[BEAUTY PICKS] SEPHORA Natural Allure; Feel-Good Beauty Redefined

Hello everyone!

With sustainability becoming a global business trend, even the beauty and personal care industry has joined the growing green movement by incorporating natural ingredients in their products. This news comes as music to the ears of beauty enthusiasts afflicted with troubled skin like yours truly because not only do some of the synthetic cosmetic ingredients found in many products cause skin irritation and toxic reactions, they are also detrimental to our health if used on a long-term basis.

(Scroll to the bottom of this post for an exciting giveaway!)

This season, Sephora pays homage to Mother Nature with a bounty of skin-loving goodness inspired and powered by the very best of nature as they are filled with plant-based ingredients that are absolutely gentle on the skin!

An overview of my beauty picks from the Sephora Natural Allure range

An overview of my beauty picks from the Sephora Natural Allure range

Among the brands I will be featuring from this theme are a handful of new faces such as UK brand This Works and a new product from Fresh. The key natural ingredients for each product are denoted in teal.

new

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum

Inspired by the iconic cult-favourite Rose Face Mask, the new Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum is an expansion of the Rose skincare collection. This lightweight serum absorbs almost immediately and the hyaluronic acid, angelica leaf extract and porphyridium cruentum formula penetrates deeply to restore the skin’s natural glow.

The key natural ingredient in this face serum is rosewater, a venerable elixir suitable for all skin types which helps to maintain the skin’s pH balance and prevent excess sebum production. It can be used as a makeup base (but do allow some time for the skin to absorb the serum before applying your makeup) and the size of the bottle is small enough to be carried around all day.

RETAIL PRICE: S$88 in-stores and online

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep problems in Singapore as can be understood from a 2014 study which showed that we are among the cities in the world with the least hours of sleep. Considering how fast-paced and stressful life can be in these current times, it is almost inevitable not to be able to unwind at the end of the day. But not all hope is lost because with This Work’s Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, you will likely find yourself having better sleep or falling asleep faster as you inhale the invigorating yet soothing scent of a combination of three pure essential oils – lavender, vetiver and wild chamomile. To experience the wondrous effect of this spray, do ensure that you spritz it on a clean pillow case as you wouldn’t want such fragrance to blend with the intoxicating smell of your sweaty hair and saliva 😉

This natural alternative to prescription sleep aids calms and relaxes the mind and body while you have sweet dreams at night. Some health benefits of the key natural ingredient (lavender) include its ability to eliminate nervous tension and improving mood, thereby uplifting your spirits in the morning. If you’re still unsure of what to get for your insomniac father this Father’s Day, then look no further and get this in your shopping cart right now!

RETAIL PRICE: S$32 in-stores and online
(also comes in supersize 250ml at S$66)

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up

Freshen up your morning with This Works in Transit Camera Close-Up, an all-in-one product which works (no pun intended) as a leave-on mask, moisturiser and primer, to banish any signs of fatigue and make you look camera-ready in no time. It has creamy and slightly thick texture but does not leave a tacky or greasy finish. Instead, it leaves the skin feeling hydrated, supple and smooth. Smell-wise, it reminds me of clinical hand creams – no overpowering artificial fragrance whatsoever.

It contains hyaluronic acid and caffaine, combined with Bio Boost – a revolutionary blend of echium and sunflower oils that restores, heals and brightens and tightens the skin.  Echium is also known for its emollient qualities and anti-inflammatory effects, hence making it extremely suitable for eczema-prone skin. This product can be used daily or as a pick-me-up throughout the day to give your face a dewy appearance.

RETAIL PRICE: S$61 in-stores and online

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Estelle & Thild Biocleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask

Estelle & Thild Biocleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask

Estelle & Thild Biocleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask

Estelle & Thild Biocleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask

Estelle & Thild Biocleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask

This multitasking Biocleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask by Estelle & Thild promotes glowing skin as it protects the skin’s delicate natural moisture levels. On top of that, the natural bentonite clay of this certified organic mask draws out impurities and toxins and shrink your pores while the black elderflower decongests and detoxifies for a firmer and more radiant complexion.

This mask does not require a lot of your time as you would only need to let it sit on for five minutes before you can rinse it off with warm water. Given the minimal time needed, nobody would suspect a thing in the event that you feel like cleansing your face in the midst of your work!

RETAIL PRICE: S$57 in-stores and online

Erborian Yuza Doudoune for Hands

Erborian Yuza Doudoune for Hands

Erborian Yuza Doudoune for Hands

Looks are important, but so are our hands. We always shower our face with so much tender loving care and neglect the most valuable tool we have that is often overworked. Since our hands have fewer oil glands than the rest of our body, they are susceptible to drying out, especially in air-conditioned environment.

Application

Application

Prevent your hands from aging prematurely with the Erborian Yuza Doudoune for Hands which acts as an antioxidant barrier and powerful protective agent to reduce moisture loss. It keeps the hands soft and smooth with liquorice, yuzu peel extract and vitamin E and has a nice citrus scent. Yuzu, the key natural ingredient of this product, is also a good source of antioxidants that can help replenish dead skin cells.

RETAIL PRICE: S$17 in-stores only

REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel

REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel

REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel

Dehydrated skin is a common concern but one that is often mistaken to be solely caused by inadequate water intake. In fact, the issue may well be brought about by the use of soap as their high alkaline levels could damage the skin barrier function and allow greater water loss. The solution? Use soap-free products, of course, starting from the most sensitive part of our body – our face!

REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel is a soap-free facial cleansing gel that removes makeup, oil and pollution without the harsh effects of sulphates found in traditional cleansers. Formulated with aloe vera and rose otto oil for its therapeutic healing and regenerating qualities, this cleanser balances, tones, decongests and soothes the skin to promote healthy skin metabolism.

RETAIL PRICE: S$50 in-stores and online

June Jacobs Neroli Hydrating Mist

June Jacobs Neroli Hydrating Mist

June Jacobs Neroli Hydrating Mist

Seal

Seal

June Jacobs Neroli Hydrating Mist

June Jacobs Neroli Hydrating Mist

Every office desk needs a pick-me-up to get you through the work day. June Jacobs Neroli Hydrating Mist does just that by providing a surge of moisture to refresh your skin. It contains bitter orange from the south of France to calm the over-active production of sebum especially on oily and acne-prone skin. Other ingredients such as neroli oil and a powerful patent-pending blend of tea extracts revitalise the skin and stimulate cell regeneration to combat the visible signs of aging.

RETAIL PRICE: S$74 in-stores and online

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydrating Nourishing Facial Water

Burt's Bees Intense Hydrating Nourishing Facial Water

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydrating Nourishing Facial Water

In the heat of everlasting summer in Singapore, one can never have too many moisturisers. Infused with clary sage to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation, Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Nourishing Facial Water is a toner that replenishes your skin’s natural moisture. Applied using hands or cotton pads, it absorbs into the skin readily and leaves a visibly softer and smoother appearance.

I unfortunately didn’t find the smell all that pleasant. It actually reminds me of the chemical-ish smell of unscented lipsticks, though not that strong. But then again, it could just be me so do pop by Sephora to have a whiff of it 🙂

RETAIL PRICE: S$30 in-stores only

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet (S$46)

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

Illustrated instructions within the box

Illustrated instructions within the box

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

Everything about this moisturiser – down right to the lovely baby pink packaging (I’m not ashamed to admit that I love everything pink, heh) – is just so noteworthy! Formulated with advanced skincare technology, this gel-cream transforms into a liquid on contact with the skin just like a sorbet.

Application

Application

For those who are not familiar with Caudalie, it is one of the few beauty companies to harness the properties of grape seed into their formulas to maximise anti-aging properties. Suitable for dehydrated and sensitive skin, this sweet-scented moisturiser contains both merlot (a kind of grape used for making red wines) and muscat grapes from the south of France which integrate to create the key natural ingredient: Organic Grape water®. It increases skin hydration levels by 127% with each application and together with other natural ingredients such as chamomile, this moisturiser soothes skin and reduces redness.

Retail price: S$46 in-stores and online

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit - #1 Cleansing Milk

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit – #1 Cleansing Milk

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit - #2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit – #2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit - #3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit – #3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit - #4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion

Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit – #4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion

Gear up for your upcoming vacay with Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit! This travel kit contains all four of Edible Beauty’s core products and covers all your skincare needs on-the-go.

Perfect for any climate around the globe (save for the extreme ones, of course), No. 1 Belle Frais Cleanser cleanses and purifies the skin with coconut oil during winter while No. 2 Citrus Rhapsody Tonique refreshes the skin with a unique blend of antioxidant rich fruits and herbs to protect you against the sun when you hit the beach. No. 3 Exotic Goddess Angeless Serum increases the skin’s elasticity with Edelweiss and No. 4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion hydrates with cocoa butter extracted from the cocoa bean when the air turns dry and colder in autumn. These portable skin-lovin’ goodies may merely occupy 1/8 of your luggage space but they will definitely be your go-to items to keep your skin in tip-top condition!

Retail price: S$73 online only

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Dying to get something listed above but have already emptied your bank account for your summer holiday? Here’s your chance to lay claim to one of the coveted products above because I’m about to throw a…

1 MILLION MILESTONE GIVEAWAY

WOOHOO!! That’s right! This site has recently passed the one million mark in visits! I wouldn’t have gotten this far without your support 🙂 In celebration of this huge milestone and as a gesture of appreciation to everyone who has supported this blog, I would like to reward one reader with an Edible Beauty On The Fly Travel Kit worth S$73 (as featured above) to prep you for your next holiday!

To win, simply follow these steps:

(don’t worry, nothing too burdensome if you’re already following my social media accounts!)

1. Like my Facebook page here
2. Follow me on Instagram here
3. Comment on this post what you like about fionaseah.com or what you would like to see more on this blog! 🙂 This is for me to know your interests better! It can be related to any category I’ve covered on this blog
4. Remember to leave your e-mail address for me to reach you if you win

And guess what? This contest is open internationally because how could I forget about my foreign readers? You guys are equally awesome! Postage will be fully borne by yours truly so all you need to do is sit back and wait for the parcel to arrive at your doorstep! 🙂 It’s that simple!

Contest ends 24 June 2016 and the winner will be notified by 26 June 2016 (GMT+8). More giveaways (lipsticks included… yup) will be coming your way to mark this significant milestone so stay tuned! 🙂

Contest has ended! Thank you for your participation! 🙂

Thanks for reading, lovelies! And good luck!

find out which other products made it to the ‘green’ list! SEPHORA Natural Allure is now available online and/or at all Sephora stores in Singapore.
DISCLAIMER: PRODUCTS FEATURED were sent to me for review purposes with information provided by sephora BUT OPINIONS, AS ALWAYS, ARE MY OWN.

[NEW] REVIEW: shu uemura Skin Purifier Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil

Hello everyone!

Following the introduction of the Anti/Oxi Skin Refining cleansing oil in 2013, shu umera has been making further improvements to the formula to combat against rising threats to the skin. With the haze becoming a frequent occurrence in Singapore, they have empowered their latest anti-pollution breakthrough, Anti/Oxi+, with the new green trio – papaya extract, moringa extract and green tea extract – to remove pollutants including PM2.5 from the skin.

Special thanks to shu uemura for gifting me these lovely eclairs (baked by Two Bakers), modelled after 6 of their best sellers! They are DELISH.

Special thanks to shu uemura for gifting me these lovely eclairs (baked by Two Bakers), modelled after 6 of their best sellers! They are DELISH.

PM2.5 refers to air pollution particles that have a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers, which is about 3% the diameter of human hair and therefore allowing them to penetrate the skin and bring about the acceleration of skin ageing. This can be prevented with moringa extract, a nutrient-rich herb known for its incredible purifying power with a mechanism similar to that of water purification plants. Besides capturing and clearing away harmful pollutants, moringa extract also counteracts oxidative stress and the effects of free radicals.

shu uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollution & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil (150ml)

shu uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollution & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil (150ml)

Product close-up

Product close-up

The ageing process of the skin can also be impeded with green tea and papaya extracts. I believe there needs no further explanation on the benefits of green tea but not many know that green papaya (unripe) is a great source of vitamin A. The enzyme papain in it also helps to break down inactive proteins and eliminate dead skin cells, thereby acting as a potent yet gentle natural exfoliator for the skin.

This revamped cleansing oil is set to be making its debut in Singapore tomorrow in replacement of the preceding formula.

Size of 150ml bottle

Size of 150ml bottle

As with other shu uemura cleansing oils, using this is straightforward and lazy-proof because it removes even the most stubborn makeup such as waterproof mascara and eyeliner (and now matte liquid lipsticks, maybe) with just a single wash. And the most amazing part? It does not loosen your lash glue, if you had eyelash extensions, that is!

Decided to do a trial run on my wrist with two new Velour Liquid Lipstick shades before removing my face makeup!

Decided to do a trial run on my wrist with two new Velour Liquid Lipstick shades before removing my face makeup!

Look how the cleansing oil emulsifies with the lipsticks!

Look how the cleansing oil emulsifies with the lipsticks!

Some of it instantly got washed away under the running tap

Some of it instantly got washed away under the running tap

After drying my wrist with a towel

After drying my wrist with a towel

Who would have thought that a simple activity like makeup removal would be so simple and beneficial to the skin? As much as I love putting on makeup, I cannot deny that removing it is a pain because they have been increasingly resistant to water and oil. Therefore, many a time I would nonchalantly head to town with my bare, unflattering face. But not anymore! 😀

As I had only used cleansing wipes all my life, I wasn’t quite fond of the idea of cleansing my face with my makeup on because the thought of messily smearing my face with dissolved makeup just grossed me out. But it really isn’t as bad as I had imagined. While most cleansing oils would only be effective with dry hands, this new Anti/Oxi+ can be used with wet hands because of the added water-swellable micelles. If this doesn’t make it extraordinarily easy to use, then I don’t know what is! In fact, I’ve began to enjoy the removal process so much that I actually look forward to removing my makeup now. Thick makeup don’t care  😆

Now, I'm about to use it on my made-up face..

Now, I’m about to use it on my made-up face..

Take about 2 pumps on the palm

Take about 2 pumps on the palm

(optional) Lather it on the palms

(optional) Lather it on the palms

Massage it gently across the face

Massage it gently across the face

Notice that my lipstick has started to fade away?

Notice that my lipstick has started to fade away?

Moving on to my eyeliners..

Moving on to my eyeliners..

Massaging the sides to make sure I get hold of the makeup on hidden areas

Massaging the sides to make sure I get hold of the makeup on hidden areas

Clean and fresh face once again!

Clean and fresh face once again!

Besides the functionality, the rhythmical fragrance of the oil also contributes to the addictive cleansing ritual. It awakens your senses at first touch with a refreshing top note of elemi, mandarin and ginger, followed by a stimulating and comforting middle note of lavender, cardamon and geranium during massaging and finally a healing base note of gualac wood after washing. If I were to associate the scent to something more distinguishable, I’d say the combined scent is quite close to wheat grass, maybe? Basically, it just feels like I’m in the meadows the whole time! Absolutely invigorating and comforting 🙂

The recommended number of pumps stated on the bottle is 3 to 4, but I personally think 2 pumps would be sufficient for the whole face. All the makeup that come in contact with the cleansing oil are then merged into a thin brown film on the face. Upon rinsing with water, the cleansing oil is emulsified and the makeup gets washed off the face completely, leaving behind a veil of moisture. At this point, my face would normally feel tight (no thanks to my combination skin type) but I haven’t had this experience since I started using this cleansing oil. TERRIFIC!

Also, not forgetting that a bottle of 150ml can last for months. Already I’m about a month into my oil cleansing routine and yet there is still 90% left? Whee!! No doubt, this has made it to my beauty favourites for May! 🙂

Are you excited for this new product by shu uemura? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

The anti/oxi+ Pollutant & dullness clarifying cleansing oil will be available at all singapore shu uemura stores and counters for S$55 (150ml) and S$125 (450ml) from 1 june 2016.
DISCLAIMER: PRODUCT FEATURED IS A PRESS SAMPLE BUT OPINIONS, AS ALWAYS, ARE MY OWN.

REVIEW: WELLAGE White Aqua Roll Mask Pack

Hello everyone!

Residing in a city with tropical climate like Singapore has its ups and downs. I, for one, have been on the receiving end of the negative effects of high humidity ever since puberty hit me. As a result of my dehydrated skin (aggravated by my lack of water-drinking habit), moisturisers and other products that help to restore my skin’s natural moisture balance have become an intrinsic part of my skincare routine. The latter includes facial masks which I have a love-hate relationship with because they can get very messy during application.

But I was recently introduced to one which is not only idiot-proof, but also does not leave my bed or the lower half of my body wet. That’s none other than the White Aqua Roll Mask by WELLAGE, a skincare company based in South Korea that prides themselves on formulating “bio cosmetics with NeuroScience”.

WELLAGE White Aqua Roll Mask Pack

WELLAGE White Aqua Roll Mask Pack

Description in Korean

Description in Korean

Anyone who had seen me unbox my beauty samples from BNTNews would have been equally intrigued by the way the masks are presented. Individually packed in aluminium sachet, the masks are securely kept in a plastic cylindrical tube with Korean instructions on how to use the mask printed on it. Illustrations are also provided for those who don’t understand a single word of Korean. Each tube contains 10 sachets.

Packed in individual sachets

Packed in individual sachets

No scissors required - these travel-friendly sachets open up nicely when you rip both sides apart.

No scissors required – these travel-friendly sachets open up nicely when you rip both sides apart.

Facial sheets are rolled up using a thick straw-like stick as the spine

Facial sheets are rolled up using a thick straw-like stick as the spine

Made of quality Cupra fabric, these WELLAGE masks are able to hold moisture for a longer time due to its strong cohesiveness and elasticity and therefore, do not dry out easily. Suitable for sensitive skin, these properties enable the mask to supply nutrients to the facial skin without causing irritation. Furthermore, the mask uses a special technology known as semi-microsome – a finer version of liposome (tiny bubbles that are capable of encapsulating material beneficial to the skin) – to stabilise its 25 functional ingredients and help them penetrate into the skin for longer-lasting moisture.

Illustrations are also printed on the sachets for convenience sake

Illustrations are also printed on the sachets for convenience sake

Unlike typical sheet masks that come in flat, rectangular bags, these ones from WELLAGE remove from the sachets fast with minimal to no drippage of mask gunk because all the serum are settled at the bottom of the packaging. Placing the mask on my forehead with its top edge aligned along the hairline (as depicted in the illustrations above), I gently pulled down the stick on which it is coiled, towards my chin. This minimises unnecessary contact with the mask and thus ensuring the hygiene and purity of the product at all times. At the same time, it also prevents accidental tears which has happened to me too many times during the unfolding process of facial masks I used previously.

Application

Application

Application

Application

The mask surprisingly fits on my face perfectly without the need for much adjustments. I had to pour out some of the serum from the packaging onto my palm to dab it on the mask because it was feeling a little stiff and dry from the lack of serum in it. It is an additional step, but a necessary one, I feel, which could modify the “wetness” of the mask according to my preference. No wet spot was observed on my bed and my neck remained dry throughout the 20-minute experience. And the end result? A dewy and more refreshed appearance of the face.

This product is not quite readily available outside of South Korea so perhaps you guys could keep a lookout for it if you’re travelling because from what I understand, WELLAGE does have stores/counters in certain Seoul shopping malls. There is also a black version of this mask pack presumably for men, though. Korean readers who have tried this brand of facial mask, what do you think of it? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below! 🙂

Thanks for reading!

WELLAGE White aqua roll mask pack IS AVAILABLE ON WeLLAGE.CO.KR FOR 35,000 WON but is currently on sale for 24,000 won for a limited time only.
DISCLAIMER: PRODUCT FEATURED IS A PRESS SAMPLE BUT OPINIONS, AS ALWAYS, ARE MY OWN.