Me and my skin conditions – Again.

Well guess what? I am going to blog again about my skin. I really wish there will come a time wherein I wont have to complain about my acne’s and eczema anymore. But I am afraid that only death can separate me from that…lol pardon me for being so morbid. I was reminded of the caricature about accutane I saw wayback wherein it has a drawing of the dead person underneath a blanket with embalmers talking and somebody says, “We’ll at least he died so beautiful without acne” if you found that funny then I believe you empathize with acne sufferers like me hehe.

Just to give you a quick recap of my regime also a quick review. Very quick you wont miss a minute. Nothing in this picture ever worked dramatically on me except Biore UV. Physiogel cream for my eczema, nah. Avene Diacneal for the pimples? NAH! Acne Clear? NAHHH!!!!! Now for the main entry…

Today, I went to my first ever Singaporean dermatologist. Tonight actually cause I basically came after work which is 7pm. I almost missed my appointment. But the Dr is still welcoming although she had to cut me with my stories hahaha. I kept on saying how frustrated I am with my fes!

So she greeted me and offered a hand shake but I was so hesitant to touch her delicate hands as I am afraid I will surprise her with my cracking fingertips! Yez dear, other than acne….its the fingertips. And they are so worse at this moment. I can barely type on my right hand.

 

 

If I set my camera on the default one, the picture will look so horrible. This one is set on ISO. High lighting. So as to prevent shocks! Im still embarrassed you know? lol

Anyway she keeps on saying, no no its okay. She understands. So I started blabbering about my eczema for at least 15 mins. She seems so empathic. But I told her, I didnt see her for my eczema, I was here for my acne! Then I started telling her my loooooooong tale about acne. That I went to pills to accutane to tetralysal. Basically I’ve gone through a lot. I also told her that back in the Phils, I am undergoing glycolic peeling every 2 weeks if I have acne and if I am acne free, I do diamond peeling every 2 weeks. After agreeing on what to do on my face, I first asked her about the prices. GULPS, if you convert it to our money, I can already have 4 diamond peelings already in the PH!

I still agreed though. I am so desperate and I am glad I did it cause my face according to my derm is “too much for a woman” LOL come on, she told me that usually people who has an acne problem like me are MEN. mmmk. that made me really sad but what can I do? it is the structure of my body. Plus Singaporean girls are basically blessed with beautiful skin! Singaporean Chinese particularly. I have a Chinese blood (like 1/4? lols) but why I didnt acquire any good skin genes?? ahuhu. Moving on…

The procedure. So the assistant removed my make up on. After that, doctor came to apply the 20% glycolic acid on me. I am not a newbie with this acid so yeah it stings. After few mins, the assistant cleaned my face and we are done. I know what you are thinking, where is the cortizone injection? The doctor didnt even inject my cystic acne’s :( I want her really bad to flatten them but she said, she can make more money out of it but believes that I dont need it cause we are putting chances of spreading the bacteria underneath the skin… so that means, cortizone injection = more MONEY!! HUHU. enough to keep me stressed.

Ok total wallet damage….

Dr gave me something to read  about Oratane (isotretinoin) and Estelle (Contraceptive Pill) She said I should think about it because she thinks my skin problems are hormonal…I dont know I really have to think hard about this! I am so terrified to take another Isotretinoin again and worst, contraceptives!-----had bad experience with this if you follow my skin history! It bled me profusely. So right now, I am a bit torn.

Anyway FOR My pitied scarring, she also suggested some Fraxional chorva. I asked if its called Fraxel and she said, its like that but for 1 session only. Lots of major downtime only like redness and peeling after. So I need to keep myself OFF from public by that time. I said, I can do it while vacationing in the PH. “But arent you going to meet your old friends?” NAHHH Its okay, they can understand. LOLSS I choose to have a clear skin!

The price? 4X the one that I paid today! S***T! but I am willing to save for that. All for the sake of clear skin…sigh.

Anyway, I have to go. Catch up again real soon! My next visit would be two weeks after this treatment. Will let you know the results.

 

xoxo

Very obligatory update

Hey girls :)

First of all, I shall apologize for making a month long hiatus again. I should start to think if this blog is going to be a monthly blog or semi monthly…lols –in the next few days hopefully :P Anyways, beeen so busy because finally I have a work! Full time work that is. Here in Singapore.  And I the best part of it is I am working in a women’s website as well (shhhhhh I think this is going to be it for now lol) anyways, my schedule is a bit jampacked due to adjustment at work and I cant make a very interesting review post as of the moment. But all is well, I wanted to say I am doing good catching up life in another country. I receive several comment questions in my previous post and I just want to say thanks and I still reply to your comments as much as possible so if you want to get in touch with me, just leave a comment or email me at cecilysummer at gmail dot com and I’ll be glad to reply back. :) I will answer questions too regarding job hunting here in Singapore. I dont plan to make a post about it as I am keeping this blog a beauty and freelance blog only.

ODESK UPDATE:

I left oDesk already for such a long time and the last buyer (also my long term buyer) ended my assignment earlier this month. I was in a AWOL so I dont blame the company for ditching me lol. However, I still miss working with them…they are gonna make it big in the next few years I guess cause Google bought them. Should be proud to mention, I worked and help match the types/ categories of Metaweb Technologies. Ahhh I really hope to work again with them in the future. I dont care if I will serve as a data encoder as long as I am tied up with them again, that’s ok lol.

SKIN UPDATE:

I am already off Tetralysal. My derm back in the Philippines told me that I will stop taking this on July as I have been on it for 3 months. Apparently all is doing well with this regimen:

Morning: Foaming Facial wash (Eucerin), Moringa Toner (Hype Ardent Skin Care) and Biore (the blue one)

Evening: Facial Scrub (Simple), Gluta C Toner (Hype Ardent Skin Care) and Adapalene

This is the regimen that I have been keeping before stopping my Tetryalysal. However…Even though I blamed the pollution last time in the PH due to my zits, I think right now, Stress is what’s triggering it cause yeap, I see those red dots appearing again randomly (forehead and the side of my cheek) urgh im going to be a teenager with acne forever? Sad part is I am no longer a teen err.

I am stressed yeah and part of that is I am also applying make up everyday cause I work everyday. Stress + Make Up + Hormonal (Menstruating in the next few days) = oil mine and blocked pores.

Stress is also triggering again my fingertip eczema. I bought QV Cream last time but it didnt work. I bought a Physiogel Cream now and think its ok…But nothing beats Aveeno lotion for me. Sadly no Aveeno here in SG…

I really think that my skin cant take Make Up everyday. :( I am still not confident with my bare skin though but right now my major focus is to have a good bare skin so I dont need to put make up all the time!

So now after keeping the Isotrex Gel in my closet, its back again in my regimen. I still have a few tabs of Tetralysal however, I am not sure if I can take them (lets keep this a secret, I took a tab last night cause I am frustrated with my forehead lol) I dont recommend doing the same thing for God’s sake, I experienced a little bit of gastric pain after so dont follow my steps. I shall be talking soon with my Derm in the PH thru email but again, Doctor needs to see me to diagnose more of my problem but due to location constraints, I might find a good derm here in SG. I found one and hopefully they are really what I expect them to be. I really need a facial procedure now cause after so many days of using a topical treatment, acne is still surfacing.

So till then. I shall update other post as well when it comes to adding a snippet reviews. :)

[Review] The Balm Concealer and Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream

Few days ago while walking around Vivo (Yes I went back to Singapore since last week) I found myself buying these two products at SASA. I have known of The Balm products thru Enkore (Youtube) cause he used these in one of his Pin-up look tutorial video and I loved it. Also, this is not my first time to buy a Liole Product cause I already bought their Blooming Tint previously. However, this is my first ever Lioele BB Cream. Read more to know my reviews about these products.

[Review] The Balm Concealer (Time Balm) Anti- Wrinkle

Price: SGD $ 29.90 (Roughly PHP 960)

I am quite hesitant to buy a concealer as I'm afraid it might cause me any breakouts however this is an exception. There are 6 different shades of Time Balm concealers in the booth and I tried the second to the lightest in my hand, I thought it worked amazingly. I decided to test it in my jawline however I found it too light. Finally when I tested the medium shade, voila! It blended really well and has the exact shade of my skin tone. I loveee it. Although make up gurus say that when buying concealer, choose a shade lighter than your skin tone, I still felt that the medium shade is suitable for me. I don't want any uneven spots in my face cause of using a light concealer.

Now when I road tested it the next day, it wasn't a successful testing for me. :( WHY? Here is a regimen that I did:

1. I used a wet sponge with my Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation
2. I used my hand to dab the Time Balm Concealer in my scars.
3. I set it using Clinique's Stay True Powder Foundation

The results? A very oily skin and streaks around mid afternoon. The heat and humidity of Singapore plus this regimen didnt work out.

I can’t recall how many days but I decided to give the concealer another try. I was in a PMS so I guess this is the reason for my over greasy face. This is what I did:

1. Using the sponge, I applied my Clinique’s Stay True Powder Foundation
2. I used my hand to dab the Time Balm Concealer in my scars.

I discarded the liquid foundation as my base. And the results? Less oily!

Time Balm concealer is a cream therefore its moisturizing. So if you are already oily or combination, this will add more shine on your face. This is also great for the fine lines under your eyes. It can conceal wrinkles and as it says in its box: ANTICERNES meaning: ANTI WRINKLE. It claims to be also effective at night. So you can also say its an eye cream/ concealer in one. I havent tried using it over night and planning not to because Im so afraid it might block my acne prone pores haha.

 

[Review] Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream

Just found a sample of the Lioele BB cream so dont be confused if its almost the same size of the Time Balm concealer lol. I was willing to test it since its cheap. I bet in Korea, this size is a freebie.

Price: SGD $ 8 (about a little smaller size of the palm) (PHP 256)

Taken from: http://www.cozycot.com/beauty/product/makeup/face/foundation-pores-blemishes/others/lioele-beyond-solution-bb-cream

This makes a clean and natural skin tone by being absorbed into you skin with a soft feel of use. This enables speedy makeup because of not needing to apply makeup base or foundation.

Key Points
-All in one: Moisturizer + makeup base + foundation + soothing essence
-This cream is formulated to blend in a natural skin colour onto your skin.
-Non-oily and helps make-up to stay on whole day
-Helps to head facial and acne scars while concealing the flaws

I was interested to buy this one since frmheadtotoe (Youtube) reviewed this positively. BB creams usually come in 1 shade cause the final result is a sheer cover on the face. It is supposed to be lightweight but enough to cover the blemishes and enough to even out the skin tone. Even though it claims so be non- oily, I disagree. When applied to the face, in as fast as 10 mins, my skin reacted and oxidized, leaving me a dark and shiny skin tone.

Unfortunately for me when I tested this the next day I purchased it, it’s a major oil mine for me. Imagine it while I tried it with the Time Balm concealer. Major disaster on my face. I feel so greaasy all over.

This product should be good for the normal to dry skin again and for those who want a dewy effect in the skin cause BB creams can give you that misty effect.

Swatches: (Time Balm on the left; Liole BB Cream on the right)

  

Verdict:

The Balm Concealer (Time Balm) Anti- Wrinkle:

For normal to dry skin: ★★★★☆

For oily to combination: ★★★★☆

Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream:

For normal to dry skin: ★★★★☆

For oily to combination: ★★★☆☆

 

Recommended? It’s your choice lol. but for my skin type, I give the concealer a yes but the BB Cream, a no.

[Review] ELF Eyebrow Kit (Light)

Had my 3rd and last HPV Vaccine (Gardasil) yesterday and forgive me if my thoughts are a bit distorted lol. The shot is still making me weak. :( For questions re: HPV Vaccine just comment here I will try to answer it. Not planning to make a post about it though.

Moving on to ELF Eyeshadow Kit:

Prior to this one, I was using The Face Shop Brow Powder Duo: http://www.thefaceshopen.com/skin/detail_view.php?pCate1=7&pCate2=3&pCategory=252&number=2055 It worked perfectly fine for me but unfortunately, I damaged it when I left it in my baggage together with my nail polish remover. Imagine the smell of Acetone on it. So I ditched it to avoid further irritation on my skin.

Let’s test it shall we? Warning: BARE SKIN: sun block only.

and with both eyes:

Price: PHP 249.00 (roughly less than $6 USD)

Verdict: ★★★★☆

Recommended?" YES!

Notes: When using this product, I thought the color of the gel doesn't show up (Cause my skin is bare and oily) But wait till you put the powder on and voila, a defined eyebrow!

This product is a good buy plus it’s cheaper than other international products out there. ELF cosmetics are known to be cheap but with quality. ^__^

Recent Haul

1. Belo Essentials SPF 40 PA+++ Sunexpert.  Heard good reviews and have tested on my hand, I somehow like the consistency. Roadtesting it tomorrow!

2. Hype Ardent Moringa – O Toner Spritz. You say, “Another Toner again??”hahah yes yes. I noticed that the toner that I bought (The orange one) is too strong on my face. I decided to use my remaining Dickinson’s Witch Hazel but this toner is also making my skin dark (irritated) So decided to find a Eucerin-like/ milder one. And was surprised to see this one in Metro Department store. It claims to be age defying, anti-oxidant. Using it tonight! Excited.

3.  Dual Mirror – I bought it in American Bazaar(a Saizen like but much chaper with less quality products)

4. No. 38 Eyes – Marionnaud – I need the slanted flat brush for practing my cut the crease eyes haha.

5. No. 37 Eyes – Marionnaud – I like these brushes because they are cheap plus the packaging is *thumbs up* Anyway, I am gonna use this in smudging eye shadow.

6. LA Colors Make up (Eyeshadow, Lipliner, Clearmascara) and Art Deco nailpolish – CHEAP BUT very great products!!

So sorry for lack of reviews lately, I am quite busy with life – worrying and procrastinating. lol.

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