Products I am currently using (May 2011)

For reference, please check out my first post about this: (Updated last January 2011)

Beauty Statistics:

• Skintype (Face): Combination skin. Currently
• Hair: Colored medium blonde hair by Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Haircolor, Medium Blonde 175. Semi – Long Thick hair.

Face & Body:

Cleanse: Avalon Organics Refreshing Cleansing Gel (Love this and the smell )

Tone: Avalon Organics Balancing Facial Toner (Bought it only today so its too early to tell…)

Treat: Epiduo Topical Gel (Been using this for three weeks now, so far so good!)

Moisturize: Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil (Putting it back in my regimen)

Body Wash: Cyleina Organic Tomato Soap (Had some minor bacne so I want to see if this works)

 

Hair:

Shampoo: Dove Colour Care (My hair likes it though its an SLS based shampoo)

Conditioner: Dove Colour Care Conditioner and Organix Hydrating Teatree Mint Conditioner (Smells like a Stork candy lol but it claims that its Organic and has teatree as antibacterial thus Im using it)

Treatment: VO5 Shower Works (I used this today and I like it! 60% less hair fall in my shower)

Leave On: Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil (This is a good natural alternative to tame your hair)

Some of the products I have tried.

(Either Ive finished using them already and decided to move on OR are currently being shelved)

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Toner: Skin stings, didn’t like it. Gave it about two weeks then I stopped it already. It has Salicylic Acid probably why it stings cause I am also using a Retinoid at night)

Olay Regenerist Serum: The serum is not runny. Its thick. (didn’t really rave about the thickness) Broke out and it gave me a weird texture in my face. I could give it another chance because I wanted to see if the peptides inside is really effective in collagen build up. Unfortunately, it has a big amount of silicone, thus  mimicking the tighter looking face after using it but in reality its just the silicone acting (I think?)

Organic Aid Vitamin E Cleansing Foam: I was in Malaysia when I bought this, I ran out of facial cleanser at that time. I saw this in the shelve…almost missed it because it is located in unnoticeable location (Its not probably saleable) It claims to be organic so I gave it a try. I must say it’s a so-so product. Didn’t break me out neither it gave me a very clean feeling. One thing I noticed, after finishing it for almost 80%, foam started to subside. And by the way, the product is expired as I have seen in the date but I still used it lol.

 

Ok till then, hopefully I can post another review next time.

[Reviews] Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque + Avalon Organics COQ10 Wrinkle Defense Serum

Here in the Philippines for the holiday and I decided to stop by at Healthy Options! Missing this place so much :)

Today’s entry will be about the two products that I bought. Spring Fresh Deodorant will come next as I havent used it yet cause I don’t plan to use a deo at night? lol.

Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque with English Clay

Very nice packaging in a tube. One thing a bit off is that as soon as you open it, tube is not closed in a foil (if you have used Dentiste’s toothpaste, you should know what I am talking about) which made me a bit hesitant due to sanitary purposes but nevertheless I still bought it.

Mud Pack Masque is the original old-fashioned, time-tested earth facial treatment with imported natural English Clay that works wonders for your skin. It's not only an effective pore cleanser, but also helps tighten loose, sagging skin on your face and neck and relaxes tired facial muscles to soften lines and wrinkles. Our Mud Pack Masque facial helps you look your best when you're preparing to go out for an evening or helps you relax before going to bed. No matter when you use it, your complexion will have a clearer, smoother, more youthful looking appearance. Read more: http://www.queenhelene.com/skincare_product_detail.php?id=72

Tested it first on my hand and as you can see, the color is a bit pale brown. It easily gets dried in a matter of minutes if you apply it thinly. The smell? Reminds me of MENA. lol: http://www.menacream.com/mena_FacialCream.html which is commonly used by my Mother to hide her wrinkles away. I am beginning to think that the main ingredient of Mena Cream is also the same as this? Most probably…

I notice that when it dried, it really flaked like how a clay does when it dries. Makeupalley.com rates it well: with an Average Rating: of 4.2 and 84% would buy this product again. Here are the ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Iron Oxides (CI#77492), Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben. So, I decided to test it on my face after.

FACE Testing:

Okay lol I tested it on  my face and as you can see I put hearts on my eyes lol.

I used it after I took a bath, washed my face with gentle cleanser. (My cleanser is La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel – Review next time) I left the mask after 20 mins although the suggested time is only until 15 minutes. After which, I removed it in running water with a washcloth. The result? My face feels a bit tight, squeaky clean. Pores tightened. And I felt like I just had a botox! Naturally. I like it. Though as the experts say, a tight feeling of the skin doesn’t mean that the product is good! So we will see after using it in a month. I am planning to use it once a week though.

Verdict:   |    Recommended? Absolutely!  |  Price: PHP 329.00

I still plan to buy this next time: Mint Julep Masque which as they say, good as an overnight zit spot treatment.

Avalon Organics COQ10 Wrinkle Defense Serum

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serums, based on my researches have been effective as a skin enhancer, reviver and protector. Dr Schultz of DermTV keeps on saying on his website that: A good skin regimen involves A cleanser, toner, and an antioxidant in serum form. When put into the skin, serum is being sipped immediately expecting a much greater result than creams which has a larger percentage of other ingredients. Serums are concentrated, packed with vitamins that the skin needs.

So I was thinking of buying the Jason Hyper C Serum but I thought its not gentle on the eyes cause it says, I need to buy Ultra C for that one. Double money paid? Na my idea!

After using the Queen Helene, I let my face dry and pumped a few. I was quite surprised that the consistency of the product is a bit thicker. Hmmm. But when I applied to my skin, it dried easily. Good.

I did exactly as what was written in the Directions for use: Apply small dots of serum and smooth over clean face and neck, with special attention to the wrinkle prone outer eye and mouth areas. Wear alone, under facial cream or under make-up. Perfect for day and night. Read more: http://www.avalonorganics.com/?id=84&pid=379

Verdict:   |    Recommended? Absolutely!  |  Price: PHP 735.00

 

 

For the Spring Fresh Deodorant: I just wanted to buy an organic deodorant. The smell is nice plus the price is not that hefty which is PHP 215.00. Must review it once used.

Overall, I am very satisfied with what I bought today at Healthy Options! Will continue to review more while in my holiday

All about SKIN and Isotretinoin Update (Version 2)

I’ll probably name this entry, Healthy Options Haul or What I bought today but anyway I am keeping my blog organized and decided to name it under my Isotretinoin journey. (LINK 1) (LINK 2) I hope you can follow thru.

Last week or so, I went to my derm with my usual “every two weeks Diamond Peeling” but unfortunately my skin was not doing well cause I was really breaking out and my face is so oiler than before. My Derm cannot perform the DP cause she needs to fix my zits first so she gave me a glycolic peel which really made me sad. :( Cause that means I am back again treating those red dots again. Major zits in the forehead. I can only pin point the following reasons of my breakout:

#1. I have been going in and out of the SUN lately – AT THE most dangerous time: 2PM-4PM. That’s almost everyday.

#2. Since I am going out, I put MAKE UP. (Maybelline Mineral Foundation and VMV Illuminants for the face, CS Palette for the eyes, VMV and Revlon blushes on the cheeks) Pretty sounds like they are NOT harmful, am I right? But my face enjoys a no make up life since last year cause I stay at home all the time and do some freelancing thing.

#3. I use Shine Moist Shampoo and Conditioner for Color Treated hair. And I let my hair be treated with Shine Moist Henna Wax (Clear. The one w/no color) once in every three days. This is to protect my beautiful blonde highlights. I add this as another factor cause I also have zits in my scalp particularly in the hairline and just below the neck. I think my skin really dislikes Shine Moist products.

#4 I have allowed myself to eat junk food and red meat ever since I started going out almost everyday.

#5 Sleeping late = stress. >.<

  Fortunately, my back is clear and I can still wear those summer clothing's. BUT yeah the face. ugh its a mess.

It gets really frustrating when you can’t do anything with your zits. Its not as severe as before but damn, they are noticeable and my Mom and my Grandmom ---SHE even noticeeed my red dots! who is by the way just had a cataract surgery. Ugh major esteem failure. My hormones been acting up again as well as my oil glands. They’re producing much greater oil than before. I am in my 10th month off Acnetrex so I am rethinking of taking it again. Sp I honestly asked my derm:

Me: Do you think, in my case, I need to take Accutane.

Derm: Honestly, No.

I was quite surprised that she hesitated. This Derm is not the one who prescribed my Acnetrex before. Unfortunately due to location constraints, I decided to change derm. Back to the conversation, my Derm said that its probably psychological – my frustration towards my face. LOL its the first time I heard that but well anyway she thinks that we need to wait at least a year to retake the drug again. After all, Acnetrex does not promises a zit free life. It really depends on my oil glands should they have decided to give me a peace of mind – forever.

We both decided to fix the problem by changing my regimen. She gave me Isotrex Gel (Isotretinion in tropical form) I ditched the Retinoic Acid and replaced this instead at night. She also asked me to replace my Cetaphil cleanser to Cetaphil for Oily Skin (which I didn’t buy cause I don't think Cetaphil in any form works lol) She also asked me  to buy Avene Anti Shine Toner (costs PHP 1,8++K) applied every morning BUT again, I didn't buy cause I dont think its practical plus it has Salicylic Acid (I’ve had history of allergic reaction to SA)

Let me say that my Anti Paraben Self has been shut down for quite some time now. Maybe because I had finally enjoyed a little acne free life – in a very short time. Thus the reason why I became lenient with my products again. I am bringing that meticulous self back again in order to save this $$$$ face. (LOL literally if I can only count my treatments since 18 y/o)

PS: NOT LISTING THE PRICES at the moment. Cause it makes me so stressful heheh~

Main Cleanser: Avalon Organics CoQ10

Morning:

• Phytoextract Lightening Serum (I got from Derm)
• Armada in SPF 60 as Sunblock
• Drinking 1 tab of Glutathione and Alpha Lipoic Acid

Evening:

• Isotrex Gel (Apply thinly all over face)
• Phytoextract Lightening Serum (after 10 mins)

Body Soap: Ysa Papaya

Shampoo: Citreshine in Color Prism (Been using this before for years and my skin and hair liked it so I am switching back)

Conditioner: Shine Moist (in the hair tips in very small amount and rinsing it well)

Toothpaste: Sensodyne in Gentle Whitening

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SIDENOTES:

• I used Avalon Organics CoQ10 gel foaming cleanser tonight and surely I loved it. My skin instantly becomes matte and no oiliness! Hurrah! Lets see during the daytime if its really good.
• I bought L - Glutathione and Alpha Lipoic Acid  only for its Anti Oxidant properties. Actually I am quite new with herbal supplements so I am just road testing the effectivity of taking Anti Oxidants in my face.
• I bought Alba SPF +30 Sunblock for outdoor uses. Just for the Body
• I upped my Daytime Face Sunblock from SPF 15 to 60 because its El – Nino. Plus, I dont think my skin likes my Spring Oil Free Moisturizer anymore.

 

 

• Its my first time to use YSA Papaya Soap. I really don't know why I bought this again cause I’ve had bad reactions to papaya soaps before AND i feel a bit itchy on my legs right now after using. I don't know if I should continue? *itch*
• Sensodyne Gentle Whitening? Hmm just like the reason why I bought Papaya soap. Well, we all want to brighten up our teeth right? Road testing this now and we will see if it really works. I took a photo of my teeth already which I will not really post here haha.

Hopefully, all these efforts will really help clear my face. Together with Pilates, I am really looking forward to this new regimen. I should buy another powder foundation though. BUT I decided to buy Clinique and switching away from VMV Illuminants from now on. I’ll just finish the remaining.

 

I will update you once my skin improves.

 

xoxo