Some not-so-great buys

I have this insatiable urge to blog these 2 weeks.

Feel like I can just sit at my work table and blog the whole day & night long.

No need to eat, no need to rest, forget about everything else

Just roll out entry after entry after entry after entry, like factory worker.

#bliss

Will you believe me if I say I have like 10 different things that I want to blog about?

That's more than enough entries for the week!

Blogging is really fun, when there is no teacher to mark my grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.

Actually I edit the entries whenever I spot a mistake, even if it's a waaaaay

old entry. #OCD 
 

Only readers will mark my content by 'Liking' it via their Facebook a/c, if they like what they read.

The previous entry on Steve Jobs gathered 4 FB likes.

That's my first time having so many people liking my entry.

I wonder who they are.

Ya, I know 4 is not a huge number. But it is for me!

Anyway, thanks for reading my blog! =))

Hada Labo Retinol Lifting & Firming Lotion

Oh man, doesn't work on me. =((

It gives my skin little bumps after about a week of usage. 

Seemed to be that way whenever I use anything with retinol.

Not the obvious kind but upon close-up, it's like the breaking out of heat rash.

Yes, it definitely moisturises.

But I'm not sure about the lifting & firming part.

I'm halfway through the bottle.

Didn't want to throw it away and waste it.

Maybe I will just use it on my arms & legs and switch back to Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion.

Biore Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash.

The bottle resembles my Dettol handwash soap.

I've tried Biore cleansers before.
They didn't work well for me. 
But this facial wash is made in Japan and perhaps with new formulation, things might be different.
Or so I thought.

The marshmallow-like foam that comes out from the dispenser is really ultra-fine and fluffy.
Just like what was reviewed by various bloggers and as advertised!
Never like any other cleansers I have used before!
The cleansing process feels almost luxurious and more comfortable than with my Hada Labo cleanser.
It speads easier on my face and like what was advertised, definitely less stress on my skin.
This reminds me to do more foaming with my usual cleansers before cleaning my face.

But, but, but...
it was too dry for me!! 

 At first, I thought it was because I pumped the dispenser twice.
Maybe too much cleanser for my face.
So the second time, I pumped once and cleansed within a shorter time frame.
But my cheeks got so dried out that it got extremely uncomfortable during my bath.
As soon as I am done, I dashed out to slap a sheet of the red wine mask on my face.
My goodness, it was such a horrible feeling!

Moral of the story:
Never to use any cleanser with alcohol.

I did scan the ingredient list before checking out.
But I thought, maybe it will be different since reviewers have stated that they don't experience dried skin. 
In case you're wondering, my skin type is combination, but more inclined to dry on my cheeks area.

 I had the same experience with Cleansing Express cleansers.
They too contain alcohol.

The soluble collagen that is supposed to be moisturising does not work on me.
 By the way, I thought collagen is a structural protein that prevents skin sagginess, by being a 'glue' that supports connective tissues together.
If consumed, e.g. Meiji Amino Collagen drink, it can lead to more supple and radiant skin for some. 
Even that requires over time.
Plus to experience the full effects, you still need amino acids and Vitamin C.
But in a wash-off cleanser,  I wonder how it can moisturise.

Oh well, just my luck!

Got to hunt for another cleanser!
My Hada Labo cleansing foam is almost finished and there wasn't any at Watsons yesterday!

Metta,

欣雨 Xinyu

I love Tomato Mask!

 I heard so much about Tony Moly's Tomato Mask, before the store opened in Singapore. 

All the amazing whitening/brightening effects etc etc etc.

Had wanted to buy it from Gmarket. 

But I am often so busy that I do not have the time to explore new shopping sites. 

So the week before Mid-Autumn Festival, the Husband drove me to Bugis Junction for my annual mooncakes 'pilgrimage'.

Every year, East Ocean will have their booths facing the Sony store.
Wonder if it is a deliberate decision.

 This year, there were lesser vendors at Bugis Junction for the mooncake fair.

Thought I might be able to find Goodwood Park durian mooncakes there.

But I was not willing to squeeze with the crowd at Takashimaya.

Boy, I am so happy that this year, East Ocean (東海) has several booths at new places.

They have been my favourite mooncake choice for the past decade.

The mini snowskin mooncake with lotus paste!

#faithfultaurus

 

Takashimaya, Bugis Junction & Lot 1 are the usual venues for the past, I think, at least 8 years.

This year, they also opened up mooncake stalls at Compass Point & Nex!

Maybe next year, I won't have to travel all the way to town anymore!

I tried Cookie Museum's mooncakes too this year. They're great too!

But I still like East Ocean's version most!

#stubborntaurus

 Every year, they will have 10% discount off the listed prices. 

Woohoo!

My current obsession of dressing in nude colours and carrying small sling bags recently.
Realised when I wear shoes like above, my broad feet look especially big.
Oh well, don't wanna waste the shoes either.

After getting the mooncakes, I spotted a Tony Moly store!

Mad excited!!
I was pulling the Husband and repeating, "I want to buy the tomato! I want to buy the tomato!"
He was confused, to put it mildly. Haha!

Deciding if I should get something from their Egg series.
Looks adorable but I had not read any reviews about them before.
So maybe next time!
I prefer buying skincare products that I have done some research on before.
 Cute packaging & sales talk do not work on me.

My verdict on Tony Moly's Tomatox oxygen bubble mask:

Yes! I think it's a good buy at S$26.90!

I've used it twice so far! It works everytime in mildly whitening/brightening the face.

For those who are keen, here's the ingredient list in the mask, extracted from Tony Moly Singapore's site:

Key ingredients include: Sodium Hyaluronate, Xylitol, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Butylene Glycol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sunflower Seed Oil , Tomato Fruit and Water

My sensitive skin is happy with it! =D

On TFL launch period, I survive on 2-3 hours of sleep daily.
If I need to look presentable for whatever, my trick is to slap on a sheet of my red wine mask the night before, after bathing.
'Mask' for 15 minutes, before going through the usual moisturising regime.
The next day, after I bath, I will apply the Tomatox mask for 3-5 minutes, continue dressing up and rinse it off afterwards.
Usual moisturising regime and then apply my BB Labs makeup base.

This helps to reduce the dullness in my sleep-deprived skin and I definitely look brighter!
Do you realise sleeping late will cause the skin to look darker too?

Both masks replenish the moisture lacking in my skin, caused by the poor sleep cycles.
The makeup base & blusher will sit better on my skin too.

Given that the effect of the Tomatox mask only lasts a day, I thought it would be wasted if I apply it the night before.
Might as well apply it on that day I'm going out to get the maximum benefit before it fades!

If not for my slightly blood-shot eyes and eye bags, no one could really tell that I only have 2-3 hours sleep for 2 days straight.
If you have some important event and already have plenty of sleep, you can still try using my method for more radiant skin!
Hope it works for you!

Randomly, I miss carrying lanterns on Mid-Autumn Festival.

The traditional paper ones.

Metta,
欣雨 Xinyu

My love & hate relationship with my skin - Part 4

Continuing from Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3!

Makeup

I'm no fan of makeup.
 Neither do I like pouring hours fussing over makeup.
It was always with lots of reluctance to pile on the makeup and hairspray goo in my previous job.
Heck, I don't even like to do my nails.

I once used Bioessence BB Cream. That was my first time using BB cream.
It covers to some extent, makes my skin look brighter but gets too oily as the day goes on.
Bioessence BB Cream causes clogs along my laugh lines too. -___-
No idea why my silliness but I actually applied it over my eyebag areas, in a bid to conceal my eye circles.
And millia seeds sprouted after sometime!!!
I was so upset with myself that I threw the whole tube away.
So ladies, don't ever think of applying anything greasy (cream/emulsion/paste or whatsoever) on your eye areas!

Now I only use BB Labs Placenta Control UV in Pink.
真的很好用！
They have it non-tinted and in Beige too.
But I wonder why would there be a need to look more...erm, Beige?
Not that Pink is that Pink, but it does add a soft pinkish tinge to my skin.
It has SPF33 PA ++, so I don't have to apply sunblock prior to this.
It acts as my makeup base.
Doesn't clog my pores, moisturises, brightens my skin, much less oilier than many BB creams/makeup base out there and there is placenta extract in it! So it takes care of my skin and keeps it looking good when I go out!

This BB Labs product has earned me some praises from ladies who meet me for the first time. 
They tell me that they like looking at my skin, find it bright/radiant/glowy etc.
Credits to BB Labs!

I do not put on loose powder/foundation.
Don't like the hassle of touching up over grime & dirt on the face, as the day goes on.
It's sunny Singapore, after all.

During flying days, I only use loose powder.
Some brands that works for me (as in, got the little coverage that I needed & doesn't clog my pores) are Chanel (coverage a bit too light for me), Clarins and Shiseido.
I've never used foundation be it in cake or liquid form.
Less is better for sensitive skin like mine.
Too much stuff on the face will make me look cakey.
I've a team girl whose skin was so excellent that she doesn't even put on loose powder. Straight away just apply blusher.
#lifeisunfair

 I don't use eyeshadow either, mainly because of the millia seeds on my eyebags.
And also, I have slightly oily eyelids and would need a eye makeup primer for the eyeshadow to sit properly, or everything would just fade off.
Brands that we can find at Watsons don't work for me.
Can't see the colour on my lids even if I used up half the palette.
Brands of higher (& better!) pigmentation would be Shiseido and Nars.

In line with my almost 清湯挂面 face, I do not use falsies nor mascara. Many have told me that my eyes are big even without eye makeup, so I skip it.
Also because I don't like how some mascara brands will tend to smudge my lower eyelids.
BUT, BUT if I have to take a passport photo, mascara and eyeliner is a must!!
It makes a huge difference in the small photo!!!
Tried and tested!

Majolica liquid eyeliners are great to draw with but they fade off to bits on my eyelids.
I swear by MAC eyeliners and lipliners.
Their staying power is really fantastic even during my 18-hour long flights!
In my previous job, a good way to ensure my lips don't suddenly look pale after a meal/drink is to shade the entire lips (not just the border) with the MAC lipliner, in a light pinkish red or nude pink.
Then even when the lipstick/lipgloss wear off, a large portion of the lipliner colour still stays on!
MAC lipstick/lipgloss and foundation/loose powder, however, is too drying for me. 

I only use lipgloss from Dior.
The gloss is really shiny and not sticky. It doesn't cause blackheads around my lips.
Ya, that's how sensitive my silly face is.
It is important to remove traces of your lipgloss/lipstick/lipliner with a eye make-up remover, even if you think you have 'eaten' it all up in your meals.
I have made it a ritual to do so.
Washing your lips together with your facial cleanser is not good enough.


I have dry lips that flake when I don't get enough sleep or under air-con conditions.
I have a very nice-smelling Rose Salve from Co. Bigelow, bought in New York.
However, like many lip balms (I have at least 5!), it helps in moisturising my lips, stops the cracking yet after it dried up, flakiness still occurs.
Only this Deep Moist from Mentholateum does not.
It contains the popular hyaluronic acid. Actually, it does not hydrate my lips as well as the other lip balms but it prevents flakiness so much better!
I put this on before I apply lipgloss.

I have slightly visible pores on my cheeks.
Have been using powder blusher since my teens. It's like the only form around.

Last year, when I first tried out Benetint from Benefit, my world changed!
Blusher in powder form will settle into my pores and enhance their visibility.
Whereas for Benetint, it doesn't!
Though I have to apply several times to get the desired shade, it is really easy to use, smells of rose and gives me a very natural looking blush! Doesn't clog my pores too!
I'm never going back to blusher in powder form!

Skincare books

I bought both books at a Shanghai bookshop, each less than S$10.

Cheap muuuuuch!

Cheaper than buying in Taipei or Singapore!

Inside both books, Da S and 伊能靜 reviewed over a hundred products that they have used.

I love love love these books so much and really did buy some of the products they recommended!

Though published years ago, they are still very relevant. 

Think I've read the books at least 10 times each!

I especially like the book written by 伊能靜. It is more detailed in the product analysis and even teaches techniques on how to wash your face correctly and massaging techniques.
The book is by Da S is really reflective of her beauty-obsessed nature, from her hair, teeth, skin to even fingernails!
And THAT precisely is what makes this book such a good read!

For girls who are very into skincare or totally noob about it, I strongly recommend you to get these books!

 I learnt alot about skincare product ingredients from their books, an often overlooked area.

Thank goodness I can read Chinese! I find skincare books published in the States or Europe are not as useful and insightful as those by Taiwanese celebrities.

I'm having my eye now on 牛爾老師's books!

p.s. I also like watching the Taiwanese show 女人我最大！Such unbiased information!


I have recently become a fan of Michelle Phan DIY skincare Youtube videos.
Gonna try them out one day and let you know if they work for my skin!

Beauty Food

It's true. 

All those things that our mothers tell us to eat or not to eat for the sake of good skin. 

It's really true.

I didn't think much of it in my teens and twenties. 

But now that I'm in my thirties, I can tell you it's really true.

The older women in my family have fairly great skin. 

They all look at least 5 years younger than they actually are, including my mum.

And this is given that they do not use any skincare products at all!

 Mum is always chiding me for looking older than I actually am, because of my work patterns and sleep hours.

I think she meant to say I'm a disgrace to the women in the family. =DD

So assuming I inherit the same genes from them, if I eat the way they do, I might just save loads on my skincare regime! Wahaha!

The photo above isn't exactly glamourous but I didn't have any shots of the longan red date tea that I drink.

This is very good for keeping your complexion nourished and radiant!

I read that Simon Yam's (任達華） model wife QiQi and Jet Li's wife inlcude this drink as their beauty regime.

There are 2 ways to do this:

1) Fill a thermos flask (I use the 1-litre type) with boiling hot water. Put in a washed bunch of the longan (they stick together in one bunch by one bunch) and about 6-7 red dates with their pits removed. Close the cap and leave it overnight. Drink next morning when you wake up. Best to drink it hot/warm, as hot drinks improve blood circulation, detox better and gives rosier complexion overtime. 

Though I like cold Coca Cola, I personally do not take drinks with ice in it. I do abstain from taking cold drinks (even Yakult!), depsite this sweltering weather.

2) For immediate consumption, boil 1 litre of water in a small pot. When the water boils, throw in 1 washed bunch of the longan and 6-7 dates with their pits removed. Continue to boil over low fire. The drink should be ready in about 15-20 minutes.

Add in your desired amount of rock sugar if you prefer your drink to be sweeter. I just drink it like that. 

You can have this every other day or every 2-3 days, depending on your body composition. It might be too heaty for some.

I'm fussy about my beauty food. 

I only buy my longans and red dates (as seen in the photo above) from this popular shop called 裕發 at Fu Lu Shou Complex Basement 1.

Almost everything there is of so much better quality than 正中平 or 福華.

Longans are juicier and the red dates are bigger & less shrivelled!

Pre-CNY, you can even find red dates almost the height of your thumb!

Prices are very reasonable too!

My mum has taught me how to prepare this - white fungus, papaya, sweet and bitter almond (南北杏仁) and red dates.

I prepare this with a slow cooker, on high heat for about 2 hours.

But I can get quite lazy cutting up a papaya.

Maybe I should buy slices of them from the fruits stall. That will make it easier.

 A great place to have this dessert will be 鼎泰丰, Din Tai Fung!

It is not sweet and full of the same goodness my mum has taught me.

Only difference is they added in 冬瓜糖.

I like how Din Tai Fung's version is not too sweet!

My family also like preparing Barley with Gingko Nuts & Beancurd Skin (腐竹薏米).

Did you know that barley has whitening properties? 

I don't take birdnest or 雪蛤, and this dessert is really great for nourishing and keeping the skin supple.

Really! I have aunties who have been having this for decades on a regular basis.

So I alternate between having this and the papaya dessert.

In between, there are still the weekend soups that my mum insist I prepare for my Husband and I.

I'm so particular about soups that I don't consume any of those outside, not even famed Chinese restaurants.

Only home-cooked soups.

 One of the better 腐竹薏米 I have tried is at Mei Heong Yuen (味香園) at Ion Orchard Food Hall.

Not too sweet, though a bit thin and less ingredient, but if you don't want to go through the hassle of cracking gingko nuts at home, it's a reasonable choice! Just have 2 bowls like me!

 You might have noticed that the beauty food my family swears by are the slow-motion types.

That is, you don't see the results instantly but rather over the months and years. 

But I much rather prefer this natural way than collagen drinks or beauty supplements.

At least when I'm low on money, a packet of good red dates and longan can still last me for some time. Haha!

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I mentioned in Part 2 of this series that Buddhism has helped me in achieving better skin.

Have you ever notice that Buddhist nuns all seem to look younger than their actual age, have this rosiness in their cheeks and basically, very little problem with their skin?

If you compare them to normal women of the same age, the nuns just seem to stand out because of their different aura & younger skins?

I've seen many many nuns from different temples at different parts of the world to come to this conclusion.

It can't be because the nuns use expensive skincare or go for Botox.

If so, then why will normal women still pale in comparision? Normal women also can do the same thing.

I first noticed this in 2005 when I approached a nun at Fo Guang Shan (a Buddhist temple, now in Punggol) for my wedding solemnisation.

I wanted a Buddhist wedding ceremony.

We sat down and the Venerable spoke the Dharma to me.

Those were the days when I still put on full makeup (eyeshadow, mascara and the works).

As the Venerable spoke, I couldn't help notice the difference in our skins.

I might be decades younger than her and still in my prime years, but the difference in our skin is blatant.

Hers was better. 

Healthier-looking and can I say, happier-looking?
 

Now, I know that being a vegetarian helps loads in having good skin.

Even Da S wrote about it.

I have seen people around me who practise vegetarianism for various reasons and their skins are indeed fantastic.

But it is still different from the nuns.
And for the record, monks and nuns from the Tibetean Buddhism sect do not practise vegetarian diets.
They have amazing skin by the way.

Vegetarianism is commonly associated with Buddhism.
Many do not know that during the days of Shakyamuni Buddha, He has never enforced vegetarianism.
The monks and the nuns have to accept whatever they are offered in their alms, meat and all.
 Vegetarianism began in ancient China when 梁武帝, the Emperor at that time, commanded that all monks and nuns have to abstain from meat.

You might wonder isn't eating meat a non-compassionate act?
That is another topic altogether and it will be too lengthy and digressing for me to blog in this entry.

I once chanced upon a book titled, 《佛法是最好的美容師》.

(Dharma is the best beautician)

I don't understand why.

After half a decade of learning the Dharma, I finally realised the reason for the Venerable's and many other nuns' great complexion.

Our inner thoughts can dictate the condition of our skins.

Much more than you realise.

Your whole look will change with the state of your mind.

It doesn't matter whether you are a Buddhist or not.

You read about such things in the self-help books written by Americans, who might very well be Christians.

I once bumped into a local aesthetic lady doctor.

Her skin is flawless and looks expensive.

Nice? Yes, definitely.

But it doesn't look as happy/peaceful as the nuns'.

Would love to delve into the technicalities of achieving such skin, but it will get too complex to read.
是一種長年累月清心寡慾修持的緣由。  

Main point is, don't go all out just to achieve skin that looks perfect on the outside.

It shows when you are not so great inside.
Especially as you age.

Build up your inner state of mind, strengthen it with positive and good thoughts, declutter bad and negative thoughts from your mind, stay happy and be at peace with yourself and your environment.
Meditation helps, if you know how to do it the correct way.

Inner peace is something that money can't buy and we only have ourselves to count on to make it work.

Cheers to beautiful skin ahead for everyone!!

Metta,
欣雨 Xinyu

My love & hate relationship with my skin - Part 3

 For readers who have yet to read the previous entries, here's the link to Part 1 & Part 2 where I shared my treacherou$ journey to achieving perfect skin.

Okay, do away with the 'perfect', at least have skin that looks normal.

I have combination skin that borders on the dry side and 

purges allergies in the form of little oil bumps or rash-like bumps.

Suffered from acne when I was a teen. Medication saved me.

Had splatters of clogs on my forehead and cheeks in my twenties due to usage of wrong products.

DRX clinic came to my rescue

My skin (the one on my face) doesn't like Lavender, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, AHA/BHA, alcohol in cleansers and strong acids from those like Cleansing Express cleansers.

Brands that I abstain from include Dermalogica, Biore, Avene, Fancl, Clinique, Cleasning Express, Loreal and Garnier.

My skin favours skincare products from Japan and Taiwan. 

I do not try out new skincare products at whim. 

My wallet cannot take it.

Because of teen acne, I have slightly visible pores on my cheeks and dream of going for laser/IPL/Microdermabrasion to lessen their visibility. 

Hmm, got to sell more bags to realise my little dream.

My makeup base, masks and Buddhism has helped me A LOT in making my skin look good.

Sounds incredulous right? But really, Buddhism helps. =)

So much that sometimes ladies who see me for the first time will say, "Wah, your skin looks good! You look so radiant!"
Well, only sometimes, when I have enough sleep and not toiling over TFL's work. =P

So if you have similar skincare woes like me, I hope my entries will be of help to you! =)

Sunscreen

Since 15, I have used products with SPF in them. 

I was paranoid of freckles and wanted to be Snow White.

Over the years, I still have freckles but long-term usage of products really make my face fairer!

How do I know? My neck is slightly darker than my face. =P

But since my sensitivity with moisturisers set in, I have used a separate sunscreen. 

DRX Sunscreen doesn't cause clogs for me.

S$50+, can last for half a year! 

I apply sunscreen everyday, even when I'm at home. 

1. Wash face with cleanser

2. Pat on Hada Labo lotion

3. Pat on Placen10

4. Apply Chanel Whitening Essence

5. Put sunscreen

I'm in my thirties but I still want to be as fair as reasonably possible.

Don't you think a person looks younger and more radiant when the skin is fairer?
Tanning is a bad idea to me. It will age and wrinkle your skin fast.
Trust me, my friends have been there done that.

Masks

I'm an advocate of facial masks, be it in paste form or in sheets like the above photo.

From Da S and and 伊能靜's books, I learnt that 'mask-ing' is an essential way for beautiful supple skin.

During my flying days, after every flight, I will definitely apply a mask after cleansing & exfoliating.
It is a good way to keep my skin in tip-top condition for flights.
Without exfoliation, my skin will not benefit much from the goodness in the masks.
I use 2 types of masks - whitening & moisturising.

Now, whenever I put on makeup or even just makeup base, I still have the habit of putting a mask on after cleansing and exfoliation.
Even with no makeup or makeup base on, I make it a point to apply a mask every 2-3 days.


There is this Orange Vitamin C jelly mask by Lifecella recommended by Da S in her book.
 有效，好用又便宜！Gentle enough for daily use!
I used to buy it from Taipei Cosmed and S'pore Watsons.
But I have not been able to find Lifecella masks in Watsons anymore. =(

One way how whitening masks achieve the instant 'Snow White' effect is by having an acidic ingredient that exfoliate, hence giving you the illusion that you are immediately fairer after usage.
A common one would be salicylic acid, otherwise known as BHA.
I can't use products with AHA or BHA. 
Frequent usage of masks with salicylic acid can cause sensitive skin.
The 2 masks in the photo above does not contain this ingredient.

I have used tens of different brands of masks. Not every one works. Naturally.
Whitening masks, I discovered, have a tendancy to cause bumps on my skin.
Including those famous masks used by famous stars.
So I'm naturally wary of trying new masks.


I used to buy this Red Wine mask from Taiwan, recommended by Da S.
It comes with a wooden spatula. You are not supposed to dig your fingers in.

Till now, this is the best mask I have ever used, apart from Dermalogica's Power Recovery masque!
It whitens, moisturises, regulate skin conditions, brightens and prevents aging.
Sounds like those mega-combos that every other facial mask claims.
But this actually works!
For me, at least.
It works even better than the SKII masks!

A small 60g tub costs about S$70. A big tub is at S$328.
Based on current SGD and TWD exchange rates.
I have bought both sizes before.
You can buy it online and get it shipped to Singapore at an extra fee of S$22.
Or you can read up here from the Taipei clinic that retails it.

This red wine mask is so popular that there are imitations of it in China, selling at a fraction of the clinic's price.
So don't be a cheapo! Don't buy from the China websites!!

I'm not quite sure why my skin reacts favourably to red wine but ostracises alcohol as an ingredient in skincare.
Oh well, as long as it works!

The Red Wine mask from My Beauty Diary (in the big photo above) is a cheaper alternative to the one from Lifestyle Centre. I have been using them for at least 2 years.
Both are from Taiwan, but the one from Lifestyle Centre has its formula from Japan and requires washing off the mask.
I personally think the effects from application masks (cream/paste/gel) are more lasting and better than those from mask sheets.
But mask sheets are really convenient!

The other one in the photo is the 24hr Hydrating Ultra White Lift V-mask from Heme,
From Taiwan too! ♥
There was a time when My Beauty Dairy Red Wine masks were out of stock.
I got desperate and hunted for another Taiwan mask.
This had a sticker proclaiming the mask to be voted “特優” by the netizens at www.fashionguide.tw, an online fashion/beauty forum. Somewhat like our local Cozycot.
A glittery sticker on it stated the mask being recommended by S.H.E too, but I have never believed in celebrity endorsements.

I was hesitant initially as rose was a crucial ingredient in this mask.
It was no. 6 out of the dozens of things that go into the mask.
Lavender causes sensitivity issues for me and I wondered if all flowers do.
But I was desperate.

I read from Da S book previously that rose is another great whitening agent.

And surprise, surprise, this mask does its job well!
I only realised there are ear lifts and mask for the lower jaw after I opened up the pack.
So desperate that I didn't even read the packaging properly before buying.
The tightening pull was quite shiok.
Though I don't think it's a lasting effect.
The 24-hr hydrating effect also sound dubious.
My face is broader than the mask, so when I put on the ear lifts, the areas beside my nose is not 'masked'.
But yes, it does whiten my skin, hydrates it and nourishes it.

A smart consumer should always read the ingredients in a product.
The cosmetics and skincare industry is a highly engineered one, if you get what I mean.
The ingredients are listed according to the amount used.
The first ingredient you see listed would have the largest proportion in the product.

Now, there was once I saw a product claiming to be a Ginseng mask with anti-aging effects.
When I read the ingredient list, the 'ginseng extract' was the 2nd last item in the list.
In front of it, there are tens of other ingredients.
 Tens!
In other words, the amount of Ginseng used is much much much lesser than the big fat Ginseng picture the manufacturer slapped on the packaging box.

Is it still legal for the mask to be advertised as a Ginseng mask?
Yes, because there is Ginseng in it.
However, consumers would be swayed to think that there are high amounts of it.
Well, it might possibly be a scientfic formula equation thingy.
Maybe cannot put too much Ginseng in the product or it might revolt against other core ingredients, causing it to be unstable for human use.
But the point is, why must sell it as a Ginseng mask then?

Gosh, I can go on and on about the ingredients in a product and how vital it is for everyone to learn more than to be bought over by clever marketing and brillant packaging.

But it's 4:13AM and I've claimed that this would be up over the weekend.
I hope the minor technicalities in this entry does not bore you.
I shall end off here and put up the rest in Part 4 - my makeup base, my skincare books and the beauty food I go for!

Metta,
欣雨 Xinyu

My love & hate relationship with my skin - Part 2

I wrote Part 1 in February and had been wanting to get down to Part 2 soon after.

Didn't have the time till now. 

A FB message from a customer reminded me.

Sorry for the wait, Jasmine!

My skin worsened when I used this skincare brand 'Simple', somewhere in my teens.
To think it's called 'SIMPLE'! The irony of it!
I didn't realise then that cleansers played such a big deal for my skin.
So upset that I threw the whole skincare range down the chute!
Heartache man...not exactly affordable for a teen to buy a whole range of skincare products.
I even thought so hard about it and kept going back to the shop to read the product description again and again, before buying.
Arrgh!

Over the years, because of acne medication, usage of the wrong products, flying and other environmental factors (stress, late nights, irregular sleep hours), my skin has become sensitive and slightly dry.
Staying grounded in Singapore has helped lots in preventing my skin from being drier.
But that also means more prone to 'rougher' skin, if I don't take care of it well.
With the current skincare products I'm using, it helps to contain my skin problem.
Do note though, everyone's skin is different due to genes/diet/environment etc, so what works for me might not work for you.

Presenting my party of cleansers!
While taking this photo, the Husband is rather amazed by the sheer number of things I need to clean my face.

Ever since the Dermalogica & Simple experiences, I learnt not to use a cleanser with the ingredient "Sodium Laureth Sulfate".
An inexpensive foaming detergent, it strips my face of moisture and causes mini breakouts.
You will find it commonly in shampoo, body soap and even dishwashing liquids.
If you google this agent, you will find a lot of articles shooting it down.

So all the cleansers you see here do not have the SLS agent.
I think skin that are on the slightly dry side, like mine, is not suitable for such a harsh cleaning agent.

From left to right:

1. Ginvera Marvel Gel

Been using this for at least 2 years. I use this every morning on a dry face.
It is gentle enough to be my daily morning cleanser.
If I'm not using this, it would be Dermalogical Microfoliant (second from the right).
I am a fan of exfoliation.
If I don't exfoliate regularly, my skin will be 'bumpier' and rough to the touch.
I don't like.

2. Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash

I first bought this out of no choice.
Was walking up and down Watsons aisles, looking for a cleanser that did not have the SLS agent.
I was sceptical of its usage of hyaluronic acid in a cleanser.
Would it be useful since everything is just washed away?
But I am a fan of Japanese & Taiwanese skincare products.
They generally work better for my skin than those from USA and Europe.

When I first used this, I didn't feel anything exceptional.
Yes, skin still feels supple and not dried out like a salted fish after cleansing.
But as I use it more, I started to realise it's really suitable for me!
This is my 3rd or 4th tube.
I used this in the daytime and at night before sleeping.

 I wash my face with cleanser at least 2-3 times a day. So a gentle cleanser is very important to me.
If I don't wash my face before sleeping, the grime will evolve to little bumps on my skin the NEXT day.
My skin is more efficient in producing pimples & bumps than rejuvenating itself. =/

Though not very obvious, I am paranoid that they will transform into acne one day.
And if I sleep with a clean face, I do not get any big pimples before my menses too.

3. Hada Labo Hydrating Makeup Remover

I have just bought this 2 weeks ago.
Again, it was a out-of-no-choice at the Watsons aisles.

Previously I bought 2 bottles of the famous Mandom Cleansing Express water-based cleansers.
They're made in Japan, water-based and have lots of girls raving about it online.
So should be safe, right?
But after using them, I realised they cause me mini rash breakouts around my chin area.
It took me a while to realise they're the cause of it.
Maybe because they contain quite a high amount of alcohol or the acids are just too strong for me. =(

Hada Labo's version is milder. In online forums, there are girls who feel this is too mild for their makeup routine though.
I use this when I have my makeup base on, and then follow by Hada Labo's face wash.
Prior to that, I would have used my Loreal eye makeup remover to clean my eyelids and undereye (in case I smeared some makeup base over accidentally) and my lips (I use lipgloss).

4. Cure Natural Aqua Gel

This is what I called a heavy duty exfoliant.

It has no alcohol and is made in Japan.

You probably would have seen this in Watsons, retailing at about S$42.

I bought it because of the "in Oscars goodie bags!"and "Bestseller in Japan without ads!" slogans.

This is usually how I gauge whether to buy a new product or not.

If it snags a beauty award from our locals mags or bestseller in the country the product hails from, I'm sold. =)

And I really would recommend this water-based product!!

Despite being a stronger exfoliant than the ones I use, it does not turn my skin into a prune after washing!

Gosh, science can be so amazing!

I used it about 2 times a week. 

There was once I was silly enough to think I can use it every alternate day. 

That caused my skin to hurt from the chemicals. 

So be a good girl, and don't overuse a product beyond its recommended usage.

From left to right:

1. 3M Acne Patch

I think every girl should have this as the 'handiplast' for her face!

Whenever I have a big pimple, especially those with pus, that pops out of nowhere, I will use this over the course of 2 days, and the rascal would diminish fast.

2. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

How can something that looks like plain water be so awesome?

I have never been a fervent user of toners or lotions, like what the Japanese & Koreans called it.

To me, paying for something that looks like H2O doesn't make sense. 

I mean, how much of use can it be?

I never bought into the concept of preparing the skin for moisturisers or shrinking the pores.

My skin sensitivity has caused me to throw away many expensive moisturisers from the likes of Clinique, Dermalogica, SKII, Avene and more. They caused ugly mini bumps.

Bioessence Face Lifting Cream and Biotherm (the olive range in a green tub) are the only ones that work for me so far. 

But during my so-poor-that-I-can't-even-buy-a-tub-of-cream days, I took a plunge and bought Hada Labo's lotion.

"1 bottle sold every 4 seconds in Japan!"

Wow!

I applied it by patting and pressing onto my face & experienced the famous 'boing boing' effect on my first use and amazingly, it really moisturises!

Usually, when I travels, my skin tends to be drier and requires stronger moisturiers.

But this gem prevents my face from feeling tight despite the long hours in an air-conditioned environment!

OMGGGG!

This is like the 4th or 5th bottle that I am using. I'm soooo sticking to this!

Recently, I bought the refill pack in a bid to save the globe.

Even though by cost per ml, the refill pack costs a tad more than the bottle. =P

You can see that I don't really have a moistuiser in my regime.
Not that I don't need one. Just that I haven't found quite a right one.
Please shareeeeee with me if you have good recommendations!
Experimentation can be so expensive!

3. Chanel Whitening Essence

I bought this based on online reviews.

S$150 a pop. The salesgirl was asking me if I wanted to buy the bigger bottle at S$220.

Told her it was my first time using it and I would rather the smaller one.

So girls, don't be rash when buying new products. 

It will be heartwrenching to throw that kind of money into the rubbish bin, if it doesn't work for you.

Made in France, it does help to reduce pimple marks, especially those of new pimples.

And it doesn't cause sensitivity issues.

I'm not sure if it really whitens my skin much, as I am already quite fair.

Ya, fair but still must use whitening products because I'm prone to freckles.

I don't see my current freckles lightening though. 

Might not be buying this once I finish the bottle

Thank goodness I didn't buy the larger size!

Do you have any whitening products to recommend me? =)

4. DRX Comedone Formula

I stopped using this for about a year and one day, while I was out, I looked into a mirror and was shocked to see that the clogs on my nose were THAT obvious.

Waaah, so ugly!!!

Continuous usage of this prevents my nose from being congested by blackheads.

In fact, it helps in easy extraction aka squeezing the irritating blackheads & whiteheads out.

5. BB Labs Placen10

THIS IS MY PRECIOUS!!!!

See!!! I even bold, enlarge and put it in capital letters to emphasize my point!!!!

Fann Wong (my idol!!) has used this before too!

THIS IS EVEN MORE MIRACULOUS THAN SKII FAMED MIRACLE WATER!

And that's because SKII stuff does not work with my skin. 

No sensitivity issues, but....just no miracles. 

Sadly, this Japanese brand has yet to come into Singapore.

I bought this from Hong Kong. It's about S$70+, I think.

First learnt about this from reading QingQing's blog

You can read up more of her experience here too!

It helps her skin lotsss!

The placenta used in this range is from Kagoshima Pig. 

I was initially a bit skittish about my first-time use of placenta products. Sounds, erm, can I say, gross??

But upon the first 2-3 times of usage, the change in my face was totally surprising!

First, my face has a soft glow like the moon! No kidding!

Nothing that I have used has even given me this kind of glow and radiance that we girls dream about!

It whitens too! And I dare say, even better than the Chanel product I mentioned.

It also moisturises! 

OMG, to think it looks just like packaged plain water!

只是化妝水也可以這麽神奇！！

And of course, it's made in Japan!

Can't help but think I may be a Singapore-born Chinese, but my face obviously belongs to Japan.

-____-

It works better under Japanese skincare products! Okay, minus away Fancl, SKII & Mandom.

When I bought this, I was also given a sample of its cleansing oil and placenta extract.

I couldn't bear to use the placenta extract sample (it's so small!) till I finished the Placen10.

Just a small packet (I used for 2-3 times before it ran out) and almost instantly, I love how my face brightens up!

Oh gosh, oh gosh, where have I been all these years??!!

You know it really works when the Husband, usually oblivious, asks, "Eh, you look brighter."

Me: "Brighter? As in more intelligent?"

Husband: "No, you look more radiant. Not as tired as usual. More glow to your face."

SEE!! I'm not bluffing! I glow! Like the moon! 

Wahahaha! =DD

So thrilled to find something that works for meeeeee!

6. Mentholatum Nose Pore Pack

I have been using this for at least 2 years.

I used to use another brand, but was no longer able to find it around.

So I tried Kao's version. It's thinner and not as great in lifting up the blackheads. 

Then I realised Kao's version is made in a different country. 

So I looked for one that is made in Korea, just like the previous one I used.

Mentholatum's version is the only one made in Korea at that time when I got it from Watsons.

It's thicker and better able to 'clean' my nose.

I feel it helps to shrink the pores around my nose area plus pull out the fine facial hair too. =P

I use this every 3-4 days.

7. Mentholatum Sealing Jell

No idea why Mentholatum spells it as 'Jell' and not 'Gel'.

I would have never bought this if not for a beauty book written by 伊能靜.

Because Oxy doesn't work on me, so I reckon other pharmacy brands won't either.

I'm a fan of those Taiwanese beauty books written by celebrities, those whom I feel really have great skin.

I bought that book for S$5-7 when I was in Shanghai.

Books in China are so affordable! Bet few people realise that!

She highly recommended this in her book and a friend was having acne problem then. 

So I bought my first tube in Taipei's Cosmed 康是美 (it's like Watsons but better!)

It works for him well!

When this is launched in Singapore, I start using it and realise it works better than DRX's CF on my pimples with pus. 

So when I get those once-a-month dreadful pimples, at home, I would have the 3M Acne patch stuck on, even while sleeping.

But when I'm out, I will apply this. 

真的很好用！

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Gosh, now I feel so much like a beauty blogger than a blogshop owner! Hahah!
Hope it's of use to you ladies out there!
I will blog more about the masks and makeup I use in the next entry!

Yes, next entry, not few months later!

This looks pretty long for a read. =P

Goodnight for now!! =))

Metta,
欣雨 Xinyu

My love & hate relationship with my skin - Part 1

I was born with perfect skin.

.

.

.

.
.
.
.
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When I was a baby.

There was never a worry about having bad skin days.

Then when I hit puberty, my skin started having a mind of its own. 

I have to go to school with huge pimples on my nose. 

They just like growing there in the middle of the night, complete with pus in it. 

Oh, gross!

It does feel great squeezing them out, but I realise that if I do not have anything suitable to apply on the 'open wound', the pus will come out again, like lava from a erupting volcano!
Oxy does not work on me. Watsons then do not carry so many products like now.

I eventually got to see a doctor for my temperamental skin and was on antibiotics for about a year.
The medication cleared the skin rapidly, but not long after I stopped, the problem resurfaced, literally.
I have heard about the side effects of being on such prolonged medication and no way am I going back to medication.

It was a treacherous road to find suitable skin care products, when I was on a student budget.
I'm not the kind who can afford to buy something, only to chuck it if it's not so fantastic and then buy another one.
Skincare products from Watsons generally do not work on me. I have high-maintenance skin.
Woe, be on me. =(

When I started my first job, I survived on basic pay for 1st 4 months of training, which was utterly miserable.
I had to spend tons of moolah on makeup, winter wear, luggage etc.
實在真的有夠沮喪的。
The allowance that finally tumbled in on the 5th month onwards went to overseas sightseeing & food.
 實在真的有夠窮的咯！
 It's very demoralising to go to work with less than perfect skin, open pores (the favourite breeding area of my ex-pimples) and a blackhead-filled nose.
Yes, make-up does wonders but when I am surrounded by colleagues of heavenly skin that look expensive & well-maintained, it left me seething with envy.
The basic point is:
Make-up looks best on good skin!

I start to shamelessly ask pretty colleagues about their skincare & makeup routine, on almost every flight I am on.
One of the brands that is most recommended was Dermalogica, a USA brand.

In Singapore, only Leonard Drake Skin Centre carries it.
I was on their facial programmes for 1 whole year. During that time, my entire skincare routine consists of only Dermalogica products.
I was bought over by the myth that "Oh, you should use all of the same skincare brand for maximum results!"
Rubbish!

I do not buy the products in Singapore, but in Los Angeles when I flew there. Prices are cheaper by 10-20%!

And you know what?
After spending thousands of dollars on the facial programmes & the skincare products, I realise Dermalogica doesn't work for me as well as for most of my colleagues. =(((

Why Dermalogica does not work for me:


1) It contains lavender in most of its products, and the creams & lotions smell heavenly because of that. But I realise that lavender causes small little bumps on my skin.

I was so 'on' about skin care that I even signed up with a mailing list from USA that teaches its readers about skincare ingredients. I read an article about the side effects of lavender in skincare, stopped using the products with it, and my skin cleared up!

So if you are having mysterious breakouts, do check out the ingredients in your skincare. It might just be one particular ingredient that your skin dislikes.

2) Its cleansers are too harsh for me. I have used UltraCalming™ cleanser, Special cleansing gel & Essential cleansing solution. 
I have combination skin slightly on the dry side. They make my skin flake and I have to go to work with peeling skin. It was hideous!
Initially, I thought it was due to the dry wintry conditions or cabin air that caused it. 
I even bought the Super Rich Repair moisturiser and Evian spray to counteract the flakiness on board.
Imagine how silly I feel when I realised the cleansers were the culprits!
To add salt to the wound, I bought those cleansers in those huge 500ml bottles that came with pump dispenser. $$$$!
I think I gave all of it to my sister or Jo. 


3) After 1 year of dedicated use and facial, I see no improvement. 
I have tried the cleansers, moisturisers, masques, boosters, eye treatments, sunscreens & exfoliants.
Every facial, major extractions still have to be done. Although the beauticians would say "Oh, your skin is much better than last time", "You used to have so many clogged pores", I honestly can't see the effect.

The only 2 products from Dermalogica that I still use now are:

Daily Microfoliant

Credit: www.dermalogica.com

Subsequently, a colleague introduced me to another facial place at Tampines by a lady called Karen.
I was in awe of the colleague's skin. She was 36, but I thought she was only 30-31 years old!
Then she told me that she did IPL & Microdermabrasion at Karen's beauty parlour.
Karen also uses Dermalogical products, but it's the treatments that revamped my colleague's skin.
I was sold, completely.
Karen taught me to use the Daily Microfoliant in the morning, as it is a good way to remove dead skin when your skin is not so clogged from the daily makeup/sebum.
And it works! =D

From then on, I have never done normal facials. It is always aesthetic treatments.
I think when we ladies start to reach mid-20s, normal facials just don't work anymore.
Unless you are the kind who sleep very regular hours (before 11pm) and eat steamed, non-fried, healthy food for moisturised skin like the HK actresses, aesthetic treatments are very crucial for skin maintenance.


Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque

Credit: www.dermalogica.com

I like that Karen is not pushy. Although she will recommend the kind of products I should use, she is not a hardseller.

She taught me to leave this masque for about an hour, and while just before washing it off, I should massage it into my skin.
My skin looked more radiant, after I started doing the little massage.

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My team girl, with rosy & porcelain skin, introduced me to the DrX clinic.

No, it wasn't DrX that gave her that kind of skin. She was born with it. But everyone need to maintain, right?

And seriously, this is, like, the BEST anti-pimple/blackhead/clogged pores product I have ever used!

Introducing my skin miracle: DrX Comedone Formula!

My first visit to DrX Clinic was about 6-7 years ago and consultation was done by Dr Lee.
I remembered spending about $400-500 on the skincare products, while the consultation was around S$50?
At that time, there was this big splatter of small pimples on my forehead.
No matter how many facial extractions were done ( by Leonard Drake), they KEPT returning! 氣死我了！
Within 2-3 weeks of using the Comedone Formula, the pimple splatter cleared up and not a scar was left!
My blackhead-prone nose also looked much clearer. If any pore is clogged, I would use the round end of a black hairpin to press the annoying blackhead out, apply CF on it and it will heal nicely!
It was also much easier forcing the impurities out, ever since I started using CF.
Once, a blackhead on my cheek came out on its own accord, after I applied CF on it. But that was only once. Haha!

My sister-in-law has skin that is acne-prone and the Blemish Forumla helps clear up her cheek areas, just in time for her wedding!

Another guy friend had this sudden angry pimple breakout under his chin. Each pimple was the size of a 1-cent coin and purplish in colour. The pimples cover the whole surface area of his lower chin. I bought 1 bottle of the Comedone Formula and the area is 'sparklingly clear' in about 3-4 weeks.

Science is amazing.

I also bought the Lightener and the Non-tinted Sunscreen.

Photo credit: www.drxclinic.com

The Lightener was to lighten the freckles on my cheeks.
I don't find it useful for that, but it sure makes my skin fair. And I like it!
Think of it like a skin whitener!
The downside is that it contains 4% Hydroquinone. Karen told me that hydroquinone can cause skin sensitivity. I used it for at least 2-3 years. Nothing bad happened. Just fairer skin!
When I wanted to buy it again after a 1-2 year hiatus (I was too poor to afford it =( ), the doctor recommended me Arbutin-R Cream (non-Hydroquinone) instead. The lightener is only available through prescription and the doctor said over prolonged usage, the lightener can cause skin to darken instead.
Aww, how sad, after I finally found a whitening product that works for me!

Photo credit: www.drxclinic.com

I do like the Non-Tinted Sunscreen. It is only at S$50, I think and it lasts me half a year with daily usage. Best of all, it does not clog my pores.

But I have since found an even better sunscreen that I will blog about in the next post. This post seems pretty lengthy. =P

I have also tried the Chira Wash, Vit-A Gel, and some of the moisturiser. Make no difference to me, so I'm only using the Comedone Formula & the Non-tinted Sunscreen.

If you have clogged pores and have not found any great solution, you can consider paying DrX clinic a visit. The products cannot be bought over the counter, like in department stores, for first-timers. A consultation with the doctors is required for a proper assessment of the skin, before products are recommended. But no worries, they are not pushy!

Took me a few days to write this post. Okay, back to the emails! =D

Metta,
欣雨 Xinyu