Wear Sunscreen: Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisture Milk

As I mulled over how to write this post, I thought I share with you one of the songs that come to mind almost immediately.

So to quote one of the famed lines from Baz Luhrman’s ‘Everyone’s free to wear sunscreen’ song – “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.”

I’m feeling a little nostalgic here but indulge me as I walk down memory lane.  Growing up, I used to be one of those little girls who would admire other little girls who had freckles on their noses or cheeks.  I swear it’s because I watch too much of the 80′s hit TV show “Small Wonder”.  Vicky the robot has the cutest freckles and I secretly wished that I had some on my face too!

[Photo taken off the web]

Well, I later found out that freckles are not quite as cool as I thought they look.  One can either have freckles as part of their genetic make-up OR the formation of freckles is triggered by exposure to sunlight.  Although freckles are not a skin disorder, but it’s said that people with freckles are more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV-radiation.

Yikes!  That’s when I started to wake up and began religiously applying sunscreen on my face before heading out.  These days, I’ve begun to apply sunscreen on my body too in order to protect my skin from being too over-exposed by the sun’s scorching rays.

I was recently invited to try out the new Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisture Milk SPF50 PA+++.  I was quite excited to test the new and improved product for I have been a regular user of Sunplay products when I head to the beach.  I love the quirky design plus how compact the bottles of sunscreen are, making it to travel with ease.

So what do I like about the new Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisture Milk?  Well, loads actually.  For one, the new Skin Aqua is ultra light.  The watery liquid texture is comfy and absorbs quickly without giving a white cast.   Best part?  It is non-greasy that gives  a matt powdery finish for the perfect make-up primer.   Great for my combination skin-type.

You will also be pleased to know that Skin Aqua is fragrance, color, alcohol and oil free, and is suitable for all skin types.

That’s not all!

Skin Aqua has Solarex-3, a revolutionary formula with 3 comprehensive levels of UV defense which protects skin from surface to deep within for long hours. Super hydrating too!

How does the new generation Solarex-3 protect?  Here’s how:

1. Long Lasting, Superior UV Protection: Advanced photo-stability with the highest UVA & UVB protection for long periods of safe sun exposure. UV rays are reflected away like from a mirror.
2. UV Anti-Aging Protection: Two powerful anti-aging ingredients, RonaCare Exotin and French Golden Algae, help to prevent pigmentation and wrinkles from surface to deep within.
3. Intense Hydration (Dryness Protection): Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen & Vitamin E intensely hydrate and lock-in moisture for long hours, so skin stays refreshingly moist.

I was extremely pleased to learn that the new Skin Aqua is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen.  Both products that I swear by now and that helps to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day.

Another plus-point for this product?  You can use it both on your face and your body!  Hey, remember, your body also needs protection from those harsh and harmful rays so no excuses not to slather the sunscreen on when you now have a 2-in-1 product that you can easily carry around.  

Before I end off this post, would like to leave another piece of advice from the song – “Trust me on the sunscreen.”  If there is one thing I don’t leave the home without, it’s sunscreen – the most important part of my beauty regime for the day.

You can get the SUNPLAY Skin Aqua range  at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, Unity and other major department stores.

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Disclaimer : lady J’s musings received a full-sized bottle of Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisture Milk. No monetary rewards were given. All views expressed are purely of my own.

Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion

I was pretty much over the moon when I saw this email inviting me to review the Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion! Why?  I love the products from Hada Labo.  Ever since S recommended the all-time best-selling Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Hydrating Lotion, there has been no turning back for me.  I’ve gone on to get the little sis a Hado Labo a starter kit and she thinks it’s pretty darn good as well (given the pocket-friendly prices).

I know that Hada Labo has recently launched the Arbutin Whitening Lotion which I’ve been wanting to try so this invitation to test this product definitely came in timely. 

What’s the difference between this new product and the Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion?

The Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Range promise to give users three benefits in just one step.  With two new added ingredients – Arbutin and Vitamin C along with Hyaluronic Acid, Hada Labo’s Whitening Range also allow users to gain fairer, moist and bright skin.

So what exactly does these two ingredients do to boost clearer and fairer skin?  Well, Arbutin is an extract from the natural bearberry plant that is said to have effective whitening properties to enhance skin fairness and help fight dark spots.  Dull skin is then renewed to reveal clear and fair skin.  Vitamin C also enhances the skin’s fairness and repairs dry, dull skin caused by exposure to UV rays.

My skin has been looking a little dull and tired of late so I’m sold at the promise of fairer, moisturised and brighter skin with this product and I couldn’t wait to test-drive the item!

Originally, I had wanted to do this post with a step-by-step pictorial guide of me testing out the product.  BUT… I’m a little shy of taking close-up shots of myself especially with my bare-naked face…so a pic of me testing out the product on my hand will do for now till I summon enough courage.

How does this product compared to the Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion?  I really liked that the Arbutin Whitening Lotion is a lot lighter in texture.  Just 2-3 drops is needed for my whole face.  It’s also easily absorbed into the skin with just a couple of pats around the face to lock in the moisture.

Skin feels moisturised almost immediately and all prepped up for the next stage of my skincare regime.  I usually follow through with serum, day/night cream, etc.   Ever since I went on Hada Labo’s Hydrating Lotion regime, I stopped using toner for I found that it tends to dry my skin.  The lotion, on the other hand, helps replenish the moisture loss that my skin so badly now needs.

This is now a new favourite in my beauty regime.  Using only the finest and purest ingredients without unnecessary addictives, colourant, alcohol, fragrances and mineral oils, one can be assured that Hada Labo’s Whitening Range stays true to its PERFECT X SIMPLE brand philosophy.

The Hada Labo Whitening Range consists of four products with a price range of S$21.90 to S$31.90:
1) Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion
2) Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Essence
3) Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Milk
4) Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Mask

And you can get your beauty fix at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, Fairprice, Unity and other departmental stores nationwide.

A little something for you!
Want to try the product before buying?  Now you can.  Simply redeem a FREE 20ml travel size bottle of Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion* over at Hada Labo(sg) Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/hadalabosg).

Redemption starts only from 1st November 2012, so save the date!

*Whilst stock lasts.

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Disclaimer : lady J’s musings received a full-sized Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion from Hada Labo. No monetary rewards were given. All views expressed are purely of my own.

Mentholatum Lip Pure Series

Mentholatum recently sent me 2 products from their newly launched Mentholatum Lip Pure range.  I was pretty psyched for this is the first time I had stuff sent to me for my review.  I was also rather impressed when I received the products for they were specially couriered to my home.  Yes, yes, little attention to details like these catch my eye.

Like a small child who had just received a toy, I ripped open the package to reveal its contents: the Pure Fragrance Free Lip Balm and the Pure Honey Lemon Lip Gel – the two products that I’m supposed to review.

I’ve never been a huge fan of lip balms, never really saw the need to use them until we moved to Japan (that was in 2006/ 2007).  My lips cracked really badly largely due to the loss of moisture when the temperatures dropped.  It started to peel, become flaky and in some really bad cases, it started to bleed.  In short, my lips weren’t in a very puck-able condition.  That’s when I started paying more attention to caring for my lips and applying lip balm religiously.

One of my fave brands is the La Mer lip balm, which worked like a miracle to my chapped lips but it certainly wasn’t cheap.  Plus, there’s always a shelf-life for these lip balms.   I know cos I trashed a few of them when it went past it’s expiry date.  That’s when I started turning to over-the-counter brands for they were definitely the more affordable alternative.

I’m no stranger to lip balm products from Mentholatum.  Having lived in Japan, I’ve actually purchased a couple of their lip balms to tide us through the harsh winter.  So what’s different about the Lip Pure range?  Well, for one, Lip Pure contains no preservatives and colorants.  Made from 100 per cent food grade natural ingredients and formulated with a gentle beeswax formulation, it is safe even for people with sensitive lips.  I also learnt that beeswax has emollient, soothing and softening properties which helps the skin to retain moisture as it provides a soft, flexible coating that is water-resistant.

Wow, I’m liking what I read so far.  That’s not all, check out this list of wholesome natural ingredients:

• Grape-seed oil : to slow aging,
• Shea butter oil : to heal dry lips,
• Almond oil : packed with Vitamin E that will nourish your lips,
• Jojoba oil : to smooth skin
• Aloe vera extract : to soothe dry lips

I tried the Honey Lemon Gel before heading to work.  Upon application, I could detect a hint and taste of honey and lemon.  There was a subtle shine on my lips but I thought the gel texture was a little too thick for my liking.  I actually had rather high hopes for this product for I thought the honey and lemon combo would be like the drink.  So my rating for the Pure Honey Lemon Lip Gel?  3/5

Now on to the Pure Fragrance Free Lip Balm.  I wasn’t wildly excited about trying this one out, for I thought it was rather ordinary.  But it turned out to be a winner in my books instead.  I actually liked that the lip balm did not have any fragrance.  One application was all it took to keep my lips feeling moisturised all night.  I used it before heading to bed and woke up to softer lips.  If you are thinking whether the lip balm has staying power even after drinking water?  I say it does, for I keep a bottle of water by my bed and drink more than a sip or two before sleeping.  Rating for the Pure Fragrance Free Lip Balm?  4/5.

I actually can’t wait to bring this on my travels to cooler climates for I really think it will give my lips the much-needed moisture.  But for now, I’m happy keeping these products by my bed. 

So there you have it, my review of the Mentholatum Lip Pure Series which comes in 3 variants: Orange, Fragrance Free and Honey Lemon (Lip Gel).  Retailing at S$7.90 each, you can get your hands on any of the Mentholatum Lip Pure range at Watsons, Guardian, Fairprice and all major supermarkets and departmental stores today.

Thanks Mentholatum for picking me as one of the bloggers to review these products!

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Disclaimer : lady J’s musings received two full-sized products from the Mentholatum Lip Pure series. No monetary rewards were given. All views expressed are purely of my own.