CHANEL Preview: Le Jour, La Nuit & Le Weekend

This is possibly the first time I am posting about a product/launch the same day I attended the event.  I was rather surprised that these products would make its way to Malaysia so soon, when it had only launched in the States a few weeks back. 

As I previously wrote, I was particularly interested in this range as it can be incorporated into any existing regime and the ingredients used sounded okay for my sensitive-acne prone skin. This concept of regenerating the skin is a first for Chanel and in my opinion many other brands as well, and should definitely be embraced given our increasingly hectic lifestyles which in the long run would put a strain on our own skin/body's capability to regenerate itself.

"Where beauty begins..."

Venue was classy and well set-up with attention to detail, as at all Chanel events

No surprises that I came home with all 3 products as I felt they addressed most of my current skin's needs. While I've tried Chanel skincare on and off, I have actually never invested in a full range nor used them all at the same time. This is a first for me with Chanel (not considering their makeup launches).

All 3 products have a different and beautiful scent derived from flowers. When I read that Le Jour (50ml, MYR250) had Jasmine in it, I cringed a little as most perfumes or lotions with this flower in it didn't sit well with me. I sniffed it expecting to find the same explosive Jasmine but to my surprise it was more of a dried, subdued, Jasmine instead which was nice. Sorta like how roses and dried-roses have a same yet different fragrance to it. It pumps out clear and a little thick but when applied has a very light texture and absorbs well. Le Jour can be used under any serum as it works by reactivating the skin and helps boost the following products used. I currently already use 2 different serums in the morning and was informed it is completely okay to use Le Jour underneath them. 

La Nuit (50ml, MYR250) has soothing Frankincense fragrance, very much like those used when meditating but lighter and is a perfect scent for unwinding at the end of the day. The creamy texture is heavier than Le Jour but totally necessary in my opinion as night products should always be more nourishing. It helps regenerate the skin and is meant to be used as a last step of your nightcare, after serum and moisturizer.

Out of the 3, Le Weekend (50ml, MYR313) sounds the most promising and it also reminded me of the Alpha-H Liquid Gold which I have just started to use. The texture is velvety and has a light rose scent (again, not the usual Rose found in most skincare/fragrances) and works during the weekends to renew skin with the 6% glycolic acid content. There is no need to use a serum or moisturizer with this treatment- just apply it after your toner and top it with SPF, once a week, day and night. 

If I had to pick one, it would probably be Le Weekend but I find that my skin would benefit from Le Jour and La Nuit as well. Considering that I don't have to spend much for skincare these days (due to work and gifts), this is actually a good investment and can be used with my current products. The price may sound a little steep but considering that it comes in a 50ml bottle and you don't need much, it should last about 3 months (I go through a 30ml bottle of serum in 2 months when used once a day, everyday).

Am waiting to clear off a few more products on my vanity before breaking open these lovelies, will update again in a few months!

For all Malaysians, these products will be available early August onwards at all Chanel counters.

*On a side note, there will also be limited pieces of the coveted black Chanel eyelash curler for sale. I managed to pick up a few boxes years back, and I stocked up a few today too. They make great gifts. The curve fits my eyelids better than Shu Uemura's legendary curler and MAC's, check it out as they sell out in a blink!

Skincare which doesn't cost the Earth

That's sukin's tagline. As I grow older, I find that my skin feels more comfortable with gentle and plant based products. When I was younger all I wanted to see was quick results, it didn't matter what was in the formula as long as it achieved what it promised. These days, I scrutinize ingredient lists, how the formula works, is it harsh and filled with chemicals.. the questions go on.

Sukin's whole range is very affordable, smells beautiful and best part is it doesn't contain parabens. I have tried a few of their products and I honestly think this brand is not getting the recognition it deserves.

The texture and packaging of the Foaming Facial Cleanser really reminds me of Aesop cleansing gels which I have tried (is it a coincidence that both brands are Australian as well?), the only difference is the price, scent and I found sukin to be more gentle on my sensitive skin. I find myself deeply inhaling the scent every morning, and it leaves my skin refreshed and soft but not stripped. I am not searching for a cleanser at the moment as I am very happy with this and have stocked up.

The Facial Moisturizer also smells really nice, I add in a few drops of Clarins' Lotus Oil before I use it. It is lightweight, did not cause my skin further problems but I wouldn't repurchase as I am looking into anti-ageing products more these days.

LOVE the Hydrating Mist Toner. The BEST I have tried, only gripe is that it's 125ml so I have to pour it into a smaller spray for travelling.

The Facial Scrub is also very gentle, it is a creamy paste with fine bits of walnut shells and did not irritate my skin further even when I had nasty bumps all over.

Even the deodorant doesn't smell offensive (I had to hold my breath previously when I used aerosols), doesn't make ME smell offensive and best of all there is no residue. The scent is very similar in all their products; comforting, clean, but not herbal.

Sukin also has a range of shampoos, masks and shower products in their range but I have yet to check those out. This brand is definitely a keeper!

*Please note that some of these products are already in my previous Empties, I currently only have the Cleanser and Deodorant in use.

Dining Out: BAIT, Bangsar Telawi

BAIT

65 Jalan Telawi 3, 

Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur, 

Malaysia

03-2201 8187

Taken from their Facebook page: "Few places come close to capturing the spell of the ocean like Bait. 

This restaurant bar is designed so diners can enjoy culinary delights in casual sophistication.

 The menu stars only the freshest of ingredients that are delicately served to perfection.

From Seared Rock Cod to Lager Steamed Mussels, Bait is a cure for all cravings, coupled with a tempting wine and cocktail list and attentive service; 

Bait is a dining venue that needs little persuasion."

Stuffed Squid- Grilled squid stuffed with chorizo, served with salsa verde and roasted cherry tomatoes

This was SO good. Juicy, flavourful and so delicious.

Chorizo Pasta- Spaghetti with chorizo, tossed with a light cream/tomato sauce

 This dish was tasty too and comes in a good portion.

Butter Poached Salmon

Another delicious dish. Everything we had was good and the other diners around us were notably happy with their food too.

Coconut & Gula Melaka Gelato

Coconut ice cream or gelato (or any coconut dish/dessert!) should always come with an indication if it is laced with dessicated coconut or not. I am not a fan of the gritty flakes and almost always avoid ordering dishes with this ingredient. Aside from that, the gelato tasted really nice and refreshing.

I like BAIT! Their wait staff are polite and attentive, not hawk-like at all and actually know the items on the menu well enough to recommend dishes convincingly.

Would definitely be back for more, especially the squid!

Rilakkuma Lychee & Pineapple Marsh-melly

Slap a cute character on the packaging and I am sold. 

Most of the time.

Found at Ben's Independant Grocer at Publika, this Marsh-melly comes in 2 flavours- Pineapple and Lychee. I call it a Marsh-melly because the texture is like a cross between a marshmallow and a jelly.

Hello!

How do you resist? Too cute!

There you go. A Marshmelly. Taste-wise, it was way too sweet for me.. so unless you have a sweet tooth, step away from this.

Product: Alpha-H Liquid Gold

This product has been on my MateriaList for the longest time, with my face finally settling down (its not oily/that congested anymore!) I took the plunge and ordered a bottle.

I have 3 words for it: TOTALLY IN LOVE!

It is worth the hype and I could see results the very next morning. I did plenty of research and read dozens of reviews and I only came across one or two users who didn't see any difference in their skin.

The bottle says to use every alternate night, but I think that's a bit much for my 27 year old skin. I tried every third night but it made my skin peel a little, so now I use it every fourth night and it is perfect. I use it after my toner and nothing goes on after (I am using it as an intensive treatment as suggested on instructions). My skin didn't feel dry or tight; however the first time I used it, there was a slight tingling sensation.

My skin is visibly clearer, more even toned, less bumpy (with first use!). I've used it 3 times now and I am still impressed by how well it works.

LOVE! Have introduced this to my sister and she's seeing results too. If you're looking for a product to clear dead cells, congestion and make way for clearer, brighter, smoother skin- THIS IS IT!