At present, my morning skincare ritual includes cleansing, toning, and moisturising +1.

Cleansing and Toning

Since I’m in the middle of reviewing this product, I’ve incorporated it in my daily beauty regimen: Anti Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam from Clinique. I would then proceed with toning my skin with the Alcohol-Free Toner from Neutrogena.

Moisturising

Since I grabbed a hold of the OLAY Regenerist Regenerating Serum, not a day would go by without it. I would apply it under either the RevaleSkin Day Cream if I’m staying in or the Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream if I’ll be putting makeup on.

+1

I’m referring to my weekly exfoliation ritual. I turn to Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub for this special need. Though I am also perusing OLAY Regenerist Cleansing Cream (review to follow) which contains microbeads that can aid in the exfoliation process, I still prefer the former and simply use the latter sporadically in-shower.

So far, this ritual has been pretty effective in terms of balancing moisture and keeping my skin blemish free. All I need now is to keep my skin hydrated and re-gain the healthy glow.

What about you, my dear beauties? What’s your morning skincare ritual? Any other tips or product recommendations?

Photos © 2008 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Today, I’m fortunate enough to have tried not just one (1), not two (2) but FOUR (4) kinds!

First ever day cream I’ve tried and religiously used is the Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream with SPF 15.

Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream

In terms of packaging, this one takes home the prize. It screams elegance right off the bat. I’ve noticed that of all four, this one has that rich moisture you’d associate with most creams. There’s no question that you’re skin will be hydrated and moisturised. Lightly scented and cool on the skin. It’s a bit on the heavy side; you’ll definitely feel the cream on your face. It takes a while for the skin to absorb it but it’s an excellent moisturiser used together with liquid foundations. There’s always a need to dab excess moisture off, though.

Damage: $55.00 (Php 2,640.00 converted)

Next is the RevaléSkin Day Cream also with SPF 15.

RevaléSkin Day Cream

I have to admit that I’m the least impressed with this day cream. I only tried it for a week but it seems to lack the consistency that I want in a day cream. General absorption is typical. I do give it above average marks for its moisturising and nourishing factor. You can’t beat its ORAC score of between 15,000 and 17,500 higher than known antioxidants like green tea, pomegranate extract and Vitamins C and E. I had used the facial cleanser and night cream more often. I did find a use for this one though. I treat my underarms to this expensive moisturising cream regimen. Ah, the luxury!

Damage: Php 4,300.00 (around $89 converted)

I’m currently alternating Elizabeth Arden and this latest day cream find, the OLAY Regenerist Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream) which also has SPF 15.

OLAY Regenerist Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream)

What I love about this product is that effects are instantaneous. You will see and feel a brighter and smoother skin, respectively, upon application. It’s lightly scented that’s also soothing and relaxing. And I’m absolutely raving about its brilliant absorption. You’ll actually forget you have the cream on. I have indeed noticed that my skin is firmer after weeks of use. The Regenerist line has the exclusive amino-peptide complex and in theory it works like laser therapy by triggering our skin’s natural ability to heal itself, producing more structural proteins such as collagen and elastin. The amino-peptide also doubles up as a powerful antioxidant, claiming to be more potent than other natural sources like broccoli, avocado, and red grapes. My only problem with it is that I can’t use it with my liquid foundation and I seem to only use it if I have the Regenerating Serum on. Of course, that means I have to spend more cuz I need to buy two (2) products.

Damage: Php 999.00 (Around $20 converted)

Finally, I came face-to-face with the latest from Pond’s, the Age Miracle Daily Resurfacing Cream with SPF 15 PA++ that P is currently using.

Pond’s Age Miracle Daily Resurfacing Cream

Unfortunately, I don’t own one nor am I currently using it. I was only able to try it out on a portion of my skin and take mental notes. Scent-wise, it’s fairly unattractive straight from the pot. However, once applied onto the skin, it changes into this light floral scent that’s quite reminiscent of roses. Pond’s had made use of Retinol in the form of patented formulations like the Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA anti-aging technology, was the main ingredient in the old formulation of Pond’s Age Miracle, has been blended with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Retinol and Retinol Boosters to form the new Advanced CLA 4 Complex. It has great absorption. Packaging is very feminine and young.

Damage: Php 852.69 – eBay.ph (Around $17 converted)

I was able to make a small comparison between the OLAY Regenerist and Pond’s Age Miracle.

Pond’s has the more attractive colour for the cream but Olay scores major points for packaging, scent and absorption. Texture and consistency is almost the same but in terms of effectiveness, I can vouch for Olay and as for Pond’s P is still taking careful note if it is truly effective (no conclusive visible signs yet) or it’s the RevaleSkin night cream that’s working its magic. P’s major concern over the Pond’s day cream is the scent.

Bottomline, all four (4) day creams are anti-aging day creams, pushing the importance of sunscreen via the UVA/UVB protection. SPF 15 is the recommended strength for daily sun protection for the face. All give importance to antioxidants (though they differ in amounts) and regular moisturisation. It’d be great if you can treat your skin to rich nutrients that will help boost skin cell renewal, and improve your skin’s elasticity and firmness. And yes, the bright, rosy glow as a sign of a healthy skin!

This will now depend on your skin type, budget, and dire need. I hope I was able to note the important points per day cream to help you make a decision. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!

Top image: elizabetharden.com

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

I was planning on featuring what I’ve experimented on so far but when I saw just how many they are, I decided to narrow it down to ten of my favourites.

Without further ado, here Top 10 Favourite Eastern Experiments:

1. Eastern Experiments: Intervene Makeup by Elizabeth Arden
2. Eastern Experiments: Elizabeth Arden INTERVENE Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF 15
3. Shu Uemura Rouge Crème
4. Eastern Experiments: Olay Body In-Shower Body Lotion
5. The MAC fafi Makeover
6. Rebonded Hair
7. Eastern Experiments: Gel Liner Addiction
8. ARTISTRY™ Light Reflective Lotion SPF 15, Blushing Radiance
9. Eastern Experiments: DOVE Beauty Body Wash, Calming Night
10. Eastern Experiments: PCA Skin and the Skin Peel

Yes. My experiences range from skin peels to rebonded hair AND tons of makeup experiments in between. I’m looking forward to more Eastern Experiments entries. I love documenting my adventures in the world of beauty and skincare.

What about you? What are your favourite beauty experience so far? Share!

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Elizabeth Arden
INTERVENE
Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF 15

This innovative moisturizing treatment with Biodormin™ technology works to visibly slow the visible effects of aging on the skin and help to keep it at its peak:

* Helps delay the signs of skin aging
* Helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and delay the formation of new ones.
* Helps firm and tighten the look of skin.
* Helps even skin tone and texture.

I’ve been on the hunt for a moisturiser to replace the old one I’ve been using. I needed to find one real fast since I do plan to bring one on my trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. I wasn’t really expecting to apply too much makeup or wear any at all but one important thing I had wanted was to have moisturiser on.

I’ve reached the stage in my life that I know I need to protect my skin from sun and other harmful elements I expose my skin to. I’ve accepted that my skin is currently undergoing an aging process which I cannot stop, ultimately. I can only usher my skin into it as gently as I possibly can.

With the Elizabeth Arden Intervene liquid foundation review, they also sent an Elizabeth Arden INTERVENE Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF 15, which of course I got to try out. It has proven itself useful during my trip. I was relatively protected from the sun. My skin remain soft and supple. There was an bit of an issue with sticky feeling and the strong need to wash my face after a few hours. Hey, these are hot and humid countries after all so the skin is exposed to heat and dirt plus the fact that I went in dusty areas doing photography stuff and the means of transportation was a Tuk-Tuk while in Cambodia.

Anyway, I really wouldn’t recommend it for really extreme scenarios but having the moisture cream on then (during the trip) helped in providing a sense of security that I am protecting my skin from potential damage. But I do find it great for everyday use as is or under the makeup. It’s light on the skin and it does moisturise. I reckon it’ll work wonders with dry skin. I’ve been using it ever since I got it.

Suggested application: Smooth onto cleansed face and throat daily before sun exposure.

The INTERVENE Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF 15 is available at Elizabeth Arden for $55.00.

Image: Elizabeth Arden

Post from: eBeautyDaily