I have a soft spot for facial cotton. Good, huge, fluffy and soft facial cotton. I used to buy RMK one a lot until I discovered this ALBION Japan Facial Cotton – L [Soft]. Goodbye RMK, Hello ALBION!

I went for the official launch of ALBION last year and went home with their iconic Skin Conditioner Essential along with other product. Then a few days later the product manager kindly mailed over a pack of ALBION Facial Cotton – L [Soft] because I was told I could benefit the full effect of using Skin Conditioner Essential with the facial cotton. I finished the whole pack and I have bought another one since . It is only these few days I restarted the ALBION 2-step skin toning, and hence restarted using this ALBION Facial Cotton – L [Soft]. Yes, I stopped this routine a few months ago to try other products. Then I remembered how much I love this facial cotton and the ALBION products.

This pack of ALBION Facial Cotton – L [Soft] contain 120 sheets. It is a large-sized cotton pad made with 100% cotton. As you know, not many large size cotton pad out there especially good one. This cotton pad is thick and fluffy but incredibly durable.

This facial cotton is certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, an international standard regarding the material safety and quality of textile products. It measures at 8cm X 6cm, with 0.6mm thickness approximately. You can even tear this cotton pad up layer by layer. In total you will get 5 thin layers, which would be great for masking purposes.

ALBION Facial Cotton – L [Soft] is made specifically for the use of its Skin Conditioner Essential. I’m sure you could also use this cotton pad for other toning products as I have done so too myself. However there is something different with using it with ALBION Skin Conditioner Essential. Usually I would soak up a large area in the middle of a cotton pad but you don’t need to do the same with this one. That would be too much product. Just a small 20 coin size will do. Because of its thickness, it soaks up more product than you think of.

What I really like about this cotton pad is that it makes my skin so moist and moisturized every time I run the cotton pad on my face. That effect I usually don’t get from using a normal cotton pad. With other facial cotton, the toner on the face will dries off in no time. This one, a total different story. It is so dense and well-made that it doesn’t roll up or break after a few second. I could keep going and going until I am satisfied lol. It’s expensive, so I’m making full use of it. After using ALBION Skin Conditioner Essential, I would follow up with Exage White Pure White Milk II. The skin feels amazingly soft and bouncy with this routine using Facial Cotton – L [Soft]

I can’t remember how much I paid for it as it has been quite some time. But if you are ever near Isetan KLCC or Isetan The Japan Store at Lot 10, do drop by the ALBION counter to check it out

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

The post The Thick and Fluffy but Incredibly Durable ALBION Facial Cotton – L [Soft] appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Phew! That’s a mouthful title for Shu Uemura‘s latest addition to the TSUYA Skin skincare series 

If you’re a fan of TSUYA Skin Youthful Radiance Generator, you won’t want to miss this one. Shu Uemura Malaysia will be launching two new product coming this September 2014 namely TSUYA Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion and Silk Supreme Crystallizer. This lotion and cotton pad will go hand in hand with Youthful Radiance Generator perfectly. And I have the opportunity to pamper my skin with the new product just a teeny weeny earlier before the actual public release date.

TSUYA Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion I, II, III (RM160 / 150ml)

Following the unprecedented success footstep of TSUYA Skin series as the ideal skin creator, the all-NEW TSUYA Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion is an addition to help in boosting the skin’s self-cleaning mechanism and draw out crystal clear skin from within. Lotion is widely used by the Japanese as in replacement with toner. Both are the same, unless stated the otherwise by certain brand or product.

Through the eyes of professionals, Shu Uemura make-up artists believe that cosmetic water is one of the most important elements for the quality of each individual skin canvas. It is crucial to have a fresh, water-filled touch and transparent looking skin in order to create a perfect makeup finish. With the same understanding on hand, Shu Uemura doesn’t just come out with one universal lotion for all skin type. Instead there is three different texture catering to different skin type.

• I – Fresh watery type for Oily Skin.
• II – Watery type for Normal to Dry Skin.
• III – Rich jelly type for Dry, Very Dry Skin.

My skin now is leaning towards Normal to Combination Skin. I still have the tendency to say I have Oily skin but after a quick assessment, I was told that I don’t have Oily skin. Which is quite true. I was slightly shiny that day so I thought my skin is back to oily lol. That explains why I was recommended to use texture #II.

Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion II is a watery lotion, just like any conventional toner available. It is not a bit sticky at all and absorbed into the skin immediately. It has a scent to it, which I don’t find unpleasant but it may be a tad bit too strong for those who are not into fragrance in skin care. Apart from that, my nose also picked up some slight alcohol scent. After a quick check with the ingredient list, the lotion indeed contain Alcohol Denat in it. I’m not sure if Alcohol Denat is the one that my nose detected though. Anyhow I wasn’t surprised at all because Alcohol Denat is an antimicrobial agent. It’s presence is to kill and to prevent or inhibit microorganisms growth and reproduction. Most importantly my skin doesn’t encounter any issue with the lotion and I’m happy with it.

Silk Supreme Crystallizer (RM30 / 45 sheets)

The second product that will be launched simultaneously with TSUYA Skin lotion is the Silk Supreme Crystallizer. Based on the name you would have thought it’s either a lotion or a serum isn’t it? But not this one. Silk Supreme Crystallizer is actually 100% pure silk and cotton lotion pads that are to be used together with TSUYA Skin Youth Crystal-Transparency Lotion.

TSUYA Skin lotion was created as an aid for the achievement of ideal skin texture, suppleness with a petal-soft, dewy touch as well as an ideal look that are boosted with transparency and healthy glow. So Silk Supreme Crystallizer is the perfect combination in order to achieve a beautiful makeup finish look the next day.

A box of Silk Supreme Crystallizer contain 45 sheets of dual-sided lotion pad. It is recommended to use the combo only once a day, that is incorporating into the night routine. As such, a box would last you for one and a half month with daily usage.

What’s special about this Silk Supreme Crystallizer is that it is an innovative dual-sided lotion pad. In the current expanding demand towards beauty products, there is still a restriction in getting our hands on such lotion pad. This would be my second so I was pretty thrilled to be able to find a similar version to what I’m currently using. If you ask me what’s the different between both, I would say this new one from Shu Uemura is quite good in terms of quality and it’s purpose. How is that so? Each Silk Supreme Crystallizer lotion pad comes with a side made of 100% pure silk and another side made of 100% pure cotton. It functions by introducing extraordinary smoothness while delivering moisture and suppleness to skin for the better foundation fit.

To use, I would pour a generous amount of TSUYA Skin lotion onto the pure silk (rougher) side. By generous I do mean accordingly to your skin type / face size / need. The lotion will take some time to soak into the pad due to the silk texture on the surface. This side of the lotion pad act as a gentle exfoliator and polish, lifting all the dirt, sebum and impurities away from the skin while gently purifying and smooth the skin. Don’t worry, it feels absolutely soft on the skin despite its purpose and there is absolutely no pain at all. I would recommended this to those who have thinner skin as you will be able to purify the skin without the harshness of normal facial scrub. For every other skin type, you will still need to continue with your weekly facial scrub treatment as this is not a deep cleansing scrub product that is meant to substitute your scrub. This only work on the surface of the skin.

After you are done with the gentle polishing step, turn the lotion pad over to the pure cotton (smoother) side. I would add more lotion to this side and gently pat upwards in small strokes to hydrate and refresh the skin. The patting motion will push the lotion to the skin. Remember to do it gently ya, not slapping your face heeeee

Now the question is, if I only need to use the TSUYA Skin lotion and lotion pad combo at night, what about day time? I say go with what your skin tells you to. Personally I find this lotion to be quite gentle on my skin so I’m also using it in the day time except that I’m using it with normal cotton pad. I never have much luck with tightening the large pores of mine so I didn’t pay much attention to the pathetic pores until two days ago. The pores on my inner cheeks is somewhat smoother after foundation (I used Shu Uemura’s upcoming The Lightbulb Oleo-Pact Foundation by the way) so I thought it could be the foundation itself but noooo. I’m holding a mirror now as I’m typing this out. My pores is relatively smaller even after I removed all my makeup. That’s not all. I do find foundation goes on less cakey now as my face is smoother. To be honest, this is not the cheapest lotion around so I was pleased with the result after diligently using it day and night for the past one and a half week. And since I’m using it generously day and night, I’ve already used up 20% of it in this short period of time. I believe I will hit the bottom of the bottle in no time

Here comes the ingredient list for both TSUYA Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion and Silk Supreme Crystallizer.

Coming up! Shu Uemura’s upcoming new cream to powder compact foundation, The Lightbulb Oleo-Pact Foundation review.

Disclaimer: Press sample.

The post NEW! Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion and Silk Supreme Crystallizer: Smoother skin with visibly smaller-looking pores appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Have you heard of the term “no makeup makeup”? No makeup makeup is pretty much self-explanatory but for those who is new to makeup, here’s my interpretation of the term no makeup makeup . No makeup makeup is where the makeup you applied on appear invisible or flawless and yet still flaunt your features and natural beauty. Usually a no makeup makeup look uses less product with mostly natural and light shades. As a matter of fact, I’ve been doing the no makeup makeup look daily for the past two weeks just for fun. Okay, now that you know what is no makeup makeup, this brings me to the product that I want to talk about today – a “no scrub scrub” Yadah Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush.

Let’s face it. Not everyone is born with smooth, flawless skin. I certainly don’t. But I don’t sit and blame for what’s already given to me. I like to search for ways and products to turn things for the better. Skin care had helped me with my skin a lot over the past few years, 3-years to be exact. My pores are easily congest with dirt, sebum/oil, makeup residue and even air pollutant too will cause blockage to the pores. I personally feel sebum and makeup residue is the biggest contributor to my clogged pores. That is why I like to use facial scrub and clay mask A LOT to get rid of congested skin problems such as blackheads and whiteheads.

I used to scrub my face three times in a week because my skin was that bad and I do see a difference when I do keep up with the routine. However as time goes by I notice that my skin is getting oilier. At my age, this can only mean one thing. I over-scrub my face! Holy moly Mother of God. So since end of 2013, I would only use facial scrub once every two weeks but of course that means I will see more blackheads and whiteheads. Then this came along

Introducing the NEW Yadah Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush. It looked like a shaving brush to me at first LOL. But nope. The bristles are thinner than hair and each brush consists of a whopping 350,000 of 0.045mm superfine fibres!

Yadah Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush comes in a palm-fit size, made from a smooth antibacterial hardwood for the handle which is shaped like a slanted tear drop shape with aluminium (I assume) ferrules that holds all the 350,000 superfine fibres bristles. The brush doesn’t came in such a fluffy shape actually. It’s more condensely shaped but once I’ve used it and dries it, the bristles are now in such a cute and fluffy shape. At the tip of the wooden handle, there is a rope for you to hang to dry after use.

I couldn’t stop touching and running my fingers across all the ultra-soft bristles the minute I took out the brush from its original box. I showed it to my mum and dad and both of them literally shocked with the softness that they keep asking me what is it for and why is it so soft .

The reason why the bristles are this superfine is to ensure each bristle are able to cleanse deep into pores effectively to eliminate dirt, makeup residues, blackheads and impurities. The softness of it will also enable a cleaner and silky smooth skin as well as to help reduce pore size. While the bristles lift up all the dirt and so on from deep inside the pores, it is also removing dead skin cells to revive the natural radiance of the skin.

I must admit, it took me quite a few usage to really get the grip of using the Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush to cleanse my face. I’m too used to conventional scrubbing that I wasn’t used to no scrub scrub face cleansing. I kept thinking maybe the cleanser is not enough or there wasn’t any cleanser on my face because I couldn’t feel anything at all. I’m not kidding. It is so soft that it feels like I wasn’t washing my own face. Cleanser foams up effortlessly with the use of this brush and the foams are smoother and finer too. Just one note, there’s no need to use too much cleanser. You’ll spend more time rinsing the brush clean later on

Here’s how I use it. Usually it’s on the whole face but for this review I’m going to just concentrate on the middle of my face because that’s where I have the most blackheads. Plus, the Before and After comparison would be more prominent . For this I would suggest to pair with Yadah Anti-Trouble Bubble Cleanser as it’s a pH-balanced cleanser to maintain the natural acidity and moisture level of the skin while fighting acne break-outs by cleaning deep into the pores and it contain natural salicylic acid from wintergreen leaves to regulate sebum/oil levels and to draw out impurities from pores. If you don’t have any, just pair with any anti-blackhead or deep cleansing cleanser will do.

Please ignore the eczema red patch on my right eyebrow. It’s itchy and I’ve been scratching non-stop lol.

And here’s the Before and After using Yadah Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush for just three times with a week gap between first and second use with third use. I hang the brush to dry in my room that why I’ve forgotten about it.

Notice how much clearer my nose is? Especially the middle part. I must have kept swirling the brush non-stop there

Yadah Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush would be a perfect alternative for dry skin to sensitive skin users that didn’t have the privilege to deep cleansing their skin before this. I do know quite a number of people who doesn’t like to use facial scrub or clay mask with the reason it’s too harsh or it’s too drying for their skin. This brush is a 2-in-1 brush that help to cleanse face as normal and to deep cleansing all the impurities from inside the pores. It is nothing like Clarisonic or Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System or even the latest gadget from Mary Kay. This one uses manual hand movement (good for biceps), mild on the skin and most importantly it works just as claimed. I did went gaga over this brush when I first lay my eyes on it because (1) I’ve never seen any pore cleansing brush before and (2) it’s uber cute.

What do you think about this Yadah Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush? I would love to hear your thoughts on it

Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review consideration. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post Yadah Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush: The no scrub, scrub way to clean clogged pores appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

When Clarisonic first came into the beauty world, everyone went crazy. For the first few years we here at Malaysia doesn’t have the luxury to purchase it off the store so many travel oversea for holiday and brought back. Back then I have no idea what was they hype all about. I mean it’s only for cleansing the face. I don’t get what’s the hoo haa about. To spend close to RM600 for a device to clean the face? Not for me. No way I’m going to spend that much on a hand-held device to wash my face. The best part is after reading all the redness and breakout from using Clarisonic, people still go continue to go crazy.

Ever since my skin allergy attack I have to be careful with what I use on my face. No doubt there has been quite a few cleansing device that is available in the market but there is one particular that I am interested with. I don’t just settle with any XXX brand device. I’m more intrigued with Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System.

When I first heard about this Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System, I went blank a while trying to think if Olay Malaysia launched it that I’m not aware of. Silly me. I then realized that this is not sold in any physical pharmacy store in Malaysia. In fact you can only get it from an online store, particularly from Supermodel’s Secrets Beauty Store that order the devices directly from USA. Most of their beauty products are imported from oversea

Olay is the first skincare that I used when I was still in high school. Those days it is a famous and reliable brand and still is to date. You can never go wrong with Olay what more Olay Professional.

This intelligent face cleansing device is designed by a team of dermatologists along with Olay. The Advanced Cleansing System is as effective as a system sold by skin professionals for nearly USD200. The Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System is professionally and clinically designed to cleanse 6 times better and also sets your skin up for supersonic anti-aging moisturization.

All you need to know info related to the Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System is strategically written all over the box. It is available in 2 language so do read carefully one by one just so you don’t miss any info. I am not someone that like to read what’s on the box. Yea I’m the rebellious one. Normally I’ll use it first, then read if something went wrong lol! Please don’t follow my bad habit. Always read

The back of the box which is the white part is more about the info on the device such as what it is, what benefit it can bring to your skin, how to operate the device and what are the item that is included in the box.

On the side is where you should read before using the device. This part is more of a usage instruction. As I said before I used the device before reading and I was somehow feeling weird that the cleanser didn’t foam up much. Then I realized I should also dampen the brush and not just face alone. See! That’s for being rebellious on not reading before using

Here is what you should be getting in a box of Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System.

(1) One 2-speed device
(2) One brush head
(3) One trial size Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser 20ml
(4) Two AA batteries

I’m actually happy to see the two AA battery that was included in the box. Normally I don’t get that in any product that I bought. So there is no fumbling looking for battery in the house

Before operating the device, there is one tiny small preparation to do like inserting the two AA batteries into the device and plug in the brush head. You will know that the brush head is plugged in correctly by a sturdy “click” sound. The battery cover can be very hard to be removed. Just wiggle a bit and pull.

Operating the Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System is quite simple actually. There is only 2 button on the device. Just two. The top button is the ON/OFF Button while the bottom one is the 2-Speed Control Button, where you control the brush spinning speed.

Each box set of Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System also comes with a trial size 20ml of Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser. This 20ml lasts quite long on me despite using a generous amount on numerous times

Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser is designed to purify and renew skin to refreshed smoothness. It is basically scentless. It is an exfoliator as well as a cleanser at the same time. It contain tiny beads that is not harsh on the skin as the gel cleanser is more dominating than the scrub beads.

To use this efficiently and properly, just dampen your face, apply and massage onto the face. Remember to wet the brush head before using the Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System in order for the cleanser to work properly.

I love the 2-speed brush function. I must admit I’m always on the fast mode. Impatient me :P. When I do have more time to pamper my face, I will use the slow speed and massage slowly, taking my sweet time. Eventhough so, it is not recommended to over cleanse your face. It is stated to use it only for approximately 60 seconds but you know me…I always go beyond what was stated lol. So far so good.

As this would be my first ever face cleansing device and also my first time using it, I wasn’t used to the whole spinning brush on my face on day one. I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I move around or should I hold still? I tried holding still but it is just so weird. Then I tried moving the device around my face and that’s it. I finally get it. Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System is battery operated so it is safe to use in the shower.

I don’t use this Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System everyday. I would prefer to use it once every two days to let my skin rest and have enough time to rejuvenate in between each usage. I sounded as if the device is harsh but it is the most gentle I ever heard and tried. I always felt that my pores are dirty maybe because I have larger pore than everybody else. After a good few usage of Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System, I actually felt my skin is more cleaner and it does help with the absorbant of the skincare I used as this clean 6-times better than normal hand washing.

I don’t normally show you my bare face especially during cleansing but just for you, just because I am more confident with my face now especially that I do love this Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System and how my skin benefited from using it…I’ve posted up a video below on how I use the device to cleanse my face. Just half face only ok? Heee! You can see that my complexion is much more clearer. I do believe it’s the combination use of Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System with my regular skincare products. Now I understand what’s the hype! The bestest part is Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System is more affordable, gentle and doesn’t cause skin irritation or allergy.

Did you know that Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System is highly recommended by Taiwan’s entertainment beauty channel TV 女人我最大 Nu Ren Wo Zui Da too?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g1odWkwHMI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaPwZCVwR6o

Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review consideration. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post Review: Face Cleansing Will Never Be The Same Anymore With Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona