Skin analysis or diagnostic is crucial to determine the type of skin we have and the type of skincare products our skin need. Almost all major counter skincare brand have their own skin analysis device. And recently Biotherm Malaysia launches a brand new device called the Blue Smart. It is a hand-held gadget but powerful digital device that changes and revolutionize skin analysis.

Reads from deep within the skin

Most skin analysis device only reads what is on the skin surface. There is only one that reads deep into our skin as far as I know and now Biotherm has it too. The Blue Smart device is able to scan deep into the skin and provides an in-depth analysis of the skin’s condition in 3-D View and adapts to all skin types. It has two build-in sensors – optical and tactile. These sensors is able to reveal what could not be touch or by looking. It is so detail that it performs a whopping eight skin quality criteria check such as the pores, melanin spots, acne, wrinkles, redness, hydration, elasticity and sebum in just six (6) minutes. What is also great about this Blue Smart device is that it is able to differenciate men and women skin, Caucasion or Asian skin, and it is made to read all skin age.

Skincare prescription

What do you do with all these data? Well, the Blue Smart device processes these eight paradigms from the skin analysis to identify what’s n°1 on the skin’s to do list. It only takes a few seconds for the results to be processed. You will then get an in-sight detailed look on your skin so you can understand your skin better. The smart device also develops an intelligent beauty program recommendation based on this in-depth understanding of the skin’s condition. Blue Smart includes an atlas of Caucasian and Asian skins in order to provide customers with the most precise diagnosis. Each individual prescription will be different therefore a tailor-made care routine are designed for the particularities of their unique skin condition, their most urgent concerns and their type.

3-D Viewing capability

Now, this is interesting. 3-D-Viewing capability on Blue Smart device. You can now look at your skin like never before! You get to see where dark spots or wrinkles are forming depending on your skin type with the two built-in sensors I mentioned above.

AN OPTICAL SENSOR: This sensor evaluate pores, melanin spots, acne, hemoglobin/redness by analyzing images of the skin in close-up. It also assesses aging signs/wrinkles, which can require the use of Biotherm’s successful anti-aging: Blue Therapy.
A SENSOR BUTTON: A sensor specifically to check on hydration level, elasticity and sebum levels.
The hydration sensor: Operating similarly to the Corneometer device of clinical trials, this sensor measures the skin’s electrical conductivity in order to advise women on the most adapted Aquasource cares. The more hydrated skin is, the more conductive it is thus the higher the reading.
The sebum sensor: At an optical principle, the more sebum skin generates, the greater quantity of sebum adheres to the sensor’s surface.
The elasticity sensor: This sensor consists of a tiny projection that sinks into skin, the firmer skin is, the greater its’ resistance. The slacker it is, the easier it is for this tiny projection to sink in.

Do head over to any Biotherm counters near you to try out the new Blue Smart Skin Analysis device and get a glimpse on how your skin is inside out.

For more information about BIOTHERM, visit www.biotherm.com

The post Introducing The New Biotherm Blue Smart: Transforming and Revolutionize Skin Analysis appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Toner, or some company refer as lotion is generally used after cleansing but before applying moisturizer. This step is crucial as it act as a bridge between the cleanser and moisturizer. Many would skip this step thinking it is unnecessary or not important, just like how some people would skip eye cream, which they deemed as unimportant as well. I was one of the many a few years ago. I would skip toner but not my eye cream because I learnt about a simple fact on using a proper eye cream than relying on face moisturizer as an eye cream. Anyhow that is a totally different topic

Today I’m going to talk about the basic of skin toner. I’m not going into extreme detail i.e. astringents, floral water, fresheners, herbal toner and so on. I’m going to cover the few different types of toner in basic. This is what you should know at least. I remember a few years ago I would skip toner because no BA would tell me toner is equally important in a skin care regime. They would tell me I can skip it as it doesn’t do anything to the skin. There are so many different types of toner or lotion available in the market. Do you know which one you need?

The importance of toner

Toner act as a double cleansing after cleanser. It will help to lift away any dirt and residue left that your cleanser weren’t able to and also wipe away any cleanser residue from the face. That’s not all. A toner also helps to tone your skin (most toner do) and rebalance the skin pH. There are two types of toner – with alcohol and without alcohol. Interestingly, toner can be applied onto the skin using a few method – with cotton pad, misting onto the face or use as a facial mask by soaking a dry cotton mask sheet. Back in those days, I was told that toner will help to shrink the pores. I find that this point does nothing for me at all. So, to attest if a toner help in pore shrinking or not is up to your skin. It may or may not work for you.

Traditional Toner

Suitable For: All skin type. Do look out for “alcohol” in the ingredient list if you are allergy to it.
Recommended Product: Yadah Pure Green Toner, Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion, Biotherm PUREFECT Skin Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner.

The most basic and conventional toner is the normal toner that we all know since many many years ago. Usually when you shop for skin care, the sales girl would recommend the matching toner to go with. Toner can be from the same category i.e. hydrating but I say it’s not necessary. It’s just like hair care. If you suffer from two or more skin concern, you can mix and match the category regardless from the same brand or not for even more efficacy, although I would highly recommended getting from the same brand as your cleanser and moisturizer. Toner is usually in a clear, colorless, watery consistency. Some is slightly with fragrance scent while some is over the top. My favourite toner is always the one that doesn’t have a specific function to it, but a little hydrating won’t hurt . My current favourite is none other than Yadah Pure Green Toner. It is the PERFECT everyday toner that is neither a whitening, brightening, anti-blemish or oil control. It is said to be a hydrating toner that soothe and soften the skin but it’s not heavy or oily on the skin, just the way I like. It definitely feels just like a normal toner.

Essence-in-Lotion

Suitable For: All skin type.
Recommended Product: Estée Lauder Micro Essence, ZA True White EX Essence Lotion, Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion.

Beginning last year we witness the growth and demand in having a 2-in-1 lotion product that work as a toner and essence at the same time. Let’s face it. No one have the time to sit down and pat a few different products every day and night due to our hectic and busy lifestyle. I do and I enjoyed it but not everyone think the same as I did. As a convenient alternative to consumer, many company race in the olympic of essence-in-lotion race and came up with their version of treatment lotion aka essence-in-lotion. With this, you can skip toner and essence altogether as both product is already combined into one bottle. So how to choose which is which? Easy. My advice has always been “think of what your skin concern is and what you need”. My favourite is Estée Lauder Micro Essence and ZA True White EX Essence Lotion. Estée Lauder’s Micro Essence is actually a treatment lotion that is recommended to use together with Advanced Night Repair. When it is used alone, it act more of a normal toner without any obvious result except for waking up with well-hydrated skin. But when used with Advanced Night Repair, the result is a rosy, glowing skin! Now, ZA True White EX Essence Lotion is equally interesting. It is not a 2-in-1 product but a 3-in-1 product – lotion, essence and emulsion. This product is mainly for dark spots and evening out skin tone. I like it for it’s 3-in-1 whitening benefits.

Exfoliating Lotion

Suitable For: All skin type, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
Recommended Product: Clarins White Plus HP Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel, Hada Labo Mild Peeling Lotion.

As I like to scrub my face, I was recommended to use a “peel” instead. I called it peel because the first ever exfoliating product that I used was from Clarins and they said it’s a gentle peel. It was later on when other company came out with similar product and named it as exfoliating lotion or peeling lotion. This is one confusing product for many people mainly due to its function and liquidy texture. I too asked the same as I was told it is a “scrub”. To not further confuse you, an exfoliating lotion is actually a lotion that is also with gentle peel/scrub properties. What it does is that it tones and remove dead skin layers from the skin surface without the conventional harsh scrubbing. Isn’t it a perfect combination and to pair exfoliating with toner is brilliant! There are a small majority people that suffer from sensitive skin that they are unable to use conventional facial scrub. But if you do not remove the dead skin layer from the skin, skin care applied on will not be able to penetrate into the skin. This is where exfoliating lotion came in to save the day! This can be used as a weekly treatment or if you skin can take it, use it daily at night. It doesn’t sting the skin. All exfoliation is done without you even noticing. One thing that I don’t like about these type of lotion is that the consistency is more gluey and chunky than normal toner. It does hardens into jello around the cap and nozzle that never fail to send chill down my spine

Hope you find this 101 edition useful for you. No doubt there are so many types of toner / lotion in terms of function, texture, benefits and so on. What you need to do is to think of what exactly your skin need, for example brightening. Then from there you just need to pin point which brand and budget to go for and that’s it! . Until next 101, adios!

The post Toner 101: Types of Skin Toners appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

While I was composing product review for a new skin care range that I’m currently on, I feel the need to walk you through types of moisturizer and how to choose the right one for your skin type. Come to think of it, it will be a bit odd (for me) if I don’t start from the cleanser up to moisturizer. Being as random as I can be sometimes, this brings us to today’s topic – Facial Cleansers.

There are so many different type, brand, texture, function and benefits cleansers out there to choose from. Sometimes I can’t help but to wonder, is it really necessary to came out with so many type? I don’t usually go with a specific cleanser targeting a skin concern unless I have a severe breakout then only I’ll start searching for something to calm the breakout. Otherwise, I’m more into texture type of cleanser.

In today’s Cleanser 101, I’m going to walk you through basic types of cleanser for the last step in cleansing before toning. I’m also leaving makeup removers out of today’s topic because that’s going to be in another topic. Do bear in mind I’m only talking about some of the cleansers I have with me with what I think, there might be more cleanser out there and you may have different view than I do. But really, it used to be as simple as gel, self-foaming, milk and cream cleanser!

Gel Cleanser

Suitable For: Combination, oily and acne-prone skin.
Recommended Product: Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser, Biotherm PUREFECT SKIN Cleansing Gel, Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Daily Face Cleanser.

Several years ago, I was recommended to use gel-based cleanser as I have combination to oily skin. The right gel cleanser with the correct pH balance could be perfect for combination to oily skin users. Some gel cleanser doesn’t foams up a lot but they do provide decent amount of foam for cleansing action. I have been on and off gel cleanser because I’m not crazy over it. It does clean my face well but due to the fact that my face oils up faster than other people, I prefer cleanser that is “stronger” i.e. exfoliating cleanser. The gel-ish texture doesn’t give me the psychological peace of mind that my face is clean. For me, I feel that all skin type can use gel cleanser. Some people do feel it’s a tad bit too dry on them but that depends on which brand / type of gel cleanser. If you are looking into trying out gel cleanser, look for one that suit your skin type.

Cleansing Milk

Suitable For: Normal, dry and sensitive skin. Some cleansing milk is formulated for oily skin as well.
Recommended Product: Clarins Cleansing Milk With Gentian

I was debating with myself if I should include cleansing milk into this post because I use cleansing milk as my makeup remover, not as a form of cleanser. Typically, cleansing milk is meant for normal, dry and sensitive skin users as it’s a cleanser with moisturizing properties. It does not foams up at all. Some said it’s not suitable for combination or oily skin but I personally feel it is definitely suitable. As you know, some oily skin users are dehydrated on the inside so they need to hydrate their skin in order to control sebum secretion. You also need to be careful not to stripped of the skin’s natural oils therefore cleansing milk is the way to go. I was told to incorporate cleansing milk as the first part of my cleansing routine because of this reason. However, it can be too tacky thereafter so I would need to double cleanse. Dry skin user may find this step not necessary. I say follow what your skin tells you. If you feel your skin is clean and happily hydrated, just skip the 2nd cleansing step.

Self-Foaming Cleanser

Suitable For: Normal, combination and oily. Dry, very dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin will need to beware.
Recommended Product: SENKA Speedy Perfect Whip, Yadah Anti-Trouble Bubble Cleanser, Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Daily Face Wash.

Self-foaming cleanser has been a hit over recent years as it’s hassle-free, time-saving and environmental friendly as you use lesser water to rinse. It can be quite fun and luxurious to use due to the ultra-smooth foams. I wouldn’t recommend this to very dry skin users because the foam can (some don’t) dry your skin out. I think it all lies down to how long you left the cleanser on the face. I would suggest to quickly cleanse and rinse to prevent dryness. I personally didn’t encounter any dryness nor has it stripped off the natural oil from my skin. I actually kinda like the squeakily clean feel after rinsing.

Exfoliating Cleanser

Suitable For: All skin type, except for sensitive and very dry skin.
Recommended Product: Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser With Orange Extract.

My favourite cleanser of all time is some sort of 3-in-1 cleanser whereas it removes makeup thoroughly, cleanse and exfoliate at the same time. I call this my lazy cleanser. This type of cleanser is one of the best to use because it really do removes makeup completely and cleanse at the same time. The exfoliating beads is not too harsh on the skin thanks to the cream cleanser. Depending on the brand and type, some cannot be use daily. So far I’ve only tried one brand and it can be use daily. I have nothing else to say about exfoliating cleanser but everyone should give it a shot. Oh and this is also suitable for all skin type, even dry skin. A few of my friends that have dry skin said this cleanser suits them well. If you have very dry skin, you should avoid any form of exfoliating products.

Multi-Task Cleanser

Suitable For: All skin type.
Recommended Product: Philosophy 3-In-1 Cleanser For Face and Eyes.

A multi-task cleanser is an all-round removes makeup, cleanse, tone and hydrate product. It’s similar to exfoliating cleanser except that this one includes toning action and without exfoliating beads. What this means is you can skip your toner after using the cleanser. I like to use this when I don’t have heavy makeup on and when I’m in a rush. It may look like a lotion cleanser but it lathers well and does a great job in cleansing. It is somewhat a light cleanser but extremely hydrating on the skin. You can also use this on bare face itself. Not necessary when you have makeup on. However do bear in mind not all multi-task cleanser available in the market are formulated and made to be same.

Foaming Cleanser

Suitable For: Combination and oily skin.
Recommended Product: Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser With Cottonseed, Hada Labo Fash Wash, Oxy Deep Cleansing Wash, Oxy Anti-Blackhead Wash.

The most common and popular cleanser of all time is foaming cleanser. Foaming cleanser may be too drying for dry to very dry skin users so combination and oily skin tend to have better luck with foaming cleanser because it is made to deep cleanse, removing dirt, sweat, sebum, bacteria and moisturizes the skin. Usually this type of cleanser lathers very well so you only need a small pea size each use. One tube of cleanser could last you for months!  Some foaming cleanser are infused with oils or other emollients but these ingredients may not strip the natural face oil from the skin. There are tons of different types of foaming cleanser available. Choose the right one according to your budget and needs.

Hope you enjoy today’s feature on Cleanser 101. I do apologize if there is any shortcoming with the feature as it’s a last minute decision to do this post. These are just the basic types of cleanser that I’ve used personally. It can be quite confusing shopping for cleanser because there are just too many types out there. All you need to remember is to choose either gel, milk, self-foaming, multi-task or the conventional foaming cleanser. Then from there it should be easier for you to choose the specific targeting cleanser that you need.

The post Cleanser 101: Types of Facial Cleansers appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Last month’s local magazine has been keeping me busy and I thought boy, that was such a good GWP magazine edition. None prepared me for this!

It all happen yesterday during lunch time. My colleague told me that one of her friend posted a picture on CLEO Collector’s Edition January 2014 that comes with a set of Biotherm skin care worth RM200. So three of us (2 girls and 1 guy) hopped into my car and I opted to go to the nearest Borders outlet and that’s at Tropicana City Mall.

CLEO Collector’s Edition January 2014 is a limited edition magazine collaboration in conjunction with the magazine’s new look. There are ample supply of stocks right at the entrance of Borders Tropicana City Mall. The picture taken at the store doesn’t justify the stock level but trust me, it’s a few layer stacked up. I notice that most people will just stand in front of the magazine, stared at it and walk away without buying any. I’m curious why lol.

Each CLEO Collector’s Edition January 2014 cost RM30. Initially I bought three copies using my colleague’s Borders member card which entitled for a 5% discount, making the total RM28.50 per copy only. After making payment, I opened up a copy to see the size of the Biotherm products and if I remember correctly, I saw this set selling at the counter before and I nearly bought a set after trying the trial kit prior. So I bought another two copies

Inside the Biotherm PURE.FECT SKIN PureTRIO 123 set, there are three products included. One full size and the other two is miniature.

• PURE.FECT SKIN Anti-Shine Purifying Cleansing Gel 50ml (Full size is 125ml for RM90)
• PURE.FECT SKIN Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner 125ml (Full size is 200ml for RM90)
• PURE.FECT SKIN Pure Skin Effect Hydrating Gel 50ml FULL SIZE worth RM100

One thing to note is the manufacturing date. Of all five sets I have, only one set is manufactured in 02/2011. I was pretty disappointed at first as we are entering 2014 already which means the product shelf life could have expired. Then I decided to run through the embossed batch code with checkcosmectics.com and I was surprised to find that the products are all manufactured in January 2012! I’ll make sure I run a checking on all products tomorrow just to double confirm.

The magazine also comes with a Limited Edition CLEO Clutch Diary. It’s hidden inside the magazine and the magazine itself is all wrapped up in a plastic which are inside the box so there’s no way you can see which design is included. But overall there’s just three design

Another surprise I found inside the magazine is a piece of Bioré Cleansing Strips Pore Pack and a sachet of Olay Aquaction Deep Hydrating Gel 2g. Although I bought five copies, sadly one of the magazine doesn’t have both of the sample. They must have missed the gluing process.

The magazine itself also comes with a redemption card for the new Aupres Aqua Active Sleeping Mask EX which was launched not too long ago. Kinda happy to see this as I missed the launch event due to work. I get to try this in a way

That’s all from me tonight. Just a quick shout out on this awesome CLEO Collector’s Edition January 2014. The last I check is there’s about 4 copies left at Kinokuniya this morning. So do try other places that are listed below.

Kinokuniya, Times BSC, Times Pavilion, Times Sri Hartamas, Times Sunway Giza, Borders Gardens, Borders Tropicana City Mall, Borders BVII, and Borders Curve.

The post CLEO Collector’s Edition January 2014 appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona