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19.1.14

Hishop X Murad Facial Experience




When it comes to work, our generation is the type that not only works hard but plays hard as well. Nevertheless, do we ever ask ourselves if we take the time out of that hectic schedule to pamper ourselves enough?




So to ease your weary bones, located in the heart of Damansara Utama; Uptown, I will be taking you to experience the wonder that is Murad Skincare.


#1 Inside Murad; Damansara Utama, Uptown

Murad Boutique Center at Damansara Uptown

From it's humble beginnings in 1989, Murad Skincare was created by Dr Howard Murad who is a board-certified dermatologist, pharmacist as well as an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (Dermatology).



Dr. Howard Murad

Dr. Murad believed in achieving better looking skin; hence devoting his life into making beautiful, healthy skin attainable for everyone.

"A healthy complexion is a reflection of total wellness both inside and out. This, in turn creates a healthy environment for the skin so that if problems do arise, they resolve more easily.

Furthermore, skincare can lead the way to overall health. Take all the necessary steps to achieve healthy skin- including the right products, the proper nutrients (from both food and supplements) and positive lifestyle choices- and over time, your whole body will be healthier too."

Hence to that form, Murad has been around for more than 10 years and has currently has two exclusive salons to date, one up in Damansara Utama ( which we will be talking about soon) and another at Empire Mall Subang. They also have more than 50 selected salons around Malaysia as well.


A cooling drink that was given upon arrival

First I would like to give a warm thank you to Murad and Hishop Malaysia for this kind opportunity to review Murad's service. With it's locality is based on a rather visible area of shop-lots at Damansara Utama and is parked right across from the Sprint Highway, this Murad boutique is pretty easy to find if you are looking for it.


Rather famous for catering to a wide variety of restaurants,  I had a problem getting a parking slot as the area was already full of cars that were also happily doing double parking by 11am.


So caution girls, if you are booking an appointment with them, do make your appointment early.


The Range of Murad Skincare at the Beauty Bar

As I filled in my particulars, I was asked about my details on my current facial routines and if I had done a facial for the past 6 months. As the last facial I did was about 3 months back and as I have been pretty busy for the new year, I hadn't had time to go for a follow up.


I was also briefed on the history and products of Murad Skincare by Evis Tan who was the Center Manager of the Murad Boutique at Damansara Utama


Storing my belongings in my allocated locker

After we were done with the details, we went to the locker room where I stored all of my belongings along away.


I was  given a key for the locker that was to be strung around my wrist as well; just as a precaution of easement as I went about with the facial treatment.


#2 Skin Analysis

The Seloscan Machine

After storing my belongings, we adjured to a separate room to do a skin analysis. This was to determine what my current skin texture was and to see the problems that it presently adheres.


The Scanning Machine

So to do that; let me present to you the Seloscan. Looks really big and scary right?


Rest assured, you would only need to rest your head on the stand, position your face, close your eyes and 123 snap you are done!


#3 Results

Skin Analysis; Stage 1

Upon having the test done, I was told that my skin age was actually 21 years old; which I found pretty good seeing that I am at least 5 years older.


With regards to the skin analysis on the other hand, there were 5 major points that the scanner looks out for:


  • UV Spots
  • Dryness
  • Roughness
  • Wrinkles 
  • Acne 


Skin Analysis; Stage 2

So what was my skin condition? 


The main concern for me that was explained by Evis was that I had extreme dryness on my cheeks and slight UV Spots due to the lack of using sun block. 


I suppose working in a fully air-conditioned environment along with our extreme weather conditions were one of the main contributions to this matter.


#4 Treatment

Let's regain back some hydration!

Now with regards to my treatment, Evis recommended the "Hydration Treatment". This was to target my skin's concerned areas; especially my cheeks.


The Facial Room

You would have to excuse the room condition for this picture was actually taken after the facial.


Now before Evis began the facial, she explained to me thoroughly what she was going to do and what she was going to target.


The products

Now as I didn't bring in my phone with me to the facial room; I did not manage to snap any photos of the procedure but no worries, I will still go through it with you as thoroughly as I can.


Now to move forth to the facial, Evis gently elated to me that she was going to do the Hydration Treatment in 7 Stages.


Step 1: Conducting a Double Cleanse with Murad's Refreshing Cleanser ( Grey; Age Reform Series)

Step 2: A Pressure Point Face and Shoulder Massage

Step 3: A Double Mask for Better Hydration Absorption

Step 4: An Eye Mask to Target Tired Eyes and Dark Circles

Step 5: 15 Minute Face Steaming Session to Unclog Pores

Step 6: Extraction of Excessive White and Black Heads

Step 7: Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ( Red; Age Proof Sun Care )

As their Hydration Products contain water-based ingredients such as the Sodium PCA and Hyaluronic Acid, Murad maximizes it's effectiveness by balancing oil-based essential acids and ceramides into them as well.


During the treatment Evis and I continued to talk about the aspects of the treatment. She kindly elaborated further on the task at hand and told me that the main objective of the facial was to target moisture loss, replenish hydration, brighten up the skin, revitalize as well as keeping the face moisturized.


The Extraction Process

As I was a little cautious with the extraction, I mentioned to Evis that my skin could scar easily as it was sensitive to pressure. This was actually a precaution to a previous facial that I did before as it resulted  in a manner that I did not quite enjoy.


However as Evis continued to explain I felt at ease because she mentioned that the 15 minute steaming would allow the pores to be unclogged first then only would she target the area to extract which would be done in a gentle manner.


As extraction would entail easy skin breakage, she did construe that she would only be targeting one area as she did not want to cause redness or irritation to the whole face. It had to be done in sessions; slowly but surely.


Overall I really enjoyed the facial, although I think I enjoyed it a little too much seeing that I snoozed off for about 10 minutes but it really made me extremely relaxed and calm. I definitely did see some progress in accordance to the brightening effect and my skin was indeed kept plumped and moisturized throughout the duration of a week.


#5 Touch Up

Murad's Cosmetic Counter

Upon finishing the facial, I was lead to Murad's Cosmetic Counter. Evis mentioned that these products were for girls who were looking for light coverage after the facial. 


Admittedly I was a little surprise seeing this right after the facial; because you would definitely need your skin to breathe after the cleansing; and using makeup products right after would not be a recommended option to chose.


However, seeing that these were dermatological cosmetic products and were not heavy on the skin,
Evis also noted that these were for those who had acne problems and did not feel confident going bare after a facial. 


So in order to target the insecurities without damaging the skin; Murad decided to come up with a safe cosmetic line to combat that fact.


Murad Cosmetics
Skin Perfecting Primer

Over here we have Murad's Skin Perfecting Primer; each catering to different skin types.


There is one for Blemish and Shine Control, amicably for oily skin, another for a Dewy Finish and a third for a Matte Finish.


Blemish Treatment Concealer 

This little stick corrector over here is called a Blemish Treatment Concealer. I was extremely curious about this one but as their shades did not really match my skin-tone, I chose to go without it.


With regards to the products given, I will elaborate on further below. As you have to give the products the opportunity to run its course to see if they actually work, I decided to try each of the 5 products for a duration of 1 month.


#6 Products 

Range of Products

The products that are placed in sequence is the 1-Refreshing Cleanser, 2-Toner, 3- Advance Active Radiance Serum, 4-Oil Free Sunscreen and Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture.


The review below will be according to usage.


Product 01- Murad Refreshing Cleanser


Step 1 : Refreshing Cleanser

Application: To be used during the night. Massage a small amount over dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Consistency: Blends well. However it does get a little sticky upon application but once it is rinsed off, skin is left smooth and moisturized.

Scent: Fruity Scent that lasts for about 2 hours.

Result: MCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content Creator


Product 02-Murad Hydrating Toner


Step 2: Hydrating Toner

Application: To be used during the night. Hold the toner slightly away for the face, spray 2 pumps and pat it down.

Consistency: Of a Watery Substance. Absorbs into the skin quickly and leaves it refreshed and moisturized.

Scent: Oriental Scent. Smells a little like orange and lasts up to 1 hour.

Result: MCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content Creator


Product 03-Murad Advanced Active Radiance Serum


Step 3: Advanced Active Radiance Serum

Application: To be used either during the night or day. 1 single pump and apply evenly over the face for ample distribution.

Consistency: Extremely smooth. Leaves skin a little oily but that is for hydration absorption.

Scent: A rather sweet oriental scent that lasts up to 2.5 hours.

Result: MCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content Creator


Product 04-Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen


Step 4: Oil-Free Sunscreen

Application: To be used during the day. Take a little and pat gently over the face.

Consistency: A transparent liquid that goes on evenly and smoothly throughout application.

Scent: A similar smell to Murad's Hydrating Toner that lasts roughly up to 3 hours.

Result : MCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content Creator


Product 05-Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture


Step 5: Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

Application: To be used during the day for skin to avoid losing moisture. This is an option to use. Alternate days are good so that skin will not be left too oily in case of over application.

Consistency: Blends well and very smooth upon application.

Scent: Smells a little like vanilla with a slight hint of milk that lasts up to an hour.

Result: MCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content CreatorMCC: Content Creator


#7 Results After 1 Month Trial

The Before and After the 1 Month Trial

As you can see the 'Before' picture on the left was taken on the day I finished my 1st Facial Experience with Murad.


The 'After' photo was taken a few days ago exactly 1 month after by using the take home products by Murad. There is no makeup used in both photos; and each of them were taken with my Iphone 5.


Here are the result after the 1 month trial.

1- Dark Circles are Less Visible

2- Dark Spots are Less Visible

3- Even Toned Looking Skin

4- Less Visible pores

5- Moisturized skin

6- No more skin peeling


#8 Overall Experience/ Links to Purchase
Thank You Evis for the Lovely Experience!
#OOTD Black Top & Printed Blue Skirt : DressingPaula; Heels : Aldo; Accessories : Diva

Overall I was extremely happy with the experience that was received from Murad and learnt a lot about their different ranges of products.


This was all thanks to Ms. Evis Tan who was lovely enough to explain the whole process from A to Z.


From Left: Elaine Hiew, Evis Tan and Carmen Quah

So ladies if you are looking to experience your first relaxing facial with Murad, look for these 3 ladies at the Murad branch in Damansara Uptown.

Exclusive to Readers Only

An exclusive RM20 rebate will be given to readers by using this code on HiShop Malaysia : MURAD20

* With a minimum purchase of RM99; Valid until 31 January 2014

However, for those who are looking for take home remedies on a more budgeted scale; Murad has starter kits priced at RM168- RM188 and is also providing a Free Complimentary Skin Treatment Voucher for every purchase of Murad Products on HiShop Malaysia until the end of January 2014.


So once again I would like to give big thank you to HiShop Malaysia and Murad for this lovely opportunity. It was definitely an experience to remember.


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Like Murad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Murad.Malaysia

Murad Website:  http://murad.com.my

Murad's Address: 54, Jalan SS 21/62, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Xx!

6 comments:

  1. Your skin seems already pretty good right before the facial! :D

    http://nicole-yie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awh thanks babe, so sweet of you to say! I have to keep using masks to prevent dryness though :P

      Delete
  2. Aah I love Murad! I just wish we had a Murad Skincare centre here in Kota Kinabalu.
    Love the whole process - looks very professionally done.

    http://www.helloanajonessy.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are extremely friendly too babe <3 Loved how they took the time to explain the whole process to me :)

      Delete
  3. Agree with Nicole, u do have beautiful skin to start with, but good choice on using Murad. I haven't tried but I think it's a good brand! Good article!

    ReplyDelete

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