About a week ago, I was invited to experience a facial at CRES (Confidence, Relaxation, Elegance, and Sophistication) Wellness, a beauty spa chain with outlets all over Malaysia. I was particularly excited because they had an outlet not 5 minutes away from where I stay :)

So the afternoon of my facial, I walked into CRES and was immediately greeted with a warm cup of tea and a facial consultation. The centre is really warm and welcoming, with a luxe feel because of the open space, mood lighting and the cute little bridge installed over a water feature built into the floor, separating the treatment rooms from the reception area.

During the consultarion, they were careful to find out if I had any allergies, what my current skincare routine consisted of, and what my major concerns were. Once the consultation was completed, I was whisked away into a facial room for my Ultra Rejuvenation Crystallinear Therapy facial, performed with the company's affiliate skincare brand, Cellnique Paramedical.

The Crystallinear facial is a facial that utilises radiotherapy to treat the layers of skin. It helps to firm the skin, refine pores and create radiance.

During the facial, I was taken through each step before it started, so I felt at ease knowing what would come next. All the products felt and smelled wonderful, and I particularly like the fact that they used warm water to cleanse the products off the skin, because of the fact that the air-conditioning is always on in all Malaysian buildings, and I hate it when cold water touches my skin for prolonged periods of time.

The Crystallinear facial utilises a radiotherapy machine, and I will admit, I was a little worried that it might hurt or sting at first. But when my facialist started using the machine on my skin, I hardly felt anything. It just felt like smooth batons massaging my face.

The rest of the facial was pleasant and relaxing (minus the extractions of course - those really hurt!).

My facialist was a little bit straightforward, telling me immediately that I have really dehydrated skin, and telling me that this was the cause of the congestion in my skin. She said this repeatedly during the facial, but I am glad that she did mention it and offer advice on how to treat it, because for some reason my previous facialists had all never brought it up even though they had mentioned that my skin was congested.

After the facial, I was given some final bits of advice, a couple of samples, and then sent on my way. If like most people out there, you hate hard sells, you will be glad to know that they were perfectly nice and didn't try to force me into making any decisions or buying their packages. Thank you for that CRES!

It's now been about a week since the facial, and here are the changes I've noticed in my skin.

Picture of my skin a week after the facial with only a light layer of BB cream applied.

1. My pores are more refined - this actually worked! My skin peeled for a couple of days, and once the peeling stopped, the pores around my nose (which are usually the most prominent) looked less obvious.

2. My skin is more radiant. My skin is more luminous and shines through my makeup.

3. Makeup looks better. My makeup now sits better on my face, and looks better in photographs.

4. My skin feels firmer. The skin around my mouth particularly, now feels more 'lifted'.

If you want to find out more about CRES and their Crystallinear facial, check out their website here, and their Facebook page here.

GIVEAWAY: If you've never tried a CRES facial before, here's your chance! The first 50 to comment underneath my comment on CRES's Facebook page will be given a FREE facial as well as RM20 x 2 product vouchers! Head there now to find my post!

I am finally sharing with you all my anti-ageing, facial contouring massage. I have had amazing success doing this every night, and I thought I might share it with those of you who are committed enough to add this 4-5 minute massage into your nightly beauty routine.

I want to share a couple of pictures first, to show you guys how much it has helped with my puffy face.

These are some pictures taken before I started the massage:

And here are a couple of photos from after I started the massage - these are about 4-5 months in:

I haven't lost any weight - I know because all my pants fit the same :/

So here are the videos! I've broken them up into two parts

Being from a hot, humid, tropical country like Malaysia, I never really had to pay much thought to luminous skin. There was shine everywhere on my face, and if I put a powder over it, it still looked moisturised and dewy.

But then I came to Australia, where the weather just sucked my skin and hair dry (why is it that my hair has more bounce and volume when I'm in Malaysia, where it's hot and humid?!) and my face started showing signs of moisture loss. My skin became dull and lacklustre, and the one thing I focused on with constant devotion was getting luminous skin.

If you're from a country that is pretty dry in general, or if you are in the cold, or even if you are in a tropical country and have dry skin (yes, it happens!), here are a couple of makeup products that will really boost the luminosity in your skin!

Illuminating Primers



Illuminating primers fill in any crevices you may have in your skin, and provide a smooth canvas for your makeup to adhere to. There are tons of illuminising primers on the market that also add luminosity to the skin.  The above primers - the JK Jemma Kidd Mannequin Skin Complexion Enhancer and the L'Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Pure Light primer - are some great options. You don't have to worry about obvious shimmer or oily-looking skin - these are subtle enough just so your skin has a 'glow' about it, without looking like a disco ball. Here they are swatched below:


Both these primers are subtle enough to work on any skin tone, but if you love a pastel, cool-toned look then go for the L'Oreal Pure Light Primer, and if you love that warm golden tint then the Jemma Kidd is perfect.

Illuminators


You can also add an illuminator on top of your makeup to add that glow and luminosity to your skin. The Bloom Illuminiser in Glow, Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Liquid Illuminator in Angel Flame, and the INIKA Light Reflect Highlighting Creme are all illuminators with a subtle shimmer running through them without being too obvious. They suit almost every skin tone because the shimmer in them is multicoloured and therefore doesn't lean too far either way on the warm/cool scale. Again, I've swatched them below:


The Face of Australia product should be used with a very light hand because it is extremely pigmented and is more suited to be used as a blush instead of an all-over highlighter. All three illuminators posses very fine shimmer pigments so you won't look glitter-crazy.
Illuminators look particularly lovely in the winter when the light is very subtle. It brings out a gorgeous glow in your skin.

Shimmer Infused Blush


If you don't like the added step of putting on an illuminator, you might want to try a shimmer-infused blush. Depending on what products you use, shimmer-blushes are very versatile and can give you anything from a healthy, glowing daytime look to a more glamorous nighttime shine.

I highly recommend the Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Color for a subtle daytime sheen. If you're a fan of pigmented blushes, definitely try the Sleek MakeUP blushes in Pomegranate and Rose Gold - the Pomegranate has a more subtle shimmer whilst the Rose Gold is very glamorous without going over-the-top with shimmer. A huge plus is that they are extremely affordable. The Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick needs no introduction - this cult product is gorgeous and subtle enough for day, but can be layered to create a more intense evening look. Here they are swatched on my arm:


Eyeshadow Colours and Textures




Eyeshadows used to be plain, powder pigments that added colour to your skin. With the latest technologies, you can now add texture to your eyeshadows and create an eye makeup that adds to the overall moisturised, polished look of your skin. Use the Too Faced Intense Eyeshadow in Poison Orchid in the daytime as a liner or at night as an all-over eyeshadow - purple eyeshadow is perfect for adding a gorgeous glow to both cool and warm-toned skins.
If you have more mature skin, stay away from glitter. Instead, play around with texture with the Clinique Lid Smoothie in Imprompt-blue (the perfect everyday colour for winter!) and the new Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in Nude Beach (launching in August 2012). Here are swatches:


Balm-textured Lipsticks




Hate the stickiness of a lipgloss? These new hybrid lipsticks are perfect for winter. Your hair doesn't stick to them, and you don't have too much shine on your lips, which can look a little bit unprofessional. The pinky tones of all three lipsticks - the L'Oreal Color Riche Nutri Shine in Rose Guava (AUD 22.95), the Bloom Princess (AUD 28) and the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Shy Honey (AUD 36) - all add a subtle glow to the skin. The balmy shine also makes the lips look more moisturised and plump.

Brighten Your Décolletage




Spray the Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil on your décolletage and on the tops of your arms to add to your overall glow. The oils (essential oils of olive, sesame, avocado and jojoba) plump and moisturise your skin, and the shimmer is undetectable, yet so effective, it's insane. The Beach Fragrance (which smells of frangipani) might be a little out of place right now in winter, but you all know I never believed that a fragrance has to be season-appropriate anyway.
This fragrance is available from August 12 at Bobbi Brown counters.

I hope you found this post helpful! Do you have any special tips that you use to enhance your glow?

This is a rich moisturiser, particularly suited to dry skins. I have combination skin, but I love using this at night. I also sometimes use a tiny amount in the mornings underneath my foundation, because I find that with a good moisturiser on, my foundation always looks less cakey and a lot more dewy. It also helps the foundation stick to the face.

2. Biotherm Aquasource Nuit High Density Hydrating Jelly

This is a product brand new to my nighttime routine and I am loving it so far. As the name suggests, it has a jelly-like texture that takes a while to absorb into the skin. It has a pretty strong (but pleasant) fragrance as well, and the best part about it is that once it absorbs, it leaves the skin feeling velvety smooth - no greasiness whatsoever. It also makes my skin feel plump and soft in the morning, which I love!

3. Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating Cream

If you have a more mature or dehydrated skin, then this is definitely the product for you. This is an extremely thick, rich moisturiser that addresses anti-ageing concerns by delivering potent ingredients along with loads and loads of hydration to plump out those fine lines. I personally find this cream a little rich for my everyday use, but it is excellent for the night of and the morning after a big night out, when your skin needs hydration the most, or if you are using (either orally or topically) an anti-acne product, which dries out your skin like crazy. I am also packing this baby with me when I head up to the snow in a few weeks!

4. Clarins HydraQuench Cream Mask

This is also a product that is relatively new to my skincare routine, but boy do I love it! I went out a couple of nights in a row last week, and my skin was paying sorely for it in the days following. I had a couple of dry patches near my temples and mouth, and some really ugly-looking skin around a couple of old acne scars. As soon as I received this, I slapped it on and waited the 10 minutes it needed to work its magic, and emerged with dewy, smooth skin after. I was so relieved! A handy tip when using this - cover your face with a hot towel for a couple of minutes before applying this mask. It opens up your pores a little and helps this mask really absorb into your skin. Remember to prevent blackheads though, by using an exfoliant about twice a week.

5. Invisible Zinc Environmental Skin Protector Moisturiser SPF 30

People tend to overlook sunscreen in the winter months. In reality, UV rays are still out there, and can still harm your skin. This is a great moisturiser to use daily, and isn't too greasy on the skin the way some sunscreens can be. It has the typical sunscreen smell, but that disappears as soon as you apply foundation. Invisible Zinc does their homework when it comes to sunscreens and is definitely a good brand to check out if you're looking for a sunscreen. Be warned - these are physical sunscreens and can cause some flashback in photographs, so maybe choose another sunscreen on a day when you're getting your picture taken.

6. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

This is a great little pick-me-up when you're at the office or just out and about in general and don't have time for the full facial work-up. Jurlique makes a bunch of different types of facial mists, but this is one of my favourites because the Rosewater range (they also have a gorgeous cream cleanser and a moisturiser) is specifically formulated to moisturise your skin. Just spritz a little on your face and leave to dry, or pat in with clean hands. This also makes an amazing toner and smells sooo good! A word of warning - this might make you a little sleepy if you spritz it at work! That rosewater smell is way too calming!

7. L'Occitane Pivoine Delicate Hand Cream

Hand creams are a big YES if you want to keep yourself looking young - the hands and the neck are always the first places to show signs of ageing! This gorgeous hand cream is from L'Occitane's Pivoine Delicate collection and will be released in late August 2012. L'Occitane are known for their fabulous bodycare products and this hand cream does not disappoint! The smell is so pretty and floral, and it comes with a convenient dispenser so that you don't have to trouble yourself with removing the cap. I know we've all done that mad rummage through our purses when the hand cream/lipstick cap went missing in the abyss!

8. Kio Kio Bodycare Body Lotion

Body lotion is also very important - every single inch of your body should be well moisturised! Moisturiser also forms a really good barrier that helps prevent any further moisture loss. You all know my love for Kio Kio bodycare by now. This is my absolute favourite scent - the Rainforest and Koromiko. Love, love, LOVE this body lotion!! The best way to apply body lotion is immediately after the shower, when your pores are all nice and open and just begging for that lotion-y goodness!

9. Kiehl's Creme de Corps

No body lotion post is complete without a mention of this stuff. This body lotion has shot to cult fame because of its ability to tame cracks, flakes, and just about every other kind of skin damage that you see with dry skin. Kiehl's has also taken big chunks off their Australian prices, and this is just one of the many products that got a price makeover (whoop, whoop!).

10. Organix Hydrating Moroccan Argan Oil Dry Body Oil

Now this baby is my absolute favourite way to moisturise my skin at the moment! This dry body oil is so versatile - you can use it before you hop into the shower, after you hop out of the shower, or you can even infuse your bath with a few drops for an allover moisturising 'mask'. I absolutely love this because I can get a little lax with applying body lotion in the winter - I just cannot bring myself to uncover areas of my body and slather lotion on them with my bone-cold hands, and then cover them back up before the product has a chance to properly absorb into my skin (read: greasy clothing). This body oil is the perfect solution for me! I slather it on before my shower, put on a mask or cleanse my face and let this absorb into my skin a little first, then hop into the shower and hey presto! Soft, moisturised skin.

11. Alpha-H Age Delay Cleansing oil

Cleansers also need to be changed up in the winter. If you're using a foaming facial wash, it might be too harsh on your skin. This cleansing oil is a great way to balance things out - I like to do a two-step cleansing routine by using a cleansing oil followed by either a cream or a foaming cleanser. The reason why this cleansing oil is so appealing to me is because it has anti-ageing properties, and also because of its scent. I love applying something that smells like a gorgeous blend of essential oils - it's like a quickie aromatherapy session. That, coupled with the warm facecloth that you will need to remove this cleanser, is absolute heaven! This cleanser also distinguishes itself from other oil cleansers because of its texture - it does not come in a thick liquid form, but instead is more gel-like with a sugar granule look, which melts away into a smooth slick cream when applied to the skin. (Note: the image shown above is a sample pot that I was sent - the actual product comes in a 100ml tube)

That about sums up some of my favourite products to use in the winter! I hope you found this post helpful, and as always, if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments!

If you have any winter essentials that you'd like to share, please let me knoiw as well! I'm always on the lookout for skincare gems :)