Erno Lazslo “Splashing” Technique and Quick Skincare Reviews: Erno Laszlo Active pHelityl Oil, Active pHelityl Soap & Sea Mud Soap

If you didn’t see my last post about Erno Laszlo, you can see my short introduction of the brand here.

Erno Laszlo has developed a cleansing ritual that is called the Splashing Technique…

I tried the Splashing Technique once and I wasn’t exactly impressed with it. It was just too troublesome and at night, I prefer to do my face-washing in the shower. After one time, I didn’t see much results so I can’t really comment. I did find that using the facial soaps in the shower yielded pretty good results so I won’t be looking back.

Erno Laszlo Active pHelityl Oil

• Texture: Light oil
• Scent: Fresh
• Effect: Couldn’t really feel like this did anything, doesn’t emulsify
• Price: $49CAD/$40USD for 200mL
• Overall: This oil is meant to be a pre-cleanse like other cleansing oils. It is supposed to remove makeup and dirt from the skin. I didn’t like this oil because I felt like 1) it didn’t rinse off completely, rather leaving a thin film of oil on my face, and 2) it just didn’t do anything, I didn’t notice a difference in my skin with or without using this oil. It also doesn’t emulsify, so it is a little harder to rinse off.

Erno Laszlo Active pHelityl Soap

• Texture: Lathers up into a slightly slipper
• Scent: Slightly fresh and floral
• Effect: Cleanses surface greasy and dirt but is slightly drying
• Price: $49CAD/$40USD for 180 grams
• Overall: I am on the fence about this soap; it does clean well but it I found it slightly stripping. I also found it takes a bit more splashing to rinse off completely. I like, but do not like as much as the Sea Mud Soap.

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap

• Texture: Lathers up into a bubbly creamsome black gritty charcoal exfoliants
• Scent: Smells fresh, like sea mud
• Effect: Deep cleanses without drying-out skin
• Price: $49CAD/$40USD for 180 grams
• Overall: I LOVE THIS CLEANSER! I think I just found another HG-worthy cleanser to replace my AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel. It cleanses very, very well without leaving my face dry, tight, or stripped. After a week or so of daily use (at night), I felt my pores were being cleaned out, blackheads and pores shrinking. I went out and bought the full-size soap which should last me about 8-10 months with daily use. I recommend this soap for anyone who does not have super dry skin; f you have dry-combination to oily skin, this is the cleanser for you!

Quick Mask Reviews: Astalift Moisturizing Mask, My Beloved One Melasleep Whitening Bio-Cellulose Mask, SUQQU Face Stretch Mask (very image heavy!)

Some high end mask reviews for you! All of these have been fantastic, and while expensive, they were still cheaper than a facial (which they definitely were able to replicate and replace!). Thank you to Jamilla for letting me try the Astalift Moisturizing Mask and the SUQQU Face Stretch Mask!

Astalift Moisturizing Mask

• Texture & fit: This mask came in two thick cotton cloth sheets – one for the forehead upper cheeks and nose, and one for the lower cheeks and chin. The texture of the sheets is very stretchy, which is perfect because you can stretch it upwards to get a tighter fit and to get more of a firming effect. The fit is AMAZING. Because there are no cuts in the sheets, every bit of the mask stuck to my face.
• Serum/effect: The serum is a jelly orange substance that absorbs really well into the skin. There was enough serum in the two packs to moisturize my entire body.
• Scent: Floral-fruity scent that is refreshing but also luxurious
• Price: ¥6300 for 6 sheets, approximate $83CAD
• Overall: I LOVE THIS MASK. Not only did it fit amazingly well, stayed on the entire time without much effort, the serum also absorbed quickly and it left my skin feeling super moisturized and supple. In the morning, I woke up with soft, radiant skin that would have been perfect as a canvas for make-up application. I definitely want to look into purchasing this mask but so far it is only available in Asia with very, very limited distribution.

(not my photo, source) 

Read more reviews of My Beloved One Melasleep Whitening Mask and SUQQU Face Stretch Mask…

Review: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is another one of their newest, most popular products, along with the Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate. These were meant to be used in conjunction with one another to get the most out of them and to yield the best results. Unfortunately I found that this product was also too heavy for me, however, my mother loved it. Because of this, I will be doing my own review as well as adding my mother’s thoughts for you (which will be highlighted in italics) as I feel it is important for you to see both of our opinions.

My skin profile: I have very dehydrated cheeks with a t-zone that gets oily. I occasionally get break-outs, usually 1-2 around that time of the month. My main skin concerns are hyper-pigmentation and dehydration in the cheek area and fine lines in the eye area. My ideal skincare products are ones that provide good moisture to my skin, absorb quickly and leave no left-over product sitting on top of my skin.

My mother’s skin profile: Currently in her late-40s, her skin is relatively wrinkle-free, with only some fine lines here and there. She has normal skin that does not break out nor dry out (meaning she can go without moisturizer and feel fine). Her main concerns are hyper-pigmentation in her cheek area, brightening sallow skin, and preventing wrinkles in her eye area.

What it claims (from Kiehls.com): This lightweight, readily-absorbed elixir effectively restores skin’s healthy appearance overnight, resulting in smoother, more radiant complexion by morning. Enriched with Squalane, a botanical lipid similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids, Evening Primrose Oil, rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential moisture to depleted skin. These naturally derived oils instantly penetrate the skin surface to help replenish it. Our recovery concentrate works at night when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors. With skin hydrated, supple and soft, rest assured you can say goodnight to tired-looking skin. Paraben Free, Fragrance Free, Mineral Oil Free

Price: $43USD/$48CAD for 30mL

Texture/Scent: Light oil

The good: I liked the scent and how it felt on my skin. My skin was smoother and softer right after I applied it. Even though this only comes in a 30mL bottle, the thing lasts FOREVER because you only need 2-3 drops at a time, which makes it extremely good value for the price. My mother enjoyed using this as well (along with the Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate). It hydrated her skin and made it soft and supple. While she didn’t notice any changes with her fine lines, she does feel that this makes her skin feel comfortable. It absorbed easily on her more mature skin.

• Smells good
• Skin is smoother and softer after application
• Lasts a long time, very good value for money
• Absorbs easily on mature skin

The bad: I felt it absorbed very slowly, and just as a personal preference I don’t like that. Also because you were only supposed to use 2 drops, I found it hard to spread on my face. If I used more, my face became greasy very fast. The dropper was also hard to use as you press down on the cap to suck up the oil and to dispense it, and as time passes, the oil seeps out making the bottle slightly oily. Every time I used it, I woke up with extra greasy skin. My mother also disliked the dropper.

• Absorbs super slowly
• Hard to spread on the face
• Skin becomes greasy quickly
• Dropper hard to use

Overall: I didn’t like this product very much as it just doesn’t absorb completely on my skin and also left it greasy. Both my mother and I found the dropper packaging hard to use. Fortunately, it made my mother’s skin very soft, supple and just very comfortable that she continues to use this religiously every night. I feel this product is probably more appropriate for people with more mature skin, perhaps ages 35+ as it will absorb better and the effects of it will be maximized. For your information, the rating below is using my mother’s experience rather than mine.

Product: 17.5/20
Packaging: 2/5
Value: 4.5/5
Overall: 23.5/30 | B+
Repurchase? Maybe

Ingredients list:

Quick Skincare Reviews: SUQQU Repair Essence, Bounce Barrier Cream & Bounce Barrier Gel Cream

I’m sorry for all of the SUQQU-madness on my blog. I am really in love with this brand so I keep talking about it. It’s no secret that the Blend Colour Eyeshadow in EX-04 Toukaede is my new favourite palette and I seem to have found a few more favourites among their skincare line as well.

SUQQU Repair Essence

• Texture: Light translucent gel/viscous lotion
• Scent: Subtle floral scent with a bit of alcohol peeking through
• Effect: Absorbs instantly without residue, but isn’t hydrating on its own.
• Price: £85.00 for 50mL
• Overall: This is more of a “preparation” serum than a real hydrating serum. You’re supposed to use this as the first step of your skincare regime after cleansing, even more toner/lotion. The purpose of this step is to help the absorption and effects of all other skincare items you use after this. However, I didn’t really notice a difference in my skin with or without using this product. It is hydrating, but not hydrating enough to use on its own so I usually layer another hydrating serum on top of that, and then my moisturizer.

SUQQU Bounce Barrier Cream

• Texture: Medium-thick cream (not greasy or heavy)
• Scent: Subtle floral scent, very soothing
• Effect: Absorbs instantly, very moisturizing but not at all greasy or heavy
• Price: not sure, but I believe it is about £85.00 for 30mL (will confirm!)
• Overall: I LOVE THIS CREAM!!! This is the perfect cream for wintertime as it is thick and hydrating while also protecting my skin from the wind, but it is never greasy or heavy. It absorbs very well and it leaves my skin feeling very plump and comfortable. I absolutely LOVE it. The only issue is that it is very, very expensive. I don’t know if I will purchase a full-size, maybe when Selfridges is doing their 10% off friends and family sale. This cream is great for those who have dry, normal to dry, or normal skin.

SUQQU Bounce Barrier Gel Cream

• Texture: Thick gel-cream
• Scent: Subtle floral scent, very soothing
• Effect: Absorbs instantly and moisturizing, but much lighter than the Bounce Barrier Cream
• Price: not sure, but I believe it is about £85.00 for 30mL (will confirm!)
• Overall: This is a much lighter moisturizer compared to Bounce Barrier Cream, and as such, it is too light for me in the winter. This doesn’t provide much of a barrier against the cold as it absorbs completely into the skin. I feel this would be a better moisturizer for the summer, or for someone with combination or oily skin.

Review: Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is one of their newest, most popular products, along with the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, which I will review later. Unfortunately I found that this product was too thick and heavy for me, however, my mother absolutely loved it. Because of this, I will be doing my own review as well as adding my mother’s thoughts for you (which will be highlighted in italics) as I feel it is important for you to see both of our opinions.

My skin profile: I have very dehydrated cheeks with a t-zone that gets oily. I occasionally get break-outs, usually 1-2 around that time of the month. My main skin concerns are hyper-pigmentation and dehydration in the cheek area and fine lines in the eye area. My ideal skincare products are ones that provide good moisture to my skin, absorb quickly and leave no left-over product sitting on top of my skin.

My mother’s skin profile: Currently in her late-40s, her skin is relatively wrinkle-free, with only some fine lines here and there. She has normal skin that does not break out nor dry out (meaning she can go without moisturizer and feel fine). Her main concerns are hyper-pigmentation in her cheek area, brightening sallow skin, and preventing wrinkles in her eye area.

What it claims (from Kiehls.com): This Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is formulated with a high concentration of 10.5% Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) known for its affinity with skin and its powerful ability to improve the appearance of skin aging. With continued use over time, this treatment has a significant and progressive effect on marionette lines around the mouth and sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. In addition, skin shows a noticeable improvement in texture and radiance.

Price: $56USD/$77CAD for 50mL

Texture/Scent: Thick creamy liquid, feels like a light silicone primer, mostly scent-free. Warms up upon contact with the skin as the Vitamin C is activated.

The good: I like the warming sensation and the nice, simple packaging, but that’s pretty much it. This has been a miracle product for my mother. Her skin has visibly brightened and her hyper-pigmentation, which are in patches on her cheeks, has visibly lightened. It also absorbs quickly on her more mature skin.

• Nice warming sensation
• Simple packaging
• Visibly brightened the skin
• Lightened hyper-pigmentation on the cheeks
• Absorbs quickly

The bad: I felt it didn’t absorb at all, just sat on my face and felt greasy. My mother couldn’t think of any downsides, just that it’s expensive to purchase in Canada compared to the US price.

• Did not absorb at all, skin felt greasy
• Expensive to purchase in Canada compared to the US price

Overall: I did not like this product at all, I have no idea why it did not absorb and rather just sat on my skin, but I am very happy that my mother enjoys using this product. It has significantly improved her skin-tone and also lightened her hyper-pigmentation in her cheeks. From our experience, this product would probably be better suited for more mature skin, maybe age 35+ and can take such heavy products. For your information, the rating below is using my mother’s experience rather than mine.

Product: 19/20
Packaging: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 26/30 | A
Repurchase? Likely, probably in the US though

Ingredients list: