Expiration Dates for Cosmetics, Skin- and Hair-Care Products

Hello there, friends!

Have you ever wondered how long your skin-care and make-up products remain safe to use once they’ve been opened? Do you know when you should throw away your products?

Boy, have I got news for you! What I’m about to share with you will change the way you view products – be it the ones you currently have or ones you will be purchasing. This, I promise you. And this tip is handy for both men and women. :)

Seen this symbol below before? Or perhaps you never really paid attention to it or understood what it meant.

Products usually have a number followed by the letter “M” and an open jar symbol that indicate when to throw them away after they’ve been opened. The letter “M” stands for the Latin word for month and the number refers to how many months. 

For example, if you see “24 M” with an open jar symbol (like the one in the photo above), this means that you should throw the product away 24 months after you've opened it. Simple, isn’t it?

These are a few products that have the same symbol, but with different expiration dates:

Glad Hair Day Leave-In Conditioner
(expires 24 months after opening)

The Body Shop Vitamin C Energising Face Spritz
(expires 12 months after opening)

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
(expires 12 months after opening)

Sometimes, the expiry date is on the product itself; other times, it’s printed on the packaging. Keep your eyes peeled for this detail the next time you purchase a cosmetic or skin-care product!

This is a helpful guide for assessing which products need to be thrown away or how much longer you can use them:

• Mascara, Liquid or Gel Eyeliners: 4 to 6 months (always throw away dry mascara – don’t add water to extend its lifespan)
• Moisturisers, Serums, and Foundations: 6 months to 1 year
• Powder-Based Products: 2 - 3 years
• Lipsticks, Lip Gloss, and Lip Pencils: 2 - 3 years

Here’s another extremely use tip for you: if a product smells funky, looks “weird” (compared to when you first purchased it), or the texture has changed significantly, chuck it immediately!

For easy reference, I’ve also compiled a list of dos and don'ts to help make your products last:

DOs

• Store products in a cabinet or drawer, away from direct sunlight.
• Always wash your hands before using products.
• Tighten or secure caps after each use.
• Consider how climate and humidity will shorten a product's shelf life.
• Write the date of purchase in permanent ink (use a Sharpie) on the bottom or back of the package. This way you'll know the exact expiry date.
• Adhere to the expiration dates on sunscreens, acne products, and prescription medications such as topical antibiotics and Renova or Retin-A. 

DON'Ts

• Store products in direct sunlight.
• Share your products with others no matter how well you know them or how hygienic you think they are.
• Add water or saliva to thin out or remoisten products.
• Purchase products with broken seals or any signs of tampering.
• Use eye products after you’ve had an eye infection. Throw them away immediately no matter how much you like them or how much they cost!

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Always remember to make note of each product's expiry date. Use a Sharpie to write the expiry date on the product. You could even write the date on a small sticker, then stick it on the jar, container etc. Now you'll never have to worry about when your products expire!

Until my next update soon... Be good, stay true to yourself, and be the most beautiful version of yourself! :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Weekend Beach Getaway: What To Bring?

Hello, my beautiful friends!

What if I told you that you can shop for a bag, pair of sunglasses, pair of shoes, tie dye top, and lip gloss for a total of only RM 85?? 

For those of you planning a weekend beach getaway, here are some of my suggestions for affordable and must-have items from Duriana.com to take with you. I’m recommending items that you’d definitely need AND they are all less than RM 25 each! How awesome is that??

Check out Duriana for almost any item under the sun for women, men, and kids of all ages. What I love about the app is that it’s very convenient, user friendly, you can shop on the go, and you have the option of shopping from numerous categories such as these listed:

• Her Fashion 
• Beauty
• Tech Gadgets
• His Fashion
• Muslimah Fashion
• Handcrafts
• Vintage
• Designer
• Photography
• Sports Gear
• Games and Toys
• Home Décor
• Textbooks
• Books
• Music
• Kids Stuff
• Tickets
• The Rest

I’m completely serious when I say that you can almost literally shop for anything under the sun with Duriana. A lot of the stuff on sale range from new to pre-loved items. Also, while there are pricier tags for branded items, there are loads of items that are super affordable. Like these 5 items that I sourced for you! :D

Item #1

Brand new Small Tote Bag being sold for only RM 15! Now you can put all your beach necessities in this super cute bag and not have to worry about finding your stuff.

Link: www.duriana.com/items/small-tote-bag

Item #2

Protect your eyes while looking stylish with this Purple Shade Sunglasses on sale for only RM 20!

Link: www.duriana.com/items/purple-shade-sunglasses

Item #3

Walk around in a pair of new and comfortable B.U.M Shoes for only RM 15!

Link: www.duriana.com/items/bum-shoes

Item #4

Wear this uber funky top with a pair of shorts, or wear it over your bikini or swimsuit. It’s a new item (not pre-loved) that will set you back only…*wait for it.. wait for it…* RM 15!

Link: www.duriana.com/items/tie-dye-crop-top

Item #5

Lastly, but certainly not the least, is this beauty pick. Your lips will look oh-so-beautiful and pouty with this Sephora Glossy Gloss on sale for only RM 20! It’s an open tube that has not been used. What are you waiting for? Make an offer before someone else grabs it!

Link: www.duriana.com/items/sephora-glossy-gloss

As promised earlier in my post, I really am recommending very affordable and handy beach necessities just for you. I hope you like the selections!

Seen what you like in my post? Download your very own Duriana app today and check out the links provided for the items to start making your offers!

Duriana is Malaysia’s favourite social marketplace app! Sell anytime, anywhere from your mobile phone. Download the app now – it's free! iOS http://taps.io/KiuA and for Android http://taps.io/Kisg

** All photos courtesy of Duriana.com

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

This post is part of Duriana's weekly Best Blogger Entry Competition. It would mean the world to me if you could like, share, and comment on this post right here on my Blog as well as on my Facebook post (https://www.facebook.com/wheresmymirror/posts/467792213324348) 

Thank you very much! :) Until my next update really soon... xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Amante Nail Spa & Body Care: Charity Fair

Hello, my beautiful friends!

Who says that beauty is only skin deep? Amante Nail Spa & Body Care, a superlative spa for women housing popular beauty and wellness needs, is proving that there is more to beauty than meets the eye.

They will be hosting a one-day Charity Fair on 7 September 2014 from 10 AM to 6 PM. In conjunction with this fair, customers can purchase the Amante Charity Coupon Booklet for RM 35 each. The booklet contains 7 x RM 5 cash vouchers that you can use to purchase spa treatments, and for food, activities, and games at Amante Charity Fair. There's also a BONUS thank you RM 88 Hot Stone Massage treatment!

Amante Charity Coupon Booklet on Sale for RM 35 Each

Proceeds from the Amante Charity Fair will be donated to Good Samaritan Home. It's a home for children in Malaysia. Amante believes that by helping to raise funds for this home, it would make learning possible for students of all ages, from pre-school to graduate school, providing basic education to those who need it most. 

Good Samaritan Home is a non-profit charitable children’s home committed to serve the poor and needy children in our society. Their aim is to provide for the physical, spiritual, and educational well being of the children. The home started operating in January 1999 with just one child and currently has 32 resident children and another 30 children in the Extension Program.

Good Samaritan Home

I'd like to share with you a few photos of the children and their life stories.

These 4 boys came to the home 6 years ago. James and Thomas are now in a special school as their parents had lots of problem and the boys were left without proper food. In fact, James was locked up in his room for more than 7 months. This has effected them, and it was a challenge for the staff of the Home. 

Gideon and Philip had no direction and discipline, and they became very difficult boys. Gideon lost both of his parents and had no interest in studies; Philip lost his dad and was placed from house to house. 

With proper nutrition, a home-like environment, love, and guidance, they are picking up well. Philip received his results for UPSR, and he scored 3As and 4Bs. He has done very well given the fact that he came from such a troubling background.

Handsome Young Boys Getting Ready for Church on A Sunday Morning

College boys can be quite difficult to work with, at least from the Home's point of view. Reuben graduated as a Male Nurse on 23 November 2013, and got a job at Khoo Teck Huat Hospital.

He came to the home at the age of 7 and was a playful boy. He lost his dad when he was very young. Like other underprivileged children, he moved from one place to another.

Every child needs love and care regardless of their backgrounds and ages.
This is what Good Samaritan Home does for underprivileged children.

Seeing all theses boys sleeping together, calling each other "brother" is an inspiration to the Home. It has been their desire when they set up Good Samaritan Home to let these children have another family. 

Daniel came to the home at the age of 6, and had a single mother. Now at the age of 21, he is doing his final year in Culinary Arts. He act as a big brother to all the children and they all call him "koko" (it means big brother in Cantonese). He acts as their big brother, helping them with their home work, showing them how things are done etc. His actions have inspired and motivated other boys and girls to feel at home.

Boys Together at Home

I'd like to invite you to join them on 7 September 2014 from 10 AM to 6 PM at Amante Kota Damansara to show your support for these amazing young children and to Good Samaritan Home.

The help that they have been receiving from donors and kind-hearted people have given them new hope. It will not be possible for the children to have a good environment, love, nutrition, and education without this help.

Here's how you can help:

1. Purchase the Amante Charity Voucher Booklet for RM 35 from the nearest Amante outlet. Visit www.amante.my for a list of locations near you. 

2. Don’t have time? You can transfer/bank in to Amante Beauty Care Sdn Bhd (Maybank Account No: 512491131743). Send your transfer note/bank-in slip to amantecharity@gmail.com with your name, email address, and mobile number. You can collect your Amante Charity Coupon Booklet on 7 September 2014 at Amante Charity Fair.

For more information regarding Amante's Charity Fair, click this link: http://bit.ly/Ue5zeZ

** All photos courtesy of Amante Nail Spa & Body Care Facebook page.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Until my next update... xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Product Review: Arezia Make Up Palette

Hello, hello, my lovelies!!

Let’s talk make-up palettes this week, shall we?

My best friend and I have a very special relationship, and this involves us not giving each other presents on time. Sometimes. 

For anonymity, let's call her "SK". Bear with me.. there's a reason for this brief introduction.

So SK gave me a lovely belated Christmas gift this year: Arezia Make Up Pallete. It consists of 48 powder eyeshadows in a single palette. From the moment I lifted the cover and saw the palette, I fell in love with it!

How can you not fall in love with this?

Jar Packaging: No
Tested on Animals: Undetermined
Price: RM 68.00 (62.4 g/2.2 Oz)

Ingredients

Talc, Mica, Dimethicone, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Petrolatum, Titanium Dioxide, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

Lil’ Missy’s Review

You read it correctly earlier: it's my belated Christmas present for last year. She bought it from Sephora in Sunway Pyramid during their (2013) Christmas promotion. Thank you so much again for the gift, SK!! :p

I’ve tested the different hues on many different occasions. If I had more than a pair of eyes, I would’ve tested them all at once! That's how excited I was when I opened my gift!

The packaging is simple and slim with a pretty design on the cover. As for the product, there is a good variety of matte and glittery hues to choose from in the convenience of a single, portable palette. 

The eyeshadows are not only pretty, but they are also easy to apply. I use an eyeshadow base before applying them with a brush, and they remain intact for about 5 - 7 hours. This is great for me considering my eyelids tend to be oily!

For me, it’s handy that the hues range from sheer to low intensity as I don't often wear very pigmented and vibrant eyeshadows (unless it's a fancy occasion or event, or I'm suggesting looks for my WMM Facebook page and on Instagram). So if you’d like more intensity, simply apply more of the product.

What I also like about it is that it has a large mirror big enough to see not just your eyes, but also your whole face.

Pros

• Affordable.
• This single palette contains 48 powder eyeshadows.
• Good variety of matte and glittery hues that are suitable for all skin tones.
• Easy to apply.
• Long lasting.

Con

• Was available during 2013 Sephora Christmas promotion.

Unfiltered Photo of Swatches -
Only The Bottom Row Has The Hues Over an Eyeshadow Base

I'll leave you with a few helpful tips on eyeshadow application: 

Tip #1
Apply an eyeshadow primer or base before applying any powder eyeshadow - the colour shows better and stays on longer this way. This tip is especially useful for those of us with oily eyelids.

Tip #2
If you purchase an eyeshadow that turns out to be less pigmented than expected, there are ways to build up the product to help make the pigments more pronounced. Sometimes, it's possible to build up a more intense finish by layering repeated coats of the product, especially if an eyeshadow primer or base is applied over the eyelids first.

Tip #3
Similarly, applying eyeshadow with a dampened make-up brush helps concentrate the pigment, and results in a more vivid, intense hue.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

With any luck, Sephora may just sell this palette again this year!

I hope you find my review and tips helpful! Until my next update soon... stay beautiful! :)

To follow me on Facebook and YouTube, visit these links:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/wheresmymirror

YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/wheresmymirror1

xoxo
~ Lil’ Missy ~

Fund-Raising Event: Pawse for A Cause

Hey, everyone!

This is one important event that I would really like to share with all of you, and I sincerely hope that you'll make some time to read this. It’s one that depicts love, generousity, and selflessness for animals.

The Pound Bar in TTDI recently held a charity drive as part of a birthday celebration for, Seema Subash, a friend of theirs. This was a special celebration unlike any other.. Seema is a through and through animal lover who decided to share her special day by giving back to animals.

In collaboration with The Pound Bar, Pawse for A Cause was carefully organised bringing together people who care about Animal Rights and Welfare.

Everyone had to bring a gift – not for the birthday girl, though. Instead, the gifts were specifically for animals, to be donated to them.

Some of the gifts to be donated. Thank you, kind donors!!

On top of that, the guests were encouraged to bring along their small- to medium-size furbabies!

Look at all the happy faces! So much love and joy! :D

Can you guess which one is the mascot? ;)

Doggy overload and so much love to go around for and from them!

Spot the mascot with her dashing co-owner! :)

It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G to have and play with so many beautiful dogs that evening. You rock, The Pound Bar!

2 animal welfare organisations were selected as the recipients of proceeds from the event: 

The first is Cherishlife Home. They rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs. They also educate the public on the importance of animal welfare and spearhead their TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) programme.

The second is Dog House PJ. They rescue, foster, and rehome abandoned dogs, and focus on giving them a second chance with new families.

To make the celebration more fun-filled, there was a brilliant line up of live performances by some of our seriously talented local artistes. Thank you, kind Sirs!! You guys left me in awe.

Clockwise from Top Left: Psytrus, Nigesh Armon & Sashi C. Loco, Russell Curtis, Christian Theseira, and Jay Walia

We also had the pleasure of having 2 established deejays spin catchy dance music throughout. Wicked music, gentlemen!! You made me dance again, and I enjoyed every bit of it!

From Left to Right: DJ Jazz and DJ Bernie

Also supporting the cause was Thanuja Ananthan (Miss World Malaysia 09/10, International Model, TV Host, Actress, and Animal Ambassador - PETA). She has a genuine love for animals, is very talented, beautiful, and VERY tall!

From Left to Right:
Seema (the birthday girl), Thanuja Ananthan, and 
Rishi Rajavetti (the owner of The Pound Bar)

I’d like to thank The Pound Bar for giving me the opportunity to emcee this wonderful event!

That's me on stage with my biggest fans right in front!

Aunty Winnie from Cherishlife Home took the stage to briefly explain what the home is about and what they do to help rescued animals. Thank you, Aunty Winnie, for helping us understand better about the shelter, and how so many animals out there need our help. It’s very sad how some of these animals were mistreated and abused by their owners. :’(

This is Aunty Winnie. She's such a lovely and caring lady!

The Pound Bar managed to raise.. *drumroll, please*.. over RM 1000 in cash and RM 6000 in dog supplies (food, medication, pet supplies etc.)!! WELL DONE!!!

Top: Aunty Winnie is all smiles with the gifts for the animals!

Bottom: Rishi (owner of The Pound Bar) and Seema presenting the cheque to Aunty Winnie when they visited Cherishlife Home.

All in all, it was a very successful and memorable charity drive. What really touched me was that there were so many people who came to support the cause and made generous donations - all for the love of animals. Thank you to each and every one of you who supported the cause!

A little goes a very long way, and animals need our love and care too. Together, we can all make a significant difference.

The very act of supporting this cause, helping to organise, and hosting it puts The Pound Bar at the top of my list for must-visit pub/restaurant!

Do check them out, and let them know that Lil' Missy sent you their way with hugs and kisses. xoxo

For more details, please visit their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/ThePoundBar

To all the kind people out there, you're welcome to drop off supplies and donations for animals at The Pound Bar. They will ensure that your kind gestures are delivered safely to the homes.

** All photos courtesy of The Pound Bar and photographers who participated in the event.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Until my next update... xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Product Review: Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector SPF 50 PA+++ Water Resistant

Hello, my lovelies!!

I'd like to share with you the best sunscreen I've used: Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector SPF 50 PA+++ Water Resistant.

My favourite sunscreen!

Jar Packaging: No
Tested on Animals: Undetermined
Price: RM 125.00 (30 ml)

Claims

Feather-light to the touch, this highly effective lotion-type UV protector is resistant to perspiration and sebum, providing ample protection against external aggressors such as UV rays, for the maintenance of beautiful, healthy-looking skin. 

Ingredients

・Scutellaria Baicalensis* helps prevent UV damage to essential fibroblasts which produce collagen and elastin, the key elements to resilient, youthful-looking skin.

・Rose Apple Leaf Extract* helps prevent DNA damage caused by harmful UV rays.

・Hydro-Restoring Complex contains moisturizing amino acids that naturally exist in skin. Provides sufficient moisture for skin that is smooth to the touch.

・Thiotaurine combined with Rose Apple Leaf Extract* counteracts oxidation, the damaging process which accelerates skin aging.

Lil’ Missy’s Review

I was shopping for a sunscreen at Sephora and asked the assistants which ones they'd recommend for my lifestyle and skin type. Lifestyle: I am out and about in the open quite a bit during the day. Skin type: I have combination and sensitive skin.

A very helpful assistant led me to the Shiseido section and recommended me this product I'm writing about now.

I tried a little of the lotion on my hand, and liked the texture. I also liked the scent of the sunscreen. The only reservation I had was the price.. "Is it worth spending RM 125.00 for a small bottle of sunscreen?" After much contemplation, I walked out of the store with my new purchase. After all, this IS Shiseido and they ARE well known for their skin-care products. Right..?

The packaging is simple, mostly white, and sleek. Shiseido has good, classic packaging for almost all of their products.

The instruction was to shake (the bottle) well before use and apply a generous amount after skin care in the morning. I find that applying the amount equivalent to the size of a 20-cent coin is more than sufficient for my face and neck.

Lotion when squeezed gently from the bottle.

When you squeeze the bottle gently, the liquid flows out from a small, narrow nozzle. It has a very smooth, light, and silky-like texture that spreads very well and very easily over the skin. Once applied on the face and neck, the product absorbs quite quickly, and leaves a bit of a matte finish. 

This product stays on your skin even when you're sweating lightly on a warm day out, so I don't worry that it's fading when I wipe away beads of sweat from my face and neck. 

The scent of the sunscreen is like a mildly-scented body lotion. Perhaps similar to the scent of Johnson's baby lotion.

What I also really like about it is that it doesn't leave a sticky residue like most sunscreens. It also wears really well as a make-up base. These two additional factors are especially important to me as I don't want an oily and sticky face throughout the day.

Spreading the sunscreen on my skin.

When it's time to clean your face at the end of the day, it's easily removed with a facial cleanser.

One bottle lasts close to 2 months for me, so that's a pretty good deal considering the size of the bottle and price!

Verdict: I loved this sunscreen from my first usage! I've repurchased this product a couple of times since the first bottle finished! :D

I'd definitely recommend this for all skin types, especially those with oily/combination skin.

Size of the bottle when compared to a standard-size can of Coke Light.

Pros

• Renowned brand for skin-care products.
• Simple, sleek packaging.
• Protects skin from harmful UV rays.
• Doesn't cause excessive oil.
• Doesn't clog pores.
• Liquid has smooth, light, silky-like texture.
• Spreads very well on the skin, and absorbs quickly.
• Doesn't leave a sticky residue.
• Can be used as a make-up base.
• Water resistant.

Cons

• A tad expensive for a small bottle.
• Not fragrance free.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

I hope you enjoyed reading my review! Stay tuned for my next update soon! ;)

xoxo
~ Lil’ Missy ~

Product Review: Clean & Clear Essentials Oil-Control Toner

Hello, my lovelies!!

Let me introduce you to a drugstore toner that is affordable, simple, and effective: Clean & Clear Essentials Oil-Control Toner.

Jar Packaging: No
Tested on Animals: Undetermined
Price: about RM 11.90 (100 ml)
Price: about RM 6.50 (50 ml)

Claims

CLEAN & CLEAR oil-control toner works deep down to the pores to help prevent pimples, oily shine and blackheads. The oil-free formula removes deep down oil & dirt, while salicylic acid helps prevent pimples and blackheads. Conditions and prepares skin for moisturisation. Leaves your skin feeling clean and beautifully clear.

Ingredients

Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycereth-26, Salicylic Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Polyquaternium-7, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, CI 42090

Lil’ Missy’s Review

This toner is very affordable in both sizes, and can be easily purchased from Guardian, Watson's, Caring Pharmacy, and even some smaller convenience stores. 

I have combination skin, and it does help to control the oil on my face, especially on my t-zone. It also doesn't clog my pores.

What I like best about this toner is that it removes make-up residue well, and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry and tight; it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed. Did I mention that it's all this AND affordable? :D

I use this twice a day on my face and neck: in the morning before I begin my day; at night before going to bed.

The scent is quite strong, and can be unpleasant for those looking for a fragrance-free toner.

Also, I've found that it doesn't help with removing blackheads, but with regular use, it does help to prevent them to an extent. Make sure you follow a good, regular skin-care routine to prevent blackheads! ;)

For some people, the alcohol content may be a little harsh for your skin. What I'd suggest that you do is use a good moisturiser after.

I'd recommend this toner particularly for oily/combination skin types.

Pros

• Very affordable.
• Easily purchased from Guardian, Watson's, Caring Pharmacy, and even some smaller convenience stores.
• Helps to control oil.
• Doesn't clog pores.
• Removes make-up residue well, without leaving skin dry and tight.

Cons

• Contains alcohol, hence can be a little harsh for sensitive skin.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

I hope you find the review helpful! Until my next update soon... stay beautiful! :)

xoxo
~ Lil’ Missy ~

Product Review: Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream

Hello, hello, everyone!!

I read a lot of reviews on this product before I bought it, and people were raving about it. It seemed like THE solution for those of us with dark circles and puffiness. So I headed to Sephora and got my hands on my very own Kate Somerville eye cream. Boy, was I excited to start using it!!

Read on to find out more about the product and my review on it.

Jar Packaging: No
Tested on Animals: No
Price: RM 316.00 (15 ml/0.5 Fl. Oz.)

Claims

CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream combines years of research and cutting-edge technology to reduce the visible signs of aging around the delicate eye area. This results-oriented formulation instantly alleviates the appearance of puffiness, diminishes dark circles, and dramatically reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cetyl Esters, Behenyl Alcohol, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Arachidyl Alcohol, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tetrahydroxypropyl, Ethylenediamine, Arachidyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Whey Protein, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica , Tin Oxide, Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate, Methylisothiazolinone, Tropolone, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Polypeptide-72, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Mica, Titanium Dioxide

Lil’ Missy’s Review

Let me just tell you upfront that you can add this to the list of useless eye creams claiming to reduce dark circles and puffiness. I know this may sound a little harsh, but I'll tell you what works, what doesn't, and what's not a "must have" as it seems.

I used it for about 5 months, and it did nothing as claimed. Yes, I drank a lot of water and had sufficient sleep during this period. Still, no results as claimed. Not even the slightest.

This fragrance-free formula has a smooth and lightweight cream texture, which makes it easy to apply. However, it doesn't actually reduce the appearance of dark circles other than the strictly cosmetic effect from mineral pigments like Titanium Dioxide and Mica (the last two ingredients in the list above). These mineral ingredients don’t treat or lighten dark circles; instead, they add a reflective, slightly shiny finish on the skin around the eyes, simply making dark circles less obvious. If you’re going to fork out cash for a product that really just does only this, then you’re better off using a medium- to full-coverage concealer instead.

I’ve spent, literally, thousands of Ringgit on SO many different brands of eye creams, and ended up very frustrated and disappointed. These experiences were what led me to reading up extensively about eye creams and these pigments.

As for treating puffiness, this doesn't work. Truth of the matter is that most skin-care products are not the solution no matter how much they cost or what they claim. Puffiness around the eyes results primarily from fat pads shifting, and most skin-care creams don't actually address this. This sucks even for me! And, yes, reality does bite. :(

Many people have the perception that we “need” a separate, special product for our eye area. I know it’s hard to digest, but the ingredients capable of moisturising the eye area, and reducing dark circles and puffiness don't necessarily need to come from - and are often not included in - an eye cream.

Most eye creams, like this one, don't contain sunscreen, and that is a serious problem because it leaves the skin around your eyes vulnerable to sun damage, which makes dark circles and wrinkling worse! Our eyes need protection from the sun just like the rest of the skin on our bodies do. 

Pros

• Fragrance free.
• Smooth and lightweight texture.

Cons

• Very expensive. 
• Improves the appearance of dark circles only from cosmetic “brightening” pigments that add a little shine to reflect light.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Here's an excellent tip that I've learned and personally follow: 

You can save money and care for your eye area by using your face product, if it is well formulated and appropriate for the skin type around your eyes. Bet you didn't know that. ;) 

I'm not saying that no eye cream works, but I've bought and used countless drugstore and high-end branded eye creams. I've also been to a skin specialist, and used the products they recommended. 

However, none of them worked for me. 

I have since stopped purchasing any eye cream, and use only my face products for my eye area. There have not been any side effects, and they moisturise and protect my eye area better than all the eye products I've used. I'm very happy with my skin-care routine! :)

I hope you find the review and tip helpful! I’ll be doing a YouTube video on my skin-care routine soon, and I'll be talking about what I do to care for my eye area. Stay tuned and look out for that! :)

xoxo
~ Lil’ Missy ~