Review on Lancome's Rouge Cream

Guess what's red, creamy and kissable? Lancome's Rouge Cream glides onto the lips like a dream, keeping the wearer and her smile beautiful. 💋

The most interesting part is that you dont open this tube of lipstick by twisting the lid. You simply press the top of the tube to eject the lipstick.

Review on Lancome's Genifique Yeux Eye Cream

This is my review on Lancome's Genifique Yeux Eye Cream, also known as the "Youth Activating Eye Cream".  An elegant cream with gel-like texture enriched with Genifique patented technology, this amazing eye cream helps protect the delicate eye area against the visible signs of ageing and fatigue.

The key ingredients are water, cyclohexasiloxane, bifida ferment lysate, glycerin, propenadiol and alcohol denat etc, a full list of powerful ingredients set to bring about younger, brighter eyes with softer contours within 7 days of use (do note that results differ with each individual though).

For 15g, the price is around SGD$98.00 per tub. The packaging is in stunning black, with the signature Lancome rose painted in silver on the top of the lid.  There is visible smell to this product.

The eye cream itself is smooth and velvety to the touch, very easy to apply. The correct way of application is to massage the cream gently onto the upper and lower eye contour areas with 2 finger tips. For extra measure, you can also tap lightly to let it "sink in". Use this once in the morning and once at night.

This is a "before" photo of me. The Eyebags were more prominent here due to late nights and early morning. I have tried several types of eye cream, eye gel and eye serum before, but to no avail.

Here is an "after" photo, where the Eyebags have been reduced over prolonged usage of Lancome's Genifique Yeux Youth Activating Eye Cream. The eye areas feel smoother, softer, and the flaws have reduced rather significantly. As you can see, makeup is minimal here.

Verdict is that this cream works like a wonder, just like its Youth Activating counterpart in the same series (review here). The price is a little steep at SGD$98.00 for a small tub, but it lasts around 1 to 3 months, so it is reasonable if you divide the sum out. I am in love and in awe with yet another of Lancome's wonderful products.

Lancome Party at BHG Bugis

Following the Lancome Christmas in Wonderland event in December (read review here), I was rather excited for another Lancome event, especially when this one promises a 15% discount off products and an additional SGD$10.00 voucher. It was time to top up some of my Lancome skincare products anyway.

230 Victoria Street, Level 1 Makeup Hall, Bugis Junction, Singapore 188024

Tel: 6338 6380

So, the event commenced at 7.15pm, but some of us registered earlier. A sticker bearing the signature Lancome rose was affixed to our hand, and we were given a small bottle of Evian as well as a Red Velvet cupcake from Twelve Cupcake.  I love Twelve Cupcake, fine-textured and great-flavoured besides looking so pretty always.

Some of us walked around checking out Lancome's products, spotting potential purchases for later; others gathered around the makeup desk waiting for the party to kickstart with national makeup artist Lina Tock working her magic, demonstrating how to have younger-looking skin.  That's Lina Tock in the photo above with the model of the evening (no offense, but we seriously thought that they could have easily found a better-looking model for this demonstration - Lina herself looked so much better).

Anyway, the first step of the younger-skin routine began with Lancome Genefique Youth-activating serum, which Lina applied to the model's face by gently patting it on and then lightly massaging it in. This was supposed to soften, smoothen and moisturize the skin.

Next, it was followed by the Lancome Genefique Eye Light-Pearl Illuminating Youth-activating Concentrate. Lina showed that the correct way to apply this was to do it in small circular motions around the lower eye area, using the "pearl" on the applicator to do so, then lightly sweep up with fingers. Pressing the pearl-tip against the upper inner eye corner also helps to open up the eyes.  There was a cooling sensation to this concentrate, and the Lancome representatives went around to let us have a feel on the hands as well.

Then, Lina used Lancome Genefique Youth-activating Eye Cream on top of the concentrate, to further protect, hydrate and firm the eyes area.

The next step was Lancome UV Expert BB Complete - consists of properties that help to shield, correct and unify, with its high SPF 50 protection. This may be used as a makeup base as well.

Finally, the skincare routines were completed, and it was time to move on to makeup application. The first step here was the Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation, which was easy to apply and could be brought out for touchup anytime. Lina used a brush to apply, for a more natural effect, and she says to always start applying from the inside of the face (not from outside in, if not there would be a mask-like effect).

The finishing touch was loose powder was up next, to complete the look.

Following that, it was time for the Lancome Grandiose Mascara, another beautifully product that comes with a curved wand for more accurate application to enhance and lift the lashes. It was amazing - we watched the model's already-long lashes being extended threefold in terms of length and thickness, and it stayed up.

Finally, some colours were added to the model's lips with Lancome's lipsticks. Two different shades were being used here, seemingly the trend of late - to blend a darker and lighter colour. Lina also used a lip brush to define the shape of the model's lips.

The Blush went on next, a gently tint to give a healthy glow and youthful looks, nothing that is set too hard or definitive. Lina emphasized on working on the apples of the cheeks here.

Lina also dabbed on some Hightlighter to the "C" outer areas of the eyes, as well as the T-zones so that it gives a 3-D effect when photographs are taken, and it sharpens the coutours of the face. The model was finally transformed - prettier, but nothing dramatic or overly made-up.

A dash of Lancome La Nuit Tresor between the wrists completed the entire session. This perfume is one of Lancome's latest, with notes of raspberries and all things alluring. On top of it, the bottle is incredibly beautiful as well - mysterious and seductive with a soulful depth.

Time for shopping and getting up close and personal with Lina Tock. But before that, the registered attendees got to receive a lovely door gift set comprising of precious samples for Genefique serum, eye cream, sunblock and La Nuit Tresor miniature perfume.

Disappointingly, when I was about to go pay for my Lancome Genefique Eye Cream (SGD$90.00) and Lancome Teint Visionnaire foundation, then they informed that for every SGD$100.00 spent, we would get the SGD$10.00 voucher. On top of that, the 15% discount was for offsetting next purchase, not for this event itself.

Well, thanks for the makeup tips, Lancome!

In comparison, the Guerlain event I attended a while back was so much more exciting - manicure, caricature, lots of Champagne, and extremely personable makeup artist Jose. No wonder everyone shopped like crazy after the event. Read review here.

Review on Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation

Another Lancome sample for my discretion to use or toss - and being a rather staunch Lancome customer, I chose to use it of course. It would help determine my next shopping avenue once my current liquid foundation runs out. The product I shall be reviewing today is the Lancome Mat Miracle 24H liquid foundation.

I did not know what to expect from this tiny little 5ml sample that promises "long wear and comfort" and "satin light creator" as well as designed for Asian skin.  The regular-sized 30ml bottle would cost SGD$65.00 here in Singapore. I was given shade O-01.

A little glob of the smooth, lightly-creamy liquid foundation is enough for the entire face. It goes onto the face rather smoothly, evening out easily as well. Without using any concealers at all, I'd say the coverage of this liquid foundation is 4/5. The effect is like a second skin on my skin, and it felt lightweight indeed.

The foundation lasts for more than 8 hours. I do run around the island for work, and I have this foundation on for more than 8 hours every working day. At the end of the day, the makeup is still rather intact (comments by colleagues); it looks natural and gives a slight touch of radiance despite its claim of matt-ness. I do not think it lasts 24 hours though, and I am not keen to try.

Overall, I am quite happy with this liquid foundation -it is so easy to apply and remove, lasts well, my skin can breathe in it, and it does not cause breakouts. I should be getting the regular bottle of this very soon, to add to my ever-growing collection of good Lancome products.

Review on Lancome's La Base Pro Pore Eraser (base / primer)

I received a sample for Lancome's La Base PRO Pore Eraser, which is both a pore minimiser as well as a makeup base / primer. This sample was a godsend from the Lancome counter, during my last purchase of another product. It is 5ml and comes with a really pretty pearl-white tube as well as silver box.

This pore eraser is oil-free, has a mattifying effect upon application, and is suitable for sensitive skin.  It is lightweight as well as light-reflecting, leaving skin feeling velvety the entire day. It claims to give an airbrushed, poreless look by applying just a pea-sized amount.

At retail counters in Singapore, the full-sized product at 20ml would cost SGD$68.00.  Anyway, I have used it on my face and yes, it feels and looks exactly as described in reviews and product description-  it shrinks pores dramatically, seeming to close up all the pores on the face. It feels incredibly velvety smooth as well, blending well with makeup and staying on for at least 8 hours.

In this demonstration, you can feel free to check my porous (back of) the hand out.

So, I squeeze a little bit of the precious pore eraser cream / gel onto my fingers out. The product glides on to the skin easily.

After rubbing it gently over the back of both hands, ensuring to spread it evenly, this is the result.  You can compare the effect against the 3rd photo in this post (as above), or note the amazing contrast between the back of my hand and the wrist area. The skin on the back of hand looks smoother, brighter and the pores have nearly been "sealed" over, leaving smooth satiny lovely, ready for foundation to glide on beautifully.

My sample is nearly finished, hence I will definitely purchase this pore eraser for daily use.

Review: Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate

Lancome has always been one of my favorite skincare brands, having been introduced to me by my flight hostesses friends.  In this entry I shall review on Genefique Advanced (youth activating concentrate) , which I use as one of the steps together with its Visionnaire serum (check out review here).

Known as a powerful anti-aging serum, with added biotechnology-ingredient to reduce the signs of aging, creating complexion that is smooth and radiant. It does not contain parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It also
targets the 10 signs of aging, hence restoring youth in terms of :-

(i) resilency
(ii) texture
(iii) elasticity
(iv) sagginess
(v) firmness
(vi) clarity
(vii) radiance
(viii) fine lines
(ix) wrinkles
(x) even skintone.

The clear serum comes in an easy-to-use dropper applicator - just a few drops for the entire face would suffice.

Apply it to the entire face, ensure that the face is cleansed and toned. The skin feels smoother, soothed and firmer almost immediately. I have been using it for at least two years (since the non-advanced version came out), and must admit that some there had been rather noticeable results to fine lines and overness tautness of skin.

It makes the skin so smooth that applying the rest of the skincare regime and makeup is much more easier. This is the final face after light foundation and loose powder, ready to brush on blusher, eyeliner and lipstick. There is a radiance to the skin as well, and it feels moisturised, which is why I would continue to buy this product when the current bottle finishes.

The ArcticStar's December Christmas GIVEAWAYs

So, it IS December 2014 any my favorite time of the year.... hence I am doing a Christmas Giveaway. No joke, no gimmick - just see the 8 items below, select the ones you like, and drop an email to cloverleaf.wish@gmail.com with the subject "Christmas Giveaway 2014".

Please note that all items are brand new and normal shipping is free of charge. These giveaways only applies to Singaporean readers, and TheArcticStar is merely doing the gifting and not responsible in the event of any user's allergies to any products herein, thanks.


Here goes the list:-

Item 001 - Balance Me (A natural and science-led British skincare brand) - Shine On Tinted Lip Salve, in Nude tone, 10ml.

Item 002 - Cosme Decorte by Kose (a Japanese brand that needs no introduction) - AQMW Repletion Essence, 6ml.

Item 003 -  Crabtree & Evelyn (another UK brand that requires no introduction) - Evelyn Rose Hand Cream, 25 grams.

Item 004 - Dr. Hauschka (a German brand offering organic and natural skincare products) - Hand Cream, 10 grams.

Item 005 - The Face Shop (everybody knows this Korean skincare brand, right?) - Green Tea Hand Cream, 30 ml.

Item 006 - Lancome (famous French skincare brand) - Mat Miracle, long wear and comfort satin light creator - 24 hours liquid foundation, 5 ml in Shade 01.

Item 007 - Lancome - UV Expert XL Shield, 12 hours active beauty shield (against the sun), 5 ml.

Item 008 - Laneige (another well loved Korean skincare brand) - BB Cushion REFILL (complete with sponge and all) in Shade 21 Natural Beige, 15 grams.

All the best and Merry Christmas 2014 in Advance!