Random Conversations: What would you put in your beauty box?

A few weeks back, I was chatting online with Paris about random things and the topic switched to beauty boxes, also known as sample subscription boxes (Don’t you just love random conversations? Never know where they’re going to lead!) and what we would have put into our own if we could make one. Which leads me to today’s topic…

Of course, normal beauty boxes have to take into consideration factors such as cost, packaging, or even sponsors but in this case I ignored everything else, so take it as a box with some of my favourite items that I’d want to share with you.

These would be the 5 items that I would have put into my beauty box (if I did one, that is!)

• Garnier Intensive 7-days Nourishing Hand Cream with Mango Oil – I first came across this when Tine wrote about it, and after getting a few tubes in Melbourne, I’m hooked! Everyone should have a tube of this on their person at all times, ‘nuff said.
• Kiehl’s Ultimate White Surface Brightening Exfoliator – I used to think this was good, and then my tube mysteriously disappeared one day. I found out many months later that my gran had inadvertently nicked it to use, and we were wondering why her skin was so fair! Sold!
• LAQA & Co Nail Polish Pen – I got one of these from Bella Box, and this is fun to use. I love that the brush tip is nice and thick so the polish goes on really easily even for nail polish noobs like me. :D
• L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover – I’ve been using this for quite some time now, and it works wonders on waterproof makeup (especially mascara, the little buggers stick to everything!)
• LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub – Let’s just say scrubbing my lips has never been so much fun or tasty! With a sugar lip scrub, the biggest problem I have is stopping myself from eating it while I’m scrubbing my lips!

And there you have it! Come to think of it, apart from the LAQA and Kiehl’s, the rest of the other items are actually quite affordable (under SG$10 each) so who knows, it might be possible! :D

Just have a look at what the other ladies would put in their beauty boxes:

• Beautyholics Anonymous
• Beautycabby
• Beauty up my life
• Beetrice's Reviews
• Belle Demoiselle
• My Women Stuff
• My Views My Reviews
• Pretty Beautiful
• Red Luscious Lips
• So Loverly
• Rinnah’s Consumer Reviews
• Skin Deco
• Unconventional Geek

So now it’s your turn…what would you put in your beauty box? :D

Treading those fine lines with Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion…

Earlier this year, Hada Labo introduced their new Lifting + Firming range, which comes with Retinol, Collagen and their signature ingredient, Syper Hyaluronic Acid (SHA) to, well, lift and firm your skin. I was given the Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion to take for a whirl, and thought I’d share my initial thoughts about it.

Description:

Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion instantly replenishes moisture to hydrate skin from within. Significantly smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin soft, supple and revitalised. Regular use improves elasticity, radiance and a more youthful appearance. Skin pH balanced, free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colourant.

The Verdict:

Having been used to Hada Labo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion, I was surprised that the texture of the Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion was a lot thicker by comparison, and had a yellowish-milky look to it as you can see from the picture. Sensitive noses will be happy to know that there are no added fragrances in the formulation and there’s a barely discernible smell (unless you stick your nose right into the neck of the bottle and inhale deeply…)

The amount you see in the picture above is the amount I use twice a day – application is similar to that of the Hydrating Lotion, which is to pat it in until completely absorbed.

Results? Well, after a couple of weeks using this twice daily before moisturiser, I can’t really see THAT big a difference during the day, although my skin does feel a little more plumped up and softer in the morning, especially the area in between my eyebrows. Then again, since I recently turned thirty, maybe I should be looking towards preventive measures for wrinkles and sagging? LOL…who knows…maybe I’m just being kiasu (translated: don’t want to lose).

I’m quite happy to continue using this just so see what the long-term effects are, and safe to say, this 170ml bottle is going to last me a loooonng time. :D

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerine, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methylparaben, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Zea Mays (Corn Oil) Thioctic Acid, Beta-Carotene

The full range of Hada Labo’s Retinol Lifting + Firming range has 5 products in total – a lotion, cream, essence, milk and mask.

Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion is priced at SGD$25.90 for a 170ml bottle. The whole range is priced between SGD$25.90 to SGD$34.90 and is available exclusively at Watsons stores nationwide.

Rating: 4 / 5

Value: $$