Recently I had a bad breakout. I’m still breaking out till to this day, can you believe it? This has got to be my longest, most miserable breakout of all these years. So I took a drastic change with my skincare routine. Because I have not had breakout like this for years, I was actually clueless as to what to do.

The first thing I did was to stop everything I was using and re-plan my new skincare routine. The key is to go back to basic. But what? I start from the cleanser and move upwards. And these are what I had come out with.

Day time routine

To me day time was the easiest to plan. I don’t really pile up a lot of skincare products as I was before. So it was just cleanser, toner, eye care, beauty oil, moisturizer and sunscreen.

Cleanser – Neal’s Yard Remedies Deliciously Ella Rose, Lime & Cucumber Facial Wash
This one is easy. It is my existing cleanser and I’m ran out as I’m typing this. It’s very mild, doesn’t foam up a lot but does a good job in cleansing the face.

Lotion – Estée Lauder Micro Essence
Micro Essence is actually my night time toner and I’m also using it in the day time. When used along with ANR, the result is amazing. Alone on itself it is just any other lotion, only more sticky and moisturizing lol.

Eye Care – Clarins Enchancing Eye Lift Serum
I’m trying to get through this as this eye serum is not enough when used alone. As it is a serum, it is recommended to use alongside an eye cream. You know me, I’m lazy these days

Beauty Oil – Trilogy No. 15 Limited Edition Beauty Oil
I should stop using this beauty oil as well and be on a super basic regimen but since I just started using it, I didn’t want to leave it alone. It’s harmless and such a waste if I stop using it so there you have it.

Moisturizer – Clarins White Plus Pure Translucency Brightening Emulsion
I have a theory with breakout. You MUST implement at least one whitening skincare in your skincare regimen so that the marks are easier to tone down or get rid off. I never ever ever go on with my day without any whitening product. I find that by using a whitening product, the marks are less red and heals faster

Sunscreen – Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
And of course, always end your day skincare routine with a sunscreen. I’m always on min SPF50. Nothing less. Recently I took out this Murad’s new sunscreen to use. It’s slightly tinted and heavy on the skin. Not my favourite at the beginning but it grew on me. Now, I like how it makes my skin healthy.

Forea Luna Play Plus
This is a new toy I purchase recently from Sephora. I’m using it once a day aka in the morning after I woke up and it makes my skin so smooth and glowy. Weird. It works!

Night time routine

From cleanser to moisturizer there are only 6 products, same as the day time. I thought it’s more. Hmmm.

Cleanser – Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser
I really like self-foaming cleanser. Recent discovery and love is this one from Caudalie. Night time is the time I really indulge in my beauty routine. Even this cleanser which I’ve been saving is only meant for night time as I’m scared I ran out lol.

Eye Care – Clarins Enchancing Eye Lift Serum
Nothing different here compared to day time. Still the same product for the eyes but sometimes I do stray to others. Sometimes

Lotion – Estée Lauder Micro Essence
Same as day time, Micro Essence is the essential as I’m pairing it with ANR.

Serum – Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Now, this is the main key product in the whole Breakout Skincare Routine. As I was re-planning my entire skincare routine, I was thinking hard on one product that can help with skin rejuvenation. I mean, most of the anti-aging products claimed to be one but I only knew ANR would work and worked before. So I bust into a brand new Limited Edition Golden ANR bottle from the Monkey year. Nothing feels as good as a brand new bottle of ANR haha.

Beauty Oil – Trilogy No. 15 Limited Edition Beauty Oil
Because I was using this beauty oil in the day, why not continue at night as well? Plus I feel more moisturized if I had this on to sleep.

Moisturizer – L’Occitane Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream
Like I said, I must have at least one whitening product to reduce acne marks and to accelerate the healing process. This cream is potent! It’s not drying for the skin and does a good job. I still do ended up with breakout marks but I believe it will be gone in no time with continuous use of this cream. I’m left with just a medium blob. Hope it will last me lol.

Treatment

On every alternate days, I would be putting one some kind of mask. The only I can’t stop using is the L’Oreal Pure Clay Mask Anti-Pores. I don’t care what people say about PRC made or UK made. This is what I can get in Malaysia and that’s what I’ll be using. Other masks on rotation are REN Evercalm™ Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask (review here) which works in calming down the skin or redness,Dr. Brand Magnetight Skin Recharging Magnet Mask (review here) to suck out all the impurities from the pores, and hella lots of sheet mask. The one I’m currently using are of course from my LoveFace X #IWillBeOkay collaboration box

Tell me, what do you do when you have breakout? Do you stop using everything or do you go back to the basic 3-steps?

The post Breakout Skincare Routine appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Clarins is one of the brand that frequently reformulate their products at least once a year or maybe once every 2 years? However, their star product; Clarins Double Serum was last reformulated 5 years ago. Now, for someone who are constantly in the lab R&D-ing breaking scientific technology, that is very long. This brings us back to July 2017, where Clarins launched the 8th Generation of Double Serum. I was one of the privileged media to be invited for an interview session with Marie-Hélène Lair, Clarins Scientific Communication Director a day before the big launch event.

Why Clarins took 5 years to launch a reformulated Double Serum

According to Marie-Hélène, Clarins wouldn’t want to just launch a product for the sake of launching. Because Double Serum is one of the star product within the brand itself, they wanted to get everything right, test it out before launching and then only claim it to be the new version replacing the existing product. Another reason was because the 8th generation of Double Serum comes with a special “bottle in a bottle” packaging that took them so long to get everything right.

Double Serum has always known to be a product that has dual phase in a bottle and the bottle simultaneously will pump out two of the product at the same time with a different ratio. The new Double Serum now has the most powerful anti-ageing plant extracts that are either soluble in water or in oil. 2/3 of the formula contain water-based ingredients, while 1/3 of the formula is oil based. This particular ratio is to coincide with our skin’s hydrolipidic film. That is why Double Serum is easily absorbed in.

So what makes this 8th generation Double Serum new?

You will be sorry that you ask LOL because this new Double Serum are now enriched with a whopping 20+1 plant extracts. That’s right kids. TWENTY ONE! That is because Clarins finally found the main ingredient; Tumeric and others that are able to decode the language of youth that acts on signs of ageing. Now, I don’t know about you but that sounds a little too dramatic for me . But that is not all. Wait till you hear the other scientific discovery by Clarins. It will blow your socks off.

Double Serum claimed to decode your skin’s expression and listening. When I heard this I was like huh? It is said to better stimulate the skin’s 5 vital functions such as regeneration, oxygenation, nutrition, hydration and protection. Clarins explained that our skin’s cell actually have their own language. That, I do believe. And I also believe these cells communicate with each other. Double Serum targets the skin’s communication in order to boost the 5 vital functions of the skin.

“Bottle in a bottle” packaging

Let’s talk about one of the most high tech “bottle in a bottle” packaging for the 8th generation Double Serum. Clarins listened to its loyal users on how some people think a pump of Double Serum is too much on their skin. So, Clarins invited this BRILLIANT bottle packaging that has two different dosage pump. You may use any of the dose depending on your need and preference. If you think you need more at night time, use the bigger dose. I personally use the bigger dose as it is really not that much and I’m only using Double Serum at night.

The rich yellow serum you are looking at is the color from Tumeric. The skin’s cellular listening system, also known as lipid microdomains which aim cells to “hear” messages from their environment is made possible due to the new Tumeric Extract. Clarins discovered that this ingredient is high performance and it has high concentration of Turmerone. What it does is to target the cell’s lipid microdomains and preserve its listening ability, enhance its good cellular communication and the optimize the skin’s 5 vital functions’s proper functioning.

Here comes the good news. Previously many of you complained that Double Serum is too rich and too oily for the skin. Not all but certain users probably with oilier skin. That is because of the mineral oil in the formula. You don’t have to worry now because Clarins took away mineral oil from the formulation therefore this 8th generation of Double Serum is more light and less oilier than before. It was also my first impression upon testing the product out on the back of my hand during the interview session. It was lighter in consistency and much more less oilier. The scent remains the same. Phew! That was a relief as I do love the Double Serum scent. I would be crying if they change that. I asked Marie-Hélène about the scent and how it is possible for Clarins to preserve the most loved scent despite having Tumeric in the formula. She said Clarins work with a perfumer on the scent and so they are able to retain that peachy scent. She also added that most women love Double Serum scent and they do know it. And true enough, Clarins do listen to their loyal users.

At the interview session I wanted to see how oily is the new Double Serum so I did a small paper test. As you can see from the below diagram, it is definitely not oily and the oil layer doesn’t disburse away from its original place.

Is the 8th generation Double Serum a truly most powerful anti-ageing serum ever? The word “powerful” according to Marie-Hélène is within Clarins internally, not throughout the entire beauty industry. I like the 7th generation Double Serum and has gone through probably two bottles of it #notsponsored. I thought if my skin is able to take the previous Double Serum, I would definitely love this new Double Serum even more now that mineral oil was taken out from the formula. I was wrong.

A truly most powerful anti-ageing serum ever? My thoughts

You see, for some reason I had massive breakouts ever since I started using Double Serum. It took me a week to realized I wasn’t having hormonal breakout and something is wrong with my skincare routine. I’m bummed because before this my skin was at its best state. Now I have breakouts all over my face. It was easy for me to pin-point the fault because Double Serum was the one new skincare product I incorporated into my beauty regimen. Then I ran into another skin issue. Congested skin. I could literally feel tiny bumps all over my jawline. I was feeling so bummed out everytime I wash my face because I could feel the roughness from the tiny bumps. I stopped using Double Serum and the breakout subsided. But I wasn’t ready to give up. I restarted back with Double Serum and had even more breakout. Then I finally gave up. It has been a few days since I stopped and breakout stopped as well. I was ready to book myself a facial and get the beautician to squeeze the crap out of my face. Just a few days ago the sun was bright and I took my vanity mirror out to take a closer look at those annoying tiny bumps. What seems to be congested skin (white heads) has turned to tiny black heads. I managed to get rid of the gunk with my pimple popper tool. I can still feel a few more tiny bumps but since it hasn’t turn to black heads, there’s nothing I could do. Yes a facial appointment is definitely due.

I am just going to conclude that my skin is allergic to one of the ingredient. There are 20+1 ingredients in the Double Serum so don’t ask me which one as I wouldn’t know lol.

Disclaimer: Product was given to me at the media preview event. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post The 8th Generation Clarins Double Serum is so Powerful That it Gave Me Breakout and Congested Skin appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

You girls know I have a soft spot for Clarins. I have seen Clarins’ evolvement over the years from their packaging revolution to reformulation of their best products turning into great products, new technology and science, and now evolving from departmental store beauty counter to standalone retail kiosk. And you know what? Clarins World’s First Retail Kiosk at IOI City Mall is only 5-minutes away from me. How awesome is that? Pretty awesome if you ask me

I visit IOI City Mall almost every other day and I walk pass their newly opened retail kiosk all the time. They are strategically located in front of H&M. You won’t miss this bright kiosk in the middle of the walk way on the Ground Floor. They are on the same floor as every other beauty brand, which is a level where I named as the “beauty floor”.

So how big is Clarins world’s first retail kiosk at IOI City Mall? It is currently on a 600 square feet floor space. What makes this kiosk unique besides being a departmental store beauty counter all these while is that they are operating on a brand new retail concept of focusing on an immersive client experience of a 360-approach to beauty. Everything of this new kiosk are designed by the in-house team from Paris. The aim is to be Clarins fans retail destination for a full range of skincare, makeup, body as well as men’s products.

And yes, Clarins make up IS BACK! I’ve already eyeing on a lot of products to buy. Slowly, now it’s in my wish list.

In fact I am quite amazed that Clarins had the first retail kiosk in Malaysia, not their home country France, not Singapore but our country Malaysia. Clarins has been listening to their customers over the years and thus born the idea of coming up with a new retail concept. Clarins wanted their customers to feel comfortable as if they are at home and pampering them. This kiosk will enable Clarins Beauty Advisors to dedicatedly finding suitable products for each customers, while making sure the customer’s visit is a fun experience.

So, what’s new? It is a digitally-integrated kiosk that offers a variety of services. It utilizes three major innovative experiential ideas to enable customers to choose and sample products easily in a sophisticated setting “It’s all about you” shopping journey.

Exclusive Open Spa Concept

Rather than having a full on facial of 90-minutes at Clarins beauty counter or skin spa, there is a new and exclusive 30-minutes facial spa concept featuring result-oriented facials tailored for both men and women with personalized skin consultations, merging Clarins’ trusted spa techniques with innovative formulas.

I have friends already telling me how insecure they feel with “open spa” concept but let me assure you the name “open” doesn’t mean you are having your facial openly in the public. It is all covered as you can see from below photo and are totally private. Personally I am okay with the way they setup their facial spa at the kiosk.

For just RM88, customers can choose the below facial treatments:

• Bye Dry Skin – hydration
• Youth Express – firmer facial features
• SOS Detox – radiance
• Eye Must – smoother, younger-looking eyes
• Men’s Skin Fit – vitality and tone
• Say ‘No’ To Tension – ease tight muscles
• SOS V-Shape -refined, lifted facial contours
• All about Brightening – restores brighter glow.

Other customers experience of a 360-approach to beauty includes:

Maternity Corner
A section for mom-to-be or new mom to discover a complete range of pregnancy care for pre-natal and post-natal.

Travel Zone
This is my favourite zone, where you can purchase travel size products by customizing a pouch with 4 products at only RM130.

Sample Wall
Who doesn’t love sampling, right? This is where customers pick and choose their samples upon completion of a skin check, including exclusive Skin Time providing step-by-step skin care coaching.

Gift Wrapping
A complimentary gift-wrapping service is provided to add an extra touch to your own purchase or a gift to your loved one.

Make-up Area
Customers can even get a complimentary makeup touch-ups or even a makeup demo and touch-ups are.

Love Wall
Clarins encourage customers to share their beauty secrets, views about the products or services by pasting an instant photo with messages on the Love Wall.

Recycling Bin
Previously recycling empties are available at Skin Spa. Now you can send back all your old empty bottles for recycling at Clarins retail kiosk. Materials such as plastics, paper and glass from your Clarins products are welcomed.

Experience the best of French beauty with Clarins
Established more than 60 years, Clarins is the European leader in skin care offering products that enhances the beauty of every woman.

Relaxing Lounge
I love this couch! This is a pretty relax and cozy lounge area for customers to sit and rest while browsing through a library of the Courtin-Clarins family books, available at the coffee table.

The post Clarins Opens World’s First Retail Kiosk at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Anti-aging skincare has got to be my favourite topic, well besides brightening/whitening of course . If you’re in your 20s and you think “I’m too early to read all that”, think again. When you’re in your 20s, you should already be on the anti-aging bandwagon. You start young, you look even younger as you age. It’s proven. I’m not even kidding!

Ahhh Clarins. If you’ve been following me since day 1 you already know Clarins is how I started beauty blogging. I bought and used too much Clarins product that I started talking about it. It wasn’t long after I started using Clarins products that I was introduced to Multi-Active. At that point of time Multi-Active was my anti-aging skincare regimen. Within a blink of an eye, Clarins Multi-Active today is now on its 5th generation. Clarins has always been the brand that conduct a lot of research on how the skin work deep inside and what plant extract that are the best to target the issue. These days we talk about the millenial and it is all about stressful lifestyle that surrounded us. And Clarins Research team discovered that these stressful lifestyle actually affected the key cell responsible for youthful skin named the Fibroblast – a cell that ensure that our skin stays smooth and toned. The solution? An amazing Teasel plant extract combined with cutting-edge technology to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, to boost radiance overall and to promote youthful-looking skin.

Clarins Laboratories also has a latest scientific advanced called the Cell Targeting System. What it does is that it has a high-tech encapsulation system and then it targets the devitalized fibroblast under attack thanks to ligands. The high-tech encapsulation system are only used exclusively in both Multi-Active Jour (day) and Nuit (night) range. This system placed Teasel Plant Extract, which was selected for its antioxidant and revitalizing properties and also its ability to act like an energizing battery at the heart of the skin.

To target fine lines, Multi-Active Jour and Nuit range are also infused with:

• Myrothamnus (daytime innovation): A South African plant with water stress survival capacity during the dry season to help absorb harmful effects of daily stress.
• Ginger Lily (night time innovation): To help compensate for harmful effects of late nights and interrupted sleep. It also has appearance of first lines corrective ability by stimulating the synthesis of collagen.

NEW Multi-Active Jour [Day] (RM295 / 50ml)

According to Clarins, the appearance of fine lines in daytime are a skin response to daily stress. It happened because of an overproduction of CRH hormone that has damaging effects on the skin’s youthful qualities. This is where Myrothamnus extract came in. It has a capacity to minimize daily stress impact on the skin.

The Jour routine caters to two different product skin class – Multi-Active Jour Emulsion (tall bottle) for Normal to Combination and Multi-Active Jour Cream (jar) for Normal to Dry. Both works and function the same, just different texture. Emulsion is obviously lighter texture so if you prefer a lighter product, the Emulsion would be your best choice.

I, however like the Cream version

NEW Multi-Active Nuit [Night] (RM310 / 50ml)

At the back of my head I remember that the Multi-Active Nuit was already launched some time ago as the color, texture and scent are all the same. Then only I remembered the ingredients changed lol. So yes, these are new alright

Different from day, the appearance of fine lines at night time are due to the skin fighting damages caused by stress by producing Melatonin, an antioxidant hormone. This regeneration process will be disrupted in the sleep cycle or reduced in the number of sleep hours. That is why sleeping early and sleeping well is important for the skin to regenerate itself. When this happens, lower amounts of hormone are secreted and damage linked to oxidation intensified. This is where Ginger Lily extract came in – to offset the lowering of antioxidant defences and to stimulate the collagen synthesis.

The Nuit range comes in two different product skin classes as well and both are in Cream form. The Multi-Active Nuit Cream for Normal to Combination is in a gel-cream texture, while the Multi-Active Nuit Cream Normal to Dry is in a cream texture.

Multi-Active Treatment Essence (RM200 / 200ml)

Not new but thought I would mention it here since I missed the launch last year . Last year Clarins launched a bunch of treatment essence product, each for different range. The Multi-Active range also has its own treatment essence and it is the one below.

And this is the whole Multi-Active skincare range!

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