feeling.

Other key ingredients include:

• Natural Mineral Water from the Northern Japanese Alps: This provides a non-comedogenic and alcohol-free base for a gentle and soothing formula that's suitable for sensitive skin.
• Anti-bacterial Formula: This helps prevent breakouts, while minimizing pores for a clearer and more refined complexion.
• Enriched with skin-loving ingredients: Enriched Collagen and White Tea Extract are also included for a brighter, softer and more supple skin.

featuring Olay's Total Effects 7-in-one CC Cream and Maybelline New York's Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner.

My daily makeup comprises of a B.B. cream, loose powder and blusher, and this remover cleans off everything. All I do is wet 3 pieces of cotton pads and just swipe them across my face. On days when I have mascara on, it takes a little while longer but it still gets the job done (Just rest the damp cotton pad on your eyelids for a while and then, swipe downwards gently!).

The effects of the anti-bacterial formula, enriched collagen and White Tea extract are a little difficult to spot because I mean, your other skin care products play a part too. But after cleansing, my skin feels soft, refreshed and isn't the least bit dry. (: Also, there wasn't any stinging experienced at my eye areas. (:

I have used several Bioré products and really, there wasn't any that I didn't like. And this is no exception. (: It is efficient and ideal for those who wear light makeup and are looking for makeup removers that are simple and fuss-free.

The Bioré Micellar Cleansing Water retails at $18.90 and can be found at all pharmacies, hypermarkets and supermarkets.