Paris B and LeGeeque raved plenty about Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, so much that I knew I had to check it out. I bought a bottle of the serum just when Kiehl’s dropped their prices, and what an opportune moment it was, because I managed to get this at AU$59 instead of the original price of a whopping AU$99.

Description:
One night. Two drops. Younger-looking skin by morning
99.8% Naturally Derived Ingredients
Paraben-Free
Replenishes skin with moisture, helps to recover radiance by morning

It’s a face oil, and you’d think it’s going to be too oily for oily/combination skin. I was a tad apprehensive in using this because it’s an oil, but it’s a good thing I was wrong. Three drops is all that is needed for the whole face, and there’s barely any greasy residue on the skin. I used another three drops for my neck and decolletage.

So, what did it do for my face? No miracles, no minimising of fine lines and all that, but what it gave my skin is that plump, well-hydrated, boing-boing skin the next morning. You know me, I love skincare products that can give me boing-boing skin . The soothing scent of lavender helps to calm my senses too, after a long day. What I like to do is have 3 drops of the concentrate on my palm, gently pat my palms together, and before I apply it on my skin, I close my eyes, take a slow, deep breath and inhale the calming scent. All the crap of the day seem to disappear at that very moment.

Another way to even better, boing-boing skin, is a recipe Paris B shared when she blogged about the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, and that is to mix it with Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair. I thought it was a brilliant idea, because this gave the serum an extra oomph, and I can see and feel the difference on my skin the very next morning. I call it “extra radiance and boing-boing-ness” . I used 2 drops of the Kiehl’s concentrate and 2 drops of the Estee Lauder serum, mix them on my palm, and apply. My skin loves it.

For the drop in price to AU$59 for 30ml, I think this is excellent value for a serum that not only smells absolutely heavenly, but works fantastically on my skin. Since I only use a maximum of 6 drops per time, alternate evenings (I find this less heavy on my combination skin, compared to using it daily), this will last me a very long time. In fact, it looks as though I barely used the serum, and I bought it mid last year.

What I like about it: Dropper makes using the serum more hygienic, soothing scent of lavender, makes the skin plump and glowy the next day.

What I do not like about it: Nothing

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

During my holiday in Malaysia, the weather was exceptionally hot and humid. The humidity wrecked havoc on my hair, and it feels as though each time I step out of the shower, I needed to go back in. In terms of skincare, I could only use the barest amount, as little layering as possible, without feeling as though my face would melt off.

For my sunscreen and tinted moisturiser needs, I looked no further than Naruko’s Narcissus Defense BB Sunscreen.

Description:
This BB sunscreen uses state of art sun shield – Suncat to provide SPF50 sun protection. A revolutionary color diffuser evens skin tone and leaves flawless skin condition all day long. It is a perfect solution to conceal, treat and protect.

I’m assuming that when Naruko named this BB Sunscreen, they meant that it’s a BB cream with sunscreen (I could be wrong. You know how Asian naming can be ). The BB cream is light in texture and suits my skin tone perfectly. Do bear in mind though, that the high SPF of 50 stated on the product is not an Australian SPF standard.

So how does this differ from the Total Defense BB Cream Essence which I reviewed earlier?

• In terms of scent, they smell the same.
• The BB Sunscreen is slightly lighter in texture compared to the BB Cream Essence.
• As the name would have it, the BB Sunscreen contains a high SPF of 50 whereas the BB Cream Essence does not contain any sunscreen.

If you have oily/combination skin and am looking for a high-SPF, yet light, oil-free and without any white cast sunscreen that gives a light to medium coverage, then I highly recommend the BB Sunscreen. I used this every day in Malaysia without any problems. It evened out my skin tone, and with a light dusting of MAC’s Studio Fix powder foundation, I was ready for the day. The high humidity and heat didn’t make me feel as though my makeup was melting off my face.

This has become a fast favourite of mine, and my tube’s almost finished too. Repurchase? Absolutely!

Naruko’s BB Sunscreen SPF50 retails at RM49 for 30ml (approximately AU$16) and is available at Watsons pharmacies in Malaysia. It is also available at Sasa.com (at the time of writing, it’s currently not available on Sasa.com. However, I have seen it stocked on the website, and I think the product should be relisted fairly soon) and the official Naruko website.

What I like about it: Light texture, great for hot and humid environments, high SPF

What I do not like about it: It’s only available in 1 shade

PS:This BB sunscreen is part of my New Year Giveaway!

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

After trying Aveeno’s Cream Cleanser, which I really liked, it was time to move on to their Foaming Cleanser. I was hoping that it would be as good as the cream cleanser. Did it deliver?

Description:
This light, fast absorbing cleanser is specifically designed for dry, sensitive skin and provides UVA/UVB protection. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Cleanser includes skin calming feverfew, a natural ingredient related to chamomile. The formula works to visibly reduce the appearance of redness and soothe dry, sensitive skin.

This cleanser is a simple foaming one. It does not strip my combination skin or leave it feeling dry and tight. It actually reminded me a little of Cetaphil, if Cetaphil ever comes out with a foaming cleanser, that is. It cleansed my skin adequately like Cetaphil, but definitely not enough if you have a full face of makeup on, because this Aveeno one is not able to fully remove dirt and gunk.

One thing about the cleanser is that one pump of the product just didn’t cut it for me, because it seemed as the only thing that came out of the pump was foam. A few pumps were needed in order to feel as though I’ve cleansed my skin properly (even after double cleansing).

Do I like it enough to repurchase? Meh. I don’t really like it, but I don’t hate it. If it’s on sale, I might pick one up if I’m running out of cleansers. I just didn’t like it enough to go “oh yes, this is one heck of a cleanser”. You know what I mean?

Aveeno Active Naturals Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser retails at AU$13.99 for 177ml and is available at leading pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide.

What I like about it: It does not strip the skin, does not make my skin dry and tight. Cleanses adequately.

What I do not like about it: A number of pumps are needed (for me, at least), per application, making it a bit of a waste of product.

Note: This product was provided for consideration.

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

I bought the Biore Cleansing Oil in January when I had a 4-week holiday in Malaysia but only started using it a few weeks ago. In fact, it was only when I started culling my stash of beauty products in order to store the ones I received at the ABBW, that I realised I’ve completely forgotten about this!

I find the cleansing oil slightly thicker in consistency in comparison to Dermalogica’s Precleanse. I reckon the texture is somewhat similar to Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oil. However, I highly prefer this to Shu Uemura’s because this feels gentler on the skin, and smells heaps better.

What I like about this is that this is a high-quality cleansing oil at a very reasonable price. It removes my makeup well (even with full-coverage foundation) without stripping the skin and leaving it dry. I’ve even massaged this over the eyelids, and it didn’t sting my eyes. Plus it smells like green apples. Win, win and win.

I can’t remember exactly how much I paid for it, but I think it retails at around RM27 (approximately AU$9). I’m afraid it’s not available in Australia at the moment, which is such a shame. Although I suppose if it IS available here, it’ll probably retail well over AU$10. I’ll be sure to get me another bottle of this when I’m back in Malaysia at the end of the month

Are you a cleansing oil fan too? What’s your favourite?

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

The good people at Guinot Australia has very kindly sponsored a giveaway on Beautyholics Anonymous, and believe you me, it’s a big one.

Guinot is giving away five gift packs each (as shown below), so ten lucky winners will have an opportunity to win these amazing gift packs. TEN, people! Man, I’m excited for you. And more-than-slightly jealous because I cannot participate.

Gift Pack 1: Masque Essential Nutrition Comfort Instant Moisturizing Mask, Longue Vie Cellulaire Youth Renewing Skin Cream, Gommage Biologique Biological Peeling Radiance Gel, Longue Vie Corps Vital Body Care and a Red Clutch (total value AU$106)

Gift Pack 2: Age Logic Cellulaire Corps Body Cream, Nouvel Eclat Masque Fresh Radiance Peel-Off Mask, Gommage Grain D’Eclat Gentle Face Exfoliating Cream, Hydrazone Corps Moisturising Body Lotion and a White Clutch (total value AU$106)

HOW TO ENTER:

There are just a few things you’d need to do in order to participate in the giveaway.
1. “Like” Guinot Australia on Facebook.
2. “Like” Beautyholics Anonymous on Facebook (*ahem* shameless plug *ahem* )
3. Once you’ve done #1 and #2, leave a comment below on which gift pack you would like to win. Or you can comment first, then do #1 and #2. No fuss

Done!

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
1. This giveaway is open to Australian readers only.
2. As Guinot Australia will be delivering the prizes to the winners, the winners will be required to provide contact details such as their names and mailing addresses to Guinot Australia.
3. Participants who are subscribers of Guinot Australia AND Beautyholics Anonymous’ Facebook pages will be entered into the draw.
4. Five winners for each gift pack, thus a total of ten winners, will be chosen at random.

CLOSING DATE:
The closing date for this giveaway is 8 November 2010 (Melbourne time, +10 GMT). Ten winners will be chosen at random, and will be announced on 10 November. Guinot Australia will endeavour to send the prizes out to the winners as soon as possible.

Feel free to spread the word. I’d really appreciate it.

Good luck to all!

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

A month ago, I had the pleasure of having a microdermabrasion facial, a back massage and my brows done by one of the leading experts in brow therapy, Allison Browning. Incidentally, she’s also the beauty consultant for Adore Beauty.

I’ve actually never tried microdermabrasion before even though I’ve heard a lot about it. So when Allison contacted me and asked me if I was interested, can I hear a HELL YEAH?

Here’s a little information about microdermabrasion:

• It’s a technique used to clean, resurface and smooth the skin.
• It’s firstly a cleansing device using the principle no different to a vacuum cleaner to clean the skin and empty out the blocked pores with a gentle vacuuming action. This is reasonably comfortable and can be done without any anesthesia.
• A hand piece about the size of a pinkie (a wand) is used, which is open at one end. This is connected to the suction of the ‘vacuum cleaner’. The open end is moved over the skin, sometimes slowly in a brushing motion, sometimes rapidly in a rubbing action.
• Inside the open end, there’s a small disc which has small diamonds in the surface, making it like very fine sandpaper.
• As the wand is moved over the skin, the diamonds gently remove the dead skin cells from the skin surface.
• When the treatment is completed, the skin has a red but healthy glow due to the increased circulation in the skin. The increased circulation brings with it oxygen and nutrients to refresh and regenerate the skin.
• Side effects: redness, swelling on the skin, mild flaking.
• Do not go for microdermabrasion if you have viral lesions, active herpes simplex, eczema or dermatitis, broken skin, vascular lesions, have had recent sunburn or have recently used Roaccutane.

The treatment was short and painless. I likened it to getting my face vacuumed, because that was what the suction felt like. My skin was slightly red and swollen after the treatment, but both subsided after a couple of hours. My skin was GLOWING the next day. It was bloody brilliant.

Excuse the poor quality of the pictures. I forgot to bring my camera that day, and could only rely on my phone.

My “vacuumed” dead skin

What I enjoyed about the microdermabrasion treatment was that Allison included a relaxing massage and facial. Many salons do microdermabrasions alone. I know that many of us are often strapped for time, but I think it’s vital that we take some time out for ourselves to relax and recharge. Allison’s home-based salon is quiet, and has an atmosphere that is comforting and relaxing.

Prior to the treatment, she also fixed my brows. Do you know that Allison is one of the leading brow experts in Victoria? This is a woman who knows her stuff when it comes to your brows. I had mine waxed, plucked and shaped nicely just in time for the ABBW.

Here’s the funny thing. When it comes to beauty treatments, I like mine to be quiet. For some reason, I was such a chatterbug with Allison and bombarded her with heaps of questions while she was doing my brows. We talked a lot about beauty blogging as well.

Allison gave me some tips, which I think is very useful to us, especially beauty bloggers.

• Beauty bloggers receive products to review. I believe that there should be some non-negotiables pertaining to the type of products you review. For example, if you have a couple of serums that work very well for you, then only play around and review cleansers and moisturisers. Your skin will thank you.
• Know your skin before you accept anything to review. If you have combination skin, try not to request for products that are meant for dry and matured skin. You’re not doing your skin any favours, and the review will not help your target audience.

She did such a good job on my brows that I have already booked my next brow appointment with her early November (yes, I shall be paying for my services from now on. Glad to do so).

Allison has amazing skin!

If you’re in Brunswick, I highly recommend you check her services out. Unfortunately, as her salon is also based in her home (she has a very handsome cat, by the way. The cat lady will approve.), her address will only be given out to clients who are booking appointments with her. Still, do check out her website and Facebook page as her contact information is there.

Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me!

Note: The service was provided courtesy of Allison Browning Therapies.

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

What are your hair removal habits like? Do you shave your limbs and underarms? Use depilatory creams? Epilate? Wax? Laser removal?

Me, I have different methods in removing hair from different parts of the body. I epilate my limbs. I IPL my underarms. I laser off the hair above my lips. I get my eyebrows waxed. Geez, living in Australia has really spoiled me, hasn’t it?

But the one spot that I still stick to old-school shaving is the *ahem* nether regions. Can’t do waxing. Don’t even think about epilating the bikini area. I’ve tried and it hurts donkey balls.

I’m blessed/cursed (whatever rocks your boat. In certain cultures, it’s considered a blessing) with a full bush which I have to maintain on a regular basis. I received a tube of the Trishave 3-in-1 Shave Creme in the massive ABBW goodie bag a few weeks ago, and couldn’t wait to try it out on my bits!

Description:
With Tea Tree Oil and Rose Oil Soap Free Moisturising Helps Prevent Shaving Rash. It’s a 3-in-1 system:
1. Cleanses your skin and softens hair follicles as you massage TriShave into your skin.
2. Skin Friendly conditioners and moisturisers reduce redness and cuts minimising ingrown hair. Enriched with Tea Tree Oil, known for its anti-inflamatory qualities and soothing Rose Oil.
3. Moisturiser: Leaves skin feeling soft and looking re-hydrated and healthy.
Free of drying soap agents, formulated for women to help prevent shaving rash on legs, bikini line and underarms. It has sweet and subtle fragrance, luxurious feel and is a treat to use on all skin types, ideal for sensitive skin.

Ingredients:
Purified Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Behenyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Sorbitol, Acetylated Lanolin, Isopropyl Myristate, Tea Tree Oil, Rose Oil, Lauryl Pyrrolidone, PVP, Benzyl Alcohol, Tea, Lactic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben.

The shave cream is rich in texture and smells jolly good (if anyone remembers what Hazeline Snow is, yep, that’s what this smells like), and works wonders in giving me a very close shave without hurting myself with the razor. In fact, when I’m done, it’s like I had the area waxed or IPL-ed. Smooth and no nether stubble!

Suffice to say, this has landed in my beauty cabinet just in time, and has earned a very valuable spot there.

Will I purchase another tube when this is finished? Oh most definitely. I’ve tried it on my hairy-like-a-forest arms too, and it was such an easy shave.

Trishave 3-in-1 Shave Creme retails at AU$8.50 for 100g and is available at Priceline, Coles and Woolworths nationwide.

What I like about it: Gives a very close shave without nicking the skin. Smells good.

What I do not like about it: Nothing.

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

I’ve only started dabbling with beauty products with glycolic acid three months ago. After my Clear+Brilliant laser treatment, I was given a bottle of glycolic facial cleanser to help my skin along. Unfortunately, that stung like a mother, and I had to stop using it.

A couple of months ago, at an event celebrating the launch of glycolic treatments at Endota Spa, I was kindly given a tube of their latest product, which was the Glycolic Polishing Mask.

To be honest, I was apprehensive in trying it out, which was why I only started using it a few weeks ago.

Description:
Endota Spa glycolic polishing mask is a deep cleansing, moisturising, and non-drying mask that gently removes dead skin cells to leave your skin radiant. It contains shea butter and aloe vera to nourish and rebalance the skin, while clays in the formula work to absorb impurities and control excess oil. The mask also contains tiny spherical beads made of jojoba oil for an effective and gentle exfoliation.

The texture of the mask is similar to many exfoliating clay-based masks in the market. It’s thick, grainy and smells heavily of essential oils.

I’m glad to report that although this mask contains glycolic acid, it didn’t sting my skin at all. It exfoliated my skin well without leaving it dry and tight. The next morning, I would wake up with cheeks smooth as a baby’s bottom.

I use this twice a week, and I can already see the difference in my skin that regular exfoliating scrub doesn’t give me. My skin is smoother; more importantly the smoothness lasts longer. The scrub can also be used as a mask. All I had to do was leave it on my face for 10-15 minutes, let the mask harden a little, and then cleanse it off.

I’m very happy about the scrub if not for the one thing that makes me think twice in repurchasing, and that’s the price. Seventy bucks for a scrub is quite hefty. Also, the scent can be quite strong for some.

An interesting fact: this polishing mask contains frankincense and myrrh. The stuff the Three Wise Men brought to Jesus when He was born. I’m using the stuff Jesus was given! Ahem. Right. Moving on

Endota Spa Glycolic Polishing Mask retails at AU$70 for 100ml and is available at Endota Spa salons.

What I like about it: Doesn’t sting my skin, skin smoothness from the physical exfoliant lasts longer than conventional scrubs.

What I do not like about it: Scent is quite strong, pricey for a scrub.

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

I first heard about this moisturiser from Paris B. She raved about it, and I obviously had to have it. At a Kiehls Beauty Bloggers’ event in May, I excitedly asked if this moisturiser was available in Australia. Unfortunately, at that time, it wasn’t.

When the Ultra Facial Oil-Free range finally made its way to Australia, I jumped at the chance to try it out.

Description:
This Oil-Free Gel Cream deeply hydrates and conditions skin, while providing long-lasting moisture. The non-greasy formula is specifically formulated for normal to oily skin needs and traps moisture to visibly reduce the appearance of oil, leaving skin looking more balanced. It contains Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Antarcticine and Cucumber. Oil-Free, Paraben-Free, Silicone-Free

Ingredients:
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Biossacharide Gum-1, Panthenol, Cucumis Sativus Juice/Cucumber Fruit Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Crosspolymer Fmla 685478/11 Code F.I.L. D45072/1

What surprised me about this moisturiser was how watery it is. It’s the lightest moisturiser I’ve ever come across. To be honest, it reminded me a little of the starchy water I used for paper mache when I was a wee child. I thought it would be similar in consistency to Clinique’s Moisture Surge, but the latter is actually a lot thicker.

Unfortunately, this did not work for me. Given its watery consistency, it doesn’t have enough slip. It feels like a very watered down gel facial cleanser. It doesn’t absorb onto the skin, but just sits there wondering what to do.

I badly wanted to like this moisturiser as it’s supposed to be very suitable for oily/combination skin, but I just couldn’t. It’s such a pity because this moisturiser received a lot of positive reviews but I couldn’t find anything I like about it

Kiehls Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream retails at AU$34 for 50ml and is available at Kiehls counters and stores nationwide.

What I like about it: Nothing

What I do not like about it: Too watery for my liking, doesn’t absorb as well as I’d like it to.

Note: This product was provided for consideration. Sucks that there was nothing I liked about it even though I really thought I would.

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous

Estee Lauder serums intrigue me. They really do. In the midst of the mumbo-jumbo of ingredients which most of them I can’t comprehend, they still manage to do an excellent job in creating very good, hydrating serums that make my skin go “oh darling where have you been all my life?!”

Today, I’m going to talk about a serum from Estee Lauder that has managed to make my skin say that. Well, if my skin really could talk, it would say “Estee Lauder was one hell of a woman. Now go have a drink of water because I’m parched“.

I’m talking about Estee Lauder’s Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator.

Description:
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator is an intensive, yet gentle oil-free serum. It instantly illuminates skintone and reduces redness for radiant, more even-looking skin. The serum’s Triple-Optic Technology is comprised of an advanced blend of optics which provides skin with a brighter, more luminous look from the very first application..
Soft focus optics smooth the appearance of skin’s surface to blur the look of imperfections and shadows.
Color-correcting optics help neutralise the look of redness and discolouration for more natural-looking, even skintone.
Brightening optics increase surface reflectance to provide skin with a naturally brighter, more illuminated look.

Ingredients:
Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Propanediol, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Petrolatum, Butylene Glycol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract, Gellidiela Acerosa (Algae) Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Selaginella Tamariscina (Spike Moss) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Juice, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Algae Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Gentiana Lutea (Gentian) Root Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Yeast Extract, Cholesterol, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Linolenic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Caffeine, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Sucrose, Squalene, Phytosterols, Lactoperoxidase, Polysorbate 40, Glucose Oxidase, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Jojoba Alcohol, Isopropyl Jojobate, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Jojoba Esters, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Trehalose, Glucose, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polysilicone-11, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 80, Tromethamine, PEG-8, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocotrienols, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Phospholipids, Tocopherol, Pinanediol, Camphanediol, Potassium Sulfate, Laureth-12, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Triolein, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Cyclodextrin, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Silica, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol.
May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Carmine, Bismuth Oxychloride, Yellow 5

Good lord, would you take a look at that list of ingredients?!

The serum is a lightweight, oil-free lotion that smells of oranges. That won me over right away. Mmmm… If you take a closer look at the serum, you’ll notice that there are shimmering bits in the lotion. Estee Lauder calls it light-reflecting particles. The skeptic in me simply calls it mica.

As the serum contains mica, titanium dioxide, etc, I only use this during the day under makeup. Even so, it’s enough to give me quick results on the skin. I love using this as a primer to my foundation. I find that foundation tends to “hold on” to my skin better with this serum.

I’ve noticed that my skin looks brighter and more radiant after using the serum. My skintone, especially at the tops of the cheeks where my freckles are, appear more even and blotch-free. Even with just tinted moisturiser with SPF over this is enough to make my skin look good without the need for makeup.

As I only use this during the day and in tiny amounts, this bottle is going to last me a long time. So after calculating cost-per-use for a year, it’s not very expensive for something that could give me fresh, radiant skin.

So, with the brown bottle at night, and this in the morning, my skin’s pretty much set for a good time with Estee Lauder. As Jamie Oliver puts it, happy days

Estee Lauder’s Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator retails at AU$105 for 30ml and AU$150 for 50ml and is available at Estee Lauder counters nationwide.

What I like about it: Gives me bright and radiant skin, especially when my skin’s not cooperating, a good primer for makeup

What I do not like about it: Pricey, as all Estee Lauder serums are.

Note: This product was provided for consideration. I would have gladly bought this on my own. Only when there’s a good gift-with-purchase, of course

******************************************************************* Copyright © Beautyholics Anonymous