Birthday present arrived early

TriPollar stop-It is what I have been dreaming for years!!! 

This sweet surprise came to me one month in advance. As advised by beauty guru friend, start to use it stat so on my birth date we'll see the magic on my face :D

It is truly an every girl's bestie

大城小爱

不知什么原因 突然间想起了你

那时想你的心情 

想你时喜欢听的歌

想你时写的博客

都仿佛就发生在昨天

此刻 我只想祝福你K.

Product review: Aknicare treatment lotion with GT peptide-10

The product description says: Aknicare treatment lotion is an alcohol-based medical treatment lotion, indicated for use when a noticeable and rapid effect is required to control and decrease the typical symptoms of mild-moderate acne characterised by seborrhoea, blackheads, papules and pustules.

It contains: Triethyl citrate, ethyl linoleate, salicyclic acid(0.5%), GT peptide-10. Just in case you are interested in finding out what these ingredients do for our skin, pls click here. I have listed them down when doing my review on aknicare cream previously, and aknicare cleanser here.

I ordered this a bit while ago, only started to try it recently when my face experienced a mild pms breakout.

I used it twice a day on cleansed skin. My immediate impression is..wow the alcohol smell is so overwhelming! The moment when I opened up the cover, it felt like my skin was about to be medically disinfected, if not surgically..

With the swab applicator I rub the lotion on, then gently pat to allow for better absorption. My skin turned pinkish to red right away, which is not a big surprise since I have super sensitive skin, the redness went away within just minutes without giving my skin much discomfort except slight stinging sensation thats very tolerable. Then I noticed the thin film on the surface, felt greasy, looked shiny and unflattering.

After aknicare lotion, I went on with aknicare cream, followed by endocare gelcream(need the antioxidants to prevent post-inflammation hyperpigmentation), these are proven effective and gentle enough for my skin. However, throughout the day my skin felt irritated with the constant dryness.

After 8 days of diligent usage, I hated to see myself still nursing the zits on the same spots.. So I discontinued it. 

In one word, it was unpleasant to use, and showed no improvement to my skin. I wont repurchase it.

Product review: Dior Creme de rose smoothing plumping lip balm

One of the reasons I decided to give it a try is one celebrity (who I dont know her name) strongly recommended it on Beauty Queen show (女人我最大), she claimed how great this lip balm made her lips look and feel, just when my lips were crying for tender loving care.

I was very excited to see the magic working on me, so for the first two weeks I made sure myself use it at least twice a day, one in the morning when I do my makeup, one before bedtime.

Not sure if my expectation was a little too high, to me it is not that a 'great' product, just a good one. But pls don't get me wrong. I do like how soft my lips feel everytime after application, without the 'waxy' feeling. It appears pink in the pot, and turns colorless on lips, gives a bit of nice sheen, but not glossy looking.

I also noticed when I rubbed a generous amount onto my lips before going to bed, I woke up next morning with slightly fuller-looking lips. The difference is not so so SO huge like what a lip filler can make, but it is very subtle as I definitely can tell my lip are nicely plumped and lines are looking less obvious.

The soft rose scent is lovely, and the pot design has some retro to it, which is feminine and elegant to fit into any purse.

What I don't like about this product is:

1) On days I don't use it, my lips start acting up badly. They get so dry and flaky, which never happened before I used this lip balm. I suppose it has something to do with its formula.

2) I personally dont really like products in the pot, which can be quite unhygienic when we had to dip our finger in it to take the product out.

3) The price is 41sgd. I bought it at Dior counter Ngee Ann city.

Repurchase? I will continue to look for better ones, but I may just grab one of these again just in case.

Product review: Aknicare cleanser

I was given a few sachets of aknicare cleanser samples when purchasing aknicare cream. Honestly for the first few wash I didnot like it, as I found the texture is rather liquid-y, when rubbed in water there was minimal foams. I had the feeling that my face was not cleansed properly.

After that I experimented other method of using this cleanser, I was then officially impressed!

It comes in a bottle with twist open dispensing cap, Texture of the cleanser is liquidy, it is clear in color.

I use it twice a day, following my new method:

1) Wet face and both hands.

2) Take aknicare cleanser about the size of a 20-cents coin

3) Rub the cleanser inbetween palms, do NOT add any more water at all. There you go, tons of foams.

4) Now start massaging them onto face using circular motion. The foams will get into pores and clean the skin thoroughly.

5) Rinse face under running water.

My face feels super clean and happy :)

Aknicare cleanser has a surface sebum-regulating action and also deeply cleanses the skin, removes debris and surface sebum, and unblock pores in preparation for skincare. It also contains an anti-bacterial agent.

Akinicare cleanser is designed to alter the skin's surface environment and ensures the skin is receptive to other products:

• Reduce surface sebum-less oily skin
• Deeply cleanse skin-removes dirt, grease and debris
• Reduce skin proliferation-surface exfoliant
• Anti-bacterial action-promote normal skin bacteria levels
• Indirectly provides calming and soothing properties-reduce pain and swelling

This is my current favourite face wash, I will definitely repurchase it. However, it is only recommended for those who have combo-oily skin. 

Please also check out my review on Aknicare cream here. If you tried it or any other products from the aknicare range, please let me know your thoughts?

It is Watson time! Quick mention about Ecotools and real technique brushes &Beauty so clean

I passed by Watson today to pick up some of my daily use items. And saw this!

I know Ecotools brush sets are available in Watson long ago as I started my collections of makeup brushes. Till today I still use some of them often. In my opinion, Ecotools has decent quality brushes at reasonable price. Plus all their handles are made of bamboo, they are cruelty-free and Eco friendly. I recommend it to beginners as there is pretty much everything we need for basic makeup application in one set.

Now on the shelf are also some Real technique brushes and sets. I personally didnot get to try it, but for girls who intend to purchase them, now you can grab them conveniently at Watson. It is also the first time I saw beauty so clean conditioning brush cleanser here.

Came home with these. At the moment I'm testing out a few foot exfoliants, maybe will do a review and comparison on the different products later.

Friday is coming...

A new week, Tuesday :)

This is the first day in a long time I walked out office knowing that I was actually going to get my lazy butt to yoga studio. In the end, from the moment I stepped my foot into the studio, everything in my head is the yummy KFC zinger burger and the cheese fries…

The entire past week is overwhelming for everyone in the office, and I know it probably was even worse for some others. It is bad it happened in a such surprising way nobody appreciated it, but if everyone was invovled in creating this office 'mind game', then don't hate the rules, or the players.

We have to move on. We do what we can.

Product review: ENDOCARE gelcream(Another great snail product!!)

Before I review this product, there is a little story worth telling. I work in a dermatologist's office, naturally I'm exposed to more skincare products as many sales reps come in frequently to introduce their products often with samples provided. About 3 weeks ago I was given one vial of 'acne serum' to try, apparently my dermatologist was somewhat interested in bringing it in. Because I have oily and acne-prone skin, she asked me to use it for a few weeks and give my feedback. I used it diligently. In the end it didnot work well on me, my skin hated it. It became itchy and very irritable.

In order to help my skin recover from its nightmare, I reached out for endocare gel cream, which is known as an intensive and lasting moisturizer, with regenerative and antioxidant properties. It is gentle yet effective, often recommended for use after aesthetic treatment such as chemical peel, laser etc.

After 4 weeks' use, I now can appreciate this product more.

It has a light and soothing fragrance. Gets absorbed very quickly into skin, and doesnot feel greasy on my combo-oily skin. I used it every morning and night, on my face(including undereye area) and neck. Once I rub it in, my skin feels calm and ready to receive other skincares I put over it. For moisturizing power, I'd rate it 4.5 on the scale of 5.
 

Here is some info I got from the sales representive, this cream is formulated with an unique technology(SCA biorepair technology), based on the secretions of snails. And it is definitely good to know, they don't harm the snails during the process:)

It claims:
The Endocare is a line of products designed to combat cutaneous photoaging, derived from research on burned skin by irradiation (cancer treatments, Chernobyl nuclear disaster). Is formulated with SCA Biorepair Tecnology, based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus, a small land snail Helix aspersa.

The Endocare is a complementary care ideal dermocosmetic techniques of facial rejuvenation: peeling, laser, Microdermabrasion, etc, reducing recovery time, minimizing the discomfort of post treatment and maintaining longer the results obtained with these techniques
 

Will I buy it again? Absolutely yes!

To younger and beautiful skin,

Rae

Product review: Color combos eyeliner

Color combos eyeliner, this is one product I've been using almost everyday for years, lotsa girls have asked me what brand I was wearing how it looked so black, some even thought it was some gel eyeliner. And now this is my secret.

This is how it looks, in the form of twist pen, which I like very much, saves me the trouble and time to sharpen before every use, especially when I'm rushing to get ready. The tip doesn't look super sharp, however precise lines are easily achieveable with the assistance of Q-tips!

Its texture is soft and creamy, extremely easy to glide on, and it gives the blackest effect. Use it on top of an eye primer, it'll stay put forever like nobody's business.

I've worn it to wow wild wet(water park), after spending a full splashing day with my little niece, my eyeliner was good as just being drawn on. I wore it to cinema, cried over the show, no smudge or smear at all; And in extremely hot and humid climate in Singapore, it doesnot budge. What else do you ask for?

It doesnot have very fancy packaging or design tho, but as an eyeliner it does an amazing job. Plus it is super affordable, costs only 5.90sgd in SASA store. I highly recommend it to everyone especially girls who are prone to smudges under the eye areas, do give it a try, or let me know yout thoughts.

Thanks for taking your time to read.
Rae

A New Yoke Skin Solution(NYSS) encounter

I believe all cozycot members got this in their email inbox, and how many decide to go for the free exchange of NYSS in-house beauty cream that promotes greater skin radiance and hydration as well as the free hydrocollagen treatment?

But I know I did. And if you are one of the girls/guys considering, please read on. Altho this is just my experience, still we all know the deal-everybody is probably put thru the same..

Reasons I gave it a go was simple, I have too many creams sitting at home wasting their life away, so why not? I hit the "REDEEM NOW" button which brought me to a simple form requires particulars and contact information of mine. Once submitted, the screen says something like thanks for your interest and their staff will contact you blah blah blah.

The following day I received the call, one girl named herself C from NYSS city square rang me around 3ish, to fix an appointment for my exchange of beauty cream and the treatment. I kinda tried brushing her off as honestly that was not something I was expecting, I thought it was a quick drop-by-exchange-and-byebye kind of thing. However, C sounded somewhat persuasive. So we eventually agreed on 6Pm same day, as she kept on saying they were 'very free' on that day.

Upon arrival at NYSS city square, it was the regular registration stuff since I was a first time customer. Here I will not make it an issue about how impolite without explaining a word C led me to a small room(I guess they call it consultation room) and left me alone wondering, or how rude it was the branch manager S to turn on the webcam attached to the LCD monitor and start taking pictures of me without asking for my consent during my skin consultation. I thought these are no big deals, blame it on the staffs' ill manner, as long as the treatments work out well, still the ends justify the means. But the whole experience was so upsetting in so many ways, I decided to write it here, so that those who wanna go for it are well informed, and just in case anybody from NYSS is reading this by chance, as a customer I hope there'd be measures to be taken for improvement.

 

The initial questionnaire

So I waited in the small room like 8-10mins, felt like forever though before C came in. She conducted the routine questionnaires regarding my past medical conditions, allergies, and skincare rountine etc based on the customer record booklet she was holding. By the end of the session, she threw me a question from nowhere...

She asked if I hold any credit card from any bank, because they are having a credit card promotion for all credit card holders. Once I responded yes, she requested me to hand over my credit card to her so that she could check and reserve the free facial mask for me. 
  I got confused about the purpose of credit card use here, so I clarify with her nicely that the reason why I was there is to exchange the beauty cream as advertised in the email poster, along with my kiehl's facial moisturiser ready in my bag, I was not there for anything they're trying to cook up. Without a word or any response, she walked out the room, leaving the door ajar..

I was alone again in the confined room wondering what's going on..

The consultation

The branch manager S performed a skin scan on my face and forearm, it was okay, after that she explained the skin on my face is seriously lacking collagen, thus the treatment they are giving away for free cant treat my skin condition or give me noticeable results. My only solution was collagen treatment, at the expense of 380$ for two sessions which is an special price only for first time customers. 

I asked: What makes your treatments stand out from the rest salons? (One thing about me, I am always willing to splurge on good products/treatments, all my friends know that. )

I needed know if it is some good ingredients or technology they can provide, so I have an idea my money is spent on where it deserves, not on some 'hope' they was trying to guide me to believe. 

Same answer I received from branch manager S and my therapist F, they have all natural products with one active ingredient-aloe vera. We all know the good stuff in aloe, but coming down all the way to a beauty salon for aloe treatment with that price tag, I was reluctant.

So I said no, I need more time to consider. Surprisingly manager S answered agreeably, no problem, she'll still prepare something from the middle range for my skin, so I can have a feel on their 'ultrasound' machine that helps the product to penetrate.

That was a generous offer, hard to say no.

The treatment

Next thing I realised myself lying on the treatment couch and S the branch manager working on my face 'super carefully' to remove my makeups before real treatment commenced. She was so slow and gentle with my each lashes, till I felt bad for her, and suggested to do it myself to save the trouble. In a professional and natural tone she turned me down, saying it is what they do for customers, at the same time she took the opportunity to explore my occupation and skincare products I use.

After a long while as soon as she's done, she informed me she had to go and leave me to therapist ms F's hands, because as a manager she was not supposed to 下手(do hands-on treatments). 

The treatment by F was rather mediocre, nothing good or worth mentioning. Have to say one thing I hate about facial treatments in some salons is the little container of water getting recycled a few rounds for cleansing. I wonder for customers like myself who wear fair amount of makeups, how on earth can our faces get adequately cleansed if the water only get changed upon completion of cleansing?

But whats more disastrous than that happened to me at NYSS, is when the therapist passed to me a mirror after my treatment and asked if I noticed my skin became brighter and more radiant? 

Honestly all I noticed was the massive black smudges around my eyes, from my black eyeliner and mascara undoubtedly. How shocking! I can't believe my eyes!! 

I asked for makeup remover, she responded she'd give me later when we were outside, meaning I had to walk out from there with my face looking like a joke!? I was practically looking down and using my hands to cover my eyes on the way out then two ladies were standing straight outside the curtains asked: you wanna wipe your eyes first izzit? 

Oh hello! Can that get any more humiliating?!

I figured The girls were plainly not interested in giving quality treatment, or else how in the world can she act so serious and professional about removing my makeups then proceed with the treatment when my face was all eyeliner and mascara smudges?? In the end stil have the dignity to give me a mirror to see the mess they created without feeling anything wrong???

I'm sorry NYSS I dont care how amazing your aloe vera collagen treatment is and what wonders it makes, my whole experience felt like being in a circus. I will not return, or allow my friends and family to go.

Back in 2014!

After sending off my parents and niece from Bangkok airport, I headed back to Singapore together with my old life, I thought, knowing I have a lot on my plate.

The immediate reality I had to deal with is the aftertaste of a whatsapp message I received from my future boss when I was still overseas, his last-minute change of plan has absolutely changed how I looked at certain things, even though I can understand the mentality of small business owners. Still it was probably not a wise move. Well..no harm no foul.

For the first time in 15 years I welcomed the New Year with my family. 2014 is here. It is a year for me to make real changes. After everything I went thru in year 2013, I realized regardless of all circumstances, now I only want keep my eyes on my goal, anything else is distraction, they don't matter at all by end of the day.

I want to thank everyone for reading, and following my entries. And I wish all of you a brand New Year fills with love, happiness and success.

Cheers
Rae

Product Review: Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets. The originalor the NEW version?

After years of experimenting in the department of makeup removers, I now tend to reach for oil base makeup remover, to me it works best especially on waterproof makeup, it is super thorough in taking off all the traces of makeup from the pores, and friendly to skin(If you choose the right one). I used to bring along a tiny bottle of them for travel and yes sometimes it can get messy. So last year when I was prepping for my short trip to Kuala Lumpur, I saw this little pocket-tissue size of makeup remover sheets in SASA. I thought why not give it a try, it is light-weight, doesnot take up space and for sure it wont give me surprise when I open my luggage. In the end I totally fell in love with these so much. Since then I tried some from other brands, still the Biore cleansing oil cotton facial sheets remain my top choice at the moment.

Now they just came out a NEW version. So I'm going to review both of them and how they perform differently on my skin.

The Original Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets; 3.90sgd
(10 sheets)

The Original Biore cleansing oil cotton facial sheets: 

It claims: 

It contains smooth cleansing oil to remove stubborn makeup gently and effectively, minimizes need for repeated wiping on eye lashes, eye area and face. 

How to use: 

Using clean hands, gently wipe off makeup with sheet. Makeup removal is complete when there is no trace of makeup on the sheet. 

To remove waterproof mascara, place sheet on closed eyes for 5-6 seconds before wiping off.

 

Love it from first use. I found it so effortless to take off my very stubborn waterproof makeup so completely, with one sheet for my whole face. Just because I am paranoid about any makeup residuals, I always take a 2nd sheet to go over my whole face one more round, and I barely see anything on it any more. These sheets are very very moist, I dont have to use pressure or pull my skin, the trick is gentle wiping. I love how my skin feels so clean and fresh everytime, no feeling tight or sticky. They are cleansing oil sheets but give no greasy feeling. Also I noticed an interesting whitening effort and glow on my face, not sure it is just me? :P

The New Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets; 3.90sgd
(10 sheets)

The New Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets: 

It claims:

• To cleanse and care with smooth cleansing oil and hydrating beauty essence.
• Thoroughly removes all traces of makeup including waterproof mascara without irritating or drying your skin
• Minimizes repeating wiping by 50% on eye lashes, eye area and face
• No greasy or sticky feeling after use as cleansing oil does not remain on skin
• Contains hydrating beauty essence that leaves skin moist and smooth
• 100% natural fibre sheets for a softer glide on skin

I'v used these for couple of days, honestly I feel they just work exactly the same! As for the hydrating part, I think it is a nice concept to put skincare to our skin cleansing process. However, I didnot notice any immediate difference on my skin. 

So which one do I prefer?

With the fact that they both work equally well, I probably go for the original one. It has a slightly smaller pack, easier to slip into my cosmetics pouch, as I only use facial sheets on the go. And I love the radiance on my skin after, which idnot happen on the new version.

As for the additional hydrating and skincare benefits from the new version, I personally don't demand it from a makeup remover product. I believe skincare products work better in that department, happy just the makeup removers just play their role.

Biore oil cleansing cotton facial sheets are also available in this plastic pack, and the refills. I don't recommend it unless you use it on a daily basis, otherwise I notice the sheets can lose its moist slowly since the package is not super airtight.

Happy weekend!
Rae

Beauty goodies I discovered at Watson store.

I have a young colleague from a few years ago, every morning she showed up wearing either eyeliner, or eye shadow, or eyebrow pencil, or lip gloss, only ONE of them each day. I was curious and asked her why. :) And she laughed: 'Shhhh..Cosmetics is pretty costly, I have budget...'

I know. Thats why everytime when I find good and inexpensive stuff, I have to tell the whole world. So we dont have to break our wallet to look just fabulous. These two items I have been using for months. And I think they definitely worth  checkout, both available inWatson store.

1)Bourjois Translucent smoothing primer
-Correcting airbrush action for an instantly beautified complex

It comes in a little pink pot. The texture feels soft and very much siliconey, By look it is slightly pink, but turns colorless once being applied onto skin.

I use it after my skin care routine and before foundation. Apply with clean fingers, it gets into every pores and fine lines, so they look less obvious. It mattifies the skin, gives a very smooth surface getting the skin ready for foundation application.

I usually put on my makeup at 7am, and reach home 8-9pm or even later. My foundation stay put, in fact it looks even better towards end of the day, and throughout the entire day I only blot the bit of shininess once in the afternoon time. The primer absolutely works in some way.

Good to know: It has non-pore blocking, oil-free formula, enriched with wild azalea extract to protect cells' youth.

And.. I just dumped my Benefit the POREfessional for this pink baby. Ha!

Price: 25.4sgd.

2)CANMAKE Cover & Stretch Concealer UV SPF25 (waterproof)

This concealer is in a little glass tube. Available in 3 shades, number 1, 2 and 3(from fair to dark). Its texture is very creamy, provides mid-full coverage of almost-ALL imperfection. 

So far I have purchased my 4th tube, for my regular concealing of marks from acne. (I still have them once in a while). And I stock up them for my professional kit as well.

The best way to use it? Just apply very little amount of this product onto the concerned area with the sponge tip applicator, take a clean finger to dab and blend it into the skin around the area; Some people prefer to blend with a concealing brush, whatever it works better. 

One secret is, since after my too-faced shadow insurance run out, I experimented this product as eye primer. All I can say is its performance is beyond what I expected. It blends into the eye area nicely, covers my tiny blue/purple veins well, and its creamy texture holds the eyeshadow in place longer. So we just kill two birds with one stone, save the eye primer. :)

 

Price: 19sgd

Till next time. 

Rae

Olio Cafe @Compass Point

This is a restaurant I pass by every single day, however, never bothered to go in before, until today, only because everywhere else was long queue. LOL..

The environment is pretty casual and relaxing, food is simple and good. Definitely I'll go again wif friends.

Cream of broccoli soup.

Seafood squid-Lnk linguine

Root beer float

Love how the root beer float completed my meal. :)

Cheers
For the weekend!

ColorVUE Big Eye Cosmetic contact lens---My long lost love FOUND!!

So a while ago when I walked to Sunny Eyewear(at Far East Plaza), where I used to pick up my ColorVUE contact lens, Sunny told me all the ColorVUE series have been discontinued in Singapore. My heart sunk.

(I'm a loyal fan of ColorVUE Big Eye contact lens for years, I love how they make my eyes look so much bigger, mysterious and more alert, in a very subtle way. They won me tons of compliments, and lotsa people asked what brand and where I got them etc. Since then I tried all different colors from the same range, eg sweet honey, cool blue, party green and amazing black, however, 'evening gray' remains my favourite.) 

I started my long and desperate searching for ColorVUE Big Eye, constant testing out color lens from various brands, and keep getting disappointed...

Until recently I run into one website that carries ColorVUE Big eye, I was overjoyed! It was like discovery of treasure. So I placed the order on the spot, it was like a dream come true.

 

10 days later, I got this...

Who doesnot love package by your doorstep?!

And when I opened it...

They are so carefully and neatly packed. There are 4 cases came along..

This is how the 'evening gray' looks..

And on me...

I really love how flattering they are, and for long wear from 7am to midnight, they never give my eyes any discomfort. What's even better, they cost only 34.3sgd per pair from this website, comparing to 49sgd when I purchased them from Sunny Eyewear store, it is a steal. International shipping fee was 3.48 sgd, just reasonable.

If anyone of you would like to get them, the website I mentioned is:
http://www.my-contactlens.com/
They have a lot other fancy cosmetics lens, as well as the regular contact lens, happy browsing!

Brunch out @Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

Durian pudding-Highlight of the brunch @Brio's cafe Grand Copthorne waterfront Hotel. Simply divine! They are made of 100% fresh quality durian. And just for the record, I had 10 of them.. ;)

3 of my favourite mascaras

In the first picture are my natural lashes, short, straight, point downwards, they are also stubborn to get held in place after being curled. :-/

So when I look for a good mascara, I need it to do well in lengthening and volumizing, and has long-lasting power. Considering the humid climate we are living in Singapore, I go for waterproof always.

These 3 are the ones I use over and over again. I thought it is a good idea to put them together for a bit comparison.

LANCOME Hypnose Star Waterproof: It gets to every lash, work very well for lengthening, not the best for volumizing tho. It gives a natural and flattering effect with just one coat, and some thickening effect with two or more coats. It is sweatproof and smudge-free. It lasts forever.

I bought it at Sephora, sgd50.

CHANEL Inimtable Waterproof: It does what it says. So far it is the queen for volumizing and lengthening. Best part, no clumps! Every lash get nicely separated. I love most how my lashes are curled when using it. It lasts till when I decide to remove it in the night, good for Singapore weather.

I bought it at Chanel store, sgd50.

SASATINNIE Super Dolly Powerful Curling Mascara: This is my first love in the world of mascaras. Very good at lengthening and it holds the curls forever. The only thing I don't like about it is, it can get some lashes stuck together during application, so I sometimes end up looking like have less lashes than I actually do. And it can be a little clumpy, which I am not a huge fan of. But overall it is still a very good one for only sgd9.80. Available at SASA beauty store.

Product Review: Loréal Men Expert VitaLift Revitalising Foam

I have tons of face wash in my bathroom, when I noticed I'm reaching for this one so often these days, I have to recommend it -) Yeah I know it is from L'oreal's men expert skincare range, but does not mean only men can use it. It is good for everyone who has combo to oily skin. I love it as it contains salicylic acid, which I think everyone should include in their skincare routine, to gently exfoliate our skin on a daily basis.

It foams up very well and does a great job in cleaning the pores, without stripping it of the essential oils. My skin feels clean soft and smooth to touch after use, never dry, tight or irritated.

I purchased it from Watson's at 10.90 sgd, for 100mls of product, really a good bargain.

Will I purchase it again? Yes.

Happy Sunday to all!!! And quick acne fix?

Yeah I'm chilling out in Andersen's and enjoying my favorite ice cream combos, never get enough of these, so good! 

The past week has been a bit stressful at work. But I can smile now, because time finally did justice. It was not easy being the only one who stood up for what's right, then being back-stabbed sabotaged and misunderstood again and again. I chose to hang on knowing there is this day when the truth is out. It took 2 months!! It definitely calls for some celebration now. :)

As for my skin, it's been really happy and free from acnes for a while. But stress took quite a toll on it this week, there were two fierce and angry zits popped up on my chin and neck area, they behaved like they are not going away for a long time.

 

My resolution? I did a microdermabrasion to clean those pores and remove the dead cells on the surface of skin to prevent further breakouts on other part of my face; After that I did a chemical peel, for the salicylic acid to penetrate deeper in the skin and dry it up faster.

And...If anyone is looking for the quickest way to shoo the zits away? Yes, the injection. My dermatologist did a Kenacort jab for me, 24hours later now the bumps already subsided by 90% :)Isnot just wonderful!? If I wanted to use foundation/some concealing on top, it'd look perfectly like normal skin. (I know how girls like to use makeup and concealer to cover imperfections on our face and body, but concealer and bumpy zits are not good friends.)

 

But how does this kenacort injection work?  Kenacort is a corticosteroid used to provide relief for inflammations. So it works best for those hard and bumpy zits. 

Happy weekend everyone.

Rae

Product review: AKNICARE Cream

Some friends asked me about Aknicare cream. It is by far the only moisturizer that suits my skin type. My skin is oily, for almost my entire face. I have tried a wide range of moisturizers from street brands to high end brands before I got my hands on Aknicare cream, they've failed me. All of them claimed to be able to control oil, mattify skin, or oil-free, but my skin was so stubborn and didnot recognize them at all.

Till I started working with people specialize in dermatology, one really nice girl passed me a sample size of Aknicare cream(Guess because she couldnot tolerate my shiny face in the office, LOL), I was surprised at the result. It kept my face shine-free for about 6 hours, for the first time I'm impressed by the oil control power of this moisuriser. Now I have purchased the full size one, I use it twice everyday, yes this is kinda the happily-ever-after for my skin! :)

I also noticed on regular use, it doesnot only control oil/shine, also it does its duty to keep acne at bay. So many friends have commented improvement for my skin:) From what I know, some dermatologists in fact prescribe this product to their patients for treating mild to moderate acne breakout.

I was curious and went on to study why this cream can make a difference, found out it has a few active ingredients as listed below:

Triethyl citrate: It controls oil production, inhibits bacterial proliferation, and prevents inflammation.

Ethyl linoleate: It reduces sebum(oil) production, provides anti-inflammatory effect, lightens skin pigmentation, and corrects follicular keratinization.

Salicylic acid(0.5%): It works as an exfoliant, unclogs the pores, breaks down blackheads and whiteheads, by helping to shed away the dead cells in the skin follicles.

Hyaluronic acid: It acts like a reservoir in our skin, secure the moist and keeps skin look hydrated and youthful.

GT-peptide- 10: Inhibits bacterial proliferation (P. acne)

What makes it better, it does not contain antibiotics, retinoids, or steroids;
So no need worry about skin's getting resistant to antibiotics, no worry about the redness or peeling from topical retinoic acid, or the skin thinning from steroids.

The only thing is I dont think it is very accessible to people who live in Singapore. I purchased it from a medical sales rep who supplies medical grade skincare products to the dermatologists only. Otherwise I have not seen it anywhere in the Watsons, Guardian pharmacy or other beauty stores. So those who wanna give it a try, maybe check out the dermatologists' office, or GP clinics.

Please also check out my review on aknicare cleanser, and aknicare treatment lotion. If you tried it or any other products from aknicare range, let me know your thoughts?