Bio-essence Tanaka range

Bio-essence, a brand in Singapore (not sure if its sold overseas) has recently released its latest range of Tanaka products. I tried three products from the range, so i'll review them in this post. Heres some background info on Tanaka, taken from the bio-essence website:

All about Tanaka

Tanaka (also known as Thanakha) has a rich history in Myanmar. It is a tradition whitening secret used by women in Myanmar for more than 2000 years. It’s used not only in their daily life, but also in traditional ceremonies where face paintings bear cultural associations of nobility and purity.

The scientific name of Tanaka plant is Limonia acidissima. The best Tanaka plants are naturally slow in growth and it takes three to ten years for the tree trunk to grow two inches in diameter. It must be at least 35 years old to be mature enough to yield good Tanaka. The barks obtained from these trees are fragrant and resistant to pests.

Tanaka means both "cosmetic for beautifying the face" and "cleansing agent". The production of Tanaka for use is fascinating. The simple procedure involves stripping of the bark from the plant, soaking it in water and then grounding it on a mortar and mixed with water to form a fragrant paste to be applied onto the face. It is recognized as an effective and ideal cosmetic for those who have to work under direct sunshine. Women who work in paddy fields always wear thick layers of Tanaka to protect themselves from the harsh sun. It also cools and soothes skin to help prevent pimples.

Bio-essence adapts modern Bio-engineering techniques to extract highly effective whitening, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory agents from the Tanaka tree bark, providing the most natural and effective care for the skin.

The Tanaka Tree Bark Extract used in the Tanaka White Series has deep nourishing, hydrating and cooling properties, and is a tried and tested formula used to maintain skin fairness even under the sun, blocking out harmful UV rays and external pollutants.

The thing is, i already believed in the uses of Tanaka for whitening before this range came out. About 6 years ago, my parents went to Myanmar. When they came back, my mum had bought this face mask that had Tanaka in it. She was raving about how in Myanmar, she saw a lot of women with beautiful white complexion and that she had asked them what they used. They told her they used Tanaka on their faces to maintain a white and flawless mein. My mum also told me that they would smear the Tanaka paste on their faces and walk around the town.

We tried the facemask (came in a tub) for a while, but back then, i wasn't really into beauty products.



When this bio-essence range came out recently, it reminded me of the face mask my mum bought then and what she had told me. So i decided, why not give this a try and see whether it really works out.

First up, Bio-essence White Skin White Perfecting Lotion SPF 15

Given description:

Bio-essence Tanaka White Skin White Perfecting Lotion is a non-greasy formula that uses Bio-engineering techniques to blend unique ingredients Tanaka bark extract, Bio Mineral Essence and Bio-Energy Fluid with other precious herbal extracts Ginseng, Lycium, and Angelicae to effectively moisturize and nourish skin, evens out skin tone and acts as a protective layer against environmental pollutants like dust and dirt. It also contains Pomelo extract, which is rich in Vitamin C for effective whitening properties. With continuous use, skin becomes supple, fair and radiant from within.

Marvelous Efficacies:
• Enriched with Tanaka bark extract for intensive whitening and moisturizing effects
• Light and non-greasy formula, infused with herbal and mineral extracts to replenish essential nutrients for the skin.
• Blocks out and prevents free radical damage from UV rays and environmental pollutants
• Contains strong anti-oxidants to slow down the aging process
• Evens out skin tone, lightens blemishes and pigmentation
• Suitable for use both in the day and at night. Can be used as a make-up base

This sunblock was pretty thick and white, so i don't know about the fact about it being 'light'. Whats true is that its non-greasy definitely. But one negative point is that it will leave your face a shade whiter, like you are wearing some sort of mask. I kinda hate that, but i guess i can tolerate it because im very fair to begin with and people aren't going to notice me being a shade whiter. For people who are more tan, be more cautious if you want to buy this product because you may look unnaturally white. This product has a pleasant scent and is easily absorbed even though its so thick. Overall, not bad, though i would not recommend this because i prefer sunblocks with lighter texture and higher SPF. Retails for $16.80.

Rating: ♥♥♥


Next, Bio-essence Tanaka White Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream

given description:

Bio-essence Tanaka White Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream uses advanced Bio-engineering techniques to blend precious herbal extracts and essential nutrients which deeply nourishes to help repair damaged cells and encourage cell renewal. Re-attain bright and naturally fair skin in no time. It is also lightly textured to facilitate absorption while Tanaka extract helps to cool skin the natural way, suitable for ladies who prefer a non-greasy formula for the day

This is pretty thick for a day cream as well. It doesnt contain SPF, so please don't use this as a sunblock of any sort. Pleasant scent as well, and easily absorbed. Just like the one with SPF, this leaves a sort of white mask though its less noticeable. Pretty spreadable and actually feels luxurious! Retails for SGD $22.80 and you can get this at Guardian, Watsons or any drugstore.


Rating: ♥♥♥


Finally, Bioessence Tanaka White Renewal Night Cream

Given description:

Bio-essence Tanaka White Renewal Night Cream contains precious and effective ingredients such as Tanaka and Ginseng extracts, combined with exclusive ingredients Bio Mineral Essence and Bio Energy Fluid to moisturize and nourish your skin while you sleep. It brightens and firms the skin, leaving you with a fair, radiant and blemish-free complexion.

Marvelous Efficacies:
• Contains precious herbal ingredients such as Tanaka extract, Ginseng and Aloe Vera, combined with Bio-Energy Fluid and Bio Mineral Essence to enrich the skin with mineral & trace mineral elements, vitamins and amino acids so that skin layers are strengthened and more elastic
• Skin tone becomes more even, fairer, brighter with continuous use
• Deep nourishing ingredients helps rejuvenate skin cells to improve skin texture, leaving it supple and energized and appearing more translucent
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful look.

One really strange thing is that this cream is more of a gel than a cream! And it is meant for night use! I wonder why the day creams are thicker than the night 'cream'. Since this is gel, it spreads pretty easily too though i would say it has a pretty THICK gel consistency. Easy absorbed and feels cooling. Leaves my skin feeling smooth too after application.
Retails for SGD$25.80.

Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/



CREDITS: www.cozycot.com for product descriptions and images

Benefit 'Bathina Getting Steamy' bath wash

Given descriptionL

Bathina's steamy bath time treat, Getting' Steamy moisturises and conditions the skin with the flirtatious Bathina fragrance. Add a little of this pink pearlescent wash to your bath for smooth, silky bubbles. 480ml.

I bring you another product by Benefit, the Bathina Getting Steamy bath wash. When i mean bath wash, i mean stuff you pour into the bathtub when you want to take a bath (not a shower).

I love most of the products by Benefit, products like 'You Rebel-lite' tinted moisturizing cream and 'Girl-About Town' face primer. I love the face primer, the best i've used so far. But i have also encountered products i disliked, such as the eye-bright pencil which is pretty useless and absolutely not worth it.

This product joins my list of favourites. The wash is peachy golden in colour, and smells great. I just love the scent. I used it as a body wash before, and a little bit goes a long way. As a bath wash, it smells absolutely heavenly swirled into steaming hot bath water.


One thing im not sure about is if Benefit still sells it. I recently checked the website out and i couldn't find it at all. Hmm?


Rating: ♥♥♥♥

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

Given description: Transforms into a lavish, softening foam--original and unique in texture--that leaves a satin-like softness all over the body. Rich in almond oil and nourishing lipids. Cleanses gently to impart a delectable perfume.

Use daily during the bath to maintain its skin firm; ideal for the shave. Layer the delightful aroma of sweet almond by following with moisturizing Almond Milk Concentrate




Seeing as this was called an oil, i was expecting something really oily and thin, but to my surprise, this turned out to be more like a really thick shower gel.

Doesn't really feel like oil, and doesn't 'foam' up, but acts just like a normal shower gel, only thicker.


It was easy to wash off, and left my skin feeling smooth and definitely not dried out.


What i like best about this product is the scent. After washing off, there was a very pleasant light almond scent left on my skin, and my skin feels smooth.


Get this at any L'Occitane outlets, its about 250ml.


rating: ♥♥♥♥ ♥/

L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Daily Use shampoo and conditioner

Given description:

SHAMPOO

This daily-use shampoo gently cleanses your hair without irritating the scalp. Enriched with organic verbena extract, purifying lemon essential oil and softening linden floral water, it restores softness, shine and vitality to hair. The sparkling and zesty scents of citrus fruits leave hair fresh and pleasantly perfumed. Suitable for all hair types.



CONDITIONER

This fast-acting conditioner immediately smoothes and detangles hair. Its ultra-light formula is enriched with organic verbena extract, purifying lemon essential oil and softening linden floral water. It restores vitality and shine to hair. The sparkling and zesty scent of citrus fruits leave hair light, fresh and pleasantly perfumed. Suitable for all hair types.

Taken from: http://usa.loccitane.com




I don't know how many times i've said this, but it is quite difficult for me to judge when it comes to hair products because my hair is very healthy, shiny, smooth and never gets frizzy. To sum it up, its already in its prime condition.


however, two days after using this my friend commented that she loves my hair. She said it looks very healthy and smooth, and even asked what shampoo i used. I was more than happy to share, of course. This shampoo doesn't have a strong scent, and doesn't leave a lingering scent in your hair so if you're a girl that likes shampoos that leave scents in your hair, then i don't think this product is suitable for you. but i think this would be great for men and its a great unisex shampoo.



Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/

L'Occitane Ruban d'Orange soft skin milk

This is a product from L'Occitane's orange range which i think has already passed a long time ago.


This body moisturizer is not greasy at all. Absorbs fast into your body and doesn't leave greasy residue unlike other moisturizers.

The scent is citrusy, but i don't really like the after smell. I wished it was more citrusy and fresh. The texture is great though, really like milk, only thicker. very easy to apply too.



Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/

Savons Gemme Bath Jewels

This is one beautiful soap. I have no idea of what company this product is made by, this was given to my father by the drug company, so maybe it is one of the products of the drug company. That being said, i don't know where you can purchase this, but, im still going to review this.



it came housed in a black box covered in some suede/velvet material and inside it was there nesting on some gold fabric. The soap itself is made to look like an amethyst, and i must say they did a very good job in replicating an amethyst.


The soap is purple, and has a sort of diamond shape to it. There are luminiscent streaks running through it, like that of an opal and parts of the soap are opaque purple. Really beautiful. It's quite big too.


The shape makes it very easy to hold in the shower and the scent is mild and pleasant. I have only ever dropped this soap once, which is really good because i always drop soap bars in the shower and i hate it especially when it lands on my foot! PAINFUL!



The soap is easy to wash off your skin too and doesn't leave an overwhelming scent on your body. This would make a great gift, and i think guys can use this too, cos the scent isn't overly feminine but im not sure whether they would mind using a soap that looks like an amethyst!


rating: ♥♥♥♥ One added star for looking so very pretty

Kiehl's Nymphaea Alba UV Shield sunblock

Given description :

ENLARGE PICTURE TO VIEW DESCRIPTION ON PRODUCT

Hmm strange thing is, this product is apparently sold only in Asia. I guess the tropical climate and humid weather explains why though. This product is an extremely lightweight and oil free sunblock formulated for oily skins and the hot weather. with such humid conditions, we don't need another sunblock that clogs up the skin do we?




I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS PRODUCT. I have not found a sunblock thats better than this to be honest. When i used this for the first time, i didn't expect the sunblock to be well, so watery. It's not diluted don't worry, thats just the way it is. The watery texture ensures that the sunblock is light and weightless and it does make my face looks a little more translucent white. Thats good though! By translucent white i don't mean the white thick residue that most sunblocks leave. This one doesn't, and it gets absorbed really quickly into my skin as well.




I love this as it doesn't make my skin feel oily. I hate sunblocks or products that cause my face to be oily, my skin is already oily as it is and i don't want it to be any oilier. this is great and lasts through sweat and the hot weather.



I can't remember the price, i think it's about SGD $54? It's not cheap definitely, and the bottle is small. But with the watery texture, you don't need much for your whole face and so this product does last a long time. Plus, the small bottle makes it easy to pack cos it takes up so little space!




Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ ABSOLUTE FAVE!

Molten Brown reawakening mer-rouge hair hydramask

Given description:

An intensive hydrating mask to rejuvenate tired, dull hair.

This ultimate indulgence for your hair is enriched with amino acids; vitamin and dulse sea extracts to leave your hair soft, vibrant and manageable.

Apply to towel dried hair and distribute evenly from root to tip. Leave on hair for 3-5 minutes and rinse.

Taken from: www.moltenbrown.co.uk



This hair mask has a very light scent, and the texture is quite thick. For hair thats up till your shoulder blades you should need about a golfball size amount of this hair mask to sufficiently cover your hair from root to tip.



When used, hair feels softer and smoother. I love using this every week cos it's like having a mini spa. I do this with a long soak in the bath (with one of the Lush bath bombs or bath salts), and then i have a face mask and a hair mask. great way to pamper yourself when you feel stressed out.



Price is steep, about SGD $70 but its definitely worth it. The tub is huge! Probably will last me a long time now.


Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Lush Tisty Tosty bath bombs

Given description:

Weaves a magic love spell with a scent of precious rose and orris root.
The fragrant rose (not to be confused with those huge, fluffy things with no scent) is surrounded with mystery and legend: it is said to have come from the Great Garden of ancient Persia; Cleopatra is rumoured to have seduced Anthony with it. Rose perfume is said to ease tension and stress and to give people happy, positive feelings (which is probably why it worked for Cleopatra). You'll smell the real rose absolute in Tisty Tosty as soon as it hits the water. Give one away to someone you love and use one on yourself; either way the Tisty Tosty works its magic spell.

Taken from: www.lush.com








I really really like this bath bomb. It's so romantic! Each bath bomb has 7 dried rosebuds in it and when you drop it into the bath you are supposed to say 'He loves me/loves me not' with each rose bud you see. Theres just something very special you feel when you soak in a hot bath with roses floating around you.


Of course, i had to jack up the romantic factor abit and add some soap rose petals to make it all the more special.





rose petals dissolving



i got this bath bomb in UK along with the other bath bombs that i reviewed in the previous posts. I think each costs 4.95 pounds. You can use one for multiple baths by breaking it into pieces, but i generally use one whole one for each bath.

Lush Supernova Bath Bomb

Given description:

Celebrate bathtime with cocktails for one and a ticker tape parade.
When they celebrate in New York, people throw handfuls of paper down into the street on to the passing parade. Supernova’s like that, except in the bath! It has one of our favourite fragrances which crops up every now and again in our celebratory bath and shower products. If it smells like a buck’s fizz with a splash of cognac, that’s because it’s got refreshing oranges and genuine cognac absolute to make it smell like a posh cocktail. Smatterings of fluorescent bubble mixture give it a frothy topping with splashes of bright pink. Like a ticker tape parade, the paper takes a bit of clearing up afterwards, but it’s definitely fun while it lasts.

Taken from:www.lush.com



One thing you have to be careful about is to clear up any remaining paper pieces when you're done using this bath bomb because basically, this bath bomb is filled with confetti that soaks up water and when sucked into your plughole, it jams it up and can obstruct flow of water. So, MUST.CLEAR.CONFETTI.UP.



The scent of this is alittle confusing and complex, so i shall not even attempt to delve into olfactory terms and descriptions.

Lush Sakura bath bomb

Given description :

Like the blossom in a Tokyo park on a spring afternoon.
The Sakura Ballistic is made in honour of cherry blossom time, perfumed with mimosa and jasmine to give you the joyful feeling of springtime, whenever you need it. (Sakura is Japanese for cherry blossom). When the blossom bursts forth in late spring, it's the habit in Japan to take a picnic and a bottle of sake to the park and enjoy its beauty (while getting slowly but pleasantly sozzled). Or you could have a bath instead

Taken from:www.lush.com



When i think of Sakura, i think of flowers so i find it a bit strange that there isn't any dried sakura flowers in this. Or maybe there was? My memory fails me. Anyway, the scent is really nice, as always, but i've figured out that maybe the bath bombs from Australia are the best. They seem to have the best scent that lasts for days.

Lush Twinkle Bath Bomb

Can't remember what this bath bomb is called, oops! Anyway, i think this bath bomb is supposed to make you feel sleepy or something, the perfect thing to use just before you pop into bed. It is covered with glitter that looks really pretty in the bath.






what happens when you touch it with water.




I can't remember the scent, and i think they may not be selling it anymore because i can't find it on the website anymore.

Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

Given Description:

-All day care and protection
-Forms "glove-like" protection barrier against moisture loss
-Soothes, moisturizes and conditions skin
-Not tested on animals


KEY INGREDIENTS:

Avocado Oil
Ah’-voh-KAH-doh OY-il
Avocado Oil, derived from the fruit of a tropical American tree, is a rich, fatty-acid emollient. Avocado Oil is known to be the most moisturizing of any fruit oil. It is also a natural source of Amino Acid proteins, Vitamins A, D, E, and potassium. Helps to restore the natural moisture of the skin.

Sesame Oil
SEH-sah'-mee OY-il
Sesame Oil, which is a refined moisturizing oil derived from Sesame Seeds, has the same emollient properties as other nut and vegetable oils and is commonly used as a carrier oil for skin care products. Absorbs easily and softens the skin.


Formulated for the driest, most active hands, this heavy-duty moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection. Our blend of select ingredients allows skin to actually draw and absorb water from the air, forming a "glove-like" protective barrier against moisture loss. This formula, which contains a blend of botanical oils as well as natural wax derived from Olives Oil, further soothes, moisturizes and conditions skin. This most effective preparation helps protect against and repair the appearance of severe dryness caused by heavy industrial work, manual labor, neglect, or exposure to harsh elements.

TO USE:
To address severe dryness apply liberally to clean hands. For best results, reapply to hands after washing.

Taken from :www.kiehls.com


One thing i like about Kiehl's is that they mean serious business. You can tell from their shops, with the whole scientist lab setup and assistants wearing lab coats, this brand takes its products seriously. Even the products look like medical prescriptions, in a way, but not in a bad way.



The product packaging is always informative, and tells you all about the products and how to use it. They have specific products and formulations for certain skin types, which is great.




Im not sure if you are aware of this, but i suffer from eczema due to allergies from dust mites, all types and the allergies are pretty severe cos i have a high reaction to dust mites. Dust mites are all around, so you can safely say that i cant effectively get rid of my allergy. Thankfully though, i only suffer on my hands and not anywhere else on my body. My hands, when allergies occur, become cracked and dry, and the skin starts peeling. It hurts like crazy when it cracks! Eczema prone people have to constantly moisturise their hands and guess what, i LOVE this product for moisturizing my hands!!



I use this before i go to bed every night and so far, my skin isn't so dry, but of course this isn't a miracle product and it hasn't helped my skin improve DRAMATICALLY, but it has helped significantly.



I think the use of it with gloves would be better, but im scared that the gloves will attract dust mites too hahaha so i haven't done that myself.


I guess if you do a lot of gardening or dish washing then you should protect your hands and moisturise it with some heavy duty hand cream when you can.



I dont often put hand cream during the day because im scared that i grease up everything that i touch.





Cost: SGD $30 <--i think? Might be more expensive.






Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Lush Bling Crosby Bath Bomb

A chunk of the Bling Crosby.

Okay i don't think Lush sells this anymore in their shops because i bought this a long time ago (and used it a long time ago but never got around to posting the review :p). Anyway, Lush bath bombs can be broken into chunks and used for many baths so i happened to be using this for a foot soak.

It smells very orangey, and fresh, and the glitter is gorgeous. very festive. Because i kept it for quite some time, and the weather is humid here, i think i would like to warn you not to keep bath bombs for too long because they might absorb the moisture in the air and when you put it in the bath it loses its efferverscence.

L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Sorbet Body Cream

Given Description:

Enriched with moisturizing lemon, this splendid body cream softens and awakens skin. Its light and pleasing texture provides a refreshing and cooling sensation, leaving skin feeling smooth and delicately perfumed with the sparkling scent of citrus and verbena.

Smooth onto moist or dry and clean skin.

Quoted from L'Occitane.com.sg website

When i sampled this at the L'Occitane shop, i was quite pleased with the texture of the cream so i bought this. And furthermore, since this is a sorbet and not a heavy cream, it's perfect for Singapore's hot and humid weather.



The refreshing scent of the cream ( i like the verbena range a lot, especially the body wash) also freshens you up.




One thing i really like about this cream is it absorbs really quickly, and is not greasy at all, so i've started putting on body cream after my showers. Normally, i don't do that because most of the body moisturizing creams i have are quite thick and a little bit greasy so i hate to walk around feeling so sticky you know? With those type of heavy creams, i save them for just before bedtime, so that i can tuck into bed with my air conditioner blowing and not feel sticky.








With a protective seal. I like this, because then you don't have to worry so much about keeping the cream unused for some time before finally opening it. (that doesn't mean you should leave the product unused for too long though! Most products have an expiry date)





I also noticed that my hands feel rather sticky with this on. I can't explain it, it feels perfectly fine on the rest of my body but on my hands it feels sticky. Hmm? I tend to wash my hands after using this cream. And the scent smells a bit artificial when applied in large amounts. Again, i can't explain why.



Costs i think $55-$60? Can't remember the price.


Anyway, if you like light, non-greasy creams, then this is for you. Overall, a not-bad cream. If only the sticky hands and artificial smell didn't occur..




Rating: ♥♥♥

Make Up Store Microshadow

From left: Muffin, Butterfly


From left: Eclipse, Deep Blue


What i love about Make Up Store's Microshadows is that they have a wide range of colours. They have more than 100 i think, just for the Microshadow range. The colours are highly pigmented (of course used better over a base) and are very fine, and due to the fine texture they are highly blendable.


You only need a little bit for high intensity, and the colours when applied on skin look the same in the pot.


Here are a few swatches:





(applied over Make Up Store's eyeprimer in clear) From left: Muffin, Butterfly, Eclipse and Deep Blue




Wonderfully vivid. I love Muffin, one of the best highlighting shadows ever. You can use it to highlight your browbone, it has a most delightful champagne satin colour. If you had to buy one eyeshadow, i would recommend Muffin.



Each costs about SGD $26 i think? Cheaper than MAC and just as good. Plus each pot contains a lot that would last you quite some time.



Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ Cheap and good quality