Say it with me: Lust haves because I love them and you must have them!

Original Mineral Detox Shampoo and Conditioner set.
This combo is amazing for oily scalp, swimmers and anyone else who feels that their hair has build up - which should be D) all of the above. I bought this after conferring with my friends at O&M due to Stuff Zoie Says developing an unintentional shade of swimmer's mint blonde. Since I like to test everything on my hair I found that it gave my hair new life. I've been using it on my clients who have sinced raved that their hair feels 'like it did years ago' - tea tree is one the ingredients working magic here. If you don't have an oily scalp nor swim a lot, still consider this as an at home detox treatment once a week and trust me - you fine hair girls are going the love the new found body it gives you. Live in Singapore? Buy it here.

Let's kill two birds with one stone.

My HB [husband] went on a business trip and took with him some important steps to my skincare regimen - he's jealous and trying to sabotage me. I had some Skin Inc from an event swag bag that I forgot I had and the Kate Somerville eye cream I bought after sampling some of her other luxe creams.

Skin Inc - Skin Supplement Bar I had originally heard rave reviews from Mmerci Encore who at the time reigned the beauty dept at Harper's Bazaar Singapore. I was given their 'Daily Dose' then and loved it, but we shortly relocated to Austin Texas (2009) where Skin Inc was out of sight and therefore out of mind. I must have been out of my mind to let that happen. As per the pic, I have been using the Skin Inc Vitamin A and Placenta - not to worry Vegans! It's plant placenta! ...unless you're opposed to screaming carrots - I kid! I don't think it's carrots - maybe screaming aloe.
*Skin Inc ships worldwide! [and ps - we relocated back to Singapore in 2010 - I love Singapore but I miss Austin, especially my house.]

Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair since my HB walked off with my Dermalogica I seized the opportunity to go shopping. I have been ageing fairly gracefully (minus the trucker mouth) so I am lucky in the lineage department but that doesn't mean to leave it up to nature. I love the velvety texture Kate's Line Release gives under my eyes and just like my coveted fave, concealer doesn't crease over this eye cream and your fine lines will diminish. Win/Win!

Kate's dual purpose tip: Try putting a dab on the lip line to help soften lines, hydrate the area, and make lips look fuller and keep lipstick or gloss from bleeding into the lines.

In one of my recent BellaBox monthly beauty deliveries was this little gem: Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Treatment. I love that it has a natural UV protector which is important in any climate for all hair types - chemically processed or not. Suitable whether your hair is fine or thick BUT fine hair proceed with caution and use sparingly. Put a few drops in your hands first, rub together and then apply on towel-dried hair to the mid-lengths, ends and then roots without adding more to your hands or hair.

*NOTE: 'Towel-dried' does not mean attack your hair like a crazy person with a towel. Best to gently wrap your hair to absorb excess water - roughly towel-drying causes friction lifting the cuticle causing breakage and flyaways - especially a bad method for curly or damaged hair.

Another beauty subscription gem from the The Black Box Team in Singapore - Dr Jart's V7 VitaLaser (available in full sizes at Luxola) Again, it's about texture for me when it comes to skincare. This V7 VitaLaser is packed with vitamins to nourish the skin healing the after affects of acne and pigmentation while fighting the signs of ageing and protect against the elements including the evil UV rays. Fire the V7 [Vita]Lasers! It absorbs quickly and yes I can still feel it but it leaves my skin velvety smooth. Velvet skin textures + makeup = love. 

*you got the Austin Powers reference - right? Yes? No? Moving on...

Read all my Lust Haves up to date here.

Andrea Claire is a beauty-pro with a career as a hair & makeup artist for 20+ years. Connect with her on Facebook here.

Sure - us beauty experts say 'paws off your mug!' - but sometimes you just gotta squeeze that one zit or attack the army of blackheads. What you don't know is that you can make your skin from bad to worse as that one pesky pimple can multiply. The juicy insides of a pimple contains bacteria and when you squeeze it exploding all over your mirror, some of that can and probably will spread onto your face or a simple blackhead that you declog is now open to refill and if you aren't careful picking, prodding and poking can lead to scar tissue and/or infection.

• Before touching your face always wash your hands first with soap and water - preferably fragrence-free soap because even a hint of fragrance on your fingers can be an irritant when squeezing a zit
• Wash your face too. Clean fingers but dirty skin can still cause zits to multiply or become infected
• After you are done poking, wash your hands and face again - this is a great time to apply Dermalogica's UltraCalming relief masque to soothe your skin
• Know when to call in the experts. Underground pimples that are the size of Mt Olympus may need to be injected with dermatologist's magic

 
SKINMISO have some products to declutter your nose of unsightly blackheads and help control the oil.

The Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack is a multi-step blackhead removal that takes the old Biore nosestrips one step further - and a lot more effective from my opinion. I have tried both - if you have a blackhead problem you are going to LOVE Skinmiso.

Step 1 Remove blackheads and whiteheads with the first nose mask formulated with plant extracts.
Step 2 Contract pores with the second nose mask with ingredients such as witch hazel extract and keep skin moisturized with its patented materials.
Step 3 Control sebum and absorb oil keeping your skin smooth and dry.

For those blackheads playing hard to get you can give them a gentle push but careful! Although this Comedo Remover by SKINMISO has no sharp edges you need to handle with care. My mother had a Revlon blackhead pusher-outer-thingy when I was in high school that I almost shish-kebabbed my eyeball because my nose was too slick from oils - so trust me when I say -wash your face first! Gently press onto blackheads - don't force them - the stubborn ones will eventually come out. And wash your comedo tool with soap and water plus spray with rubbing alcohol before and after use.

SKINMISO is available through BellaBox.

Ok - so it's March 1st... PLEASE forgive me as it was my intention to have this up within the first week of every month - which means March's list will be up really soon since I need to catch up... AND my usual layout I've used on this OnSugar network is hiccuping so... little different this time. I've had so many OnSugar issues lately that I've wondered if they are fazing out their blogger extensions or whatever we digital influencers would be classified as.

So to start of the February LUST HAVE list:

Amoré by GI OTTO have these AMAZING soy-based bodycare candles that... double as body moisturizers!! I LOVE the fact that you can create a lovely spa-like ambiance and then have a serious love-fest for your skin apres your shower. I also light one now as I am doing hair & makeup on someone and offer them the chance to try it on their hands - you can get Botoxed to the nines but if you don't hydrate your hands then your age shows there...

Amoré candles are hand-poured using 100%, FDA approved, pure soy oil and burns cleaner than paraffin-based candles. Available in a variety of fragrances, our candles will burn approximately 40% longer than wax candles.

They are soot-free and do not emit harmful toxins such as Benzene into your home. Unlike wax candles, Amoré candles burns coolly at 41 Degrees Celcius into a reflective pool of soy that always remains warm to the touch and will not burn hands. Extremely safe to have around children.

The melt pool that is created upon burning can also be used as a skin moisturiser that can be massaged onto dry or irritated areas. It can also be applied as a soothing remedy to sunburns, eczema, psoriasis and poison oak.

Renee / Beauty Fool did a limited edition collaboration with Lemongrass House and my fave from Renee's Blend is the Salt Body Glow with it's Eco-friendly mixture of Siam Magnolia, Chocolate, Vanilla, Pink Grapefruit, Papaya and Coconut your body feels exfoiliated and hydrated after your shower. I love to get my body damp, turn off my shower and rub this all over - let it sit for 5 mins then rinse - kind of a mini DIY-spa treatment at home. Don't shave your legs first and then use this as it will hurt like an S.O.B. BUT using the Amoré bodycare candles right after locks in the glorious hydrating benefits from Renee's magic potion and leaves your skin feeling soft as the good silk - not that rough raw silk!

Kate Somerville Multi-Active Repair was given to me by friend and UK-based makeup artist Sital Patel who insisted I had to have it. She's just jealous that I look so young and she wants me to believe that I need this - but - ok, I do - I love it! Cheap b*tch just brought me a sample though, not a full size. I kid - I love her. She assisted me many times for next to nothing - ok, well - nothing. Our industry is awesome that way. Pay back is my four readers can click on her link and admire her work. Anyhow - off topic - habit... I had almost a week's worth squeezed out of my sample in Paris. Saved my skin in the January cold in Paris; felt lovely - hydrated without any the heaviness I feel with La Mer and SKII.

I hate this Kiehl's lip balm. Hate it. BUT I LOVE it in the pot version which doesn't seem to be on their website. I saw the pot version and thought - why not give it a whirl. It seems thicker in the pot and therefore less goopy (technical beauty word). Cheap and cheerful for my makeup kit - part of my skincare routine I apply on all my models, celebs, brides etc...

That's it. Just four. Hope you can deal. Give me a week. I'll catch up with March!

Dermalogica (Singapore) invited me to speak at their launch of  AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30 to discuss: Pearl-fect skin.

Dermalogica says that they are blurring the lines between makeup and skincare, which is a great balance as some women just want to add a glow and smooth out fine lines, skin tone and brighten without a heavy base and the added beauty bonus? It is are still considered skincare as the primer contains active cosmeceutical ingredients. The velvety silicones create an instantly smooth surface prepping for a flawless make-up application. Wear alone over your moisturizer or after moisturizer application and before foundation to help [poly]fill fine lines for a lasting make-up finish.

Alongside the primer we also launched Sheer Tint SPF 20 and

Cover Tint SPF 20 - the common ingredient to all of these? Pearl essence.

FASCINATING: Pearl powder is believed to be a long time favourite of Asian women. Used during the Tang Dynasty to protect their skin under stage makeup... hm... and now in Skinperfect Primer!! How pearl-fect! ;) Pearl powder applied onto the skin speeds up the skin's natural metabolism which tones and rejuvenates the complexion. Can you not understand why my love for Dermalogica remains unconditional?? They are the skin professionals in the know!

For your day makeup:

1. A great base starts with the Skinperfect Primer followed by Sheer Tint or Cover Tint (slightly more coverage), both give a luminous glow. Glowing skin diffuses imperfections so you even out skin tone and smooth skin with the benefits of a slightly highlighted pearl effect.
2. Adding an extra highlighting cream to the 5 face lifting points - cheek bone, brow bone, bridge of nose, mid-chin and forehead - colour is up to you -I love NARS The Multiple Sticks for this. Try NARS Copacapana for lighter skin or Lamu for darker skin.
3. Follow with a tri -colour blush for dimension FACEatelier Peach Glaze is a beautiful colour that suits all skin tones. If you feel the need for slight sculpting, apply a darker tone of the Sheer or Cover Tint into your cheek hollows first.

**If you suffer from oily skin you can use your powder over top but in this MUA's opinion: powder is often overused to fight oily skin. Best to first check that you are on the correct skincare regimen - over powdering can result in your sebaceous glands thinking that they need to produce more oil so you effectively could be making your oily matters worse.*

Image via DermalogicaSG - lovely Hazel, my model from the launch day. Notice the pearls on her eyes.

Night makeup 

1. Glamorize any day makeup by simply boosting up your lips. A red lip, with pearlescent eyes suits everyone and can get you from office to soirée in under 15 minutes.
2. Want to try something a little fun and swaying from the norm? Why not a fine line of small pearls above your eye contour (oribital bone) or use the pearls to accent your winged liner.

Chanel: Runway - Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring / Summer 2013

Hair tip:
Why not accessorize your chignon with pearl drops a la Chanel?  Try a simple hair bow chignon - secure first, accessorize with pearls after.

Thank you Dermalogica and Aster Spring for having me part of your event! It was my pleasure sharing my makeup and hair tips with the media, bloggers, customers and staff!

Generalizing beauty events: I am always aghast at the lack of lighting at beauty events... Um... You are selling pretty with overhead lighting...

Struggling with my thoughts on how to write about the Nip + Fab launch I attended in Singapore a few weeks ago I get a little eye rolling happening. When a company has a 'one size fits all' anything I cringe... Clothes and cosmetics do not always fit all.

Mind you, I can't get overly cranky as the Nip + Fab event had only one product that had colour to it that clearly does not fit all unlike the claim.

Although this looks more like a powdery 'oopsy' beware of the one size fits all makeup shades for the skin and bloody hell... Get some Shadow Shields!!

Best girl-friendly public washroom lighting goes to: The Maple Leaf Lounge at Pearson Airport! Ring light... Thanks Air Canada!! [self-portrait with my HTC One S]

I am wearing a little makeup here which included Nip + Fab's Eye Fix, an under eye highlighter/brightener for someone say, me or lighter. It is awesome! Use sparingly because if you don't it will settle into your fine lines enhancing them. This is not an everyday tool. I use it ever-so-sparingly after my foundation and concealer to brighten my tired eyes when needed. I would love Nip + Fab to remove the word 'concealer' from the packaging - it misrepresents the product. I also see this becoming over-used like Touche Eclat.

*During the Nip + Fab demo we were told that if you find the Eye Fix colour too pink apply your yellow foundation on top to counter balance... Hmmm, however the more product under your eyes the more you risk under eye caking and creasing. Usually products like the Eye Fix are for correcting and brightening so one could conclude that if you need to correct your corrector then this is not a product for you. Just sayin...

Sheer Makeup Fix The minute this velvety texture morphed over my skin I knew I would love it. My foundation looked fresh all day. What more can a glowing girl ask for?? Billed as a sheer BB Cream, this makes a great primer or wear on it's own and touch up your skin as needed with your concealer.

Frown Fix - I didn't see any change when I used this so perhaps my frown lines are not deep enough yet... I'll pass this to my husband when I hand him my Visa bill from my recent overseas trip...

Image source

Rodial is Nip + Fab's big sister.

Glamoxy Snake Serum    $160.00, DERMSTORE My first product I had tried with Rodial was the Snake Serum; fashioned after viper venom to freeze muscles like a topical Botox. I hate needles and this worked on a line I had deepening near my brow. I have yet to try Botox... I am curious but afraid of crazy face.

Rodial Glam Balm Multi 1.35oz  $49.00, SkinStore Glam Balm was great for me on a recent trip to Canada. I have tried SKII Melting Rich in the past - the horror - I break out every time! The Glam Balm was great with the approaching colder months in Canada, not sure how I would fair with it in the skin-plumping humidity of paradise-found, Singapore; love it on the lips a la the coveted Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. (My Singaporean readers: yes! I truly LOVE the weather - I look younger here)

RODIAL Glamtox Day Spf15 (New) $98.00, SpaceNK This felt so light on my skin in the day that for me, although I could feel the hydrating benefits I need a tad more for this 41 year old skin so you could top this up with your favourite Dermalogica Booster.

RODIAL Glamtox 5 Minute Facial $45.00, SpaceNK

To me, masks are the at-home quickie facial and who doesn't love a quickie? *wink*  Another one of those things I wish I committed to making more time for... the facial... If you are struggling to find time to do a mask let me suggest the preschooler's bath-time. As I give #stuffZoiesays her bath I pay more attention to my skin clearly I don't mean I ignore my child in the bath. I throw on a mask and sit with her. Zoie can do most things on her own and just needs the odd lather rinse repeat coaching.

**All prices are in U.S dollars**

Here I am in my final week of my 6 week Luxola sponsored skincare challenge with Le Pétronille Skincare.

Not all good things have to come to an end.

I love the results with my Pétronille Skincare that even though I have my old faithful I am not shoving the Pétronille aside to return to it.

Take note that six weeks later, I have been using the Essentielle Jour cream and I still have some left. I am not sure exactly how much but I can tell you that I am not scraping bottom yet. Good to know that you get your money's worth!

The elixirs you can mix and match to target your skin's needs by boosting your own skin cream if you are married to it. Of course, Le Pétronille recommends their creams as they are formulated to work together, but it isn't a must-do. Just keep in mind that the elixirs could make your creams appear watery.

Thanks Luxola for the intro to the new product! I apprehensively took the challenge and glad I lived on the skincare edge - no adverse effects!

See the previous week reports here.

Give love to the skin you are in! Help your skin's rate of absorption with the Sonic Cleanse! Read more here and a get a time sensitive discount code for you, my readers!

xo

So... un petit peu de retard for this post. Je suis desole. I was in beautiful Paree!

Welcome to week 5/6 of my Le Pétronille Skincare Challenge sponsored by Luxola.

You may recall that last week I jetted off to Paris and knowing that I was going to be surrounded by chic French women I toted along my Le Pétronille anti-aging Elixir.

Combat fine lines, wrinkles and aging skin with this booster which combines 10% of Argireline® and 1% Eyeliss® to help fight and reduce wrinkles for visibly younger and firmer skin. Ideal for those who want to smooth and plump their skin.

"The 10% Argireline® formulation is the optimum concentration to achieve the best result in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Argireline® is proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles and fights the formation of future lines. Eyeliss® decongests and soothes the eye contour while reducing under eye bags. Contains no parabens, no alcohol, no perfume, no artificial colouring. Never tested on animals." Luxola.

My genuine feedback: You know when you read a claim about a product and think 'Yeah right!' ... well, I am sure that my skin has plumped. My marionette lines [sigh] aka smile lines seem less visible. My favourite combo for me is the Le Pétronille Antioxydant Elixir for the day and the Anti-aging Elixir for night. This will be my combo for my last week of my challenge.

**I was given a Sonic Cleanse from SkinStreet so watch for my review - but I can give you a sneak peek into my thoughts: I've been using this for the past couple of weeks - truly this tool changes the way you cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin; and here I had thought I mastered hygiene.

Need to catch up?

Read week one here, week two here, week three here and week four here.

Nothing reminds you how fast time flies like a documenting six week blog post... and on skincare no less. Added reminder of how important anti-aging is and how time can sneak up on you. le sigh

Welcome to week 4 of 6 for my progress with Luxola's Le Pétronille Skincare Challenge.

My husband has taken over my Nuit cream. I know because we have his & her sinks and the Nuit has found a new welcomed home. He probably thought I wouldn't notice. FYI: there is an Homme cream for men too.

Back to me...

This week I have focused on using the Elixir Antioxydant.

With 20% of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, Elixir Antioxidant has a renewing benefit to the skin: it corrects dark spots, reduces the number and depth of visible lines, and actively protects skin against free radicals. Your skin is smoother and complexion even-toned with radiance.

What's the point of an antioxidant?

"An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions. When the chain reaction occurs in a cell, it can cause damage or death to the cell. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves, so antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid, or polyphenols." source: Wiki

I can say that this week I have taken notice with the a difference in my skin with the Antioxydant Elixir. I was actually applying my foundation with thoughts of 'Wow, what am I using again?! My skin feels awesome! My base is going on flawlessly.' Yup. I truly thought that. It's clearly thanks to Le Pétronille Skincare.

The upcoming week 5 I will focusing on the Anti-Age Elixir. I will be in Paris for this coming week too, so I'm sure I'll need all the help I can get to compete with those fabulous French women - best to have the aid of fabulous French skincare!

Need to catch up?

Read week one here, week two here and week three here.

[PS: in case you didn't realize, this challenge is sponsored.]

Luxola, an online beauty boutique, has given me a six week challenge testing Le Pétronille Skincare. Over the next six weeks I will give you my honest opinion of what I think about the products and my experience. Lord knows I've be known to be honest!

Week one is coming to a close. Tomorrow will be the full week.

What I have been using:

Petronille Cosmeceuticals The word cosmeceuticals is very important to me. It means that the skincare contains purer, pharmacy grade ingredients. You know you are starting off on the right path to great skin if your skincare fits into this cosmeceutical category.

Essentielle Jour Ultra Moisturizing Day Cream SPF 10, 50ml Packed with vitamin E and olive leaf extract which are rich in antioxidants and therefore actively protects the skin against free radicals. Sodium hyaluronate and Trehalose moisturises, smoothes, reduces wrinkles and prevents from water loss over time.

My first week notes: I have had zero negative reaction. Great start, right? Whew! Note that SPF 10 is not at all strong enough so you will need to use a proper sunscreen for your face. Most skincare companies that I have spoken with say that although they put in some SPF they too believe that you need added sun protection. [*Note: look for PA+++ and SPF!]

This day cream is not as thick as the one I normally use so I do have moments of: Is this really rich enough for me? This question I can only answer as the weeks go by. It is non-greasy. Contains no parabens, no alcohol, no perfume, no artificial coloring. Never tested on animals. [Currently being tested on a beauty pro. ;) ]

"Petronille's unique packaging allows you to pump cream to the top of your jar, mix in your favourite Petronille booster and apply daily." Luxola.com

Love that you are in control as skin's needs can change day to day requiring more or less of the boosters that are so handy - Hello PMS e-meet Elixir contrôle Control booster

Essentielle Nuit Regenerative night cream, 50ml This regenerative night cream contains Argireline® and Dermaxyl® to repair the cutaneous barrier, reduce wrinkles and regenerate skin cells. Vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate and Jojoba oil nourish, soothe and protect skin and reduce wrinkles. Contains no parabens, no alcohol, no perfume, no artificial colouring.

My first week notes: Night creams scare me. I have never used a specific night cream as any one that I have tried resulted in my breaking out the next day. Too rich which is not an issue if you are a man but a night cream... So, honestly, I delayed the start of the night cream by a few days to give the other products a head start. When I did start the night cream I added only the Elixir Anti-Âge Anti-aging booster thinking that the anti-aging fairies can get a helping hand.

Elixir Anti-Âge Anti-aging booster, 15ml The 10% Argireline® formultion is the optimum concentration to achieve the best result in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Argireline® is proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles and fights the formation of future lines. Eyeliss® decongests and soothes the eye contour while reducing under eye bags.

No makeup, mother of three, face of 41, Bitches! PS No Botox, fillers or work of any kind... yet.

My first week notes: I LOVE boosters. I have been using Dermalogica forever and they have these too. A great way to concentrate and target special skin needs. I haven't seen any results yet. I do have great skin. At this point for me, I think it is mainly about maintaining and preventing.

Elixir contrôle Control booster, 15ml Created with a revolutionary molecular association between salicylic acid and acacia polysaccharides to gently exfoliate and promote cell renewal while diminishing pore size, black heads, inflammatory lesions and excess oil. The 4% Niacinamide improves the skins natural barrier function and lightens dark spots and scars

My first week notes: See above.

Elixir Antioxidant Antioxidant booster, 15ml Petronille is one of the first cosmeceuticals available with a 20% vitamin C formulation; the optimum concentration to achieve the results and the highest percentage available on the market. Formulated with L-ascorbic acid which is the form of vitamin C dermatologists recommend most to reduce wrinkles and actively repair skin.

My first week notes: See above above. ;)

NOTE: Booster MUST be mixed with a cream, do not apply directly to skin. Because it is very challenging to stabilise a cream with a high concentration of active ingredients Pétronille has designed boosters that can be added to your creams at the very last moment of application. For best results mix 2-3 drops of Elixer with the Petronille face cream of choice

SPF & Paa++

SPF protects skin from the UVB rays which are a medium wavelength, affecting the surface of the skin. The skin's surface is replenished in a 28 day cycle.

Paa++ protects the skin UVA rays which are long wavelengths that penetrate into the skin's second layer. The second layer has a renewal of five to six years which would show you just how important sun protection with Paa++ is. [values from one + to +++; the more + the better the protection]

THE EFFICIENCY OF CUSTOMISED CARE

The boosters, Elixirs, are to be used in synergy with Essentielle creams in order to achieve easy absorption and action with optimum results. The Elixirs are formulated in order to preserve all the freshness, stability and powerful efficacy they contain.

Each day, just before application, add one drop of the Elixir of your choice to your Essentielle cream according to your skin’s specific needs to offer your skin truly powerful and fresh care.

The revolution: activated at the last minute, the natural efficacy of the Elixir boosters is preserved.