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Posts Tagged ‘hyaluronic acid’

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Helloooooo….

As promised from my review about the 2-Step Synergy Effect mask, I will review the V Fill-Up Mask once I’ve tried it.

This is another facial mask developed by REGEN Cosmetics which has a face slimming, lifting and anti-wrinkle effect. Similar to the 2-Step Synergy Effect Mask, this masks treats and improves your skin and also helps create a slim V-Line (def: A slim and oval face narrowing towards the chin) face.

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The main difference of the V Fill-Up Mask from the 2-Step mask is that the V Fill-Up mask focuses more on a 3D volume lifting effect by filling up wrinkles and improving the elasticity of the skin. The key ingredients in this mask are:

  1. DPHP which helps with the contractile actions of collagen fibres and protects the ellastine
  2. Adenosine components in the essence help improve facial lines and wrinkles 
  3. Hyaluronic Acid absorbed in the skin provides skin with abundant moisture, giving skin a bouncy firm looking facial appearance.

Application of this mask is slightly different as it comes in 1 full piece instead of 2 separate pieces like the 2-step one.

Here’s how to put it on:

Step 1

Apply mask on clean dry face after toner, leaving the chin part to the last

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Step 2

Separate the facial mask at the chin area and hook the openings on each ear, wrapping your chin and jawline tightly.

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Step 3

Leave mask on for 20 minutes. Remove and massage remaining essence into your skin.

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Review:

I noticed the anti-wrinkle and lifting effect instantly, and the very next morning I woke up to plump, smoother, radiant skin which made me very happy! As for the V-shaping effect I find that the 2-Step Synergy Effect mask more effective as that mask wraps around the jawline tighter and applies a firm pressure to that area reducing water retention. Of all the anti-wrinkle masks that I’ve tried so far, this one actually does give a visible result that lasts till the next day. Love it!

Where to Buy:

hermo.sg has it on SALE now at SGD$52.70 (RRP SGD$76.10) per box of 5 sheets.

sasa.com has it on SALE at RMB158 (RRP RMB348)

regencos.com sells at at KRW35,000

XOXO

Jessica

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Hello!

I would like to share with you what’s current in my make up stash! For the make-up base I have been using REGEN’s Ultra Toning CC & Ultra Cover BB as a foundation. If you have haven’t heard about REGEN, read more about their star product – 2-Step Synergy Mask in my previous review.

Why I love using REGEN’s CC & BB creams is because of the high SPF coverage which is super important in anti-aging of the skin. And these 2 creams are medically created for post-op skincare, which is perfect for sensitive skin types that protects your skin from the sun, keeps a breathable layer and won’t clog your pores.

Both the CC & BB creams contains these active ingredients:

  • Salicornia europaea extract – improves skins transparency and firms the skin.
  • Hyaluronic acid – creates a veil that traps moisture within the skin preventing dehydration and formation of wrinkles.
  • Madecassic acid – ancient herbal remedy that speeds up wound healing particularly after surgical  procedures. Improves skin elasticity maintaining a more youthful looking skin.
  • Portulaca extract – rich in omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids. Anti-aging and anti-irritant properties which calms sensitive, itchy skin. Fights premature aging & protects from environmental skin damage.

This is how the 2 creams look against my skin:

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CC Ultra Toning cream is the white based cream on the top; BB Ultra Cover cream is the skin tone one below.

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For me, I use the CC cream everyday either alone or as a make-up base before foundation. The active ingredients in this product makes it a much better sun block to use daily than the off the shelf ones in your nearby pharmacy. Not only does it protect your skin form harmful UV rays, it also maintains your skin like a serum.

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This is me with nude skin, no make up, nadda.

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With just 1 pump of the CC cream, it is enough to cover my entire face and neck. I love the pump head dispenser as it is easier to measure the same amount to use each time and it is way more hygienic! *thumbs up*

Applying the CC cream alone provides minimal coverage of dark circles & blemishes, perfect for a natural, light make up look. With a touch of concealer for the eye-bags & hint of blush, this nude look is achieved in less than 5 minutes.

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Ultra Toning CC Cream review:

I love the natural radiant & dewy look that the CC cream adds to my skin on top of the sun protection. It’s translucent and suitable for all skin tones. It provides an almost no make up look that still brightens up your skin making it look fresh and healthy. Besides that, I know that the active ingredients in the cream helps prevent aging with that serum effect.

If I want a more made-up look, I would add on the BB Ultra Cover cream after a layer of CC cream as the make up base. Providing myself a double protection from the sun.

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Similar to the CC cream, a single pump of it is enough for my entire face. Focusing more on areas with blemishes (under eye & freckles on cheekbones), I would apply more BB cream on those areas. The BB cream has a slightly thicker texture giving your skin great coverage, without it caking up on the skin or creating that thick layer over your skin look as with certain thick foundations.

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The hyaluronic acid in the creams makes application smoother and after numerous usage, I noticed that my skin remains moist and supple even during this dry autumn season here in HK with humidity levels at 50-60%. Perfect for dry weather seasons or long hours in the air-conditioned environments.

As you can see, with the application of BB cream, there’s more coverage but still maintaining a natural tone without a white cast on the face. I’ve tried a few different brands of BB creams and didn’t like them due to the thick unbreathable feeling and the white cast on my face that’s really obvious in flash photography.

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Ultra Cover BB Cream review:

Provides medium coverage that maintains a breathable layer over the skin. Gives an additional layer of sun protection with anti-aging ingredients built into its formula. Thicker texture but does not give a white cast in photos. This BB cream sadly only comes in 1 colour, so it is only suitable for fair to medium-fair toned Asian skin. I would have loved that this BB cream could’ve different colours to choose from to match different toned skin or at least a colour adaptive formula for a wider range of users. It was suitable for my skin tone and provided me more than enough coverage for my lightly freckled skin.

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Conclusion:

To conclude, I would recommend the CC cream over the BB cream as the CC cream is more universal in usage which provides a translucent UV protection with plenty of ingredients that benefits the most sensitive skin. The BB cream is good, but colour tone is not suitable for everyone. The slightly thicker texture may not be liked by all as well even though it provides a breathable layer.

Price:

Singapore (hermo.sg)

  • Ultra Toning CC Cream – SGD$65.90
  • Ultra Cover BB Cream – SGD$65.90

Korea from REGEN Cosmetics website

  • Ultra Toning CC Cream – KRW38,000
  • Ultra Cover BB Cream – KRW38,000

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XOXO

Jessica

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REGEN is a household name for most Koreans as they are the largest leading beauty medical group that provides services like plastic surgery, dermatology & dentistry. Since 2010 REGEN received the Grand Prize of Medical Korea every year and they are the no.1 brand in the plastic surgery part of the Korean Customer Satisfaction Index.

Dr. Kim Woo Jung, Director of REGEN Clinic, who is ahead of his time, went ahead and developed cosmetics to reflect the distinct characteristics of cosmetic surgery and help the cubic effect. As a result he founded a way to provide a off-the-counter mask to satisfy Asia’s thirst to achieve a small & cubic face through the 2 Step Synergy Effect Mask & V Fill-Up Mask.

I got myself some of their masks to try out and was eager to see the effects of a more V-Shaped and firmer face. (who doesn’t want a slimmer firmer face with smooth pore-less skin?!) Did some research and managed to find out the key ingredients used in their masks. As the packaging is entirely in Korean, I did up a simple table of the key ingredients in English to share with all of you!

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The above list is for the 5 different mask types the REGEN has for the 2 Step Synergy Effect Masks. They all carry the same 2nd step mask for the V-Shaping effect. This mask uses Halophyte, which is an ingredient from the polar region, to help moisture circulation of the skin to provide a sharper face contour. It reduces water retention in the jawline area making the face look slimmer and more picture perfect.

I decided to try out the masks for pores first as I am most concerned with my open pores around my cheeks. The application of the mask is fairly straight forward with the only difference of the V-shaping mask in step 2. Since the instructions is entirely in Korean, this video helps a lot with the application of the mask just to ensure we are using it right.

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Apply the sheet mask as Step 1

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Step 2 – V-Shaping mask

Leave the mask on for a minimum of 20 minutes. I removed the step 1 mask after about 25 minutes but left the shaping mask on for an additional 10 minutes hoping to get better results.

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Immediately, I went to the mirror to check my pores and miraculously they were shut tight. The exact results I wanted! As you can see from the photo below with my make-up free face.

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That additional 10 minutes came up and I removed the step 2 mask. I could tell that my jawline was slightly smaller. So I used the mask again on the following night to enforce the results. This time I found jawline slimmer and sharper looking with the puffiness of water retention gone.

Results: I would say that this mask is really effective in both the pore reduction and V-shaping. Especially so for those of you who tend to have a rounder face from water retention and fatty deposits and not because of bone structure. (Why I emphasise on bone structure is because I have a squarer jawline on one side compared to the other and this won’t make my face magically symmetrical, just smaller and sharper) The pressure applied from the V-Shaping mask applies a comfortable but firm pressure that tightens the skin tone and flushes away excessive fluids in the unwanted areas including your double chin.

It’s no wonder that Paris Hilton unveiled that REGEN’s Synergy mask is her secret go-to mask especially on plane rides.

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This mask is really worth a try and I am always a fan of home facials, using masks on myself every night to maintain a naturally healthy youthful looking skin. (A hardworking girl will always be beautiful ;P)

It is available in:

Hong Kong – Watsons  at HKD$187.50/box of 5 or HKD$37.50/piece

Singapore – http://www.hermo.sg/flagship/regencos.html at SGD$32.20/box of 5 or SGD$7/piece

Look out for my next blog post of REGEN’s V Fill-Up Mask for smoothening out fine lines and wrinkles on top of reshaping your face shape naturally.

XOXO

Jessica

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Kate Somerville Hong Kong is currently having a special promotion for their customers – for every HKD$3000 spent on any of their products at Kate Somerville beauty counters in Lane Crawford (TST & IFC), you will receive a 45 minute Red Carpet Glow facial for free!

I was invited to give this facial a try (lucky me!)

IMG_4404When I arrived at Lane Crawford Harbour City, the Kate Somerville beauty advisors escorted me to their special treatment room inside Lane Crawford. Spacious and highly private, the treatment rooms are neatly hidden away from the beauty counters.

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There’s a comfortable waiting area outside

In the treatment room for Kate Somerville, I noticed this little tray that is so thoughtfully laid out for their customers to use – make-up remover, contact lens case & solution & a hair brush for you to freshen up after the treatment. Love these subtle touches!

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As I lay down to start the facial, Yen explained to me that today’s facial uses Oxygen therapy to rejuvenate your skin and allow better absorption of  Kate Somerville’s star products – Age Arrest Hydrating Firming Mask & DermalQuench Liquid Lift.

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Yen first started with ExfoliKate – a quick 2 minute intensive exfoliating treatment that you can even do it yourself at home. It uses microbeads and fruit enzymes (Could smell the pineapple & papaya scents when applied on me, kinda felt like I was having a Pina Colada on my face! Super tropical!)  to clean pores and remove dead skin cells, and salicylic acid to balance hydration. The first minute after application, my skin stung a little as the acids naturally worked its magic to remove the dead skin cells, I was told that this is normal and nothing to worry about. After 2 minutes and ExfoliKate was washed off, I immediately felt that my skin was smoother, softer and surely looked brighter! Wow! Impressive.

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Next, Yen prepared the oxygen spray applicator and mixed in DermalQuench Liquid Lift treatment serum in so that it can be sprayed directly onto my newly exfoliated face mixed with oxygen to enhance the absorption effects of the serum.

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Oxygen Spray Gun

DermalQuench Liquid Lift infuses the skin with 3 powerful ingredients in the advanced HydraFill complex – wrinkle-relaxing PFC-Oxygen Carriers, fast-penetrating Hyaluronic Acid and radiance boosting Rare Botanical Extracts. Yen concentrated the oxygen/DermalQuench spray on my eye area and chin as these are my problematic areas – dry and lack-lustre. Immediately after this treatment, she brought over a mirror to show me the instant effects. My complexion was even toned, eye area and chin-line looked brighter, fine lines plumped up and skin felt firmer. Complexion looked so shiny & smooth!

The last step is the Age Arrest Hydrating Firming Mask. This mask uses a Nobel Prize based Telo-5 technology to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin firmness and elasticity and significantly hydrate the skin. White Water Lily extract and pure Ceramide-3 help firm skin, improve elasticity and replenish lost lipids. I love how cooling and refreshing this gel like mask felt on my skin. After 10 minutes or so, Yen washed off the mask & applied sunscreen and I was done!

I took a photo of myself immediately after this facial without a drop of make up and I loved how beautiful my skin looked! Fresh, radiant and flawless! Literally a Red Carpet Glow!

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Thank you Kate Somerville! I am an immediate fan!

XOXO

Jessica

Beauty Counters

Lane Crawford – IFC Mall

Podium 3, IFC Mall
8 Finance Street, Central
Tel: +852 3102 1319
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm

Lane Crawford – Canton Road

3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3102 1919
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm

Website

www.katesomerville.com

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After giving much thought and contemplating over this for a couple of years, I’ve decided to give natural fillers a try! I’ve always wanted my upper lip to be slightly fuller than what it already is. Always found “pouting” in front of the camera a huge challenge for me as my upper lip was thin and I had to really be conscious and controlled with my lip muscle (believe it or not it’s a lot of muscle control for me and didn’t come naturally) to look good with that “parted lip look” that photographers really love!

So finally I decided to take the plunge and try out Restylane Vital fillers which is 99% hyaluronic acid that is a natural occurring substance in our body so this will eventually be absorbed by our bodies. (also it being non permanent and lasts about 10 months gave me the insurance to not do it again if I didn’t like the end results)

I consulted Dr. Dennis Kwan from Dermacare in Ion Orchard and he gave me very honest and reassuring advise about doing lip fillers. My hugest concern raised was I didn’t want my lips to look unnatural or overly filled and have “sausage lips” like how some Hollywood celebs like theirs. Dr. Kwan did say that my upper lip was slightly thinner than usual and when I smiled it totally disappears. He advised that I only really need fillers for my upper lip and very minimal for my lower lip just to even out the fullness overall. So after raising my concerns and repeatedly telling him I want it natural and not over filled he reassured me that I will have beautiful lips after this session. I went ahead.

After my RevLite Laser session on my face, I went forth to get my lips filled. Numbing cream was applied on my lips for about 25 minutes so numb and prep my lips for the injections. NERVOUS!!! The uncertainty of the outcome was kinda nerve wreaking but yet I was excited at the same time as I wanted to see how I’ll look like with fuller, poutier lips!

After the numbing cream took effect, Dr. Kwan came back and started with the procedure. Honestly, even with the numbing cream, the injections still hurt. (explained by Dr. Kwan that our lips are extremely vascular and pumping liquid into it will definitely hurt a little) I just kept thinking to myself “no pain no gain!”. After about half and hour and “balancing” out my pout. It was done! And I’m extremely happy with the results!!! My lips still look like mine just with a bit more “meat”. Kinda how it looks like after eating lotsa spicy food and it swells! Lol.

And there was no bruising on my lips! Happy with the results, I immediately took photos of myself and sent it to my close girlfriends to rave about it to them.

Full lips for the next 10 months and the pain was well worth it!

For those who interested do visit their website to find out more! I simply love their RevLite laser treatments (even my mum sees a difference in my skin and she’s doing it now!) and find out more about the fillers they have to offer. http://www.dermacare.com.sg/

XOXO
Jessica

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