VMV Hypoallergenics: Fine Finish Pore Minimizing Skin Mattifier (for oily skin)

(Whew!  That product name is a mouthful.)

I was looking for a facial mask that will help tighten my skin.  Thank you to the BF who patiently accompanied me through every department store cosmetics counter and stores which took a while since I'm vowing to be a discerning shopper.  The product has to offer more for the skin, but realistic, with less of the bells and whistles of packaging and brand name.  The price has to be perfect as well.

The last store we went to was VMV Hypoallergenics.  I always loved visiting their sterile, minimalist stores.  Their helpful sales assistant recommended this Fine Finish Pore Minimizing Skin Mattifier.  This isn't a mask but it does tighten the skin.  It fits what I was looking for so one bottle went home with me.

I have oily skin.  The pores on my checks and T-zone, literally my whole face, are of different sizes of huge.  Think of the moon's lunar craters.  I've read various scientific studies about those misleading pore minimizing products.  We have to love our pores no matter the size/visibility because it is and will be as it is no matter how many miracle products we slather on our skin.

I wish they would not call this product "Pore Minimizing" as it does not do anything to the pores.  But what it does is tighten skin.  This can be felt upon seconds from application and will last approximately 45 minutes.  The result is a less oily face thus it stays true to the last half of what it's called, a "Skin Mattifier".

And for the rest of the week my face was not that oily and it creeped me out a bit as I'm used to being oily.  But now that the sebum production is under control I'm not complaining.

This is applied on the face via a cotton pad.  Instructions are given to not soak the pad but only dampen it with the liquid.  And this should not be applied more than twice a week for the first eight weeks of using.

One thing I don't like about this is the strong smell of alcohol.

Product name: VMV Hypoallergenics: Fine Finish Pore Minimizing Skin Mattifier (for oily skin)
Also available: For dry skin (I just don't know how that will work since dry skin is already matte.)
Available at: VMV Hypoallergenics stores or their counters at Landmark
Price: PHP 680 for a 150 ml bottle

♥

The Face Shop White Tree Snow (Updated)

I was browsing through the shelves of The Face Shop and these caught my eye because it looks a bit like DiorSnow's skincare range.

DiorSnow boasts about Icelandic Glacial Water as one of its ingredients while White Tree Snow by The Face Shop has mineral-rich spa water from Japan and is packed with vitamins A, B, and E.  It's caption reads "Nature's brightening solution for luminous skin."

I got the Clarifying Booster Toner and Whipping Massage Mask to give it a try.  The toner should be used before the mask and after washing the face to remove any leftover dirt.  The mask should be used only once or twice a week.

The toner has a pump on top and it liquid looks like DiorSnow's wipe-off gel.  I would say that this felt cool on my skin.

toner

toner pump

The whipping mask has a foam forming pump.  It's white like whipped cream when dispensed but slowly turns transparent when applied on skin as it dries.

mask

mask pump

These products are supposed to renew and soothe troubled skin and protect it from damage.  And as the name suggests it should brighten skin.  I have used the mask only once and the toner everyday for a week now.  So far no breakouts and I can see that my skin looks more alive than usual.

I love DiorSnow but I think this can be an affordable alternative as long as it works well on the skin.

Have a blessed weekend!

♥

UPDATE:

After almost two weeks of faithfully using these products White Tree Snow and I are no longer friends.  It gave me three huge gigantic i-hate-you pimples.  I'm going back to my trusted DiorSnow and will never part from it for anything anytime anymore.

Products I Want to Finish and One I Never Want to Hit Pan

1. VMV So Clear Oil-Absorbing, Clarifying Pressed Powder

I've been using this for middle of the day touch ups or when I feel too lazy to wear foundation.

2. Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion

These two 15ml samples are GWPs.  I don't use them often as I have read a number of bad reviews about their 3 step system.  I'm half done with one.

3. Lancome Blanc Expert Nuit Firmness Restoring Whitening Night Cream

Another 15ml GWP.  I love this cream.  My skin does look "bright" when I wake up.  But I don't know if I would purchase because there's a rumor going that Lancome products are the same as Loreal.  Price is their one of their differences and another is Lancome has that "French flair".  Maybe I should check out Loreal.

And the product I never want to hit pan:

Chanel Rouge Coco Baume

This baume is so hydrading.  It conditions the lips gloriously.  I wish a tube of this can go on forever.

Are there products you want to finish or to never hit pan?

Have a blessed day!

♥

DiorSnow Skincare

"How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways."
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I don't know what's up with Asians and skin whitening.  I'm Asian but I did not get it until yesterday.  Maybe it was because Dior called it skin brightening and it sounds pleasing to the ears (less weird more beautiful).

Yesterday Dior held a workshop entitled, "Immaculate Transparency" to promote their DiorSnow skincare.  I find the title a bit tacky for my taste but their skincare range is glorious!  It boasts of their Transparency Enhancing Complex (T.E.C.), which is the latest advancement in skin brightening, that includes Icelandic Glacial Water as the highlight ingredient.  It promises to erase dark spots and improve complexion giving you even skin tone, luminosity, a moisturized skin, plumpness, and a fine texture to your skin.

I did not take any photos of the event as I went alone and was too shy to pop out my camera, which I have already recharged the battery the day before specifically for this use.  Oh shyness, please go away!  Anyway, I was given a sample kit which includes DiorSnow white reveal wipe-off gel, moisturizing lotion, ultra purifying liquid (also known as anti-imperfections), D-NA control day essence, and a Dior Addict ultra-gloss in Pink Flirt.

I was excited to try these when I got home but photographs will first be taken.

I was expecting it to be really cool since that is what is being said because of the Icelandic water.  But I didn't feel much of that effect.  Perhaps the hot weather here is so intense against the subtle coolness of DiorSnow.  But what I surely felt after application was softer, cleaner and fresher skin.  And that spells love!

Have a great weekend!

Eye Serum VS Eye Serum

VMV Hypoallergenics
RE: Everything Eye Serum
(30ml)

I love VMV Hypoallergenics' R.E. Everything Eye Serum. The results are recognizable with one to two nights use. The only thing I don't love about the bottle I got was that the pump doesn't work. Have to buy a tiny container because unscrewing the bottle everytime for use can get a bit messy.

On the other side of the road Lancome's Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Anti-spot Anti-dark Circles Eye Serum (Whew! That was a mouthful!) I've been given a sample during one of my Lancome counter visits. I was very excited to try this but it was a disappointment. Used it for almost a week but it didn't do anything it promised to. Sad and disappointed... But no worries, I still love you Lancome!

Lancome
Blanc Expert
Ultimate Whitening Anti-spot Anti-dark Circles Eye Serum
(5ml Sample) 

Ultimate Whitening Anti-spot Anti-dark Circles Eye Serum