Viva Woman

This is my daily dose of beauty inside out.  One teaspoon of Nordic Naturals Complete Omega-3.6.9 Liquid every evening before heading to bed.  In fact, this is an upgrade from my previous bottle of just Omega-3 (see post on Take Omega-3 Fish Oil For Beauty Inside Out) because this formula contains essential fatty acids from both fish and plant source to promote healthy skin, flexible joints and strong immunity. 

I take this for both health and beauty reasons and it’s great tasting and not very fishy because of the lemon flavor.  But I can’t say for certain if taking this has contributed to better skin for me because I’m also using many skincare products at the same time.  But one thing I noticed is that my cuticles are not so dry since switching to this formula.  In addition, the pain I felt occasionally on the joints of my knees is also less apparent.

 
Nordic Naturals Complete Omega-3.6.9 Liquid is available locally from www.vitakids.biz and to know more about the difference between Omega 3, 6 and 9, you can read about them here. 

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If you’re in the market for an affordable line of basic natural skincare products, I would recommend you try Sukin Organics which is available from selected Watson’s.  They’re not your premium organic range but, I think the fact that the products are free of sodium lauryl sulphate, mineral oil, parabens, harsh detergents, animal derivatives, artificial fragrances or colours and yet are affordable makes them a really good deal. 

However, I need to highlight that while most of the ingredients appear harmless, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate or Suttocide is used as the preservative.  This appears to be a plant-based derivative preservative with naturally occurring amino acid readily used in products that are 100% natural.  Its toxicity level is undetermined as there have been no studies on the long term effects of using this and hence,  I can’t say for sure this is definitely safe.  But I understand that it is impossible for the products not to use some form of preservative and this is still acceptable to me especially when I compare what is used in the other most established conventional brands in the market.

So what have I tried under Sukin and what do I like?

Sukin Organic Foaming Facial Cleanser
I recently bought my 4th bottle so you can tell that I do like this.  It’s gentle and it cleanses pretty well as I have already reviewed but I’ll like to add that this performs as well as Jurlique Foaming Facial Cleanser for me and yet it’s much more affordable.  Two thumbs up for this!  

Sukin Organic Cream Cleanser
This is great stuff which smells really wonderful!  There is not much to review except that it does a good job of taking away my makeup and I’ll definitely buy this again.

Sukin Organic Hydrating Mist Toner
I won’t be buying this again only because I don’t find a hydrating mist toner useful for me.  I like using toners but I love them with a cotton pad.  And to set my makeup, I always use a facial spray.  Hence, this product was quite a waste of money for me although I do use it every morning.  A plus point is that it smells great.

Sukin Organic Facial Scrub
This is definitely comparable to L’Occitane Almond Apple Sweet Peel in terms of texture and feel but only at a fraction of the price.  It basically does the job of a facial scrub but it isn’t fine if that’s what you’re looking for.  I don’t mind it, but I’m not certain if I would buy it again.

Sukin Organic Facial Moisturiser
A very lightweight wonderful smelling moisturizer that acts as a humectant to soothe and hydrate the skin.  I like the fact that it’s non greasy and hence is great as a base before applying sunscreen and makeup.  But if you’re looking for something richer, this isn’t suitable at all.

Sukin Organic Botanical Body Wash
Again, I’m into my 3rd bottle so this is another of my favorite.  I love how my skin feels after using this.  Soft and not drying as I have reviewed.  Also smells fabulous.   I’ll be buying more of this for sure because it is really value for money when compared with other range.

Sukin Organic Hydrating Body Lotion
Like the body wash, this product grew on me.  I didn’t fancy it initially because it didn’t smell as great as I expected.  In addition, I felt it wasn’t emollient enough.  However, after repeated usage, I’ve come to like it quite a bit especially because it doesn’t leave any greasy film or trace on my skin. 

Sukin Organic Deodorant
This one I don’t love despite the lack of aluminum or parabens.  It works in reducing odor alright but the spraying just don’t work for me.  You can read about it in my full review.   Not recommending it.

Summary
Overall, I’m rating this range 3.5 out of 5 hearts for the various products I’ve tried.  Many of their products are worth a trial especially since they’re all in the range of S$12.95 and they smell great.  However, the range is just basic skincare if you ask me.  My skin won’t get worst using the products but it’s also highly unlikely that I will see any remarkable improvement just by using them.  

Sukin organic range of products are only available at the Watson’s outlets at Parkway Parade, Ngee Ann City, Centrepoint, Great World City, Anchorpoint and Compass Point.

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While writing my entry on Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Eye Treatment last week, I came across many forumers raving about Canmake Eyelash Essence which is an eyelash base that increases volume while also conditioning damaged eyelashes.  In fact, 14 reviewers at Makeupalley also gave the product the thumbs up, contributing to the 4.4 out of 5 rating.

Most of them reported results after using it for about two weeks and the best part is that it only cost S$13.90, compared to the other more expensive brands like Talika or Mavala.   

Described as containing conditioning agents panthenol and lavender extract, this product helps protect your lashes throughout the day, hydrating them and providing them with greater firmness.  Because it is transparent, you can also use it as a base before using an eyelash curler to give your lashes a longer-lasting curl or as a base for your mascara, increasing volume and helping in the application.

So if you’re in the market for a cost effective eyelash product, check out Canmake Eye Lash Essence.  In Singapore, you can find it at selected Watson’s such as those at Bugis, Parkway Parade, Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Junction 8 and Ngee Ann City as well as Guardian at Suntec City.

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I received a sample of the John Varvatos Eau De Parfum in my mail last week and I was immediately struck by the pretty pink color of the perfume and the lovely shape of the bottle.  I don’t use fragrance frequently but I have been buying them on a regular basis for my mum who loves them.  Apart from the scent, I’ll buy the perfume if the packaging appeals to me because  I think a beautiful bottle and an enticing color makes a wonderful gift and will somehow enhance the whole user experience. 

What’s interesting to mention is that John Varvatos is an American contemporary fashion brand with its own range of skincare products and fragrances that caters to men and John Varvatos Eau de Parfum is actually the first women’s fragrance under the brand. 

Described as a classy fruity chypre, the fragrance is composed of Aromatic Grappa, Georgian apricot, damascus plum and golden mandarin.

The top note is then enriched with a warm unique floral heart-rubrum lilies, Indian mango blossom, Egyptian jasmine and Turkish rose attar conveying an unmistakable femininity and elegance. The rich background is pure sensuality oakmoss, patchouli, tonka beans and wild honey.

I’m no expert when it comes to perfumery but I certainly know a lovely fragrance when I come across one.  John Varvatos Eau de Parfum is definitely a feminine signature that brims with sweetness and sensuality.  The scent is fresh and light, yet the sweetness lingers on even after a couple of hours.  I had originally planned to pass this to my mum but after trying it for a few days, I’m thinking this is a keeper.

John Varvatos Eau de Parfum is available online from US$70 (1.6 oz) and those in US can enjoy free shipping. However, the international delivery charges are rather steep so it’s better to ship via vPOST if you’re thinking of ordering.

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