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THE FRUIT COMPOTE

The Good and The Forbidden

The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner

September 17, 2017 Comments : 7

This was a product that had once piqued my interest for a really long while. It’s The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner. I first came across it while I was browsing Gourmet Skin Bar, a Hong Kong-based online organic beauty boutique. Kept wondering what it is. It sounds very fascinating but the price tag was quite a hindrance. Though now looking back, the website has the cheapest price, but my opportunity was gone. About a year later after that, I failed to restrain myself (again) and decided to try it.

As a discretion, this product is a little bit tricky to find. The Beauty Chef is an Australian brand and not many international retailers carry it. I had a chance to get it in person at The Detox Market boutique in Toronto last year but decided to give it a pass due to the even higher price tag. It was CAD 80 + 13% tax which comes to CAD 90.40, or almost IDR 1 million. Ouch. However, I kept kicking myself ever since I got back so I was determined to get it.

I had a friend who lives in Australia and he was able to get it for me, except he doesn’t want me to pay for it. Thank you, if you’re reading this, you know who you are! For my second bottle, I had another friend carried it for me from Australia as well. Now that I’m coming to the end of the second bottle, I’m going to have to find someone to get it for me again. I should try Hong Kong this time 😉

There is a comprehensive description on The Beauty Chef‘s website about Probiotic Skin Refiner, but I’m just going to post a short excerpt:

The Beauty Chef’s Probiotic Skin Refiner is an exfoliant, skin hydrator and collagen booster all in one. A bio-active whole food extract created during the bio-fermentation of The Beauty Chef’s renowned Inner Beauty Powders, this revolutionary new skincare product is formulated using a nourishing combination of bio-fermented Certified Organic grains, seeds, grasses, fruits, algae, vegetables and herbs.

Rich in probiotics and lactic acid – an efficacious Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), this self-preserving refiner breaks down dead skin cells, helping to improve cellular turnover as it refines the skin and reveals an improved texture. The lactic acid also helps improve the natural moisturising factors within the skin, while helping to stimulate collagen production and promote a more hydrated, moisturised and plump complexion.

Ingredient list:

purified water, naturally and organically grown: grains (wheat, rye, oats, maize, brown rice), grasses (alfalfa, barley, wheat), algaes (spirulina, chlorella, dunaeliella salina), seeds (millet, flaxseed, buckwheat), legumes (chickpeas, mung beans, lentils, adzuki beans, soya beans), lemon juice, honey, agave, lactic acid (plant derived), lactobacillus.

To my understanding and point-of-view, this is an acid toner derived from natural ingredients. To be exact, it’s a bi-product from the brand’s Inner Beauty Powders. Not letting it go to waste, they created something amazing with the leftovers. The star here is Lactic Acid. The main Lactic Acid comes from fermented grains, beans, seeds, fruits, etc. There’s also a regular Lactic Acid in the ingredient list. And probiotics. This liquid astoundingly measures at pH 3 on my pH test strip test. Honestly didn’t expect that at all. I was surprised because I find The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner to be on mild side in terms of acid toner. But the acidic level needs to be praised on.

One of the first things that I realize is that I’m grateful that my skin play with fermented ingredients well. If you have adverse reactions from using other fermented-based products in the past, then this product might not work for you. When it comes to fermentation, one might want to compare with the overly marketed SK-II FTE. I won’t go there though because first, I haven’t used SK-II FTE in years because of the insane price tag and its increase every year. Second, my skin then and now is different so it won’t be a fair judgement on my part. Plus, I generally don’t like to make comparisons because I believe each product has its own merits and the experience is personal to the user.

The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner smells.. sour. Yeasty and vinegary. I don’t mind it because well, that’s how fermentation smells like; unless there’s an added fragrance to mask it up. I use half a cotton pad, drench around 2/3 of it then start swiping and patting it on my face and neck. Run it over the lips. What’s left on the pad is brought to the elbows as well. I also like to leave the cotton pad for a few minutes on certain areas of my face that needed more attention (aka pigmentation). Waited for about 5-10 minutes before moving on with a hydrating toner and so forth. Pretty simple really, I treat this just like any acid toner I use.

Acid toner + hydrating toner = a must. There, I said it, again and again.

Lactic Acid in general is my favorite type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells without the harsh drawbacks like Glycolic Acid. My review on Bravura Acid Peels explain more about this particular preference. The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner is also nowhere as drying as other acid toners I’ve used. That’s probably because Lactic Acid is also a humectant; drawing the moisture into the skin. That’s why I never have any problems with it, not even a dry patch anywhere; as long as I use it properly.

If you’re looking for a strong, fast-delivering result acid toner, this might not fit the bill. I, on the other hand, have enough experience with stronger acids and actually looking for milder options so I can incorporate it more often into my regime, still getting the benefits with less consequences. Between the product description versus the results, I find it to be pretty spot on! It definitely refines my skin and reduces texture overtime. With hyperpigmentation, I’m quite certain this plays a part at fading the spots too. The natural humectant quality in Lactic Acid also helps to bind the hydration in my skin and making it stay moisturized.

If I can pack everything in a nutshell, I’d like to think this liquid is doing more than just exfoliating the skin. It also injects good actives and extracts for a stronger skin’s barrier and ultimately, healthier skin when combined with the rest of the skincare routine. That being said, I find that this isn’t suitable to use when my skin has a little bit of blemishes. It didn’t seem to heal them or made any difference. Actually, on some occasions, I feel the fermentation might’ve aggravated the situation instead of the other way around. Not an ideal product to go for. But once everything is clear, I’m free to use it again.

I have always been careful (or tried to) with exfoliating or acid-based skincare products. With several mishaps, I learned my lesson quickly and easily reminded by the mess it could cause to the skin. I tread The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner with the same attitude. However, after using it for a few weeks, I can truly appreciate the mild characteristics it has. This liquid doesn’t tingle on my skin either. My usual restrain is one week of nightly use of any acid products. But, I can go two weeks (still nighttime use) with this liquid and encountered no issues; other than the fact my skin behaving beautifully. Downside, the bottle depletes quicker 💔

As of now, The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner is one of the only three natural acid toners I’ve tried. The first one is Yoshimomo Alpha Beta Toner which is reviewed. These two are the ones that work well on my skin. The third one is S.W. Basics Toner and I’m still having a hard time using it because the vinegar smell is just too strong. Also, it feels very intense on my skin and I haven’t found the courage or the need to use it again. I might have to let my SO try this one to see how it fares on his blemished skin.

To me, The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner is a sophisticated, well-thought-out product; albeit expensive. The combination between bio-fermented Lactic Acid and probiotics is quite genius. I thoroughly in and out enjoy using it. In fact, it took me a year before I finally decide on writing the review. I never have anything like it in my skincare arsenal before and will keep continue using it as long as my bank account allows it 😀

7 Comments Categories: Exfoliating Toner, SKINCARE, Toner/Lotion
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BASIC SKINCARE ROUTINE

Cleanse – Hydrate – Moisturize – Protect (SPF)

Double Cleanse at night, a must!
Sunscreen at daytime, always – after moisturizer.

Exfoliate regularly, as necessary, and don’t overdo it.
Don’t forget to use a Hydrating Toner after Exfoliating Acid Toner to prevent dryness and irritation.

Opt for calming and soothing products more than anything else. Pick gentle cleansers. Aim for hydration and moisture. Maintain the skin barrier.

Proper hydration and balanced moisturization are key to achieving a healthy skin, even if your skin is oily.

Always be gentle on your skin.

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@kaepratiwi

A lipstick simply called Rouge Hermès. One does A lipstick simply called Rouge Hermès. One does not need a fancy name when one’s brand is @Hermes. 

An item like this, is considered to be a novelty to me. There are so many details that went into this. Three years’ worth of R&D. Starting from the colors, with 24 permanent shades. 24 - an homage to Hermès’ address 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. 10 matte and 14 satin - the feel that’s inspired by the leathers. The shades were referenced from the House’s archives of more than 900 leathers and 75,000 shades of silk. How does one even begin to choose?

The tube is another conversational piece in itself. Designed by @PierreHardy who has designed Hermes’ shoes and jewelry for 30 years. It comes out with a 3 piece color-block magnetic tube made out of metal that is lacquered, polished and brushed. It’s said that each tube is made from 15 different elements by partner workshops in France and Italy. The combination of solid white, black and brushed gold. The straight line feels very modern and rather graphic for the brand, I think. But the gold emblem at the top, curved inwards where my thumb just sits over on it effortlessly, gives a historical element.

Later I noticed there’s a subtle soft scent of to it. I looked into it. Turns out, it’s created by the in-house perfumer, Christine Nagel with notes of Arnica, Sandalwood and Angelica. Maybe I should search a RTW version of it!

Reading about the articles on the inception and realization of this lipstick is learning a history, fine tuning and gaining a new level of I-didn’t-know-that; but it’s expected. Something that a mere mortal like me wished that she could immerse herself in such world.

Will I ever use it? That’s yet to be determined. Of course, there’s that thought maybe I should keep a spare instead. Will I get another shade? That’s a definite yes. And maybe hunt a limited edition so I can collect the tubes.

Oh, did I also say these are refillable? 

In the photo: Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Rose Boisé

——
#TheFruitCompote #TFCMakeupBits
If @patykaparis Huile Absolue (reviewed back in 20 If @patykaparis Huile Absolue (reviewed back in 2017-2018) falls into the everyday face oil, then the Repair Night Serum is the nighttime’s big sister! This one focuses on stimulating the nocturnal process of skin renewal and boosts skin regeneration, especially in mature and devitalized skin, in order to bring back its vitality and ultimately, radiance ✨

The Repair Night Serum is a plant oil-based, through and through. The main oil is Rosehip Oil (an amazing oil for its regenerative purposes), Sesame Oil and Wheatgerm Oil with a complex made out of 16 different organic essential oils. Rosehip Oil itself is high in Vitamin A (among many other vitamins), although not to be compared to Retinol straight away, but it becomes an alternative for people who couldn’t quite tolerate Retinol or wanting for a more “natural” route. It’s also high in fatty acids, beneficial in skin moisturization and skin fortifying.

I’ve used this a couple times before in the past. What I can say is that the results vary. I find that this gives the most noticeable improvement when my skin is at a low condition, in a sense. So the idea of a booster and repair seem to fit. I have received feedbacks from different people (or their parents in 50+) using this product (esp. drier and mature skin) that it had helped their skin to gained more moisture, luminosity while also soften the fine lines and wrinkles.

There’s a suggestion of use, which is to use this as a 21-day intensive treatment - this sort of gives an image as if this product exfoliates. I don’t see it that way. I think it’s more on that we can use it when we truly need it the most. Plus, the bottle is only 15 ml so it’s bound to deplete fast. I use it as a stand-alone serum or a face oil on top of a serum, before sealing it with a moisturizer or a sleeping mask. The consistency is pretty runny, not a thick oil. It’s light, sinks into the skin quite easily. No greasy afterfeel.

The price is on the high side for a small size. But PATYKA is a luxury organic brand (ECOCERT) with high quality ingredients and meticulous formula. Available exclusively in @cnfstoreofficial.

#PatykaID #TFCSkincareSalad #TheFruitCompote
Yang ijo-ijo. Setaun lalu. The only trip I did, ba Yang ijo-ijo. Setaun lalu. The only trip I did, bareng @trilogy_id ke Bali untuk launching Vitamin C Booster Treatment.

It feels like a long time ago, so far away 🥺

cc: @reginawidjaja09 @amandhabrahmana @helloririe

Photographed by @deszell - maaf ya baru inget, asli early 2020 was a blur 😂
The common thread (but not the only thread) in the The common thread (but not the only thread) in these eye creams is they have Vitamin A derivatives. I will say that they don’t perform the way they do because of these ingredients solely. Yes, Vitamin A derivates are usually powerhouses in terms of line-reducing and skin smoothing. But there are OTHER supporting ingredients and technology involved, and they deserved to be included. It’s called a formula, not a single-ingredient product. As I like to always say, every product has its own merits ☺️

@peterthomasroth_id Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream (Retinol & Retinyl Palmitate) - at first, I had anticipated that it might dry out the delicate skin around the eye area due to the 1% Retinol concentration. Apparently, the Microencapsulated Retinol Complex is said to be gentler with a sustained release system. My worry was unfounded. It can ball/pill up a little bit, depending on what I use before or after. So, I use this alone and I try not to apply a moisturiser on top of it. Apply, blend and leave it be.

@shiseido Vital Perfection Eye Cream (Retinyl Acetate) - recently started to use it and secretly wondering if this could be a more affordable option compared to its sister brand Cle de Peau Beaute - the jury is still out on this one though. I’m actually rather inclined on using this on the entire face 😆 It’s moisturizing but it’s quite lightweight still. It gives some play time for me to do an eye massage with.

@cledepeaubeaute Eye Contour Cream Supreme (Retinyl Acetate & Retinyl Palmitate) - reviewed on 2019 (find it somewhere here #TFCxCPB) and it still sits on my top favorites. This offers a significant difference in terms of reducing fine lines and increased firmness - yep, the one that landed me the you-do-not-have-lines-on-your-eyes compliment. Texture-wise, it’s also the most rich and shall I say, the most luscious out of the three.

None of these are drying on my eye areas! I don’t need to schedule the usage, taking it slow and such. I tend to opt for PTR and CPB on nighttime while the Shiseido one either for day (or night). I always apply SPF on the eye areas in the morning anyway.

Have any of you tried these yet?

#TFCSkincareSalad #TheFruitCompote

#TFCSkincareSalad

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