Smokey Eyes/ “It Girl’’ Look

Today, Ive got nothing much to do as usual heh. So I tried this tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTezXT2aOyc from NikkiTutorials. I subscribed to her recently and got interested with her videos because she is bubbly and have pretty eyes. Actually I really like her eyes. I wish I have her eyes but well its impossible as I am Asian heh~

 

I almost gave up on smokey eyes because whenever I do it, I look like a panda/ tired girl/ trashy hooker. Its so hard to blend the color brown in my eyes. But I was inspired to try it out again because of NikkiTutorials. Was it because its an ‘’It Girl’ look that interests me? I think most likely. lol.

Materials I used:

For obvious reasons, I didn’t follow everything that NikkiTutorials instructed because we don’t have the same eye type. I think I am quite a hooded type and hers is almond. But I patterned the look with hers.

 

I took a picture of it in natural light but the picture washed out the color. But in person, the look definitely is gorgeous. I loved it! My grandmother saw me and she didn’t like it though. LOL what do you expect, its her first time to see her grand daughter with an eyemake up like that. She said, I look like a vampire haha. Conservative much!

Now if I can only pose just like Kim Kardashian, then my look is totally complete. haha. not. :)xoxo

Products I currently use (Skincare, Make up, Haircare, Teethcare)

The following are the products that I currently use and are working effectively for me. When I say working it means, it doesn’t give me breakout, dandruff, rashes, eczema and other skin irritations. Please find time to check them out and try it if you got same skin as I am.

Beauty Statistics:

• Skintype (Face): Combination skin. When the air is very dry, my skin becomes dry. When the air becomes humid, I become an oily skin.
• Hair: Colored medium blonde hair by Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Haircolor, Medium Blonde 175. Semi – Long with medium layers.

Lets start with the products shall we? (*Picture heavy)

Face:

Basic Products that I use in my face. Generally I use LRP Physiological Cleansing Gel more often because it is mild but cleanses really well. I only use the Eucerin Dermo Purifying Scrub when I felt my pores are a bit blocked due to leftover foundation. I used Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap when I feel my face is a bit oily because this product is a bit drying.

Body:

Not really particular with soaps as long as its mild such as Dove. Spring Fresh Deodorant is ok to keep smelling fresh throughout the day. Dermaveen Intensive Hand Cream is essential for the fingertip Eczema. It has a Colloidal Oatmeal which is very moisturizing.

Hair:

I am also particular with my hair because I believe this will help me lessen the salon visits. Don’t like to spend much on salons so I just spend in the at home treatments. I currently use Aussie Sun-Touched Shine Shampoo which my hair currently likes. I finished already the bottle of Tsubaki Shining but I still took photo of it because I still plan to buy this after I finish thew Aussie shampoo. Actually, I still prefer Tsubaki products as my everyday maintenance. For my every other day treatment, I use Kerasys Salon Care in Moringa Straightening Treatment. I bought this at Swenson’s (Singapore cheap beauty store) and I totally love this!!! The smell stays in my hair and I love it. It also leaves my hair smooth and shiny. About to finish the tube already and cant wait to try the other Kerasys product.

Face Indulgence:

Sometimes twice a week I use a mask. I formally used My Beauty Diary masks and it’s a good way to wrap up a tiring day. Now I have both Queen Helene’s masques which adds to my night routine.

Teeth:

I currently use Dentiste and a soft bristled brush for my teeth. Soft bristled toothbrushes lessens the pressure in the gums.

 

Day and Night Face Routine:

MORNING>>>

So again I only use Dr Bronner’s when my skin feels oily. For #3, I pat it into my eyebags down to the sides of my nose until the corners of my mouth. Then I use whatever of the three sunblocks depending on the weather. If the weather is hot, I use Biore UV because of its matte finish. When the weather is cold and dry, I use Loreal UV Perfect because its moisturizing with tint. This goes the same with Armada. Although Armada gives white casts in the face so I don’t use it very often.

EVENING>>>

For #4, I use Clindagel for spot treament with active zits. Sometimes I use Adapalene when I felt the need to change from Clindagel. For #5, I either use Eucerin Dermo Purifying Crème Gel because it claims to target blemishes as well. I put it usually in the forehead where I often have acne popping. Due to my hair bangs probably? I use Olay Effects Night Moisturizer on the whole face. The smell of this product is a bit strong so I don’t really use it everynight.

Cosmetics:

When I am in the mood to primp and prettify these are the products that I play around in my face lol:

Face Essentials:

I mix Lioele BBCream to the Silk Crème Foundation of Laura Mercier as my foundation using the Stippling Brush of Elf. I pat with Shu Uemura Powder foundation and then use Time Balm Concealer in blemished areas.

Eyes, Cheeks, Lips:

#1 I use either Canmake Eyeshadow base of Elf Primer and Eye Sealer. I prefer Canmake Eyeshadow better because it lasts longer and it doesn’t leave deposits in the lids.

#2 For eyeshadow, I am not really particular as you can see I use Daiso/ Saizen’s Ellefar. But I am very careful with shimmer eyeshadows because I don’t like shimmers in my face, it makes me look like a hooker lol.

#3, I use Maybellines Gel Liner in Black and use the Ecotools liner brush to make a perfect line. When I am in the mood, I use a cream liner in Blue (cheap one I bought for $5 in Singapore) Sometimes when I am too lazy to use a brush, I just use a liquid liner from Majolica Majorca (see the gold and black stick, Got it for free!).

#4, I use ELF Eyebrow Kit, then set it with clear mascara from LA Colours. I use mascara from Lancome (A sample I got from work).

#5. These are my favorites but I am very careful not to overuse it because again I noticed that when I put too much cream cheek as a blush, it looks unsightly lol and cause my face becomes oily after 5 hours, the cream cheek blush creates ugly deposits in my pores.

#6 Elizabeth Arden lipbalm (Again I got it for free at work before yay!) I use it to moisturize my lips, after that I put Lioele Tinted balm. I play with Lip liners when I am in the mood. My favorite one is from Nyx in Orange. If I am in the mood, I use a false eyelash.

Everyday Make Up Essentials for only 5 Minutes:

Of course I do not always use make up that much but I only use these 5 steps.

Using your stippling brush, put Loreal UV Perfect as a liquid foundation/ Sunscreen on the cheeks then put Biore UV on your T-Zone (this is to avoid a shiny Tzone if you skin oxidizes quickly just like I am. Then brush on powder foundation lightly all over face. Line your eyes lightly using gel Liner. Make it thinly as possible. Use the tight lining method. Then put lightly a cream cheek blush on the apple of your cheeks then dab a powder blush to set it. Finish the make up with a lipbalm and a light lip tint. Groomed eyebrows can complete the look too. In this picture, I used the Eyebrow Kit by ELF. This is suitable if you opt for a fresh look make up.

 

 

Make Up Remover and some Essentials:

When removing mascara and waterproof make up around the eyes and lips, use an oil based remover such as the Biore Make Up Remover. Oil based make up removers does not create too much pressure around the eyes, preventing fine lines/ wrinkling of the skin.

Use wet tissues when removing foundation or you can go with your facial scrub to remove the make up further.

 

Hope I covered the products really well! Till then. xoxo.

Fraxel Re:Fine Today!

Hellew girls! I finally had my Fraxel Re:fine today YEY!!!

SO last time, I was really undecided on what procedure to take between Fraxel or Pixel. And in Fraxel, between Re:Fine or Re:store. Well today, I guess you know it based from the title lol. I did Fraxel Re:Fine. My derm convinced me that as an Asian with Filipina Skin and brown tones, we have quite a high risk in pigmentation during laser resurfacing. Re:Fine is the mildest as it will lessen the risks of pigmentation. Most laser treatment centers have patients with not so good reactions when it comes to the Re:Store and Pixel. This is the reason why a lot of laser treatment centers in the Philippines today have only Fraxel Re:Fine. (If you are a derm reading this, please confirm?) This is also the reason why Caucasians can take the Laser Ablative ones because their white skin doesn’t have the risk of pigmentation. Pixel on the other hand has same technology except that it is not as famous as Fraxel and its Ablative. For a first timer, I decided to do the Fraxel Re:Fine in order to be on the safe side: Not much pain, lesser downtime. Definitely suit my needs. Anyway, if I wanted to try the other Fraxel or Pixel, I can still do so in the future. But I have to be careful of the risk of pigmentation especially if its done by different types of Derms. By right, having different laser resurfacing procedures on your face with different derms is not recommended.

Here are the procedures: (First six are done by the attendant but the real Fraxel thing is done by the certified Dermatologist

1. Cleansing. The attendant removed traces of my make up. Except for my eyeliner. I would have wanted her to remove it too but she looks a bit unresponsive and lacks customer service.

2. Diamond Peeling. I am not sure how this will help but I think its also beneficial for the Fraxel. Apparently, the attendant again has a heavy hand and used my face like carpeted floor that she needed to vacuum. My gosh I was already squinting of pain and yet she does not seem to respond yet. Good thing the Derm entered the room and asked if I am okay. I asked if Diamond Peeling is supposed to hurt? And ITS NOT. So she just said, don’t put too much pressure.

3. Steam. Lol the attendant again once again is in the scene. I cant seem to breathe at this point because the steam is too close to my face and nose. I had to turn to my side and act in so much discomfort before she even ask me if its hot. Of course its hot darn. Don’t worry I still politely told her that yes the steam is too close.

4. Extraction. I didn’t really have a lot of active acne but the attendant just digged and digged into my pores. Sounds like she’s looking for a treasure lol.

5. Applying Mesonumb. As the name suggest, this numbs the face. Its an anesthetic. I need to wait for 45 mins for the Mesonumb to take into effect. While on this procedure, I just read magazine and let the time flies by. Attendant is not on the scene lol. After 45 mins, she cleaned my face with the tissue. THE FACE FEELS SO THICK. A feeling like I do not own my skin hah.

6. Applying Tracking Gel. Which is beneficial so that the derm can track down which parts of my face have been lasered or not. Tracking gel is clear and transparent. I didn’t know about this unless I asked the attendant because she is too quiet to let me know what’s going on. Me, being the paranoid, always get a shocker everytime she touches my face because I do not know what the hell she is going to do again with my face lol.

7. Fraxel itself. This is it. I think my setting is 20 joules, 5% and 4 passes. This is so technical and dunno how to explain clearly the numbers but just for everyone's reference, this is my setting lol. The Derm did the procedure. Dunno how to explain well but I will try. The Derm first measured something in my face using the Fraxel machine. Probably the area of my face? The machine is intelligent, it can set the intensity or what of the face…something like that lol. Then the Derm just let the tool pass my face. There is a sound after the tool passes my face its like a shooting laser. Then again here comes the lovely attendant, suddenly holding a vacuum type of cooling air which she obediently puts in the areas of the lasered skin. I was so shocked again because damn I didn’t expect, I was in goggles cmon. And that cooling air is so darn cold, I had goosebumps! Oh well, Derm said, the air can help also with the pain so I just tried to be still during this procedure. There is definitely a pain but its tolerable. And the numbness is a bit uncomfortable but its tolerable once again. The only thing I am a bit paranoid is, the Attendant. Really….because just do things without my knowledge. lol enough of her!

8. Removing of tracking gel. This was done by the attendant.

We started the procedure at 5:30pm and ended at 8pm (almost like that) An advise to those planning to experience Fraxel is to eat first before the procedure on which I gladly did. When I am nervous, I get hungry easily. When I left the clinic, I was hungry but not that much. Really a good thing that I ate somehow. Anyway, I talked further to the Derm and oriented me on what to do tomorrow and in the next consecutive days. Derm gave me a lightening cream to use on Friday evening. Its Kojic Acid based not Hydroquinone – Good thing because don’t want to use this! Costs about PHP 550.

What my face felt after: My face is definitely numb. I cannot even smile without looking plastic hahah. After about an hour, the Mesonumb started to subside and I experience the sunburnt feeling already. When I looked at the face in the mirror under the fluorescent lighting, its definitely looked red and burned. But when I took photo in my camera, it looked tanned and bronzed. It definitely does not look like that time when I was in Tretinoin. Tretinoin really made my face looked sunburnt like I was slapped 100X. Sunburnt and pale with zits. Horrible, I like this one better, it looks like I went to the beach hehe. Day 1 pain is 6/10.

It was suggested not to wash my face tonight so I will obey. Tomorrow: Sunblock Sunblock Sunblock!

So lets see the results in the next 45 days. The derm said, collagen formation is still present until the 45th day. That’s why she suggests that to do the Fraxel second session after a month.

Total Costs:

Diamond Peeling with Fraxel Re:Fine: PHP 12,000.00

Radant KC Fairness Cream: PHP 550.00

Will do it again!!!! Recommended!

Day by day update:

1/7/2010: Friday. First Day After the Procedure:

Woke up at 9:30am. Being paranoid that the sun is up, and it might burn my face even though I am still inside the house, I immediately washed my face with a gentle cleanser such as my La Roche Posay Physiological Gel. It didn’t sting. Then I applied Loreal UV Perfect in SPF 50. I noticed that my face still looks normal but a bit different. Different meaning, I definitely see an improvement and I definitely like it! :) Traces of the ‘bronzed look’ is eveident but its not horrible looking and I believe it can be hidden by powder. Day 2 Pain is 5/10 - Not really noticeable at all!

10PM: I noticed two medium cystic acne on my left chin!! urgh. I was quite devastated but I thought that because I was too lazy, I havent washed my face since 10AM lol I know I know…when you stay at home and see no one, you tend to be a couch potato and do nothing at all even brush your teeth lol. Anyway, I took a bath and then put Retinoic Acid that my derm gave me  in.025% Cream. I just did a spot treatment. Afterwhich, I put the Radant KC and slept the worries away….Oh by the way, one reason why I am devastated with the formation of the zits is because, I cannot take the Tetralysal anymore because I am taking them already for too long! My Fraxel derma advised me to stop it or else the acne bacteria might develop resistance…which will not respond later on if I want to use it. My gosh, so I guess the zits is caused by stressing too much on worrying about my Tetralysal withdrawal. geee….

1/8/2010 | Saturday:

I woke up and noticed that the zits have quite subsided. YEY! Also from yesterday, while looking at my face on natural light, I finally got a chance to notice the tiny holes in my skin. It’s smaller than my pores. Its barely noticeable but since I am very observant with my skin, its not hard for me to spot them. I quite cringe at the sight of it cause its holes – reminds me of a disease lol. But then I researched and every Fraxel patients recognize it. Its actually the laser that passed to my skin. Imagine how a printer does it in dpi (dots per inches). I noticed that the dots are now flaking as I can see it after wiping a toner using a cotton pad. (see the gross pic heh)

- Skin’s texture is dying as apparent in the flaking of the Dots caused by Fraxel.

- Normal skin color. No more redness or any sting at all.

- Skin is much glowing than the usual.

 

Will continue to update of the progress in the next few days so check back this entry as I will edit it here! :)

 

June 1, 2011 Update:

Sorry for less update. Been very busy with RL >.< Anyway, I still havent continued this yet, because of my budget but I plan to do it next time with Fraxel Re: Store. I have tried another procedure for my Acne Scars which is Radio Frequency. You may try to read of my experience here: http://cecilywishes.blogspot.com/2011/06/radio-frequency-for-acne-scarring.html

Laser Resurfacing Dilemma: To Fraxel of To Pixel?

Today I was suppose to be scheduled for a Fraxel (Re:Fine) here in the province from our local dermatologist but the receptionist SMSed me and said the derm had an emergency. Maaaaan my energy dropped. I was already prepared for the procedure >.< Anyway, what is Fraxel? It is suppose to help me with my acne scars (due to my unfortunate purging history during my Isotretinoin course last 2008) I have been thinking about it since then because my frontal face is okay but the scars in my jawline and side cheeks are horrible (um as researched, my scars are like rolling or boxed scars? Image: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLH9XHfny3TzHw_OxocyT6Lvgb9yZju1U3Nful3KMO8vx_84RAPi6VMH2XRf5rdZRz5NjF7Ua3RatxN3WzT4THRcIHsi_SLacr1slaJ_h0QiIIPqf8pPFtcy2mxyP_c68GRwucqpC79c/s400/typesofscars.jpg) At first, I thought of settling first with diamond peeling because I cannot afford Fraxel at that time (Costs about 15K in Dr. Jonathan Yu’s clinic in Glorietta) When I went to Singapore and was breaking out again, the doctor also advised me of Fractional Laser for my scars. I am not sure what type of Fraxel they use though. It was much expensive in Singapore as it costs a whooping 900 SGD (Almost 30K) So as soon as I came back here in the PH for a vacation, I also set my mind to go with this procedure because its much affordable here. Unfortunately, Dr Jonathan’s clinic is too far in my place. So I researched and fortunately found a practitioner here in our province.  I researched the name of the derm and apparently they are recognized from the Fraxel website. Interesting. They are only using Fraxel Re:Fine. I am not sure if it will help with my scars really well because I know that Fraxel Re:store is for acne scars which is Dr Jonathan Yu is using.

Learn more about Fraxel Re:Fine here: http://www.fraxel.com/Fraxel-Refine-Technology/

Which Fraxel is right for you? http://www.fraxel.com/Comparing-Fraxel-Treatments/

Anyway, here are what I have learned from my researches:

1. Non Ablative Lasers (Shorter downtime): Fraxel Re:Fine (mildest), Fraxel Re:Store (moderate)
2. Ablative Lasers (Longer downtime): Pixel (cheaper than Fraxel non ablative lasers), Fraxel Re:Pair (stronger than the two non ablative Fraxels but with great effects)

Laser Resurfacing, if not done by certified plastic surgeons can cause hyperpigmentation especially to darker skin.

 

I am still at lost on what to choose. But I am desperate to fix this scarring. Having a face without zits is liberating but having a face with acne scars is disfiguring.

Need to do this now as I am flying already to Singaproe by the 20th. \o.o/

I will let you know tomorrow!

[Reviews] Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque + La Roche Posay Hydraphase Masque + Dr Bronners Magic Soap in Lavender

Happy New Year girls! To start of the year 2011, here’s a new review for my blog! Yey!

 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

In my previous entry, I reviewed the other Queen Helene Product which is the Mud Masque. Because I didn’t experience any adverse reactions to it, I decided to buy the Mint Julep immediately. Little trivia: The main reason why I choose Mud Masque first is because my skin has been so sensitive lately. It just suddenly stings when I apply products. Probably due to change of weather and some products that I use as well. So I think if I buy and test the Mint Julep first than the Mud Masque, it will only trigger the sensitivity of my skin as it has sulfur on it – which is a bit drying – dryness make my skin more sensitive. But anyway, I bought the product already and I used it sparingly.

How I used it: I tested it only on my forehead. Because my forehead has some active bumps on it. I also applied on the sides of my cheeks. Waited for 15 mins then removed it with washcloth. Yes it smelled a bit like a toothpaste (as most forumers describe it) but its refreshing. I like it.  I felt a bit of a sting as well when applied it so a bit caution there. Good thing I didn’t apply it on my whole face. Didn’t bother to take a photo of me with it because I really decided out of the blue to try it without thinking that I will blog it. lol. Tried this one yesterday btw.

 

La Roche Posay Hydraphase Masque

I got this for free when I bought my Physiological cleanser. The lady from Wastons in Tiong Bahru Singapore was kind enough to give me 2 free sachets of mask to try on. I am already halfway done with the cleanser but still wasn’t able to try this freebie until tonight. Cant say this is a sample. Weird as I cannot find this product in their website…

This is a bluish creamy leave on masque. Made especially for dehydrated skin as it is highly concentrated with LRP Thermal Spring Water treatment. So I tried this today and the instruction says: Leave it for 10 mins and wipe off excess but in my case I didn’t wipe off. I just massaged lightly until I see the cream getting a transparent consistency. Afterwhich, I just pat a tissue off and used it as a blotting stuff for the shine. Yes, it left a shine on my face after using but surprisingly, I like what I see in the mirror. It doesn’t look like Im an oil mine. It fulfills its promise of suppleness and softness. Cant wait to wake up tomorrow and see the results of letting the masque stay overnight! :)

Dr Bronners Magic Soap in Lavender

Bought this accidentally while buying My QH Mint Julep Masque. Because according to the lady sales assistant of Healthy Options, I need to have at least PHP 1000 in order to get the PHP 50 voucher. I don’t know what convinced me but I obeyed immediately. Sometimes you do things which makes you rethink later on lol. So when I took this bottle, I thought its like an oil cleanser but was surprised when I tried it at home --- It foams! That means, it needs to be washed by water.

The smell reminds me of Dessert Essence’s Thoroughly Clean Face Wash which I used before. (When I was all so freaked out about Parabens and all LOLLL) When I used Dessert Essence before, I completely raved about it and then all of a sudden after finishing two bottles, I decided to call it quits. Reason? I thought the wash is too drying on my face even though its organic. I didn’t like the feeling that my face looks stretched and dull cause of dryness. This is also one of the reasons why I am a bit careful with Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap. It claims to have 18 in 1 uses but apparently I still cant find over Google the complete 18 uses lol. But I used this together when I tested the Mint Julep. It really cleanses and yes it’s a bit drying in my opinion. I still used this one today together with the LRP Hydraphase Masque. I accidentally opened my eyes while washing and GOSH it stings my eyes like hell! So that’s a bit of a hint how strong the product is, even though its organic.

 

Verdict:

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque | Verdict:   |    Recommended? Absolutely!  |  Price: PHP 329.00

La Roche Posay Hydraphase Masque | Verdict:   |    Recommended? Absolutely!  |  Price: got it free!

Dr Bronners Magic Soap in Lavender | Verdict:   |    Recommended? Just okay!  |  Price: PHP 250 roughly. forgot lool.

 

 

Till then. Skincare regimen next entry hopefully. :)