HAUL: Bioderma and My Unhealthy Obsession with Moisturizers

On Friday night, I passed by dear ol' Watsons and was surprised to see the 500ml Bioderma Créaline H2O going for $39.90, instead of the usual (and slightly ridiculous) price of $59.90. I'm probably gonna buy more of this when I head to Taiwan in June (WHOOP WHOOP!) but $39.90 is pretty reasonable already.

I picked up 2 Nivea products as well, the Extra Whitening Cell Repair Body Milk (Freebies are all out of stock. Bummer!) and the original Creme. I'm really liking this brand quite a bit, so I can't wait to see how these 2 work out for me. Anyway, right before this little haul, I had actually picked up a moisturizer at VMV Hypoallergenics. And I still have like a bunch of unopened moisturizers at home... Why, hello new obsession!

STYLEBOOK: I'm a pinafore girl.

G2000 mint knit top, ASOS denim pinafore
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When a 13-year old me realized that my school uniform was a pinafore (and a blouse), I was incredibly excited. And even though I perspired buckets in our Singapore weather while wearing it, I remained very enthusiastic about the uniform... Just because it was a pinafore (I'm terribly sorry, school. I still love you. Moribus Modestus for life.).

Anyway, I'm absolutely in love with my mint top! I know that there are ten million mint tops out there but I was born a fussy pot and so far, only this stole my heart. Whether it was the material, cut or the shade of mint... This was just completely perfect. The denim pinafore is a little stiffer than I'd like it to be but I still love it all the same.

P.S.: This outfit resembles the Browhaus' uniform, doesn't it?

REVIEW: Beauty Clinic's Mediheal I.P.L Lightmax Ampoule Mask

Back in April, dear Camy sent me several masks from Beauty Clinic's Mediheal range, 2 of which are the I.P.L Lightmax Ampoule Mask. Thanks Camy!

Beauty Clinic is a brand developed by some of the top clinical experts in Korea and is reportedly used by many Korean celebrities. One of the ranges that the brand has is Mediheal. It was created and tested by aesthetic specialists. This range provides treatments for specific skin troubles and uses only highly concentrated essences, that are filled with safe and effective dermatotropic ingredients. These include Marine Collagen, Caviar, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel Water, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Derivative.

The I.P.L Lightmax Ampoule Mask is a whole concentrated ampoule of Vitamin C-AA2G, Arbutin and Mulberry. This trio creates a brightening effect on the skin that mimics that of Intense Pulse Light's. With continued usage, it lightens pigmentation and evens out the skin tone, leaving your skin well-hydrated and radiant.

The mask is to be used 2-3 times a week, with a duration of 15-20 minutes each. After removing the mask, pat the essence into your skin till it is fully absorbed.

Made of high quality Silk Cellulose material, the mask uses the Paper Thin Technology so that it is, well, paper thin. This means that the mask adheres like a second skin. It allows your skin to breathe easily during the treatment and ensures that most, if not all, of the essence gets absorbed into your skin completely.

I like my masks cold so about an hour before application, I stuck the mask in the fridge. After cleansing my face and applying toner, I put the mask on for a good 20 minutes before removing it. When I first took the mask out of its bag, it was literally soaking with essence. But just like what Beauty Clinic said, the mask stuck on like a second skin and I didn't have uncomfortable drops of essence meandering down my neck. I didn't experience any irritations even though my skin is slightly sensitive (No tingling feeling whatsoever!).

After 20 minutes, my skin felt like it had undergone a mini facial spa. The slightly red splotches of my skin were calmed and my complexion looked clearer and was adequately moisturized. The brightening effect wasn't very obvious but I reckon it would be when used regularly.

Beauty Clinic's Mediheal range is available on Serenity Allure. Do connect with the brand's Facebook page here for the latest updates! (:

FOOD: Tokyo Banana

Earlier this year, it seemed that most people I was following on Instagram went to Japan or had friends who visited Japan. And each came back with a box (Or maybe, boxes.) of Tokyo Banana. I love my bananas (I have one every morning, since I was 14.) and banana products but I haven't got any plans to travel to the land of kawaii-ness (Yet.). So I was like ahhh well *shrugs*. What I don't know, I won't miss... Right?!?

So can you imagine my delight when I spotted a cart selling this, right here in Singapore?!?

Each box holds 8 of this sponge-y goodness! The expiry date is printed on the yellow wrapping, on the side. If I remembered it right, they can last for about 4 weeks... Though I doubt they will stick around for that long. I mean, mine was almost done within half a week (Saved one for M, who comes over only during the weekends! :D)!

TADAHHH! Tokyo Banana in all of its sponge-y glory! I wish I could show you the inside but umm... I don't eat prettily so... Anyway, the sponge cake that cocoons the banana goodness is probably the sponge-iest thing that I have ever eaten. It's like a cotton candy that has been infused with so much SK-II! As for the banana goodness... Oh gawd. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it! It's pureed banana, lovingly made by cupids *nods seriously*. I like them refrigerated but leaving them at room temperature is perfectly fine too.

For those who are interested, the cart can be found at the basement of Raffles City. It is directly opposite Fruit Paradise. Each box costs $30 and the other flavours (Chocolate and chocolate caramel, I believe.) are available as well. :D Happy Tokyo Banana-ing!

P.S.: They sell out pretty fast but I think the owner brings them in very frequently too. Just check with the people mending the cart!
P.P.S.: Other Japanese goodies are available at the cart too! I spied some Japan-exclusive Rilakkuma items!

REVIEW: OST's Original Pure Vitamin C-20 Serum

OST's Original Pure Vitamin C-20 Serum, or more affectionately known as Red Bottle in Korea, is a all-in-one treatment serum that's infused with a cocktail of Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid and natural antioxidants. It prevents the premature signs of aging by

revitalizing,

removing dead skin cells,

whitening,

tightening pores,

healing stubborn scars and

removes blackheads.

Last year, it was not only ranked the best selling item on Qoo10 but also won the SURE Beauty Awards. When Apper, from Wishtrend, contacted me about said product, I couldn't wait to try it! I mean, whatever the Koreans use, we MUST use right? :D

The product came in 2 parts; a 30ml bottle of serum and a dropper in a clean plastic pocket. This helps keep the serum fresher. The serum lasts for a year, without opening and once opened. It has a citrusy scent, a little like Miranda's Orange.

I apply this after cleaning and toning, using just 2 or 3 drops each time. Starting from the centre of my face, I smooth the serum outwards and end off with a patting motion. Then, I apply Jorubi's Aloe Vera Gel.

During my first few applications, I felt a slight tingling sensation which Wishtrend mentioned would happen. The serum's a little thicker than most serums in the market, so it takes a tad longer for it to be absorbed fully. When I apply my moisturizer straightaway, I find that it forms a layer with the serum and kind of just sits on top of my skin. So I usually pat the serum in to speed up the absorption process, and wait for it to sink into my skin completely before applying my moisturizer.

The inclusion of the serum in my skincare regimen hasn't caused any skin irritations. It blends in with my other products pretty seamlessly, leaving my skin smooth and fresh in the morning. There's a slight reduction in the number of blackheads on the tip of my nose. My pores haven't exactly been minimized but they do look cleaner, giving a clearer and more even complexion.

OST's Original Pure Vitamin C-20 Serum is available on Korea-based Wishtrend. From now till May 31st, if you purchase more than USD$20 on Wishtrend, you get a 15% discount with code 'RV1HE9VM'. This code can be used 3 times per user. (:

Alternatively, you can hop on over to Singapore's Qoo10, where Wishtrend stocks up on products that target Singaporeans specifically. Do like Wishtrend's Facebook page here for the latest updates on Korea's beauty scene! :D