Kiehl's Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate review

The way I will define this product is that it is a moisturizer at the price of a serum. I was introduced to this product by a Kiehl sample. But don't get me wrong... this is worth what you pay for.

I was heading off to a girl's weekend getaway in a cabin near mount Fuji and didn't know what to bring since it was a Friday and it was the start of Golden Week and I had gotten off work, I was only able to put so much into my night bag without looking unprofessional at work. 

I was staying in a cabin that the woods that used a combustible heater and my skin instantly became very dry. however, the moment I applied this product to my skin, it instantly quenched the dryness. 

Anyways, enough of my experiences, let's talk about what this product actually is.

Product Details:

The highlight of this product is that it is a pore-minimizing serum. It helps lift and tightens the skin. This product helps smooth, firm and lift your skin with a potent yeast extract. It is suitable for all skin types.

The Container:

I was a bit disappointed that given the hefty price tag, the container is made of plastic. The pump is also not very well made. The only two aspects I could appreciate about the pump are that 1. you can adjust how much product comes out and 2. you are able to lock it (prevent the product from coming out) with a simple twist.

Scent:

There is a strong essential oil scent from the Bergamot Essential oil and Geranium Essential Oil contained in this product. But for those who are concerned, the fragrance/aroma disappears as you rub the product against your skin.

Pros:

• instantly hydrates and relieves skin
• it improves the texture and health of your skin in the long run
• the scent (but this can be a pro or con depending on your fondness for the aroma of essential oils)
• a little goes a long way (I suggest 2-3 pumps at the max output amount)

Cons:

• it can be a little pricey
• it can feel sticky
• the plastic container
• Kiehl's calls it a concentrate and describes it as a serum, but it is thick, like a moisturizer

Verdict:

Out of Kiehl's Concentrates, this is my favourite one. I can always count on it to relieve my skin's tightness and dryness and in the long run, it improves my skin's texture and overall health. I have been using this product for over 4 years and I love it... I have gone through multiple bottles and it hasn't failed me or my skin.

Whenever I use masks, I develop mask acne but thankfully this product instantly relieves my skin from dryness and irritation. 

score: 9.5/10

website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skin-concerns/lifting-and-firming/precision-lifting-pore-tightening-concentrate/598.html

fixx Stem Cell Serum review

fixx Stem Cell Serum

One of my friends introduced me to this brand and as an adventurist, I was excited to give it a try.

fixx is a Singaporean brand which focuses on solution-oriented products. They use plant-based ingredients.

After some convincing from their brand ambassadors, this serum was the only product that appealed to me. (I wasn't a fan of their makeup).

This Stem Cell Serum claims to nourish and hydrate for smoother-looking skin.

For 27ml, I paid $15 (which isn't bad... but the most important is does it work).

the directions and warnings

This serum utilizes the marine stem cells Mitostime and Phyko AI-PF to support a healthy environment for the stem cells in your skin. 

According to the clinical evidence, these two ingredients can stimulate new skin cell production and work together with your skin's collagen.  This helps to rejuvenate the look of skin for a youthful-looking appearance.

Directions are simple:

1. apply a dime-size amount to dry face after cleansing and toning in the morning and evening
2. Massage into skin using a circular motion until the serum is absorbed.
3. May be used under a moisturizer or sunscreen.

It claims it is excellent for the eye area.

The warnings are:

• For external use only.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• If eye contact occurs, rinse well with warm water. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. 
• Keep out of the reach of children.

There is no list of ingredients. The ambassador told me that it is all-natural, and should only contain serum extracted from plants.

this serum moved into the "black" side after I tilted it

impressions:

• hate the container... why is it in a cheap plastic bottle? Most serums I use are either in glass or high-quality plastic
• the serum smells like glue
• the serum was so runny that even in the dropper, it slid down the tube to the spongy part
• it didn't make a difference to my skin (I used this religiously for 2 weeks)
• I saw no difference in the eye area.
• It seemed like it was natural, I didn't feel any skin irritations 
• it does not do what it claims to do

the serum is very runny

To say the least, I was quite disappointed.

score: 5/10 (It is better to have a serum than none...  and  it didn't feel like it had anything artificial inside)
website: no website

花王SOFINA iP 土台美容液 review

I stumbled on a really cool product a few weeks ago at my local drug store. At first I thought it was some facial washing foam, however, after reading what it is, I discovered it was actually a foam serum!... Now, THAT is something I have never seen nor heard of.

I instantly became intrigued and despite its hefty ¥3000 price tag, I had to get it both to quench my curiosity and for you, my blog.

a quick scan of the instructions and info pamphlet told me that this is a carbon serum (which explains the foam).

The carbon bubbles are used to create better blood circulation helping your skin glow.

They say it is suitable for dry skin and it is one of their highest density products. The product is supposed to help moisturize, create elasticity and give your skin a creamy smooth finish.

impressions:

• foam for your face
• soda for your face
• love the subtle floral smell
• foam disappears quickly
• sensitive skin needs time adjusting to product
• made skin feel soft but very dry

the foam turned flat before I could snap a picture

My skin would break out in one area each time I used this for the first three weeks I used this product, they were extremely painful and I was well aware it was this serum causing the problem. Once you get past this stage, your skin will be more accepting of it.

While it did make my skin very smooth, my skin was very dry and vulnerable. I would always immediately put some moisturizer and other products so my skin doesn't dehydrate.

I have mixed feelings over this product. I'm not sure whether I will purchase it again.

score: 7/10
gimmick score: 5/10
website: https://web.sofina.com/sg/ip/mousse/ (English)

The Body Shop Vitamin E serum review

product

The Body Shop packaging is always changing so I'm not sure what it would look like by the time this post comes out. Just remember the name: Vitamin E Moisture Serum

Since I got this in a Canadian store, the packaging might be different than if you buy it somewhere else.

product and product

Details and info about product:

A concentrated pre-moisturiser treatment for the skin, for continuous, enhanced moisturisation and protection. Vitamin E protects, while tara bush seed extract works within the skin to boost moisture levels. Skin is instantly smoothed, while the future of your skin is protected over time, with regular regime use.

It claims it is:

• Suitable for all skin types
• With vitamin E
• With Community Trade honey from Ethiopia
• Facial serum
• Concentrated formula
• Enhances moisturisation
• All-day protection

impressions:

• pump type (easy to use and hygienic)
• very thick (consistency is between a serum and lotion)
• works!
• has a lightly baby powder scent
• your skin just grabs it and absorbs it

I was impressed. What seemed to be an innocent purchase became a great find! This serum must be paired with a moisturizer or it won't work. (I've tried). You do not have to use a body shop moisturizer, but you NEED a moisturizer.

This is definitely a product I was glad I picked up and I highly recommend it.

Score: 9.8/10
Website: https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-sg/face/moisturizers/vitamin-e-moisture-serum/p/p000878

Skinfood Watery Berry Serum review

the product and packaging

Skinfood is one of those brands where you hear so much about to the point that you love it and want it so much before you actually tried any of their products. Beauty Guru's from all over are rant over this brand so much...

This product contains berry extracts and Hyaluronic acid. These ingredients make and your skin retain moisture

Impressions:

• Very watery
• Smells like berry 
• very easy to absorb
• I hate the pump

back of container

A word of caution, if you are using this product for the first time you will need to pump it about 20 times before you can get any product out (the pump isn't broken, that's just how it was made).

The scent is extremely light, it is a soft hint of a mixture of berry auras put together.

photo credits: skinfood

Packaging:

This bottle is made out of glass (feels expensive :P). There was no box, it was coated in a hard plastic wrap.

Pump:

I think the problem is not the pump, but the way the bottle is shaped. I found it extremely difficult to squirt the product out without "almost" making a mess each time. The pump produces a lot of product so one pump is literally enough for your whole face (remember to not use too much serum on your skin... it can do more harm than good).

Texture:

The texture is very smooth and there are little white microbeads (which melt when you apply to your face). I emailed Skinfood about what those "beads" are but I wasn't able to get a reply from them. So till now, I do not know what they are...

Pros:

• make your skin feel so soft
• gives a glowy look
• your skin literally drinks up this serum in a second

Cons:

• hard to "pump" out product
• moisturizing effect does not last very long (approx. 5 hrs)

Score: 7.0

Official Website: http://eng.theskinfood.com/products/product.asp?prdNo=1554

Sulwhasoo First Care Serum review

At this moment, I consider this serum my favourite of all favourite serums!

When you first use it, it smells like ginger mixed with some oriental herb. I was skeptical, it didn't "feel" like the other serums I used, it felt more like a watery gel, when I pumped it out, it was sticky, quite like "syrups" (or agave honey, if you know the texture of that)... it was easy to spread to my face and my skin immediately absorbed all that I put on (by the way, just a thin layer, never apply too much serum on your face, it can cause breakouts and other skin problems).

To be honest, I couldn't feel the difference at first, I applied this at night right before I went to sleep. When I woke up the next morning and went to wash my face, I immediately felt how soft my skin felt, it was... AMAZING... my skin felt so "perfect". It was definitely firmer, smoother and softer.

I went on their website and learned more about this product: the website says:

"

Formulated with Korean medicinal herbs, this essential regimen boosting serum assures optimal skin care results, promoting balance and replenishing essential moisture and nutrients.

- Membranous Milkvetch promotes natural skin circulation and Dwarf Lilyturf and Licorice boost synergy among herbal extracts to restore skin’s natural healthy radiance. 
- Absorbing instantly and deep within the skin, this serum leaves the skin soft, smooth and supple, prepares skin to receive treatment and boosts the efficacy of skin care used throughout the regimen.

"

I think it definitely lived up to its claims!

This serum might be a bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it, I have used this serum for about a month and definitely left a difference, I also noticed that although I have already used it for a month, I have only used about 6 ml of the product, this stuff lasts long! It might feel "expensive" but once you have it, you will learn to love it!

official website: http://www.sulwhasoo.com/beauty/beauty_tips.jsp

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus serum review

I have decided to grab this image straight from Clinique's official site since the pictures I took of it didn't seem to look good at all (not appealing), let alone posting them on Instagram.

The Serum is called Clinique repairwear laser focus - wrinkle & UV damage corrector. Although I do not have any wrinkles nor do I go out into the sun too much, I have noticed the significant difference it has made to my skin.

This is officially my favourite serum! I absolutely love how it absorbs into my skin immediately after application and how smooth and soft my skin feels after using it for just 2 days. (I have used this for about a month now, and I love how my skin feels so soft and smooth).

When you first put it on your hand, it feels like milk. Once you apply it on your face your skin instantly absorbs it. What is so amazing about this serum is after you have applied it to your skin it only takes a few minutes for your skin to feel so soft and smooth.

Though it is marketed for those with wrinkles or UV damaged skin, (I have neither of these) I didn't feel it being too strong for my dry skin (and other blemishes, which it did help me get rid of!). Unfortunately, it doesn't help you get rid of large pores.

I highly recommend this serum for those with really dry skin as it does make your skin feel so hydrated. But keep in mind it can be a bit pricey. I would recommend this for those who desperately need their skin to be soft and smooth for major events coming up soon (e.g. prom, formal, weddings, etc) as it instantly "fixes" your skin. It also does a great job in fixing "blemishes" and "bumps" on your skin too.

Borghese Revitalizing Face Serum review

While shopping in Costco, this caught my eye... Borghese Revitalizing Face Serum... I thought, why would Borghese be in Costco?

In North America, Borghese does not seem to be as popular as compared to Asia, so after being "brainwashed" in Asia about Borghese, and learning about it's linked to Princess Marcella Borghese and looking at the price tag of this, I had to get a bottle to try for myself.

I haven't had a lot of chances to try serums since I am pretty new to skincare. I would say this is a "mild" serum, suitable for climates/weather which are not extremely dry or harsh on skin.

It has an oily feel when you apply the serum on your face, but after it has been absorbed it becomes matte. The oiliness is good since you can spread the product on your face easier, unfortunately, I find the pump it not very durable, after using it for over a month, it needs to be pulled back up before pumping again, or you can't get enough product.