Still, it’s never too late to start. The reason I bought the Double Lifting cream was 1) I wanted to try it out, given that it’s quite hyped for a highstreet anti-aging product, and 2) I found that the bottom skin of my eyes are starting to sag (yeah, horror of horrors. Scared the heck out of me, I’d say). I needed something to “boost it up” and to stop gravity from winning me over so soon.

Anyways, my take on the Double Lifting cream? Disappointing.

Description:

With age, the quality of skin deteriorates, facial features begin to loosen, wrinkles deepen. To fight against the signs of ageing, L’Oreal Paris has created Revitalift Double Lifting; L’Oreal Paris’ first double-action cream that instantly re-tautens the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. L’Oreal’s double pump technology enables you to combine two unique, yet complimentary, formulae in just one step: an intensive tautening gel and a comforting anti-wrinkle cream.

Intensive Re-Tautening Gel: The pro-tensium gel works straight away, forming a resistant flexible network on the skin’s surface to leave your skin feeling instantly re-tautened.

Comforting Anti-Wrinkle Cream: enriched with nanosomes of Pro-Retinol A, the comforting anti-wrinkle cream reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

I must say, this is quite a good way to use two different types of cream and gel at one go. All you have to do is simply press the middle of the pump, and voila! The dispenser pumps the red gel and white cream, where you’re mix with your fingers when you apply it on the face.

The reason I said that this product was rather disappointing was that it didn’t do anything for my skin at all. The label states that you’ll feel an instant tightening on the skin when the gel is used. I felt nothing. After a few weeks of use, I didn’t notice any change in my skin at all. Quite off-putting for what the cream professed to do.

After about a month of use, something went wrong with the pump; it fell apart, and now I can’t use it!

I couldn’t pump anything out; even after I tried to manually squeeze the cream out of their individual dispensers, it was to no avail. So now, I’m stuck with bottle of anti-aging cream which I can’t get out of the bottle. Any ideas?

The RevitaLift Double Lifting retails at RM65.90 at Guardian or Watsons. The price may vary depending on sale seasons. You might be able to score a 15% to 20% discount then.

What I like about it: Quite an innovative way to dispense two different types of product (now if only they’d make the pump last!)

What I did not like about it: Did nothing for my face; no improvement.

I’m an oddball, I am. I’d spend hundreds of ringgit (and I reckon, soon dollars) on creams and such on my face, but I’m a miser on facial wash. My excuse? As long as it’s not some unheard-of brand which isn’t soap-free, and does not dry my skin after use, I’m all right. After all, it’s something you wash off after 20-30 seconds of application on your face.

Now I don’t mean that you should go around getting cheapo brands which does nothing if not more harm to your face. No sirree. What I’m saying is that there are many highstreet, off-the-counter brands of facial wash which also do a good job in not just cleansing your face, but to keep it well moisturised too.

One of my favourite facial cleansers is Olay’s Clarity Fresh Cleanser.

Description:

The Clarity Fresh Cleanser instantly washes away excess oil, dirt and make–up that leaves skin clean without over–tightening. Restores skin to a refreshed, naturally balanced condition. Its rich lather contains menthol and aloe vera for a cool and fresh feeling all day long as it reduces oil in your T–zone while adding moisture to the cheek area. It’s non-comedogenic and allergy-tested.

One thing I like about this cleanser, other than the fact that it’s cheap, is that it doesn’t dry the skin. My skin did not feel tight when I use this, compared to other highstreet brands. This cleanser is meant for oily/combination skin, but I’ve heard quite good reviews from friends who have dry skin who have used this.

I love menthol in my cleansers; I think it’s a great pick-me-up during my early-morning showers. This cleanser has only a hint of menthol, which is good (too much menthol makes my skin smart).

One tiny gripe I have about this cleanser is that it doesn’t remove all traces of your makeup. Sometimes, after a wash, I still find hard traces of foundation still stuck on my skin. As I double-cleanse everytime I wear makeup, it doesn’t bother me all that much.

I’ve been using this facial cleanser for a couple of years now, and I always bring the 50ml tube with me when I go traveling. This cleanser has also served me well in cool and dry countries, especially in countries with hard water.

The Olay Clarity Fresh Cleanser retails at RM9.90 for 100ml at Guardian or Watsons.

What I like about it: Cheap and decent cleanser, not drying to the skin

What I did not like about it: Doesn’t remove all traces of makeup.

Description:

A light weight sunscreen product with SPF50 to block UVA and UVB; Helps to keep youthful look and control melanin that may cause freckles and uneven skin tone; Resist sweat and excess sebum for fully protection. Great for daily use and can be applied under makeup.

At SPF50, it offers extremely high protection against damaging UV sun rays. The scent’s quite light, unlike the sunscreens sold in our local drugstores (they pretty much stink). It’s oil-free, which worked very well for me (this is a very important factor for me when I’m selecting skincare products. They HAVE to be oil-free). I also use it as a makeup base during the day.

I use this when I’m outdoors. SPF50 might be a tad high, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. This sunscreen can also be used on the arms and legs, although I’d much prefer using one specifically for the body, as it’s a little expensive to waste on the arms and legs.

The Anessa Perfect Smooth Sunscreen retails at 3000yen (approximately RM89) for 60ml at local drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi in Japan.

What I like about it: Oil-free sunscreen, high SPF for our tropical weather

What I did not like about it: Other than the fact that it’s not available here, I have no gripes with this one