Essential CC Oil & Night Care Milk | Review (Advertorial/Sponsored)

Introducing...
Essential CC Oil & Night Care Milk!

We often style our hair using heat styling methods such as hairdryers, straighteners and curlers or chemical processes such as dyeing, rebonding and perming. We do all sort of things to our hair to make it look nice, but did you know that all of these actions can stress and damage our hair? Well, if you don't, now you know! Even seemingly innocuous things like combing, twirling and tying our hair (simple ponytails or braids) can lead to damage.

And who are behind all these? The FIVE EVIL HAIR STRESS BROTHERS!

They use their super powers to create stress for our hair, so that our hair will look like theirs — fried, damaged and tangled.

You know, I know, we face them everyday. Let's see what makes them tick:

1. Blow drying: The process of blow-drying removes moisture from the hair, both outside and inside the hair — leaving hair dry, brittle and susceptible for further damage.

2. Combing: Combing through wet hair causes great hair damage as the hair follicle is at it's most fragile state. Likewise, the friction caused by coming through dry hair can form hair knots which makes hair prone to unnecessary breakage.

3. Split Ends: The ends of your hair are the oldest and driest parts. When the protective hair cuticle is destroyed at the end of the hair, the hair splits into two or more parts.

4. Dryness: Exposure to the sun, wind or even air-conditioning can result in hair dryness. The hair cuticle that protects the hair is weakened and is unable to retain moisture within the cuticles of the hair.

5. Hair Breakage: Besides daily heat styling, blow drying and brushing, other seemingly harmless actions like tying your hair into a tight ponytail or twirling your hair with your fingers exert excessive stress on your hair, resulting in hair breakage.

Be prepared and get ready with the fight!

Arm yourself with the NEW and IMPROVED Essential CC Oil
that protects your hair cuticles from these evil Hair Stress Brothers.

The 'CC' in the new Essential CC Oil stands for "Culticle Care". It also shares the same 'multi-functional' concept of BB/CC Cream in skin/makeup care.

Let me explain further...

The concept of BB/CC Cream = 1 cream provides a number of benefits like moisturize and brighten skin, provides coverage and sun protection etc. While, the concept of Essential CC Oil = 1 oil protects your hair from the five hair stresses.

CC Oil contains hair supplement oil which is similar to hair's natural oil, that forms a protective coat around each hair strand. With the Cuticle Coat Protection, it protects hair from the five hair stresses, leaving hair smooth, manageable and tangle-free all day.

How To Use?: Pump an appropriate amount onto palm. Spread and apply evenly onto damp or towel-dried hair, concentrating on mid-length to the tip of hair. Ideal for day use in the morning and throughout the day.

Although it is formulated with hair supplement oil, it is invisibly light and non-greasy.

Tried and Tested

BEFORE applying CC Oil:

Look at how dry and frizzy my hair was.

AFTER applying CC Oil:

I can feel my hair is softer, smoother (less frizzy) and healthier-looking.

I must say the CC Oil is particularly good at taming frizzy and unruly hair. It adds an instant boost of shine and smoothness to my tresses without weighing them down or leaving greasy after-feel. It also reduces and prevents split ends and tangles.

Hey, you think the FIVE Evil Hair Stress Brothers are our only enemies? Hell NO!, there is also the PESKY PILLOW KING!

Do You Know? Tossing and turning around in bed creates friction between our hair strands and the pillow, causing the cuticles to be misaligned. The misaligned cuticles create frizz and tangles, resulting in us waking up with the fabulous lion's mane the next morning. Roooooarrr~

Many of us have no choice, but to fix our hair by going through washing and blowing-dry routine every morning before we head out of the house. And this can be very time-consuming and may require us to get up earlier to fix our hair.

Fortunately, this problem can be made better and prevented with...

the NEW Essential Night Care Milk!

Formulated with hair supplement oil, which is similar to hair's natural oil; and coupled with Cuticle Coat Protection ingredients, it leaves a protective coat around each hair strand, preventing misaligned cuticles when hair rubs against the pillow. It not only protects hair from 'pillow friction', but it also intensively repairs and moisturizes the hair all through the night! With hair protected overnight and damage repaired, you will wake up to stronger, healthier hair!

How To Use?: Before going to bed, pump an appropriate amount onto palm. Spread and apply evenly onto damp or towel-dried hair, concentrating on mid-length to the tip of hair. For better results, ensure hair is completely dry before going to bed.

It feels rich, but it is not greasy at all.

Tried and Tested

The Night Care Milk gets absorbed quickly once applied on my hair, leaving no traces on the pillow. I separated my hair into two sections, applied the Night Care Milk to one section of my hair and went to bed.

The next morning, ... (pardon my just woke up face lol)

Let me zoom-in and brighten it up so that you can see the difference clearer.

... well, I believe you can tell the difference. :)

I can tell (and feel) it protects my hair from 'pillow friction' and repairs damage overnight, saving me from waking up with lion's mane hair every morning; I no longer need to go through the washing and blowing-dry routine in the morning. I just need to brush through my hair, put on makeup and ready to go in a jiffy!

All in all, I'll say... I'M IMPRESSED with both of these products as I can feel my tresses become more manageable and stronger (lesser breakage, frizz, tangles)! Not to mention, they have a light fresh floral fragrance that leave my hair smelling divine!♥

Achieving manageable, gorgeous hair isn't difficult. All you need to do is to add an extra step to your hair care regime in the day and at night. So besides pampering your tresses with hair mask treatment, boost your hair moisture and protect it from the daily external stress factors (the evil brothers), as well as pillow friction (the pesky king) with the new Essential CC Oil and Night Care Milk starting from today!

The NEW and IMPROVED Essential Leave-On Treatment range is available in the supermarkets and personal care stores, retailing at the price of SGD$11.90 each.

Like Essential Singapore Facebook Page and Play Essential's Mane Hero game. 

It's a simple left-right control game and is super easy to play! 

You just have to catch the Essential products, avoiding the Evil Hair Stress Brothers and Pesky Pillow King; be the high scorer to win attractive weekly prizes!

Play it now, have fun and good luck! :)Essential CC Oil and Night Care Milk | Review

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Review: Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover (New & Improved) [Advertorial/Sponsored]

Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover a product which I have been using since Year 2013, has a NEW and IMPROVED formula! Each bottle weighs 230ml.

Check out my review on the previous version of Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover.

Compare to the previous version, the NEW Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover has a smoother jelly-like texture that glides easily on skin to remove makeup with less rubbing and tugging.

the NEW version is indeed smoother and more watery than the OLD version.

It's lightweight formula and superior cleansing ability remove even waterproof makeup and rinses off easily with no sticky or greasy after-feel.

What's more, it contains 40% more moisturizing essence to leave skin dewy moist and softer! Ideal for all skin types!

Ingredients List:
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PEG-12 Laurate, Mineral Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Decyl Glucoside, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, PPG-9 Diglyceryl Ether, Fragrance (Parfum), Alcohol, Tocopherol

Usage:
1. Pump an appropriate amount (2-3 pumps) onto hands and spread evenly over face and eye area.
2. Massage gently to dissolve makeup.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water. It is not necessary to remove cleansing liquid with cotton pad or tissue.
4. For best results, apply on dry face and hands. DO NOT use facial cotton pad or tissue.

*Makeup Removal Test

*P.S: I got my mom to help me out for the demonstration pictures as it was easier for me to take the shots.

Here are the pictures featuring my mom's arm flooded with lots of makeup swatches:

Makeup used from left to right:
The Face Shop Power Perfection BB Cream
DHC Medicated Acne Concealer
DollyWink Liquid Eyeliner (waterproof)
K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Eyeliner (waterproof)
DollyWink Eyeshadows
Maybelline Magnum Cat Eyes Mascara (waterproof)
Secret Key Sweet Glam Tint Glow

Tried and Tested

It did a good job in removing non-waterproof makeup quickly and cleanly in a few rubs, but it did not remove waterproof makeup, particularly eye makeup, as quickly. As shown in the pictures, there were still some traces of waterproof makeup left, which actually can be removed but may require a longer time to dissolve fully. So if you are the type that removes makeup in a haste, it might wear your patience. Anyway, this did not bother me much as I have a habit to use a separate makeup remover — Biore Makeup Remover for eyes & lips, that is designed for eye area.

It rinsed off easily but I felt it left a layer of 'something' that made my skin feels slippery during & after rinsing and before towel dry. Despite that, it did not make my skin feels oily or sticky after towel dry. In fact, it leaves my skin feeling much softer and moisturized.

Let's move on to...

Moisture + Oil Test

using my newly bought device from Japan to prove my claims are true.

Here's the measurement guidelines for you to refer back to later:

*P.S. Analyzing Standards:

The standard value of moisture level is 38%++, 3-5 bars (normal to very moisturized).

The standard value of oiliness (skin type) is 3 bars (normal). - means balanced, which is neither too oily nor too dry.

The standard value of cells (roughness/softness) is soft - happy face.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Skin's moisture increased from 2 bars to 4 bars; from 34% to 46%.
Oiliness increased from 2 bars to 4 bars.
Skin's cells (.aka. skin texture) feel much softer now.

I was quite puzzled when the result for oiliness increased to 4 bars (oily level), because honestly, my skin did not feel greasy at all after towel dry. But as mentioned earlier, "...it left a layer of 'something' that made my skin feels slippery during & after rinsing and before towel dry". So I took a look at the ingredients list and found out that this product does contain mineral oil, which I guess it might be the cause that resulted in an increase in the oil level. However, it did not cause my skin to breakout as I would always proceed to a second cleanse with a facial cleanser. Therefore, I think it isn't a big issue.

In summary, in my opinion, the new Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover removes non-waterproof makeup effectively and quickly. However, it may take more time to dissolve and remove waterproof makeup completely. After which, it leaves skin feeling refreshed, dewy moist and softer.

By the way, if you are planning to bring along to travel, you don't have to worry about accidental pump/leakage in your luggage or bag because it comes with a lock cap.

awesome~

The NEW Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover is now available in all leading supermarkets, personal care stores and western pharmacies & departmental stores at the price of SGD$24.90.

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Review: Natural Divulge All Natural Goat Milk Soap (Lavender)

Natural Divulge All Natural Goat Milk Soap

(Click on picture to enlarge)

All Natural Goat Milk Soaps 7 scents available:

Oatmeal, Pomegranate Blackberry, Tea Tree, Mint,

Lavender, Clean Scent and Unscented

(Click on picture to enlarge)

All Natural Kids Goat Milk Soaps 3 scents available:

Choco Bubble Monkey, Pinky Bubble Elephant & Berry Bubble Bear

Also, available specially for pet dogs and horses:

Cuddy Friend Pet Soap

- Description of the Natural Divulge's handmade goat milk soap:

The recipes of Natural Divulge's handmade goat milk soap are originally developed as a “labor of love” by a grandmother, for her granddaughter born with the skin condition eczema. Amazingly over time, she perfected the blending of certain key ingredients proven to be beneficial to the skin, and in conjunction with time, temperatures, and unique production methods, she developed the perfect natural goat milk soap product.

- The Manufacturing Process:

Natural Divulge's cleansing bars are of a non-detergent, non-cosmetic, non-drug variety. They are produced completely from scratch, by hand, using the ancient cold process method of saponification. Our goat milk soaps are considered to be “true” soaps by definition.  What does “true” soap, cold processed, and saponification mean?  The definition of soap, according to Wikipedia Encyclopedia are as follows: “Soap, consisting of sodium (soda ash) or potassium (potash) salts of fatty acids is obtained by reacting fat with lye in a process known as saponification. The fats are hydrolyzed by the base, yielding alkali salts of fatty acids (crude soap) and glycerol. Many cleaning agents today are technically not soaps, but detergents, which are less expensive and easier to manufacture.”  What this all means in layman’s terms, is that the cold processed method of making “true” soap is to mix a strong alkali (typically lye) with fats. Water serves as the vehicle causing a chemical reaction called saponification. After saponification takes place, the end result is crude soap (“true soap”) and glycerol/glycerin. It is important to note that once saponification, or the chemical reaction has occurred, there is no lye present in the final product.  The majority of commercial products available on the market today are made by large conglomerates, mass produced in huge batches using a manufacturing process that removes the glycerin, and adds fillers such as synthetic detergents, hardeners, colors, and other various additives. Why do they remove the glycerin? Because they can use it to make other things to be sold separately - basically, they make more money by removing it and using it elsewhere. But what they’ve really done is remove one of the soap’s moisturizing components. By definition, these products are not soap at all. The detergents contained in them are what typically causes very dry skin and the removal of the glycerin with its moisturizing properties doesn‘t help either. Detergents along with other additives can also cause irritations in some. True soaps such as ours, made using the cold process method, retain their glycerin and have no detergent fillers or other such additives. They actually add a little additional glycerin to our soaps.

- What is melt & pour soap? 

This is another important thing for you, the consumer, to be aware of. Melt and pour soap products are created using commercial soapmaking kits. Producers of these soaps often mislead the public with their advertising or labeling, by claiming that their products are “handmade”, or that their product contains “no lye”. In reality they are simply pre-made, commercial soap product kits, melted down, colored, scented, etc. and then poured into molds. These products are by no means handmade or made from scratch. The statement of “no lye” that some make, is extremely misleading. No “true” soap contains lye. As mentioned previously, after saponification occurs, there is no lye in the final soap product. Don’t be fooled or mislead.

- Product Quality & Sound Business Practices

Natural Divulge places a huge emphasis on the quality of our all natural, handmade goat milk soap products, the ingredients, and the processes involved in producing them. They take great pride in their personalized customer service, and in always operating their business in a responsible and helpful manner.

Features:

- All natural goat milk soap enhanced with Emu Oil.

- Real handmade & handcrafted soap — produced completely from scratch, using the ancient cold process method

- Perfectly blended and creamy

- Gentle for sensitive skin.

- Non-detergent, non-cosmetic, non-drug variety

- Made in USA

x---x

Natural Divulge All Natural Goat Milk Soap (Lavender) (4 ounces; 113g)

Description of "All Natural Lavender" Body Soap— Soothe headaches, aid to sleep and relaxation, treatment of skin burns and inflammatory conditions. Made with real crushed lavender buds. Enhanced with Emu Oil.

Ingredients: saponified soybean oil (GMO free), goat milk, olive and coconut oils, sodium hydroxide, shea butter, distilled water, essential oil, emu oil, vegetable glycerin and vitamin E.

Weight: 4 ounces; 113g

There are noticeable brown spots on the soap bar and they are actually specks of dried lavender buds. It's made with real crushed lavender buds. :)

Let me share with you a little tip~ The "Frugal Living Tips!":

Well, as you guys know..., when a soap bar comes in contact with water, it usually melts and finishes really fast so for an unemployed poor student like me, I tend to try finding ways to extend the usage for every product. So basically, here's a little tip that shows how I will normally use the soap bar:

Instead of wetting the whole soap bar, try cutting chopping it into smaller pieces.

By doing so, helps to extend the usage of the soap bar.

I use that small cut-out piece of soap once a day. Since it's lavender soap bar, I usually use it at night to relax myself after a long tired day. It can lasts for about 5-7 usages, depends on how much you use and also the number of times you get it in contact with water(especially with warm water). The moistest the soap bar is, the faster it will soften and melt. 

After cutting the proportion you needed, wrap up the rest of the uncut soap bar with cling wrap to keep it clean and fresh. By doing so, also helps to retain the scent. Then store it in a dry place, away from the sunlight.

That's all for the tip! Moving on to... the test on the "Lather .aka. Foaming Ability"

Demonstration on my mom's hands~

Damp it with water~

With a few rubbing, it starts to foam up...

...creamy as it claimed...

...add some water again and continue to rub... 

As you can tell from picture, it lathers up easily.

Then rinse it off... It is easy to wash off with water.

Consistency:

Creamy and quick to lather. It does not have a very greasy feel even though it contains some oil ingredients.

Scent:

Just like the name "All Natural Lavender", it does smells like lavender! It has a very pleasant and relaxing scent. Omg, I can't express how much I loooooooooooove the scent! When I first got the soap, I keep sniffing it as if I'm a drug addict. lol.

Moisture Test:

Before using the soap, my skin moisture level is 31.4%.

After using the soap, my skin moisture level dropped to 31.1%.

The difference on moisture loss after using the soap is 0.3%.

Therefore, I concluded that this soap is not too drying.

Likes:

- the scent!!

- formulated with natural ingredients; no harsh chemicals

- lathers up easily

- easy to wash it off

- not very greasy

- leaves skin feeling clean

- does not overly dehydrated the skin

- does not cause back acne

- calming and relaxing effect

- gentle for all skin types including sensitive skin

- available in varieties of scents

- range available for children and pet dog

Dislikes: 

- The price(SGD$16.80) is kind of a bit high side for me as I'm still a student. >_<

- I find soap bar is less convenient. Comparing soap bar to bottled shower gel/soap, I still prefer bottled shower gel/soap as it seems more convenient for me. 

Verdict: So far..., this natural goat milk soap has not cause any skin problems on me. I would say it is really gentle and the lavender scent is really calming and relaxing, which is great for relaxation purposes. It lathers up well and it gives a squeaky clean feel after use, which has a similar feel as the Life Buoy Shower Gel. Some people might not like the "too clean" feel but don't worry, after awhile that "clean" feel will diminish. It does not overly dehydrate the skin; I guess its mainly because it contains well-known natural moisturizing ingredients such as the emu oil, shea butter, olive oil etc., which help to replenish and retain the moisture in the skin. Besides that, all the soaps are made of goat milk which is full of nourishing properties! With all these nourishing ingredients(e.g: emu oil, goat milk etc.), it's actually value for money~~ FYI, my personal favorites are the Lavender and Clean Scent. 

By the way, Pomegranate Blackberry and Oatmeal are their top bestsellers. The Pomegranate Blackberry has a little hint of sweetness. It's not too strong but it's just not my type of scent. I'm not fond of sweet fragrances even if its in the slightest.......hahahaha. My family and friends like the Pomegranate Blackberry soap a lot. I guess I can't say much about the scent recommendation cause we all have different preferences so yeah... just some simple tips that might help you to choose the soap:

If you likes sweet scent, you can try the Pomegranate Blackberry.

If you suffers from eczema and other skin conditions, get the Oatmeal soap.

If you have back acne, go ahead and grab the one with Tea Tree extract.

If you are looking for a soothing and relaxing scent, pick the Lavender one!

If you are looking for a refreshing scent, pick the one in Mint!

If you like looking for a light scented/mild clean scent, get it in Clean Scents.

If you dislike anything scented, no worries~ they have it in UNSCENTED! lol 

With that said, Natural Divulge All Natural Goat Milk Soaps are available in many different scents. All the scents smell pleasant and nice. None of them are too pungent~ Each of them have different purposes(check their website for more info) and all of them are gentle and sensitive skin friendly~ :)

You can pick more than one scent and rotate different scents everyday or each time you bath. e.g: In the morning, you can use the Mint scented soap to give your body and mind a boost and get you going each morning. Then at night, you can use the Lavender scented soap to help relax after a long d

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