AtelierGal

Skin Brightening Overnight Capsules

Previously known as the Fortifying Capsules from the White Glove Skincare, this is a special night time treatment which helps strengthen skin's appearance for a smoother, firmer look.

Sealed for freshness in each capsule contains a pure form of Vitamin C that has shown to control melanin production, accelerating the replenishment of skin's natural collagen levels.

This skin brightening treatment from the relaunched of the White Glove Extreme Skincare line is one of Elizabeth Arden's Star Products. With good results to boot!

I use this treatment every 2 nights, after cleansing, toning and applying eye cream. The serum penetrates into the skin within seconds and leaves my skin fresh and taut without any greasiness. I really love the velvety feel of the product, however, like its predecessor, it tends to flake when I apply on a moisturizer afterwards. One thing to note the difference is that this re-formulated treatment doesn't leave that dry patch on my hands after application.

The smell reminds me of potato chips!! I can't help but take sniffs of it every time I use it (lol) Plus, this treatment seems to have even out my skin tone. Bye Bye uneven brown discoloration!

For daytime treatment, I highly recommend the Skin Brightening Day Essence!!

Rating: 4/5

Stay tuned for Part 3 of the EA White Glove Extreme Reviews

Disclosure:The products mentioned in this entry were sponsored by Elizabeth Arden Singapore. In no way was this review influenced by the company, nor accepting any form of payment.

Clarifying Foam Cleanser

The cleanser is of a foamy solution which saves me the trouble of mixing in water to create a foam. I like to leave it on my face for 5 minutes as it seems to brighten up my skin faster. Prior I had tested this method on my hand and the results were evident. The sweet scent is not the least bit overwhelming and the cleanser doesn't strip off the natural oil from the skin.

I really love the design of the pump - it is easy to control the amount of solution you need per face wash, which makes dispensing a breeze.
It only takes 1 pump to wash your face, so a bottle goes a long way!

Rating: 4.5/5



Gentle Brightening Lotion

The toner has a pleasant smell, similar with the cleanser. This alcohol-free formula removes down to the last traces of dull, dead surface skin cells, which really impresses me especially on the days when I don't even wear any makeup. I could see the lingering gunk on my cotton puff, eww! (lol)

Rating: 4/5



Brightening UV Protector SPF 50 PA+++

According to the press kit given by Elizabeth Arden Singapore, this UV base is non-oily and non-shiny. However the product doesn't sit well with me at all. It takes a while for my combination skin to absorb the sunscreen, and my face would start to shine 2 hours later, making my skin feel greasy. After applying, it leaves a sticky feel on my hands. The worst came when my face broke out after using for a week.

Rating: 2.5/5

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the EA White Glove Extreme Reviews

Disclosure:The products mentioned in this entry were sponsored by Elizabeth Arden Singapore. In no way was this review influenced by the ompany, nor accepting any form of payment.

THEFACESHOP Nature's Gifts Volcanic Ash Self-Heating Mask

Volcanic ash is fine porous particles of natural minerals formed during volcanic eruptions. On skin, the porous particles absorb oil and impurities to purify and prevent clogged pores.

A mask with a self-heating formula that instantly warms up on contact with skin to open up and deep cleanse pores while the Porous Volcanic  Ash powder absorbs excess oil and gently removes pore clogging debris.

Having used other self-heating treatments prior, I was surprised to find the product is of a watery texture, as the ones I've tried are thicker.

The mask heats slightly after applying a thin layer on my face. It is advisable to use during your shower becauseit tends to dip south 5 minutes later. Using for the first time, I'd tasted something funky as I busily typed away while waiting for the obligatory 15 minutes to pass.

Nowadays I apply a layer and wait around 5 minutes until the heat wears off before applying another layer. This is a better way to utilise the product because just 1 thin layer really does nothing for my skin.

My pores are visibly shrunken and leaves my skin looking refreshed and smooth.

Rating: 3/5

Kawaii Tokyo Brighten-Up Wash Champagne Holiday

A little goes a long way, a pea-size of this creamy cleanser is enough for each useage. I particularly love the rose scent which makes me think I'm drinking rose syrup everytime I wash my face (lol)

My face feels moisturized & refreshed after usage, and gives me an instant brighten-up effect. Although the effect wears off after a while, but it does help to lighten my scars which I'd gotten from a botched facial some years back. With the steep price of S$25, I won't be re-purchasing it anytime soon.

Rating: 3/5

Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam

Thiscleanser forms as a soft and rich peak, acting as a "cushion" toprotect the skin from harsh cleansing motion. Meanwhile, it penetratesinto the pores to clean impurities and excess sebum. Skin becomesclean, soft and hydrated. Contains hydrating agents, including amino acid, forsmoothing and maintaining the natural moisture of the skin.

As I use a waterproof liquid foundation often, I need to depend on effective cleaning agents to avoid clogging my pores. So after removing all makeup with Cleansing Oil, the Perfect Whip works perfectly well in washing off any remaining residue. Again a little goes a long way - with just a pea-size amount of productand water, it foams up easily and enough to cover your face and yourneck.

My cleansed skin feels more hydrated, and the great thing about this not-too-fancy-packaged product is that it does not strip off the natural oils in our skin. Which means the skin doesn't need to produce excessive amounts of oil/sebum to compensate for the oils lost during constant cleansing. Plus, it is so cheap.

Rating: 4/5
Disclosure:The product reviewed in this entry is based on the opinions &experiences of the author. This product was bought by the author and in no way was this review influenced by the company, nor accepting any form of payment nor benefit.

Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Argan Skin Salve

Thisintensive skin salve is formulated with Moroccan Argan Oil and a blendof Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Orange and Cedarwood Oils to help soothe andreplenish dry skin, minor skin imperfections, and to soften cuticles.May also be used on hair to smooth split ends and fly -aways, leavinghair feeling softer and more nurtured..

Key Ingredient: Eucalyptus Extract / Eucalyptus Oil
EucalyptusExtract is an aromatic oil native to Australia. It has been regarded byboth Aborigines and European settlers as a general cure-all in herbalremedies. The pale, volatile liquid is taken from fresh eucalyptusleaves, and the most important component of the liquid is Eucalyptol.Used to refresh skin. Produces an aromatic odor.

I'd got this along with the Body Lotion a while back, but got put offby the smell so they sat on my shelf, collecting dust. To be fair, Idid apply on my dry lips but the oiliness grossed me out.

Untilrecently, I've developed a love for this pomade-looking substance!Apply a tiny amount and it soothened my dry, spilt ends and tamedflyaways perfectly, WITHOUT leaving my hair oily!

Usethis only after styling, OK? As for the body lotion, I'll probably giveit away since 1) I don't like the smell of the Eucalyptus Extract 2)Ilove my Satsuma stuffs!! Any takers? (lol)

Rating: 3/5

Disclosure:Theproduct reviewed in this entry is based on the opinions &experiences of the author. This product was a prize won through a contest held by a local magazine and inno way was this review influenced by thecompany, nor accepting any form of payment nor benefit. 

I would like to extend a big Thank You to everyone for participating in my first ever Giveaway! I've received a total of 36 entries and the 3 lucky winers are: 1) Marie S. 2) Susan Quah 3) Heather Malinski

Ladies, I will send out your prizes (including samples from BRTC and a facial sheet mask each!) within the next 2 weeks, so do email me your mailing address ASAP.

Olay's White Radiance CelLucent™ technology ensures our skin attains close to its naturally light hue for a truly glowing fairness. The whitening essence formula contains vitamin B3 that penetrates down to the sun-layers of the epidermal cells and nautral whitening essence extracts helps reduce the appearance of discoloration.

This Olay White Radiance Whitening and Soothing Mask comes in a box of 5, and are packaged in single sheets inside air tight packets. I really love the exquisite packaging and the mask fits around the contours of my face very well, without the need to adjust to fit around my eyes, nose and mouth.

The essence is milky whitethat resembles soap and flakes of white fibres can be found on my face after the essence has dried. It gets a little sticky, but once absorbed my skin feels hydrated and soft.

As for the whitening effect, I can't say since I've been using the serum from the same range the day before and it produced great results the very next day. I kid you not! Stay tuned for a review☆

I will not get this again once I've used up my supply, to be honest I've used better ones and are so much cheaper.

Rating: 2.5/5

Disclosure:The product reviewed in this entry are based on the opinions &experiences of the author. This product was a gift with purchase of another product which was purchased by the author of this blog and in no way was this review influenced by thecompany, nor accepting any form of payment nor benefit.

I spent this morning re-organzing my beauty, makeup & hair products. Look at how much sheet masks I have (lol) Realized after taking the picture, I forgot to include the Olay masks, but nevermind.

St.Ives Hydroxy Masque (Peel Off)
Gentle Alpha Hydroxy. Removes impurities and gently exfoliates for smooth visibly healthy skin.

First of all, this is one messy masque! The texture is of a gooey gel that glides out of the pack the moment you open the lid. 
Here's the fun part: Just like playing with glue, spread a thin layer and wait for it to dry completely, gently peel away and rinse off any residue.

My skin feels soft & rejuvenated but other than that, I don't see any dead surface cells & impurities being lifted when I looked at the peeled masque. It has a sweet scent of green apples but alas, this product has been discontinued. Thankfully, it takes a long time to finish, and I still have 85% left.

Rating: 2.5/5

St. Ives Apricot Scrub - Blemish & Blackhead Control
An oil-free gentle exfoliant that cleans pores and contains 2% Salicylic Acid that treats acne and stop breakouts before they occur.

I simply love walnut shell powder in my exfoliants because they are not harsh on my skin, yet remove surface dead skin cells effectively. Another plus point is that it doesn't strip off natural oil & moisture while scrubbing my face. I know some users feel that the beads are too rough, but the trick is to add sufficient amount of water or mix in together with your cleanser.

The apricot scent is absolute divine and I'm already on my second pack, using it twice a week. 

Rating: 4/5

St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming Mask
Deep cleaning oil-free mask with kaolin clay that visibly firms and tightens, improving skin's elasticity for smooth & healthy skin.

The mineral clay effectively soaks up the excess oil, hence but this might not be suitable for those with dry skin. The mask acts like an alarm, my face starts to itch when it is time to wash off. But it leaves my skin firmer and cleaner.

However I scare my mom everytime I uses this mask because it's green which slightly reminds you of Jim Carrey in "The Mask" (lol)

Rating: 3.5/5

St. Ives Cucumber & Elastin Eye Stress Gel
Soothes instantly to minimize the efects of stress like lines, puffiness, and shadows.

This is my least favorite product from this brand. I've been using it for more than a year and it does nothing as described on the pack.
I see absolutely no difference on my eye bags at all!

So why continue using it? Well, it is very hydrating and prevents my concealor to cake up when I apply it under my eyes.

Rating: 2/5



The other day I noticed Milo's natural eyeliners. It's so unfair, right? Why would dogs need that catdog-eye effect for? (lol)

Unless I'm about to wash my face, I never let him lick me except my feet. It's his way of showing his affection but I can't risk having breakouts. Here's the bad news: Milo's started to shed and now I have to be extra careful, leading me to wash my hands every now and then.

So I leave you now with a shot of Milo sleeping peacefully on my lap. Enjoy your weekend!

What is a sleeping mask?
A facial mask that you can use throughout the night while sleeping with it. Specially formulated for overnight use, one needn't worry that the product will absorb moisture from your skin.

How to use?
After your nightly skincare routine - cleansing, toning, serum, moisturizer, the sleeping mask is the last step of your regime. You can also skip your night cream and see the mask instead since sleeping masks have hydration properties too.

Apply a thin and even layer all over your face and neck, and go to bed. When you wake up the next morning, simply rinse the mask off.

It is recommended to be used twice or three times a week.

The Face Shop Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask
This advanced lifting line formulated with Wild Himalayan Raspberry Roots instantly lifts tightens pores and re-contours the skin that lacks resilience.

It has a gel-like texture and gives you that slight cooling effect. The smell of the Raspberry Roots extract is so refreshing too! I like that the product is easily absorbed as you massage it into your skin, so I don't have to worry staining my pillow.

The best part - Normally I would wake up to a matte skin, but upon applying the sleeping mask, my face feels exceptionally smooth & hydrated, and there's a slight brightening & uplifting effect!

Rating: 4.5/5

Etude House Moistfull Massage Mask
A moisturizing facial massage + hydrating treatment + overnight pack which contains Baobab Tree extract to supply skin refining moisture.

3-in-1 massage applications:
1) Facial massage -
    massage gel for 2-3mins & rinse off with warm water.
2) Hydrating treatment -
    apply a thick layer, rinse off with warm water after 10-15mins.
3) Overnight pack -
    spread a thin layer before bed time, rinse off in the morning.

This jelly-like texture has a warm floral scent but might seem too strong for others. I like to keep it in the fridge for that chilling effect when I apply it on my face. I resent the stickiness feel that I couldn't wait to wash it off. The worst part is, it's tricky to wash it off since I had to apply a thicker layer to better enjoy the hydyrating properties.

As a sleeping mask, the absorption rate is so much slower in comparison with TFS. I had to apply it 30-45mins before I go to bed, compared to the immediate absorption with the Raspberry Roots mask. However, it does provide a decent hydrating effect the next morning.

Rating: 3/5

MISSHA Super Aqua Oxygen Mask
This RAPID PURIFYING AND CLARIFYING mask purifies tired skin caused by stress and oxygen free radical and removes trapped debris & dead skin cells from deep pores. It contains natural fruit essential oil extracted orange and lime with vitamin C derivatives to make skin bright and clear.

Instructions:
Take an appropriate amount and gently spread onto cleansed face, avoiding the eye and mouth area. Leave it on for about 5-10 mins, and feel the micro massage effect of oxygen bubbles. Wash the mask off with lukewarm water.

Addiition Special Instructions:
It should be noted that rubbing is not recommended as it decreases the micro massage effect. It is a natural phase of oxygen detoxifying which explains why you will feel the tingle and minor irritation if you have small cuts in your skin.

My Verdict:
I like the whipped marshmallow texture and the instant brightening & whitening results makes my skin look more even and purified. The effects last around 2 days so I use this twice a week to maintain that glow, but whenever I need to head out for a fun night out, this mask works as a quick boost for a radiant and even complexion.

Rating: 4.5/5

ETUDE HOUSE O2 White Mask
Revitalizing mask pack promotes clear and bright complexion, balances and corrects skin tone. It contains oxygenated water & O2 carrier complex for skin revitalization and formulated with skin soothing ingredients.

Instructions:
Leave the mask on for 2-3 minutes and then rinse off.

My Verdict:
The consistency is that of a starchy paste which I don't like, however slathering it on my face is relatively easy. The whitening result only last for a short while, and its less obvious than Missha's. But it does a decent job of hydrating my skin.

Rating: 2.5/5

I bought both around the same time and have been using for them for 3-4 months now. Even though my skin complexion is fair, you can see how both masksfurther 'whiten' my arm (lol) And I snapped it without using flash!

My upcoming review will be featuring sleeping masks. Stay tuned~♪

My Baby, Milo

PREVAGE Day Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer
This SPF 30 PA++ day cream works perfectly well on my combination skin! I absolutely do not need to blot my face at all even after 6 hours. It doesn't take too long to absorb into my skin and the cream does not leave a sticky feel too. After using for a week, my skin is smoother and reduce the appearance of lines that are slowly starting to show on my face. Even better, my skin tone has been evened out, which brings me to my favourite product by Elizabeth Arden.

But before we do, I have to say that this moisturizer disagrees with my Laneige Primer. It keeps flaking but it goes well with my other primer...

White Glove Skincare - Fortifying Capsules
This treatment, containing a pure form of Vitamin C, feels very velvety and absorbed into my skin with ease. However it leaves a residue on my hands like touching flour with wet hands, a white patch appears when it dries up.

Along the right side of my face once had this brown patch, sure it wasn't noticeable but it really irks me alot! No amount of exfoliation could remove it but I believe PREVAGE Day Moisturizer helped in improving my complexion and the fortifying capsules further accelerated the treatment, making my face look brighter with a very healthy, natural glow.

Prevage Anti-aging Night Cream
This is more of a thick lotion than a cream, it takes a longer time to absorb into my skin, but still doesn't leave my hands sticky. Formulated like the Day moisturizer but more concentrated.

Prevage's night cream uses encapsulated and time-released Idebenone to fight the free radicals which cause skin to appear older, looser andless lustrous.  Like I had mentioned earlier, Idebenone has been found to be a very potent antioxidant.

Further more, it also contains Mega Complex-A which is a blend of vitamins including a Vitamin A derivative, in short, is the only topical ingredient proven conclusively to reverse signs of aging, Lemon Peel Extract that helps with pigmentation issues and Vitamin E. Take Note that both Vitamin A & E are also antioxidant.

I have used other brightening treatment products, but none have produced results that are as obvious. Believe in the Elizabeth Arden slogan "Proof...not promises."

PS
I've always find the night cream to be extremely thick and takes a long time to sink into my skin. So lI mixed in a bit of pearl powder and it seemed to absorb the excess oiliness from my face!

Neutrogena Pore Refining Peel brings you the dramatic results of a professional facial peel--without acid and irritation--to reveal smoother, fresher, more youthfully radiant skin in just one step.

With CelluZyme to instantly reveal fresher, more youthfully radiant skin. Dermatologists and skincare professional perform glycolic facialpeels to reveal healthier, younger-looking skin. Neutrogena helps youexperience these dramatic skim revitalizing benefits at home with the Advanced Solutions Facial Peel. This breakthrough, rapid retexturizer is proven safe for at-home use and contains naturally derived CelluZyme technology, which works with your skin's natural pH to gently revealnewer, fresher skin, immediately, skin feels incredibly soft and looks more youthfully radiant. Dermatologist Proven to: Instantly improvesskin texture, tone and clarify. Transform dull skin into vibrant, radiant skin. Smooth away the appearance of dry, fine lines.
Help stimulate surface skin cell renewal.

Direction for use:
Using this twice per a week, I smooth a thin layer over cleansed, dry face. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Before rinsing, I massage the skin with water to activate the microexfoliants. As the product may be drying forsome, follow up with a rich moisturizer.
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It does a nice job of making my skin look and feel smoother with minimal irritation. There's some notable flushing of the skin which indicates increased blood flow, with a slight tingling sensation.

I'm also using the toner from the Pore Refining rage containing Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Formula.
The former sweeps away dead skin cells and smooths over rough, uneven patches, while the latter penetrates deep into pores to visibly reduce their appearance for clearer-looking skin.

Some warning, the microbeads might be alittle harsh so if you have bad acne and don't wish to irritate your skin further, try Burt's Bees Pore-Refining Mask.

Rating: 3.5/5

Ingredients: French Green Clay, Bentonite (Natural Clay), Fragrance, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract (Peppermint), Shavegrass Herb, Calendula Officinalis Flower, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf (Rosemary), Salvia Officinalis Leaf (Sage)

Details: The main ingredient, French Green Clay deeply cleanses pores and draws out impurities while remineralizing and refining the skin's texture. The assortment of powdered herbs helps to stimulate, nourish and renew your complexion, leaving you looking radiant with a healthy glow.

Directions: Add enough water to 1 tablespoon powdered mask to create a thin paste. Apply to face, avoiding the eye area, and rinse off with warm water after 5-10 minutes.

Alternatively, you may substitute water with:

    * Carrot juice for mature skin
    * Tomato juice for troubled skin
    * Green tea or grapefruit juice for oily skin
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First of all, after cleansing it is important to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This is to ensure that your skin can fully absorb the nutrients from the mask & moisturizer. Remember, piling more products on clogged pores will make your skin very unhappy. (ﾉ＿･､)

Instead of the suggested liquids, I opted for a toner, Witch Hazel to be specific, and mixed in with one spoonful of clay. Apply evenly on your face, more on your cheeks & nose areas. Rinse off after 10mins and continue with your beauty regimen.

This minty mask is so goody goody♥♥♥
I really see that radiant glow on my face, even when I admire myself in the mirror 20mins later (lol)

Even though it's a small jar, you will only need a tiny amount each time you use the mask.
This will definitely last at least 6 months!

Rating: 5/5
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Finally saw Michael Jackson's This Is It this morning. Practically cried through the entire movie!
You can feel his energy, even though he was just rehearsing instead of the full-fledged performance. I have seen many of his concerts on TV, and he was mostly lip-synching. But in this movie, he was actually singing!

Recalling from one of his earliest interviews that singing & dancing along to "Billie Jean" would take alot of energy, but he pulled it off with ease in this documentary. Unfortunately, he didn't do his infamous "Moon Walk" during the song's instrumental break.

My favourites were the "Smooth Criminal" & "Thriller" sets. The dance routine for the "Smooth Criminal" never fails to blow me away, complete with the new video specially filmed for the now-cancelled concerts. Another video was filmed for the "Thriller" performance: a faux graveyard complete with zombies! Is it coincidental that I'm watching this on Halloween?

This was taken from the "Human Nature" rehearsal scene and you can see why~ (o´∀｀)σ)
I have no idea why he wanted to implement this spanking action into the song. Haha!!

Anyway, Happy Halloween and have a nice weekend.
Signing off with a picture of Milo taking over my bed (lol)



PS
I've installed the Google Friend Connect widget.
So, follow away!!!! ヾ(^▽^)ノ