Valen’s Vanity Square

Thanks again to Jess from Lolyco for giving me this valuable Bio-essence Non-Surgical Face Lift Pine Pollen Trial Pack to ‘test’. I have been wanting to try their face-lifting cream before considering the full-size jar.

Bio-essence Non-Surgical Face Lift Pine Pollen Trial Pack (RM27.96)

Let’s see what are inside this promotional pack…

Deep Cleanser (10g)

• Cleanses skin without leaving a tight feeling after wash
• Removes makeup & impurities
• Skin feels refreshed & soft after use

To me as long as a cleanser cleanses well and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry, it’s good enough to be used every day. But at night I will still carry out my double cleanse ritual - first with cleanser milk or cream, followed by a foaming gel like this one.

Skin White Revitalizing Exfoliator (10g)

• Removes dead & aging skin
• Makes skin finer, fairer and smoother
• Removes blackheads, whiteheads, dark spots & pigmentation

If you have used Ginvera Marvel Gel before, then this is something similar. An exfoliating gel that comes with natural micro-rice beads suitable for daily use, it is a gentle way of removing dead cells from the skin without making my skin dry. But I most probably won’t use it every day if I buy the full-size product, because it’s doesn’t come cheap (neither does Ginvera Marvel Gel)!

Radiant Youth Essence (5g)

• 95% enriched with green tea essence & Ginseng
• Locks in moisture, keeps skin hydrated and soft
• Refines pores for radiant skin

I LOVE this one! It may ‘look’ oily in its form, but as long as you massage it slowly and until it is fully absorbed into the skin, it won’t leave any trace of greasiness on your face. Instead, you will feel that your skin is silky smooth… so soft… so tender… I am definitely putting this into my next shopping list.

Face Lifting Cream (10g)

• Firms and lifts face contours
• Shallows visible aging lines
• Restores skin firmness & elasticity
• Refines pores

This cream doesn’t contain SPF, so I am using it only at night, immediately after Radiant Youth Essence. It can be used during day time as well, as long as you remember to apply your sunscreen lotion. Initially I was quite concerned if it would be too heavy for my skin (i.e. causing my skin to become oily). But, so far so good. I would prefer lotion though, if they have one.

The cream causes a cooling sensation once applied on the face. So far I haven’t noticed any obvious reduction on lines, or increased firmness of my face. But I do feel a mild tightening effect every time I apply the cream (though visually I haven’t observed any difference). I’m not sure if this means the cream is working to pull and lift my face… I hope it is! Perhaps I have to use it more often and for a longer time.

So, I still couldn’t decide whether to put Bio-essence face-lifting cream into my shopping list. Hmm, may be I should first try L’Oreal’s face-lifting cream. I wonder if they have trial pack as well…

If you are wondering what dermabrasion is about, read this:

“Dermabrasion is a cosmetic medical procedure in which the surface of the epidermis of the skin is removed by abrasion (sanding). It is used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure is very painful and usually requires a general anesthetic or twilight anesthesia, in which the patient is still partly conscious. Afterward, the skin is very red and raw-looking, and it takes several months for the skin to regrow and heal.” – Wikipedia

As scary as it may sound, I believe many Hollywood superstars are using it to rejuvenate their look. Well, they can afford it (and are willing to go through the pain, ouch).

But for you and I, may be we should be contented with Origins’ Modern Friction, which they claim to be the nature’s gentle dermabrasion.
 

 

• Age-erasing exfoliation without irritation
• Skin-refining rice starch rapidly removes sluggish cells, uneven patches, signs of skin damage and discolorations
• Aloe to keep skin calm and comfortable
• Signs of fine lines and size of pores appear to shrink in size
• Skin looks perfectly polished, smooth and luminous
• No redness or flaking follows

I totally agree with the last 3 points!

I started using this product end of last year because my skin was really dull-looking with an uneven skin tone. The first few times I used it, the before and after difference was amazing, just as described above. And I love the aroma of Bergamot! It is very uplifting, makes you happy while exfoliating away dead skin cells from your face, haha!

For normal skin, it is suggested to massage the paste over dry, clean skin; then add a splash of water to work into a gentle lather before rinsing it off. But for people with sensitive skin, it is advised to massage the paste over damp instead of dry skin. I’ve tried both ways. Since mine is not a sensitive skin, I stick to the first way coz it actually shows a more significant difference.

Previously I used this product up to two times a week, now I only use it once a week, more as a ‘maintenance’ regime for my skin.

And to make this regime complete, I will follow with Origins’ Drink Up 10-minute mask for skin hydration.

• Thirst-quenching Algae extracts deliver an extra helping of hydration
• Emollient-rich apricot kernel oil acts like “a fountain of youth”
• Spread a generous layer over clean face, avoiding eye area. Wait 10 minutes and then rinse off. Use once a week, more often if skin is dry.

I’m quite satisfied with this hydration mask, except that I think its sweet fruity aroma is just too much for me. Feel like am putting on mashed fruit pastes on my face, haha!

Image source: www.origins.com

Our skin goes through a renewal cycle, and is naturally capable of shedding off dead skin cells from its surface to reveal new skin cells. However, when the dead skin cells are not totally shed, they accumulate and cause the skin to have a dull and lack-luster look, not to mention that they can clog pores and lead to blackheads.

Regular skin exfoliation not only restores the skin’s healthy glow, but also clear the pores and enables the skin to absorb moisture and whatever good stuffs you put on. How often you should exfoliate and what type of exfoliation method suits you depends on your skin type. Always ask your beautician or skin experts for recommendation if you have sensitive skin or a specific skin condition.

I currently use Dermalogica’s facial scrub 2 times weekly for skin exfoliation. But what I really like is their Daily Microfoliant. I’m not using it now, and I miss it so much!

About Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

* Rice-based enzyme powder activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to accelerate cell renewal.

* Active agents derived from rice bran and rice extract help to regulate melanin production while micro-exfoliating dead cells, thereby facilitate penetration of the Skin Brightening Complex (bearberry, aspergillys, grapefruit and licorice) that helps to balance uneven skin tone.

* Gentle enough to use on a daily basis.

After cleansing your face, just rub some of the rice powder onto your wet face. As you rub, the powder will dissolve into a creamy texture. Rinse it off and you will see a brighter and smoother face. 

Although it’s called DAILY Microfoliant, my beautician told me not to use it every day, 3 times per week would be sufficient. But I liked it so much that I used up to 5 times a week! I didn’t notice any side effect on the skin due to my frequent use of the product.

I especially liked to use it in the morning so that I could leave the house with a brighter and glowing face!

Image source: www.dermalogica.com