Review : Melvita Bio-Excellence Naturalift Organic Youthful Serum & Youthful Skin Extraordinary Water

Over the past few years, cosmetic research has begun to uncover a previously unknown factor in the mechanism of cellular ageing: inflamm-ageing. There is no redness, no itching. The skin doesn't feel particularly tight. And yet "silent" inflammation is lurking in the heart of cells, and this inflammation will lead to skin ageing… The skin is weakened and finds it hard to regenerate. It becomes tired, gradually loses its firmness, and wrinkles start to appear.

Naturally, all our skin has a balance of pro-inflammatory elements (to remove waste) and anti-inflammatory elements (to limit their activity in accordance with the skin’s needs). And as we age, this balance is disrupted. The stratum corneum (i.e outermost layer of the our epidermis) becomes thinner. The epidermis takes longer to renew itself and becomes more penetratable, making the skin more susceptible to environmental stresses and infections. At a deeper level, in the dermis, the skin begins to produce more pro-inflammatory mediators: it is in a state of inflammation.

Hence this triggers an imbalance in the skin; the balance of inflammatory messengers is altered. This is called the “inflammatory cascade”, which:

• slows cellular metabolism, which is responsible for good skin vitality; the skin is more vulnerable to the effects of oxidative stress 

• slows down the synthesis of lipids, which ensure the integrity of the intercellular cement and the hydrolipidic film; the skin’s barrier function is damaged, 

• disrupts the balance of cell membranes; the skin is weakened 

• degrades the dermal extracellular matrix; the skin loses its density and firmness.

With that, Melvita has called on the vital forces of nature and explored the very heart of the native cells of buds, pulsating with life. Just one of these cells contains all the information required to reproduce the entire plant. By selecting and combining organic buds bursting with vitality, Melvita has developed a patented* complex that replenishes the skin and strengthens its natural defence mechanisms. *Patent pending in France.

Beech, pine, blackcurrant and raspberry plant extracts work together to strengthen the skin's natural defences and help it to resist oxidation

Melvita Bio-Excellence Naturalift has recently added two new skincare products to fight silent inflamm-ageing even better which are ; Bio-Excellence Naturalift Organic Youthful Serum and Bio-Excellence Naturalift Organic Jeunesse Youthful Skin Extraordinary Water to their existing range which was introduced back in Aug 2014.

Now Melvita Bio-Excellence Naturalift is Youthful Day Cream, Youthful Night Cream and Youthful Eye Contour to smooth wrinkles, fine lines and redefine facial contours with exceptional ingredients derived from the precious 4 organic plant buds.

I decided to try out Melvita Bio-Excellence Naturalift range together with my Oranger Floral Water to make sure I was 100% on organic skincare :D Below are my review of the 2  new products.

Melvita Bio-Excellence Naturalift Organic Jeunesse Youthful Skin Extraordinary Water - RM98/100ml 

Enriched with Melvita's patented bud complex and naturally derived hyaluronic acid, this pre-care gel water visibly smoothes and firms. It prepares skin perfectly for the products that follow and leaves it soft, hydrated and plumped. 

Patented innovation, Non-comedogenic 

99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. 

20% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming. 

Texture : Gel waterish
Scent : Floral

Use this product on clean a dry skin. I usually pour like 20 cent amount on my hand and pat on my face gently until it's fully absorb. Alternatively you can choose to use with cotton pad. I can feel my face is soft, moist and plump after using this.

And to compare Jeunesse Extraordinary Water with my other range I think in term of texture Jeunesse has the thickest texture (waterish gelish) and Narcisse has the lightest (which the watery) texture. And of all of them, Rose Extraordinary Water has the best scent like rose syrup and this is my fav product of all time. 

Melvita Bio-Excellence Naturalift Organic Youthful Serum - RM240/30ml

With its light and fluid gel texture, the Youthful Serum can be applied before your day or night cream for an instant feeling of softness and freshness. Enriched with natural hyaluronic acid and rye extract, this serum both hydrates and helps restore elasticity. The bud complex replenishes the skin, which seems to look even younger, thanks to the smoothing effect of hibiscus extract and tightening effect of oat extract.

Patented innovation, Non-comedogenic 

99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. 

21% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming.

Texture :  Lotion based

Scent : Floral

I usually take 1-2 pump depends whether I'm using them to massage my face or not. The texture is milky lotion and it absorb into my skin right after I massage them ( note that my skin is very dry so using 2 months are fine). Immediately I can feel skin feel more hydrated and soft. The scent are very pleasant too! 

I have been using since early April 2015. Overall I can see my skin is more hydrated and no more flakey skin. I can feel my skin more firm and smoother than before. My makeup stays longer without cracking! 

Honestly Melvita is one of my favourite skincare brand, their product and prices are pretty reasonable considering they are organic with Ecocert. And usually their products smell quite good and that's a extra brownie point! 

Products is available to purchase at any Melvita boutiques in Mid Valley Megamall, 1 Utama Shopping Centre and 1 Mont' Kiara. Or alternaively you can purchase the product via their website http://www.melvita.com.my/

  

Review & Swatch : Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque

Ah I received this products a while ago from Bourjois Malaysia. At first I thought this product is our usual lip gloss. However it's not what I expected to be! This Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque is a HYBRID LIPSTICK which breaks all the rules and writes its own lip story.

 Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque comes with 8 pure and intense colours.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque offers colours that are pure and glowing. They are practically butter and wax-free so as to not disrupt the quality of the colour. As these “filters” have been eliminated, the colours are perfectly pure, each one fully expressing its portion of the colour spectrum. 

• The fresh nudes give you a healthy glow, 

• the elegant pinks are to die for and so flattering, 

• the vibrant oranges instantly put you in a good mood 

• and the flamboyant reds are simply sensational!

 I have 3 beautiful shade of Rouge Edition Aqua Laque to review. They are 01 Appechissant, 02 Rose on the Rocks and  07 Fuchsia Perche to try.

From the outside, the tube is transparent to reveal the colour of the laque and it comes with  high-shine fully chrome cap. I always like transparent tube because it makes me easier to make my pick. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque consists high concentration of water and Nymphea extract which has great moisturising ability (10 hours), it contains all the elements necessary to achieve a light and extremely refreshing texture. 

A close up on their applicator.

I never really like these applicator and prefer to use lip brush. However this soft, dense flock applicator which features long fibres, it makes it easy that I can easily forgo my lip brsuh.

From the swatch, I see the colour is really pigmented and surprising the texture is really light like water and non-sticky at all! 

I read that Bourjois formula for hybrid lipsticks draws its inspiration from the technology used in foundations, with its emulsion-like properties. Bourjois has refined and enhanced the formula by reducing the presence of oil as much as possible. Once applied, the lipstick doesn’t budge. It doesn’t transfer onto the little cracks in the skin that it may encounter. 

This is my original lips colour is pale pink.

To use this Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque, you are advised to use it on cleansed & dry lips without any lip balm or lip liner. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque in Appechissant

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque in Appechissant shade comes in beautiful nude coral shade. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque in Appechissant shade on my lips. Managed to cover my lip colour nicely with  very fine shimmer effect.  Love the wet shine look, not sticky at all! 

One of my colour of the 3 tubes :) Looks instantly bright up and this shade is easy to match with any makeup look. This colours stay nicely with drinking, but with eating the shine is gone (yeh I ate them lol) and left very light stain on my lips.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque in Rose on the Rocks

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque in Rose on the Rocks comes in nude pinkish shade. 

I had high hope on this shade because from the name rosey shade usually suits me. Unfortunately this shade is too light & I can see lines on my lips. I found out this coverage seems to be a little be more sheer compare to the other two.

From far, the shade doesn't seems bad. But not my favourite colour to put, too sheer and light for my liking but if I would want to have natural lip colour I think this is the best choice. Texture wise they are very consistent, very light and watery feeling. After eating and drinking, I barely can see there is  any colour in my lips. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque in Fuchsia Perche

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque in Fuchsia Perche comes in very beautiful red fuschia. This is love at the first sight, I always love bright colour and this totally caught my eyes.

Love love love! Super intense, bright and glossy that will make head turns!

After trying all these three tubes, I can safely said their texture is non sticky and in fact the texture is as light as water. Amazing texture for such intensity of colour and coverage ! 

Red shade always work to brighten up my look...now m ready to rock & roll!

As you can see, after my lunch (eating & drinking) what's left on my lips is a beautiful red stain without the shine.

Looking at how long lasting the colour stay on my lips, please don't forget to use proper eye & lip makeup remover to remove any colour residue left on your lips. 

Which is your favourite Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque  shade ?

 I guess you know my answer by now! 

See how different shade can give different look.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque is selling in Malaysia now at introductory price at RM42.80 (NP RM 45.50) at both Watsons and Bourjois Kiosk ,Sunway Pyramid. For selected Watsons store, you get a gift with RM 60 purchase of Bourjois product; while at the Kiosk, you get a different one with RM 80 purchase. Promotion while stocks last!

Guinness Amplify: Curates - Supporting More Malaysian Musicians!!! Froya "pay it forward’ by sharing her stage with some of her favourite Malaysian acts.

On 11th April 2015,  GUINNESS® Amplify, the music platform celebrating bold Malaysian musicians, made its triumphant return tonight at The Bee, Publika. Following on from last year’s successful campaign, a new sidestream of Amplify – dubbed Amplify: Curates – sees some of our already-established musicians invite lesser-known acts to take the stage with them and share the limelight.

Taking up the mantle as Curator was Sabahan songstress Froya, who also launched her eagerly-anticipated new album ‘Panic Bird’ at the show. 

Each of the three supporting acts on the night was hand-picked by Froya herself, allowing her to ‘pay forward’ the opportunity to get on stage and into the public eye.

Opening the evening was Froya’s fellow East-Malaysian singer/songwriter, Rozella. No stranger to the scene in her hometown of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Rozella’s dreamlike vocals and haunting melodies proved equally popular with the Kuala Lumpur crowd. 

Introducing her to the audience, Froya stated that she had invited the award-winning songwriter to join her at Amplify: Curates to help showcase the incredible musical talent East Malaysia has to offer.

Next to take the stage was hippie-beach-pop trio Jumero, veterans of the last year’s Amplify campaign. 

Playing a number of fan-favourites alongside a wealth of new material from their own upcoming album and some refreshing takes on classic songs, Jumero’s infectious energy soon had the crowd on their feet with their drinks held high.

Rounding off the evening’s support was electronica duo +2dB. The pair’s dark, ethereal soundscapes have long been a hit with those in the know in KL’s music scene, and fans old and new were treated to a set brimming with atmospheric, otherworldly harmonies and evocative vocals. In her introduction to the set, Froya noted her respect for +2dB’s Jo Ann and Jeannie, paying tribute to the duo’s creative bravery and unique sound.

As the night built to a crescendo, Froya herself took the stage to officially launch her debut album, ‘Panic Bird’. 

Taking the crowd on a journey through the inspirations and meanings behind the new record, Froya’s passion for her craft shone through as she gave one of the most stunning performances of her career. Featuring tracks written and perfected over the past 6 years, fans enjoyed specially-arranged versions of their favourites including new single ‘Dawn’, alongside brand new material performed live for the very first time at Amplify: Curates. 

Thanking her fans for their continued support, Froya urged the crowd to raise their glasses of GUINNESS® in a toast to the phenomenal talent of Malaysian musicians whose creative bravery inspires others to make their own bold choices in life, capping off another evening of incredible live music courtesy of GUINNESS® Amplify.

GUINNESS® Amplify is the new music platform from GUINNESS®, Malaysia’s favourite black brew. With a special focus on championing Malaysian musicians, GUINNESS® Amplify celebrates those bold enough to forge their own path. Amplify: Curates sees more established local acts selecting deserving lesser-known artists to share their stage and ‘pay forward’ the chance to get their music heard. For more information, log on to www.amplify.com.my.

For Froya’s debut album ‘Panic Bird’ is available now on CD and digital download, priced at RM25. For more information on how and where to purchase a copy, log on to www.froyamusic.com. more information on how and where to purchase a copy, log on to www.froyamusic.com.

L'OCCITANE Charity For The Blind

L’OCCITANE Malaysia continues to light a flame of hope for the less fortunate ones, having successfully raised a total of RM40,000 from its signature charity fundraising project and also proud to have another 5,000 euro (RM21,285) co-funded by L’OCCITAN FOUNDATION France. 

L’OCCITANE kick-started its charity fundraising on 9th October last year in conjunction with International World Sight Day, where limited edition I Care About Sight Tote Bag were sold at all L’OCCITANE Boutiques for RM20 each.

 

RM20,000 has been channelled to upgrade MAB’s Orientation and Mobility Classroom in its Kinta Valley Centre, Ipoh, with a Braille globe, Braille maps, Braille tiles and tactile stone path. Other proposed mobility equipment include white canes, normal canes and a voice-activated cane, so that the blind and visually-impaired will have the opportunity to expose themselves to more knowledge and practical skills.

Another portion of the funds – RM20,000 and  co-fund of RM21,285 was used to support Pastry Training Programme at St Nicholas’ Home, which allows blind and visually-impaired trainees obtain proper training in baking skills, allowing them to polish their interpersonal skills and pursue careers in the field of baking.

“L’OCCITANE Malaysia initiated its local CSR effort six years ago to offer an equal learning opportunity for both blind and partially sighted children and adults to acquire knowledge. “The newly introduced Pastry Training Program will definitely help to provide a greater and better learning ground to the visually impaired people to enhance their capability at work and thus they are able to live independently and also contribute to the society”, said Mr. Tan Seong Teck, GM of L’OCCITANE.

“This is the second time we are extending our supports to St Nicholas Home, Penang. By helping to create awareness and raise funds on behalf of the visually-impaired, we’re able to provide them with more opportunities to improve their lives. We hope to continue this noble effort in a sustainable manner” commented Ms Clarance Boo, PR Manager of L’OCCITANE during her recent visit to St Nicholas’ Home, Penang.

For more info visit

http://my.loccitane.com/

https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.my?fref=ts

Review : NEW Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution with SPF 50/PA ++++ , find out the reasons why I like them!

Ohai, I just came back from Taiwan! It was very sunny over there (lucky no rain or it will ruin our holiday!). 

Knowing I will be under the sun all the time, I was well prepared and brought along my trusted sunblock to protect my skin from harmful UV rays! Most of us know UV rays is the main cause of premature ageing and hyperpigmentation, but do you know pollution also play a big part too? These two factors will cause overproduction of free radicals in the dermis and epidermis which accelerated skin ageing, damages skin texture and alter skin color.

Unfortunately air pollution which has increased dramatically everywhere in the world and more so in Asia is something we cannot run away from. This has affected not only our health but also our skin. Free radicals attack skin cells and both air and water pollution can strip skin from moisture, causing discolouration,, fine lines and wrinkles. 

Clarins created its first atmospheric anti-pollution complex to prevent premature ageing and loss of radiance related to pollution. In 2005, Clarins launched its first UV Protective Day Screen against UV and anti-pollution. And I first tried them back in 2011 and wrote a review here.

As a pioneer, Clarins has now gone even further by introducing the new and improved UV Plus Anti-Pollution with SPF 50/PA ++++. This daily plant-powered multi-protection UV Plus Anti-Pollution SPF50/PA++++ has 3 key actions - 

Anti-UV, 

Anti-Pollution,

Anti-Ageing. 

This is suitable for daily use and contains fine, smooth and oil-free texture which fights against the UV rays and heavy pollution designed for all Asian women.

Thanks to the Clarins Research team, a new and exclusive plant was discovered. Organic Alpine Sanicle extract which has an active anti-oxidant protection on the skin surface and deep down. It marks a major advance in the protection of skin against the dual aggressions of UV and pollution. In addition, the skin surface is protected from dehydration by hyaluronic acid as well as the exclusive anti-pollution complex added in to fights the visible signs of premature skin ageing and loss of radiance.

Alphine Sanicle Extract: Rich in the antioxidant rosmarinic acid, the extract helps fight the damaging effects of free radicals. It protects the skin by reinforcing its natural defenses against the harmful effects of pollution and UV rays, to recreate the ideal ecosystem and thus preserve the skin’s health and beauty.

Beside this new ingredient, it also has the existing ingredients of Cantaloupe Melon Extract (protects cells from oxidizing stress caused by UV radiation and pollution) and Blackcurrant Extract (the soothing ability to help reduce inflammation & redness). 

Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution with SPF 50/PA ++++ comes in 3 shades to suit different skin needs.

Neutral 

Imperceptible on the skin, this invisible shade melts into skin, with a transparent finish. It does not leave any white traces or oily feel.

Baby pink 

For a bright, luminous complexion delicately highlighted with a subtle, transparent pink glow. This shade gives the skin a very natural, fresh look and restores luminosity to dull complexions.

Baby blue

For a flawless complexion, this blue shade is perfect for instantly minimizing the look of redness, dark spots and small imperfections. It leaves the complexion looking even, fair, luminous and flawless.

Back in 2011, I reviewed the previous formula with SPF40 PA+++ and mentioned that it's one the best sunblock I have used. After 4 years I can tell you still that this is still one of my favourite sunblock because the scent, texture and now with higher SPF of 50 and extra + ( the previous formula has three +)  , it's the perfect combination. I realized that the texture has improved a little bit, it was lighter compared to the previous one. The scent is still as lovely as ever, very floral.

In Taiwan National Palace Museum

And if I have extra money to spend, this is the sunblock I want to splurge because not only it protects my skin nicely (ah remembered I didn't get tan while I was in Taiwan!) but it make me feel confident and comfortable going under the sun. 

I have been using Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution with SPF 50/PA ++++ (translucent shade) with or without makeup on, so far my experience is no greasy or oily feeling after whole day of using it. In fact I feel my face is smooth and hydrated all day along. Ah now you know why I like them.... and I think this worth the investment because the UV rays & pollution are something we are facing everyday and they are detrimental to our skin! 

To complete your daily routine with whitening needs, you can use it together with Clarins White Plus series for better result. 

This new & improve formula Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution with SPF 50/PA ++++ is now selling at RM158 in Malaysia and with 6% GST (Goods & Service Tax) it's now RM 167.50.  

Available in all Clarins counters and Clarins Skin Spa. 

For more info, visit www.clarins.com.my