[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.

Infrared Therapy and Remedy at Rexults medSpa

SPONSORED

Hello everyone!

In this day and age of fast-paced lives, we are constantly confronted with overwhelming responsibilities and workplace challenges, so much so that it may be too much for our body to handle and gradually, it starts to show signs of distress. But more often than not we choose to turn a blind eye to these symptoms, perhaps because of commitments, and put ourselves at risk of many health problems such as depression and heart diseases. Hence, it’s important that we reward our body the good lovin’ it deserves before our health takes a turn for the worse.

How, you may ask. Of course, there are many ways in which you can unwind that doesn’t cost a single dime, like taking a peaceful sunset walk along the beach or going for a swim. But this one is for the sun-hating professionals who are ever feeling lethargic from work and in dire need of some reinvigorating. If that describes you, then be sure to check out Rexults medSpa at Orchard Road.

(If the name rings a bell, that’s because I had earlier reviewed its sister company Rexults Clinic, just directly opposite Rexults medSpa on the same level of Tong Building. Read my Liposonix experience at Rexults Clinic here!)

Rexults medSpa

Rexults medSpa

Walking into Rexults medSpa instantly gave me a feeling different from what I experienced on my first visit to Rexults Clinic. The dimly-lit interiors of the medSpa, in contrast to the illuminated waiting area at the clinic, provided a calming effect even before I embarked on any therapy. Although the doors of Rexults medSpa were only recently opened by its founder & director Mrs Elizabeth Wong in 2014, the venue was home to Renewal Day Spa which had occupied the same premises since 1994 (the first of its kind day spa in Singapore introduced by Mrs Wong).  In observing that today’s generation of people are subjected to high levels of stress, have unhealthy eating habits, and are exposed to a more polluted and ozone-depleting environment, Mrs Wong thought it was the perfect time to let people into a place that would address these bad effects of modern city living.

Rexults medSpa

Rexults medSpa

With more than 20 years of experience under her belt, Mrs Wong is truly considered one of the pioneers in Singapore’s spa industry. Her expertise, knowledge and understanding of the various types of spas worldwide has paved the way for the first-ever unique medSpa concept in Singapore. Using the latest scientific breakthroughs in ingredients and medical-grade equipment to boot, it provides specific set of therapies that focused on advanced aesthetics and bodyworks – all designed to combat health issues resulting from stressful urban lifestyle and at the same time help you enhance your skin health and well-being.

Rexults medSpa

Rexults medSpa

Be treated to a luxurious and therapeutic medSpa experience accompanied by the unparalleled skill and expertise of the therapists who uphold a high benchmark in service skills, grooming and etiquette – a hallmark of professionalism that Rexults medSpa prides themselves in possessing. You can rest assured that you will be well taken care of by the therapists, so just sit back and let them do their magic.

Consultation room

Consultation room

Following a consultation with one of the Client Care Manager at Rexults medSpa who wanted to know more about my lifestyle, healthy habits (or lack thereof) and concerns, I was scheduled a week later for a 30-minute Infrared Therapy for the body and a 90-minute Remedy for the skin (i.e. face). Do allow up to an hour of buffer time for changing, showering and other post-therapy activities.

Corridor of rooms

Corridor of rooms

Ah, yes, I was required to shower before and after the Infrared Therapy in a very spacious restroom. They have practically everything one would need to clean and prink herself there – hairdryer, hairbrush, cotton pads, moisturiser, cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and more I haven’t discovered.

In the restroom - changing room (left) and shower room

In the restroom – changing room (left) and shower room

Huuuge dressing table

Huuuge dressing table

Thereafter, I was brought to another room to have my blood pressure checked to ensure that I was fit enough for the Infrared Therapy. I like that everything was done in a systematic manner because not only do I feel that my safety is of the medSpa’s utmost importance, it also speaks volumes about their professionalism.

The Infrared Therapy (u.p. S$95) heats the body directly (as opposed to the air) in a sauna that uses soothing dry far infrared heat, a treatment that is completely safe and will never inflict burns to the skin.  Since the (naked) body would be sweating excessively, the body eventually feels a tad lighter because calories are burnt throughout the 30-minute session. Besides, it also removes toxins and reduces inflammation and is proven to assist in pain relief as well as improving blood circulation and skin rejuvenation.

Infrared therapy sauna room

Infrared therapy sauna room

What sets the Infrared Therapy from other spas are the added features of LED lighting for improved skin rejuvenation benefits and music to make the experience most enjoyable.

Blue lighting

Blue lighting

The sauna is equipped with a countdown timer, a semi-hard bed and a towel to dry yourself. Heat is generated through the mesh panel at all four corners to guarantee perspiration within the first 5 minutes. Being rather tolerant towards heat, my first beads of sweat only formed after the 15-minute mark and before I knew it, my whole body was already engulfed in perspiration. In spite of that, the whole session was painless and relaxing and I found myself taking a short nap soon after.

I was only awoken by a staff who checked on me from outside the room to make certain that I didn’t faint midway through the process. The sauna experience was phenomenal – I was more refreshed and my skin also felt more supple after the therapy.

Post-Infrared Therapy

Post-Infrared Therapy

After taking a quick shower, I was ushered to another room for my next therapy, Remedy (u.p. S$220). Remedy is a full service face therapy that protects the skin from negative effects of pollution, stress and sun damage which would lead to acne, early aging, dehydrated skin and dull and sallow complexion. Prior to your face therapy, your therapist will invite you to select from a menu ranging from cool jazz to cool exotica to play while the therapy is under way. On top of that, you also get to bask in your preferred colour of LED lighting in the treatment room. I wanted a beach-like atmosphere with not-so-glaring light so I opted for blue LED lighting and spa sense music (sounds of crashing waves and seagulls).

List of songs to choose from:

cool jazz – instrumental jazz ballads
beatitude – music for the soul and heart
romance – soft instrumentals for romantics
spa sense – lush soothing spa music
cool exotica – slow world music beats
chill out – calm ambient contemporary slow beats

List of colours of LED lighting to choose from:

blue, bluish-green, yellow, orange, purple, red, green

Face treatment room

Face treatment room (with blue lighting)

That blissful look which plastered my face when the therapist massaged and cleansed my face at the same time

That blissful look which plastered my face when the therapist massaged and cleansed my face at the same time

 

 

Remedy begins with double cleansing and followed by Microdermabrasion to exfoliate and suck up dead skin cells. This was done so that the skin would be more receptive to the deep infusion of a high performance antioxidant Rexults moisturising serum. Unlike my previous Microdermabrasion experiences, the suction power of the system was strong enough to make me feel that my pores were being unclogged.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion

No matter which beauty parlour you visit for facials, you are bound to be subjected to some form of discomfort from the dreaded extraction process. Rexults medSpa is no exception, but the pain I felt was especially bearable and there wasn’t a single time I flinched in agony. This was definitely unexpected considering that the last time I had extraction was four months ago (that’s how much I hate it) which I believe is more than enough time for tons of blackheads to accumulate on the face. The process was done professionally, chop-chop, so it went by in a blink of an eye.

With my pores emptied, they were now virtually ready to absorb anything that is applied on my face. The therapist proceeded to lay a piece of penetrable fabric and a thick coat of green-coloured mask above it. The application process was so enjoyable (imagine having your face caressed with a feather – the exact same feeling) that I drifted off to sleep once again.

The last part of the facial therapy

The last part of the facial therapy

Face mask application

Face mask application

Throughout the entire therapy, I was repeatedly surprised with soothing massages on the face after each segment was completed. Still, nothing beats the ultimate neck and shoulder massage I received towards the end to effectively relieved my tense muscles. Eye serum and tinted sunblock were finally applied on my hydrated face to conceal any redness (there was close to none in the first place, very surprisingly). Although the therapy lasted for a little more than 2 hours, I felt no time had passed at all.

Immediately after the face therapy, with tinted sunblock on. Notice the redness? Me neither!

Immediately after the face therapy, with tinted sunblock on. Notice the redness? Me neither!

Bare-faced, taken on the day after the therapy (pardon my just-woke-up look)

Bare-faced, taken on the day after the therapy (pardon my just-woke-up look)

The next day I woke up to a much softer and smoother face. My skin was just recovering from an acne outbreak (hence, those awful scars) triggered by my previous menstrual cycle and the therapies had visibly reduced most of the pores.

Rexults medSpa has kindly offered a special rate for my readers who are interested to try out BOTH therapies featured above. Trust me, the price is not going to be anything that will make you scrimp and save for the rest of the month. In fact, I think even tertiary students who are earning a decent amount of income would be able to afford it too.

**FIONASEAH.COM READER PERKS**

Enjoy your first trial of Remedy face therapy (U.P. S$220) with a complimentary 30-minute Infrared Therapy worth S$95 at only S$68.

(That’s a ridiculous discount of S$247! You wouldn’t be able to find such a price at a renowned medSpa especially in a prime location like Orchard Road)

Limited to new clients only. Offer is valid until 31st December 2016. Prior appointment and booking is required. 

To make an appointment, please call +65 66532979. Remember to quote my blog to enjoy this irresistible offer!

Should you have any enquiries, do not hesitate to raise them with the friendly therapists who are always very happy to clear your doubts 🙂

Thanks for reading, gorgeous people!

Rexults medSpa

302 Orchard Road ⋅ #17-02 ⋅ Tong Building ⋅ Singapore 238862
(Beside Paragon)
For appointments and enquiries, please call +65 66532979
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