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

What I bought today…

Its been a while since I posted what I have hoarded. :) I went to Watsons today and can’t help but to buy cosmetics again…

Fashion 21 Stick Eyeshadow/liner in Pearl – I used to own ELF white eyeliner but the quality sucks it doesn't even glide properly in one coating so I opted not to use it. I don't really spend much on eye make up and I can stick to cheaper but safe prods. This product can also be used as eye shadow base. How cool is that? It might be a great alternative to NYX white eyeshadow stick. I hope so.

ELF Duo Eye Shadow – The main reason why I went to Watsons is that I really want to buy the Mineral Eye Shadow Primer which apparently is not available or the counter doesn't really have it at the moment. Sucks so I decided to buy this cream shadow instead. It promises a creaseless finish. I really hope so. I cant wait to try it cause the peachy color really compliments my skin when I tried it.

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation– This is pretty cheap for a foundation! Well…I will be road testing this product on my face and will risk my skin on a possibility of a BAD breakout (SHHH) but I really think I need a liquid foundation as a base to my VMV powder foundation. For long lasting and smooth finish. I perspire A LOT and the humidity of this country is really unforgiving so I choose this product so that it will be lighter on my skin. My Laura Mercier Silk Foundation is too heavy for the tropical climate thus it made me an oil mine and gave me a few zits also. BTW, Maybelline Liquid foundation promises an OIL FREE, NO FRAGRANCE foundation which I totally dig. I hope my skin will dig it too. Will try it immediately tomorrow. Oh gosh, crossing my fingers.

For other products (Nailpolish and Baby Wipes)– I dont have the exact figures of the prices :) I bought the goldish one for the Chinese New Year. I’ll be trying out the “tiger fur” nails inspired by Pursebuzz.

OFF TOPIC:

Recently like listening to KPOP lately which is totally amusing me cause I’ve been a total anti KPOP listener since (I forgot when) hahaha. But I guess familiarity breeds likeness and this group of girls really made my eyes and ears fly.

Wow just look how pretty those legs are. I am really jealous x_x Their song, “Genie” is really catchy and I cant help but to hum and dance with it. Anyway, while watching their live version of Genie, I was really caught up with a very eyebrow raising camera focus:

And do they really have to focus on the crotch? 0_0 Well just saying hahaha.

end of off topic

xoxo

[Review] Revlon Matte Lipstick in Pink Pout

I’ve been in a “The Perfect Barbie Doll lipstick” hunt for quite some time now. And my frugal self is not allowing me to buy any MAC products. LOL i don't know. I swore to not buy in that MAC store in Glorietta again due to my disappointment towards their sales attendants. I’d like to rant more but bleh this is not about MAC. BUT should I buy MAC in the future, it would be in the other country.

Moving on, I’ve been seeing a lot of people in the Biz wearing the lovely pink lipstick. They vary from bright pink to sheer pink. Its so lovely to look at even though I loathed wearing pink in my lips before. I own a sheer pink gloss before and I felt like I ate a lechon baboy when i wore it cause its so shiny it added to my oiliness! UGH. BUT cause of media and all, I developed likeness towards it in the end.

I actually failed with my first hunt. I first bought Maybelline in Cozy Tangerine. I thought it looked nice when I tested it but as soon as I went out under the natural lights….UH OH. FAIL. So I don’t really use it very often. Then the likeness towards pink grew deeper and deeper so I decided to find another alternative again. This time I found Revlon’s Pink Pout.

I fell in love with it when i tried it in my hand. It really looked nice under the flourescent bulb. I didn't try it in my lips cause I am very particular with testers. I told the SA to try it on her instead AND guess what she replied? “MAM, bawal po kami mag try” I did a WTF face in front of her and said, “PWEDE KAYA!” I mean how in the hell would anyone know if you have tried it? You are an SA for pete’s sake and that is only a tester. When a customer ask, you respond to it right? geee. If I know she’s akso a germaphobic like me! hahha. srrry for the light rant haha. In the end, she followed me haha.

I tried it with Carmex. It didnt work. The Carmex is too waxy and my lips ended up waxy as well. So I tried without anything and the results are nice!

 

I currently like it! The pictures are with flash so they seem to be reflecting too much light but nevertheless with a full make up on, the lipstick looked great on my skin. I can’t wait to try it tomorrow during daytime. :) But I actually imagine it with a Smokey eyes + pale pink lipstick.

 

Revlon Pink Pout lipstick costs, PHP 475.00 roughly US $10.00.

xoxo

[Review] 78 Color Coastal Scents Palette + “unboxing” my Supersale lootbag

There’s no such thing as unboxing a lootbag cause the bag is not a box lol but for the sake of proceeding, I shall make it as such! I delayed my gratification last night  because I want to touch the bag when I am fully rested and not tired. So I opened it this morning. I also tried out the things that I bought such as the palettes and brushes. In the latter part of this entry, I tried to make a semi-baked eye tutorial. Semi cause its not a full blown tut. Please remember that I am not a pro even though the girl in the Supersale asked me if I am a make up artist hahaha. I told her “I am a so called make up artist” LOL funny. Come join me as I “unbox” my lootbag :)

 

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It’s not that much lol sorry for disappointing you, my shopaholic reader. :) Let us open it one by one.

The zebra bag is the 16 pcs brush set, the covered one in white is the 78 Coastal Scents Palette and lastly Carmex lipbalm.

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Michelle Phan said in one of her YT that this is great and everything that Michelle uses, I use it too lol. And my own verdict is: Carmex is great! ITS true that it soothes, heals, protects. Recently, my lips are cracking due to the cold weather. I used this yesterday after buying it and I can say that right now, my lips are moist and not cracking! Though it has a slightly off  smell its still great for the lips that always crack.

Now for the star of the night!

 

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The ingredients have ALL the three parabens. But I dont know why I don't really care? lol I don't want to spoil the moment. And right now the make up artist in me is kicking in more than the environmentalist/ natural products lover in me. That’s basically what I bought. Only three pieces. The prices are: For Carmex: PHP 80, CS 78 Palette: PHP 850 and the 16 Pieces brush set: PHP 1000. Amounting to a total of PHP 1930. I didn’t hoard unnecessarily. This would be my first make up kit if ever cause I have been using ELF eye shadows for months now. :)

The 88 palette is much more popular than the 78 color Palette (the one I have) I would love to own the 88 Palette in (Matte, Warm and Shimmer) but I realized its not practical. The 78 Palette has a mix of all the colors (Matte to Shimmer and a little bit of the Warm. It also have blushes (the bigger pots) So I guess, I made the right choice for practicality sake! If in the future, I'm going to make make up as a business, I’ll probably buy all of it including the lipstick palette and the contour set. But overall, the CS palettes are all good for those budding make up artist. They have a lot of colors to practice on in relatively small amount.

Lets test the colors, shall we?? (this is sort of a tutorial)

Say hi to my fruity nails! :)

^ # 6 as my eyebrow color. # 7 as my eyebrow highlighter.

1. Used to spread the yellow base and orange outer V.
2. Used as a blender brush
3. Soft Angled brush used for the upper and lower lid and to fill my eyebrows
4. Used to brush my bushy eyebrows

For a detailed colors, I used Photoshop to illustrate: I wish the colors looked like these though! MY Body Shop Primer is not good in brightening the colors. I shall buy a better one next time. See next pictures.

 

FINAL and ACTUAL COLORS:

Put mascara in the end. :) Yes, I didn't put mascara cause this is just a test but it turns out great so I made a tutorial. I also didn't put any black or brown pencil liner or liquid/ gel liner cause I want the green and pink lids to stand out. This is actually wearable everyday. Its not really shocking. cause the yellow – orange – lavender bases are not really heavily applied.

The verdict: ★★★★★ 5 stars! Coastal Scents 78 Color Eyeshadow is so great! It’s a must have for girls who love make up. Its relatively cheaper than Mac and other branded palettes. Unfortunately, you cannot buy it in the Philippine market even in Singapore, Malaysia or any other countries except US. CS is based in US and I havent tried buying online. This is the reason why I really went to the Supersale at the Rockwell Tent because I know that Dollface Cosmetics are there and they sell these palettes. I know that they do not say that their palettes are from Coastal Scents but by merely looking at it, we all know that they are almost the same. Am I right? :)

I cant wait to make another eye creation! Should I start making Face of the Day next time? hmmmm.

 

tadah xoxo

Supersale at the Rockwell Tent – for 2 days!

I was there with another shopping best friend! Sadly only for today but its totally fine cause I have limited my budget to hoarding ONLY Coastal Scents Palette and Brushes and Carmex. So happy cause another wish list done!

Supersale at the Rockwell Tent is until tomorrow so if you are free, drop by from 10am-9pm. It has an entrance fee of PHP 80 though but If you are also into Coastal Scents like me, just go to Dollface – located at the back near the stall selling soaps and another door (i forgot the name!) Dollhouse is pretty recognizable cause they have the Palettes aligned in their stall. And BTW, the PHP 80 has a wonderful pink lootbag (see pic) and all proceeds go to the icanserve foundation.

I'm so tired right now but in the next few days, hopefully I can make my own review of the Coastal Scents or the Dollface eyeshadow Palettes.

Who doesn't like SALES?? :)

And its nice to go back again at Rockwell, still got a lot of pretty faced familiar people. Saw a drama actor, a newscaster, a magazine tv host, a former classmate whom I didnt greet hahaha and lots of Koreans. lovely!

tadah xoxo

All about SKIN and Isotretinoin Update

First, HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

This would be for my personal records but on January 26, 2010, it would be my 9th month OFF Isotretinoin (Acnetrex) - A potent drug that I took for my nasty zitz last June 2008 till April 26, 2009.

Link to my Isotretinoin History

Consumed 22 boxes and 8 more tabs.

Around late August, I felt my skin was breaking out one by one and I noticed that it only occurs when I am stressed and with no sleep. Its also probably due to the fact that I also stopped putting Adapalene (cause I was stubborn and lazy)

I had another dermatologist by this time because I relocated to the province (But I had no intentions of leaving my previous derm in Makati) so this 2nd derm told me that I have to take more of this drug cause I am complaining for occasional zits. Still haven't decided until now if I will take another course (in lesser quantity)

Then I had my first diamond peel around September. Then another diamond peel before October. Results are satisfactory! Now I can put make up flawlessly. But I need to do more to remove the scars completely. I stopped the diamond peel because I want to visit my 1st derm about my diamond peel procedure. Which until now I havent done yet due to uhh delayed scheduling heehee.

PS. I think it will take me until January 19 to visit Makati again so I will just go and have another diamond peel by Tuesday.

Before the diamond peel I’ve tried several cleansers like Dessert Essence and VMV Superskin 3. But I still stick to Cetaphil until this time.

My regimen during the diamond peel is:

Morning: Clindamycin (spot treatment), Olay White Radiance Old Formula SPF 19

Evening: Adapalene, Whitening Cream (from 1st derm)

When I continued Adapalene and Clindamycin, my zits have improved.

And my regimen at the moment is:

Cleanser: Cetaphil

Morning: *Clindamycin + VMV Sunblock from Superskin 3

Evening: *VMV Superskin 3 Toner (every other day) + Whitening Cream

I dont use the Adapalene anymore cause I want to finish the VMV Toner.

For the (*) asterisk, I dont put them everyday. I have to check my face if it feels sensitive and burning, I stop at least a day until I feel like I can continue putting them again to my face.

Sometimes, I use Apple Cider Vinegar when I feel like I want to rest off chemical products and needed some natural remedies.

Definitely Sunblock is my #1 protection and I cannot bear to remove it to my regimen. Avoiding the sun is a must!

I still get zits like 1 or 2 once in a while but they are controllable. And I notice that I only breakout after putting make up for 8 hrs with no washing of face OR a day/week/month of NO QUALITY SLEEP and POOR DIET.

Oh by the way, I am a semi vegetarian since November of 2008. I rarely have red meat in my diet. I eat brown rice and I drink water a lot. Although I love eating sweets, they are only in small amounts.

And I am also particular with the products I use to my face, hair and skin. If I use a certain hair product, I avoid those with strong fragrances. I also test at least a day to two weeks if its compatible to my face. My hair currently likes the products of Shine Moist (Shampoo and Hair Wax Treatment-NOT the color treated one) and Citre Shine (Conditioner). For my skin, seems like AVEENO loves me because it keeps my skin moisturized and it doesn't give me any zits at all. And as much as possible with cosmetic products particularly with the foundation and face powder, I use hypoallergenic ones like VMV/ Clinique/ Laura Mercier. But with the eye shadow, ELF is ok. Its better to be safe for the foundations and face powders because you put a lot of these on your face as compared to the eye shadows.

Link to the history of my Skin Allergy and Eczema is below which is already cured now (they really crack like el nino).

I don't like to complicate much my skin regimen. If do, then I will be stressed out and as I have said, stress gives me ZITS. :)

xoxo

[Beauty on a Budget] Olive Oil and Egg Mask for Hair

I'm having a bad hair yesterday and my hair is obviously crying out for a treatment. I still have my Shine Moist Henna Wax with me but after trying it for the third time, I think my skin already said stop cause it has been reacting badly with it. (ring: breakouts and itchiness in the scalp)

My skin and hair is begging for an organic hot oil treatment.

That's the time I headed to the grocery store to buy Olive Oil.

This is not the first time I have used Olive Oil for my hair. Its actually a life saver for me few years ago because I, on a very unfortunate event of my life had experience lice. Yes you've read that right, head lice. Got it from using the comb of my infected niece. That was acutally a worst time because they really itch and they are creepy and not to mention the embarrasment from people. Well over the counter products didnt help me at all UNTIL I found Olive Oil and it saved me from these creepy crawlers.

So we move on, shall we?

Olive oil is moisturizing and the benefits are impressive. I shall not be redundant with the benefits because Google will help you do that but overall, the Vitamin E you receive from consuming and applying Olive Oil is a wonderful hair and skin remedy.

Egg is rich in protein which our hair greatly needs. Especially for girls experiencing hair falls. It is equally as good as Olive oil when moisturizing the hair. The yolk is where the protein is.

Both of these adds volume, shine and manageability. Here are the steps in making a homemade hot oil treatment AKA Olive Oil and Egg Hair Mask

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1. Mix 2 Eggs and 4 tablespoons of Olive Oil in a cup. (I unfortunately used one cause thought it wasn’t enough but I was wrong. My hair is really thick!)

 
2. Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon (lol I dont know why I put it but I read it somewhere that its also good haha)

 
3. Apply into damp hair. (Almost 75% dry) and massage into the scalp.
4. Wear a turban, or a towel to protect it from dripping.

5. Let it rest for 15 mins. Do your chores, do your oDesk job to be preoccupied.

6. Optional: Wash it with 2 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar dissolved in half liter of water.
7. Wash again with a light shampoo. Don’t massage thoroughly as it will wash away the moisture from the mask. 
8. Your choice to Blow Dry or Air Dry. Natural is better, imho.

The results?

It's a saved one from being dry, limp and unmanageable hair. It feels light and bouncy. The strands look thick and coated making it shiny.

The Apple Cider Vinegar is essential because I left the mask for an hour and the acid in apple cider will help it wash away the mixture. The funny part is, I noticed a cooked egg white in one part of my strands ahaha. No worries cause it was washed away after shampooing. Apple Cider Vinegar is conditioning too and gives a shine into the hair.

It didn’t smell. Remember, the ingredients will smell only if you put too much.

Definitely will try this again! :)

xoxo