Antioxidant For The Skin

My sincere apologies for the hiatus.....pregnancy just made me a very tired (and lazy) mom to be.  Even lazier to try out the new skincare and makeup i had excitedly hidden away from my prying hubby. 

My pregnancy in the 1st trimester really tired me out big time....i would nap the moment my head hit something soft. Even my son asked why i am always so tired but that is no excuse to slacken on my skincare routine especially when the hormones will be wrecking up a havoc. 

One of my worst fear during pregnancy is SPOTS appearing on my face (next is cellulite - why? cos at least i can get dressed n hide it). To minimise spots from appearing, i have been diligently applying Cosmetic Skin Solutions Vitamin C + E Serum to my face every morning. This is a super antioxidant and it has 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, 0.5% ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid. Its a great product that is timing saving at the same time. My routine is to apply this and follow by my SPF28 and i am out of the house.  Extracted from the website " This potent treatment contains a high amount of antioxidants to shield the skins surface, creating a protective defense barrier against environmental pollutants, assaults, and aggressors which can lead to oxidative stress and premature skin aging.  Repairs and improves the appearance of photo damaged skin, blotchy skin types, and those experiencing uneven skin tones.  Treats by lightening age and brown spots, melasma, erythma (redness), hyperpigmentation, as it smoothes and softens fine lines and wrinkles. "

You may like to know that Vitamin E can reduce the visibility of your scars or spots, diminish your wrinkles, moisturize your skin and give your skin a radiant glow. And Ferulic Acid is a plant-based antioxidant that is found in bran, among other plants. Research suggests that it provides antioxidant and sun-protective benefits to skin while enhancing the stability of topical applications of vitamin E.

Some of our sunblocks maybe not be able to block 100% of the UV so with the additional usage of this, damages can be further prevented. Too much sun is never a good thing and same goes for those sitting in the office as the UV will enter through the windows and cause harm too.

4.5 out of 5. So far my skin has been clear and no sight of new spot (touch wood) and spots have been significant lightened also. Price at US$39.85 for 30ml, a bottle can lasts about 4 months based on a daily use. It is way cheaper than a bigger brand retailing at US$153 for the same size. I have used the bigger brand in a sample size and it has the exact main ingredients and it smells the same too. 

You can buy direct from Cosmetics Skin Solution as they ship to Singapore directly for a fee.

For the 20s ladies, this is something that is definitely worth investing in. And for the 30s ladies, its definitely worth a try.

The Jyunka Challenge

I was invited by The Glamourous Factory to try out Jyunka, the cult brand from Japan. Jyunka is only available at some beauty salons so i was extremely excited when i was given the opportunity to try the Jyunka Challenge.   Its a pity that i didn't have the luxury to enjoy a full facial and i was worried that i will not do justice to the Jyunka challenge but my beautician Jolin assured me that i will be happy with what i see after she completes applying the 3 simple steps.   First, Jolin started off with cleansing to remove my makeup. The next step was an Epidermal Peel treatment. Oh great.....i am going to look like a red swollen pig head after this treatment. Jolin said it will only take 5 min (minimum is 3 min, max  is 5 min) for the cream to work its magic and nothing more but still i am skeptical. Jolin also highlighted to me that i will feel a wee biting sensation on my face and that is the cream doing its magic. I did feel some biting sensation but its not even uncomfortable plus my thoughts were still on the redness part *strum fingers on sides of bed*. The alarm went off after 5 minutes and she used cotton pads soaked with the epidermal lotion to neutralize the cream on my face by gently cleansing it in slow circular motion. Jolin asked me if like to have a look at my face, helluva YES! Amazingly.....no redness on my face and it felt smooth, clean and brighter.   Secondly, she proceeded to apply the Jyunka Boto Caviar which is fortified with Acacia Collagen and Sodium Hyaluronate (more powerful than HA). One of the key ingredients in Boto caviar is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 which is an anti wrinkle substance that gives the similar effect of Botox without the use of needle. I think i am happier with this painless way.   Lastly, the Jyunka M+ fluid. The effect kicked in twenty minutes and i was in awe. My laugh lines were less visible and my skin felt taut. And this is even more bo-ing than my HA. See my before and after pictures below.   The treatment did gave me a brighter appearance but it didn't turn me a shade lighter which might mislead some after looking at the pictures. I couldn't get a very good "after" picture because the official camera man aka my hubby was enjoying his manicure session at the comfortable chair in The Glamourous Factory too.   The tautness lasted even till mid-day the next day, that's a total of 18 hours and i am still counting. I was told that the tautness can last a long 48hours.   Epidermal Peel Treatment Kit is RRP at SGD 119. This kit will stimulate the regenerative cells in your skin and you can also use it to treat those nasty blackheads. I personally love it cause it really lightened my spots on the side which really bothers me. Plus its affordable. A peel treatment done at any saloon can cost u at least a few hundred dollar each time. This peel kit should be able to let u use at least 6 times and at the comfort of your home.   Boto Caviar Serum is RRP at SGD 198 for 30ml which should lasts 7 - 8 weeks with twice daily use. With Acetyle Hexapeptide-8 being the key ingredients, you can reduce the appearance of wrinkles minus the pain from botox. And not forgetting the sodium hyaluronate which give life to our skin.   Jyunka M+ fluid is RRP at SGD 344 for 30ml which should lasts 7 - 8 weeks with twice daily use. Yes, hefty price but for a good reason. This is a few products rolled into one. It has L-ascorbic acid (vit c), lift up the face, tighten pores, lighten pigmentation and age spots. And the best part is, you can use it to reduce dark eye circles. That like a vit c, anti aging, whitening, pore tightening and dark eye circles solution - 5 products in 1. A good choice for the rush mornings.   I was jumping with joy when The Glamourous Factory announced that they will be having a special promotion for itriediwrite readers. Promotion are all valid till 31 Jan 2013. P R O M O T I O N   Intensive Facial Care (approx 75 mins) + Jyunka Challenge at a special price of $38 (RRP SGD108).   Yes SGD38 ONLY and a good chance to try the Jyunka products yourselves. Valid for first time customers only. (promo code: JC1) Purchase M+ Fluid at a special price of SGD298 (RRP SGD344) and get Jyunka Epidermal Peel Kit worth SGD119 FREE. (promo code: JC2) Purchase M+ Fluid, Jyunka Epidermal Peel, Boto Caviar Serum and Hyaluvital Cream at SGD615. (RRP SGD836) (promo code:JC3) Call and book your appointment NOW.... 21 McCallum Street #01-10, Singapore 069047 Tel: 6636 8236

Hyaluronic Acid

I love Hyaluronic Acid (HA). In fact, if i can get my hands on any skincare products with HA in it, i will!! Why the obsession? Well, dry skin = dull and wrinkled skin and i am trying to delay the appearance of lines as far as possible.

For those who are not familiar with HA....this is one product you should really invest your time and money in. HA can deeply moisturise dry skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and its also known for its moisture boost ability to our skin because it will form a thin barrier film on the surface of our skin thus keeping our skin hydrated over a long period of time.

HA is colorless and fragrance free. It is a non greasy gel and because of its small molecules, the gel was quick to be absorbed into the skin thus plump up the skin. For people who don't like the sticky feeling of your moisturiser, this should be for you as you can barely feel the gel.

I am sure everyone owns a Habo Labo lotion...but that is just the first step. You can pamper your skin with more HA. The HA from Neogence is always on my re-stock list because you can easily get it from SaSa retail shop or SaSa online and 1 drop is all you need for your whole face. You can add more on areas which are drier when the 1st layer dries. Also love its clinical drip type dispenser which makes me feel like i am a MAD scientist with my secret concoction and of cos not to mention that contamination will be kept to the minimal. The Neogence HA is retailing at USD 25.50 for 20ml online. If you buy from SaSa retail shop, its slightly more expensive. I reckon about SGD40.  

I am currently using a HA (aka Hydra B5 Gel) from Cosmetic Skin Solutions (CSS) at USD 29.85 for 30ml thinking its the same thing as Neogence HA but just realised that this one has *Vit B5 in it. And having B5 is a bonus in my HA!! Hurray to a serum that not just hydrate but also heals at the same time. CSS ships to Singapore via USPS mail and did i mention that they also have an eye gel with HA in it!!

5 out of 5. With skin so bo-ing....it is a sin not to own a HA serum.

*Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): A safe, effective, natural vitamin and essential nutrient for wound-healing (promotes epithelialization), treatment of damaged skin, and acne. Pantothenic acid is also referred to as an anti-stress vitamin, due to its essential role in the formation of various adrenal hormones, which allow the body to adapt to and respond effectively to various types of stress.

Vitamin C Serum

Hands up if you feel frustrated when the IT product that everyone is raving about didn't exactly work for you. Every month, we spent tons of money trying to find a serum, night cream, miracle food blah blah blah to give us a more youthful skin and vitamin C serum might be just the solution for you.

I was introduced to a vitamin C serum recently when i was at Kiehl's and i decided to read more about it. I didn't realize the importance of vitamin C and it's benefits to our skin until reading it.

Extracted from a website "Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that is proven to stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is the substance that binds cells together giving you a more youthful appearance. Collagen is dependent upon Vitamin C to help restore skin tone and fight wrinkles. When Vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells it has the ability to reduce wrinkles and improve your skins tone and texture. Vitamin C accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier giving you a more radiant, youthful appearance."

Usually wrinkle starts to form in our early 30's and this is when the collagen cells start to fall apart and causes wrinkles in adulthood. So if we can continue to generate collagen with the help of vitamin C, we can keep the wrinkles at bay for a while until another super product appears. Ladies in your 20's, start using NOW.

Not alot of companies sell vitamin c serum in Singapore. I have seen them at sasa, body shop and kiehl's. Before buying, remember to compare the quantity and concentration of vitamin c. I realized that Bodyshop is selling theirs at S$45.90 for 10ml with a 5% vitamin c (sounds afforable). Kiehl's selling theirs at S$132 for 50ml with 10.5% vitamin c. Work your calculator and you will find Kiehl's is actually more value for money except you have to fork out a big sum first. But the good news is they give free sample at Kiehl's, remember? So try it out and see if it works before committing.

Personally, I rather apply the serum on my face because I don't know how many oranges I need to consume before a small percentage of it goes to my face.

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector

I saw this advertisement on a foreign magazine last year and couldnt wait to get my hands on it. This serum is a winner of 58 international beauty awards and some forums were raving so much about it. Since i am not keen to go for laser surgery to remove my spots at this moment and this serum claims to reduce spots so i decided to give it a try. I think it was retailed at SGD$143 for a 50ml bottle. I shared mine with my hubby and we both uses it twice a day and it lasted us about 10 weeks. But we got a shock when Changi Airport Duty Free was selling it at SGD$179 for 2 x 50ML bottles (SDG$89.50 each) so we will only get our supply from DFS next time. I think Clinique counters in Singapore also carry a 30ml bottle if you want to try out first.

You will only need 1 pump for each use and use it after your toner. The serum is quickly absorbed into the skin and it gives a smooth and silky feel.  You can layer ur moisturizer on then your SPF but give the serum at least 1 min to be fully absorbed into your skin. I saw difference in my skin about 4 days after using. My skin was clearer and brighter and my T Zone was also less oily. What i also like is this serum actually made my make up last longer so it can double up as a primer while providing TLC to my skin the whole day.

I really saw a significant differences in the size of the spots after 8 weeks of using. And my skin tone has also turned more even especially on my chin where my old pimples scars are.

Be patience when you are using this product as you can see your effort will pay off eventually. You must always use a sunblock in the day after putting on this serum else it will be fruitless. 

This product is gentle for daily use and in case if you are wondering whether it will get rid of moles and freckles - NO....afraid not.

4 out of 5 for this product. 

Kielh's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Sigh....what have I done! I went to Kiehl's to buy the midnight recovery eye cream but I walked out with 3 other irrelevant products that I don't even need and this concentrate was one of them.

Selling points of the product -
• Lightweight, overnight treatment.
• Regenerates, repairs, and replenishes skin for a smoother, healthier skin.
• Works with the skin’s natural nocturnal activity when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors to dramatically restore skin.
• 99.8% naturally-derived and paraben-free.


My opinions -
• can be oily so use sparsely, 2 drops is required for my whole face and even enough to spread onto my neck.
• I didn't wake up overnight with baby soft skin but somehow the pores did appear smaller.
• Only time will tell as I am only using it for the second day as I write this entry.
• I dont knw how natural can it get but i am sold because of the smell of lavender combined with primrose oil just gets me drowsy n all sleepy whenever I use the oil, even my hubby said so after using.


I like the fact that i dont have to use my night cream after using this concentrate as the Kiehl's staff told me its moisturising enough even if u sleep with the air con on. This I totally agreed cos I didn't wake up with tight skin the next morning.


30ml a bottle will cost you SGD$90 but two drops is all u need every night. Kiehl's staff mentioned it can last 6 months but I foresee I can use it for 4 months cos my hubby also uses it. This product can be used by all skin types, male and female. So if u use it for a good 6 months, its like $15 per month so thats pretty good mileage for a skincare.


Head down to Kiehl's for some free samples today. Not sure if they have free samples for this concentrate but the people at Kiehl's are very generous at giving other samples. I think this is a assurance that they are confident of their products, Unlike some counters where I felt like I have to beg even after buying products from them.


I would give this product 4 out of 5 for its highly natural derived ingredients and the fact it smell so good, I feel like I am in a spa every night......