Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

Believe me, I’m not a fan of the colour, Pink, but it seems to be following me endlessly!

Since I showed you my vanity table, I knew I had to show you the en suite. There’s a funny story behind it.

It wasn’t my choice that they had put on pink tiles. Actually, re-tiling the toilet & bath in my room wasn’t part of the renovation plans. It all happened by accident. The tiles chipped and broke while it was subjected to heavy cleaning — probably due to age — hence, the need for new tiles. As for the pink tiles, my mum originally bought it for her own use. She wanted it installed in her bathroom but instead of replacing her marble bathroom and tub (!), they were able to replace the lavatory and such without damaging it. There you go. That’s why I got the pink tiles.

I didn’t want a pink room! I had the walls painted white and am determined to use dark, mahogany-type furnishings to match the custom-made bed frame I had bought last year and simply alternate on white, cream, brown for neutrals and green, blue and yellow for colours. Altering my original plan to accommodate the new colour, now I’ll be playing with plum, lavander, green and yellow combination, i.e. sheets, cushions and curtains. Ah, well. I digress.

Anyway.

I noticed that the pink packaging of my new haircare system, LOreal Elsve Nutri-Gloss Haircare System, Pearl Protein, matches my toilet & bath! I had found it so adorable that I had picked up my camera just to snap a photo.

So there, another look into my small beauty world. I’m hoping you guys would be interested to show me a bit of yours, too! Send a photo, tell me a bit about it and I’ll feature it. You can send it to sasha[@]b5media[.]com. Hope to hear from you!

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Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

It’s just a peek but I had just finished fixing my newly renovated room yesterday and I had decided to take some photos. I wanted to test out the light. Interestingly, after fixing my new wardrobe a couple of weeks ago, the next part of the room I had wanted to organise was my old vanity table.

The vanity table was inherited from my mum. I love it for it’s massive mirror and dainty cushioned matching stool. I had it re-painted to match the rest of the room’s furnishings. It still looks pretty aged (esp the mirror) but my feelings remain unchanged. I just can’t think of replacing it. Probably cuz I haven’t found one that can match or, better, succeed it.

I love how my makeup and other things that satisfy my vanity sitting on top of it, arranged and all. Comparing the memory of what I had used before, a makeshift vanity “area” on top of an unused bar counter back in my old flat.

Feels good to have everything falling into its rightful place. My beauty stuff now has a proper home! Yay!

Hope you guys enjoyed a peek into my small beauty world. Will you show me yours? Send a photo over and I’d love to feature it!

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Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

Nivea Visage
DNAge Cell Renewal
Eye Cream

Nivea Visage DNAge Cell Renewal Eye Cream is part of an innovative Anti-Ageing skincare system — consisting of high performing day, night, eye and zone specific care products.

The formula with cell-active Folic Acid and Creatine effectively increases surface skin cell renewal. It is enriched with an UVA/UVB light filter system and suitable for contact lens wearers.

Result:

* Improved skin vitality.
* Skin’s firmness is noticeable improved.
* The appearance of existing wrinkles & puffiness around the eyes is visibly reduced.

After a few weeks of experimentation, I’ve now reached the point wherein I can actually collate all observations from my experience in using the Nivea Visage DNAge Cell Renewal Eye Cream.

I didn’t realise I had it in me to actually apply the eye cream religiously every night before going to bed for the last month. But I did and will continue to do so until I run out of cream. I guess that statement sort of tells you that I loved the eye cream, yea? I do.

I have to admit going into the initial stages of the experiment, I had my share of doubts. First, since I haven’t really tried using an eye cream before (well, except for the Avon Solutions, Advanced Eye Perfector that I used for a couple of days), I didn’t really believe that there will be changes. Note: I said changes.

Reading up on the product and, of course, the brand itself. I had learned to formulate my expectations accordingly. They report that 80% of skin ageing is a result of external influences that lead to damage at the core of the skin cell — the DNA. With age, the DNA’s own renewal capacity declines and cell damages accumulate. This makes our skin age prematurely. And the brand’s philosophy basically promises the use of ingredients that will yield high performing skincare products which will work harmoniously with our skin. There you go. Expect that the product can deliver a more firmer, non-irritated, rejuvenated skin around the eyes.

With time, skins firmness is weakened, existing wrinkles deepen and new ones appear - the facial contour loses its’ youthful shape. That’s what usually happens as we grow older. It’s inevitable.

Knowing and accepting that I can never stop aging, I’ve learned to accommodate beauty products that will help me manage and maintain my skin. I’ve always been bothered by puffiness and somewhat tired looking skin around the eyes. I’ve got only myself to blame for that cuz I’m a smoker and I often have late nights PLUS working long hours in front of the computer. Yes, these things contribute to it. Unfortunately.

Considering the use of eye creams have been at the back of my mind for quite some time now and, finally, I got my hands on this one from Nivea Visage; grabbing it off the shelf with the hope that it will help me with my concern.

Interestingly, after a couple of weeks’ use, existing wrinkles or fine lines, and puffiness around the eyes were visibly reduced. I also noticed that it had that cool sensation upon application. It makes you think that it’s already working. It doesn’t feel oily or heavy on the skin rather you’d feel like your skin is absorbing the moist cream you just applied.

Personally, I apply it only after I’ve thoroughly cleansed my face and applied my night cream save for the area around the eyes. I would then apply the eye cream in generous amounts under the eyes, covering the puffy area, with the use of my middle finger. I would recommend light dabbing — no severe rubbing — and the finger motion should be from the outer eye towards the bridge of your nose. It’s important to remember not to stretch your skin too much. You might end up stressing it out even more.

Another thing I noticed is that it’s gentle enough to be use on the brow area and lids. So, yea. You can apply the eye cream in the entire skin area around the eyes for complete care.

Now, when I wake up in the morning, my eyes look so refreshed and rejuvenated. I’m not kidding! They don’t look tired and harassed anymore.

Suggested application: Use regularly in combination with the Day Cream by gently massaging into the skin on the outer part of the eye. For optimal results use the complete Nivea Visage DNAge Cell Renewal Anti-Age System of day, night, and eye creams.

You can buy the Nivea Visage DNAge Cell Renewal Eye Cream:

Well.ca - $22.29
eBay UK - 0.99 (starting bid) plus postage 1.76 (Ends: 28-Aug-08 10:53:08 BST)
Chemist Direct - 15.43
Pulse Pharmacy - $20.40

Verdict? It may take a while before you see results, give or take a couple of weeks, but when it does kick in, you’ll see a difference. It’s worth a try. It doesn’t really totally remove puffiness but it does visibly reduce it. You’ll never fail to notice the improvement. Skin around my eyes are now firmer but, at the same time, soft too. If you decide to give this product a go, let me know and let’s compare notes!

Bottom Image: nivea.com

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I’m quite surprised, really. I know that the blog is over a year old and all but I didn’t realise that I’ve managed to conduct quite a number of Eastern Experiments in just six (6) months! Remarkable! I only started the series December of last year.

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 Crme
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!

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SK-II
Facial Treatment Essence

Skin Balancing Essence. Women everywhere are so passionate about Facial Treatment Essence that they describe it as their ‘miracle water’. Pitera, the seemingly magical ingredient found in all SK-II products, helps restore vital balance by promoting the skin’s natural 28-day surface renewal process. This single blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids produces a seemingly miraculous rebirth of appearance. With over 90% pure Pitera, Facial Treatment Essence is the ‘heart’ of every SK-II Skincare ritual. Rely on it daily to moisturise, balance, and renew. Skin absorbs the benefits almost on contact. The result is supple, smooth, radiant skin.

Loving the fact that Cate Blanchett is the image model of SK-II. I’m a huge fan of the actress. And with all the good things I’ve been hearing and reading about Procter & Gamble’s premier beauty brand, SK-II, I reckon I can become a huge fan of it too.

I was impressed with Aqua Physics. Twas the first time I came across Pitera and I was then just getting to know the brand. Then I fell in love with the Air Touch Foundation.

Suggested application: Sprinkle about a teaspoon of Facial Treatment Essence into the cupped palm of your hand. Rub hands together and press gently and evenly onto face and neck. Your skin will absorb the Essence quickly and naturally.

I reckon applying nourishing elements directly onto the skin will help boost moisture and cell renewal. For someone like me who’s on her 30s, we need all the help we can get to maintain a more youthful and luminous skin. It’s not necessarily trying to stop aging but just easing into it gracefully. I really don’t want to go under the knife just to salvage whatever’s left. Eeep. Not only is that scary, it’s also expensive! Gah.

All I need now is to get my hands on one to seal the deal. Best of luck. SK-II products are sooo expensive!

Facial Treatment Essence in 215ml costs $170 (or $158.50 promo) over at StrawberryNet.com.
Facial Treatment Essence in 75ml costs $49.99 over at eBay.

See what I mean? Most of the good products are expensive.

Honestly, I’m not sure how effective this product is. All I hear is that a lot of women swear by it. I’m certainly hoping I’ll get an opportunity to try it out in the future. All I need to work on is procuring it.

Have any of you guys tried the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence? Let me know how your experience went? I’d love to know more about it. Also, do any of you use any sort of “Essence”? Share!

Image: sk2.com.sg

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