Red or white? Hada Labo Lifting + Firming Lotion or Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion?

Paris B 27 Comments

I first spotted the Hada Labo red line in one of my regular online shopping jaunts. At the time, I wasn’t too sure what it was so I didn’t pick up anything. By the time it was launched here, I’d learnt that the red Hada Labo line is a line targeted at the skin firming and anti-aging crowd (me!) and that it contains retinol (vitamin A).

hada labo retinol firming lifting lotion

I have most of the products from the line, but I really wanted to concentrate on just the Hada Labo Retinol Lifting and Firming Lotion for today. I’ve noticed quite a few questions flying around online about whether one should use the normal Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion that comes in the white bottle or this Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion which comes in the red bottle and which is better; and I wanted to address that because I’m nosy and opinionated that way 🙂

First off though, what is retinol? Just very quickly, Retinol is Vitamin A that can assist in accelerating cell turnover by encouraging cell production under the skin. It also has an exfoliating effect to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, to allow the new skin cells to surface. This is what gives the appearance of smoother, softer skin, when used in the long run. But hold that thought on exfoliation yes? EDIT 2017: Retinol does not exfoliate per se. It does help skin turnover and can often be drying. This can result in dry or flaky skin which isn’t necessarily exfoliating.

Continue Reading

A hydrating essence you do not need to pat in – Neogence Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence

Paris B 26 Comments

I’d never come across this brand called Neogence before, have you? Then again, I don’t spend a lot of time in Sasa stores where this is found. I operate Sasa stores like a hit and run accident – hit the store, run in to get what I want and run out. I don’t stop and browse because the SAs there just scare me silly. Pushy doesn’t quite begin to describe it.

neogence hyaluronic acid hydrating essence

However, I was passed the Neogence Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence to trial by Cittabella magazine for their feature, which is how I came to know about this product.

A bit of research tells me that Neogence is a brand from Taiwan and this Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence is one of their star products. I must say that I really liked this product in the 2 weeks I was trialing it.

Continue Reading

If you wished Kiehl’s Ultra Facial was Oil Free you (and I) got your wish!

Paris B 44 Comments

The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial skincare has been taken to the Arctic to protect the chapped skin of the Arctic explorers, which it did. In the super cold dry air of the Arctic, it is no wonder that the popular Ultra Facial Cream is moisturizing, but very thick. I tried a sample of the Ultra Facial Cream once, but in a dry cool climate. My skin loved it. It kept my skin from drying out and it just felt lovely overall. When I returned to the tropics and tried it, it felt heavy and greasy. Unless you have super dry skin, I cannot see the Ultra Facial Cream catching on in the Tropics, no matter what they say.

kiehl's ultra facial oil free range

Enter the new Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free range which is for normal to oily skin types. When I first heard about it, I was quite interested. It promises to hydrate the skin as well as the Ultra Facial range, but without the heaviness associated with it. It is also paraben free, silicone free, fragrance free and oil free. I was sent the range nearly 2 months ago so here are my thoughts on it. It is expected to be launched here soon, or may already be in Kiehl’s stores 🙂

Continue Reading

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX Waterfully Hydrates While You Sleep

Paris B 56 Comments

A couple of purchases from Korea I didn’t mention were from Laneige. Being a Korean brand of skincare, it was naturally a little more affordable to get there and I picked up one or two items (including the sunblock I’d been curious about). Thanks to a generous GWP in store (which was the main reason I was tempted), I got a very generous sample of the iconic Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX which got me through the dry air there. I also picked up a tub – the power of sampling 🙂

laneige water sleeping pack

It reminded me of my first experience with the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack many years ago, when I’d first heard of the brand. We didn’t have a counter here then, so I picked up the Water Sleeping Pack from the Laneige store in Hong Kong. The sales assistant in store told me it was their bestselling product. I bought it and tried it but it didn’t give me wonderful results. I also did not like the scent which I found sharp and very floral. Oh and I found it sticky. I don’t think I ever finished that tub.

Happily, all that has changed. That was over 5 years ago and now, I find that the Water Sleeping Pack EX comes in a sturdy looking jar. The texture appears less gel-like and more like a gel-emulsion, and it is no longer sticky nor chemical scented. Whew!

Continue Reading

Instagram @parisbmws – You don’t know what you’re missing