Happy Lunar New Year!

Hello sweeties! I'm once again so so sorry for being away for so long! I've been caught up in a whirlwind of things to do! I've been trying a couple of new things recently. Here's the lowdown on them...

1) Fancl Overnight Hydrating Pack (RRP S$56.00) - Unlikely to repurchase
Was told that it is limited edition. Halfway through the bottle, instructions require 5 pumps for every night use which is very draining for the small bottle. Don't see any significant improvements in moisture locking but caused my Tzone to shine faster than it normally would. 

2) Super Hyaluronic Acid Moist Essence EX by Hada Labo

ooh, I love this. Got it at a drugstore and didn't expect much. The essence does not look thick but after application, you can feel a layer of water on your face! Love to use it before make-up!

3) Laneige Perfect Renew Essence_EX - I need something more moisturinsing. 

Just a little sample from my purchase of the ampoules. When I tried this many years back when they first launched in Singapore, my face broke out in allergy... red and itchy. However they have since improved the formula. I'm pleased to say that my face has taken this sample bottle well.

3) Laneige Water Bank Moisture Full Ampoules - May consider repurchasing
It is a milky white texture which apparently maximises the moisture absorption from deep within. Was told by the Laneige ladies in Hong Kong that they use this 10 bottle cycle every 3 months to ensure that not only the outer layer moisture is locked in but also the inner layer.
Can't see the real effects since its on the inner layer but scars seem to heal faster after the 10 bottles usage. pretty pricey if you ask me, but ampoules are a good routine to have every once in a while. 

5) VMV Hypoallergenics Grandma Minnie's Nurturing Do-it-all Oil 
Supposedly organic virgin coconut oil + monolaurin and suitable for babies. It has the typical coconut oil smell which makes it avoid it if I'm going out (you don't want weird stares coming your way). Not sticky but well not totally absorptive either. Don't see my skin improving drastically even after a whole bottle. Perhaps we need more than a baby does and VMV didn't realise that when marketing this product to adults too. Their Know-it-oil (100% organic virgin coconut oil) seems to have much better effects (if you want to smell like a pressed coconut). 

6) Atorrege AD+ Acne Spot (RRP S$59.00) - buy it!
HG product!! Made in Japan and given to me by my mom. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial! This HG essence clears up pimples and acne but does not peel skin! Awesome isn't it? My acnes heal quickly with this application and best of all, its suitable for sensitive skin! I like to use this at night but avoid it in the day before make-up as I don't want the contents of this gel to be spreaded over areas without acne ( I wake up late and can't afford to wait for it to form a protective film...)
As seen from the picture, it uses a dripper to dispense the gel-like essence which makes it more hygenic! It gets abit troublesome at the end when your dripper no longer picks up the gel though, otherwise all ok! Oh and becareful of that glass bottle!
This wins my previous use of Ettusais Acne Gel and Biotherm's Anti imperfections targeted solution hands down! I'm going to try VMV's red better spot corrector next. Lets see if this one wows more or VMV's. I was last told that this miracle formula is available at watsons! 

7) Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure - oh skip it. 
Was given a set of Sally Hansen's nail polishes for Christmas. Totally unimpressed. Just don't buy it if you are used to brands like China Glaze and OPI or even Nicole by OPI. Next please. 

Now, before you go.. here's my nails which i did for Lunar New Year! Coincidentally, its the 15th day of the Chinese New Year today! Here's wishing all my readers, 新年快樂， 萬事如意， 心想事成，身體健康！ 

All under one roof

Hello ladies!

I have not been able to catch up on the reviews of the products I've been trying out! I'm probably going to relook the length of reviews so I can get the views out to share with you!

Here's the lowdown of some of the products I've used over the last couple of months, in no order of preference:

Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream: Will not repurchase

too rich for me, caused milia seeds. 

Burberry eye-shadows : will add more to collection if $$ permits
great pigmentation, love it but its costly.

Diorshow Iconic Extreme Mascara: Yes! but its often out of stock!
Love this baby. It gives a distinct yet not too dolly/dramatic look! Love how the lashes separates and lengthens with the brush!

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Hydrating Fluid: will not repurchase
Too rich for my skin type and too expensive as well!

Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin: on the fence
I have a love-hate relationship with this product. I'm questioning the underlying reason for its brightening effect and if might be due to the shimmery pearly pink extracts they have added to the serum.

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack Ex: my new HG!
Love how this gel like product keeps my skin supple and soft the next month despite sleeping in an extremely dry environment. My must-have product!

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder: repurchased once but...
Very fine and lightweight powder, does not cause end of day cracks in the make-up as much as Bobbi's brown loose powder (old version)

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer: No way I'm buying again
I don't like this at all, no intention to repurchase. In fact I barely touched the tube.

Loreal Impact Collagene Curl-Fixing Volume Mascara: Not really my type of mascara

ok for the price, slightly clumpy after 2 straight week of use. 

Moogoo Oil Cleansing Method (Combi Skin): Don't waste ur time on this product
Oh this is horrible, the oil is so thick that it clogs my pore. I've suffered tremendous breakouts, likely accrued to this product!

Talika Gentle eye cleanser: Will not repurchase
Not friendly for my eyes, has caused irritation thrice throughout entire use

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And for the next couple of weeks/months... I'll first be trying out Ettusais Skin Extra Version Up, Aqua Shooter and Acne Nighttime Defense Powder!

+

new products which my mom kindly gave me from VMV Hypoallergenics where I spotted a new store in Ion Orchard, Singapore. Its apparently an American brand.

Thanks babe for stopping by, I hope the low-down helped! Do email me at dollypalettes[at]gmail[dot]com if you would like me to cover any one of the above in detail before I get to it! (Yes, I know I'm slow!)

psst: have you supported the breast cancer initiative? Its National Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October (:

xoxo

Reivew: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack Review

Hello sweeties! I'm back today with Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX Review! Despite Singapore being a hot and humid tropical country, I find my facial skin dehydrated. This is likely caused by my long hours in an air-conditioned room (office + sleeping time) and the make-up I slap on my face each morning. So I went in search for a hydrating solution, tried a couple of brands and viola! This finally worked!


DollyPalette's quick review summary: Recommended to buy, good for hassle-free hydration especially for dry skin type and those living in wintery or cool conditions. Appear to suit sensitive skin. Like the fact that there's no alcohol content in the formula. If you must just have one overnight leave-on mask, choose this if cost isn't too much of a concern. 

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack is a gel mask that allows you to leave it on your face before sleeping, leaving the formula to work itself overnight to 
(i) aid facial hydration loss (especially if you sleep in an air-con room or wintery conditions);
(ii) help replenish your face's hydration needs leaving your skin supple
(iii) rejuvenate and brighten your face
In short, one key purpose for applying this facial mask -- facial hydration!


The one I am using today is the Water Sleeping Pack_EX, which apparently is the new improved version. I didn't use the predecessor. 


Given my sensitive skin, most of the Laneige water bank solutions did not work for me. Hence I was rather skeptical when my good friends recommended me this product. I was afraid of peeling, itchy red skin after my experience with the water bank series. However, after a long search for an overnight mask, which included the highly recommended Avene Soothing Moisture Mask for Sensitive Skin, only Laneige Water Sleeping Pack worked as promised on its packaging. Moisture was locked into my face evident every morning after I used it. It's so simple and easy to use that I'm addicted to it, leaving it on my face at least 4-5 times weekly. To be honest, I'm surprised it worked for me given the fragrance which they had injected into the gel.




The top ingredients, other than WATER which is the first, for this product includes: 

• Butylene Glycol is not Ethylene Glycol. BG helps to retain moisture and is even safe to consume in v small amounts; 
• Cyclopentasiloxane is clear and odourless, in this case, I'm guessing it should be used to help the formula evaporate faster to prevent leaving a gooey finish; Trehalose
• Glycerin helps to retain moisture and commonly used in health and skincare products
• Trehalose high water retention capabilities with an anti-oxidant edge
• Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract can apparently help to treat bacteria infection

Key notes from the ingredient analysis:

• no oil and alcohol content! hurray!
• loves the fact that water is the first and main ingredient
• The top 5 ingredients are all pretty harmless and mainly focused on hydration

 
How I use this product:

After my routine nightly cleanse and toner, I use the spatula provided to scoop a suitable amount out for application. I leave it to sit on my face for at least 30 mins before sleeping. I massage the gel in circles and end it with a few light pats on my face to ensure that all is absorbed. Lastly, I exercise my face a little as proposed by Laneige (see their website). You're done and prepared for your hydrating beauty sleep!


Next morning, you'll notice a layer or clear thin residual on your face which can be removed after a splash of water, if it doesn't, then massage your face in circles. It should come off pretty quickly. Proceed with your usual routine. Mine's a facial wash, toner and moisturizer before painting my face for the day! 


By the way, I heard that if you aren't sleeping in a cool environment, then you'll expect to wake up with a oily flm instead, but after washing it off, you should still be able to enjoy the hydrating effects. 


Let your face enjoy the pampering hydration!


What I think after 3 months of testing:
No doubt my facial hydration has improved, more supple, but no... I still don't see a crystal clear effect. The brightening effect is also rather muted. 

Do you see one side looking more moisturized?

In short... I'm really sold to this product but it has also made me lazier such that I have on lesser facial masks like the ones I really like from Skin Food. Having said that, as long as you get your facial skin smooth and supple, there's no saying that you have to use ALL these products ain't it? 


So yes, if you're still hesistant, I strongly encourage you to go get a pack for yourself to try. My travel size pack, which I used as a tester, is sold on Sasa's webpage. Get that if you don't want to pay S$45 for a tub yet. 


Would I repurchase? Certainly! In fact, I just bout the duo set from Changi Airport which is a travel exclusive. (approx S$60+) Otherwise, you can find it at all major departmental stores in Singapore which houses Laneige counters.