Hello I am back in PH!

Erm yeah I am back since Tuesday evening. Guess who greeted me? EL NINOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and his 37 degrees celcius invisible welcome banner. OH GOSH so help me God.

Moving on. I realized that my skin got better from my two months stay in Singapore. I finally understood why. The environment is so clean…More trees, less or rather NO pollution except from a few nationalities with body odor (You should know them). I can breathe a cleaner air even though the temperature is almost the same as the Philippines, over all, my skin is well maintained in Singapore! Thats why when I went back here, I was so disappointed and stressed and now I feel that I am starting to look haggard again. UGHHHHH. God bless our country :(

So today, guess why I posted an entry? YEAH I bought something…

Uh Hello Biore up there^ hahah.

Getting addicted with Toners. I am running out of Eucerin already and as we all know, Eucerin is not readily available in the PH, so I suddenly saw this in the SM Supermarket’s shelve then I got interested cause its…..a spritz heheh. Then I read the ingredients and got curious with the glycolic acid part.  Hmm looks interesting. Bought two and will test this after my Eucerin will be empty. *excited*

 

  Then I also want to buy a Sublock or a lotion with an SPF. I saw Belo Essentials Whitening Lotion with SPF 15. Interesting. Whitening and Sunblock in one? And… its affordable (less than 200 PHP) I am testing it on the inside of my elbow. Hopefully its not going to be like this: http://cecilywishes.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-2-whitening-lotions-maxi-peel.html.

   

One day, my paranoid self saw some fine lines on my under eyes so the next thing that I wanted to do is to apply an Eye Cream. Good thing that I have one which is a tester that was given to me during my visit in Clarke Quay. It has a cooling feeling and I like it, however I am not convinced with the ingredients because I saw the three parabens. So I immediately remembered Healthy Options. How I miss this store! I bought this Avalon Organics Renewal Facial Cream. I didnt buy an eye cream alone because I believe that my eyes just needed a moisture. I intend to use this at night as my antioxidant. Hopefully will make my eyes and my overall face bettah :)

Singapore (some) loot

April 29, 2010 Edit: Added Review. after 2 weeks of usage.

Need a filler post because people who know me personally are demanding “Cecily” to post a beauty blog hahaha LOL. No seriously, because a lot of my friends know this blog already, I should be more responsible from now on. That means, I should regularly blog?? lols I’ll try. :D

Here are some of the things that I bought recently. And yes I am still here in Singapore for a month and a half already yay. I miss my Derm! I mean, my face misses the facial treatment already hehe.

Panasonic Eyelash Curler.

This is a SURPRISE gift from my Best Buddy (Of Whom I met after 6 years cause we are miles apart lol) Surprise because I was with her when she bought it HAHAHA. Cool. Despite my incessant try to reject, I couldn't resist because YOU know I cant hide my facial expression when I like something. My eyes and actions are readable. Naww that’s sometimes good but oftentimes bad cause I can’t even do a simple white lie for practically sake! (okay, OFF TOPIC. moving on…) This product was reviewed by ekimura and she made a good review about it. I will make my review soon also. :D

▮▮▮► Verdict: N/A Recommended? N/A. Not available because I plan to make an in depth review so watch out. :)

Lux Silk Caress Body Wash. Erm my Ysa Papaya Soap ran out already and I couldnt find any alternative. I didnt know that soaps are not really a thing here in Singapore. I have to settle with Lux cause it claims to whiten, exfoliate and Moisturize. It’s cheap and I am praying that it will not do any harm with my skin. ▮▮▮► Verdict: ★★★★☆ Recommended? ✔ And yes! It is not harmful on my skin. Good body wash but I am not sure with the whitening though…

Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Make Up Remover. I ran out of VMV Make Up Remover as well and found this Neutrogena product on sale that’s why I bought it. It’s supposed to be a Clinique’s Dupe cause both product looks the same although I am not sure with the effectivity. ▮▮▮► Verdict: ★★★☆☆ Recommended? ✔ Not really raving it although it says its oil-free, somehow the consistency is very oily especially when applied to the eye. I am not that comfortable in using it cause it gives me blurry vision. I like tightlining my eyes so this product is quite hard to use when removing my eye liner. I still prefer the VMV Make Up Remover.

Biore UV Face Milk SPF 50+++. Was about to buy another Sunblock called “Acned” and it also has SPF 50+ plus its claims to be oil free and clears acne as well but was halted by my best buddy cause she was not convinced and I was glad I did follow because…it has mineral oil in it and lots of other ingredients which are possible allergens. EEEK. shhh. plus its made from China so…not really bias but you know, I want to avoid any formaldehyde reactors applied in my face. ▮▮▮► Verdict & Recommended? see this post: http://cecilywishes.blogspot.com/2010/03/review-face-sunblocks-from-neutrogena.html ❥

Fiber Top Coat Nail Polish. Bought this at Daiso (the international name of Saizen.) Recently, my nails are chipping so bad cause I am doing the dishes which I dont normally do at home in the PH. Sounds like I am a spoiled brat there but you know back home in the PH, my fingertip eczema is triggering whilst here in SG, it was suddenly not acting up (knock on the wood) Maybe the air is cleaner here I guess…So there I am hoping that this Fiber Top Coat Nail Polish can save my nails. ▮▮▮► Verdict: ★☆☆☆☆ Recommended? ✘ This product is such a pain in the *** It has a very THICK consistency making it harder to apply in the nails because it scoops a bit glob THUS making it longer for the nail to dry! LIKE HOURS! UGH I just wasted my S $2 at Daiso.

Sometime ago, I also bought these three products and I currently use them all. They are great by the way and pretty cheap in my opinion.

LA Girl Eyeliner in Deep Purple. ▮▮▮► Verdict: ★★★★☆ Recommended? ✔ I super like this eye liner because it glides easily and it really accentuates my eyes. TIP: Try to use this color in smokey eye look rather than black or brown. It makes a great difference in the eyes. :)

SilkyGirl Double Intense Waterproof Mascara. ▮▮▮► Verdict: ★★★★☆ Recommended? ✔ I dont have any issues with this mascara except…it clumps when using my Panasonic Curler. I dont know maybe it depends on the way I curled my eyes…but anyway, I still have to learn the trick in applying this mascara w/o much mess.

LA Girl French Manicure. ▮▮▮► Verdict: ★★★★★ Recommended? ✔ PERFECT! almost the same as my nailcolor BUT BETTER. The only bad thing is, this nailpolish is gone in my collection. WHY? I accidentally let it slip on my hand, turning it into broken pieces of glass. :( It’s a bit pricey so I didn't buy another. No more pieces left also in the shelf of vivo mart so…move on move on.

Liole Blooming Tint. I found the review of frmheadtotoe (Watch it below) and was curious about this Benefit’s Benetint Dupe. I am instantly convinced to try so good thing I found this on the shelf of Sasa although the one I saw is in a different packaging. I think it costs $14 but we got it for $11 cause it was on sale) I bought the red one while my best buddy (again who’s with me haha) bought the pink tint. The SA told that the Pink Tint is a bit subtle but for me the differences are not really noticeable heheh. I like this tint so much cause it gives me a natural red lips look. ▮▮▮► Verdict: ★★★★★ Recommended? ✔

Alright, I think that’s it in general. :)

Till then. xoxo

[Review] Eucerin Balancing Toner and Dermo Purifying Scrub

Searching for a Suitable Toner.

Proceed to the lower part for the actual review. This is going to be a picture heavy post. Join me as I search for my perfect toner. :)

I was never a believer of toners because first, my current derm told me that toners dont really work. They are just a pseudo product applied on the skin like a placebo drug which does really nothing with any particular illness. Secondly, toners are another way for me to spend money with my face (not again). But I have mentioned Dr. Neal Schulz before this entry and I am convinced with his explanation why toners are important on our skin. He basically said that toners remove the residues on our face say for example the facial cleanser that wasn't washed off completely or the make up that wasn't washed off too. Because of the little alcohol content that our skin can tolerate, the skin becomes fresh after wiping it with toner. And an important thing to consider, a toner prepares the skin for any acne treatment. So I followed Dr Neal instead of my real derm because he made more sense to me hehe. I used the remaining Dickinson’s Witch Hazel that I have just for the sake of putting a toner before my Isotrex Gel.

Sometime ago, I went to my derm and asked for any product that would help me reduce the grease on my face. Because after 30 mins, my face is already shiny and so unsightly! ugh. She then told me to purchase Avene Cleanance Toner. I told her, I thought toners are not effective. She reiterated and said that Avene can help me lessen the oiliness of my face because it leaves a matte finish. I am convinced but not with the price. Back in her clinic, she sells it for 2K+ or so. I didnt even bother to purchase ahaha. When I went here in Singapore, I was shocked to see it in Watsons and that it was only sold for $40 (PHP 1,320 if $1=33) I wanted to buy it immediately but hesitated because I still think it is expensive. So I waited another 1 week to rethink about it. My Witch Hazel is running out so I need to decide fast. Then today, I hunted for the suitable toner for my skin…I went to Guardian to search….

So a random observation of a particular product. Wonder how that Skin Analyzer works lol looks so funny especially with the third pic. O3? wow that looks really odd. Ozone Clean & Whitening Beauty Kit. hehehe.~

I wanted to purchase the Eucerin Dermo Purifying toner (the clear Green Bottle) But after reading reviews in Makeupalley.com, I keep on rethinking. Then I saw this brand, Organic Surge beside Eucerin, it claims to be organic but the product contains phenoexyethanol. Who the F are they lolling?? The toner smells good tho but no no on my skin. Pretty expensive as well huh.

Saw Evian Small Mist Bottle sold for $5. Closer to the price in the Philippines. Then saw these pretty familiar shampoo. I thought I can only see these in Healthy Options haha.

And its interesting to find my favorite lavender smell from Healing Garden (lavender therapy) I used this wayback in 1999. Brings back the memories :) Also, another one spotted, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer but in SPF 70 WOW! Only for $17.

Sorry I was getting out of the topic. Now lets move on to the real hunt!

I tried walking to the Avene corner for at least 30 mins until the SA finally went to me and told me the most boring sales talk ever. I want to get rid of her so I went to Eucerin. This time, I bought it before the SA will try to entice me again.

I bought the scrub as well just because…for exfoliating purposes. Since I do not visit my derm within my SG vacay, I thought I might need this. I think the price is $18 for the Toner and $21 for the Facial Scrub. SO that means I am close to $40 value for the Avene Cleanance. But at least I bought two than one.

Anyway I bought the Toner for the sensitive skin because my face gets really dry after washing my face. I bought the Scrub which is a little harsh and can only be used for at least 1-2 day per week so that means I am in the middle (not too over drying and oil producing). LOL I dont know where I got that logic but you see, as a girl I am really indecisive with beauty prods.

[Review] Eucerin Balancing Toner for Sensitive Skin

Price: SGD 18 (less than 600 PHP)

The toner itself has a watery consistency. Actually, when applied to skin, it feels like you have just put water only a bit moisturizing. So far so good, I like this toner because my skin doesn't react negatively to it. No smell, not stinging. What more can I ask for? It prepares my face from my topical treatments very well and it lives to its tagline: for sensitive skin. I use this on the morning and evening after cleansing. I also use this to refresh my face in the afternoon especially if I was really sweaty and went after a polluted/smoky place.

Note: If you have used this and think that the product doesnt do anything on your face, dont give up on it. The neutral effect is a good indicator that the product is good on the face.

Verdict: ★★★★☆

Recommended? WHY YES!!!

[Review] Eucerin DermoPurifyer Scrub

Price: SGD 21 (less than 700 PHP)

Another great product to use! The scrubs are almost similar with St Yves Apricot scrub although a bit softer or should I say smaller. Nevertheless, if you put it on the face for such a long time (like more than a minute), the skin will sting. The scrub helped me remove my make up/ foundation completely. You see, make up remover and a cleanser is not enough to have a clean face. This scrub also exfoliates my skin, leaving a smooth skin surface which makes my face ready for a make up. One side note though, exfoliating everyday is not advisable cause it will only irritate the face. So I use this every other day except when I feel like I had a very sweaty day. Use in moderation lol just like how cigarette packs tell. I also use this more often in the nose where I had a couple of whiteheads.

Verdict: ★★★★☆

Recommended? VERY YES!!!

Not really raving A LOT, but Eucerin Products are currently compatible with my skin, so, THUMBS UP! :D

[Review] Face Sunblocks from Neutrogena, VMV Armada & Biore

Again, Paragraph 3 for the real review. :)

Summer came early in the Philippines and as a person who likes to take care of her skin, a sunblock is a must. I have known some people who are not a believer of sunblock mainly because their skin doesn't really make a difference after putting it on but believe it or not the sun and its harmful rays can cause premature aging on our skin. Normally, these aging signs doesn't show up instantly. If you don't protect your skin now, the results will come rushing after 10 or few more years. Take note: even if its not sunny and even if we are indoors, we should still put sunblock in the morning because the sun is still there and the UVA/ UVB/ UVC can still penetrate the skin. Sunblock is also as equally important especially for those with acne prone skin like I have. Because we put treatments on our face (whether it is Benzoyl Peroxide, retinoic acid, isotretinoin, adapalene, clindamycin etc) Putting sunblock is a must because we are only creating double damage in our skin if we dont. I recommend watching Dr Neal Schultz’ video's about Sunscreen here: http://www.dermtv.com/episodes/sunscreen. He answers question too if you mail him! I am a testimony to that. Its like having another dermatologist online. :)

In my case, I have an on and off relationship with sunblock. I was using tretinoin when I first encountered it. However, the sunblock didn't really work on my skin because my face is horribly red after. And the sunblock that my derm prescribed worsened the burning sensation caused by the tretinoin. I endured it for a year cause I thought it was normal. Then came another dermatologist but he didn't prescribe me a sunblock for everyday use. He only gave me one when I was in a beach. I wondered why. Probably because I was massively breaking out then, sunblock might make my situation worst. When I was on Isotretinoin and have cystic acne, I didnt use sunblock. When I got clear, I instantly purchased moisturizers with sunblock with at least SPF 15 (the minimum) such as Olay White Radiance, Maxi Peel Concealing Cream, VMV Spring Clean Moisturizer and others I forgot. My face has improved then. It was this time I have realized the importance of Sunblock because it helps me avoid any damage on my face such as acne. I don't really settle with one type of Sunblock and I am always on the look out for the sunblock that doesn't give me break out, shiny face, and no allergic reaction on my nose.

At the moment, I have been using three main sunblocks on my face.

VMV Armada Face and Body Shield 60

Price: PHP 900 in 30g (Expensive for a small tube)

A little matte finish consistency, not that runny and dense, easy application, a little tinted (see the tube color when opened) and it hides blemishes in the face creating a smooth look. The smell is not that harsh and I have used it around my eyes and it didn't cause any bad reaction. I really like this! However, I am saddened with the price cause it cant afford my budget for everyday use.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ with Helioplex (PA+++)*

Price: PHP 400+ (I am not sure but its only less than PHP 500) for 88ML. Wow it takes forever to finish! :)

Creamy consistency, very dense, leaves a heavy white cast on the face, the fragrance is too strong that it stung my eyes and my nostrils had an allergic reaction. The smell disturbed me as it gave me headache towards the day. I used it together with VMV Armada on my eyes-nose- corner of lips, and the Neutrogena around my forehead, cheeks, jawline. I tried this for few weeks and I notice a little oil mine after 2 hours without powder or foundation on the face. Not really lightweight as it claims. The Helioplex that they mentioned is a stablizer. Meaning, it doesnt break down upon exposing the skin in the sun. Some Sunblocks really break down in the sun because they do not have stabilizing ingredients.

Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+ (PA+++)*

► Edited: May 11, 2010

Price: SGD 12.50 (Roughly PHP 400) for 30g

Very runny consistency, easy application, leaves a matte finish. Perfect as a make up base because it leaves the face smooth and oil free. Too drying for dry skin. Comes with four variant (White for Oily Skin, Purple for Dry Skin, Pink for the Rosy glow effect and BLUE for both face and body usage) Lightweight! No disturbing smell on the face after application.

I suggest the White Variant for the acne prone. Being an acne prone myself, I have found this product very compatible with my skin! Not clogging at all. I even put it twice a day. (Early morning and mid afternoon) And it definitely improved my face. I guess being protected from the sun can really have a lot of benefits!

This product is a bit drying. Trust me, as an oil mine person, I am still surprised that my skin became dry after 3 months of usage most especially with the lines in my eyes. Solution? After putting Biore, leave for at least 10 mins, then put a moisturizer around the fine lines of your eyes.

I even use this product without putting powder or foundation. This goes to show that, it corrects my skin tone and it stays matte for at least 4 hours.

*the more plus on the P.A., the better protection. VMV has no PA cause it uses European scale. PA is started by the Japanese sunblock manufacturers.

Verdict:

1. ★★★★★ Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+
2. ★★★★☆ VMV Armada Face and Body Shield 60
3. ★★★☆☆ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ with Helioplex (PA+++)

Biore is already my #1. I am really surprised with this product cause after using it for 3 months, my skin improved and its definitely not oily at all compared before and when I ran out of this, I couldn't find a better alternative. I tried my VMV Armada which is stocked in my kit but unfortunately, after 10 mins, my skin became OILY, STICKY and overall, uncomfortable. I realized that VMV is very moisturizing and I wasn't able to notice that before. I dont use Neutrogena anymore in my face because I couldn't take the smell at all.

Recommended?

☑ Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+

☑ VMV Armada Face and Body Shield 60

☑ and ☒ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ with Helioplex (PA+++)

Neutrogena is not really recommended for the sensitive skin. But its a great alternative if you ran out of Biore or Armada.

Meanwhile for the body, I currently using Alba Boanicals Green Tea. It has a strong smell as well but I am about to finish it and will use my Neutrogena Ultra Sheer for the face next time.

Happy Summer and stay protected, everyone!

XOXO

[Review] Shiseido Tsubaki Shining Shampoo

The first two paragraphs are just a long intro. Skip to paragraph 3 for the review.

Hi Girls and Guys (if any guy really reads my blog), how are you all doing? I know, I know its been a looooong time since I posted an update. The reason is, I am currently in Singapore and really enjoy my time looking all the beauty products. UNFORTUNATELY, I only have to settle with looking cause darn, the next thing I know, I'm short of money already haha. Gosher this place is so expensive. Why am I here? I am here for a short vacation and also to look for a job just like any Pinoy’s out there hehe. Uh-huh I am aware of the discrimination against Pinays but that’s not going to stop me from earn a living here hehe. I’m with a relative with a PR wife so that saved me a lot of money already for the rent and food.

How is my oDesk job? I basically didn't completely abandoned it but rather, I asked for a temporary leave. Thankfully, my buyer is really kind and understood my situation. SO basically I am not earning right now and I am here in Singapore spending money everyday and getting a big shock of my lifetime (cause of loss of money hehe) Take note: I bought my plane ticket and shop around using my oDesk money. WOHOO. I always go to the beauty shops especially to Sephora, Sasa (KR shop), Watsons, Guardian, John Little and other thrift shops.  But I only window shop cause damn, if you really want to buy then you need lots of $$$$$$.

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Moving on to our Shiseido Tsubaki Shining Shampoo. I have known this shampoo since 2007 because of Yamashita Tomohisa (Yamapi) Quick history: I am a wild fangirl of Japanese Boybands back then before becoming obsessed with beauty products. HAHA. Yamapi is like an ultimate crush back then (well until today but I am not that wild as before haha) So one time, he sent a photo of this on his Jweb (a cellphone based blog) and telling his followers that he uses this and it really makes his hair soft and great. Basically, I am convinced cause of him. You know how fangirls blindly follow their idols right? Initially I don't really intend to buy this here in Singapore but when I accidentally went to John Little, I saw this on the shelf and it was sold for SGD 18 with a travel bottle of Shampoo and Conditioner. Pretty cheap in my opinion because I thought this costs about SGD 40-50 or so…Well based from what I read before in Livejournal. So I bought it quickly since I am trying to save my blonde highlights. Yeah I want to look like a Gyaru haha. Quite a success cause when I was in a bus one time, somebody told me, “Do you need help? I thought you are a Japanese.” YESS! high fives.

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PS. The Shampoo alone comes with another Mini Bottles of Shampoo and Conditioner (Good for travelers out there!) Well look at that photo of the tip of the hair. From the looks of it, I thought the shampoo is really effective. Plus its Shiseido, what do I need to doubt? haha. Over biased reaction.

Price: SGD 18 (PHP 594 if conversion is 33)

Packaging: Very bulky and heavy (550 ML) but great pump design.

Smell: Very floral. Love it. However my sense of smell is really sensitive. Sometimes it gives me head ache and few sneezes.

Look more on this for ingredients and details: https://www.truerenu.com/tr/shop/favorite-departments/bath--shower/shiseido-tsubaki-shining-shampoo-with-tsubaki-oil-ex--550ml-pump-dispenser-4062.asp

I didn't know that Tsubaki is a Camelia Flower. Heh. Anyway, last night I first tried the shampoo along with the travel sized conditioner. I was really excited to take a bath. At first, I thought the shampoo application just gave me a normal feeling. When I used the conditioner, that’s when I felt that my locks were soft and smooth. (ERR of course its a conditioner) If the conditioner is the wonder product then too bad for me cause I only have the shampoo lol. And then after two days of using it, I actually like it. My hair is soft yeah but I still don't know within the next few days. And I love the smell after waking up cause the shampoo fragrance is so distinct in my head. I thought this is going to be my signature smell for the next few months. Also I noticed that my hair is quite tame today. Not really frizzy at all when I go out. Again, it is too early to tell the real results cause I was only using this for 2 days straight but as my initial score, I will give it:

4.5 ★★★★☆ (err I cant find a half shaded star please bear with the 4 stars haha)

04/30/10 EDIT: After a month of using this, I finally can say that I LOVE THIS PRODUCT so much!!! The fragrance is not really bothering me at all. My nose kindda get used to it. Yes, my hair is softer and smoother. My gorgeous blonde highlights is saved because of this shampoo!

Recommended? YES! for an $18 value, its a great try! especially if you are trying to save your color treated hair.

WOW just look at that commercial. And the girl in 00:07 is Maki! *not a fan really but oh wells she is famous in Japan hahah*

Finally, I already know what Yamapi felt when he used this shampoo haha.

 

 

xoxo

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