Aging Skin - What I learned about in my 30s

I first started to realize that my skin was aging after I passed my 30s which happened to be just after I had my first child. I started to notice that my skin wasn’t as plump anymore. Tiny moles / pigmentation that I had never noticed started to appear on my face. I started to freak out! It was like a double whammy! Do you know that once you hit 30 your estrogen levels start to drop? This results in lower levels of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that give 20-somethings that beautiful taut skin and plump apple cheeks.  I did read though that post pregnancy aging is just ‘temporarily’ caused by the lack of sleep, high stress and yeah being a mom. However, if you are in your 30’s it is time to ramp up your skincare regime already. If you have not been using any creams diligently, it is time to start. If you have, then it may be time to go for a cream with anti-aging properties.

" ..... once you hit 30 your estrogen levels start to drop?"

As the saying goes “You are what you eat”, it is no surprise that the condition of our skin is highly dependent on that factor. A balanced diet often helps to fight the signs of aging but is often not enough as we are undergoing other hormone changes as well.

"You are what you eat."

So, even though according to my Facebook I am still in my 20s and even though I hate to admit it, it is time to seriously start using Anti-Aging Creams. No, it’s not because I want to live in denial of my age but it’s because I want to age gracefully. However, you would agree that most anti-aging creams can burn a hole in your pocket hence why it may be a reason to put off starting to use them.

"I want to age gracefully"

I am using the Olay Regenerist Skincare Range at the moment which I decided to try based on a friend’s advice. The product promise is “ Look Dramatically Younger without spending a fortune”,  which sounds good to me as I didn’t actually plan to spend so much on skincare.

Here is a bit about the product:

A – Miracle Boost Youth Essence; B – Regenerist Micro-sculpting cream; C – Regenerist revitalizing night cream

A - Miracle Boost – Youth Pre Essence

Time of Use : Day & Night

Function : helps skin look energized and strengthens skin barrier function to give healthy looking skin

Texture : Sheer, light texture

Directions of Use : Use twice a day after toner and before serum & moisturizer.

What’s Cool ?!: Unscrew the cap and the product is automatically drawn in to the dropper

A – Miracle Boost Youth Essence; B – Regenerist Micro-sculpting cream; C – Regenerist revitalizing night cream

B – Micro-sculpting Cream

Time of Use : Day & Night

Function : firmer, smoother looking skin + intense hydration

The Promise : 

Day 1: Visibly reduces pores, improves texture & radiance

Day 14: Noticeably firmer skin

Day 28: Reduces years of wrinkles*

Benefits :

- Helps block direct DNA damaging rays to help protect skin and maintain collagen’s structural integrity

- Hydrates to help rebuild cellular surface structure & restore firmness

Product Information : This new anti-ageing formula hydrates to help rebuild cellular* surface structure and restore firmness, regenerating a more youthful appearance SPF 30 helps block direct DNA damaging rays to help protect skin and maintain collagen’s structural integrity. Powerful anti-oxidants help protect the skin’s surface. Premium skin feel, suitable for daily use

Texture : Creamy, light

Directions of Use : Using fingertips, massage a small amount on the face & neck in an upward circular motion , focusing on areas such as the brow & jawline which need more support

A – I would actually pump it on my palms first but this looks nicer for pictures;  B – Apply the micro-sculpting cream on the brow & jawline area; C – Having fun always makes you look and feel  younger hehe

C – Revitalizing Night Cream

Time of Use : Night

Function : Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with moisturization

Texture : Creamy, Light,

Direction of Use: using fingertips, smooth evenly onto clean skin over face & neck every evening

What’s Cool ?!:  Velvety feel & very light

My Verdict

•  My favourite thing about this product is it is very light on the skin. Most anti-aging creams feel heavy and block my pores which is one of the reasons I used to stay away from them.
• My pore size seems to have shrunk and the tiny wrinkles that were forming have lessened so my skin feels smoother to the touch.
• Make-up glides on smoother and looks more flawless thanks to my new supple skin.
• I can feel the skin tightening effect from day 1 and keeps improving
• It’s value for money

I hope this is helpful for you, especially if you are in your 30’s. Whatever your choice may be, don’t forget to smile for a smile has scientifically proven to make you look younger.

For more on Olay products do check out their website https://www.everydayme.com.my/tag/olay

[Review] Lancome Spring Collection '16

Ah, spring is in the air! Uhm...not in a tropical country you say? Well, actually although our climate is not affected our fashion trends surely are and so is make up!

I was honoured to be a guest at the lauch party in Isetan KLCC and be one of the first few to checkout the collection. Thank you Lancome Malaysia for the products which I am currently enjoying! 

That said, I am delighted to bring to you............

FROM LANCÔME WITH LOVE; SPRING 2016 COLLECTION.

PARISIAN REVERIE

Welcome to a pop, retro-futuristic Paris: a world of poetic surprises where things are never quite what they seem, an invitation to incite every woman’s creativity. An imaginary journey infused with grace and lightness has inspired Lancôme for its spring 2016 make-up collection. The heroine of this Parisian tale re-connects with her childlike side to imagine looks with new-found sensuality, both elegant and delicate, playing with innovative textures and zesty colour. Neo-pastels with soft pop tones, but always with an ultra-contemporary twist. What could be more uplifting than daring to shake up the codes, create new sensations and effects, go beyond appearances and reveal the unexpected?

The metalic tin packaging is customized with the collection’s signature illustration: a Parisienne walking her little dog over the Paris rooftops on a beautiful spring day with a bouquet of balloons in her hand, carrying the message From Lancôme With Love. 

The spring collection features 3 Limited Edition products, My Parisian Pastels, My Parisian Blush and a Hypnose Palette for Poetically Pretty Eyes.

I was afraid that I would mix up the colors and then breathed a sigh of relief when I noticed the were numbered at the back

My Parisian Pastels palette at first glance looks like a box of eyeshadows. It actually is a box of little individual cubes united to form a multi-coloured cube. Each shimmery cube is numbered on the reverse side. The 9 shades are divided into 3 corrective shades, 3 blush tones and 3 illuminating pastels. There is no one way to use these cubes and it is definitely for those who are playful and creative. If you are stumped to begin, the back of the box provides suggestions for which shades to use on eyes and which for face.

Handy packaging. You can try rubbing this directly on to you eyes or cheeks for an intense look

The tiny cubes can be opened individually and be used in a multitude of ways. You can blend colours together to create a healthy spring glow, or used them individually like a chalk. You will also notice that the box has a slight retro feel, sort of like a box of crayons to bring out that little girl on you to play and let loose ;)

The colours 1-9 on my hand applied lightly with a brush. For people with light skin, you can actually use no.9 for sculpting with a natural finish

The colours of the palette are not too over powering so it is suitable for day use. For night, I would suggest using it for its glow and highlight feature along with a brighter eye colour.

Application Tips from Lancome Make-up Creative Director, Lisa Eldridge for every woman to make her own. ..

Face: Sweep a flat brush or kabuki across a horizontal row to take up a blend of corrective, healthy glow or illuminating colours.  

Eyes: Pick up a cube and apply the colour directly to the lid, pressing down more or less firmly to create the desired intensity and shimmer effect

Price: RM200 ( inclusive of GST) 

I know some that would buy this for the packaging alone hehe

My Parisian Blush beautifully packaged blush comes in two shades. 

01 Corail de Ville, a fruity orange for irresistible cheeks. 

02 Rose Haussmann, a flush-effect bluish pink which infuses the face with emotion. 

The texture of the blush is reminiscent of playing with playdough! Just press your finger lightly and spread on the desired area. Oh, did I mention it is multipurpose too? I used it on my eyes and my lips as well, though for lips you would need to add some gloss as the finish is dry & matte.

Price: RM145 (inclusive of GST) 

The Limited Edition Hypnose Pallete comes in DO12 Paris Merveilleux

The Hypnose Palette for spring has warm, intense tones like a spring sunrise, with a zesty orange able to awaken eyes in a wave of freshness. The Pallete comes with a style guide so you will know where to put what colour to create the perfect smokey romantic blinkers. However, don't be afraid to play around and create your own look ;)

Price: RM160 (inclusive of GST) 

Here is My Parisian Pastels & My Parisian Blush Look...

This is shot under sunlight with an internal camera.

I started off by priming my face with Lancome Advance Genifique & Lancome UV Expert.

To finish the look I used Lancome Grandiose Mascara which is especially great for unsteady hands as it just wipes off clean at the area you've smudged - no water required AND Loreal Lip Lover for youthful shiny lips.

I've mapped out where I used what color. Although not intense they really do make a difference and I like the effortless youthful appearance they help create. 

Please ignore my asymmetrical face

I applied My Parisian Pastels' cube number 4 under my eyes (where you would usually have dark circles) and on my lids with upward strokes. If you have light & yellow toned skin you can use cube number 2 as concealer. 

I then used My Parisian Blush in 01 Corail de Ville on my cheeks, lips and at the edge of the eye socket. I applied the color on my lids with my finger tips like a chalk except for the inner corner where I used a tiny brush. 

To finish off, I highlighted my T-zone and chin using cube number 2 to create a 3D effect. 

So, what do you think?

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The LANCÔME SPRING COLLECTION is available at all counters nationwide from 11th January 2016 onwards . 

IsMé Beauty & Cafe

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe, Empire Subang

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe recently launched it's own skin care range named IsMé Professional Beauty and Skincare. It combines both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, or simply Cosmeceuticals with biologically active ingredients. IsMé Beauty & Cafe claims that this range is personally tested and selected by their team of beauty professionals and skincare experts. Made in the USA, the range promises to treat skin conditions, prevent premature aging and protect skin health and beauty. 

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe - Bar

If you haven't already been to one of the 3 cafe's and have no idea what a beauty cafe is I don't blame you as this concept is new in Malaysia. In fact, IsMé  Beauty & Cafe is the first of it's kind in the country, focusing on beauty and health both from within and on the surface. Just like the old saying "You are what you eat".

Wow! This is how low cal food looks like now

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe Signature drink

Some product testing  and skin analyis

I was privileged to be invited to a briefing and product testing with their expert consultants along with two other bloggers. We were all given different products based on the expert's analysis of our skin to take home and try. My skin is generally healthy, combination skin so I was recommended the O2 Bubble Cleanser. 

How to apply O2 Bubble Cleanser

1. Dot the required amount of product on your cheeks, forehead and chin. 

2. Gently scrub in a circular motion, add a bit of water as you go

3. Once soap suds form, stop and cleanse with water (if you over scrub, the impurities that were lifted off your skin by the soap suds will go back on to your skin)

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 (but you can skip adding more water) to double cleanse. Trust me, your skin will feel noticeably smoother.

O2 Bubble Cleanser. 3 branches in Malaysia

The product is made in USA . Connect with IsMe Beauty & Cafe

The product is clear. You get this size with one pump..

The texture is light, between gel and water and not sticky

Just add some water and gently scrub in circular movements. It's not as bubbly as you would expect.

My thoughts on the product

I like how the product is fragrance free and colourless. The texture and consistency makes it easy to apply. I actually use 2 pumps although you may actually require less. I also like the size of the bottle so that you can use it longer without having to repurchase in a short time.

I recommend that you get their Gentle Foam Milk too. Use the Gentle Foam Milk to remove make up first followed by the O2 Bubble Cleanser and you get a velvety soft feel, You won't stop touching your face (but you should as it may cause breakouts),

I also learned from mi hermana Salma Hayek that you should skip washing your face in the morning to preserve the natural oils that give your skin youth. She always just washes her face before bed. (Yay? Nay? Let me know in the comments below!)

My thoughts on the cafe

I love how everything in the cafe is low in calories, Personally, when I am on a diet, I tend to avoid catching up with friends as it usually involves eating and drinking and being exposed to many temptations, Now, I can meet up with friends in a 'safe' environment! lol 

The ambiance is very cosy too, Perfect for a girls day out.

Perfecto