rinnah's consumer views|a straight talking, tell-it-as-it-is consumer lifestyle blog

I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to trying this product. Now, if I’d just bitten the bullet and got myself a sample or two of this baby, I wouldn’t have had to endure so many months of dry skin!

Image credit

Estee Lauder’s Hydrationist Moisture Barrier Fortifier is supposed to be an ultra-hydrating serum for all skin types and I picked up a travel sized version (7ml) of Hydrationist during my holiday in Hong Kong recently.

I had been battling awfully dry skin as a result of a long running eczema flare-up on my face and seriously, it is no fun going around with a face that’s covered with a red, irritated rash and dry peeling, flaking skin that makes me look as if I had permanent sunburn.

Enter Hydrationist.

To be absolutely sure that my skin wouldn’t feel overwhelmed when faced with a new product and especially a concentrated serum, I used this on its own with no other moisturiser.

With just one use, seventy percent of the minor flakies disappeared overnight, leaving just the really badly affected areas. With the dryness addressed, the redness and irritation in my skin started to reduce gradually.

By the second day (day and night use), only two stubborn dry patches near my eyes remained and my skin was almost back to normal.

On the third day, the area size of the dry patches near my eyes had shrunk by half and the rest of my face was back to normal.

By the fourth day, the dry patches around my eye area had improved so much you could barely see the dryness unless you looked up close and personal.

As if that wasn’t enough to sell me on the serum, Hydrationist also works on spots, because I had two tiny red hard pimples forming under my skin on my cheek (which was dry to begin with and the pimples had developed as the result of attempting to use a cream-based moisturiser to hydrate the area). After using Hydrationist, they softened and resolved by itself within 2 days. No popping involved!

What can I say? My skin adores Hydrationist! I’m never going without a bottle of this serum as long as they keep on manufacturing it.

I do have a minor gripe about the packaging though – the travel sized (7ml) version has no pump – it comes with a screw top cap that is secure for travel – but it makes it a bit harder to control the amount of product used each time. But I’d gladly put up with the hassle in order to keep this skin saver around.

Yes factors : Hydrates skin without feeling sticky or oily, works miracles on dry dehydrated skin
No factors : Expensive, not easy to control amount of serum used in the travel-sized version

Packaging : 50ml

Recommended Retail Price : MYR 210.00 (50ml)

Read other blogger reviews here :
Paris B

Ah Hong Kong! How I miss shopping there already… and I’ve only been back for a week.

Being a total newbie (it was my maiden trip to HK), I was totally unprepared for the bright lights and myriad stores. But I was lost the moment Kahani introduced me to Bonjour.

When she showed me the section on sample/travel sized products, I was completely sold on the concept and there was no turning back. The majority of the stuff you see in the picture below is from Bonjour, with a purchase each from Sasa, Harvey Nichols Beauty Hall and duty-free at Changi Terminal.

In no particular order, I came back with :
1. Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Rose Perle
2. Steam Cream
3. Lanvin Marry Me perfume miniature
4. Talika Lipocils Expert eyelash serum
5. Lancome Hydra Zen Neocalm detoxifying moisturising multi-relief anti-stress gel essence
6. Lancome Hydra Zen extreme soothing moisturising cream-gel
7. Lancome Genifique Youth Activator serum
8. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex serum
9. Estee Lauder Hydrationist Moisture Barrier Fortifier ultra-hydration serum
10. Dior Capture Totale One Essential skin boosting super serum
11. Diorsnow White Reveal essence
12. Shu Uemura UV Armor high protection face cream SPF 50
13. Shu Uemura Deepsea Hydrability moisturizing gel cream
14. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
15. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial micro serum
16. Laniege Water Sleeping Pack_Ex
17. Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale exceptional complete care serum
18. Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover

Whew! That’s a lot of miniature stuff, methinks!

And did you notice anything about the list above? It’s mostly skincare with a heavy slant towards hydrating stuff and anti-aging stuff.

I’ve been lemming quite a number of these serums for some time now, so yes, I am one very happy camper. Let’s hope that my sensitive/problematic skin takes kindly to me experimenting in the next few months!

How I wish I had access to these miniature pretties in Singapore or Malaysia all the time…

Read other blogger notes on shopping in Hong Kong here :
Kahani
Paris B

If you’re an Avène user in Malaysia, you would know that the brand very rarely goes on sale, and even then the discounts are only around 10% – 15% off.

I happened to be at my local Guardian drugstore today and noticed that they had a special offer for Avène’s Extremely Gentle Cleanser (which I use but have not yet reviewed) – the 200ml size bottle was on offer at MYR 48.88 compared to the normal retail price of MYR 64.90. Needless to say, I snapped it up immediately, since it also came with a free travel size (50ml) Avène Thermal Spring Water spray which normally retails on its own for MYR 18.90. Is this a great deal or what?

I’m not sure how long this promotion will be on, but if you use Avène, I’d say get going to your nearest Guardian and grab this bargain while you can.

Review on Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser will be out soon.

Description : Purifying Foaming Water is a clear water that transforms into high-density foam on contact with water to remove impurities from skin and restore radiance and freshness.

Packaging : 150ml / 50ml

Recommended Retail Price : MYR 65.00 / MYR 18.88

++++++++
My review :

I was looking to test the waters with Vichy Laboratories’ products and when I spotted this travel-sized bottle of Vichy Laboratories Purete Thermale Purifying Foaming Water (after this referred to as Vichy Foaming Water), I snapped it up immediately. Why? Just because it was reasonably priced, small, cute and pink! How can any female resist that combination?

The packaging of Vichy Foaming Water is nothing to shout about; just a simple pink colored plastic bottle and pump which fits nicely in my hand. However, the plastic does not feel flimsy or cheap so I’ll leave it as practical, sensible packaging.

Because I’m using the travel size bottle, I use about 1 1/2 to 2 pumps to get sufficient foam to cover my face, depending on how oily my skin feels. I have another foaming cleanser (Neutrogena Hydrafresh) and I verily believe that the foam produced by Vichy’s Foaming Water feels softer and more luxe.

I know this is something I repeatedly say in nearly all my reviews, but Vichy Foaming Water is strongly fragranced with a sharp floral smell and it’s something I could do without. However, I can live with it for as long as it’s on my face because thankfully the smell does not linger after you’ve rinsed off the foam.

I like to use Vichy Foaming Water in the mornings because it doesn’t dry my skin out and it’s perfect for a sleepyhead like me – no need to think so hard about which cleanser to use! It’s also a conveniently fast and quick way of getting your skin clean so I sometimes use it at night when I feel that I don’t have an oily day that needs heavier cleansing or as a gentle cleanser before I give my skin its weekly scrub.

Vichy Foaming Water claims to reveal skin radiance but I didn’t see much difference in my skin when it was the only thing I’d changed – the rest of my beauty routine remained the same. There was no markedly brighter looking skin, but I did think that my skin felt smoother and less dried out when using Vichy Foaming Water. I also liked that there was no filmy feeling on the skin as some heavier cream cleansers are wont to do.

I’m still undecided if I would repurchase this and make it part of my beauty routine – if anything, I think I would get it primarily for traveling. It’s certainly given me a good introduction to Vichy products though, and I would definitely explore more of this brand in future.

Yes factors : Sensitive skin friendly; not drying; easy to use
No factors : Strongly fragranced; more expensive than regular drugstore brands

Read other blogger reviews here :
Doll
Paris B

Tagline : Perfect X Simple Skincare

Description : Contains advanced skin hydrating ingredient – Super Hyaluronic Acid, with twice the moisture retention capacity of Hyaluronic Acid (1 gm of Hyaluronic Acid is able to hold up to 6 liters of water). Replenishes essential moisture to visibly improve skin texture and prevent dryness so skin stays soft, hydrated and supple.

Directions : Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.

Packaging : 170ml

Recommended retail price : MYR 40.90 (do look out for regular sales – around 10% off – on the Hada Labo range at your local pharmacy)

++++++++
My review :

So I gave in and finally hopped onto the super hyaluronic acid bandwagon a few months back. How could I not, with various beauty bloggers touting the “toing toing” effects it had on their skin and the combined lure of 10% off at Guardian? That was how I ended up with a bottle of Hada Labo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion (from now on referred to as Hada Labo SHA).

Call me naive if you must, but with the word ‘acid’ in the name of the product, I was initially very wary of how this product might react on my sensitive skin. But if it worked for Connie of SkinDeco who has sensitive skin, surely it would work for me too, right?

Anyway, Hada Labo SHA is a lotion, which in Asian skincare terminology means the Western equivalent of a toner and is meant to be applied after you cleanse your face and before your regular moisturizer.

The packaging of this product is so Japanese because it is practical and useful. It’s not fancy to look at, but it gets the job done, especially the outlet hole at the top of the bottle – it only lets out a drop of the product at one time, so unless you get carried away you’re not likely to end up pouring too much out at a go.

Once you get by the simplistic ‘Zen’ packaging, there’s nothing to look at when you pour out the product onto your palm. Hada Labo SHA looks exactly like water because it’s clear and the consistency of water. There’s also no fragrance, which adds even more to the illusion of water. These are plus points in my book because my skin has been known to react against excessive color or fragrance in products.

I like to apply my Hada Labo SHA on a damp face – i.e. don’t completely dry off your face after washing and before applying Hada Labo SHA. I find it helps to lessen the sticky feeling and seems to help the product be absorbed into my skin faster, without me having to ‘slap’ my face for ages. Here’s the video showing you how to ‘slap’ your Hada Labo SHA the right way:

I find that for me, the benefits of using Hada Labo SHA is not seen immediately but in the following hours after I use it as hours later, my skin still looks nice and plump and fresh as only well moisturized skin can be. Having experimented with using Hada Labo SHA both with and without a moisturizer, I can say for certain that it does work way better with any of my moisturizers layered on top as I would then get that soft and lovely feeling coupled together with that ‘toing toing’ bouncy feel. But in a pinch (although I wouldn’t dream of doing this all the time), I can use Hada Labo SHA on its own and still feel that my skin is adequately moisturized.

Would I repurchase this? Well, it’s going to take me a really long time to get through my bottle of Hada Labo SHA but I would definitely come back for more ‘toing toing’ goodness when I’m done!

Yes factors : Does a great job moisturizing skin, non-fragranced, works on sensitive skin, relatively cheap selling price
No factors : Can be time consuming to apply

Read other blogger reviews here :
Beetrice
Connie
Eli
Giddy Tigress
Jenn
Paris B
Plue

Tagline : 100% mineral sunscreen cream provides non-irritating, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Description : Avène “White” suncare line offers 100% mineral, chemical filter-free sunscreen products to provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection without irritation. It is safe for even the most sensitive skin, including infants, babies, and post-procedure skin.

Packaging : 50ml / 1.69fl.oz

Recommended Retail Price : MYR 75.90

++++++++
My review :

I rarely use sunblock or sunscreen during normal working days as I barely see the sun, heading to work before dawn breaks and returning home well after the sun has set, resulting in me being able to easily maintain my originally fair (some say pale) skin color. However, as age is slowly but surely catching up with me (I thought I saw a dreaded freckle forming!), I decided that perhaps I should start to diligently apply myself to the area of sun care. I had a small sample-sized tube of Avène Very High Protection Cream SPF 50 (after this to be referred to as Avène SPF 50 cream) that came in the Avène sensitive skin starter pack I bought last year so I thought I’d give it a spin and see how it goes.

Being accustomed to using as little skincare as possible to not aggravate my hypersensitive skin, it was a little uncomfortable for me at first knowing and feeling an additional layer of cream on my skin on top of my moisturizer. That’s because I’m psychologically programmed to think that ‘less products used mean less irritation’ after numerous eczema flare-ups. Anyway, I persevered my way through the small sample-sized tube, which lasted me maybe 8 – 10 applications because I use very, very little at a time.

The Avène SPF 50 cream is lightly tinted and it blends in seamlessly on my skin without standing out. In fact, I would even say that it actually evens out my skin tone somewhat so that my patchy skin (due to eczema outbreaks) seems even and smooth and less red. So yes, I like this about Avène SPF 50 cream a lot as it reduces the need for me to use an additional concealer or foundation on top of sunscreen. Also, daily use of Avène SPF 50 cream (over 2 weeks) did not result in the dreaded red spots/patches that usually immediately appear the moment I use something that doesn’t suit my skin, so that was a super plus point in my books.

Unfortunately, the things I don’t like about Avène SPF 50 cream outweigh the plus points for me.

Firstly, there is this faint metallic-like smell that I keep on smelling whenever I have Avène SPF 50 cream on. It’s not super strong like say, Coppertone or Banana Boat sunblocks, but it is there all the same and that bugs me until I get to wash my face at night. Secondly, I’m not really an oily-skinned person but I felt that using Avène SPF 50 cream turned me into an oil slick. After about 3 hours, I swear I could feel a layer of oil film on my nose that I needed to blot. This feeling happened every single time I used Avène SPF 50 cream and again, it bugs me big time.

I toted along Avène SPF 50 cream on a quickie trip to Singapore with the girls simply because I needed a sunblock/sunscreen to use and it was sitting on my dresser and it was a handy travel size. I had it on while we were out and about under the scorching hot Singapore sun (walking the streets at midday with no umbrella is no joke!) and it really does do the job – I didn’t feel my skin burning up and I didn’t turn a shade darker when the trip was over. Unfortunately, I could still smell that metallic-like smell and needing to wash my face to get rid of the oily feel was not what I was looking for in a sunblock/sunscreen.

Compared to other sunblocks/sunscreens available in your local drugstore, I’d say that the pricing for Avène SPF 50 cream is not exactly friendly for those on a budget but I would be willing to pay for something that actually suits my sensitive skin. When pressed for other alternatives, I’d come back to Avène SPF 50 cream because I know it doesn’t affect my skin and try to close my eyes to its shortcomings. But the search for a daily use sunblock/sunscreen continues for me.

Yes factors : High SPF ratio, doesn’t break me out, light tint evens out appearance of skin tone
No factors : Faint metallic-like smell, makes my skin oily, a bit pricey for drugstore brands

Tagline : Enjoy rapid refreshment and a full 12 hours of soothing moisture with an addictive by-a-waterfall feel. Advanced hydration boosters and a new botanical blend hold skin’s moisture in balance through stressful shifts in humidity, indoors and out.

Description : Rapid, long-lasting hydration in a refreshing oil-free gel. Fast-absorbing formula with active aloe delivers a burst of moisture. Smooths, softens, plumps up fine dry lines. Locks in moisture all day with advanced hydration technology. Unique moisture balancing system helps skin better resist dehydration despite drastic shifts in humidity. Use whenever, wherever needed, under or over makeup. Or as a 5-minute moisture mask. For all skin types.

Packaging : 1.7oz/50ml or 2.5oz/75ml

Recommended retail price : USD 34 (online) / MYR 160 (local) or USD 46.50 (online)

++++++++
My review :

It’s funny, but I started out my beauty blogging stint (if sporadic posts on beauty products can be thus called) being nicknamed the Clinique lover by Beetrice because nearly every other review post was about Clinique. Truth be told though, while I like Clinique’s stuff, I don’t love it nor rave about it that much. Not until I met Clinique’s Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief formula (referred after this as Moisture Surge).

Do I like it? No, I love it and can’t live without it!

Coming from me, that’s like the highest praise I can give any product due to the nature of my skin. Not only do I have hyper-sensitive skin, I have eczema to go on top of the hyper-sensitivity, which means most products will cause some form of erratic reaction, ranging from redness to spots/zits to even a full-blown eczema rash breakout.

I was gifted a full sized jar of Moisture Surge (50ml) sometime in June last year while I was in the middle of yet another eczema breakout and was initially quite wary about trying out a new skincare product on my face. What if it made the eczema worse?

I am happy to say that all I feared did not occur. In fact, Moisture Surge managed to restore my poor red, flaky skin to normality over the period of 6 weeks. Folks who have seen me at the height of the outbreak can testify to how much improvement has taken place since then till now, and I even get comments asking me what did I do to my skin that its now perfectly smooth. (As a female, you know how good it feels to be praised as having “smooth, supple skin”? Oh yes. And that coming from a guy too!)

I love how the pretty rose-pink lightweight gel formula just disappears into my skin without that sticky and oily feeling that makes me want to wash my face again – which is normally the case for me with other moisturizers (even Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, which many people swear by). In fact, the first few times I when I had Moisture Surge on, I kept on running my fingers down the side of my cheek (which is not affected by eczema, thankfully) thinking in my head, “Oooh! So smooth!”

For me, this product would be quite budget-friendly as it has taken me more than six months to hit rock-bottom and this is with twice-daily usage. And for what it’s worth, this is the first time ever I have actually finished off an entire jar of any skincare product. I am going to repurchase this soon as I don’t want to be caught without this staple in my beauty closet!

Yes factors : Sensitive skin friendly, good hydration, non-oily light formula
No factors : Nothing I didn’t like about it

Read other blogger reviews here :
Beetrice (previous version)
Kahani
Ksuan
Nikki (previous version)
Paris B
Pretty Beautiful (previous version) and (current version)
Tine (previous version)

Tagline : Thermal Spring Water soothes and softens sensitive skin

Description :
Avène thermal spring water comes from Avène-les-Bains thermal spring in France which was declared to be of public benefit in dermatology in France, in 1874. This thermal spring water’s unique and constant composition gives it soothing and softening properties for sensitive skin. This has been acknowledged by numerous scientific studies. Avène thermal spring water is used for many skin conditions at Avène Dermatological Hydrotherapy Center in France. Tested by dermatologists, it is particularly suitable as essential care for sensitive, hypersensitive and allergic skin.

Dermatological care – post surgery, post procedure, redness-prone skin/inflammation, keratosis-prone scaly skin, eczema/atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions/sensitive skin/irritation, burning/stinging/itching/tingling

Daily care – after cleansing, after shaving/after waxing, after exercise, during travel, sunburn, burns, diaper rash, to set makeup

Packaging : 50ml / 1.76oz, 150ml / 5.29oz, 300ml / 10.58oz

Recommended retail price : MYR18.90, MYR35.90, MYR53.00

++++++++
My review :
I’ve been going through a really bad spell with my skin lately, experiencing extended outbreaks of eczema that seem to flare up with greater intensity and in new places too. The worst part about the recent spate of outbreaks (which is still ongoing, although in a reduced intensity by now) is that this time around, it now affects my face, mainly all over my eyes and forehead and parts of my cheeks too. You can imagine my horror when I started seeing unsightly red, roughened splotches all over my face accompanied by skin so dry that it literally flaked off my face like dandruff. I panicked, of course. I’d never had eczema break out on my face before in my life, and I’ve been battling ezcema since I was young, around nine years old. All of my normal control methods didn’t seem to work and I was extremely cautious of what I used, since it affected my facial area. Steroid creams were my last resort as they thin out the skin quite drastically.

Luckily for me, I found something that did work (although it doesn’t cure) in the Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray (referred after this as Avène spray). Avène spray is basically pure thermal spring water in a pressurized spray bottle and it’s touted to help soothe and soften sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic and irritated skin.

With this in mind, I used Avène spray quite liberally on my face. I use it to dampen my face before applying my moisturiser (Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief). I use it periodically throughout the day, keeping a travel sized can in my bag, a full sized can at my desk in office and another full sized can at home. That way I always have some Avène spray nearby and I make sure that I keep the surface of my skin moist, preventing it from further drying out and flaking/cracking. Using the spray delivers an immediate moisture charge to my dehydrated skin and keeps it from getting further irritated, which in turn helps to calm down my skin somewhat, making it better receptive to moisturisers and creams later on.

I’d say that my skin has improved tremendously since I started using Avène spray and it has earned a place as a staple in my skin maintenance routine.

Read other blogger reviews on Avène here :
beauty geeks
Jenn
Pretty Beautiful

Ingredients : Amebia euchroma, roselle, verbena, patchouli, petitgrain, eucalyptus oil, beeswax, olive oil, grape seed oil

Description : It can reduce eczema and detoxify when used externally. This soap is created for those who develop prickly heat easily and whose skin is too oily and dull. For people with acnes, prickly heat, eczema and itchiness due to unknown causes, inflammation, allergic skin and athlete’s foot; also kills bacteria, stops itchiness and heals wounds.

Recommended retail price: MYR 22.50

+++++
My review :

When one is an eczema sufferer, you’ll find yourself willing to try out just about anything to stop that itch!

I first read about Yuan handmade organic soaps on MyWomenStuff.com and immediately thought of trying it out since it was reputed to help eczema sufferers. But as it was not easily locatable at that point of time (only at selected organic standalone shops), I did not go searching for it. However, I was pleased to find a whole selection of Yuan soap being sold at BodyBar on one of my forays to Tropicana City Mall.

Originally I intended to get the Wild Patchouli soap as I had read a blogger review on this particular soap that said that it gave relief to someone with hand eczema. However, Noor, the sales assistant at BodyBar, introduced the Purple Gromwell & Roselle soap to me instead, mentioning that it had helped other customers with eczema. So that’s what I purchased instead.

Firstly, if you’re not used to traditional Chinese herbal medicine, be forewarned that the Yuan soaps give off a very strong herbal smell which lingers in the bathroom after you’ve finished your bath/shower. However, I like the smell, so it doesn’t bother me at all. Using this soap in the shower, I find that it doesn’t lather up like the normal varieties of soap, which is a plus point in my opinion. Also, it left my skin feeling clean but not tight, although I did feel that it dried out my skin more than my regular dermatologist recommended Oilatum or Eubos cleansing liquid. All those were plus points for me.

However, there was just one thing that bugged me about using Yuan soap. Technically the soap variety that I bought – Purple Gromwell & Roselle – was supposed to help with eczema problems. How did that work out for me? Not too well. I found that using the soap tended to aggravate my skin after my shower, leaving me with a strong burning/itching sensation at the areas where my skin was affected with eczema. It was totally not the kind of reaction I had expected. The burning/itching sensation would start the moment I applied the soap and lasted for up to 30 minutes after I’d stepped out of the shower. Not even applying my normal moisturizing lotion immediately could halt the burn/itch. I did find with some experimentation, that showering with hot/warm water increased the sensations whilst cool/cold water helped to calm down the skin somewhat (but still with the burn/itch sensation). Despite the irritant factor, it might be helpful to note that at all times, my skin did not become inflamed (red) nor did my eczema grow worse, just that there is the discomfort of an underlying sensation of burning/itching. Some might say that it is an indication of the healing properties of the soap at work, but I personally feel that my skin is not suited to the soap.

If Yuan soaps work for you, that’s great, but for me, the search for a compatible product goes on.

Yes factors : Unique selling point, herbal smell, all natural ingredients
No factors : Quite pricey, not easy to find, herbal smell, may irritate sensitive skin

Read other blogger reviews on Yuan soap (other varieties) here :
Paris Beaverbanks
Sesame

It’s a pity, really, because I have a friend who swears by their facials and I really love her clear, flawless skin. But the thing is, every time I get anywhere near a Clarins counter in Malaysia, I get very put off by their beauty consultants. They don’t seem to realize that their service is the make or break factor for customers. The break factor for me was my bad experience with one particular beauty consultant as detailed below.

Clarins recently ran an online promotion (valid until 31 December 2008) giving away two samples of their skincare line, a hand massage and eyebrow grooming. If I’m not mistaken, it had to do with their “Clarins We Care” charity promotion? Anyways, I put down my contact information and printed out the e-voucher that allowed me to redeem the items above. My voucher told me that I could collect the same from the Clarins counter in Parkson KLCC and I headed there on a weekday after work with a colleague. My colleague also had the same e-voucher, but for some strange reason, hers was printed as the Clarins counter in Isetan KLCC. Weird.

Anyway, we went over to Isetan first, being nearer there and my colleague was attended to by a very sweet girl who mentioned that she was temporarily assigned there. All went well and we (my colleague and I) were quite pleased with her service. She did say apologetically when we asked that she couldn’t assist me as my voucher was clearly printed as redeemable at Parkson KLCC but I was fine with that.

So after we were done with Isetan, we walked over to Parkson KLCC, where we were greeted with an empty Clarins counter. No beauty personnel around. We walked around for a bit before coming back to the counter and saw one of the Clarins personnel come out from the door behind the counter. When we approached her to redeem my e-voucher, she brusquely said that I could not redeem the items listed on the e-voucher as I did not make an appointment. I then asked if I could just get the skincare samples – I was willing to forgo the hand massage and eyebrow grooming as I was more interested in testing out Clarins’ skincare products – but again, the beauty personnel brushed me off, saying that I could not get anything from them because I didn’t have an appointment and she didn’t have time to do a skincare analysis for me. Instead, she told me to go to the Clarins counter at Isetan KLCC to redeem the e-voucher. When I mentioned that we had just come from there but since my voucher stated Parkson KLCC I couldn’t redeem it there, the beauty consultant then said disinterestedly that I should come back tomorrow if I really wanted the products. I had enough of her uppity attitude and we left the counter.

I just can’t help but compare the difference in attitude and service rendered between the beauty consultants at Isetan KLCC and Parkson KLCC. It is also pertinent to note that my colleague did not make any appointment at Isetan KLCC before redeeming the exact same e-voucher that I tried to redeem at Parkson KLCC. What’s also interesting to note is that no skincare analysis was done on my colleague before she was given the skincare samples at Isetan KLCC. Hmm. Was it an oversight by the beauty consultant at Isetan KLCC or merely an excuse by the beauty consultant at Parkson KLCC?

Anyway, I don’t think I will be going back to Clarins for a long time, if at all, because of the attitude of one beauty consultant.