MURAD RESURGENCE | RETINAL RESCULPT OVERNIGHT TREATMENT

Do you often wonder about what's the difference between retinal and retinol? Which one do I use? How much should I use? Can my skin expose to the sunlight after application? Which one is for prevention and which one is for correction? I'm gonna answer most of these answers under this blog post after I gained my knowledge from Murad's latest release: Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment.

My followers on IG (if you haven't follow me on Instagram please: @reikotherainbowgirl) probably have seen some of these photos but there are so much I want to share about Murad's latest product as after few weeks of usage, I found my skin in such bright and smoother condition that some people mistaken my bare skin looks as post-foundation skin. Murad's products always deliver satisfying result that's for sure. 

To be frank, I only trust products with company background like Murad's. They spent 30 over years in developing skincare products that's backed by scientific results and also safe. No matter what stage you're at, you'll be able to find professional skincare products that will work for you.

As for me, a matured skin middle aged city woman whose schedule is always on the go, anti-pollution and anti-aging were my skincare focus as of late. Especially with late nights and imbalance lifestyle, my skin can age and look dull so quickly before I realise. That's why I'm in love with Murad's Resurgence series as it response to my skin's SOS call so well.

So which should you choose? Retinol or retinal active ingredients skincare? Both of them serve different purpose depending on what's your skincare routine goal is. If you're looking for prevention - go for retinol. This ingredient is milder compare to retinal so it can be introduce to skin as young as in their 20s as anti-aging preventive step. 

On the other hand, Retinal increase speed effectiveness can deliver faster result in combating aging skin, making it the best ingredients for corrective anti-aging skincare products, hence Murad's latest Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment has come to rescue our dull, saggy skin.

"This efficacious form of Vitamin A is stable but is 2.5times faster and stronger to show result to its users. Its' unique and high technology encapsulated system let the Vitamin A remain active and stable all the time, so it could deliver and penetrates skin upon application." explains by Murad's Asia Pacific Education Director Ms. Katy Bacon. 

The main supercharged ingredients that were used in Murad's latest release are Kangaroo Paw flower, olive leaf extracts, oat lipids and alpha glucan. These ingredients are effective in improving saggy appearances, smoothen out wrinkly lines on our skin as well as replenish ceramics that increase moisture to restore skin's barrier for a healthier, more elasticity and younger skin condition. 

So when should I use Retinal products? The answer is always at night because these ingredients doesn't work well with UV rays. Apply a thin layer all over face and neck and in just mere 2 weeks, you'll be able to notice the visibly lifted skin as well as smoother deep set wrinkles/crepey skin. Remember to apply sunscreen in the morning before going out too to prevent UV rays causing further damage to skin. 

This innovative serum that's clinically proven to tackle major signs of aging is already available to purchase on all Murad physical outlets as well as Murad's online store. (click here). To learn more details about this product, do head to Murad's official website for details. 

For more information:

Murad's Malaysia Official Website

Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment retails at RM598 (30ml)

Enjoy Japan's Celebrity Style Facial at Menard Plaza Damas

Japan beauty has been under my radar since my teenage years. I'm astonished by the looks of Japanese girls, how glowy and vibrant they look yet each possessed their own distinguishable uniqueness. Hence I'm a big fan of Japan-made cosmetic products and beauty regimes.

But Menard facial salon located at Plaza Damas escaped from my watch list. I didn't know this established facial salon is in Malaysia until recently, but apparently they have been around for many years in Malaysia! Oh my what did I missed? 

If you're familiar with Japanese drama, I bet you've noticed Menard as one of those major sponsors before. In fact, Japan's top actress Kyoko Fukada is one of Menard's ambassador for many years. When I read her news I was wondering what she did to keep her looks so in such great shape, so youthful looking and glowy! I think I found the answer to my question. 

Menard Plaza Damas is situated in the neighbourhood of Sri Hartamas with ample of parking and eateries. Just one floor up from Starbucks at Hartamas Shopping Centre, you can find Menard Plaza Damas just slightly on the left hand side ( same row as Artistic Lighting Gallery).

May, my beautician of the day is the second generation that runs Menard Plaza Damas. Her mother is the first generation that operates the very same facial salon and gosh her mother looks so stunningly youthful from the photos. I was welcome with cheerful smile and a cup of warm tea, and introduced to Menard's premium skincare line - Embellir. 

Patented and uses 7 nobel prize winning process (Ceramides - Chemistry, Talomers - Medicine, Cell Purification - Chemistry, Methodology of Beauty Expression - Physiology, Gene Restoration - Chemistry, Gene Alterations - Medicine, Gene Copying - Chemistry ), Menard's Embellir skincare line is more than luxury. It's attain beauty in skincare routine that can sustain for a long period. Contains red and black reishi 靈芝 mushrooms alongside with oriental fragrances and herbs like olibanum, myrrh and rose, Embellir products can protects skin from ageing at the same time restores skin's back to its youthful appearances. 

Its new Reishi SX extract encapsulated the concentrated extract of the reishi mushrooms, together with the new DDS system (drug-delivery system) and skin emulsion technology, these products can easily penetrates into deeper skin layers and let its active ingredients work its magic. 

Texture of Menard Embellir's Refresh Massage cream

The foam you can (and should) create for cleansing using Embellir's Washing.

Power Duo that cleans, protects and restore

After a demo of the power duo on my hand, I was then invited to experience Menard Plaza Damas's Embellir Standard Course Treatment (RM380), a 50 mins treatment that uses Embellir's products paired with holistic rituals, manual techniques as well as beauty gadgetry.

This facial treatment includes these:

1. Cleansing: deep cleansing to remove impurities from pores
2. Warming: increase blood circulations and enables absorptions of treatments
3. Facial & Décolleté Massage ( my favourite!): lymphatic drainage massage to accelerate skin's metabolism
4. Vibration: stimulate lymph movements and helps discards accumulated lymph fluid
5. Vacuum: removes excess sebum and stubborn impurities from pores
6. Lotion pack: intensive moisture replenishment using Embellir's Liquid lotion
7. Soothing: soothe and tighten skin with Beauness
8. Application of Lotion
9. Finishes with day cream and makeup base

This warming sensation is very calming

the immediate differences of face and décolleté massage, my left face can been "pulling" upwards after the massage. I'm sold!

Vacuum the excess sebum and stubborn impurities 

Lotion pack with Embellir's liquid

This is how I look after Embellir Standard Course Treatment:

I never knew I looked this fair(?)
or does the treatment polishes all the dead skin cells away and revealed my healthy complexion

After the treatment, me and my skin felt rejuvenated and nourished! The massage techniques and treatment procedures that Menard Plaza Damas uses the same as Menard Japan because May was sent and trained by trainers there, hence she also have loyal Japanese customers who visit the facial salon all these years. 

There's good news to my readers who wanted to try Menard Plaza Damas's Embellir Standard Treatment Course. May has agreed to give an introductory price of RM188 ( normal price: RM380) to all of you who are reading this and feel the goodness of the treatments by yourself! All you have to do is just email me your basic details at reiko0607@gmail.com and I'll assist you from there or DM me/ Menard Plaza Damas on IG.

Thank you Menard Plaza Damas for your warm hospitality and is it safely to say that I have found my favourite facial salon in KL?

For more details:

Menard Plaza Damas


Block N, Plaza Damas, 1-6,
Jalan Sri Hartamas 1,
Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Contact: 016-660 8304

Operation hours: 11am - 6pm (close on Mondays)

Menard Plaza Damas Official Instagram

Menard Plaza Damas Official Facebook Page

MURAD CORRECT & PROTECT SERUM

There's no deny that UV pollution is one of the main culprit that ages our skin rapidly and could done damage to our skin fast and permanently. Ones skin could've aged more if he/she constantly forgets to add this protective agent in their skincare routine for a long period.

Lazy people like me is always on the search of good sunscreen because I've encountered few bad ones all these years. They either leave a white cast all over the face or the texture is thick and they didn’t blend well with my make up foundation.

With Murad’s brand new correct and protect serum broad-spectrum SPF 45 PA++++, it is the perfect blend of serum and sunscreen that doesn’t have thick texture, corrects skin’s discoloration and protects skin against hyperpigmentation that forms dark spots.

Thanks to plant-derived beet root extract, this sunscreen-serum helps to improve skin’s hydration and hydration has always been the key to skin’s vitality and boosts skin’s Vitamin D production that regulates skin cells’ ability to multiply. 

Healthy skin cells also means that they could retain more hydration which will decrease inflammation, dullness, dryness, roughness, discoloration caused by sun damage. Which means if you are using a good skin care product that boosts hydration, it forms a good cycle of maintaining a healthy, glowy skin.

After testing this sunscreen-serum for weeks, aside from having no white cast all around my face, I find that my skin feels more hydrated and improved radiance. More importantly, some of my dark spots and uneven skin tone seems to have lightened plus corrected, my face looks fairer than before. Below is a before and after photo comparison, in just almost 3 weeks, my skin tone looked even out and I couldn't be more happier to have celebrate Chinese New Year with my current look!

Suitable for all skin types, this satin smooth sunscreen-serum can be use alone as the last step in your skin care routine or for dry skin type, you can layer it over your daily moisturizer. Easy and effective, I know this is the sunscreen-serum that you’re looking for in year 2023. Do check out Murad Malaysia’s official website for more information.

For more information:

https://www.murad.com.my/product/correct-protect-serum-spf-45/

Price: RM358 - 30ml

EDOBIO HAIR AND BODY CARE LINE

Hi there, I'm so excited to share with you all that one of my favourite Japanese skincare brand - Edobio has recently announced their launch of hair and body care line and they're so kind to send me a complete set to try it out.

Most of you who followed me on various platforms knew that I've been using Edobio skincare products now and then and I love their soufflè soap as well as saketernal skincare series that uses sake lees as their main ingredients. As one of the Japan's well known skincare brand that keeps their high standard of quality skincare products, it's no doubt that this new release of hair and body care line is gonna complete my holistic approach of skin and body wellbeing.

There are three products in this line: Smoothing Shampoo, Glossing Conditioner and Renewing Body Soap.

What I love about their packaging design is they fit so well into my minimalistic approach on home interior. White packaging with classic fonts and did you notice the small details on their pump head designs? Each bottle has slightly different pump heads so that users will immediately know which one they're using. This is such a brilliant idea for those who has weaker eyesight during shower time.

Edobio's focus has always been "rice bran beauty regime" that were inherit since Japan's Edo period. They incorporate biotechnology science with traditional beauty regime and created a modern beauty ritual that's loved by many. Hence these new products contain:

• fermented rice bran extract (BiProGe lactic acid bacteria)
• lactic acid
• blueberry stem extract
• yuzu fruit extract
• rich oils such as camellia oil, shea butter in the haircare line
• honeysuckle leaf, green tea leaf extract and etc

I love the smell of these products on first application! They gave me this home spa vibe that's very much needed in the urban lifestyle. My body slowly releases all the tension it withholds inside when I cleanse my body from head to toe. I immediately reckon that these products will be perfect for everyday wind down self-care routine. 

And did I tell you that Edobio's Smoothing Shampoo comes in my favourite colour - black? Yes, you read this right! This plant-based smoothing shampoo uses charcoal powder (hence the liquid colour is black) to cleanse, absorb dirt and remove odour from our hair and scalp, leaving them them clean for the next step: Glossing Conditioner. 

With shea butter, camellia oil, and rich amount of rice bran extract with lactic acid, this Glossing Conditioner hydrates and nourishes my bleached hair, however due to my hair's extreme condition (heavily bleached over the years), I find that I still need to apply hair oil after towel dry to ensure my hair's silky smooth condition, but for normal circumstances, this Glossing Conditioner will work wonder. 

Last but not least - Renewing Body Soap. This body soap balances skin's bacteria, it doesn't dry up my skin but moisturizes, gives my skin that radiant glow after wash. Plus the scent is so spa-like hence I feel like I will finish this 300ml bottle pretty soon. 

I find that this set of hair and body care line from Edobio makes perfect Christmas and New Year gifts if one were about achieve healthy skin condition with products that are mostly natural and plant-based. You can get these made-in-Japan products at Isetan KLCC as well as Isetan Japan Store, Lot 10 or on their official website.

I FINALLY TRIED MURAD FACIAL TREATMENT

Ever since the pandemic started, facial treatments wasn't my lifestyle priority because we had strict lockdown in Malaysia and every business has been affected. It was a tough two year period for all of us hence it wasn't till recently that I feel should really give my skin some treatment and coincidentally Murad Malaysia invited me to try out their facial so of course I said yes.

Murad created by Dr. Howard Murad is an established brand worldwide and I have been a big fan of their skincare products. Their products have been delivering great results whenever I use it. And I always knew that Murad's store offers facial treatment but you know, as a shy Malaysian I just don't have the courage to went up and get to know more about it, hence I didn't know how much I've missed and my skin condition could've been better than now if only I started the treatments way earlier. 

My beautician Alice welcome me at the store with a big smile and greeted me warmly. She analyses my skin condition, says that my skin has become dry with uneven skin tone hence she recommended me their Vita-C Quenching Facial. It is to brighten, even out skin tone as well as smoothing the skin and increase its radiance.

I was then lead to their treatment which is dimmed lighted and it felt cozy. With a locker to store my belongings and changed clothes, I saw there are arrays of Murad products displayed on the shelf beside the treatment bed and I can't wait for the treatment to start!

First of all, a relaxing and breathing rituals was conducted right after I lie comfortably on the treatment bed. Relaxing music were playing at the background and my beautician held her essential oil soaked hands over my face to let me breathe in the soothing aroma that relaxes my mind and body. 

Then she did a deep cleansing by removing all my makeup, and thoroughly wash my face. My face was squeaky clean and gives clearer look of how my skin condition is. Alice also snapped some close up photos using the store's device so that after the treatment we can see the before and after.

Not long after, everything was a blur because I felt so relax and kinda wanna doze off a few times. I remember my pores were opened up by a facial steamer, extractions were made to clean my pores. Ultrasonic device were use to further infuse the goodness of serum then last but not least, a layer of mask applied to soothes my thoroughly cleanse skin.

I remember when I look at the mirror right after the treatment session, I was so amazed by the result! My skin tone looks so even and radiant even dimmed lighting and back camera could capture my healthy glow skin! Definitely one of the best delivered result facial treatment I've experience in recent years.

Alice was waiting for me at the store front with a cup of warm ginger tea and explained thoroughly to me my skin condition throughout the facial treatment, and she also introduced some products that can help me maintain my good skin condition. She also explained to me some of the great deals for facial treatment packages without hard selling them. 

Overall I would highly recommend anyone who loves their product to try out their facial treatment, because I've witnessed a drastic changes on my skin right after and I'm so satisfied with the outcome. I've included the price list of their treatments in the next photo but you can book a facial with introductory price (RM128) too if you're first time customer.

Now that it's already been awhile, I feel like going back for another treatment session already!

For more info:

Book your facial at https://facial.murad.com.my