There is no doubt that beautiful skin can be achieved at very affordable prices.
For those of us who want to see results on our skin, luxe creams are not the only way to go. Many mid-range beauty brands are offering well-developed skincare products that adequately target problem areas.
We look at three skincare brands, Neutrogena, Nuxe and Fancl, which offer no frills products to set you on the path to clearer skin.
Over a period of three weeks, I put three skincare ranges to the test to see how well they address my skin concerns of combination skin (oily T-zone with dehydrated skin), blemishes, enlarged pores and redness.
Replenish skin's dry basins
Neutrogena's latest range, Hydro Boost, is created to restore inner skin dryness.
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This range is suitable those of you who feel extreme dehydration at various parts of your face like the cheeks, undereye area, jawline and neckline.
The unique formula is a combination of hyaluronic acid and olive extract. The highly purified acid is apparently highly water absorbant and pumps moisture back into skin progressively. The olive component which is derived from highly purified olive oil, help to retain skin's moisture shield and reduces loss of
it.
The range includes the Hydro Boost Mousse Cleanser, Hydro Boost Lotion,
Hydro Boost Essence, Hydro Boost Water Gel and Hydro Boost Mask. It is oil-free and non-comedogenic - that is, it will not clog pores.
The star product of this range is the Hydro Boost Essence. It is an intensive treatment which is tauted to restore three times the skin's moisture
level within just one hour. Direction of use: Apply to face and neck after lotion every day and night.
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However, my favourite is the Hydro Boost Water Gel (left). This moisturiser is light and easy on the skin. I was pleased the this gel could be applied around my
eyes to take away tiredness from the lack of sleep and moisture.
While claims to restore moisture levels by more than 200%, and I am unable to give a fair judgement on that, I must say however that the gel is
long-lasting. In addition, it had a calming effect on my skin. It kept my normally aggrevated greasy skin supple and smooth even after a long day of interacting
with enviromental aggressors. Direction for use: Massage evenly over face and neck every morning and night, after clear lotion and essence.
Affordability: Prices range from $13.50 to $31.50
Availability: All leading personal stores and pharmacies
Target blemishes, redness and enlarged pores
Perhaps you have one of these symptoms of oily skin - shine, pimples, redness and enlarged pores - or worse still, you suffer from all of that.
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No, you're not doomed.
Nuxe recently launched a new skincare range, Aroma Perfection, for combination and oily skin, an apparent problem for 86% of Asians.
A key step towards skin prefection is elimininating excess sebum with the Purifying Cleansing Gel, according to Ms Sonia Garnier,
International Communications Public Relations Director of Nuxe Paris.
Made from Cottonseed and Coconut Oils, Apple Juice derivative, this formula is soap-free and alcohol-free. It gently exfoliates to remove excess
sebum and does not sting sensitive skin. Ms Garnier recommends that this cleanser be massaged into skin for about five minutes in circular engergising movements.
For a double-purifying effect, apply the Skin-perfecting Purifying Lotion, which instantly refreshes skin with its botanical and marine notes.
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According to Ms Garnier, these two steps are essential to prime skin for the application of the Pore-Reducing Serum and Perfecting Moisturizing Emulsion.
The former tightens and lifts pores, the latter matifies, refines pores and smoothens skin.
Only $59.90, the Pore-Reducing Serum (left) is star buy. It contains mangosteen, Wild Pansy and Oat extract which helps target oil-shaped sagging pores.
Affordability: Prices range from $39.90 to $69.90
Availability: Robinsons, John Little, selected Watsons and BHG Bugis, Metro City Square
Fairest of them all
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In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, FANCL debuts its limited edition fairytale collection Mild Cleansing Oil, featuring Snow White in a design by famed German illustrator Irma.
The makeup remover effectively removes stubborn cosmetics like foundation, lip colours and even mascaras.
Enriched with Meadow Foam Oil extracted from Meadow Foam seeds, it aids the removal of keratin plugs which clog up the skin. This powerful formulation dissolves dirt in pores and removes grime without leaving an oily residue.
Other ingredients like Green Tea Catechin Oil, which helps remove free radicals on skin surface, and anti-inflammatory Rosehip Oil, which facilitate smooth application with minimal friction, prepares skin for the rest of your skincare routine.
Use with the Facial Washing Powder for best results. My skin and congested pores felt instantly relieved after the first layer of makeup gunk is removed.
Affordability: Retails at $33 for 120ml (every purchase comes with a complimentary Facial Washing Power in 20ml bottle).
Availability: At all FANCL outlets from March, 26, 2010.
