Review: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Gentle Daily Cleanser

When you speak of Palmer’s, naturally the products that come to mind would be their body lotions, stretch marks cream, etc. I’m not a fan of cocoa butter, so I don’t use Palmer’s cocoa butter range (although I have to say, their olive butter range is pretty fab).

Imagine my surprise when I found out about Palmer’s new daily face care range at Priceline. Apparently, Australia is the first international market to have access to this new product launch.

I was curious, so I flipped the cap of their facial cleanser to give it a bit of a sniff. Hey, it did not stink! (I’m not a fan of cocoa butter) So I’ve decided to give it, and the scrub, a go (review of the scrub coming up tomorrow).

Description:

This creamy cleanser foams lightly to remove dirt, oil and impurities without over-drying. Milk proteins and antioxidants brighten and hydrate, leaving skin soft, fresh and glowing. Use morning and evening to jump start your skincare routine.

First impression of the cleanser? It comes in cream-form, but boy, it’s mighty thick. I had to squeeze the tube really hard just to get the cleanser out. In fact, I’ve been squeezing the darn thing so hard, that I popped the bottom (or is it the top?) of the tube

As the cream was really thick, I had an awful feeling that it would be quite harsh and stripping. I’m very glad to be proven otherwise. As thick as it was, when it went on my skin, it applied ever-so-smoothly, and there wasn’t a squeaky feel to it. My skin felt refreshed, and best of all, not tight and dry after cleansing.

The cleanser does have a hint of cocoa butter fragrance, but it’s fairly mild, so it wasn’t revolting at all.

Palmer’s Gentle Daily Cleanser is suitable for all skin types, especially more for those with dehydrated skin. It costs AU$10, and is available at selected supermarkets and pharmacies.

What I like about it: Does not leave the skin feeling tight, cleanses skin well.

What I do not like about it: Very thick cream, makes it rather difficult to squeeze out of the tube.

Happy Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year!

Beautyholics Anonymous wishes all dear readers a happy Valentine’s Day!

Oh, and a blessed Lunar New Year too. May the year of the Tiger bring you prosperity, good health and good things!

Review: Garnier Aqua Defense Non Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream

On my trip to Malaysia, I brought along a measly travel-sized depotted moisturiser, which I knew would not last me a month back home. So what better opportunity than to score those goodies ‘em beauty bloggers were raving about? First stop – Watsons to get Garnier’s Essence Gel Moisturizer.

Thank goodness for the tester jar of the moisturiser, because if I were to actually purchase the essence gel, I would not have liked it. It’s great that the moisturiser worked for many, but I just found the texture too watery. I didn’t think it would keep my already-oily skin hydrated, much less for it to work in the dry conditions of Australia. And so, I did the next best thing. I bought the the Aqua Defense Non-Stop Moisturising Gel Cream instead (which was just next to the essence gel ).

Description:
Every day, daily stress and pollution can dry out your skin and make it dull. Garnier Aqua Defense Non Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream enriched with pure fruit water, it not only provides long-lasting hydration but also protects skin from external aggressions. Skin is lastingly replenished with moisture, comfortable and soft.

Okay first of all, the name confused me. Is it a gel? Is it a cream? Eh?

The texture is definitely thicker than the gel, but not as rich as a cream. Other than the refreshing apple fragrance, it kinda reminded me of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturising gel.

How is it as a moisturiser? I’d say it’s light enough for oily skin, and also enough to keep the skin hydrated in the summer. No extra bells and whistles. Wouldn’t recommend it for winter use though. It would definitely be inadequate for that season, especially so for dry skin.

At RM15, I’ve got no complaints. It did not break me out, and kept my skin moisturised. Keeping it in the fridge gave it an extra oomph, especially when using it in this incredibly hot and humid season we’re currently in.

Would I repurchase? Sure, why not? It’s cheap as chips, and is good and light as a summer moisturiser.

Unfortunately, Garnier’s Non-Stop Moisturising Gel Cream is not available in Australia. In fact, the Aqua Defense range isn’t available in Australia either. Shucks.

What I like about it: Lightweight moisturiser, refreshing scent of apples, and CHEAP.

What I do not like about it: Can only be used in summer; not available in Australia

PS: Here’s a bit of irony for you. My cleanser costs (roughly) about $24, toner $48, essence $1xx, eye cream $70, and my moisturiser is RM15. HAHAHAHA.

SCA Promo for Valentine’s Day and the Lunar New Year

*AHEM*

Going to do a little shameless self-advertisement here, so don’t mind me

*AHEM*

In light of the coming Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year, what better way to celebrate these auspicious occasions than with new shiny trinkets?

Sweet Contemplation Accessories will be having a 10% discount AND free worldwide shipping, and is valid from 5 to 28 February 2010.

In your shopping cart, there will be no calculation of shipping fees. Just enter the code VDAYCNY2010 in the Vouchers section, and you’re on your way.

Please feel free to spread the word. Much appreciated

Review: Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush

A number of readers requested that I do a review on the Ecotools Bamboo bronzer brush I received last month. Here you go

I don’t use bronzers, so I used this as a face brush. And I have to say, it’s one of the best face brushes I’ve used. I use this on my MAC Studio Fix compact powder. Even though the compact comes with a sponge, I prefer to use a face brush to give my skin a more naturally-finished look, rather than a cakey layer achieved with the sponge.

The bristles of the brush are firmly packed at the bottom, and is quite compact. Powder picked and applied can be quite a lot so one has to be light with the hand when dipping the brush into the powder.

The hairs are incredibly soft, which is a huge plus point for me. It does not bleed when washed (although it does take a long time to dry), and it’s a good size to still be able to hold the brush right in front of the mirror and not knock the brush against it when applying.

Makeup Masala is selling it at US$10 a piece, which even with shipping fees, is quite a steal. Wouldn’t bother getting it from Priceline in Australia as it’s going to be almost triple the US price.

Even though I received this brush for free, I would definitely buy one, and would recommend y’all getting one too