[R.e.v.i.e.w] Can L'Oreal Youth Code Serum Save Your Youth? (1)

You may know that L'Oreal Youth Code Serum is the sister version of Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentration, one of the so-called advanced anti-aging gene therapy products (another one is Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, short for ANR) . With similar ingredients and a lovely price (€18, 30ml), Youth Code is nearly three times less expensive than Genifique. Not long till it's released, L'Oreal youth Code has become the new Rock Star. A lot of people aged from 20-45 are talking about it, using and reviewing it. Before I start, I read people's reviews from Europe, US and Asia, over 95% users highly recommend it for its high cost-performance ratio, amazing effect and low price. Compared with Lancome, most of users would prefer to pay for L'Oreal.

That is how it comes to me. Two of my friends are the royal fans of Youth Code Serum. They introduced it to me and insisted I should have a try. So I purchased it from the closest supermarket for 169kr with 15% off (coupon from the supermarket, not from L'Oreal). I also added the Youth Code Night Cream in my shopping cart for 129kr (-15%). In total I paid 253.3kr, equal €30. They were really cheap. I was kind of excited about the price. I tried immediately that night before bed.

Firstly I noticed the Youth Code Serum European version adopts a straw instead of a pump. That doesn't really make any difference between functions except it simply shows much closer to Lancome and Estee Lauder, who used the same packages. High-Tech? Alright! The texture is light and smooth. Grey-white transparent color looks like rice soup, no smell. Everything seems alright so far. I did three drops on face, and another two drops on the neck. It was very easy to massage to the whole skin. As I have the habbit to apply night cream as the end step of the skin care procedure every day, I also tried the Youth Code Night Cream that night, a rare light-purple color cream with a thicker texture than the serum, slightly chemical smell, not bad. Then I went to bed with a happy mood. The next morning when I woke up and stood in the bathroom, I saw a different me from the mirror. It was AMAZING! My forehead was so bright and smooth like i was still sixteen with the best age of skin. Skin became softer than before. Small winkles on face went invisible, even the stubborn neck winkles went lighter. The parts I wasn't happy with was a red mark (been there for half a year and i don't know how to get rid of) on my right cheek and my dark under-eye circles still there. Slight red blood under the skin can still be seen on the cheek and around the nose but went apparently lighter. But I couldn't ask for more than how it was by using this little magical bottle only once. You have no idea how surprised I was because I have been using a lot of skin care products for ten years, none of them made such visible changes through just one night. Moreover, it is so affordable!

After 10 days applying of youth Code Serum every morning and night (night cream was only used at night), I couldn't help falling in love with it. I believe my skin has been changed with someone younger, only a little bit muscle and skin lifting job, am going to be back to 18 again. Then I understood why everybody was crazy about it and I decided to keep using it! I called my husband to buy some more back home because I was informed the KICKS (largest Swedish make-up store) was promoting Youth Code Serum for only 158kr in just a limited time. Well, my husband then asked me, are you sure you wanna buy that many? what exactly inside to make it so good? A terrific question! Why is it so good? I suddenly remembered skin experts once told me about the collegan, something (supposed to be natural) you can take to make your skin young, your hair and nails shining. If the effect of one brand of collegan appears in a very very short time, that usually means it contains hormones which should NOT been add into collegan. Then you should keep away from this brand. So, soon I was a little scared. Does the Youth Code Serum contain any hormonal ingredients to make my skin so good?!

I then searched the ingredients of Youth Code Serum online (there are so many different versions and you never know which is the right one), using the website CosDNA to analyse. The result shows, actually there are some ingredients without any safety estimation information from CIR, RTECS and FDA. One of them is Bifida Ferment lysate, the key activity element also included in Lancome Genifique and Estee Launder ANR, was discovered to help the skin repair itself? But why no information about it? Is it because this is a new creation (Lancome and L'Oreal also claims that) with new ingredients? I am not an expert in medicine or chemistry, as a normal customer, I started to doubt  the safety of these ingredients.Who can proof they are completely safe for a long-term usage? Until I found this post (click it to read what the PICU doctor Christine researched about Youth Code Serum) from 15 Minute Beauty. I sort of got my answer.

The story is not ending yet, there will be a (2) coming back soon.......Thank you to stop by, as always!

[R.e.v.i.e.w] Dermalogica Trip-Active Cleanse

I received a sample of Dermalogica Trip Active Cleanse some days ago. Dermalogica is known by the natural high-quality skin care products without cheap and harmful artificial fragrance. Before using it, I analysed the ingredients as usual. The result shows most of them are mild and safe except PEG-100 Stearate and Potassium Hydroxide.

PEG-100 Stearate is said a "moderate to hazard ingredient depending on usage". Cosmetic formulations containing these ingredients should not be used on damaged skin. Here is a quotation about the risk of PEG-100 Stearate:

"The EWG issues warnings regarding: cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, contamination concerns, irritation, and organ system toxicity.

PEGs (including PEG 100 Stearate) can contain harmful impurities, including: Ethylene Oxide, known to increase the incidences of uterine and breast cancers and of leukemia and brain cancer, 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen; PAHs, known to increase the risk of breast cancer.

Products and formulas containing PEG 100 Stearate should not be used on broken or irritated skin. Although PEGs are considered safe for use topically on healthy skin, studies showed that patients suffering from severe burns were treated with PEG-based antimicrobial cream; this treatment resulted in kidney toxicity. "

Though Potassium Hydroxide itself contains strongly alkaline and corrosion, it has been widely used in shampoo, cream and lotion producing. It is moderate but may bring a high risk for irritation. I believe it won't be that harmful for just short term use for sensitive skins as long as you don't feel actual pain.

I tried it at a normal cleaning way. Applying the white paste on hands, it contains no artificial flavor but slightly acceptable medicine smell. When stroked for a while, no lather appeared. Gently massaged it on cheek, chin and forehrad, avoiding the eye area, for at least 30 seconds, and then wipe off the warm water. I don't feel dry or irration at all after using it, frankly, the Shea butter really did a great job to keep skin nourishing and soft. Due to I have combination skin without any broken parts, I feel good about it. Many non-foaming facial cleaners may bring the non-clear feeling for being too mild. I think addtional face cleaning brush can be also applied. Addtionaly, this cleaner does not have any make-up remover function.

Dermalogica can be a bit pricey, Trip Active Cleanse 150ml for $38, website, included in Chromawhite TRx series, which aims to brighten skin tone with great moisturization. Suggested using C-12 Concentrate and Extreme C after the cleaner, also applying for a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen daily for better effect. If you have sensitive skin and enough budget, seeking a set of products to make a change of the dark skin tone, you can make a trial at this ChromaWhite TRx series. 

Beauty Products Review Blog Recommendation

To do some research for the L'oreal Youth Code Serum I am going to review, I have been reading this blog the whole day 

15 Minutes Beauty

It is a wonderful blog by placing medical knowledge to analyse the ingredients and possible effects. And of course her own experience to use. The US based blogger Christine is a doctor that makes her review semi-professional (not a skin doctor though). She also has a large range of product review including skin care, make up, nails, hair, body, sunscreen, perfume, etc. I notice recently she posted some reviews in which the product samples are provided specially for reviews. I hope that doesn't effect the independence and objectivity of her work. I will keep an eye on that.  Still her blog is worth reading if you are a beauty addict as well. 

Thank you to stop by, as always!

[F.a.s.h.i.o.n] A Basic-Style Muse In Dior

Here I'm going to show the muse who inspired me to start Project 1- Be Basic. Angelababy, the 23 year-old model and actress from Hong Kong, China. I adore the way she dressed herself to attend Christian Dior fashion show in Paris Fashion Week, March, 2012. She looks independent at heart, with endless female power and a super pretty smile, mixed with sweetness and toughness. I personally like this look more than other little soft and gorgeous dresses. What do you think? 

Angelababy In Dior, Paris Fashion Week 2012

Fur Coat from Dior 2011 F/W

Leather Pencil Skirt from Dior 2010 Spring

Quilted Bag from Dior 

Things you may need to follow this look

1. Grey Fur Coat Marc by Marc Jacobs

2. White Short Sleeves Tee Yummie Tummie

3. Black Pencil Skirt OASIS

4. Black Chanel 2.55  Chanel

5. Black Sunglasses  Dior

6. Black High Heels JIMMY CHOO

7. Golden Letter Necklace Zoe & Morgan

8. Black&Golden Bracelet Alexander McQueen

9. Golden Metal Belt ASOS

10. Pink Lipstick L'OREAL

11. Red Nail Polish Lancome

12. Iphone  

[F.a.s.h.i.o.n] Project 2-2 - Simple Classic Casual

Hey! How's everything going with you guys? Still remember me, the girl programming an imaginary fashion closet? :) I'm back. Sorry I was away for a whole rainy and unlucky weekend but had a wonderful rest on Monday.

So, back to our topic, where were we? Project 2-2!  All-Match classic single items for casual looks, easy to wear when I go out for a walk in the forest! Of course, still with limited budget, I will choose these Four!

1. Braided Slender Leather Belt, Brown Color

2. Distressed Blue Jean Shorts

3. Short Brown Cowboy Boots (Heels no higher than 5cm)

4. White (or Creamy) Canvas Shopping Bag (With or Without Letters) 

As you can see I chose the most common colors, brown, blue and white (or creamy), which can match all the others already in the closet. Come to have a look how they work with each other!

I didn' list all possible looks because I believe it will probably be more than 50 different combinations with tops and bottons, different shoes, bags, and jewelries! I think you can do this game in your mind as well, get much fun as I have, see how many looks you will get just using these single items! With the ones I list in Project 2-1, it can also make a nice mix&mtach with both elegant and causal taste. How about mixing little black dress with the brown cowboy boots? I would like to try this great idea in real life! But, one more item has to be added. A blue silk scarf! This is really important, for that I'm crazy about marine and sailing stuff, so I will desperately want a blue tongue mixed, sailing theme real 100% silk scarf, better it is from Hermes, and better it is to be VINTAGE. I know I ask too much! This one I want probably doesn't exist. That's why I only have a closet in my imagination! However, even dreaming makes me feel good.

The blue scarf is superbe for almost every look we have made before, it can be tied on the Chanel bag and makes a beautiful tie-bow. Many people did that. Or it can casually go around the neckline of the little black dress, for a decoration of the whole look! Moreover, it can be wrapped on the beautiful long hair under the sunshine with huge sunglasses as Grace Kelly did. As long as you choose the right color to match the whole look. In this color system I make, I will personally recommend some more vivid colors like red, orange and green in addtion to blue, to give a contrast of other white&black. 

Therefore, I've got my complete 20 classic items list and I'm happy about it. Here is a review!

The same as every post, I hope you've enjoyed this reading with fun of imagination. I will stop this project for a while because I am heading to some more beauty review in the following days! After that I will post Project 3 about Winter Basic. Thanks every watcher!

[F.a.s.h.i.o.n] Project 2-1 - Simple Classic Chic

Wednesday morning, on my breakfast table, I held my little pink notebook, thinking a lot about my last week post  Project 1 - Be Basic. I wonder that, was it too rough? did I make myself clear enough? Maybe I forget to mention all those 10 single items I picked from millions of fashion style just indicates a general idea of mine, how to optimum the cost/performance ratio of one's look, how to pick the most practical items with less money, to make sure one will always have something to discover from her closet, instead of throwing a lot of money on bunch of stuff she doesn't even wear once per year, and still complain about she has nothing to wear!

Meanwhile, you might find the 10 items I'v listed were too boring to wear for having no HIGHLIGHT or charactors at all. When you go out in streets, there are probably 50 persons dressing exactly like you. Your friends can't even tell which one is you! Sadly,that is the purpose of thie project. Like a plant you are going to cultivate, those 10 items are just flower beds without seeding yet. Your beautiful flowers? Not even mention! But don't worry, from Project 2 (still 10 items), I will try to make it more personlized and more specific (but still be able to apply in a general way). I'm thinking Project 2 can be divided into two parts. Here, Project 2-1 will introduce 5 more items to make you look modern and chic, for business and evening party time use, while Project 2-2 will show another 5 hot items added for a more casual and street look, but still classic. Then you know how to keep your wallet tight!

So, this is what I asked myself, "When you've owned Top 10 basic that you can go for all occasions, looking fabulous and classic, what will be the first choice if you can afford one more? "And I got my answer!

It should be her, the classical Little Black Dress! I can create a new look with the 3 items I have already had from Project 1 like in the picture, black high heels, letters style metal necklace and perfect Chanel bag, no need to spend more. However, there are also 10 principles (from me) to pick the first little black dress for each empty closet:

1) Only black

2) Basic design, no weird cutting or stitching

3) Not too casual like streets styles 

4) Not too showy like evening gowns

5) Not too sexy like night wearing

6) Not too long, not too short

7) No decorations, no beads, no silver pins

8) No black lace, no leather

9) Better be pencil shape

10) Better choose the materials will never have crease

In my opinion, to choose a perfect little black dress (like the one in the picture), it will help you, indeed, save money! Because, with proper jewelry or accessories, you can wear it for both working and casual moments, or even visiting and evening parties in some special occasions. How can you do that? Let's add a few more single items to see!

This time, I add 4 fresh ones , vintage style black hat (can be made of wool or man-made materials), short multi layers (or only one layer, but i prefer multi-layers) creamy pearl necklace (or white color, it doesn't matter) , black patent leather envelop clucth (must be shining) and transparent high heels. That's it, another new look appears with both vintage and modern chic tatse. If the previous look with Chanel bag and black high heels is better to work in office, this one will be so dazzling for attending even a special dinner party! Review how Audrey Hepburn handled her little black dress and black high heels.Stunning, isn't it!

Meanwhile, with the 4 new accessories I've already had just now, there are also plenty of possibilities to match them with my other Top 10 items, then you get more looks! For example, check these styles below. They make perfectly match with each other. Of course I can freely change the transparent high heels back to black high heels, and change the clutch back to Chanel style bad for any moments. There is no way the changes will ruin my entire look. I personally love transparent high heels because it always makes my legs look longer, fantastic effect for petite girls! I'm only 5''1' tall, when I wear my hot shorts and 3' high transparent sandals in street at summertime, people can think like i'm 5"8' and always ask me where to buy those transparent sandals. That is why I rank it to Top 20. But remember to choose the simplest style, no stitching with other colors or materials. And, the most important thing, the higher, the better. 

Also I save the pearl necklace for foture wearing although it is not the most widely used item and not suitable for many occasions, but they are still my favourite accessories and i think every girl should have one.

Well, I'm almost done the Project 2-1. As an end for today, I make this above image to remind the audience what I've got for my empty closet right now! Yeah, these 12 never-out-of-time items you also must have if you wanna save money and achieve an elegant and classic look (or cool or chic, whatever) in more than two weeks. I know there are another 3 items from Project 1 left, my plan is that they will show on Project 2-2. So what's new I will be adding for Project 2-2? Soon you will know! Everyone, thanks for passing by! Remember to come back to check! Or follow me on twitter, thanks again!

[R.e.v.i.e.w] Can Cheap Price Makes Good?



I've been studying Marketing and Advertisment before, which makes me a bit hard to trust the blind faith held by some people, "the most expensive, the better". That is why I always try to discover those cheap but effective items no matter in supermarkets or stores or can only order online. Don't get me wrong though, it doesn't mean all the expensive skin care products are worthless. Of course some of them are indeed something! You just need to spend some time and acquire the unique "golden eyes" to distinguish the right ones among thousands of products with even more commercials on magazines or TV. For me, what I am currently applying on my face everyday, are them, on the picture, from left to right  (price may vary from different currency and discount policy, etc. I list a local regular price for future reference)

 L: ACO Face Cleaning Lotion (original from Sweden),  Price: 200ml - 49Kr (6 Euros)

C: Nivea Soothing Toner (original from Germany), Price: 200ml - 45Kr (5.5 Euros)

R: Avene Thermal Spring Water (original from France), Price:150ml - 99Kr (12 Euros)

ACO is a Swedish original brand, established in 1939, and currently popular in Scandinavia. It is a Nordic product line. They are well known for their gentle and mild feature, causing no allergy to skin. They also have a wide range of products for all aspects as you can image, very fair price and only sold in pharmacy that just so perfect for sensitive skin type. 

I have been using this ACO Face Cleaning Lotion for more than two months, as you can see on the photo, only half of the lotion left inside. The thing is, I did not like it at all at the beginning. I was recommended this cleaning lotion "can remove make-ups on face and eyes and lips, no need to rinse it off", and it is "for dry and normal skin" (I'm a mixed skin type, sometimes can be sensitive). This is really tempting that I could clean my face without water when I am about to fall asleep with a completely dizzy spirit? For a lazy and sleepy girl, what a saver! However, in the first week, it desperately turned me down. The texture of this lotion was too thick and oily, it only left a sticky feeling, as i never made my face clean. Unfortunely at that moment I was also allergic to the Scandinavian wind, when both of my cheeks remained red marks, I had to use a light Karin Herzog Cleaning Lotion instead, to repiar my skin.  Until my cheeks finally got back to normal two weeks later, I tried it again,and I suddenly found out I never used my ACO lotion a right way. Yes, otherwise it should have worked on me! Two very important things about how to correctly use this lotion, massage, and still rinse it off even they tell you no need!

Then I kept trying it for two months according to my way:  squeezing the lotion on a clean cotton pad, a bit more than usual if I have foundation or powder left on. Evenly wipe them on the skin (including neck), wait for a few seconds, and then start to massage everywhere slowly and carefully for a while.Give it a little bit time for the make-ups and dirt fully melting in the lotion, until I feel all the pores are clean and comfortable, and there are no dirt or make-ups left on the pad. Warm water can help to get rid of the lotion oilness and all the dirt but no need to "wash" it, only wet face for a couple of times and  dry it with a clean towel. Well, that is how I make it works on me, and I feel my skin is perfectly clean, not too dry and I like it a lot now!

There is one thing I concern about after checking the safety of its ingredients online, Ceteareth-6. It is always used in make-ups and creams as an emulsifier, however, i feel it is not one hundred percent safe to apply it everyday for a long time though. And this one actually contains stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol, can be a little irritant for sensitive skin. I will hold it to investigate.

Nivea is originally from Germany however you can find it everywhere in half of the global nowadays. I used this toner when I was 18 years old in college, and I use it again these days because it's really cheap and very easy to get in all supermarkets,when i am too busy to discover something new to have a dig at, i always chose ones i am familiar with. Generally, I don't see any obvious flaws for this product except the artificial smell is way too strong (some people really hate it). I used to apply them on three pieces of cotton pads, put them separately on both cheeks and forehead for 10 minutes, a simple everyday facial to keep skin wet as a way to prevent the winkles appear, easy and cheap, mild effect, either too good or bad. Checking the ingredients, most of them look fine. But still i don't understand why so many kinds of fragrance have to be added that makes the smell is so awful? And, remember, the contained hydroxycitronellal is something easy to be allergic to some certain types of skin. in that case, I'm almost sure I will only use this one if I have no other choice or emergency situation.

Avene from Paris has always been my choice for skin allergy problem. To be honest I can't live without this product when I am travelling abroad or experiencing a season change. Somehow it is never failed to relieve my red marks. When I have skin problem, i don't use any toner or or lotion or cream except this spray. There are only two ingredients listed on their package: Avene thermal spring water and nitrogen, and some figures for chemical element. It's natural and comfortable. I would highly recommend it as a must-have item in ladies' purses (they do have smaller package than 150ml) . You can use it even after make-ups just comfort the skin for not too dry. Price is alright, can get it in all pharmacy!

Ok, I hope you all enjoyed this review, that I personally think it is interesting to make the Price vs Effect as a comparison, then you will know exactly where your money should go! I will keep updating this project. Feel free to comment, share your expereince and send suggestions, i will reply. Thanks!