Feeling Absolutely Reborn with Traditional Chinese Magic Mushrooms: Soo Beaute's Oriental Herbal Essence "Ganoderma-Ginseng Mask"

What’s that strange, knobly brown fungus that is displayed on all kinds of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pills, powders and beauty products, that was traditionally considered to be among the most valuable possessions a new bride could bring into a marriage in ancient China? Personally I think it looks like some sort of alien brains, but nevertheless I put this TCM allstar to the test with Soo Beaute’s Oriental Herbal Essence “Ganoderma-Ginseng Mask”.

Traditional Chinese Medicine – initially I would stay away as far as possible from the aisles stuffed with shiny red and gold product packaging, displaying the strangest herbs and fungi pills, powders and tonics with names such as “blood cleanser”, “kidney booster” and "liver purifier".

This part of Asian culture however fascinates me more and more, especially related to beauty products. After having tried beauty products with a.o. bird’s nest, pearl powder and horse fat I consider myself ready to step up my game and try out something with a strange fungus as ingredient, a knobly, brain-like fungus that I’ve seen a lot on the packs of TCM pills and powders and ‘fresh’ (dried, that is) in the small herbal shops in Singapore’s Chinatown and that I encountered during trips in Hong Kong and Shanghai as well. What is this strange stuff and what are the benefits to the skin?

My globetrotting, always open-to-adventure godmother couldn't resist to check out the TCM dried lizards 

in Singapore's Chinatown when she was visiting me this spring...

Herbalist Emperors and Prosperous Brides

The knobly, alien brain-like brown fungus is called Ganoderma lucidum and this mushroom species is known across the world under different names like Reishi, Ling Zhi, Lucid Ganoderma, and Linh Chi. It grows on wood in tropical regions and is therefore also referred to as shelf mushrooms or bracket fungi.

It was first described more than 2400 years ago during the Shu Dynasty. During the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.~ 8 AD) legendary herbalist-emperor Shen Nong described it as a superior herb that “serves to maintain life, causes no side effects by continuous use, and promotes radiant health and long life by helping to harmonize the functions of the body, mind and spirit”.

A Famille-Rose lobed bowl showing a leafy sprig of lingzhi - although being a mushroom, lingzhi does not have leaves. 
Copyright Sotheby's - read a great article on Lingzhi in Chinese art here.

Ganoderma or Lingzhi (i.e. the most common names in TCM) is widely depicted in Asian art, architecture and design and can be seen everywhere in the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing, a testimony to how highly it was valued in Chinese society throughout history - even the traditional scepter of the Chinese emperors was a stylized Reishi. Because of its many benefits for health, Ganoderma was traditionally considered to be amongst the most valuable possessions a new bride could bring into a marriage in ancient China.

Health & Beauty Benefits of Ganoderma

Ganoderma contains lots of bioactive compounds that make these herbal mushrooms innately rich with a.o. analgesic (painkilling), antipyretic (fever-reducing), antimicrobial (killing microorganisms), splenic, cytotoxic (toxic to bad cells) and sedative properties. Main general health benefits  are believed to be a.o.:

• Boosting and regulating the immune system of the body; 
• Detoxifying and strengthening the liver; 
• Normalizing the body’s metabolism rate, energizing the body and help it combat stress;
• Improving overall mood, easing irritability and anxiety, calming the mind, relaxing the body and helping to overcome depression; 
• Preventing the release of histamines in case of allergies (anything from hay fever to atopic dermatitis and anaphylactic shocks); 
• Nourishing the respiratory system in case of a simple cold or even sinusitis or more severe conditions like asthma and bronchitis; 
• Lowering and regulating the blood pressure levels of the body; 
• Easing inflammatory conditions and alleviating and easing the pain that is experienced by the sufferer. 

For skin specifically, Ganoderma is believed to slow down premature aging because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic agents that empower the immune system and promote blood circulation. A stronger immune system eases free radical activities, which is supposed to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and inflammations. Improved blood circulation enhances the elasticity and tone of the skin, slowing down the ageing process with a clearer and younger looking skin as a result. In addition, various studies indicate that a large range of external skin issues like sunburns, wounds and rashes can be cured by Ganoderma through harmonized functioning of its anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbialand anti-allergenic properties.

For hair specifically, the high level of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and improved blood circulation slow down premature hair loss and balding and is believed to promote hair growth and prevent premature graying.

All together that's quite a list!

Soo Beaute - Oriental Herbal Essence Ganoderma Ginseng Mask

I’m trying out a Ganoderma mask with Ginseng from Soo Beaute, a Korean brand renowned for its wide variety of sheet masks. My intention for this post was to research ganoderma instead of ginseng and as I don’t want this post to become too extensive here’s just some short info on Ginseng:

Panax Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng or Korean Ginseng to be exact, is a slow-growing perennial (i.e. living > 2 years - ginseng is believed to be best after 5 years) plant with fleshy roots that grows in the cooler climates of eastern Asia in countries like China, Korea, Bhutan and eastern Siberia.

Ginseng is one of the most highly regarded herbal medicines in Asia. Its roots and leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are good for overall skin health.  According to Eu Yan Sang, Singapore’s Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist store: “Ginseng is a unique root that brightens the skin, prevents UV damage, enhances collagen synthesis, and diminishes signs of ageing”. It is often used to reduce black spots on the face, reduce puffiness of the eyes and to lighten dark circles under the eyes.

The promise of diminishing signs of aging sounds always good; in addition, I think my skin can definitely use some antioxidants after a few nights of extensive dining and clubbing in Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

According to the product description I should leave on the mask for 20-30 minutes, which is quite a long time. Fortunately I have plenty of time as I have planned to spend a night of relaxing in the bath tub of my Shanghai hotel while my husband is out for dinner with business relations. Glass of chilled white wine: check. Newest Vogue: check. Relaxing scented candle; check. I might was well skip the scented candle next time, as the scent of the face mask is overwhelming and unmistakably ginseng. Very strong ginseng. I don’t think I can smell the ganoderma, but then again I have no clue what it smells like.

The fit of the sheet mask is pretty ok; there’s two flaps of sheet under the holes for the eyes that I presume aren’t intended to have a function, but for me they prevent my mascara from smudging on the skin under my eyes so that’s good in case you want to look good while pampering in the tub. The mask itself feels fresh and is very comfortable. The strong scent doesn’t bother me so much and 30 minutes fly.

The result? I feel absolutely reborn – whereas I was in a ‘tired from travelling and partying’ and ‘stressed from work related deadlines’ state before, I now feel totally calm and zen. Awesome. I think my skin isn’t visibly different, but I find the mask works miracles when stressed and tired and in need for some relaxation and invigoration. How do I know it's not just taking a bath that causes this marvelous effect? Well, I'm very much not a bath person and prefer showers as I find these way more relaxing. So if this product works on me taking a bath that in general never relaxes me, it must be the magic mushrooms. Like!!! *Running to the store to get a heap more*

Soo Beaute Oriental Herbal Essence Ganoderma-Ginseng Face Mask
Price: 1,95 SGD
Available at Sasa (find stores here)

Forget the Merlion Key Chains & Nonya Kaya: Cool Asian Beauty Gifts to Bring Back Home during Summer Holidays

Almost summer holidays, meaning a massive migration amongst expats in Singapore that are going home to Europe, the US, Australia or elsewhere outside of Asia. Anticipating on this migration, I find myself picking up increasing amounts of local gifts to bring back home for friends and family. During past visits I already brought back silk kimono’s, chopsticks, all kinds of merchandise with “Can Lah” and local delicacies such as Nonya Kaya. This time I decided to delight the people at home with something more inspiring than another Merlion keychain or Orchid fridge magnet, and -more importantly- stuff that I love myself: Asian Beauty Products. Anything from kawaii cute to Chinese Traditional Medicine weird (from a Western point of view, that is) – find out below what I will bring back home this year!

Etude House “I need you” Sheet Masks

Possibly the cutest sheet masks around that come in a great variety with different ingredients for different purposes: from ‘regulars’ like Tee Tree and Olive Oil to ‘through and through Asian’ like pearl powder, ginseng and snail slime (all very high regarded ingredients within Traditional Chinese Medicine!). These sheet masks can be purchased individually for only 1,90 SGD a piece and make great small gifts; I usually create a set myself by picking 5 Asian ingredients/themes by just wrapping a ribbon around it.

Price: 1,90 SGD
Available at Etude House (find stores here)

It’s Skin – Macaron Tinted Lip and Cheek

A beauty product in the shape of a pink macaron – need I say more?! Besides the cutesy packaging this lip and cheek tint is actually a pretty great product to add a subtle hint of colour on your lips or cheeks; it has a creamy texture and the sweet and delicious scent that "sends happy softness and moisture”.

Price: 10 SGD
Available through Althea (free shipping to Singapore above 50 SGD)

The Face Shop "Myeonghan Miindo" Hwansaenggo Gold Eye Cream

A luxurious gift for your (aging) besties! I first of all love the design of The Face Shop's entire Myeonghan Miindo line, a range of Oriental herbal skincare. This anti-aging eyecream contains 6 year old red ginseng, which is believed to be the highest grade ginseng and is effective to regenerate and slow down the aging process. In addition, the firm and rich cream contains 24K pure gold (250mg) to create bright and resilient skin. Amongst the other wrinkle improving and nourishing essences from traditional Asian plant extracts are camellia oil, lotus flower extract, cordyceps, lingzhi mushroom and fermented bean extract. The Myeonghan Miindo line consist of many other great products in different price categories, starting at 12,90 SGD for a sheet mask. 

N.B. This product contains skin lightening ingredients like licorice extract and niacinamide; these ingredients won't turn you or your friends into pale white ghosts right away, unless you use several products with these ingredients multiple times a day for a longer period of time. In a single eyecream these ingredients won't do any harm to your skin and might even cause good results like lightening up the dark circles under your eyes. Read more about the difference between whitening, lightening and brightening here.

Price: 95 SGD (also available in a gift set - see picture above)

Available at The Face Shop (find stores here)

Majolica Majorca "Lash Gorgeous Wing Neo" Mascara

Mascara formulated with long and short jet black fibers to fill in the gaps between each eyelash for thick, voluminous lashes! So yes, there's actually little pieces of fiber that stick to your eyelashes, like minuscule false lashes with a more natural effect than regular rows of false eyelashes. These fibers stick firmly to your lashes so no worries that the particles will fall into your eyes. I wear contact lenses myself and have no issues whatsoever wearing this product and really love the full voluminous effect it creates (use at least 2 layers of product though). Majolica Majorca is a leading makeup brand in Asia and part of the Shiseido Group - valid arguments to use if your friends initially find the not so Western-looking mascara a bit bizarre (last time I brought this home I was bombarded with a.o."Ieww...did you get this from AliExpress for less than a dollar?!" and "I looks like it has been made in Frankensteins Seoul basement...You seriously expect me to use this?!")

Price: 25,90 SGD

Available at a.o. Watsons (find stores here)

Onsen Japonica "Complete Regimen Box"

Hydrating, nourishing and pampering - this ultimate treat makes the perfect gift for your BFF. An onsen is a Japanese hotspring that the Japanese have been bathing in for centuries already because of the healing powers derived from its mineral content. The products of Onsen Japonica contain pure, certified onsen water that is sourced from the only onsen spring approved by the Japanese government for use in cosmetics. This cool brand offers their complete three-step skincare routine to soothe and rejuvenate the skin at a cellular level in a lovely traditional Japanese Paulownia wooden box. That you actually might want to keep yourself instead of giving it away - happened to me before. Still not convinced? Read my review of Onsen Japonica's Deep Hydrating Cleanser here.

Price: 280 SGD

Available through Onsen Japonica's webshop (free delivery in Singapore) and Sephora's webshop

Piolang "CP-1 Oriental Herbal Hair Cleansing Shampoo & Treatment"

The past decade I have worked in Marketing Communications for several cosmetic brands - as a result, I'm a fool for the incredibly funny Asian product claims and taglines that give me a good laugh and make me love the products even more. Recently I couldn't resist to purchase Piolang's CP-1 Oriental Herbal Hair products as a gift for two another marketing-savvy friends back at home because of the following product promises:

I mean, who can resist "their lover dreaming deep into your subtle scent beside you"?! The products contain a herbal complex consisting of fruits and flowers used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, like Magnolia Kobus Bark extract, Camelia Japonica Seed extract, Evening Primrose extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa root (Moutan or Chinese tree peony) and. In addition, the products contain horse oil – a fascinating ingredient (read my review of a face mask with horse oil here) that is very popular in all kinds of Asian cosmetics.

Price: 16,80 SGD (set of Shampoo + Treatment)

Available through Althea (free shipping to Singapore above 50 SGD)

My Beauty Dairy (Imperial) Bird's Nest Sheet Masks

A true classic and typically South East Asian beauty ingredient: Bird's Nest. Read my review of My Beauty Diary's Imperial Bird's Nest Mask here.

My Beauty Dairy (Imperial) Bird's Nest Mask (10 pcs)
Price: 14,50 SGD

Available at a.o. Watsons (find stores here) & Guardian (find stores here)

Attempts to Weekend Pampering with Skinlite Cooling Cucumber Pads

Slices of cucumber to soothe the skin around your eyes are a true beauty classic - the only disadvantage is that you need to lie down dead still to keep the slippery slices from sliding off your face. In line with Asia’s sheet masks obsession, I came across some Cooling Cucumber Pads with the same benefits for your skin as the real ones but without the mess I suspect... 

I can hear you thinking “why not use real cucumber?!”Well, you can definitely do that to too for a truly natural approach, but for me there are two reasons to try out these eye pads instead. First of all, I find the local Asian cucumbers to be very small, especially the common Japanese and Malay ones; any imported 'regular' sized cucumber from Australia or elsewhere cannot be found everywhere plus these cucumbers are far more expensive than their Asian brothers. Secondly, slices of real cucumber aren’t as flexible as these thin, moist sheets that easily adhere to the shapes of your face seem to be. Sheet mask tend to stick very well to skin, whereas -as said above- real slices of cucumber require you to lie down very still in order to avoid turning yourself into a live salad with pieces of cucumber all over your clothes/bed/sofa etc.

Known skin benefits of cucumber are a.o. to fade dark circles, reduce puffiness under the eyes, treat sunburns and improve the overall complexion.

The Cooling Cucumber Pads come in a reclosable sachet with 10 pre-moistened eye pads (so basically that’s 5 sets  - unless of course you are a pirate): “SKINLITE Cooling Cucumber pads are pre-moistened with real cucumber and other soothing ingredients. When used on top of your eyes, these cucumber pads soothe tired stressed eyes and help reduce puffiness and dark circles.”

Amongst the moisturizing and soothing ingredients are:

• Alba Bark Extract, also known as Berch. Known for its skin healing and purifying properties, yet it also functions as an astringent;
• Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane and Ma Chi Xian; anti-inflammatory, used in treatment of burns, skin pain, itching, eczema and acne. 
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract; also known as green tea extract. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-bacterial content of green tea helps with acne and skin blemishes, while the anti-inflammatory properties have been known to help with redness, rosacea, and even psoriasis, making green tea extract an energetic skin restoring agent for any skin type.

To maximize its cooling effect, I placed the sachet into the fridge some hours before usage. I then followed the directions on the pack and washed my face and tried to place the pads over my (closed) eyes (you can also apply them on any other face area), after which I should be able lie back and relax to leave pads on for 10-15 minutes. 

The eye pads aren’t as moist and flexible as I expected however, and they keep falling off my face with the slightest movement – just like real slices of cucumber.

The scent is pleasant and fresh and when the pads stay on my closed eyes for a brief moment it feels very soothing, but soon again I struggle with the patches gliding down my neck. Not a success, at least not better than real cucumbers I mean. Placing the pads on my cheeks or forehead is far easier, but here too I need to lay down very still to keep the pads from moving.

Would I use it again? Nah. The pads are fun in a gimmicky way but don’t proof to have real benefits to me.

Skinlite Cooling Cucumber Pads – sachet with 10 pieces
Price: 1,49 SGD
Available at Sasa Cosmetics (find stores here)

South Pacific Sun-Scorched Hands & Cuticles: Hand and Finger Masks to the Rescue!

I just returned from the most amazing trip to Samoa, Fiji and Vanuatu. Lagoons, beaches and a lot of sun. Since I live in South East Asia I’ve become pretty neurotic about UV-rays and sun protection, so I always carry several different types of sun block with me in my beach bag. Before installing myself on a beach bed I meticulously treat every millimeter of my body with a spray, cream or both, but coming home healthily bronzed I realized –shock- I apparently forget to pay attention to a very important part of my body: my hands, looking bronzed but all worn-out. Time to come to the rescue with Korean KOCOSTAR's 5 Finger Nail Pack and Sephora's Argan Hand Mask.

The cause of the sun damage to my hands is twofold: my hands catch a lot of sun as I love reading on the beach. I hate sticky hands, so the first thing I do after applying sun block is wash my hands. Secondly, one holiday obviously isn’t the sole cause; apart from our face, our hands endure a lot, from sun to water, like rain, but they also suffer from (excessive) washing.

I love reading, but 'Fifty Shades' was a total waste of my time. Not only unsuitable for the young, but for anyone in my opinion, unless you want to die of boredom.

Using a spray sun block for the top of my hands to spare my palms from stickiness is what I’ll do from now on. What’s left to do now is pamper my deeply bronzed but worn-out looking hands and dry, peeling cuticles. I thus headed to what I refer to as The Mothership, a.k.a. Sephora.

Although Sephora is French, luckily in Asia there’s a mask for everything and I picked up an “Argan Hand Mask” and a “5 Finger Nail Pack”. The Finger Pack is from Korean brand KOCOSTAR, and Sephora’s Argan Hand Mask is “inspired by Asian Beauty Rituals” AND (we could've known) made in Korea. Glad to keep it regional.

KOCOSTAR - 5 Finger Nail Pack

The information on the pack is limited; all text, except for usage instructions, ingredients and "gloss & elasticity & moisturizing & protection" is in Korean. Sephora Singapore's website provides some clarity:

Protect and repair damaged nails with this nail treatment by K-beauty brand Kocostar. Made with a potent yet soothing blend of botanicals and vitamins, it helps strengthen stressed nails to prevent breakage, splitting, and peeling. 

Spot on, I do think my nails are stressed. From the ingredient list it appears the botanicals are a.o. Anise, Fruit Extract, Aloe Vera, Orange, Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit oil and Purslane.

Following directions, I separate the nail packs - the scent is citrus-fresh - to put one on each finger. This is funny, I can't stop wiggling my fingers like I have finger dolls on them. There's no dripping, which is nice, but they do glide off a bit when I move my fingers. Typing on a computer keyboard is not really possible, nor anything else that requires finger movement. Pushing the button of the dishwasher is OK though.

I leave the nail masks on for 20 minutes (15-30 minutes according to the pack); according to the pack I should now massage the remaining liquid into my cuticles. But when I take off the finger masks, there's still too much product on my fingers to just massage away into my skin. I put one nail mask back on my pinky finger to see whether this gets better after a full 30 minutes, but it does not. Kleenex it is to take off excess product, as I hate sticky hands and fingers, remember? And the result? Smooth and supple cuticles, even after washing my hands a few time!

My verdict: The result is satisfactory, but the product is best to be used while watching a movie or getting a back rub, as is does limit (finger) movement! Think I might use this product again, or at least give to friends as it makes a cool small gift; quite something different!

KOCOSTAR, 5 Finger Nail Pack
Price: 7 SGD
Available through Sephora

Sephora - Argan Hand Mask

This 'inspired by Asian beauty rituals' Hand Mask is enriched with natural argan oil extract and promises the following:

"to soften and smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of signs of age on hands. For hands with smooth, even skin tone and youthful beauty." 

Packed with antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids, Argan oil is widely known and used for its benefits for hair and skin. Like the Nail Pack, this product too contains Anise; a quick search on Google learns that Anise is said to be an antioxidant and antiseptic.

The pack contains two non-drip, coated gloves (tissue layer inside, plastic outer layer) that can be closed-off at the wrists with a sticker wrap, so you can "continue what you're doing". The product smells really good - a rich, luxurious scent with a hint of orange (I think) - not too sweet, just right. I follow the directions on the pack and put the gloves on clean, dry hands and leave it for 15 minutes. At first it seems a challenge to open the second sticker with an already gloved hand but turns out to be easy.

It's great that the product doesn't drip, however activities that require a certain level of grip like turning the page of a book or magazine is hard. Working on a computer actually goes pretty well, my typing is a bit slower (using 2 fingers only) but it's possible. Touchscreen of phone no problem! Taking clean and dry laundry out of the machine works as well but feels strange with such slippery hands. (I'm typing this with the gloves on, hence the staccato)

When I take off the gloves after 15 minutes, there's still too much product on my hands to "massage any excess product into skin" as described on the pack, similar to what I had with the finger masks. I use a Kleenex once again to get rid of most excess product. My hands look good, smoother and moisturized, even after washing. And still smell nice too!

My verdict: quick and easy, love the scent, good price-quality! Will definitely use this product again, in fact will stock up on it. The hand masks are also available with Aloe Vera (intense moisture) and Avocado (intense nutrition).

Sephora, Argan Hand Mask
Price: 6 SGD
Available through Sephora

Super Cool & Sophisticated Singaporean Brand: SIX Fine Fragrances

As I’m always on the look-out for cool products from Singapore to bring back home to Europe (done all the batik and Merlion stuff too many times..), I was particularly pleased to learn about SIX Fine Fragrances. To limit SIX’ fragrances to gifts for friends abroad doesn’t do justice, though; the products are exceptional and the brand oozes the sophistication of a world class artisanal designer fragrance brand. Which is why I immediately got a fragrance set for my husband. I didn’t have to force him in any way to wear the fragrances, as he fell in love with SIX Fragrances’ transient, mysterious and powerful scents just as quickly as I did.

Quite the perfect husband and father, if you ask me...

The story behind the brand is pretty awesome. SIX Fragrances was founded almost 2 years ago by Jason Lee (34), who spent four years working at world-renowned Swiss fragrance house Givaudan, where he developed a passion and love for scents. In 2019, as a gesture of love for his then bride-to-be, Jason created two unique scents as a wedding gift. These scents were also presented as wedding favors to his guests (d*mn, I wish I was invited). Encouraged by raving reviews, he partnered with Givaudan and launched his first three scents: 123 Tribeca, 1724 Puka and 27F Biei, inspired by memories of his travel destinations (New York, Boracay and Hokkaido, respectively).

Recently, a limited edition unisex fragrance called Eclat was launched, inspired by the arrival of Jason’s two children, Jedd and Jann. It represents hope, grace and gratitude, and celebrates the gift of life and the miracles it encompasses. Now that's what I call a devoted family man!

Smells like quality

I’m seriously a big fan of all scents already and couldn’t pick a favorite, as they are all so different. The common factor is the quality: the scents last long on the skin and just smells qualitative, like only the finest of ingredients have been used. Which is in fact the case; Jason worked closely with Givaudan for the sourcing of only the best raw materials such as patchouli in Indonesia, clove in Madagascar and Vetiver in Haiti.

123 TRIBECA

123 Tribeca

A masculine and sexy scent, represented by a posh urbanite chillin’ in a backstreet neon-lit bar in The Big Apple. Perfect for a date night in a vibrant and buzzing city, hopping from Hot Club to even hotter club.

Top notes: Lemon & Orange Peel
Heart notes: Rosemary & Lily-of-the-Valley
Base notes: Oakmoss & Brazilian Rosewood.

Price: 66 SGD (20ml)
Available at Tangs, Robinsons and through SIX's webshop

1724 PUKA

1724 Puka

A stimulating and addictive scent, reminiscent of the drugged intensity that sways between almost-touching on a stretch of marzipan-white beach in Boracay (pre-sewage and environment-related problems that led President Rodrigo Duterte to close Boracay for a clean-up recently; imagining a steamy overture on any white beach will do, though). Perfect for cocktail hour at a luxury beach resort.

Top notes: Rhubarb, Mint & Bergamot
Heart notes: Musk & White Amber
Base notes: Green Tea, Jasmine & Celery Seeds

Price: 66 SGD (20ml)
Available at Tangs, Robinsons and through SIX's webshop

27F BIEI

Biei

27°F Biei: An elegant and crispy fresh scent, a fresh breath or air, of life – the calm yet magical feeling of standing in the middle of a quiet winter landscape at night, gazing at the stars while surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains in Hokkaido. Perfect for intimate private dining for two, at a tranquil, exclusive location.

Top notes: Coriander, Orange Blossom & Mandarin
Heart notes: Lavender & Bulgarian Rose
Base notes: Sandal Wood, Green Tea & Cedar

Price: 66 SGD (20ml)
Available at Tangs, Robinsons and through SIX's webshop

ECLAT

Eclat

Eclat - Limited Edition: A spirited and inspiring scent; hope, grace and positivity in a bottle. The promise of darkness always breaking into dawn. Perfect for lovers, both men and women, any time, any where.

Top notes: Neroli, Grapefruit & Lavender
Heart notes: Fuji Apple, Hints of Spices, Mint & Orange Flower
Base notes: Tonka Bean, Cocoa & Vanilla.

Price: 76 SGD (30ml)
Eclat retails exclusively at Tangs and is also available through SIX's webshop

Lip Markers:the Fresher Alternative to Lipstick

Do these flashy markers belong in my makeup bag or in my pencil case with the other colour pencils and crayons?! Lip markers are a type of lip stain and proof to be a fresh alternative to lipstick or lip gloss, which can feel heavy and sticky or like it is literally melting off your face in the Singapore sun. Long-wearing, smudge-proof and fun to use…

I’ve been marvelling quite a lot about lip tints and stains on my blog, because I love coloured lips but hate it when I 'feel' and/or 'taste' a lipstick or gloss on my lips. In a hot and humid environment, the long-wearing and smudge-proof effect of lip stains are a fresh alternative to lipstick or lip gloss, which can feel heavy, sticky or even melting.

Whereas classic lipstick's main ingredients are waxes and oils with a little bit of pigment, lip stains are mostly based on water or gel and contain synthetic or natural dyes (like henna) that are added to stain the lips for up to 18 hours. So no fuss over melting or reapplying. As said in my review on Skinia’s Lip Tattoo (read my post here), this type of product exists in many different forms, from roll-on serums and marker-like pens to ink-like liquids and gels with sponge-tip applicator. After reviewing the lip tattoo it's time to try out a different type of lip stain: the lip marker! 

Lip Markers

Lip markers look like they actually belong in your pencil case instead of your makeup case:

 Lip Markers: Makeup or pencil case? Find "the odd one out"...

These type of lip stains typically come in a plastic case and have a felt tip, and although some work with a clicking system, most lip markers are hard to distinguish from colour pencils we would use for colouring in our childhood.

I will review 3CE's Lip Marker below and added some tips and tricks at the bottom of this post on how to get the best results out of lip stains in general.

Review: 3CE - Lip Marker

3 Concept Eyes (3CE) is the brainchild of popular online Korean fashion boutique StyleNanda. StyleNanda means “So Stylish” and in my opinion, fashion and style doesn’t get more Korean than this – have a look at the site (find it here), they have some pretty cool stuff. 

StyleNanda's Korean Style

As a brand, 3CE is characterized by simple packaging (modern and graphic, not as girly as most other Korean brands), innovative products (all types of stains, eye-brightening "eye flash" pencils, longwear tattoo eyebrow markers,"bright beam body sticks" that "allows shining sparkles from inner skin") and very affordable prices (lip products between 22-29 SGD).

 

3CE's Lip Marker: the felt tip (left) & the stain colour on my arm (right, in blue dotted circle)

I bought a second lip marker from Peripera, another South Korean brand, but found out that in the meantime it's not available in Singapore anymore, so decided to skip this one - this is the stain you see on the left in the picture above right.

On the left: My bare naked lips, no product used.

In the middle: I used MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in colour "Cultured", a very neutral tone, to line my lips, as I find it easier to colour my lips within clear lines.

On the right: Colourizing my lips with the marker - it really does feel like colouring as you would do in a colouring book. The first sweeps of colouring go perfect, but after a few sweeps the amount of ink that comes out of the felt tip becomes a bit less, I guess the ink flow blocks a bit because I used the felt tip on my lipliner as well. Nothing major, the colouring just takes a bit longer.

Below: The result! I really like it - it's truly a statement colour, yet not as predominant as a red lipstick would be. More subtle. 

The stain remained more or less spotless for about 2 hours (during which I drank lots of water from a bottle) and after 2,5-3 hours the colour became a bit lighter, more towards a raspberry pink hue. After 3 hours I reapplied the lip stain which lasted for about another 3 hours. Great thing with reapplying was that it didn't cake, i.e. no physical build up layers like when you reapply a classic lipstick.

I definitely like this product!!! If you -like me- don't like the constant feeling and/or tasting of a layer of waxy lipstick or sticky gloss on your lips, this is your product. In addition, I think this marker could also serve well when applied before a classic lipstick or gloss, as an extra durable base layer of pigment.

3CE Lip Marker #Indian Red
Price: 23 SGD
Available at a.o. Sephora (find stores here)

Tips & Tricks Prior to Application:

Exfoliate: ideally, exfoliate your lips prior to applying a lip stain. Use a lip scrub to take away dead skin and smooth the surface of your lips, to ensure an even application. A special lip exfoliator is best to use as it scrubs your lips without drying them. I love Sara Happ's "Brown Sugar Lip Scrub", 35 SGD for 30g at Sephora. It has Jojoba and Grape seed oils as the perfect conditioners for an irresistible pout. Moreover, it's vegan, not tested on animals, noncomedogenic and parabenfree.
Another trick tos crub your lips is to use an old toothbrush – very gently though and you must hydrate your lips a bit extra after this.

Hydrate: Stains apply best on an evenly hydrated surface. Apply a light layer of lip balm (any lip balm will do; I personally like Korres' Lip Butter in Jasmine or Guava, 20 SGD at Sephora. The Bodyshop has some good lip butters too for aroun 10 SGD) over the surface of your lips, about five minutes before you want to apply the stain. This gives your lips time to absorb the hydrating agents, creating a supple surface that they will adhere to evenly.

Tips & Tricks during Application:

Line: Although lip liners aren't necessary with the use of a stain, I personally find it much easier to line my lips first and then use the lip stain to colour ‘between the lines’. A neutral tone (my favourite: MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in "Cultured") works great and gives a very natural effect, as some lip stains (like markers) can create somewhat hard lines.

Work fast: Many lip stains contain alcohol, and this makes them set quickly -- almost as soon as they touch the lips. So you have to work fast with this type of product, no matter the application method. But don’t worry, these types of products are easy to use and working fast isn’t going to be a challenge – merely something you need to remind yourself.

Tips & Tricks after Application:

Moisturize: As alcohol has a drying effect on skin, you may want to moisturize your lips a bit more often. Use an extra layer of the same balm you used prior to applying the stain, or a balm that is more glossy.

The Asian Pore Obsession & Activated Charcoal, The Beauty Ingredient Of The Moment

In Asian skincare, an entire segment of ‘pore care’ exists that cleans and unclogs pores from dirt and/or visibly reduces the size of pores. I must say that neither I have been especially aware of my own pores or their size, nor did I devote any time to my pores specifically in my beauty routine. Asians however seem to have a pore-fixation and as invisible pores are the beauty norm, I recently became pore-conscious out of curiosity to this specific skincare segment.

Pore tightening packs, pore cleaning gels, pore-minimizers and even so called “pore-killers” are incredibly popular in Asia and every self-respecting Asian skincare brand has some products devoted to pores, if not an entire product line. An answer to the question why Asian women (and men just as much, it appears) are so obsessed with pores isn’t easily found. It’s presumably part of a much larger obsession, that is the persistently deep-rooted obsession with flawless skin and –as a result- the abundant use of skincare products and treatments in general.

Within the pore care segment, activated charcoal is the star ingredient. Activated charcoal, carbon that's been treated to increase its absorbency, isn't something new. It has been used in hospital emergency rooms for years to treat pharmaceutical drugs overdoses such as from acetaminophen or aspirin, opium, cocaine and morphine, but also poisoning from toxins in pesticides and from mercury, lead and other chemicals.  Activated charcoal works by chemically binding to toxins in the stomach and absorbing them before the bloodstream can – it adsorb thousands of times its own mass in harmful substances.

The theory behind including activated charcoal in beauty products is similar: It'll act like a magnet to attract and absorb dirt and oil. "When dirt and oil in your pores come in contact with the carbon, they stick to it and then get washed away when you rinse," explains cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson in an article about charcoal in skincare on allure.com.

Within the charcoal pore care segment, face masks are by far the most popular product type.

When used in a face mask, activated charcoal binds to and helps pull the dirt out of your pores, making them less visible as it’s the oil and dirt that makes pores appear bigger. Although in general sheet masks are the favourite type of face masks in Asia, pore cleaning charcoal face masks are especially popular as a peel-off mask. Asian beauty bloggers reviewing these types of masks victoriously showcase the blackheads they reaped by including pictures in their review in which these impurities can be seen sticking to the mask after it has been peeled off their face. Although it demonstrates that the mask effectively clears pore, I still find it a bit gross...

I’ve tested two different products: the best-selling My Scheming’s “Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask Set” and Timeless Truth’s “TT Timeless Control Clarifying Black Charcoal Mask”.

Product 1: My Scheming - Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask Set

My Scheming’s Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask Set is a 3-step kit to remove stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, acne and sebum while tightening pores. The kit consists of 3 products to soften, cleanse and heal, key product being the "black activated bamboo charcoal mask" that promises to unforgivingly extract the dirt that cloggs our pores in one subtracting peel-off movement.

Many reviews of this kit - mainly by Asian beauty bloggers - can be found on the world wide web. These bloggers typically showcase 'before' pictures by means of a close-up of their by blackhead afflicted noses, and loathsome 'after' pictures proudly demonstrating the catch of the day, i.e. rows of blackheads that were extracted from the pores, now triumphantly sticking to the remains of the black peel-off mask instead.

The pack of this Taiwanese product is hilarious; crying blackheads facing their exodus, alongside a certain Ella of a Taiwanese girl band called S.H.E that is gracing the cover. 

The pack contains the following:

Solution No 1: "Deep Pore Sebum Softener" 20ml
This little bottle contains a very liquid, runny lotion that feels a bit greasy and that is supposed to 'open' pores before using the mask (I've read many times that pores do not actually open and close, but alas). It penetrates pores deeply to quickly dissolve accumulated sebum, dirt and dead skin, and to promote normal skin metabolism and tone skin.

Solution No 2: "Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask"60ml
The key product, in a 60ml tube: natural active bamboo charcoal is supposed to provide "superior absorption capability" and helps to control sebum secretion for more translucent, glowing skin. Also rich in minerals. The texture of the product feels very thick, but not unpleasant.

Solution No 3: Skin "Clarifying Pore Treatment Essence" 20ml
Deeply moisturizes and hydrates skin while minimizing pores. Restores skin elasticity for more supple, radiant and healthier skin

How does it work?

I decided to follow the Asian Beauty Bloggers' approach, by first of all delighting you a with a 'before' picture so you can see the actual existence of my pores and blackheads (so sorry):

I followed the instructions on the pack: after cleaning my face, I pressed a hot towel on my nose for 1-2 minutes to open up my pores. I then applied Solution No. 1 and gently massaged the substance onto my (quite prominent - a family trait) nose for 8 minutes - which I found seriously long - after which I wiped it off with a cotton pad soaked in water.

I then richly applied Solution No. 2 a.k.a. The Mask (it should form an opaque layer) on my nose and a part of my forehead, and waited for 20 minutes as described on the pack.

I decided to apply the product on my forehead as well, as some blackheads are present there too...

...and here is a close up

However, it wasn't dry yet (it's dry and ready to peel-off when you can feel it tightening on skin and the sides become loose) after 20 minutes, so I waited 10 more minutes before I peeled-off the layer from top to bottom. According to the instructions, "you’ll see white spots and fine hair on the mask". As a final step, I patted Solution No. 3 onto my nose, which I should had done for another 8 minutes (!) yet 3 minutes seemed more than enough to me.

The Result: Blackhead Havoc?

Don't be fooled, most of the white dots are actually fine hairs

- Grainy chunks of blackhead? Hmmm nope, not so much. A few modest white dots, if you look really (REALLY) close. Either the mask doesn't work or I appear to have an immaculate, blackhead free-nose. Or a combination of both.
- Hairs? Yes. Lots. Never knew I had so much hair on my nose, but although this wasn't really the purpose of the mask, at least now they are gone.

As my nose doesn't notably look any different from the 'before' picture above, I spare you from another picture of the pores on my nose.

Would I use this mask again? Nope. I found it quite an intensive and time-consuming procedure with little result, apart from the fine hairs that apparantly grow on top of my nose. I guess I am too lazy for three step kits and too impatient to let the mask dry properly.

My Scheming - Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask Set, 20ml + 60ml + 20ml
Price: SGD 18,90
Available at Sasa cosmetic stores (find stores here)
Outside of Asia, available through MyScheming.co.uk

Product 2: Timeless Truth - Timeless Control Clarifying Black Charcoal Mask

This clarifying mask “purifies pores and removes excess sebum without irritation”. It is a sheet mask, as opposed to most charcoal masks that are peel-off masks. According to the product description, the naturally purifying Activated Charcoal Mask helps impurities without over-drying and boosts the metabolism of the skin for faster essence absorption. The mask is good for blemishes, large pores and oily skin, and leaves skin visibly well-balanced for a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.

Although the sheet mask itself is very black, the liquid is more or less transparent. I used the product as described in the directions: Cleanse the face, open the sachet and take out the mask; adjust mask to adhere entirely over the face positioning openings for eyes and mouth (the mouth opening is quite large actually). Press the mask lightly with both hands until it adheres completely. Remove mask after 15-20 minutes.

Picture: The Black Mask, horror movie worthy

Hereafter I went wrong; apparently I should have gently massaged the remaining essence into my skin, but I wiped it off with a cotton pad instead. What happened was rather shocking though. I religiously cleanse my face thoroughly twice a day, as my skin can get oily in the T-zone and because I’m a heavy makeup user (I even use a pre-cleanser when I’ve been wearing my all-night humidity-proof ‘going out’ makeup, which consists of many carefully fixated layers of makeup and setting products).

After wiping the remaining liquid from the mask off my face, I was horrified by the look of the cotton pad that I had used: so much dirt came off, much more than I’m used to wipe off when I use a cotton pad with some toner to get rid of the last makeup residual. Apparantly. quite some leftover makeup and/or other dirt was hidden somewhere deep in my pores, which I was able to wipe off after I used this mask.

Picture: Shocked by the amount of dirt that came off my face after using the mask

Would I use this mask again? YES! Because of its demonstrated extreme cleansing results, I will definitely use this product again for some extra cleansing on top of what I thought was already an effective and vigorous cleansing routine.

Timeless Truth - TT Timeless Control Clarifying Black Charcoal Mask, 30ml
Price: SGD 3,60
Available at a.o. Guardian (find stores here)