SK-II Family

Quite a while back I jumped on to the SK-II bandwagon and got myself a whole set of their much-raved about skincare.

I had previously finished a bottle of the Facial Treatment Essence, and because it didn't irritate my skin, I went ahead to purchase the full range last year. Should have gotten some samples before taking the plunge!

1. Cellumination Mask-In Lotion- using on body
2. Facial Treatment Essence
3. Facial Clear Solution
4. Advanced Eye Treatment Film- in use
5. Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
6. Facial Treatment Mask
*Items highlighted= Emptied/Given away

In my stash was also the Cleansing Oil but unfortunately that is the only product which I would consider repurchasing out of the whole lot.

My skin seemed to have taken a disliking to SK-II since my first bottle and when I used all of the products at the same time, I broke out in itchy bumps on my cheeks and forehead. Putting it down to coincidence, I actually tried another 2 more times after my face calmed down but with same results. I also tried to isolate the products and use them on it's own but each time it still caused some sort of irritation.

I ended up giving some products away and using the rest on my body. The Cellumination Mask-In Lotion is one I wanted to like so badly as I could feel a difference on my arms and butt (so smoooooth) plus it smelled the nicest. But because my skin reacted to the lotions and moisturizers, I could not risk keeping it in my regime.

The Facial Clear Solution I chose back when my skin was considered oily, this is definitely not moisturizing enough for normal skin types. As for the Advanced Eye Treatment Film, this is actually my 3rd tube but may well be my last. I've recently noticed fine lines at the area between my cheekbone and eyes which means it isn't hydrating the skin there well anymore.

I found the Treatment Clear Lotion to be drying and I didn't like it at all.

Friends that I know who have tried SK-II are split down the middle- they either love it and it keeps their skin smooth and radiant, or it causes some sort of skin irritation. I have been in both categories.

Only their cleansers seem to be gentle enough for my skin, I assume it is because they are washed off and not left on the face. I actually like the Foaming Cleanser which has a rose scent but it is rather expensive, MYR199 compared to sukin's MYR39 which works the same? No thank you. However, their Oil Cleanser is more appropriately priced and I find it performs even better than Shu Uemuras' formulas.

Everyone has different skin conditions/sensitivities, the most expensive brand/product might not be the one which works best for your skin. Always try a sample when you can, especially for higher end brands. Most counters would be happy to provide you one and teach you how to use it properly.

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Recipe from Nouvelle Daily, I made do with whatever ingredients available at home: 

I layered the cookie dough too thick, resulting in a cake-like thing instead. Was yummy both warm and cold but I would use less peanut butter and stick to milk chocolate chips the next time.

Been bitten by the kitchen bug these days, am hoping to try out one new recipe a week at least.

Please do share any easy kitchen favourites which you may have!

Nails: CHANEL Holiday #617

It has been a while since I've painted my nails and I opted for a bright pop of colour.

Very appropriately named "Holiday".

Matching my meds, nails and post-it..

Under sunlight

As usual, Etude House base coat, 2 coats of polish and Etude House Jelly top coat. I have run out of Seche Vite and am contemplating trying another brand as the formula always turns gloopy and thick halfway through the bottle.

The colour of the polish is most accurate in the first and last picture.

I really should get back into the habit of painting my nails!

Silver polishing

Once in a few months I would polish my most worn silver jewellery. Despite storing them separately and with little sachets of dehumidifiers, tarnishing silver is inevitable.

I have a bottle of Silver polish which I bought from Tiffany & Co a few years back, it doesn't cost much and lasts forever.

From tarnished and dull, to clean and sparkly!

L-R: Perlini's Silver Heart Ring, Tiffany & Co- I Love you notes, XOXO & Heart ring, necklace & XS necklace 

Each of the pieces above have an accompanying story, the "I Love You" ring may not carry the same meaning it did when I initially received it but I still like the design of it.

The XOXO ring and heart necklace were bought on separate occasions when I was in Melbourne with my sister, she has the same pieces too. It is a sisterly thing we do- getting the same jewellery that we both like to commemorate trips to visit each other (in Melbourne).

The silver polish cleans very well I would totally recommend it to anyone who has a lot of silver jewellery. I think it costed about AUD20 (MYR60 // USD20) or somewhere along the lines. Just spray and wipe with a soft cloth. For the crevices and little corners I used a toothbrush.

I don't polish them often but when I do, I make sure they gleam.

Empties: July 2013

Hello, August!

Every single time I write a Empties post, it always looks impossible that I used up so many products in the span of a month.. but then I scrutinize the items and realize that some have been open for a few months, and others were used liberally on the body.

I have said it so many times now, but I really can not wait for the day where my beauty stash can comfortably sit in one little drawer.

Shower stuff: Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich range

1 - 4. Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Body Lotion This travel set was taken from one of the hotels I stayed at in Seoul. Not sure what the general rule is, do people take the amenities or do they leave them? Is it really an Asian thing to do? Anyhow, these products were really good- the Shampoo & Conditioner left my hair bouncy and shiny, the Shower gel was fresh and I love the scent and also squishing the little hydro-beads. The Body Lotion absorbed really well, I was expecting it to be much heavier and greasy but it was just right. I liked ALL of them! I really do want to purchase everything.. but maybe in a few months.

Body care

5. Disney Sun Pals SPF30+ Baby & Toddler Sunscreen Yes, I am aware this is for babies but if it's good enough to protect delicate skin, it's good enough for me right? Just another regular sunscreen.
6. Clarins High Definition Body Lift
7. Clarins Bust Beauty Firming Lotion
8. Clarins Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel
9. Escada Sentiment EDT This was my 2nd perfume from Escada, I remember it was a gift from my mother- I fell in love with the scent but couldn't put my finger on it. Years later, I identified the scent as Violet, which is also used in certain Guerlain cosmetics (Meteorites range). It will always remind me of my college days and because it's been in my stash more than 10 years, it does smell of alcohol on the skin but not in the air- it was relegated to the position of July's bathroom scent.
10. Flora by Gucci EDT Travel Spray Handed down by my sister, this came in a set of 3 refillable vials. It is a floral scent but not a sweet one, more "garden-y" to me. Don't love it, but don't hate it either. I have one more vial to go.
11. Lancome Magnifique EDT Sample
12. Clarins Anti-Eau Body Treatment Oil
13. Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm 500ml FINALLY! Nothing wrong with the balm, but 500ml is really too huge a bottle. This lasted for more than 6 months. Very cost effective but not helpful when I am trying to finish up other products as well. Might repurchase in the very distant future.

Face!

14. SK-II Facial Clear Solution
15. SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil This is a surprisingly good oil cleanser, it worked better than Shu Uemura for me. Will be writing a post on all the SK-II products I have tried. Would repurchase this.
16. SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
17. sukin Facial Scrub
18. Lancome Genifique
19. Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser for Dry & Sensitive Skin
20. Clarins Cleansing Milk for Combination & Oily Skin Again, no more jumbo sizes.. at least not until I have cleared off more products.
21. Clarins Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum
22. Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser for Normal Skin
23. Clarins Extra Comfort Toning Lotion
24. Clarins White Plus Toner (old formula)
25. Clarins Extra-Firming Lips Exfoliator
26. Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Cream
27. Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel Moisturizer
28. Kose Medicated Seikisho White Mask

Total January - July: 173!!!

Previous Empties:
January
February
March
April
May

June