Looking at the mirror, I realized that I’ve aged a lot. I have laugh lines (or the so-called crow’s feet) around my eyes. I have fine lines on my forehead and brown spots on my face. I’m so pathetic.

I’ve been fraught with oily and acne-prone skin since young. From my teenage years till early twenties, I had big, red and pus-filled pimples. I was skeptical about trying new products due to my sensitive skin. When I was studying in the university, I didn’t have much money to invest in good skincare products to treat my acne problem.

When I started my first job, I visited a dermatologist to treat my skin problem. I tried all sorts of acne-treatment, from Roaccutane to chemical peel and IPL. After a few years, I’ve finally grown out of this acne problem. I hated it so much, it was so depressing.

Well, that was the past. I hope that Little Edison will not inherit my acne-prone skin type. Daddy V has better complexion. He doesn’t even use a face wash and yet, he seldom have break-out. The world is so unfair.

Anyway, I’ll put a stop to acne problem here. It’s NOT what I’m going to talk about today. What I really want to talk about is collagen supplement.

So, what exactly is collagen? You may be wondering. Collagen is a protein and is found in all body parts including our skin. Together with soft keratin, the collagen and elastin fibers are responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin. It also helps in repair and regeneration, making the skin firm and supple.

As we age, our store of collagen starts to decrease and this leads to aging and accompanying wrinkles. Our face is not the only one impacted, but the skin on our body will gradually lose its elasticity too and presence of cellulite would be more visible. Our hair may start to lose its shine and elasticity. That is why I’m so keen to start my collagen supplement now.

The usual benchmark is 5,000mg of collagen daily. One tablespoon of Meiji’s Amino Collagen contains 5,000mg – it is just nice! Meiji’s Amino Collagen was one of the best-selling beauty and health products in Singapore last year. It is selling like hot cakes in Japan with 10 million cans since its introduction.

I bought this bundle pack at Watson’s last weekend. 1 can + 1 refill pack + 3 bottled drink at $119. I had my first try yesterday. I add one tablespoon of Amino Collagen into a glass of water. Then, I add one teaspoon of Manuka honey to sweeten it. I stir it gently until all the collagen and honey are fully dissolved.

Little Edison watched me as I gulped down my collagen drink. It tastes a bit funny though. Tonight, I’ll try to add it into fruit juice.

More about Meiji Amino Collagen coming up next week. Stay tuned! ?

 

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I’ve been using this cream for a month now, and here is my review ?

How I use this cream?

I use it as my night cream, replacing SK-II skin refining treatment. After face wash, I wipe my face with Beauty de Kose Ultimation Clear Softener, a fantastic product to prevent clogged pores. Then, I apply my toner and Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion. After the lotion dries up, I apply Vitacreme B12 as the final step.

The texture of this cream is very smooth and light. It is pink in color, and it has a light floral scent. Quite a pleasant smell, I would say. It works best when we massage the cream onto our face. I found the step-by-step massage technique from the internet to share with you.

This cream can also be used as day cream or make-up base. I tried using it during the day, but it tends to make my skin feels greasy after a few hours. Perhaps, it’s due to my oily skin. Thus, I stopped using it as day cream and I only use it at night.

After using this cream for the first week, I had a mini break-out! I spotted three zits near my chin area. I couldn’t be sure whether it is due to the cream or my menstruation. As a result, I stopped using it until my menstruation was over and the zits are cleared.

Two weeks later, I gave it a second try. This time, I only use it at night. I’ve been using it consistently as my night cream for one month now. I’m glad to say that I see visible improvement in skin smoothness, hydration and elasticity. Fine lines are gradually diminished too. It didn’t break me out this time.

I love the feeling after I wash my face in the morning. My skin feels so soft and dewy. It is a wonderful moisturizer, it really hydrates my skin. However, if I were to compare this cream to SK-II skin refining treatment, this cream doesn’t help much in shrinking my pores.

All in all, I feel that this Swiss product really worth a try. Considering the many benefits that it can offer, this cream is only priced at SGD40+. Very affordable. As I only use it once a day, one tube can lasts me for at least 4 months. I will continue to use it in long-term, hopefully I can see more dramatic improvements on my skin.

Note: If you missed out my earlier post on Vitacreme B12, please check it out HERE.

 

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When I read about this product for the first time in Cindy’s blog, I was so tempted to try it. But unfortunately, it was not available in Singapore at that time.

A week ago, I read about it again on Today newspaper. Hada Labo is launching its products in Singapore finally, and exclusively at Watsons stores. The name of the product that I’m interested is Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion. Wow, what a long name!

For a quick introduction, here are some quick facts about this renowned Japanese skincare brand:

1. Its star product, Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion, is so popular in Japan that a bottle is sold in every four seconds!

2. It is developed by Rhoto-Mentholatum, a pharmaceutical company that specializes in eye medication.

Here is how I use this lotion:

1. Sprinkle 3 – 4 drops onto my palm. Apply the lotion onto my face using my fingers (without using facial cotton). Some users reported that they only use 2 drops.

2. Gently pat my skin using the palms of my hands, starting from my cheeks, forehead, chin and finally my nose.

3. At this point, it does feel a little sticky (but not to worry).

4. Keep patting until the lotion is fully absorbed into the skin.

5. My skin feels so moisturized and dewy when the lotion is fully absorbed.

6. Follow-up with my moisturizer. Sometimes, I skip the moisturizer and I apply my make-up base straight away.

This product really promises an instantly hydrated, soft, supple and silky smooth skin. 

 Watch this short video for the application technique. Seriously, you really don’t have to slap your face so hard, like what the model did in the video. Just a light patting will do. The texture of this lotion is slightly viscous, not as watery as our toner. Thus, it takes a little while to dry completely on our skin.

Some users in the forum commented that they feel stickiness on their face during the application. Well, yes, it can be quite sticky when it is still wet. That’s why we need to pat in on our face so that it can be absorbed thoroughly. When it dries up, it feels just nice – not sticky anymore!

  • What’s good about this lotion? It has no additives, colorants, fragrance or mineral oil, it is very moisturizing and best of all, it is very affordable too ($22.90).
  • What’s not-so-good about this lotion? It takes a slightly longer time to absorb.

If you are keen to try, you can get your free samples HERE. For the complete range of products from Hada Labo, you can visit their official website HERE. For pricing information, please click HERE.

If you are already using this lotion, let me know how you feel about this product. I love to hear from you!

 

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Looking beautiful may just be a mouse-click away when we order our cosmetics and skincare products online. They are generally cheaper in price because the ‘product marketing’ costs are not passed down to the consumers. Quick, easy and lower prices – they are the distinct advantages of online shopping.

If I wish to buy any new cosmetics or skincare products, I will try them at the cosmetics counters in departmental stores and make my first purchase there. When I need to replenish my stocks, I’ll definitely buy them online since the prices are so much cheaper.

I get to know Beauty N Scent, an online retailer of designer perfumes, skincare and cosmetics, from the SingaporeMotherhood (SMH) forum. Their products are 100% genuine and they are purchased from local registered distributors. The prices are lower than departmental stores due to bulk buying and lower overhead costs.

I purchase most of my Kose and SK-II skincare products from Beauty N Scent. For instance, a 120ml of SK-II facial treatment cleanser is sold at just $55.50, as compared to $74.00 over the counters (we save $18.50!). I have the SK-II Crystal Club membership and I used to be crazy about earning points when I purchase the products from the counters. Soon, I realized that it’s even more worthwhile to have the dollar savings when I shop online. I pay lesser and I save the money, instead of points.

I’m now a regular customer of Beauty N Scent, and I must say that I’m really impressed by their prompt service. They provide free delivery for purchases above $150, otherwise a flat-rate of $4 will be charged. I usually receive my orders within 1 to 2 working days after payment is made. I really appreciate their thoughtfulness of giving away a free miniature perfume every time I make an order.

If you are concerned about the manufacturing dates of the products, you can check with them before ordering. I check the manufacturing dates every time I receive my orders. They are all within one year from the date of manufacture. Most of the international brands report the date of manufacture or expiration on their products. Thus, it is very easy to check.

Let’s check out Beauty N Scent now!

 

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Special thanks to SY for recommending this highly raved face cream in her blog recently. This face cream is called Vitacreme B12; it’s a product formulated in Switzerland and it has been raved in various Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese magazines. It gained popularity in 2007 when a Japanese celebrity featured it in her book, admitting that it’s her secret weapon for having young and beautiful skin.

SY also suggested that I can find this product from the oversea spree in SMH forum. I managed to find the spree organizer, who purchases this cream direct from UK at a price of $42.70 (including shipping). I couldn’t believe that the price is so affordable. However, I was a little late. The spree was closed by the time I saw it. Anyway, I sent an e-mail to her to try my luck. I was holding my breath and hoping that she’ll reply to me that she has excess stocks.

Much to my surprise, she really had an extra tube and she was willing to sell it to me. Without hesitation, I quickly transferred $42.70 into her bank account. One week later, Daddy V picked up a nicely-packed package in the postbox for me. I darted a glance at it, and it was my Vitacreme B12! I was overly-excited as I didn’t expect it to arrive so soon.

If you are wondering what the hype is about, let me furnish you with more information about this beauty cream -

It helps to regenerate, nourish and moisture skin tissues with its deep penetration capability. The benefits of this cream are as follow:

  • Stimulates renewal of skin cells
  • Hydrates and Softens skin tissues
  • Regains and Improves elasticity and firmness
  • Diminishes age lines and existing wrinkles
  • Helps to prevent premature wrinkles
  • Repairs and Rebalances the skin’s natural defense system
  • Relieves and Soothes chapped skin
  • Smoothes or Attenuates new or old scars

Sounds too good to be true but hey, it really worth a try since it is so inexpensive. This cream is recommended to be used as a night cream, but it may also be used as a day cream or make-up base.

I just started using this cream so I haven’t seen any significant results yet. The texture of this cream is very light and not oily at all. It has a light floral scent but I’m not too fond of its smell. I use it as my night cream, replacing my SK-II skin refining treatment. I apply it after my toner and SK-II facial treatment essence. I love the feeling after I wash my face the next morning, my pores appear smaller and my face is well moisturized.

For mothers who have your hands full looking after your kids, this is the perfect all-in-one cream that you can try. You can save lots of time by skipping your essence, serum, moisturizer and make-up base as this cream does them all.

Sshhhh, let me tell you a secret. This spree organizer (nick: Chubby Jan) in SMH forum may be ordering this cream again. Please check out her BP here.

More information available at these websites:

:)

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