[Review] Josie Maran -100% Pure Argan Oil Light

My acne is getting worse, my mood has been down and my search for mild yet effective skincare for ultra sensitive skin continues. Sometimes it’s just so hard I skip putting anything on my face though I know I must still moisturize at the least. 

In the peaks of my skin’s dryness I bought Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Light to try. It’s my first time using oil as skin care and I must say I’m pleasantly surprised. So here goes. 

Brand:  Josie Maran
Product:  100% Pure Argan Oil Light
Size:  15ml
Price:  US$16 
Type: All-natural oil for skin and hair
Website: Sephora website for Josie Maran 

THE PACKAGING



I bought the smaller 15ml to try. There is the standard 50ml size too but this smaller size is great for travel. 

I love the design. It’s simple and classy in a glass bottle and dropper system. 







Love these small symbols all saying good stuff:

• Natural ingredients
• Argan oil
• Recyclable 
• Paraben free
• No synthetic fragrance
• Gluten free
• Vegan
• Cruelty free

When you have acne skin, it’s great to have all-natural products without anything synthetic. I won’t want to risk it by doing more damage to my skin 😦

THE PRODUCT

Argan oil is produced from the fruit kernels of the “Argania Spinosa” or Argan tree, endemic to the Northern African country of Morocco.

Rich with antioxidant phytochemicals and essential fatty acids, argan oil is about 80% unsaturated fat by composition, of which about 32% is essential linoleic fatty acids and 47% oleic acid.

What it is:
An ultralightweight, quick-absorbing version of Josie’s cult-favorite 100% Pure Argan Oil. 

What it is formulated to do:
A featherweight version of the world champion of oils, 100% Pure Argan Oil Light moisturizes deeply and absorbs quickly, leaving a semi-matte finish. Produced by Moroccan women’s co-ops, this top-grade Argan Oil is extracted from the nut of the argan tree, then first-cold-pressed to protect its healthy, hydrating properties. Wear it under makeup or instead of makeup, and fear not if your skin is oily. This must-have oil actually reduces sebum production, so it is ideal for all skin types, especially breakout-prone and sensitive. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
– Parabens 
– Sulfates 
– Phthalates 

What else you need to know: 
“I’ve been asking chemists for years if there was a way to get an ultralightweight version of Argan Oil. After years of development, using a proprietary process we are able to release the lightest elements of Argan Oil while still maintaining all the amazing skin benefits. This new, ultrafast-absorbing version is the perfect partner to my classic 100% Pure Argan Oil.”—Josie Maran 

Research results: 
Argan Oil is clinically proven to significantly improve skin. In a 4-week consumer study: 
– 86% agreed skin felt and looked more hydrated and supple 
– 84% agreed skin felt and looked smoother 
– 82% agreed skin felt and looked more radiant 
– 84% agreed skin texture improved 
– 81% agreed skin felt more balanced 
– 80% agree skin felt calmer and soothed



With all the good claims and raving reviews, I had to try and I went for the Light version of this brand.  The last thing I want is my face to feel more greasy and gunky. 



THE TEXTURE AND SCENT



Love the dropper system. Perfect for dripping dots of oil just how much you want it. Simple and effective. No mess at all. 



To my surprise, the texture is really light! Almost flows like water. A lot of toners and lotions are so much thicker than this. Loveeee the lightweight texture!

Although it is an oil, I won’t use the word greasy to describe it at all! It may feel slightly so at first but it’s so lightweight it blends into your skin so quickly and really does not leave any sticky or greasy feel (see last pic). 

I can also feel how moisturizing and calming it is on troubled skin, just what you need when you have angry red spots. Almost like a healing agent but with all the skincare benefits your face needs. 

The scent is also mild and natural. Although not fragrant like aromatherapy oils, it is still a calming mild scent that I like. 

MY VERDICT

Pros:

• Ultra lightweight texture. And I really mean ultra. 
• 100% All-natural oil. No synthetic stuff at all. Good for any skin type. 
• Calming, moisturizing and healing. Suitable for even acne or oily skin. 
• Absorbed into skin very quickly. No greasy or sticky feel. 

Cons:

• Still oil texture so I don’t use it everyday when I’m in hot and humid Singapore. It’s great for dry weathers or as an in-flight moisturizer. 

Overall:

I’m so glad I gave this a try. This really changed my impression about using oil as skincare and I might give other raved about oils (like coconut oil) a try too. I like to put this under eyes or areas extra dry with fine lines or wrinkles when I don’t want to apply on the whole face. It really feels like it deeply moisturizers the area despite the lightweight texture. 

My search for acne prone moisturizers still continues though. Let me know if you’ve tried really good ones!

[Review] Estee Lauder – Micro Essence + Advanced Night Repair Serum (Travel Exclusive Set)

The good thing about travelling – other than enjoying the getaway of your life – is the chance to shop in airport’s duty free shops where you can get the best beauty deals not available in town!  I got this Estee Lauder travel-exclusive set for my mother from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport but couldn’t help stealing some from her to try it on my own haha XD

Includes 2 full-size of their best sellers – the new Micro Essence and the all-time award-winning Advanced Night Repair serum.  After all, it is never too early to start anti-aging skincare 🙂

Brand:    Estee Lauder
Product:  Travel Exclusive Set 
          150ml Micro Essence + 50ml Advanced Night Repair

Price:    JPY 17,000 for 1 set (~USD 145 at time of post)
          If bought separately, it will be 
          USD95 for Micro Essence
          USD92 for Advanced Night Repair Serum 
          (Savings of USD42!)
          
Type:     Toner / Lotion / Essence / Serum
Origin:   Made in USA
Website:  Micro Essence + Advanced Night Repair

THE PACKAGING

You won’t see this in usual department stores~ so keep a lookout when you travel next time 🙂

Ingredient list~

After you open the box, you’ll see 2 full size of the products – each in their own box again.  Just like how you would get if you buy them in usual department stores.

Side view of the boxes.  Their best sellers certainly have a long name.

First, it is Micro Essence – Skin Activating Treatment Lotion.

Then, it is Advanced Night Repair – Synchronized Recovery Complex II.

What a mouthful LOL. But I’m convinced they are just as powerful as their name.

THE PRODUCT

First, let’s talk about the Micro Essence.

“Benefits = Reveals skin’s youthful, angelic glow.  For all skin types.  

Ideal for: 

• Lack of energy, vitality
• Smooth, supple skin
• Age resisting
• Dryness, Dehydration

Formula Facts:

• Dermatologist tested
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Non-acnegenic, won’t clog pores
• Fragrance-free”

Many brands are launching their own power treatment lotion – stouting benefits similar to global bestseller SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence.  I feel that Estee Lauder’s Micro Essence is no different and this looks to be a SK-II dupe.  I have used SK-II before and did not find it to be that impressive so I was keen to try Estee Lauder’s version given the loooooooong company history and excellent track record of Estee Lauder’s products 🙂

A beautiful classy triangular glass bottle with a tiny opening at the top.  Just 3~4 shakes will get you enough product for the whole face and neck.  No fuss and clean-cut.

The texture is really light and watery.  It was really hard to capture the left pic without it flowing off my hand lol.  I love the light texture as I have oily skin – can’t take rich creamy textures.

Glides like a breeze, and a few pats is all you need for product to be fully absorbed.

Could be hard to tell on pic, but the part which had the product felt soft, moisturized and supple.  So far so good!  It really feels like the product can penetrate deep into the skin layers and keep it hydrated.

It is fragrance-free so it had some kind of natural ‘bio-ferment’ scent as one of the key ingredients.  I won’t say it is bad, nothing unbearable 🙂

Next, let’s move on to the Advanced Night Repair – Synchronized Recovery Complex II.

Dropper style system = +10 points for me.  I just find it the most clean-cut and hygienic way of getting product out of a bottle 🙂

A bit more on the product itself:

“Benefits – fights all key signs of aging.  The #1 repair serum for all skin types.

Ideal for:

• Multiple signs of aging
• Visible age prevention
• Dryness, dehydration
• Lines and wrinkles
• Dullness, loss of radiance

Formula facts:

• Oil-free
• Dermatologist-tested
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Non-acnegenic, won’t clog pores
• Fragrance-free”

As far as I know, this serum has existed for the longest time, and it certainly takes some real results for it to continue selling so well till now!

“It maximizes the power of skin’s natural nighttime renewal with the exclusive ChronoluxCB™ technology (with more than 25 patents and patents pending worldwide). It is great for every ethnicity and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, leaving skin feeling smoother, hydrated, and stronger, and looking younger, radiant, and more even toned.”

A deep yellowish liquid.  Serum-like texture, pretty light and runny.

Of course slightly thicker than Micro Essence (which is very watery), but still very easy to apply on face and fully absorbed in less than 30 secs.

This feels slightly richer, as if packed with super ingredients waiting to work on its skin-recovery powers. I believe that.

One thing I got to mention – the scent.  Hmm pretty strong and I don’t like it.  It is fragrance-free so whatever scent there is, it is natural from the power ingredients.  I can’t really describe, it’s not similar to any smell I know, but just not to my liking.. hmm.

MY VERDICT

Micro Essence

Pros

• Very light-weight and watery texture (extra love from oily skin like mine)
• Very penetrative and easily absorbed into skin
• Skin does feel soft, smooth and supple after application (ready for serum / other skincare)

Cons

• One-size 150ml slightly heavy and bulky for travel
• Sold at pricey USD95 if not for this travel exclusive set
• Gives my skin some redness after application (I have ultra sensitive skin) but so far no breakouts 🙂

Advanced Night Repair

Pros

• Super long track record and trusted product from cosmetics giant Estee Lauder
• Rather light texture, also easily absorbed into skin
• Skin feels very hydrated and protected after application, and you’ll wake up to soft skin with more even skin tone 🙂

Cons

• Strong scent (not to my liking)
• I would prefer something more watery for my oily skin in hot weather
• Another pricey product on its own USD92

Overall

No doubt, this travel exclusive set is a worthwhile investment.  I would think twice about buying individual products at its original price, but if coupled together at this travel set price, I’d say yes resoundingly!  Moreover, these 2 products work together well – Micro Essence first, then Advanced Night Repair serum.  I feel I don’t even apply anything else after this unless I feel my skin needs extra hydration.

However, because I don’t like the scent of Advanced Night Repair, I kind of stopped reaching out for it but I’m continuing to like the Micro Essence 🙂  Looking forward to clearer better skin hopefully~~~

I go crazy in Singapore’s Changi Airport duty-free beauty counters… I’m gonna travel in March, and can’t wait to hit those counters soon! *madness*

[Review] innisfree – Orchid Enriched Cream + Orchid Intense Cream + Orchid Hand Cream (15th anniversary limited set)

I am loving innisfree products – both skincare and makeup 🙂  Ever since I had a good experience with their Green Tea line (see Green Tea Seed Cream review here), I couldn’t wait to try their anti-aging Orchid line and there is no better time than now.  Saw this 15th anniversary set (limited edition) and just had to buy it instantly!

Brand:    innisfree
Product:  15th anniversary set (limited edition)
          Orchid Enriched Cream 50ml
          Orchid Intense Cream 20ml
          Orchid Hand Cream 35ml
Price:    SGD43 (or USD29)
Type:     Moisturizer, Hand Cream
Origin:   Made in Korea
Website:  innisfree 15th anniversary page

THE PACKAGING

Comes in a 15th anniversary special box 🙂  This is sold at the price of 1 full-size Orchid Enriched Cream, so consider the mini Intense Cream and full-size Hand Cream to be bonus gifts ^^

Love the purple. So gorgeous.

Their usual 50ml plastic tub design for innisfree moisturizers.

Orchid Intense Cream is also sold at full-size 50ml but this limited set comes with 20ml mini tub.  Not bad at all considering almost half of the original product, and I always find sample or mini packaging so cute!

THE PRODUCT

From the Orchid Line brochure:

“Jeju Orchid has the amazing vitality to blossom in severe winter condition and through years of research and development, it is formulated into Orchid Elixir.  An excellent antioxidant, the Orchid Elixir works together with functional skin-activating ingredients to rejuvenate tired, aging skin and to restore its natural self-defense power.  This results in healthy skin with a radiant glow.”

About Orchid Elixir:

“According to a chapter on Prescribing Natural Medicines in the Eastern medical encyclopedia titled Donguibogam in Korean, the orchid moisturizes the skin and clears blockage stacked up inside the body over time.  Among 60 kinds of orchid native to Jeju, AmorePacific R&D Centre has chosen Jeju Cold Growing Orchid due to its great antioxidant effects.  The previous Orchid Elixir is then obtained through a hot-water extraction process”.

Wow, Jeju Cold Growing Orchid.  I saw the TV commercial on this line and they featured this plant surviving in harsh winter snows.  Kudos to AmorePacific R&D Centre, I have no doubts on their research capabilities XD

Enriched Cream = Total anti-aging care. Moist cream texture. For normal to dry skin.

Intense Cream = Intensive aging care. Nutrient rich cream texture.  For very dry skin.

You can see the Enriched Cream is more of a gel-like texture similar to Green Tea Seed Cream; and the Intense Cream is a white richer cream which is signature texture for drier skin.  Both are easily blendable and quickly absorbed into the skin.

Comparing Orchid Enriched Cream (anti aging) vs Green Tea Seed Cream (deep moisturizing), the Orchid one is slightly richer and thicker which I expected because typical anti-aging lines are richer in texture than pure moisturizing ones.

And oh, the scent!  Love love love.  There is just something so refreshing about innisfree cream scents.   I typically don’t like fragrance as an ingredient but am not so concerned as there is the innisfree 5-free system!  Free of parabens, artificial coloring, mineral oil, animal raw material, and ethanol.

THE HAND CREAM

I love the purple tube and the fact it has SPF 15 PA+.  Very pleasant scent as expected.  But nothing over-the-top-amazing for me as I have tried more moisturizing hand creams from Loccitane or Crabtree & Evelyn.  So this will probably be more like a normal hand cream that I use as back-up.

MY VERDICT

Pros

• Skin feels hydrated and plumped upon application
• No sticky feel
• Enriched cream very moisturizing (have to try longer to judge its anti-aging properties)
• Intense cream has helped to reduce appearance of fine lines and rich texture good for dry skin (I almost want to use it as an eye cream XD)
• Refreshing and soothing scent
• 5 free system (free of parabens, artificial coloring, mineral oil, animal raw material, and ethanol)
• Cheap! Includes 2 bonus products if you get the 15th anniversary limited set 🙂

Cons

• Although no sticky feel, can still feel a layer of product on skin – a bit like a sleeping pack? (a plus for some, and not for some)

And I love getting cute little freebies when I buy something, don’t you? ^^

[Review] innisfree – the green tea seed cream

My first review on skincare! I will share something that I love (^_^)

Brand:    innisfree
Product:  The green tea seed cream
Price:    SGD33 
Type:     Moisturizer
Size:     50ml
Origin:   Made in Korea
Website:  innisfree green tea line

THE PACKAGING

Very simple and eco-friendly ‘feel’ plastic tub – a standard look for all innisfree moisturizers. Besides the korean words which I can’t read, the front says:

“100% JEJU GREEN TEA. Enriched with fresh green tea seeds and squeezed green tea from the pure Jeju island to deliver abundant moisture and nourishment deep into your skin.”   Sounds good, eh?

Have you been to Jeju? I’ve been once in Oct 2014 and oh… it’s awesome.  So full of pure beautiful nature and yes, I went to the innisfree/O’Sulloc green tea fields where the exact ingredient is harvested! Made me love the product even more lol XD

THE PRODUCT

See, I am almost finishing the whole tub! I have very very sensitive and acne-prone skin and I usually can’t tell whether the product is good or bad until I have used it for quite a while… so almost finishing the tub is a good sign!

A small dab of the white product onto the back of my hand. The texture is very light-weight and gel-like.  Perfect for oily combination skin like mine.

Contrary to its light-weight texture, it actually promises deep moisturizing properties. From the website:

“The vitality and condensed moisture of green tea grown from the organic green tea fields of the pure island of Jeju refines the skin for clarity and suppleness.”

Everyone knows green tea is good for health from its anti-oxidant properties, so naturally a green tea SEED should follow the same, right? (just my logic haha)

Lightly blended.  Quite water-like and super easy to spread.  Skin feels instantly moisturized.

Fully blended into the skin.  You can see a light sheen on the skin which feels like a moisturizing barrier.  The good thing is – NO sticky feel.  For me, I blend and tap into the skin until the product is fully blended in.

MY VERDICT

Pros

• Very moisturizing, yet very light-weight gel-like texture
• Lovely mild scent (I don’t know how a green tea seed smells like, but this scent certainly delights me)
• No breakouts from using at all (this itself is a big plus for me already)
• Simple, practical and clean packaging

Cons

• Can’t think of any at the moment! It’s not even pricey as there are tons of more expensive moisturizers in the market but did not work well on my skin.

Overall

Highly highly recommend to try this!  I was going to repurchase this, but got attracted to their new “Orchid Enriched Cream” 15th anniversary set – which is another much-raved-about anti-aging moisturizer from innisfree and I got that instead!  Can’t wait to try that out soon~