The last few weeks for me have been spent testing new products. Here are the five that got me excited:

Lancome Absolue L’Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir

I have about 15 different brands of beauty products on my counter, and Lancome is one of them. I hardly have to buy, since I get sent products to try. Most I just end up giving away, while about 50 percent of the stash I don’t write about because they don’t impress me. But two products I do go out and buy before I ran out of them are Bi-Facil and Visionnaire from Lancome.

When I got an invite to the launch of Lancome Absolue L’Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir, I knew it was going to be an exciting product. But it exceeded my expectations. This product was created from the Lancome Rose invented in 1973 through a crossbreeding of 2,000 species. The cells of the rose are capable of multiplying themselves and differentiating into several cell types. Every jar of Absolue L’Extrait is said to contain up to two million of these unique rose native cells, making it Lancome’s most powerful regenerating ingredient.

In tests, significant improvement in forehead wrinkles, under-eye wrinkles and crow’s feet were noted within 11 weeks of the product’s use, making the skin firmer, more elastic and radiant. At the event, the elixir was applied on the back of my hand and I immediately felt the difference. When I got home several hours later, I had my husband feel the surface of the back of my hands and he felt the difference.

I highly recommend this product to women who are fighting wrinkles and have dry skin. It may be used for day and night, depending on how much you think your skin needs. I chose to use it the same night I got mine, and the product is quite thick. I woke up to supple, radiant skin, although I found the product to be for the more mature set. So what I did was to have my mom test it.

My mom has amazing skin and is religious about her moisturizing regimen. She loved Lancome’s Absolue L’Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir so much she called to ask if I thought she should buy one, just in case the company ran out out of the product!

During the launch, the girls from Lancome were telling me how some of their patrons were not happy with just one, but bought a couple to keep or give to their friends to try. In six hours, they sold P1.6 million worth of this amazing product! So, yes, for her peace of mind, I told my mom she better buy an extra jar.

L’Occitane for Orbis

I sometimes find out about wonderful organizations or foundations through the things I buy. One of my fave brands is TOMS footwear, because not only is it super comfortable and come in fun designs, I know it also gives to the less fortunate.

I found out about the Orbis plane through L’Occitane. Orbis is the world-renowned flying eye hospital which travels all over the world to give the gift of sight to thousands of people.

One hundred percent of the proceeds of a plane-shaped soap that L’Occitane made goes to Orbis. This soap is amazing on the skin. I love how it makes my skin look and feel. It is also made of my fave scents—verbena, lemon and grapefruit.

My sons like playing with it while I give them a bath, which makes bath time extra fun. When I told my four-year-old that this plane helps people who have eye problems, he said it was his favorite plane. I bought two more bars, because there is such a great cause behind it. Also, they’re too cute to take a pass at.

Diptyque’s new bottle

Diptyque scents are so refreshing! Its candles, home scents and perfumes all make for great gifts to receive and give.

I was so happy when I got one of my fave scents, L’Ombre dans l’Eau, in its new bottle. I’m actually excited to finish some of my other Diptyque scents so I can shop for new ones in their new packaging. I really like how the oval shape stands out and is easy to spot when I’m in a rush.

I’ve noticed that most of the scents I use, like Philosophy’s Amazing Grace and Acca Kappa, come in almost the same packaging. So this new bottle works well for me! If you’re looking for a new fresh scent for yourself or your loved one, the Diptyque counter at Rustan’s is a definite must-visit.

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer

Zits are part of growing up. I remember when I was still in school, girls with zits would try to conceal them. But that only made the zits worse.

Luckily, Murad has come up with a concealer designed to hide one’s pimples. I tried it on my skin and I do like its consistency. I particularly like that the color is on the yellowish side, which is perfect for brightening dark spots. Since I don’t have a zit, I used it on my under eye, and it was amazing. For those who are prone to zits, this is the concealer to use. It’s also said to prevent breakouts.

Clinique Pore Refining Solution

“Whenever I look in the mirror, I feel my pores looking back at me.” That’s what I would always tell the derma, who would then say pores are a part of aging. So when I chanced upon Clinique’s pore refining solution, I was more than willing to try it out. Also, I am attracted to the word “serum,” so that’s what I automatically picked up.

I am nearing my third week of using this product and I love it. I can hardly see my pores, which I know are there but, for some reason, are not visible anymore. My skin looks smooth, like it just got ironed. I am so happy with this product, and I highly recommend it!