Dermalogica Barrier Repair

Perhaps it’s the new job change…perhaps it’s the weather…perhaps it’s hormones…perhaps perhaps perhaps but Gawd my skin has been really bumpy and gross prior to me taking a stand in rectifying it with the Avene stuff. It’s good stuff (trust me) but I needed something a little more lightweight (it’s a cream after all groomies, mix that with my natural oils and hello oil slick) yet calming for my day time use, thus I dugged deep in my stash of goodies for this tube of Dermalogica Barrier Repair.

The review could end here right now as with two uses, I totally stopped using the Avene altogether.

(Allright, I’ll add a few more lines and pad this review a bit more then)

Marketed as a unique anhydrous (zero water) moisturizer containing Dermalogica’s exclusive UltraCalming Complex, it melts into skin gently to soothe and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

Gel like in texture, it feels silicony upon application but seems to leave a layer of “calm” over the skin (it’s almost instantaneous I kid you not). In fact, it even managed to tone down my skin’s redness (yes red, not in the blushing bride manner, think red angry bitch red, think impending stroke victim) while leaving it looking matte and well rested. Given it’s silicony texture, it also doubles up as a good makeup primer ( BB cream glided over this, zero friction, okay maybe a lil tug but not too bad). However, I would not really consider this a moisturizer, more of a treatment to layer over a moisturizing serum as it does not feel particularly hydrating when
used on it’s own.

On a side note, my guy pal was suffering from itchy skin due to a bad razor shave and a single application of this sorted out the itch too.

Verdict:
Recommended for reactive irritable pms-ing skins, this skin calming treat seems to do it all. More of a skin calming treatment. Simply layer this over a hydrating serum to help it seal and heal.

Signing Off
The Grooming Editor

Dermalogica Barrier Repair retails at S$92 at authorized resellers ( My friend had purchased it on my behalf  from AsterSprings).

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Tags: calming, Reactive, Sensitive, Skin SOS, Treatment

Pardon the lack of reviews… I’m Job Transitioning..

Hello Groomies!

Now before you guys start rioting and hunting me down with bottles of lotions and potions (not a bad thought though…i could use me some hydration…) I’ve recently joined a new company (don’t gush..but it’s Mediacorp) and am currently under training hence my reviews will be somewhat haphazard.

I promise to be back soon to deliver your “fix”.

Signing Off
The Grooming Editor

Avène Skin Recovery Cream

It’s been hot hot hot on our island. Which spells trouble for me as I’ve been sweating like a prostitute in church. It’s pretty weird, my face felt incredibly tight, uncomfortable and possibly sun damaged even though I have been zealous with my application of sunblock. Fret not; I could always rely on the Avène Skin Recovery Cream to turn things around so to speak.

Created for upset skin that’s been subjected to abuse (overzealous product testing, sun, chemical peels gone wrong, drying creams or wrong products). This calming cream soothes irritation and restores the hydrolipidic film (a film of water and oil that the skin produces naturally to aid in protecting the skin from fungi and germs while retaining moisture.)

Lightweight in texture, I have been using this in place of my usual nighttime moisturizer and almost immediately I could feel a sense of coolness and relief flooding my raw cheeks. (My instant gratification meter beeps in delight). And now for the grand fairy tale ending.

“With consistent use (well, I kept at this cream for a good 2 days), balance and comfort was restored in the land of the grooming editor.”

Ps: Quite the favorite amongst some models which I’ve worked with, this apparently helps calm their skin too as they constantly undergo the “baby wipe” routine while changing looks for my editorial spreads.

Verdict:
A definite staple in the household, this helps calm and soothe irritated and sensitive skin. More of a rescue / SOS product for skin, it does hydrate adequately but I advise dryer skin types to try the Avène Soothing Moisture Mask instead of this as it may not be enough.

Signing Off
The Grooming Editor

Avène Skin Recovery Cream retails at S$40.70 at Avène Counters Islandwide

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Tags: Avène, Damaged Skin, Skin SOS

The Grooming Column April

I can’t believe I nearly forgot all about this. Someone hand me the Omega 3 capsules for memory!

 THE GROOMING COLUMN 

“It’s all about smooth tresses, relaxation and ritual this month. Hence here’s a roundup of exciting products that literally brings luxury to your doorstep ” – Kenneth, the grooming editor

Ecoya Founded by Craig Schweighoffer, Ecoya is an eco-luxe home fragrance and bodycare brand hailing from the shores of Botany Bay, Australia. A perfect blend of luxury and environmental friendliness, celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian are amongst its star-studded list of fans.

1/ Ecoya’s Vanilla Bean Hand & Body Wash 

Formulated with all natural fragrances and natural bases, this hand and body wash promotes a sense of happiness and well being with its rich layered hints of toffee, butterscotch and vanilla tones.

2/ Ecoya’s French Pear Hand & Body Lotion 

Scented with notes like Spicy Cinnamon, star anise, all spice, juniper berries, cranberries, nutmeg and tropical fruits, this ultra hydrating hand & body lotion keeps skin comforted and soft. *All of Ecoya’s bath and body products are free from Parabens, Sulfates, Propylene Glycol, Silicone and Artificial Colorings. Hypoallergenic, the range features all natural fragrances and is made from natural bases with Macadamia Oil being the most prominent. Ecoya Bodycare Products, available at Takashimaya Departmental Store B1, Tangs VivoCity Beauty Hall and lifestyle retailers Verandah Living and Ana Boutique. KC 

The DECADENCE Collection by Ecoya 

With an ode to all things art deco, the ‘Decadence by Ecoya’ range of scented candles celebrates the four women who exemplified and epitomized this time of glamour, elegance and modernity. With fragrances individually designed by perfumer Isaac Sinclair and encased within beautiful, vivid glass jars, these long burning candles definitely add that touch (and whiff ) of luxury in your home. The range consists of:

3/ Josephine Baker 

Capturing the spirit of the Parisian City, Josephine Baker teases with the freshness of citrus and leafy green notes to create a warm, mossy floral heart on a rich, creamy base of Sandalwood, Vanilla, Balsams and Musk.

4/ Elizabeth Ponsonby 

An eclectic mix of all things both ancient and modern, Elizabeth Ponsonby is an unique Sandalwood and Cedarwood-based fragrance that has been carefully blended to embrace a heart of Rose, Cyclamen, Jasmine and Rosewood, topped with notes of dew-fresh red berries.

5/ Dorothy Parker

A true reflection of ‘the city that never sleeps’ and it’s vibrant Metropolitan chic ness, Dorothy Parker is a rich, warm and spicy fragrance that combines the subtle influences of Muguet, Carnaton and Rosewood upon a rich base of Patchouli, Musk and Tonka.

6/ Zhou Xuan 

Exotic and romantic, Zhou Xuan’s concoction of dark wood and musk, with just a hint of Vanilla, wrapping a fresh composition of Bergamot and Lemon in a rich, floral heart of Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Rosewood. ‘Decadence by Ecoya’, available at Takashimaya Departmental Store B1, Tangs VivoCity Beauty Hall and lifestyle retailers Verandah Living and Ana Boutique. KC 

7/ Kérastase 

With the Great Singapore Sale round the corner, Kérastase will be launching six coffret sets to cater to individuals’ different hair needs. Be it dry and rebellious, or colored treated hair in need of shine and care, head out to your nearest Kérastase consultant salons from May 15 onwards. Kérastase GSS Coffrets, available available at all Kérastase consultant 

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Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil

Yes… you read the title. I have been oiling myself up in the day. Nobody knows about it. My colleagues did comment how my skin looks less leathery as of late. Nevertheless, they would never have guessed… I have been massaging this Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil in the day prior to donning my clothes. Yes…it’s Oil.
(Proceeds to shake the reader out of shock).

Sort of a therapy oil, this all over body multifunctional product improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry, damaged skin, uneven skin tone and fine lines. Also doubles up as bath oil, simply add to a bath for a deep moisturizing soak.

No rocket science needed with this product, just warm a suitable amount (Do not use me as a gauge as I probably used half a shot glass of this daily) in your palms and glide/massage/pat onto skin. Now it’s very quick absorbing, to the point where you will be tempted to layer on more but please…don’t. I particularly liked how it dries/sinks (2 options, whichever word tickles your fancy dear reader/groomie) to a dry finish and leaves no visible stain on clothing (trust me, I once had a white ring around my collar as my lotion got mixed with sweat and it’s not the Beyonce put a ring on it type I was looking for). Anyways, this does leave skin gleaming and smooth with a slight nutty scent (you know how some lotions tend to make you smell like a prune/ vinaigrette salad after a while).

Verdict:
A good body moisturizing product to be used in the day, this does not give skin that slippery grimy feel compared to the usual lotions and butters. Non-offensive smelling, this breathes life into skin and leaves it gleaming. Although I can’t vouch for it’s effectiveness against stretchmark’s and what not, I personally enjoy the even skin tone and bounce it imparts on skin with continued use.

Signing Off
The Grooming Editor

Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil retails at S$31.90 at Watsons Stores Islandwide

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Tags: Body Care, Body Oil, Moisturizing, Palmer's

THE FACESHOP Natural Sun AQ Power Long-lasting Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++

Something old, not so new, something I bought and it’s gold too. Pardon the random opening; I’ve been having a little writer’s block. As the afternoon sun has been really unkind of late, today’s review is all about THE FACESHOP Natural Sun AQ Power Long-lasting Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++.

Loving the lightweight but creamy texture

Touted as a 24hr sun block, it contains the super antioxidant Acaiberry to help fight against external aggressors. Light on skin, it’s waterproof and feather light texture helps disperse harmful UV rays with the Optimum Disperse System.

I must admit this sun block is quite different from the usual ones I’ve tried, usual meaning too matte, too watery, too powdery etc. It has the consistency of a cream but blends out to a very light finish. Why it even helps even out my skin tone and allows BB cream to adhere on even better. Infact, I found myself skipping BB cream altogether with this (just a light dusting of my Bobbi Brown Powder) as it seems to give skin that nice even brightened hue on it’s own.

Verdict:
Good sun protection cream and makeup base coupled into one stellar product, this lightweight marvel certainly ticks all the boxes in terms of effectiveness as skin did not turn red or burnt while I commuted to work nor did it slide off leaving me looking all white and pasty.

Signing Off

The Grooming Editor

THE FACESHOP Natural Sun AQ Power Long-lasting Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++ retails at S$32.90 and is available at all THE FACESHOP Outlets.

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Tags: SPF, Sun block, The Body Shop

Clinique Happy For Men Body and Hair Wash

Yes, male readers rejoice, Today’s review is for you guys (and girls who are in upgrade your man mode). Lazy to groom is no longer an excuse, skipping a shower before you crash, even worse. For the ever lazy male, this Clinique Happy For Men Body and Hair Wash serves as a pretty good substitute for those days where you just want to get it over and done with one cleansing product.

A daily use foaming gel body wash, it doubles up as a shampoo and leaves skin feeling comforted, refreshed and smooth (yes smooth, man up and admit you like it). Skin is also mildly scented with a citrusy hint of Clinique’s Happy For Men.

I currently am using this after military practice (it’s a yearly thing, remember my previous post on the Zia Men Triple Action wash). Quite low in suds, it gets all the grime and sweat off in a flash. However, if you are heavily waxed (as in hair), this may take a while to get the junk out. Leaves a subtle moisturizing film on the skin but does impart a slight hint of fragrance that does not scream feminine. (Yes… you like that don’t you mister).

Verdict:
Wonderful product for those “wash and roll into bed” days and portable carry-all product to the gym, the army, the…oh you geddit don’t you.

Signing Off
The Grooming Editor

 Clinique Happy For Men Body and Hair Wash retails at S$33 at all Sephora Outlets.

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Tags: Body and Hair Wash, Clinique, Men