Review: Laneige 50+ Brightening Sun Powder, Water Bank Essence & Water Bank Eye Gel

In the recent months, I have become a fan of Laneige skin care. Most of their stuff really work for me. I am currently using their whitening range, which I have reviewed here before. My opinion of the range now and then remains more or less the same, just that I think I would rate it 4.5/5 instead of 4/5 now. Perhaps my skin has become more mature and love the richer texture of the products, especially the night cream. So, after falling in love with the range all over again (after trying many other products in between), I bought a few more products from Laneige to compliment the few I am using!

Laneige 50+ Brightening Sun Powder SPF50+++, 19g, $49

The powder comes with 2 puffs and a very modern holographic packaging. It's just like a compact powder and easy to apply on face. It can be used after foundation as sun protection. It also can be touched up over makeup multiple times. 

I was excited to try out this product, because I had the idea that I could use it as a touch up powder for my makeup. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone -- touch up my sun protection and matte-tify my face throughout the day! To my disappointment, the beauty advisor told me that no, I cannot use it as a compact powder, as it doesn't have coverage -- only as sun protection powder! Despite her advice, I decided to try using it as a compact powder anyway (ya I know, I am stubborn). OF COURSE, that didn't work out. The powder left whitish residue at the side of my nose, and my liquid foundation became blotchy after a while. So, clearly, this powder is only meant for protecting my skin from the sun! Silly me, but I just had to try.

As you can see, there is no coverage, except that the skin is slightly brighter after use. 

The product contains vitamin C that prevents sebum oxidation under UVrays. It also contains Comfrey extracts to sooth dulled skin reddened by sunlight. 

It is convenient to carry around and for application wherever you are!

Overall rating: 3/5. If only I can use it as compact powder. A bit troublesome for me to touch up my foundation, then touch up sunblock.

Laneige Water Bank Essence, 60ml, $62 or $68 (I forgot, sorry!)

I usually use a whitening essence as step 3 of my skincare routine every morning, then at night I would replace with another essence, anti-ageing or in this case, a hydration essence.

As I grow a bit older, I think my skin needs a bit more hydration, or else the aging process will become faster and i would get lines on my face! 

The texture is like most essence, light and easily absorbed. Skin feels hydrated without the sticky feeling. I can't say the texture of my skin has improved over a month of usage, but I am assuming the essence is doing its job deep within my skin. Usually I can tell whether an essence is effective if it is like a whitening one, as I can see actual improvement of skin tone; but honestly, since I don't have very dry skin to begin with, I can't really say I can see any change in my skin. I guess this is one of the products that I would use to put my heart at ease that I am giving my skin extra moisture!!

Overall rating: 4/5. Nice and light texture. Skin feels 'happy' after application. Assuming the essence is doing its work in my skin's deeper layers.

Laneige Water Banc Eye Gel, 25ml, $59 

Ok, like I always say before I review an eye cream, I am the type who don't expect too much from this kind of skincare as I have never seen one that can really reduce dark circles or eliminate puffiness. All I need is something non-sticky and be able to hydrate my skin. This gel does just that - hydrate my eye area!! I like it for it's fresh finish and light texture, and somehow my eyes look less tired after using it. 

I recently reviewed L'oreal's Youth Code Rejuvenating Anti-wrinkle Eye cream. If I were to compare these 2 eye products, I might choose to purchase the L'oreal one as it's slightly cheaper, and also has anti-aging properties!

Overall rating: 4/5. Good, but feels a bit 'boring' to repurchase.

Note: Other then swatch images, the rest of images are taken from http://www.laneige.com.sg/main.jsp

Review: Laneige White Plus Renew

I got this free trial set 2 weeks ago when I purchased the Laneige Spring Makeup Collection Fresh Modernist, because I spent more than SGD150 at the counter.

Trial set includes: White Plus Renew Skin Refiner, Emulsion, Night Cream, Eye Serum (Night Care) and Essence

I have not used Laneige Skincare since I was in University, so I was really looking forward to trying out the set, especially since my skin is now better than those days, and see what Laneige can do for my skin now.

The really nice SA (who probably wanted me to buy more hahaha) gave me samples of the White Plus Renew Eye Protector (Day Care) SPF12 PA+ and the Daily Protection Cream SPF36 PA++ to try as these are not in the trial set.

Like all whitening/ brightening products out there, this range claims to reduce darkening or dullness, and put radiance back into the skin.

Here I include the descriptions of the products from the pamphlet, as well as some of my comments about the products after using them for 2 weeks now.

1. "Whitening Boosting Skin for Bright & Clear Skin" - WHITE PLUS RENEW SKIN REFINER - "The Amino acid peeler removes impurities and dead skin cells and the Swiss White Lupin prevents loss of moisture giving you clearer, more supple skin."

My comments: It's transparent, and texture is a little thicker than normal toner. Not the watery but more like essence kind of texture. I don't feel any special effects after using it, but I think this is a nice toner as my skin feels moisturised after application. If I am going to buy the actual size of the whole range, I will probably buy this as well. I apply this with cotton pad, after cleansing.

2. "Instantly Supply the Whitening Moisture Barrier" - WHITE PLUS RENEW EMULSION - "Watermelon extract replenishes moisture to weary skin. Non sticky, fresh texture softens and calms skin."

My comments: This is my favorite of the range. I think this is something like the SK-II Cellumination Mask-in Lotion that I blogged about earlier on, a lotion that helps the skin absorb the benefits of the skincare products applied after it better. The texture is like a normal emulsion, a semi-creamy milky lotion. It is hard to describe why I like it. It's like my skin feels good after application, somewhat calmed, just like the description in the pamphlet. It is also non sticky indeed, and doesn't feel greasy at all on the skin. Skin feels more supple and moisturised. I apply this with cotton pad, after the Skin Refiner.

3. "Highly-Efficient Whitening Essence for Bright and Clear Skin" - WHITE PLUS RENEW ESSENCE - "Grapefruit peel extracts remove impurities while marshmallow extracts restore elasticity making the skin smooth and clean.

My comments: I think that this is a decent whitening essence. It doesn't give me that "WOW my skin is radiant instantly!" feeling, but I think the benefits show over time. After two weeks, my skin is still clear and not dull. The texture is a little thicker than emulsion.

4. "Brightening Eye Care against UV Rays" - WHITE PLUS RENEW EYE PROTECTOR SPF12 PA+ - "An eye brightener for daytime use with sweet almond extracts to form a moisture barrier on the skin and Snow Crystal Pearls to correct dullness."

My comments: I didn't like it at first, as the texture is very thick and felt greasy for the eye area. However, after using it for 2 days, I began to like it, as it actually absorbed quite quickly into the skin and brightened my eye area, thanks to the Snow Crystal Pearls. The Snow Crystal Pearls gives eyes a subtle sparkle; Laneige must have added something into the eye cream that gives a subtle reddish pink brightening effect. It also contains SPF12 PA+! Something I appreciate as I start to see fine lines at my eye area =(

5. "Whitening, Moistuising and Sun-Protection at Once!" - WHITE PLUS RENEW DAILY PROTECTION CREAM SPF36 PA++ - "Bead Tree extracts and Silymarin prevent skin darkening and restores the brightness of skin. SPF 36 PA++ protects skin from harmful UV rays during daytime."

My comments: This is the one thing in the range I might not purchase the full size, mainly because I really don't like the idea of SPF in my moisturiser! As I always use a sun protector after moisturiser, I really don't need SPF in my morning cream. The SPF properties make the cream too greasy for my liking.

6. "Eye Serum and Apple Zone Mask for Special Eye Care" - WHITE PLUS RENEW EYE TREATMENT - "A special Apple-Zone care product consisting of whitening Eye Serum and whitening booster Apple Zone Mask. Restores resilience and vitality of your eye area overnight (Eye Serum + Apple Zone Mask)"

My comments: I only have the Eye Serum. I think there is nothing that special about this eye serum. I don't see much difference to my eye area after using it for 2 weeks. However, it does a good job keeping my eye area moisturised, so I might consider buying the full size if it is not too expensive.

7. "The Secret of Skin Brightening through The Night" - WHITE PLUS RENEW NIGHT CREAM - "White birth extract restores clarity for dry skin overnight. Gently massage on face and neck using simple strokes for better results."

My comments: I was quite sure I wasn't going to like this when I used it for the first time as the cream is really rich and quite greasy. However, now I am pretty certain this is the cream that is keeping my skin soft and smooth. That is because each time after I apply it, my skin has this clear and translucent look which stays till the next morning. One way I combat the greasiness is to really massage the cream in - no laziness allowed! =D

Overall (4/5):

I am pleasantly surprised by this range as I didn't have very high expectations of it. I don't think any of the individual products shine by themselves, but when used together the effect is really good. Only 1 pimple in 2 weeks! Now, that is something (for me). I used to think I am too old for Laneige products already, but how wrong I am! I might consider buying the whole range (except the day cream perhaps), as I don't like using products from different brands in my skincare regime. Laneige used to my favorite brand during University times and I think I am falling in love with it all over again.

However, this is not going to happen anytime soon as I still have my SK-II on my dressing table, and the super luxurious Shiseido Future Solution range waiting for me in my shelf (splurged on in Hong Kong last year)...

Laneige 2011 Spring Makeup Collection - Fresh Modernist

I was only buying Fancl's Calorie Limit when I walked into Isetan - or so I thought, before I passed by the Laneige counter.

Laneige's 2011 Spring Collection 'Fresh Modernist' gives the Mod look, not only romantic, but also brings out the freshness of Spring.

As a fan of Song Hye Kyo (partly because of my fascination with Hyun Bin's role in Secret Garden), I have always thought Miss Song to be a real beauty. I usually can't resist testing out makeup endorsed by her.

Interesting packaging: the patterns on the compacts change when you look at them from different angles

Fresh Modernist Blusher, SGD49

Lavender, orange, beige

The lavender seems matte to me, whereas the other 2 colors are slightly shimmery. Slightly. The texture is not exactly silky, but the color payoff is decent. The texture reminds me of Coffret D'or Beauty Sharp Designer. I think the colors are not meant to be loud, but subtle. I tried mixing the 3 colors together, and the effect was a soft shimmery peach, most similar to the middle color in the picture above. I haven't tried this yet, but I have a feeling I am going to love it. The colors are just so like Korean makeup!

Fresh Modernist Shadow, SGD49

Orange, Pink, Green, Black

All colors are shimmery, almost frosty. Color payoff is excellent! Much better than the Mystic Veil Collection. All the colors look very good together - a new tutorial idea!! This is my first Laneige eyeshadow purchase. I hope the lasting power will be good.

Left to right: Snow Crystal Lipstick in YR28 Modernist Peach, Fresh Modernist Lipgloss in LR07 Modernist coral

I actually forgot to take close up photos of the 2 lipcolors. I hope you are able to see them clearly in the 2nd pic of this post.

The Snow Crystal Lipstick has a very moisturisng formula and the color is quite intense and able to cover natural lipcolor pretty well. Although its name is 'Modernist peach', I actually find it quite pink! It's a lovely color, that is very suitable for fresh spring looks.

The Fresh Modernist Lipgloss has a thick formula, and has 3 soft colors combined in 1 tube. To be honest, although it has '3 colors', to me, it's only 1, because the 3 colors will mix eventually. I didn't try to test the 3 colors separately, as I think it's rather impossible, so I just swiped whatever gloss that was on the applicator as I pulled it out. The color when applied on my lips looks like natural nude pink, though on the back of my hand it looks quite bright.

These are the 3 recommended looks found in the pamphlet:

Pattern 1: Smooth and Romantic Makeup

Pattern 2: Glamorously Vibrant and Sensual Makeup

Pattern 3: Sophisticated and Delicate Spring Makeup

I think I am going to try all 3 patterns.

This collection is a definite must-have for those who love pastel colors =)

12 Steps to Flawless Skin (Foundation)

These are the products I used in this tutorial:

From left to right, top to bottom: Laneige Mystic Veil Foundation in 21 Natural Beige, La Mer the powder in 01 Creme, Cezanne Powerfit UV Concealer in 02, Estee Lauder Stay-in-Place Concealer SPF10 in 01 Light

12 Steps:


1. Moisturise your skin well following your daily skincare regime. Apply sunblock/ foundation primer (pardon the blemishes on my face!).


2. Using the spatula provided, take a small amount of the cream foundation.

3. Warm the foundation at the back of your hand by spreading the foundation this way.

4. Use your fingers to pick up a little of the product.

5. Dub the foundation onto your cheeks, nose and forehead. Spread the foundation over your entire face by gently tapping the foundation onto your skin.

6. Your skin should look glowy and the skin tone should be evened out and brighter. It should look natural as if you have not put on any foundation.

7. Use 2 different concealers. 1 should be 1 shade darker than your natural skin colour and the other just right for your skin colour.

8. Use the darker shade concealer to cover any blemish. Use a small amount and blend the concealer with the foundation using light tapping motions. This darker shade will help to cover the blemish.

9. Tap the lighter shade concealer over the blemish you have just covered. Remember to use light tapping motions. If you sweep the concealer over the blemish you will just rub away the initial darker concealer you have just used to cover it. This lighter shade will ensure that the darker shade concealer you have used is covered and will not look obvious that you have used a darker shade concealer to cover your blemish.

10. Your face should look flawless now!


11. Set your foundation using any loose powder. Pat a small amount of powder all over your face. Do not use too much powder or your face will look too powdery and lose its "nude" look. Pay special attention to the sides of your nose.


12. Voila! Perfect skin for perfect make up!

Review on Laneige Fall 2010 Collection Mystic Veil Foundation SPF33 PA++ in 21 Natural Beige

I picked up this foundation last week at Raffles City Robinson's at S$49. It is a limited edition cream foundation from Laneige's Fall 2010 Mystic Veil Collection. It comes in 2 colours, the fairer shade 21 Natural Beige and darker shade 23 Sand Beige. I got the fairer shade 21. The colour suits my skin colour well.

I must admit that I got this because I was drawn to the intricate packaging. I just cannot resist cute packaging like these. I seldom keep the box from the packaging but I am definitely keeping this one.

The foundation has a creamy texture as seen from the picture above. Since its cream, the texture is to the thick side. When I tried it on, I only needed a pea size amount for the whole face. I warmed the foundation on the back of my hand and dubbed it onto my nose, cheek and forehead. I have a foundation tutorial using this foundation which can be found here. The coverage is medium sheer and you can use a bit more of the product if you want better coverage. But don't use too much or your face might look cakey.

Usually when it comes to foundation I am more concerned with its oil control power as I have combination skin and there will usually be shine at my T-zone after like 2 hours. For this foundation, I must say its oil control ability is average, just like my other foundations like Lunasol's Water Cream Foundation or Skinfood's Agave Cactus Sun BB Cream SPF36+++. However, I will continue using this as I have not found a foundation that can control the shine on my nose entirely!

Go get it if you need a foundation or you simply just love the packaging =D

NEW Olay White Radiance Pristine White Essence & Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX

Today came my package from Sasa.com! I was really excited because I had been eyeing on the new Olay whitening essence ever since I came to hear about its benefits sometime in May this year... Along with my package was the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX.

NEW! Olay White Radiance Pristine White Essence 40ml

Comes in a drip bottle...

Olay products claim to have the counter skincare brands quality with drug store price tags. Indeed, I have been using their Total Effect 7-in-1 Anti-Ageing Cream (night use) and I do find the results just as good as my Estee Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Creme SPF15 (morning use). I checked out Watson's almost everyday and still no signs of the new essence for sale in Singapore yet. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was when Sasa.com posted this up!

Anyway, so what's so good about this product? Unlike other whitening products which only help to lighten your dark spots, this product claims to be able to prevent the production of melanin before they are formed. At the same time, of course it will help lighten existing spots, even out skin tone and provide lasting hydration.

It comes in a drip bottle which makes the essence really hygienic and convenient to use! Since I am still using my L'oreal White Perfect Radiance Boosting Double Essence, I will give updates on the effectiveness of this essence at a later time =)

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX 80ml

The Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX is definitely not a new product. But I have heard so many wonderful things about this that I finally decided to get it. This is a product where you apply after your moisturiser before you go to sleep. This is like an overnight mask and you do not have to rinse after application. It claims to provide intensive hydration, vitality, and brightening effects for the skin. It is also supposed to relax your skin while you are sleeping. I am going to try this tonight...