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！ 

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. 

Homemade Green Tea Face Scrub, Toner & Mask!

Hello Ladies! Today I'm going to share with you some of my homemade remedies.

Initially I was looking for a good face scrub to use for face exfoliating but after hours and hours of surfing, I couldn't find an ideal product which has fantastic reviews, a proven record and friendly to my purse. So I decided, why not save some money and DIY a home scrub. I decided that my main ingredient was going to be a Green Tea, which was a powerful anti-oxidant (slows the aging process, rejuvenate skin cells - esp good for after-sun applications!) and also a good purifying ingredient for acne/zits. Lastly, I also incorporated oatmeal in my mask as I have been too stressed recently and pimples started to pop up randomly across my face *sobs*. So here goes, prepare for a long post! I sincerely hope that this may be of help to some of you out there!

So I ended up with a full regime after exploring - a face scrub, a toner and a mask for application. However, you may choose to take the scrub and mask on separate days as some people have thinner skin and too much exfoliation may be bad for the skin.

Let's get started on the recipes! Before I start let me outline the benefits of some ingredients I've chosen. However this is not to say that some other ingredients are no good, its just that I've chosen this for these home products!

Key Ingredients Benefits: 


1) Sugar - naturally exfoliates dead skin and cleanses skin

• alpha-hydroxy (glycolic acid) rich which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin; does not clog pores; helps eliminate blemishes, restores balance to skin's oil.
• After dead skin is exfoliated (but not overly exfoiliated), your body organ works more efficiently to expel toxins and take in nourishment, thus giving a radiant glow. 
• Sugar scrubs are also gentler than salt scrubs, making it suitable for all skin types. 

2) Green Tea 

• reduces sun damage and inflammation (free radicals) i.e. anti-oxidant (esp impt for me in a hot sunny Singapore!)
• slow down effects of aging

3 tips for using green tea as a facial ingredient:

(i) always put boiling water when making your cup of green tea so the full goodness is released from the tea bag/tea leaves;

(ii) always prepare the cup of green tea and use it immediately, don't wait. 

(iii) never use cold green tea, make sure its just warm before application or adding to sugar.

3) Honey (some call it liquid gold!)

• hydrating and softening effects as honey is a humectant which attracts and preserves water, 
• anti-bacterial effects - good for acne
• anti-oxidant (anti-aging) 
• rich in nutrients and vitamins - vitamin B & C, minerals and amino acid

4) Oatmeal 

• an astringent which draws out and absorbs excess oils from the skin 
• draw and hold moisture 
• exfoliates dead skin and clear up blemishes 

You should still see the coarse sugar after mixing
p.s. pardon the kiddy bowl!

Green Tea Honey Face Scrub
Ingredients: 
3 tbsp white sugar, slightly coarse
1 tbsp green tea
2/3 tsp johnson & johnson baby oil or replaceable with almond oil or rose hip oil (optional)
1 tsp organic honey

How to? 
(i) make 1/4 cup of green tea with boiling water. Let it sit for 3 minutes.
(ii) Add 1 tbsp of white sugar to your bowl
(iii) Stir the green tea and add 1 tbsp to the bowl
(iv) Add 2 more tbsp of white sugar
(v) Add 1 tsp of organic honey
(vi) Add 2/3 tsp of the oil you chose

Should you lack the above ingredients, remember that white sugar is always the key ingredient in a scrub. The next key ingredient is green tea.
[If you really lack everything, just have slightly coarse sugar on hand. Add 3 tbsp of warm water and gently scrub i.e. as if you are stroking a newborn!]

What does each selection of oil do?

• J&J Baby Oil: Softens skin, moisturizes but there are people who are against mineral oil which is the key ingredient in this product.  
• Almond Oil: Nourish, smoothen and soften skin  - relieves itchiness, soreness and rashes
• Rose Hip Oil: rich in vitamin C, rehydrates skin, reduces wrinkles and repair damange skin cells (i.e. scars recovery!) 

You may choose to leave out oil if your skin is not suitable for such an ingredient. 
Some may ask why I do not recommend Olive Oil as a replacement. I believe that the anti-oxidant used in the application may end up being too strong if added as both green tea and honey has anti-oxidant effects already. 
It is also not recommended that you use more than 1 oil in this scrub. 

Application Steps:
(a) just gently scrub (as if stroking a newborn) with a good cotton pad which picks up all the ingredients (rem to stir before each pick up). Rough scrubs would harm your face, especially if the sugar is far too coarse.
(b) Then use your fingers to give your face a 2nd round of gentle scrub.
(c) Repeat both steps (a) and (b) again before gently rinsing off the scrub. Viola, you're done!

Green Tea Toner / Acne Soother

It is as simple as getting warm green tea onto your cotton pad and gently pad the awesome natural and affordable toner into your face! Enjoy this simple goodness!

[You may choose to put your remaining green tea in the fridge. When sufficiently cold, use a cotton bud to pick up some tea and dab onto affected acne/zit. Allow the green tea to dry naturally on skin - it will help soothe and heal skin]

Green Tea Honey Oat Wash-off Mask
(Do not use this receipe if you are allergic to oats!!)

this is not a paste, continue stirring!

Ingredients:
2 tbsp organic rolled oats (use baby oats/ porridge oats if possible)
2 tbsp (+ 1 tsp) warm green tea
1/2 tsp organic honey

How to?
(i) Make 1/3 cup of green tea with boiling water. Let it cool for 3 mins.
(ii) Pour 1 tbsp of oats into bowl
(iii) Add 1 tbsp of warm green tea, stir
(iv) repeat steps (ii) and (iii)
(v) Add 1 tsp honey
(vi) stir until a thick paste is formed (add 1 tsp of green tea if paste is too thick)

Application Steps: 
(a) Ensure you begin with clean hands and a cleansed face (oh and make sure to keep your hair back)
(b) Apply all over your face with a clean foundation brush, cover acne/pimples with more paste
(c) leave the mask to work for 20-30 minutes or until the mask is dried
(d) Rinse off gently with warm water, rub gently in circles all over the face.
(e) pat dry your face
(f) tone and moisturize, your face should be glowing!


I hope you've enjoyed reading these recipes and do let me know if it works for you! I'll post my other homemade recipes which I've experimented using ingredients such as milk, yoghurt and oats!

Unfortunately i'm still looking for dark eye circle remedies. I've tried all sorts of commercial brands out there - ranging from la prairie to garnier roll-on eye pens but none have quite worked miraculously though la praire's did aid. Its just getting from bad to worse... can't do without concealers anymore. HELP! I'll let you know if I do find a breakthrough. Meanwhile I've stopped most eye products (as they are either too rich, causing milia seeds and others giving crows feet *sobs*) and just purely applying a simple vitamin C serum with eye massages. Do let me know if you have a miraculous remedy!

*for the love of natural skincare*

My soothing balm has finally arrived!

I received my Eczema & Psoriasis Balm from Moogoo finally! It took them almost 1 month, which seemed a tad long due to lost mail. Thankfully they replaced the shipment promptly!

Moogoo's Eczema Solution suitable for both children & adult

As mentioned in my previous entry, I do have a case of eczema after returning from an overseas trip to my hot and humid country. Doctors do not know the exact cause but prescribed me dosages of anti-histamine and a hydrocortisone cream (i.e. steroid cream). When I was younger, I had some bad experiences and some side effect from using steroid creams which causes skin thinning and discoloration (darken parts of your skin which the cream is applied on). So I went in search of an alternative and came across Moogoo. I'm also using Moogoo's Soothing MGM cream as a complement.

I did also explore several other options such as Aveeno's cream for eczema, Renew intensive skin therapy etc but they were all unsuccessful. In particular, I felt Aveeno's cream was really thick and left a "sticky" unfinished feel on my skin no matter how much I tried to massage the moisturizer in. However at this point, it is worthy to note that whatever works for me may not work for another. It's all a trial and error processs. So yes, its important to find out what works for you and if you are even mildly allergic to anything!

Eczema & Psoriasis Balm

The Balm is also known as "Irritable Skin Balm" in some countries. It sells for AUD 16.90 on their website - www.moogoo.com.au - and also in malaysia for RM 69.00.

There's a "herbs" smell that comes along with the cream and generally leaves a soothing feel to the inflamed skin areas. It is also easily absorbed into the skin and does not leave a sticky or uncomfortable feeling.

My Parcel!

On a side note, this is my first time ordering form the website and it was nice to see my tubes of balm came in this cute box!

By the way, I'm currently residing in Singapore and I normally buy in bulk. So if you're also located here and want to try the product, I'm willing to let go of some of my purchases (in full unused tubes/tubs) at the cost which you can buy on the website + my import postage fees + postage fees to deliver to you. Do drop me a message at dollypalettes[at]gmail[dot]com if you are interested in just trying out a tube/tub. I'm only doing this out of goodwill cause I understand that we, people with sensitive skin, want to try the products for some time before deciding that yes, this is the cream! 

Good luck!