Favourite Hyaluronic-acid skin cares of the moment

Those with dry, dehidrated skin may understand my despair of finding moisturizing products that actually work is terribly hard. 

Thanks to fellow bloggers I was introduced to hyaluronic-acid and it was love at first sighttouch! 

Georgina helped me for the first time, when she CPed a bottle of Hadalabo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. Yes, the famous one. DA ONE!

Then I went on and found a place that had stocks and now I'm on my 2nd bottle of it.

FYI hyaluronic acid is a chemical that locks hydration into skin (lots of it, up to 1000 times its weight) and so far the best I came across. (Read more about it here or here) For years no lotions, serums, creams were able to reach the deeper levels of my skin, thus I ended up with skin dripping with moisture yet I was itching and felt my skin uncomfortably dry.

HA ended this sad era and I wanted more and saw a blog featuring Shiseido Senka Facial Lotion (made from essence). Don't ask me who it was tho, I don't remember. >.< She praised this lotion and I searched high and low on the internet until I came across it on Adambeauty. Man, he has such gems!^^

Senka Facial Lotion has two types (as far as I know): 

• blue - made from essence and
• pink - made from moisturizing cream.

I went with blue/essence and bought the moist or dewy type lotion with the blue cap. There is a refreshing type of lotion too, with white cap.

Dehydrated skinned girls, believe me when I say that during summer I only used these two products (Hadalabo lotion and Senka lotion) and experienced balanced skin! No oiliness and no dry patces or itching! 

Senka Facial lotion also operates with hyaluronic acid, so it was practically a double dose of HA, YEY!

My summer skin care routin was: toner, Hada Labo HA lotion, Shiseido Senka lotion, whitening toner or serum, eye cream, sun screen. That's all. 

Now that the weather turned colder, I need to follow up with cream moisturizer though.

This 200ml Shiseido Senka bottle costed USD16 which I will pay gladly next time I order. However it won't be tomorrow as I only need very little to cover my face and neck. :)

What Hyaluronic products do you use?

Do you have personal tricks or tips?

My secret tip:

After a long night of partying or trip on windy places do the following:

- clean your face and neck thoroughly

- prepare skin with toner

- apply lotion containing high amount of hyaluronic acid

- wet your hands with tap or mineral water immediately (don't wait for the lotion to be absorbed!)

- pat your wet hands all over your face and/or neck, where the lotion is still present

- pat until until the lotion-water mixture is fully absorbed

Voilá, extra dose of moisture thanks to the water-locking ability of HA.

My two eye looks using Shiseido Silky Eyeshadow Quad

Fulfilling a request, here are the two most used eyelooks I create with Shiseido's Silky Eyeshadow Quad.

I did a review of it here.

First, the one I do the most often:

Nr.3 purple-ish on the inner half of the lid and bottom lash line, nr.4 grey/silver on the outer lid & bottom lashline. Nr.1 black to line the lashlines.

See how the top shot is more acurate than the others, not so washed out? It was taken with the new cam LOL

Sadly the purple doesn't show up well on either type of photos...

And my second favourite look:

Nr2. pink on the inner corner, nr.3 purple on the rest of eyelid, nr.4 grey/silver on the outer V. Just a veeery tiny bit, pulled down to the outer side of the bottom lashline.

Lining was made with Make Up For Evers Aqua Eyes, nr.1 of the quad wasn't used this time, but it's up to everyone to use it or not.

Sorry for the messy work and the unplucked brows....I'm way too lazy these days...

And I don't know what kinda weird lighting there is in the house, but the pink is more vivid in real life, believe me!

Hope I could help! ^_^

Shiseido The Makeup Silky Eye Shadow Quad - Q1

Silky Eye Shadow Quad (in color Q1 - Dusk to Dawn) is my first venture into The Makeup line of Shiseido. And even if it's not the world's best eyeshadow quad, I'm quite pleased with it.

Jojoba also have a thorough review for all the permanent and limited editions, so if you haven't, do check it out! It's insane! HEHE

This ultra-smooth eyeshadow quartet creates vibrant yet shimmery, translucent colors. One compact provides versatile color combinations to create a whole eye look. Use as highlighter, liner, and shadow. Easy to apply and blends well. Long-lasting, stay-true colors.

The case is a pretty scallop shape with push button. That I appreciate immensly since I don't have to dug my fingers or worse, my nails inside to make the lid pop. And some cases are so hard to open! =.=

The only problem is, even tho it's not silver or mirror-like, it's quite reflecting and it attracts fingerprints! I keep wiping it clean!

Aside from that, it's lightweight yet sturdy!

Has a large mirror which must be useful for others, but since it's not magnifying I don't use it. The applicators are good. One with an average end + brush, the other is a normal + skinny one. I use the skinnier for the black liner.

I still think these applicators are made for small Asians with even smaller hands as I find them too small. I always get my fingers (that I hold the applicator with) dirtied by the other end...quite bothersome!

Aside from the liner, the three shadows are silky to the touch. I have the urge to touch it and fondle it again and again.

They present a good color payoff with shimmery finish.

Pink is...pink. Tends to be strong and popping on my eyes.

Purple is a cool lavender with blue undertones and pink shimmers. Very pretty but a bit sheer compared to the pink and grey ones.

Grey is a strong, cool grey. Frosty and metallic.

Black is a matte powdery liner. I don't like it. I have to layer it quite a bit and it fades in record time (when it doesn't transfer from my lashline to under my eyes). It has some pretty glitter that's more like shimmer particles in size, and the colors are of the rainbow.

I don't get why liners in palettes (especially Japanese ones) suck huge time. Is it really that hard to make them the same as the shadows??? o_O"

Staying power is okay. It doesn't smudge or fade on my lids, but I wouldn't use it on my lower lashline as it goes South without waiting for my permission.

And it also resisted creasing for 8-9 hours without priming. It's not the best and it needs touch ups for a long day but it creates  a flattering eye look and the colors are easy to blend too!

It retails for $36.50 at Sephora, so it must be about the same elsewhere, and I'd say that's a good price....considering it costed me 55 bucks. If you happen to see a sale for this, give it a try! ;D

The color combinations available:

The one in the middle is very pretty IMHO =D

EDIT: pic for size comparison:

Xmas prezzies

So, this year's Xmas wasn't as fruitful as before. Thanks to the economic state and the financial breakdown my family is in.
But Little Jesus...*cough* Santa for you, did visited me and dropped some things that made me real happy:

• underwears - who doesn't get any? You know, one always needs some new garments ;D
• fairily good smelling shower gels
• tote bag - big, red and laquered. Something I fear to wear. It's too girly! But I must start wearing such stuff, right?
• knitted pullover - noo it's not that what you think of! It's more like a shirt. See through, so you can add whatever under it, and the arm part...OMG Love it's like a poncho, but isn't. Something I can't describe. It's interesting nontheless! Any piece of material that holds a bit of interesting part is a win-win for me! So the arms made this super valuable and loved! ^.^ 
• leather gloves - YEY! You know leather gloves are IN this season! And this is thankfully not that artificial leather.....real Romanian material! Yumm! I soo needed a pair of gloves that does not let wind blow through! *_*  
• parfume - It's a scent for teens but totally my taste and lingers for a loooong time! Winner!
• lots of empty DVDs - I know, sounds lame, but I'm always in need for them. My Jrock and Korean drama and such addiction requires great investment......More than 400 disks, plus the tens that are not in the database yet. =.= Yes, I have a database organizing every single disk so I know where to look for the needed things.....argh I'm sick! X_X
• some theater play or concert CDs - dunno what these are exactly. Haven't checked them yet LOL

And the highlights and beauty related items are the ones I bought for myself (previously)!

• Shiseido The Makeup Silky Eye Shadow Quad (Q1) - review coming!
• L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream - you know, the basic one with 20% shea butter. My first purchase of the brand and I'm in officially in Heaven! (And in Hell becoz of the price! LOL) Review coming!

So, what did YOU find under the tree?

Dior 1 Couleur Powder Mono Eyeshadow & package from Jacqueline

Christian Dior 1 Couleur Powder Mono Eyeshadow. Before reading on, make note that the eyeshadow I'm reviewing is not the latest one! Beat me, but I can't remember what year this was released! This is a very big favourite of mine, that's why I'm writing this. Whether you want to read about old stuffs or not! LOL I'm evil and egoistic, I know!

I Couleur is in the shade of: Peach! Wait, I have a story!

Many years ago I was watching TV...some fashion channel, showing new makeups and tricks. It must have been my late elementary years. And then, at that holy moment I saw a beautiful eyeshadow! It was a TRUE peachy peach, with a hint of baby pink! *__*

I can't really describe, but the color payoff was strong, and it was soooooooooo beautiful and vibrant! I fell in love instantly! The worst part is I have NO idea what brand it was! *cries*

So, ever since then I've been in an endless search for that color. And this eyeshadow is the closest I could find.....although this is no match, truth to be told, thid doesn't even look like peach on skin, but I love it nevertheless!

As I've seen, this shade is discontinued. I'm not sure, but I couldn't find it on the Dior site. Bah....must be my stupidity too!

Anyway, here are my thoughts:

Old, as you can see, packaging is old but pretty. Can't be anything less, since it's Dior =D
The color is somewhere between orange, beige and peach, also has golden shimmers. It goes on smoothly, covers skin evenly and does not crease or fade. Oh, wait, it did crease on me in the summer heat, but when the weather is not that humid, it stays on pretty well.

Just a side note: I do not wear primer. So if you do, I bet this would stick to you like glue all day long!

Here is a swatch. Can you see it? It's in the middle. Forgive my crappy photo skills, I couldn't capture the color. It's much, much more vivid! Also, the lighting is horrible here (in my dorm room).

For slightly better view here is a look I made using this eyeshadow not long ago.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I got a package from Jacqueline Yesterday, including all these yummies:

2 MAC Lipglasses

1 MAC Lustreglass

1 Maquillage lipgloss + 1 lipstick

The Body Shop Eyeshadow (an awesome blue!)

YSL Matt Touch Compact Foundation sample

RMK samples

Vichy Normaderm Refine sample (hey, this is Asia exclusive, I think, so must work for my pores too HAHA)

Kiehl's Abyssine Cream+ sample (I've always wanted to try this)

Aren't they awesome??!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?

I can't say enough, you shouldn't have had to put in sooo many (precious) extras! You're too generous! I LOVE you! *.* Thank you!

Jacqueline is such an awesome woman!!! She needs more love, so check out her blog!

Here is another pic, to show better the colors >.<"

Why, oh why are some of my pictures are clickable, and some are not????? I did not resize them, or anything! grrrrrr

Shiseido Tsubaki Shining Camellia Oil Ex Hair Care Set

Nourishes damaged hair and produces soft, sleek hair. Maintains dynamic elasticity. For all hair types. The red camellia flower "tsubaki" contains extremely high quality oils, rich in oleic and linoleic acid, which are readily absorbed by skin and hair. Fascinating sweet carmellia fragrance.

Just bought this set not long ago from ebay and i'm totally hooked on it! It's known as Japan's best selling hair care products. I have to say...no wonder. My hair is dyed from blackish brown to blond and it's been for a while so it's quite damaged and dry. I spend a lot to make it look healthy, experimenting with shampoos, conditioners and other protecting stuffs. Especially for straightening...I use flat irons every day and that's not good at all, you know. Most of the things I bought from different brands did nothing or just worsened the dryness so they sit on the shelf waiting for something that makes them work. I know they never will, but can't get myself to throw them out.

Nah..so i saw a lot of raving about Tsubaki. Some said it made their hair greasy or heavy at the root. Some said it was okay if you used it rarely. Personally I haven't experienced any of it and I've been using it for...like 2 weeks. Usually every 2 or 3 days but it happened i had to wash my hair daily. For me it worked wonders. Sensational! I had searched everywhere for something that could provide me that dreamy silky hair feeling I've had dreamed about, but none could help. Until i found this.


After the first use I was like O.M.G! That touch! That feeling! OMFG I was in trance. As for shining I don't know if it did anything, since I have no problem with shininess...not until 1 month after dying. Anyway, my hair is nourished, feels healthy and that stays so for long. Impressive!
I have the shampoo, conditioner and treatment, in 550-550-120ml sizes. And paid only $12 for all. Too bad the seller doesn't carry them anymore.
They will last for a long time seeing only a tiny bit is missing from the bottles, but i'm careful with the treatment. It would be gone in a few weeks if i used it regularly, worst every time I wash my hair.

Oh yeah. The scent. It's not overwhelming and is pretty nice. I'd say it's a great product for those with dry or damaged hair, and maybe who have oily hair will like it too. Just don't use it often =D

Maqillage Eyes Creator 3D (GY865)

I had high hopes for this palette. One, because its brand, two, coz its price. And i have to say it didn't meet my expectations. Many people love it, and personally i think they overreact it.

I had it in GY865 which should be greyish (?) but found it rather brown. I gave it away and now i regret doing so. I did have things i liked about it.

First of all it looks soooooo good! And I love when an extra applicator is included. Especially if it's a brush. hehe

The mirror is a waste of money imo, i never use them. Ever. In any product. May be because I have terrible eyesight and without my glasses i can only use magnifying mirrors to see clearly what I do >.<

Onto the colors....they do look good, but once in on you they turn much lighter. Have the usual sparkly, glittery outcome, but definitely not overdone, so you won't look like a glitterball in sunlight.

I had the biggest problem with the white highlighter...It was chalky! And couldn't apply it properly, coz it always stayed uneven. Big white parts here, hardly anyting there. Dunno if it's caused by my stupid skin or what, but it was very annoying.

The 3 eyeshadows were ok. Gave a nice glow to my eyes, but i wanted something stronger or darker. I wish I had done some shots while i had the chance. But found a pic what should it look like on.

Nice, huh? Nah that's something you won't get. The liner looks brown, right? But the one it the palett is black! A veeeery nice, glittery black tho. Put on with a proper eyeliner brush, it's a killer! But it aslo smeared off a lot. Basically everything I've tried so far in my life gave me racoon eyes, so I gave up on finding the perfect liner. So it doesn't mean everyone will have the same problem. Once it totally disappeared, leaving nothing in its place or under my eyes. Very weird o_O Must be applying it with a sponge applicator. Sounds stupid, I know, but I didn't do anything special that day to indicate this to happen.

As I've said the shadows are more brown than grey and give a warm and light color on the lids. And they don't crease. I experienced only a little creasing after several hours in very warm weather (and most of it stayed put in its place), which is unusual for my eye-shadow-creasing-lover eyes.

Overall Eyes Creator 3D is a good e/s palette, although I didn't fall in love. For those with no trouble maker eyes it might be a great product.

If you happen to find a sale of it give it a try! I wouldn't pay the whole price if not neccessary.

Shiseido Haku Melanofocus EX Whitening Serum & Kose Medicated Sekkisei Whitening Emulsion

This was my first whitening serum in my whole life and made me an addict to them! To tell the truth i've only tried 2 products so far, one is a serum the other an emulsion. And this beats Kose's Medicated Sekkisei Whitening Emulsion! As it says Sekkisei is medicated, so i trusted it and had high expectations...shouldn't have. I'm not saying it's crap, coz it is not! It's good....just not THAT good as Haku's Serum.
I like the packaging, pure and stylish. Simply lovely!
It claims to suppress melanin production and doing so brightening your skin.
As i started to use it, it took 2-3 days and the results started to show up. I have freckles on my cheeks and nose during summer thanks to the sun, and some pigmentation blemishes near my jawline (tiny little mole lookalikes) which i hate. So after 2 or 3 days the freckles started to fade out, that i found amazing. Back then i didn't know those blemishes weren't moles that i like having on my skin, but pigmentation flaws, so i didn't use the creme on them. Stupid me!
Now i have Sekkisei which works slower, and didn't do much to those stubborn flaws. If i run out of this bottle, i want to swithch back to Haku....Sometimes first choice is the best choice.
Although i have a Kanebo Impress brightener too...gotta try it sometime soon!
Any idea which product should i put my hands on next?

Shiseido Beauty Voltage Make Off

First review! =D And it's a great product also! Though i'm prejudicial to Shiseido. I love the brand and thus all their goods.

Beauty Voltage Make Off is an oil based make-up remover, but it has a bit creamy feeling. I don't need much of it for my whole face. Just massage it on then wash off with water. It leaves my (dry and sensitive) skin a healthy, silky, nice feeling, no oily residue. It removes everything without fail, even the hard to remove mascaras, though i haven't tried it with waterproof ones. Afterwards using other cleansers or toners on pads, there's no trace of make-up, which i met all the time with other products.

Also, while massaging it (no hard rubbing!) i can open my eyes without stinging! wow I love it! My eyes are sensitive, sadly.

It costs ~$36, more or less,which is quite pricey imho (especially for 100g), but you can buy it waaaaaay less, just look for the good places.