Review: skincare-Japan Cure Aqua Gel

Selling at SGD38 at Watson.One of highly raved about product in Japan, with 1 bottle sold every 20 seconds!

It's fragrance,preservatives free,and made up of 90% water.

Impressed after trying the gel on back of my hand,I bought it even without asking for the samples first.

The cashier still gave me a few sachets of the samples when I paid for it.

It works like an exfoliator.Just apply and massage very gently, I could see dead skin cells coming off, in the form of eraser dusts lookalike bits. After washing off, skin brightens up and feel smooth instantly! Whatever skincare follow on seems to absorb better and penetrate easily.

I've used it on my neck and feet and am satisfied with the results. Yet to try on my face,as I ow have sensitive skin,so will probably do a small patch test first.

Plan to ask hb to use on his face soon,as he seldom use mask or scrub,I believe there will be lots of dead skin cells coming off when he uses this gel!

Review:Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder & Brush Set

Selling at USD59 at sephora.com. I bought it at HKD510 from Smashbox Stand Alone shop in Langham Place Mall.

The design is wonderful,just twist the shaver for the perfect amount of powder, then apply with the kabuki brush that comes with it...BUT the lid was spoilt and could not close completely, shortly after I started using it. I hope this is just an isolated case or due to my poor-handling, and not a major design/manufacturing defect.

Elizabeth Arden has just introduced loose powder with the same casing design and concept.

Anyway, my verdict is that, this is not suitable for oily or combination skin. I do not see or feel the hydrating effec or the anti-ageing effect that the product claims.This may be better for drier skin. It does feel "heavier" than my usual clinique loose powder.

It's better to get a cheaper loose powder and a good moisturiser/anti-ageing moisturizer separately than spend so much on this loose powder.

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

I love this oil-free moisturising gel.

Usually before noon,my T-zone would be so shinny & oily that the oil seems enough to fry an egg.

After using this, my T-zone stays shine-free longer. When it finally shows some oil,it's not as bad as before.

I applied a layer of this before sleep, and next morning, I woke up with shine-free T-zone as well.

When I wash my face in the morning, I could feel a sheer film on my face.Probably this thin film helps to "trap" the moisture in?

It's said to be able to apply over and under make-up, but it's very tricky to apply over make-up.You practically need to reapply whatever foundation or primer after re-applying the gel.

This is also good as a emergency hydrating mask. Apply a thicker layer and massage in after 5 minute and you will find the flaking skin smoothened.

This is great for our hot & humid weather, and for oily or combination skin. Not sure if it's suitable for very dry skin or for use in colder countries, or winter.