October 11th, 2014
Hello! It has been an incredibly long week for me… craziness at work… and I wished I had more time to sit and just write about beauty stuff… le sigh. But it is the weekend, and I really wanted to share this little bottle of goodness that i’ve been enjoying for the past month!
Shiseido has had a cleansing oil in the past which has long been discontinued, but it has been a long time since they’ve had another one in their skincare arsenal. And i’ve been a fan of cleansing oils for many years now, preferring them over balms and creams for removing my daily makeup. So I was really stoked to try out the new Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil!
September 21st, 2014
Crème Simon is a heritage French skincare brand which was founded in 1860 by Joseph Simon. The brand revolutionized skincare in the 19th century with its formulation of the first stable beauty cream using modern cosmetology. It was a household name before the war, and was highly sought after throughout Europe and the US. Aftwards, due to the shifting economies and trends, the brand languished for a season… and has been recently relaunched here in Asia.
The new Crème Simon Brightening Detox skincare range draws on the brand’s original Activ-Fleur Complex which works to boost radiance, skin regeneration and oxygenation. It is a 100% natural concoction of 7 carefully selected flowers and plants - Damask Rose, Jasmine, Iris, Neroli, Patchouli, Tonka Bean and Vanilla Bourbon.
Damask Rose: Blooming from the Middle East, the Damask Rose is cultivated for its “Rose Absolute” essence. Often called nature’s universal healer, it soothes, brightens and has astringent properties.
Jasmine: Blossoming only in the night, Jasmine is rich in antioxidants and protects against damaging free radicals whilst brightening complexion.
Iris: A resilient flower that can adapt to extreme dryness or moisture, Iris helps regulate moisture content while soothing and brightening the skin.
Patchouli: Native to Asia, this herb has high antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is known to help heal skin and fade scars.
Neroli: Hand-picked from the orange blossom tree, Neroli helps to increase blood circulation, improves skin elasticity, and stimulates new cell growth for soft revitalized skin.
Tonka Bean: Extracted from the fruit of the Kumaru tree that lives for over 1,000 years, it is rich in polyphenols, which helps even skin tone and increase skin luminescence.
Vanilla Bourbon: Harvested from an orchid native to Madagascar, it helps regenerate, nourish, and purify skin.
The Brightening Detox range also stays true to the original Crème Simon tenets of natural gentle efficacy, and are free of parabens, silicones, sulphates, colorings and pheoxyethanol. It has been specially formulated for the Asian market, and customized for our specific climate condition.
I was generously provided with 8 items from the Crème Simon Brightening Detox skincare range and have been using them for the past 2 months, and am finally ready to give you my views on them!
————————-
Crème Simon Brightening Detox Micellar Water Makeup Remover For Eyes and Face [SGD55 for 150ml] removes makeup quickly, effectively, and gently. In addition to the Activ-Fleur Complex, it also contains rose, iris and jasmine extracts to oxygenate and luminosity, and wheat oligosaccharides complex to reduce pigmentation. I had reviewed it before in a smackdown of 4 different micellar water cleansers (here), and this was my favorite! I loved that it was so gentle, and yet super effective at removing all my face makeup including water-proof mascara and liner!
Crème Simon Brightening Detox Oxygenating Foaming Cleanser [SGD59 for 150ml] is a self-foaming facial cleanser that removes all the impurities and excess oil. I loved how the pump dispenses the product in a light airy foam automatically, and caresses my face gently. In addition to all the same natural ingredients used in the micellar water cleanser, it is free of sulphates and uses mild cleansing agents that respect skin’s natural moisture balance. My skin is perfectly cleansed without any feeling of tightness and discomfort. I have been using it every morning since I received this, and it has become a part of my waking-up ritual!
Crème Simon Brightening Detox Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub [SGD68 for 75ml] is a creamy gentle exfoliating scrub that may be used 1-2 times a week. I generally massage a small quarter-sized dollop in circular motions over my face after cleansing, and then rinse off. This is perhaps the gentlest and most effective scrub that I’ve tried so far! It is a creamy texture and is packed with 2 types of natural beads that are so incredibly fine, they are able to get into every tiny crevice on my face without feeling overly harsh. It does not stress out my sensitive skin, instead leaves it feeling baby smooth afterwards! Prior to this, my HG scrub was La Mer The Refining Facial (reviewed here) which costs about 30% more on a per unit basis, but I actually prefer Crème Simon over La Mer!
Crème Simon Brightening Detox Dermo-Hydrating Toner Mist [SGD55 for 150ml] is a multi-purpose toner that cleanses, hydrates, and refreshes. It comes with a spray nozzle that dispenses the product as a mist. I spray it on a cotton pad and wipe over my face as the final step of cleansing. But sometimes when rushed for time, or some weekend mornings when I want to freshen up to pop over to the market before coming back for a more thorough cleanse, I would spray this all over my face and then pat dry. You could also mist the face at arm’s length to set makeup, although I wished the nozzle dispensed a much finer mist for that purpose. Regardless of the way I use it, this toner never dries out nor stings my skin the way some stronger toners do. Instead, it leaves me skin feeling fresh and looking brighter.
Crème Simon Brightening Detox Dermo-Activ Floral Serum [SGD109 for 30ml] is a creamy serum that may be used day and night after cleansing to brighten and moisturize the skin. It comes in a handy pump that dispenses just the right amount of product for the entire face. I usually use a 2nd pump for my neck as well. It is a rather rich texture that feels very pampering, but does take a bit of time to be fully absorbed. I love using it on my neck as it is an area that has been very much neglected, but on my face I prefer pairing it with a light gel moisturizer for daytime. Anything else in combination tends to feel slightly heavy for my personal taste. As with all serums, it takes a long time for results to be noticeable, and since I have been using one or other brightening serums prior to this, I cannot really say conclusively that this is more effective at brightening than the others. On the other hand, it is notably more moisturizing than other comparable brightening serums which have the tendency to be drying.
Crème Simon Brightening Detox Crème Universelle [SGD68 for 30ml] is based on the original heritage Crème which was popular for its ability to heal acute dryness and soothe skin irritations. It is produced using the original plant-based formulation which is honored within the French Pharmacoepia, and contains sodium hyaluronate to form a barrier against dehydration, aloe vera to hydrate and provide antioxidant benefits, and shea butter to further nourish. It is a multi-tasker which can be used all over the face and body, relieve chapped lips, heal cracked heels, soothe sun burns, relieve skin irritations, and moisturize cuticles. Certainly lofty in claims, and comes with a fluid texture that is lighter than typical body lotions. I actually have tried using this on my face, and whilst it is does not cause me to break out, it did feel heavier than my usual gel creams, and was not long-lasting in terms of moisturizing. For an all-over multi-purpose product, I do wish it came with more product. As it is, it is priced like a facial moisturizer (in fact, it is more expensive on a per unit basis than either the day or night moisturizers in the range), but insufficiently hydrating for my skin.
Crème Simon Brightening Detox Multi-Benefits Eye Treatment Gel [SGD25 for 2.5ml] is a very handy pocket-sized roller-ball eye gel. I love the innovative twist mechanism which only dispenses the product when turned. The product inside the pen does not get in contact with the roller-ball until the pen is twisted. This makes a difference in keeping the product fresh and sanitary. The size is also perfect for my tiny eye contours, and I love massaging my eyes, de-puffing and waking up to this every morning. It is also very moisturizing, and I never felt the need to layer with another eye gel / cream. The only drawback is the small amount of product contained in each pen and the relatively high price, placing this squarely in the higher end of the market for eye products.
Crème Simon Brightening Detox Lymphatic Contouring and Lifting Gel [SGD98 for 75ml] is meant to be used with the Crème Simon Lymphatic Massage Method to slim and lift facial contours, improve blood circulation, eliminate toxins, reduce water retention, and smoothen lines. It turns to oil as you massage, and then transforms into a milky texture when rinsed off. I do love how fluid it is, making it easy to massage. And it rinses off completely without any greasy after-feel. I have also tried blotting off the excess and just leaving it overnight, which felt somewhat oilier than I generally prefer. The only problem I had was that it made my skin turn patchy red after using, although the redness subsides after awhile and does not cause any itchy or flaking. Regardless, if you have sensitive skin, I recommend getting a sample before buying.
———
Overall, I have enjoyed my journey with Crème Simon Brightening Detox skincare range, and am properly impressed. The pricing is somewhat disparate as certain items are much more reasonably priced whereas others are on the higher end. Personally, I favor the basics more, such as the micellar water cleanser, foaming cleanser, mist toner, and exfoliating scrub. The eye roller is also great, but at the price point, I’m not sure if I’ll be restocking.
Crème Simon is available for sale via their website at www.creme-simon.com. They are also doing a series of pop-up stores around Singapore for the rest of the year. Find out their latest location and promotions via their Facebook page!
August 30th, 2014
I’ve been dabbling with micellar water cleansers on and off for awhile now. When I first tried it more than 3 years ago, I thought, wow what a wonderful new invention! But it didn’t quite take off (back then), and it was pretty expensive for water… and a part of me that’s been so used to double cleansing, just felt it wasn’t enough. So I went back to my oil/cream makeup removers + foaming cleansers routine. And then Bioderma came to market, and everybody thought it was the best invention since sliced bread. Today, it seems like Bioderma has become synonymous with micellar cleansers the way Xerox was associated with photocopiers and Kleenex with tissue paper. The trouble is, I’ve never had any luck with Bioderma. It just didn’t remove my makeup easily and effectively. I had to go over everything multiple times, and follow up with a foaming cleanser afterwards… sort of defeats the purpose of an easy & gentle 1-step cleanser.
Micellar cleansers are basically water-based cleansers that contain “micelles”. Micelles are tiny emulsifiers which have a dual water-repelling end and a water-loving end. When applied to skin, the water-repelling end of the micelle will break up oily substances, cling onto them while the water-loving end pulls the entire mix towards water, thereby allowing everything to be wiped off effectively. In contrast, traditional oil / cream / balm makeup removers merely attempt to dissolve the bond between the makeup and the skin, thereby allowing you to wipe or rinse off. This often leaves an oily residue, which requires a foaming cleanser to remove. Micellar cleansers are therefore gentler on the skin, and saves time required for a follow-up rinse.
Generally speaking, I’m very easy with cleansers… I only need them to do their job effectively and gently. However, as my experience with Bioderma has shown, micellar cleansers are not all made the same. I currently have 4 in my stash, covering a spectrum of drugstore to high-end brands, and here is a quick smackdown for you!
Chacott Cleansing Water [SGD23 for 500ml] is part of the Chacott for Professionals beauty line targeting stage performers. Designed for removing heavy stage makeup, it removes most of my makeup quickly and effectively. There is no detectable scent, and it comes in a simple, understated, plastic bottle. My first impression when I tried it was “wow, this is really effective!”. I was really enjoying this until I found my skin starting to dry up after a few days’ consecutive use. It also did not remove my waterproof mascara, although it did clean up eyeshadow and waterproof liner well enough.
Bifesta Cleansing Lotion [SGD16.90 for 300ml] is a drugstore offering from Japan, and the brand specializes in micellar cleansers. I actually really enjoyed this, and have been using this on and off for the past 2 years as deluxe travel sizes of this kept falling into my hands along the way. Bifesta cleaned my skin very thoroughly leaving no trace of any dirt afterwards. It was also able to remove my eye makeup, including waterproof liner and mascara although I had to leave it on and wipe a few more times to get everything completely off. There are 4 versions of this to suit different skin types. And whilst it did not dry up my skin the way Chacott did, it also had a tingling sensation for as long as I left it on, so I still had to rinse off and wipe down thoroughly with toner afterwards.
As with all its other skincare products (reviewed here), Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water [SGD50 for 300ml] is formulated using the nutrient-rich Onsen water, and is infused with other skin-protecting essential herbs such as rosemary, sage, lavender, artemisia princeps, perilla ocymoides, and ginger root. It felt the gentlest out of all 4 being compared today, and left my skin feeling right the way it should feel – no feeling of tightness, no unnatural cooling or refreshing feel, etc.
I can see why Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water received all its accolades when it was launched in the US. This removed my face and eye makeup easily without much work. However, I found it did not clean my skin very thoroughly - even after going over my entire face twice with 2 fully saturated cotton pads, when I followed up with toner, my cotton pad came back dirty. So it seems a foaming wash is still needed to be completely rid of the day’s grime.
Crème Simon is a historical brand from France which has been recently updated with the Asian market in mind. It’s Micellar Water Makeup Remover For Eyes and Face [SGD55 for 150ml] is priced on the higher-end of the market, and in addition to makeup removing properties it also claims skincare benefits. The product includes Crème Simon’s proprietary Activ-Fleur Complex, an exclusive botanical elixir of 7 flowers and plants to brighten the skin. The brightening effect is further enhanced by rose, iris and jasmine extracts, and wheat oligosaccharides complex.
It has a gentle floral fragrance thanks to the floral extracts, and felt gentler on my skin than either Chacott or Bifesta, but not quite as soothing as Koh Gen Do. The winning point for this was how amazingly how well it removed all my makeup, including eye makeup, waterproof liner and mascara, as well as lipstick!! This is the only micellar cleanser which I feel comfortable enough to not have to follow up with a foaming cleanser at all. In fact, I didn’t even feel like I needed toner! Once I started on this, I was hooked and would reach for my bottle without pause every night. I loved cleaning my eye makeup with this as it didn’t require any rubbing, nor did it leave my eye area oily. Simply perfect!
I have not had the opportunity to use any of the 4 micellar cleansers discussed today long enough to ascertain any of their longer-term skincare claims. Bear in mind these are meant to be cleansers (as opposed to serums), and so the beneficial skincare ingredients are in very low doses, thus requiring protracted periods of use for any visible results. Based on my initial experiences, I love the gentleness of Koh Gen Do’s Cleansing Spa Water, but Crème Simon’s Micellar Water Makeup Remover For Eyes and Face strikes the best balance in terms of gentleness and effectiveness. On the other end of the pricing scale, Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is a really lovely affordable, no-frills option. Chacott Beauty Cleansing Water is certainly effective though not suitable for sensitive and dry skin. There are subtle differences between them, although I am not sure if it warrants the massive price gap.
Have you tried any micellar cleansers? If so, which is your favorite? xoxo
August 14th, 2014
Shu Uemura has always been synonymous with beautiful makeup, and it has propelled the cleansing oil into our mass consciousness. The brand has a diverse selection of skincare products that I am just starting to explore; beginning with the Tsuya Skin series, which is specially designed to address the Asian obsession with fair youthful radiance.
“Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin.
With a beautiful, healthy skin canvas,
we have more freedom and flexibility for unlimited makeup expression,
and can maximize each woman’s individual beauty.”
— Uchiide, Shu Uemura International Artistic Director
Shu Uemura’s Tsuya Skin series revolves around the proprietary ingredient Rhamnose, which is a hi-tech molecule discovered by Shu Uemura’s research center, to boost cell regeneration. It penetrates deep within the skin to reactivate the skin’s youth power switch, and helps to increase the thickness of the epidermis and pro-collagen expression for smoother and plumper skin.
The Tsuya Skin series consists of 3 products – lotion, serum, and eye cream.
The latest product to join the Tsuya Skin family, the Youthful Purifying Lotion helps to boost the skin’s self-cleansing mechanism to enable crystal clear skin. This is achieved with the inclusion of a new CP Complex that is a blend of an yeast extract and Rhamnose. The CP Complex boosts lysosome in the skin’s cells, whose function is to clean up impurities within skin cells, thereby allowing cell metabolism to return to normal levels and regain health.
The Youthful Purifying Lotion is designed to be used after cleansing, and is available in 3 different textures for different skin types – I is a fresh watery lotion for oily skin, II is a similarly watery texture for nomal to dry, and III is an interesting gel-like lotion for dry skin. When I first tried it out, I found III to be not as refreshing as either of the watery textures and went with I instead since I have combination skin. However, if you have dry skin, III really felt enriching and worth a try if normal moisturizers are insufficient.
Generally speaking, I don’t have very strong opinions on lotions as they do not linger long enough on my skin and do not have very far-reaching effects. However, this Tsuya Lotion is truly unique for a number of reasons.
Just as with its Lightbulb foundations (reviewed here and here), Shu Uemura artisans have designed a special cotton pad to complement and enhance the efficacy of the Tsuya Youthful Purifying Lotion. This Silk Supreme Crystallizer is an innovative dual-sided lotion pad with 100% silk on 1 side, and 100% cotton on the other. The silk side is slightly more fibrous and therefore helps to gently exfoliate and remove any residual dirt, sebum and impurities from the skin. This is followed by the cotton side which is meant for patting the remaining lotion deeper into the skin to hydrate and cool.
Based on decades of experience preparing models for the runway, Shu Uemura has discovered that makeup goes on much more smoothly and stays flawless longer when the the skin is cooler. And so, the Tsuya Lotion is designed to give a cooling effect to the skin when it is patted in quick successive motions.
I have been enjoying the Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin Youthful Purifying Lotion tremendously (which is saying a whole lot!) as it really feels hydrating (a claim I never believed was possible for a lotion) after use. Patting it in makes my skin feel cool and refreshed, and also looks visibly plumper! This will be available from September, and will retail at SGD70 for 150ml which does not break the bank!
To complete my Tsuya Skin experience, the generous folks at Shu Uemura Singapore also provided me with samples of the serum and eye cream… and it would be churlish of me to omit them in this review.
Centerpiece of the Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin series is the Youthful Radiance Generator, which is a serum designed to be used after the lotion before moisturizer. It contains the Rhamnose molecule, and is formulated to jumpstart your skin’s condition, getting rid of dullness and bringing back radiance. It comes with a dropper that dispenses just the right amount of product for my face and neck.
The product itself is a runny, pearlescent fluid that is easily absorbed without any sticky or uncomfortable sensation. When I first started using it, my skin was in a very precarious situation with some patches of irritation. Whilst I did not notice this boosting the healing of my skin (admittedly it is not designed for that), it did not irritate my sensitive skin further. Nonetheless, I took some time off to allow my skin to reset, and since it is much better lately, I decided to give this another shot. And miracle this most certainly isn’t (not that anybody would believe that anyway), but over time (about 2 week’s conscientious use) I did notice my skin tone evening out. The improvement is very subtle, and almost ephemeral if you are also dealing with other changing factors (in my case insufficient sleep, testing out other beauty products, stress and anxiety, etc). But skincare is often like TCM… it takes a long time for true benefits to become visible. And if your skin is already healthy and in good condition, the incremental change is even less noticeable.
Tsuya Skin Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate combines the Rhamnose molecule with Umaguri Suponin to boost microcirculation and reduce dark circles, and a tripearl complex to increase luminosity to the eye area. Interestingly, it also claims to be able to lift lashes higher to give the appearance of “bigger” eyes.
On initial swatch, I was surprised by the dense and relatively thick texture of the Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate. It doesn’t feel “rich” like other anti-aging eye creams, but instead has a sort of silicon feel to it. A quick look at the ingredient list showed cyclohexasiloxane listed as the 2nd highest after aqua, and dimethicone mid-way down. The purpose of these silicons is to act as a primer to help eye makeup go on more smoothly, look more vibrant and last longer. And it does perform beautifully.
Whilst silicons do appear commonly in skincare, I’m not sure about such high concentrations especially on my eye area. I have experienced breakouts when using makeup primers containing high doses of silicons in the past and so I generally steer clear of such products. Thankfully, the Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate has not caused any breakout or allergy on my eye area in all the time that I’ve been using it!
As an eye cream, I did notice my lids looking less droopy (though I am not sure if my lashes are lifted). And in terms of smoothening lines around my eye area, Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate is quite helpful too (although I sense this is more a result of the silicons than actual hydration properties).
Both Tsuya Skin Youthful Radiance Generator and Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate are available for sale, and retail for SGD108 for 30ml and SGD70 for 15ml respectively.
xoxo
July 29th, 2014
Luxury French perfumer and maker of divine candles and room scents, Diptyque, recently launched its own skincare collection. L’Art du Soin focuses on bringing the Diptyque tradition of luxury sensory experiences to the art of skincare.
The skincare collection currently consists of 5 basic products – a balm cleanser, cleansing powder, facial water, exfoliating clay, and moisturizing lotion. I was kindly offered small samples of all the products except the exfoliating clay, and am excited to be able to give you some initial thoughts on them.
Diptyque Nourishing Cleansing Balm is a thick solid balm that quickly turns into oil when massaged into dry skin. It is gentle enough to be used even on the eye area, and is very effective in removing all traces of makeup (except waterproof mascara). It contains a blend of softening oils – sweet almond, nourishing geranium, refreshing ylang-ylang, and softening mimosa– to leave skin velvety soft. It can also be used as a comforting mask, simply spread a thick layer all over the skin and leave on for 10 minutes. In true Diptyque tradition, the Nourishing Cleansing Balm is scented with geranium and roses, for a complete sensory experience.
I generally prefer cleansing oils as they are quicker and easier to wash off, but lately I am really taking to cleansing balms. I enjoy the ritual of massaging the balm over my face, and then wiping it off with a wet wash cloth. Old fashioned, but once you get into it, so comforting.
Diptyque Radiance Boosting Powder draws from Japanese tradition, and is a facial cleanser in powder form that turns into a creamy lather when mixed with water. It is accompanied by a special foam ball (which I do not have on hand), which helps to work up a foamy lather quickly. Formulated with natural white clay to purify and remineralize skin, and powdered rose, jasmine and neroli petals for added fragrance. It can also be mixed with the Infused Facial Water for enhanced skincare benefits. The actual full-sized product comes in a bottle from which the powder can be poured out of.
This is not my first time using a powder cleanser, and in general I do find the process rather trying as compared to foaming cleansers in a squeeze tube. But the whole philosophy behind this range is to put time on hold and concentrate on ourselves, and the ritual of foaming your own cleansing helps to soothe the senses. Better yet, I am very happy to find the Diptyque Radiance Boosting Powder was very gentle even when my skin was irritated and had sensitive red patches all over.
Diptyque Infused Facial Water is more than just a toner. It is composed of 84% hydrolate of Damask rose, Nasturtium extract, and a blend of 9 other plants; to bring out the skin’s natural radiance. It is a treatment on its own, revitalizing and energizing the skin, and optimizing the absorption of other creams and lotions applied afterwards. The actual full-sized product comes in a pump bottle although the sample I was provided with was just a simple twist-cap bottle.
This is perhaps the most unique product in the range, and unlike traditional toners, it comes in a pump bottle. It can be used on its own after cleansing to prep the skin for ensuing treatments, or tapped on when needed for some refreshment. It is also the ideal pairing for emulsifying the Radiance Boosting Powder, or for rinsing off the Nourishing Cleansing Balm. I do wish it also comes with a spray nozzle so we can use it as a refreshing facial mist as well!
Diptyque Protective Moisturizing Lotion is a thick fluid that feels almost like a cream to me. A small amount is sufficient to cover the entire face, and with a built-in SPF15, it is suitable for day-time use as well. It is formulated with Damask rose hydrosol (yet again!) to refresh the skin, orange blossom extract to moisturize, and infused with floral and grapevine root extracts. It is rich is omegas 3, 6 and 9, and vitamins and trace minerals to protect the skin. The actual full-sized product comes in pump-bottle, but the sample I was provided with came in a jar.
This is quite a rich lotion, and takes some time to be fully absorbed into the skin. However, once it sinks in, my skin is visibly plumper, and feels much softer and smoother to the touch! It can also be used on top of foundation as a touch-up as needed.
————-
In our modern fast-paced world, it is interesting to find specialty lines that force us to slow down, and take some time to focus on ourselves. Even with its basic 5-piece collection, Diptyque manages to offer something unique other than simply injecting fragrance into otherwise commercial skincare. I hadn’t used the line long enough to pick my favorites, but each of them feel like a treat. Not merely because of the fragrance (and mind you, this range is strongly scented, so if you are averse to scented skincare be forwarned!), but the textures are rich and the products feel traditional and wholesome to me.
Diptyque L’Art du Soin Skincare Collection is available exclusively at Escentials at Paragon and TANGS Orchard in Singapore; and is available online at www.diptyqueparis.com
xoxo
July 16th, 2014
I am always impressed by how Kiehl’s manages to reinvent itself and stay relevant to the times. This venerable 160 year-old company reminds me of both old-school apothecary and modern utilitarian cool at the same time. More importantly, it transports me to my college days, a starry-eyed teenager on her first foray outside in the big bad world of East Coast, USA (or rather *ahem* college town in Mid-Western USA!). With limited budget and changing skincare needs, I looked to Kiehl’s for solid, well-formulated basics at accessible prices. Fast forward to today, with a young baby to care for, living a hectic lifestyle in the hot tropics, I’m happy to find that Kiehl’s still has a great offering for me and my family with its Ultra Facial Oil-Free skincare range!
This is a simple 3-step basic skincare line that has been recently reformulated to specifically target those with oily skin and who live in hot, humid climates like me. It promises long-lasting, all-day hydration and complete protection from shine. It all sounds absolutely wonderful to me, and I put it to the test for a good period of time.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser squeezes out of the tube like a dense mousse, and lathers up upon contact with water into a rich foam. I love a good foaming cleanser, and this is no exception. Formulated with Cylindrica Root and Lemon Fruit Extracts, this cleanser quickly goes to work removing all surface impurities and excess oil from the skin’s surface. After rinsing off, my skin has that squeaky clean feeling, but does not feel comfortably tight or dried out. It is a great basic cleanser for those with normal to oily skin, although I would advocate caution for those with dry and irritated skin. Not because I feel this is overly harsh, simply that it may be removing too much precious natural oils from dry irritated skin.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner is housed in a plastic bottle with a tiny nozzle, and I found it easiest to get the product out by giving the bottle a gentle squeeze. To apply, saturate a cotton pad with the toner, and gently sweep it all over the face in a downwards motion. It is formulated with Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract and Antarcticine to soothe and hydrate skin. It also contains no alcohol, so it is non-drying and is pH-balanced. Personally, I am often wary of toners targeting oily skin types as they tend to leave my normal combination and sensitive skin too brittle. Therefore, I am pleasantly surprised that this toner did exactly as it set out to do – remove any excess oil from skin’s surface, leaving it fresh looking without drying out the skin. It is great for those weekend mornings when I want to quickly freshen up before heading out for a jog, leaving the full cleansing and moisturizing works for later.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is a light gel moisturizer that felt cooling and soothing when applied. It is non-oily and gets absorbed rapidly, leaving the skin hydrated without any oily or sticky sensation. It contains Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Antarcticine, and Cucumber Fruit Extract to help skin retain moisture and protect it from loss of moisture. Targeted at those with oily skin, it promises to help skin rebalance by retaining moisture for up to 24 hours, and therefore prevent excess sebum production. I am very partial to gel creams, they just make mornings that much crisper, and keep my normal combination skin feeling light. However, as I spend most of my day in an air conditioned office, and my skin is maturing, I found this gel cream to be insufficient. My husband, on the other hand, loved it!
————-
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free skincare collection is formulated without oil, parabens, colorants, and fragrance. On that last note, I must say that this reformulated series smells a lot better than it did before! For the most part, there is simply no smell, although the toner does have a slight tangy scent, but it is not overbearing and dissipates quickly. I appreciate the basic, down-to-earth formulation, and I believe this range would suit those with oily skin or people who do not want too much fuss in their lives. Even though most skincare are unisex, men generally fare better with lightweight products that helps control shine. And I think this series would be the perfect to stock on the bathroom shelves for sharing!
xoxo
