The Art of Switching your Skincare Regimen by Season

When it comes to maintaining proper skin care, it’s important to follow a few rules: Establish a routine that best addresses your concerns, be vigilant in adhering to your regimen (consider good skin your religion and your nightly routine akin to bedtime prayers), and fine-tune your plan whenever necessary. 

Your skin care regimen needs to be updated at least twice a year, particularly when the seasons change. Here, my tips on adjusting your repertoire.

" I don’t care if it’s winter—you still need sunblock,” I always mention this to my children (6yo & 8yo) adding that the sun is active regardless of whether you can see it. It is recommended an SPF of 30 every day, year round. But the sunscreen you use in the spring and summer may not be hydrating enough in the fall and winter. You probably need to add more elements to draw water into the skin.  

In November 2012, the Therapeutic Goods Administration announced a new standard for sunscreens sold in Australia, increasing the maximum sun protection factor from SPF30+ to SPF50+.

The standard requires the same level of Ultra Violet B (UVB) protection, with improved Ultra Violet A (UVA) protection for new formulas.

UVB is the major cause of sunburn and increased skin cancer risk, while UVA contributes to ageing of the skin, as well as skin cancer risk.

The SPF50+ offers only marginally better protection from Ultra Violet B (UVB) radiation than SPF30+. SPF50+ filters out 98% of UVB radiation compared to 96.7% blocked by SPF30+.  The SPF50+ sunscreen still needs to be applied just as liberally, re-applied every two hours (or after swimming, exercising and towel drying) and used in combination with other sun protection measures including sun protective hats, protective clothing, sunglasses and shade.

Artistry Ideal Radiance UV Protection SPF50 UVA UVB

Luminous, even-toned, translucent skin is possible with UV Protect, now enhanced with IDEAL RADIANCE 3D technology. This breakthrough sun protection comes with SPF50+ PA++++ and a formula that safeguards skin from sun damage, future dark spots and discolouration.

Skin-tone correction should always be a mainstay in your evening routine—winter, spring, summer, and fall. But it’s important to mitigate the intensity of your anti-aging products in the colder seasons, as ingredients like retinol can be drying. If you use a retinoid or [prescription] Differin on a daily basis in the summer, you may find that that as the weather changes your face has a harder time tolerating it.  Try cutting back to every other day in order to keep your skin feeling comfortable and looking good.

While daily exfoliation during the spring and summer can result in a smooth surface, that’s not always the case in the cooler months. Grossman notes, “Even if you’re tolerating daily home peels or acids, manual exfoliation, microdermabrasion, or Clarisonic use without a problem, you may need to cut back in the fall and winter, as your skin will be more sensitive.” 

While those afflicted with oilier skin may be tempted to bring out the big guns, Grossman advises that gentle cleansers are actually your face’s best friend, especially in the winter. “You don’t want to overstrip,” she cautions. She also suggests toning down your alpha-beta hydroxy acids, retinoids, at-home peels, and at-home microdermabrasion for the season. Instead, she advises, “Use a light cleanser or makeup wipe at night. If you’re feeling a little dry, you can use a hyaluronic acid–based gel or a hydrating aloe.” And if you are embarking on a Bahamian vacation or dreaming of next summer? “In warmer and more humid climates, people with oily skin tend to need a lot less moisturization,” Grossman says.  

In general, regardless of the season, Grossman tells her patients to apply serums first, then gels, lotions, and creams—in other words, to move from the least inclusive to the most inclusive (think thinnest to thickest textures). “I tend to encourage people to use a sunscreen-moisturizer combination in the morning and then add moisturizer over that,” she explains. “If you have drier skin, the evening is a great time to go for that really rich nighttime moisturizer. If that’s still not enough, add a hyaluronic gel. You can even mix in some oils for extra hydration. And if you’re super, super dry add an additional oil on top of that.” 

During the fall and winter some people really focus on their skin, but they don’t think about changing their environment,” says Grossman. She recommends adding a humidifier to your bedroom and any other area where you tend to spend a lot of time. “If you’re in a really dry environment already, put central humidity into your whole heating system,” she adds. “If it’s really, really dry you want to double-duty it.” 

Pamper your mother at Mother's Day !

For those who follow my Instagram and my blog you will know I am the #skiifever and I love SKII as the products work on my skin! 

Mother's Day is coming soon and as a mother myself I do love to receive a beautiful box of this gorgeous skincare gift box!

I would like to share with you below a few kind of gift boxes to suit your mother! :)

Pitera Starter Set / RRP: $99 AUD

*Facial Treatment Essence 75ml.

*Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 20g.

*Stempower Moisturiser 15g.

Radiance Set / RRP: $199 AUD

*Facial Treatment Essence 75ml.

*Cellumination Deep Surge Ex Moisturiser 50g.

Anti Ageing Set / RRP: $259 AUD

*Facial Treatment Essence 75ml.

*Stempower Moisturiser 50g.

Stempower Eye Cream 15g.

Anti Ageing Indulgence Set / RRP: $359 AUD

*Facial Treatment Essence 150ml.

*Stempower Moisturiser 80g.

*Stempower Eye Cream 15g.

*Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask (1 mask).

Bonus Gift:

Receive a limited edition SK-II travel set containing:

*Facial Treatment Essence 30ml.

*Facial Treatment Mask (I pc)

*Stempower Moisturiser 15g.

*Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 20g.

*Available when you spend $150 or spend $500 to receive a Stempower Essence 30ml. (Myer and David Jones only)

In my opinion there's better gift than the gift of good skin, and SK-II will always give you that.

SK-II products are available at Myer,  David Jones stores nationwide and Sephora Australia.

Have you decided which one suit your mum better?

THE HISTORY OF WHOO GONGJINGHYANG Seol Brighthening Foam Cleanser

A snow-white herb extracts foam cleanser that adds transparency to your skin. While the rich and fine foam of the water-soluble cleanser thoroughly removes impurities and sebum even from the skin's pores, its oriental medicine-based 'Chilhyangpalbaeksan' ingredients help keep the skin moist and clear. 

[Gongjinhyang:Seol - Mild royal court whitening to keep skin fair and clear] 'Chilhyangpalbaeksan' and mother chrysanthemum extract have been added to protect the skin and enhance the internal functioning of the skin to provide care for concealed spots as well as skin dullness. It is an Oriental medicine-based whitening line for the fundamental resolution of skin problems. Direction Wet the face, apply a sufficient amount of the product, and lather. 

Gently massage the entire surface of the face and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

RMK Powder Soap C Review and Photos

I like to give a light review of this product that I have been using for nearly a month  now.. .
As I age gracefully, I found that my regular exfoliator or srcub are too rough in my skin.  I was looking for a very gentle and daily use as cleanser 2 in 1!  I found RMK Powder Soap is a
revolutionary cleanser which clears and brightens the skin.  It is powered by Papaya Proteinase, Powder Soap C breaks down excess oil, dirt and the build-up of keratinocytes and melanin on the epidermis to remedy dullness of skin tone and helps to restore a bright, luminous complexion.  The
formulated with a pink powder and white powder which combine to produce a soufflé light foam, Powder Soap C won’t strip the skin of essential moisture and washes away easily to smooth and polish the skin.

The white powder is enriched with Amaranthus, Soapwort Extract and Papaya Proteinase which work harmoniously to reduce dullness, unclog pores and transform the skin with a bright, translucent glow. The pink powder is infused with natural agents that promote natural moisture retention; extracts of Miracle Fruit, Tear Grass, Bilberry and Liquorice Glycyrrhetinic Acid prevent inflammation and irritation whilst providing an optimum balance of moisture and suppleness.

As good as it sounds, RMK Powder Soap is suitable for all skin types, Powder Soap C creates a complexion which is smooth to the touch and visibly polished and leaves the skin feeling fresh, clear and radiant.

I am very happy with the outcome and after using it for a month now I should ask you to try it your own. It is inexpensive. You can get it from ichibankao.com.

Have you tried it?

Dolce Gabbana Aurealux Cream

Dolce Gabbana Skincare range have exclusive launched at Harrods and will launched Internationally in September.

Background

Dolce Gabbana creates Aurealux,  an advanced skincare ritual to reveal your skin's naturally radiant,  healthy looking and full-of-life appearance.  It is claimed the first Skincare treatment proven to capture and hold attention, by improving the three dimensions of captivating beauty: radiantly even tone, smooth texture and sensually contoured shape.

Aurealux is infused with the exclusive Gold Flavo-Silk Tricomplex™, with gold silk sericin, italian olive oil extrat and vitamin B3, a unique trio of ingredients designed to hydrate, brighten and restore soft snd plump feel of your skin.  It is also designed to perfect complexion, infuse skin with moisture and strengthen skin’s easticity feel.

The Aurealux Cream's luxurious, rich, yet light feeling formula hydrate to feel reinvigorate brightness,  fade the look of line, and enhance the soft and plump feel of your skin.

The Aurealux Cream is suitable for all skin types (normal, dry, sensitive, combination/oily).  It comes with spatula.  I use it because I have difficulty to pick up cream by using my finger ( too slippery! )

After using this I wake up with amazing skin like I just had a facial. The morning after my skin glows, looks brighter and feels smoother and looks well hydrated.

It is raining here now in Sydney, Saturday Masking time.  Lately found great Korean Mask to try on.  Another review soon!

Have a weekend everyone! 

Lilian

SK-II Skin Signature Eye Cream Review

I'm always on the hunt for a good eye cream, even though I have no wrinkles but I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible. SK-II is very expensive with very good marketing, that's why I've tried a few products in this winter. But even though I do like it, I just didn't think it's so differentiated that it justifies the price. I have been using this for 4 months so this is a good time to write a review. 

SK-II Skin Signature Eye Cream (15g, AUD145) is quite rich. It’s a thick, ivory cream and one has to be careful to not use too much. I find that the slightest touch of a finger on the cream is already enough for both undereye areas. I use this on the orbital bone, very gently massaging the cream to the area.

The eye cream comes in a classic SKII red jar. It also comes with a tiny plastic spatula but since I’m the only one who uses it, I just use my fingers instead.  It’s been 4 months since I started using the eye cream and I’m quite impressed at the results. I wasn’t expecting reduction of fine lines or even disappearance of wrinkles. But what it does is that it keeps the undereye area well hydrated without the greasiness. I’ve noticed brightening of the area too, hence reducing the dark circles under the eyes.

With the area sufficiently “plumped” the next day, application of undereye concealer is made easy. Previously, I found that my skin undereye dry and difficult to blend the concealer. After using the Skin Signature Eye Cream, the same concealer now works a treat on the delicate area. It’s now very blendable.

Ingredient List

Water, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Triethylhexanoin, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Myristyl Myristate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose, Polycottonseedate, Myristyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Stearate, Dimethicone, Batyl Alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Benzyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysorbate 65, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Titanium Dioxide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Methylparaben, Dimethiconol Laureth-7, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Mica, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylparaben, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Extract, Triethoxycaprylysilane, Carbomer, Ammonium Polyacrylate, Methicone, DNA, CI 77492 and CI 77491.

 

My Skincare Routine Winter Series

I thought I better finish this blog writing before Spring approaching!  Work & Life has been busy lately before I start that let's us look at my skincare routine.

It is said that the average Japanese (I am Malaysian) woman uses up to seven skin-care products several days a week and just as many makeup products. For me, I have starting my own 'Golden 4 Regimen' !!

The Golden 4 Regimen has become the gold standard for skin care. The regimen consists of two-step cleansing, hydrating and softening, enriching and then protecting.

1. Two-step cleansing

In the morning I use Cleansing Milk.  At the moment I am loving Sisley Lyslait Cleansing Milk with White Lily which I got a deluxe travel size bottle from Cosme-de. 

Sisley Lyslait Cleansing Milk with White Lily is suitable for dry/sensitive skin.  It is a creamy cleansing emulsion that dissolves the toughest of make-up products, whilst preserving the balance of dry, delicate skin. With its rich, yet perfectly fluid texture, Lyslait gives an instant feeling of comfort and well-being to dry and sensitive skins, without any oily sensation.

After long day work, I use La Mer The Cleansing Oil to remove my makeup at night.   The Cleansing Oil is a detoxifying cleanser that contains precious marine oils and transforms into a luxurious, milky fluid when water is added. The Miracle Broth™ infuses skin with precious nutrients, immersing it in moisture and energy. 

Then follow by Cosme Decorte AQMW Cleansing foam.  My skin feel clean and fresh.  I believe in double cleansing because nothing feel as good when your skin feel really clean. 

2. Hydrate & soften

In the pass, I used to think this step is such a waste of time and not essential.  Toner is basically 'expensive water'.
I changed my mind after I reached 30 yo and it is now part of my everyday skin regimen and I am loving it more. First, let me explain to you the different between Softner and Toner in a simple way.  A softener is part of the moisturising process, whereasa toner is part of the cleansing process. Most Japanese cosmetic brands have developed softeners in each skin-care line to soften, rehydrate and enhance the effectiveness of a moisturiser.  I always tell my friends that Japanese/Korean skincare focus on layering the products instead of ordinary 3-steps Skincare.

Currently loving SK-II Facial Treatment Essence travel size that I received from my friend, Florence.  This lasted me for 3 weeks! I also use La Mer Softerner if I use La Mer Cleansing Oil for cleansing.  Both make my skin smooth and smell divine.

Shiseido Eudermine is a new toner that I am trying.  The history of this red bottle is remarkable.  I will share more of my thoughts in the future. ^.^

3. Enrich

Beauticians often recommend special facial care once a week in addition to your regular daily regimen. Face masks are one of the recommended steps. Usually applied after a softener (or in place of a softener) but before moisteriser. 

I have three favourite masks that I would like to share with you.

♡ Deep Hydration Lifting Mask by Tatcha - for hydrating

This hydrating face mask is suitable for dry / combination skin.  It combines a proprietary red algae blend with HADASEI-3™ Bioactive Complex. The silken serum infuses skin with powerful moisture-enriching actives resulting in smoother, more luminous skin in minutes.  What is the different between this mask to others is the unique coconut-derived biocellulose hydrating face mask, developed originally to speed healing for burn victims, forms an occlusive layer on the skin that enables 53% deeper penetration vs. paper masks.
You can see my experience here.

♡ SKII Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) Mask - for intense hydration and brighthening.

This is a100 percent cotton mask drenches the skin with pitera’s fusion of vitamin, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids, while working to revitalize, comfort, and provide intense hydration. It immediately replenishes dehydrated skin, leaving it refreshed and cool.  It truly works.

This is a treat for me because they are pretty expensive but worth it.  if I have a late now and early morning week, I will use it on the week to boost hydration.

This mask truly delivers!

♡ My Beauty Diary - for everyday use and cost saving and result is pleasant too.

Have you wake up in the morning and look at the mirror and look horrible?  That is me! I am a late sleeper and early bird! Wake uo at 5:30am and sleep around 12am.  (Yup! I told you my life is busy!)

This mask is my everyday mask that without hurting my bank saving! 
I (try to) use this mask everyday in the morning after I cleanse my face and before I apply moisteriser, for as short as 15mins.  After I put it own, I go to kitchen to make a cuppa and pack my daughter's lunch box and fill up water bottle. That will use up 15mins without wasting anytime! Your skin texture instant hydrate from a cold night or heater room.  This can lift your mood instantly ( simetime I give myself a smile ^.^ in the mirror.  I love the feeling of.  Beside that, it is so easy to apply makeup and overall your complexion looks smooth for the day.

4. Protect

I have been using SKII Stempower in the morning and at night.  It is effectively makes pores to be less visible and make your skin smooth. 

I love to hear your skincare regimen and what do you use. 

I will see you next time.

Thanks for reading.....

Lilian ♡

SKII Skincare Diary | Winter Season

For years, I resisted the allure of SK-II until I met an Instagram Beauty Buddy, Florence.  She raves abput Facial Treatment Essence, Cellumination Essence and Whitening Spot Specialist.  In the beginning I couldn't get the name right because of confusion and resist to know.  She was very patience explained to me about each product she uses and how to use and how she feels about it. Trust me, she could be SKII Manager! She encouraged me to give it a try start with FTE.  I remember my sistet and I we tried the FTE when we were young and our skin didn't have any improvement after finished a bottle. We were Uni Student and because a price tag we have stopped using it since.  Until I met Florence then It is like re-discover the mystery of SK-II!

I went to SK-II Counter at Myer Sydney the SA, Amy served me.  She was so young and has beautiful skin. She was so patient answered all my questions. We did the Magic Ring Skin Analysis and you can read my experience and more in depth here. (Insert link)

My skin is very unique (another word is fussy!) From my forehead to nostril is oily skin and from nostril down to chin is dry skin.  I never knew and therefore I suffer skin problem whenever in winter!  This means that I need to purchase more skin products.

I didn't end up getting everything Amy showed me after the skin analysis.  I know from my personal experience that most Japanese skincare products are layering instead of Step 1-2-3.

Amy totally understand and didn't show the 'face' of wasting her time and this make me go back to her a lot of time and chit chat time when wondering around the counter at lunch time.  I have a few samples to try before I left the counter and the samples did last for more than a week instead of one usage.

I was (very) impressed after the first 10 days I use and I constantly update Florence how my skin feel.  My skin loves it from the first night I used.

I have been using SKII for 3 months now and here are the SKII Wonders that in my shelf currently for winter.  I will update here when Spring/ Summer come about my skin feeling.... but from now here are what I use:-

1. SKII Cleansing Oil (remove my makeup)
2. SKIl Cleansing Gel (in the shower second time cleanse)
3. SKII Clear Lotion (top half of face and slightly touch bottom half of my face because my skin is so unique!) :p
4. SKII Facial Treatment Essence (to balance my hormonal and fussy skin condition.)
5. SKII Facial Repair - C ( for my dehydrated skin for winter)
6. SKII Cellumination Aura Essence (if I sleep late or dull face, CAE will give you immediate radience I once apply and massage the cream into your skin)
7. SKII White Power Spots Specialist (from the skin analysis I was shocked to see a lot of black spots underneath my skin as they will gradually show up when you aged. That sounds so scary but the truth!)
8. SKII Stempower Essence (afrerbirth I found the skin around my neckline deepen and loose its firmness - sagging? I have used for 14 days now and seriously.... the skin around the neckline is smoother, firmness and neckline is softer too.  May be the skin around our skin is thinner hence the e improvement?
9. SKII Stempower Eye Cream ( mainly at night use)
10. SKII Facial Treatment Essence - Eye (morning use)
11. SKII Stempower (morning)
12. SKII Stempower Rich Cream (night)
13. SKII LXP Perfecting Cream (sample; still trying)
14. SKII Facial Essence Mask  (Tuesday, Thursday morning after wash my face; Sunday night)

Above are my Skincare Diary.... I aim to review all the SKII products that I use.  This diary will be updated most of the time you are welcome to revisit.  ^.^

Do you have a skincare diary?

Have a great week!

Lilian

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil

A quick overview and experience SKII Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil.

I received a sample from SKII SA from Myer and I was quite happy because I haven't tried the cleansing oil as I still have my own cleansing oil to finish.

SKII Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil is specially formulated blend in both dissolves and removes stubborn make-up and impurities whilst cleansing down to the pores and helping to condition the skin.

You add lukewarm water to your and massage face until oil transforms into a milky white color thus lifting and locking away impurities. Most of the cleansing oils do winderful job.

Unfortunately SKII Cleansing Oil is not suitable for me as I could feel my face turn red and warm instantly after I apply the oil in my face.  I have tried several times but still give me the burning sensation on my face.  I dont know what is the reason.  But nevertheless,  the cleansing oil work wonders as it takes off all the makeup trace. ^.^

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

IT WORKS!

Before I start to review this wonderful mask sheet, I would like to let you know that I am on #30daysmask little task of putting on different mask every night from mask sheet, mask gel or sleeping mask. I have most photos at Instagram.  Find me @inner_luxurious xx. 

love love love.... this mask.  I only started to use this mask four months ago (from end of April) and this is a must-buy product for me and will regular stock up! 

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask boosts radiance and moisture levels and can be used by all skin types throughout the year. The mask literally drenches the skin in SK-II Pitera, resulting in a fresher and more hydrated complexion.

I have started to use this mask 3 times in the weekday morning (5:30am and it is winter now), the reason for this that my skin get extremely dry around noon due to cold weather outside the building and warm temperature inside the building.  My throat feels dr-ier and not to mention your skin.  I could even feel the tightness around my nose!  After using this mask, I feel wonderful day start with fresh skin in the morning and it is so much easier to wear your makeup and also stay little longer too, I realised!  Throughout the day feeling the satisfaction.

Simple steps that you also know:-
Place mask onto eye area first, then carefully spread it to the rest of face using fingertips. Make sure mask fits well onto skin, then relax. Remove mask after 10-15 minutes.

A lot of Make Artists and celebrities love this mask because it simply works!
Have you tried it? If not, you dont know what you have missed out!

Have a lovely week!

Lilian

My May Favourite of Skincare and Beauty

Here are my May favourite tagged by @clarabeltan ... The month of May/June is always battling with my skin because it is also the mobth I change my skincare routine based on the weather change.  It is Autumn and here are my favourites the old and the new...

♡Fresh Sugar Lychee Body Lotion with sugar & mango seed oil - I apply morning and night so one bottle last 3 months! This my first item from Fresh and I love to explore more...

♡SK-II Facial Treatment Mask - I love masks. I only just get to know this brand and totally fall in love with it.  Instant pick me up is a must for me for colder month.

♡ #lesmerveilleusesdeladuree lip balm in 101 is very hand. It could fit in my zipped wallet because I tend to have lots of lips products left in my bags for months... ^.^

♡Tatcha Gold Beauty Oil not only for a dry spots, I specially use for my hair... ^.^

♡SK-II Cellumination Aura Essence - I use this every morning now before my moisteriser.  If you haven't tried it, you are missing out!

♡SK-II Whitening Spot Specialist - The SKI-II Magic Ring Skin Analysis shows the bottoms of my skin has many dark spots underneathe the epidermis.  I am so scare to see myself on the screen.  I am starting to include this for night use so it could improve the condition (I hope!) Just a peace of mind but we will see the next 3 mths I will do another analysis!

♡SK-II Facial Treatment Repair - C: new additiin from yesterday. I have mixed skin type ( yes, sadly my skin is so unique!!!) Combo in T zone and dry skin from bottom of nostril down to chin. This product makes my mouth line (not sure thts what it calls) less visible and more friendly when you put on foundation. You just need teeny tiny bit it goes a long way.

♡I love my CC cream and my new favourite is @itcosmetics cc+ meaning colour correcting full coverage cream + anti aging hydrating serum + SPF50+ UVA/UVB Paraben free chemical filtered free -> exaxtly what I need! Although full coverage but the texture is light! If you like a review about this please let me know.

♡ I also pick up CC+ lips serum in LOVE shade. Very nice lip gloss and it match my complexion.  I cpuld apply without looking at the mirror when you are un the rush. @silverkis do u do this? Lol!!!

♡Guerlain Terracotta Skin Healthy Glow Foundation in Blondes - I use this when I want a healthy glow when I go out to the beach. Yes I do even in the cold weather!  Love it a lot!

Finally...
♡Nars Miss Liberty- This is not new but user friendly and handy for little highlight on your skin ....

Muaksss......

Autumn and Winter Skincare Sneak Peak!

Hello Gorgeous,

Finally I have found Autumn and Winter Skincare products suit me.  Here are the sneak peak and review will be up soon.  Stay tune!!

SK-II Magic Ring Skin Analysis Test Machine

With my friend @floranze recommendation, I booked myself in to visit SK-II Counter at David Jones Sydney which has this Magic Ring Machine which suppose to do Skin Analysis to see your skin condition and current skin problem such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, firmness  and your skin age (!).  I totally blew out of my mind.  It is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Skin analysis is important so that I can see and understand my skin conditions better with measurable results. It helps to find the suitable skincare that my skin needs and to improve my skin too. Thanks goodness it is a complimentary service!

The Magic Ring uses in-depth facial imaging and digital analysis where skin is graded and given an instant numerical score. This skin score is derived from quantifying and qualifying baseline conditions in the 5 Dimensions of Crystal Clear Skin.

1.Texture Refinement: Skin texture conditions are analysed to determine smoothness, along with the pore’s total area scale by measuring concentric sebaceous gland on the cheek.

My result: average.  Smooth!

2.Firmness Power: Skin firmness levels of the cheek skin, pore conditions and wrinkles of nasolabial folds -- better known as ‘laugh lines’ – are assessed. The Ageless Vector also provides further analysis of skin’s firmness and elasticity, based on the total amount of lines and angles of the skin in these three areas.

My result: below average.  Omgosh, the result shows my skin at my chin area is 'unfirm'. Another word is sagging~ 

3. Wrinkle Resilience: Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, where the thinnest and most sensitive area is, are measured based on total length to evaluate the level of skin wrinkles.

My result: above average.  Great! But eye area sign of little dryness.

4. Spot Control: Spots and colour unevenness are analysed based on feature contrast and shape, before classification according to depth by spectrum constitution. Both visible spots seen by the eye as well as the hidden spots in the basal epidermal layer are picked up and calculated based on their total size.

My result: this hit me! The screen shows my hidden dark spots underneath my skin -> a lot and scary! You cant see in my face now but of I dont do something now the little scary spots slowly shown when you aged!  

Finally 5, Radiance Enhancement: Skin’s brilliance and brightness are evaluated by the reflection of the light upon skin’s surface and evenness in texture in terms of wrinkles, spots and dullness.

My results: my skin is dull even though ypu cannot by your eye.  The skin itself does not alive and slightly below average and I tried to give a lot of excuse to it.  Ie: dont have time! Sleep late! :p

In Summary you could see the bar chart of my REAL condition. Also the best part of this machine can see how old is your skin and can also see your skin condition on the screen if you use SKII products from 3wks to 2 yrs.

My result: My skin is 2 years younger then my real age! That make me feel much better! ^.^

You also can see the photo of your skin if you do not use SPF, brighthening, hydration products... can u imagine your skin is sagging? Dark spots and uneven skin? Fine wrinkle, line and wrinkle? I didnt ask the SA show me that part because I chose not to see it. 

I am only starting to use SKII products a few days and I hope to see the next results in 3 months time.

Thanks to @mrjanallinone his youtube thoroughly and clear explanation and @floranze encouragement.

Have you tried SKII Magic Ring?  8f you haven't I sug he st to visit your counter and the service is complimentary.  What are you waiting for?

Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

The TATCHA Cleansing Oil arrived beautifully packaged and with a handwritten note from the TATCHA team.

While little details like this are common in the beauty blogging swag world, I was taken by the intimacy I felt as a friend. Not many brands do this, but it means so much to feel connected to the people to whom you’re entrusting your skin.

I’d been doing some research on the brand and was ready to try everything in the set in which I obsessed for sometimes now.

After reading Linda's blog from www.silverkis.com, I decided to give it a try. My first order was indeed Tatcha Pure  Cleansing Oil and Classic Rice Enzyme Powder.

Tatcha Pure Camellia Cleansing Powder US$45 for 150ml. This lightweight, nearly fragrance-free cleansing oil would make a great introduction to oil cleansing for those who are still a bit shy to the idea. Applied with dry hands to a dry face, TATCHA’s One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil breaks down makeup and gently cleans the skin.  I personally love this cleansing oil better than Shu's Cleansing Oil becsuse it is not as thick texture as Shu nut it equally do the job well.

When you’re ready to remove everything you’ve just broken down, a splash of warm water emulsifies the blend of rice bran, palm kernal, coconut and camellia oils into a milky, light cream. It’s simple to remove and you really don’t need to go back over your face with a hot compress or second round of splashes to remove traces of oil.

While I enjoy using the One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, it’s not one I’d likely repurchase only because I’m using Mario.Badescu Enzyme Cleaning Gel which work perfect on my skin.  However, I think these little One Step Camellia Cleansing Oils are perfect for travel; I’d buy more of these deluxe sample sizes for the convenience!

Ingredients: Cetyl ethylhexanoate (vegetable origin), rice bran, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, camellia japonica seed oil, glyceryl behenate/eicosadioate (vegetable origin), water, red algae extract, green tea, glycerin (vegetable origin), ethylhexyl glycerin, phenoxyethanol, alcohol, fragrance

Experience with Tatcha

One of my greatest discoveries of 2014 was TATCHA skin care, and I am happy to say that I will be continuing to use and try out more of their products this year. My Beauty Resolution this year is  get to know and try number of skincare product. It is not because I am unhappy with my skin but because I like to gain knowledge and experience the difference of other brands in the market.

After several hours deeping my head in Instagram, I get to know a handful of great beauty bloggers and IGer Beauties.  They are so cheerful and happy to share their knowledge. Basicslly you get instant message from them.  They have introduced me TATCHA. I knew the brand from last year but didn't do any research or read any blogs about the brands.  From Instagram, I connect with @tatcha and get replies from Victoria or her team directly.

My Winter Skincare - TATCHA

Firstly, a couple words about the packaging: I don't think I have ever seen any skincare products packaged with such exquisite attention to detail. The outside of the cardboard boxes resembles the texture of dark polished wood, while the inside surprises with a bold violet & ultramarine pattern of bamboo leaves. The products nestled inside are wrapped in hand crafted paper, inscribed with the details about the formulation. The cleansing oil bottle and the rice powder jar are both made out of heavy plastic with a pearlized sheen, embossed with the company logo in gold and navy, and have a very secure closing system for travel. In short, they're beautiful and practical and definitely evoke a sense of luxury. And yes, I have still not thrown my boxes away.

The  Tatcha One Step Camillia Cleansing Oil is a light blend of rice bran and camellia oils that claims to remove even waterproof make-up without the need to double cleanse. All TATCHA products are formulated without mineral oil, synthetic colors and fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates so should be suitable for many sensitive or allergy-prone skintypes. The texture of this oil isn't overly viscuous so it spreads nicely on dry skin, allowing for a bit of a facial massage. The product turns into a milk when water is added and rinses away easily, leaving no oily residue or a tight feeling - my face just feels soft and clean, like it should.

Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

The push back mechanism of the jar keeps everything neat and tidy and you can easily control exactly how much powder you want to dispense. The recommended amount is half a teaspoon.

This rice enzyme powder acts as a gentle exfoliant - when mixed with water, it becomes a creamy foam that really quickly dissolves the dead skin cells on your face as you massage it on in circular motions. The powder is a blend of rice and papaya enzymes, conditioning pearl and Tatcha's signature "HADASEI-3" complex. This should be applied to a wet face. Be careful not to leave it on your face for over 10-20 seconds as it really does act fast and you don't want to overstimulate! After rinsing it off with water, your skin immediately feels extremely clean and smooth, almost to the point of being squeaky clean, but not so that your skin feels dried out.

After two months of roadtesting, I finally bought myself a present for Mother's Da.  Tatcha has lovely gift set Tatcha Okasan Gift Set which contains Camillia Oil, Deep Hydrating Mask and Goldeb Lip Balm.  Without any hesitation I also add an I